[cuppett777]

I got to see Belfry perform one time last year. I thought they had a balanced attack rushing the ball, I do think replacing Willis will be big, but Johnson IMO was quick and will be a threat again next season. Since you guys are talking college recruiting with this team, what do you think of #71 Michael Barnes? From seeing him last year I thought he was a monster for such a young player. I only saw him once, but he definitely has the size and some skill to possibly get some good D1 looks IMO.

i told the scout about him to, he told me he was going to look into them, so we shall see...

[Belfry0304]

I got to see Belfry perform one time last year. I thought they had a balanced attack rushing the ball, I do think replacing Willis will be big, but Johnson IMO was quick and will be a threat again next season. Since you guys are talking college recruiting with this team, what do you think of #71 Michael Barnes? From seeing him last year I thought he was a monster for such a young player. I only saw him once, but he definitely has the size and some skill to possibly get some good D1 looks IMO.

Big Barnes! Haha, he's a MASSIVE human being! Gotta get a mean streak though, another dude with unlimited potential. Gotta hit the weights hard, and give him a huge strength to match his size.

[pirate*fan#2]

Hey it's about time to get fired up. The season is almost here and I can't wait for this season to start. I know that we lose alot of talent to graduation but still have a bunch of talent left and we have some good talent coming up from the middle school.

[PaytoPlay]

While I'm sure there are some quality players coming in as Frosh, I personally can't imagine any of them will see the field on Friday nights. Plenty of talent in the 2 and even 3 deep.

[oldtimer3]

The two kids in question live in the Coal Run area. Is that close to Belfry. It's all talk they're not going anywhere.

[mr bojangles 007]

i agree i do not see any freshmans coming from belfry middle school playing on friday nights maybe if belfry gets a 40 point lead maybe you have got some sophmores next year that will not see any action on fridays .coach heywood team will be seniors and juniors next year. with the sophmore class now being the most talented.:redboxer:

[Belfry0304]

i agree i do not see any freshmans coming from belfry middle school playing on friday nights maybe if belfry gets a 40 point lead maybe you have got some sophmores next year that will not see any action on fridays .coach heywood team will be seniors and juniors next year. with the sophmore class now being the most talented.:redboxer:

Anything can happen, but I agree. The senior/junior class for next year is unreal. Mass amounts of talent.

[throw deep]

The two kids in question live in the Coal Run area. Is that close to Belfry. It's all talk they're not going anywhere.

What???? Who are you talking about??

[pirate*fan#2]

Yea I agree about friday nights just looking towards the future

[Belfry0304]

Haven't heard of any kids moving, luckily we'll do just fine with the team we have. Trenity Carr put a video on Facebook of him benching 315 pounds five times. Wow! All this kid does is work out. It's that sort of drive and determination that wins state titles! This is a competitive, driven group and Sani Warren might be the fiercest competitor at all. Even in middle school he had an unmatchable natural drive and leadership. I am ecstatic for him to lead our team over the next two seasons.

[99PIRATEFAN]

We got some holes to fill but we have the kids to do it again its going to be another good year on pond creek good luck pirates.

[Belfry0304]

The talent is there. May be a few early growing pains but this is a team to beat. Austin Hatfield looks like a damn rhino lately! He must live in the weight room. Justin Johnson has added some serious muscle as well.

[cuppett777]

The talent is there. May be a few early growing pains but this is a team to beat. Austin Hatfield looks like a damn rhino lately! He must live in the weight room. Justin Johnson has added some serious muscle as well.

Justin needed it more than anyone..

[mr bojangles 007]

great keep them in the weight room justin already looked like superman now he looks like the hulk.trenity carr doing 315 pounds well mom looks like we got a fullback for the next two years josh robinson how is his progress coming.inglepar

[WideRight05]

^ Finding someone at FB would be big...always get that kid's name mixed up, but Trey Wills...or Willis...was a flat out brute. Finding a good replacement for him would be big.

[cuppett777]

^ Finding someone at FB would be big...always get that kid's name mixed up, but Trey Wills...or Willis...was a flat out brute. Finding a good replacement for him would be big.

Willis was a monster, but Carr can be very good if he can hold on to the ball,plus he is faster than what Trey was, Trey had that drive in him to be one of the best, it will be a little diffrent for him, since he used to play at the hb postion, and in grade school qb..

[Belfry0304]

Trenity Carr may just find himself playing HB. Could always have Josh Robinson move to strictly defense. Austin Hatfield may be the answer at FB.

[mr bojangles 007]

i think madison ghormley could be the fullback many to choose from there is alot of talent on this team. time will tellirateSho

[Belfry0304]

i think madison ghormley could be the fullback many to choose from there is alot of talent on this team. time will tellirateSho

Two years ago I would have agreed unquestionably but Ghormley is injured. I believe he will need shoulder surgery just as soon as baseball ends and he also had back problems last year to complicate. No need to chance him injury, just leave him at linebacker.

[mr bojangles 007]

i forgot about timmy may if he gets well and get his mind back in the game he could be ur next fullback. he has ran fullback with this group since midget leauge he compliments johnson and carr great blocker and runner.and when they are keying on johnson pulling linebackers up.gives the fullback a chance to get good yardage.like i was watching the breathitt county game other night sani warren had the best interception i have seen he took the ball right out of the reciever hand.and breathitt had no answer for the sophmore running back johnson yes i think they go back to bowling green but this time the outcome will be different. if everyone stays healthy great shot but if injuries start to happen could be long year for piratesirateSho

[Belfry0304]

i forgot about timmy may if he gets well and get his mind back in the game he could be ur next fullback. he has ran fullback with this group since midget leauge he compliments johnson and carr great blocker and runner.and when they are keying on johnson pulling linebackers up.gives the fullback a chance to get good yardage.like i was watching the breathitt county game other night sani warren had the best interception i have seen he took the ball right out of the reciever hand.and breathitt had no answer for the sophmore running back johnson yes i think they go back to bowling green but this time the outcome will be different. if everyone stays healthy great shot but if injuries start to happen could be long year for piratesirateSho

Timmy is a good candidate as well, I just think Hatfield will get the spot. Low to the ground, big, young, could be special. Sani's pick was incredible, one of my favorite plays this year. I hope Justin is working hard, he's got limitless potential. You seem to talk about him alot, family/friend?

[mr bojangles 007]

his neighboringlepar

[99PIRATEFAN]

Timmy is a good candidate as well, I just think Hatfield will get the spot. Low to the ground, big, young, could be special. Sani's pick was incredible, one of my favorite plays this year. I hope Justin is working hard, he's got limitless potential. You seem to talk about him alot, family/friend?

Austin will win this spot.

[PaytoPlay]

Love to hear the competition is so fierce for those key spots! If Carr does replace Robinson at RB, then I would suspect Haywood will work Robinson in at WR on occasion or even rotate the three tailbacks to keep them all fresh. IMO Johnson will break out and be the go to guy.

Hopefully Sani developes into a weapon carrying the ball this next season too. We all know he has an accurate/cannon.

[False Hope]

This will be one of the most talented BELFRY teams in as many years as I can remember.

[Belfry0304]

This will be one of the most talented BELFRY teams in as many years as I can remember.

Absolutely loaded squad. With more drive, dedication, and work ethic than most classes.

[Belfry0304]

2012 Belfry Pirates Offensive Preview
All Starters Projected by Belfry0304

Position: QB
Projected Starter: #6 Sani Warren (JR, 6'0, 180)
Outlook: At Belfry, quarterback has long been the man who takes the snaps and reads the tackles on the triple option almost exclusively. Expect the ball to fly a little more this year, as Sani Warren takes over and is a more natural passer. Since his 7th grade year at Belfry, the Pirate Nation has been ecstatic for his arrival and the skillset he brings. While making some appearances in 2011, coming in not just during blowouts but in a few of the first drives in nearly every game, Sani impressed with his ability to accuratley throw the deep bomb and let us see against Sheldon Clark his skill in running the two minute drill when he nickle and dimed his way down the field for a Pirate touchdown. His speed threat receiver he hooked up with a few times last year, Howie Dotson, departs for graduation, but he returns a 6'6 tight end with multiple division one offers. The receiving corps talk is for a different preview, for now we're focusing on the QB spot. Here's where the issues comes in, depth. The current seniors and juniors were lead at QB in 8th grade by Warren, while the sophomores were lead by Keaton Taylor (5'10, 150) who is rumored to not be coming out to focus on baseball. The incoming freshman were led by Cameron Catron who remains at BMS for another year. This leaves Sani as the only quarterback with any starting experience (including Middle School) on the roster. Junior Trenity Carr has the ability to throw the ball as does Junior DT Joey Duty but simply not nearly the skill level as Sani Warren and Duty and Carr are more valuable at other positions. The Pirates can only hope their all-star quarterback stays healthy, because if not that's where they may run into some trouble.

Position: RB
Projected Starters: #11 Josh Robinson (SR, 6'0, 180), #28 Justin Johnson (JR, 5'5, 160)
Outlook: Belfry returns both their halfbacks, Robinson will enter his third year at the spot for the Pirates. Robinson started the year off strong with a good showing in the Pike County Bowl, taking home the MVP, but didn't get into the end zone the last 7 weeks of the season. Perhaps Josh's best aspect of his game is blocking, taking nothing away from his running, he excels at really helping his running mate Johnson open space. Johnson is the speed threat, coming up big for the Pirates in quiet a few games in 2011. Though he is a smaller back, his natural quickness makes up for what he lacks in size. In 2011, Josh Dixon platooned into games and really came up big against Garrard County running for 4 TD's, The Pirates will look for a few guys to come in to give Robinson (a 2-way starter) and Johnson a rest. Look for guys like Davontae Dari (JR), Trenity Carr (JR), Hayden Hatfield (JR) to be the halfback relievers and of course other guys always surprise us come August.

Position: FB
Projected Starter: #27 Austin Hatfield (SO, 5'7, 190)
Outlook: Perhaps the Pirates biggest lost was 2-year fullback Trey Willis. Trey became the fullback after tearing his ACL his sophomore year when he was expected to start halfback. Though you'd never wish it on a kid, perhaps the injury was a blessing as Trey at fullback lead the Pirates to two straight state titles and he made a career of earning tough yards like so many before him. The projected starter listed is Austin Hatfield, but anything can happen between now and then. Austin is a tough, natural fullback with a low point of gravity and a ton of strength. The most exciting part is he's just a sophomore. Trenity Carr may also put a run in at this spot, despite being a more natural halfback Carr is an absolute brute, working his bench max up over 300+ during the offseason. He will work his way into the lineup somewhere just based on hard work. A third option for the spot would be #18 Timmy May (JR).

Position: WR
Projected Starters: #29 Eli Huddle (SR, 5'10, 180), #2 Cameron Johnson (JR, 5'11, 190)
Outlook: Much like the QB spot, the receivers were essentially stalk blockers in years of Pirate past but in 2012 they will need to be guys who can block for the experienced halfbacks and catch balls from the prodigy quarterback. Huddle emerged as the #2 receiver last year and caught a few balls as well as a few touchdowns. Johnson also played WR at times last year and impressed. Cameron has been hard at work both in the weight room, and in his free time passing with Warren developing a chemistry. Huddle, along with quite a few others, will likely join in after baseball season. Chemistry is everything in a passing attack. Others who may join in the pass catching core are Davontae Dari, Zach Thacker (SR), and Keaton Taylor should he come out.

Position: TE
Projected Starter: #23 Tony Messer (SR, 6'6, 215)
Outlook: For the past few seasons the Pirates have gone to just one tight end. The one this year, is a division one recruit. Rumored to have letters from Kentucky, Louisville, Marshall, and Michigan, as well as smaller colleges such as EKU and WKU, Tony Messer is a load to handle. A naturally strong, athletic player standing at 6'6, Messer excels both at blocking and pass catching. Some thought the Pirates should have passed to Messer more in 2011 but with the graduation of Howie Dotson, Tony will be looked at a little more by Warren, who played with him in 8th grade and connected several times for paydirt.

Position: Offensive Line
Projected Starters: #57 Derrick Jude (SR, 6'4, 235), #54 Zach Taylor (SR, 6'0, 250), #75 James May (SR, 5'11, 220), #55 Macky Francis (SO, 5'10, 250), #67 Drew Mullins (SO, 6'1, 220)
Outlook: When writing my projected starters, after the first three I really was lost. Those are my projections, but moreso than any position this may change. Just as much as the players, who knows who may play what position on the offensive line. The Pirates lost all state center Keegan Fields and will look for someone to replace him. Center is a vital position in the fullback plays the makes the Pirate offense go. Jude and Taylor return as starters while James May has some starting experience. Macky Francis is a big young lineman who can play center, but Taylor may be a better choice at center. Drew Mullins is the younger brother of LB Payton Mullins who has natural size and ability, and with some good work in the offseason could be very talented lineman. Others who may put in bids for spots, guys with talent, hard work, and size #71 Michael Barnes (JR 6'4, 310), #72 Tuffy Willis (SR 5'8, 280), #51 Ryan Baumgardner (JR, 6'0, 250), #73 Zach Lester (JR, 5'9, 200), #78 Jacob Rutherford (JR, 5'10, 300)

[long_time_pirate]

2012 Belfry Pirates Offensive Preview
All Starters Projected by Belfry0304

Position: QB
Projected Starter: #6 Sani Warren (JR, 6'0, 180)
Outlook: At Belfry, quarterback has long been the man who takes the snaps and reads the tackles on the triple option almost exclusively. Expect the ball to fly a little more this year, as Sani Warren takes over and is a more natural passer. Since his 7th grade year at Belfry, the Pirate Nation has been ecstatic for his arrival and the skillset he brings. While making some appearances in 2011, coming in not just during blowouts but in a few of the first drives in nearly every game, Sani impressed with his ability to accuratley throw the deep bomb and let us see against Sheldon Clark his skill in running the two minute drill when he nickle and dimed his way down the field for a Pirate touchdown. His speed threat receiver he hooked up with a few times last year, Howie Dotson, departs for graduation, but he returns a 6'6 tight end with multiple division one offers. The receiving corps talk is for a different preview, for now we're focusing on the QB spot. Here's where the issues comes in, depth. The current seniors and juniors were lead at QB in 8th grade by Warren, while the sophomores were lead by Keaton Taylor (5'10, 150) who is rumored to not be coming out to focus on baseball. The incoming freshman were led by Cameron Catron who remains at BMS for another year. This leaves Sani as the only quarterback with any starting experience (including Middle School) on the roster. Junior Trenity Carr has the ability to throw the ball as does Junior DT Joey Duty but simply not nearly the skill level as Sani Warren and Duty and Carr are more valuable at other positions. The Pirates can only hope their all-star quarterback stays healthy, because if not that's where they may run into some trouble.

Position: RB
Projected Starters: #11 Josh Robinson (SR, 6'0, 180), #28 Justin Johnson (JR, 5'5, 160)
Outlook: Belfry returns both their halfbacks, Robinson will enter his third year at the spot for the Pirates. Robinson started the year off strong with a good showing in the Pike County Bowl, taking home the MVP, but didn't get into the end zone the last 7 weeks of the season. Perhaps Josh's best aspect of his game is blocking, taking nothing away from his running, he excels at really helping his running mate Johnson open space. Johnson is the speed threat, coming up big for the Pirates in quiet a few games in 2011. Though he is a smaller back, his natural quickness makes up for what he lacks in size. In 2011, Josh Dixon platooned into games and really came up big against Garrard County running for 4 TD's, The Pirates will look for a few guys to come in to give Robinson (a 2-way starter) and Johnson a rest. Look for guys like Davontae Dari (JR), Trenity Carr (JR), Hayden Hatfield (JR) to be the halfback relievers and of course other guys always surprise us come August.

Position: FB
Projected Starter: #27 Austin Hatfield (SO, 5'7, 190)
Outlook: Perhaps the Pirates biggest lost was 2-year fullback Trey Willis. Trey became the fullback after tearing his ACL his sophomore year when he was expected to start halfback. Though you'd never wish it on a kid, perhaps the injury was a blessing as Trey at fullback lead the Pirates to two straight state titles and he made a career of earning tough yards like so many before him. The projected starter listed is Austin Hatfield, but anything can happen between now and then. Austin is a tough, natural fullback with a low point of gravity and a ton of strength. The most exciting part is he's just a sophomore. Trenity Carr may also put a run in at this spot, despite being a more natural halfback Carr is an absolute brute, working his bench max up over 300+ during the offseason. He will work his way into the lineup somewhere just based on hard work. A third option for the spot would be #18 Timmy May (JR).

Position: WR
Projected Starters: #29 Eli Huddle (SR, 5'10, 180), #2 Cameron Johnson (JR, 5'11, 190)
Outlook: Much like the QB spot, the receivers were essentially stalk blockers in years of Pirate past but in 2012 they will need to be guys who can block for the experienced halfbacks and catch balls from the prodigy quarterback. Huddle emerged as the #2 receiver last year and caught a few balls as well as a few touchdowns. Johnson also played WR at times last year and impressed. Cameron has been hard at work both in the weight room, and in his free time passing with Warren developing a chemistry. Huddle, along with quite a few others, will likely join in after baseball season. Chemistry is everything in a passing attack. Others who may join in the pass catching core are Davontae Dari, Zach Thacker (SR), and Keaton Taylor should he come out.

Position: TE
Projected Starter: #23 Tony Messer (SR, 6'6, 215)
Outlook: For the past few seasons the Pirates have gone to just one tight end. The one this year, is a division one recruit. Rumored to have letters from Kentucky, Louisville, Marshall, and Michigan, as well as smaller colleges such as EKU and WKU, Tony Messer is a load to handle. A naturally strong, athletic player standing at 6'6, Messer excels both at blocking and pass catching. Some thought the Pirates should have passed to Messer more in 2011 but with the graduation of Howie Dotson, Tony will be looked at a little more by Warren, who played with him in 8th grade and connected several times for paydirt.

Position: Offensive Line
Projected Starters: #57 Derrick Jude (SR, 6'4, 235), #54 Zach Taylor (SR, 6'0, 250), #75 James May (SR, 5'11, 220), #55 Macky Francis (SO, 5'10, 250), #67 Drew Mullins (SO, 6'1, 220)
Outlook: When writing my projected starters, after the first three I really was lost. Those are my projections, but moreso than any position this may change. Just as much as the players, who knows who may play what position on the offensive line. The Pirates lost all state center Keegan Fields and will look for someone to replace him. Center is a vital position in the fullback plays the makes the Pirate offense go. Jude and Taylor return as starters while James May has some starting experience. Macky Francis is a big young lineman who can play center, but Taylor may be a better choice at center. Drew Mullins is the younger brother of LB Payton Mullins who has natural size and ability, and with some good work in the offseason could be very talented lineman. Others who may put in bids for spots, guys with talent, hard work, and size #71 Michael Barnes (JR 6'4, 310), #72 Tuffy Willis (SR 5'8, 280), #51 Ryan Baumgardner (JR, 6'0, 250), #73 Zach Lester (JR, 5'9, 200), #78 Jacob Rutherford (JR, 5'10, 300)

HIGHLIGHTED PORTION: Dotson was thrown to a total of 14 times last season. Of the 14- 8 were TD's. (Including the one during the state tournament). Belfry hasn't been ever known as a "passing" team but I do however think that this year may put them inching a little closer than previous years. NOT saying they will throw constantly but possibly a little more than usual. From this fan, that was a great group of seniors who just graduated. Very proud to say I know each of them and they made us Pirates fans proud! Now, 2012 get down to business and carry on where they left off!

[PaytoPlay]

Notice Tony Messer attended UK showcase recently and is now popping up on Scout as a recruiting prospect.

Love to see the kid get a scholly.

[Belfry0304]

Notice Tony Messer attended UK showcase recently and is now popping up on Scout as a recruiting prospect.

Love to see the kid get a scholly.

Fully expect Tony to be one of the most dominant kids in the mountains. At 6'6, 215 his precense alone will effect games and his natural athleticism will make him stand out along w/ his size. Awesome dude, as well. He should have his pick of local colleges.