[HSFOOTBALL]

You named elite programs...

Belfry is not an elite program.... but Belfry is in another world compared to lumping them in the same category as Bourbon County who has only been a blip on the radar a couple times over the course of history.

Elite:
Trinity
Highlands
St. X
Mayfield
Male


Elite With An Asterisk:
Boyle County- They were not a very good program pre-Smith..
Beechwood- Beechwood's program revolves around Yeagle.. without him they are trending back to earth
CovCath- A program that would have double digit titles if not for Highlands
Danville- Not recently elite...but for years they were a household name
Central- Unbelievable run recently..."good" history prior..but elite under Scroggins

Very Good Programs- Teams who have long sustained success, house hold name programs, won the Title :

NewCath- Benefitted greatly from 6-Class System
Bowling Green- Elevating in recent years... good for very long time
Ft. Campbell
LexCath
Belfry
Bell County
Pikeville
Russell
Corbin
Breathitt County
Paducah Tilghman

Good Programs- Programs who either have had isolated runs of success on statewide level, or have the name recognition but not the pedigree of deep playoff runs:
Ashland Blazer
Somerset
Manual
Russellville
Owensboro Catholic
Owensboro
Hazard
Mercer County/Harrodsburg
Bardstown
Pburg

Bourbon falls in the next tier of schools... the teams who have enjoyed isolated prominence but don't have the name recognition or sustained success/history

Quality Programs:

Trigg County
Bourbon County
Warren Central
Hopkinsville
Henry Clay
etc.. you can list several teams here

When I think Mediocre I think of teams like:
Motgomery County
Whitley County
PRP
Lafayette
Raceland
Lawrence County

These are programs who have had some nice teams and perennially have a quality team... but never really have enjoyed a deep playoff run or post-season success to warrant statewide name recognition

I didn't lump them with Bourbon, I Called Belfry Mediocre and Bourbon less than mediocre. Do you guys just choose what you want to read to give you something to argue about?

[AtlPirateFan]

Let's see if I can find a place to post some football talk without stepping in anything.

Improvement (Bourbon) and regression (Belfry) has been the theme behind a lot of opinions I have read so I am going to tackle those two in a rather lengthy analysis.

note: any stats mentioned from last year will be at this point in the season, going into week 14 with any week 14 or week 15 stats removed for accuracy.

Bourbon Co
Combing over the stats I see a few things that stand out about Bourbon Co. Offensively they are better than last years unit, slightly. This years offense has gained 600+ more yards coming into week 14 than they did at this same time last year, it has only netted them 10 extra points on the season. One thing that feels different about this Bourbon team is that it's not all hyped around one player. Offensively they have experience and weapons. Pope and Holman are great players.

Defensively Bourbon has been touted as "much improved" and "not the same thing" when compared to last years Bourbon Co team. I see a defense that has allowed more yards, especially on the passing end than last years team. The yards gained against them are covered up by the fact they have allowed about 25 fewer points than they had at this time last year. The difference? Bath was a decent team last year and put up some points that they did not get this year. Dakota Mitchell is the man to look out for on Defense, his numbers are down from last year and Holman who was the second best tackler on the team last year does not seem to be playing as well on defense this year.

I also see last years Bourbon schedule as being slightly better than this years. Neither have been trying.

The biggest takeaway is that Bourbon has not been tested this season at all. They have run and thrown all over weaker competition. That however does not mean they can no win.

Belfry
On paper and in the eyes of some (even Belfry fans) this Belfry offense looks to be significantly weaker than the past 2 years. Scoring 75 fewer points, 626 fewer rushing yards and 177 fewer passing yards. Thats how things look at a glance at the KHSAA stats, oh wait we need to add in the PCC playoff stats. Now we have scoring 28 fewer points, 124 fewer rushing yards and 144 fewer passing yards. Looking at the fact that Belfry has been working with several different backfields this season due to injuries and the upgraded schedule I would say this offense is almost as good as the last few years when it is clicking, the passing game isn't the same, but we didn't need it to beat Bourbon last year either. Turnovers have been an issue this year with a lot of fumbles during stretch in the middle of the season. Is it over?

Defensively Belfry is very young and the pieces have been toyed with all season long to bring us to were we are now. The current starting defense has given up 0 points in the playoffs. All three TD's (1 in each games) was scored in garbage time when the depth of the team was getting some playoff reps. Belfry's defense has faced the pass a lot this season and have overcome it fairly well. My brother and I talked earlier in the year that it seemed like the Pirates had not gotten the turnovers like they did last year. Funny part about that statement now (2012 30 takeaways and 2013 31 Takeaways). What is missing is a ball hawk like Josh Robinson.

Final thoughts
I don't care how good your offense is, how weak Belfry's defense appears to be on paper, Haywood will have them ready. Belfry has been a team working on defeating speed and balance since they ran into the Central wall in 2007. In 2010 a pretty bad (by Belfry standards) defense helped beat an undefeated Somerset team that threw up almost 700 points and had a very balanced offense. That 2010 team did not have an offense on the other side of the ball as good as this years Pirate offense. I'm not trying to say that because Belfry beat Somerset in 2010 they will win this year at Bourbon. I am simply stating the fact that this Belfry team is not as mediocre or overrated as some would have you believe and that even in their most mediocre of recent years (2010) they still game planned for and won against a heavy favorite.

Bourbon likes to hang their hats on the "we know what's coming" comments. Let me tell you that you don't. When you came to the CAM last year you saw Carr and Hatfield. A lot! While Carr is a workhorse and Hatfield a beast you saw nothing like what you are about to see when JJ and Dari join those two in the backfield rotation. Speed, power, finesse and pure determination.

Bourbon wins this game if Belfry's offense makes the same mistakes they made in the mid-late regular season and the defense fails to wrap up on tackles. They also will have to stop the machine that is the Belfry backfield, all of them.

Belfry wins this game by wrapping up the tackles and getting some pressure to Pope early. Belfry is ver physical, Pope is coming back off an injury and from what I hear has a pretty good baseball career that he needs to protect. Belfry needs to rattle him early and often to make this a one dimensional game.

[Westside]

[quote=EKUAlum05]Some Serious Fodder For Today:

When was the last time Bourbon played in a game with as much hype, and with as much on the line, as this?

I know last year definitely is congruent in terms of what was on the line...but I am wondering if Bourbon has ever played a game with the enormity of this Friday in their program's history aside from the State Championship win.

EKU, why do you have to use words like this? Now I have to get off this page to google it to see what it means.

[EKUAlum05]

You may or may not be right about CAK....but they were still very good....and could you have went on the road without 5 of your top players and won? No Justin Johnson, no Cameron Johnson or Horton or Austin Hatfield or X Willis. Not many teams could have overcome that and won the game.

The CAK team who played Belfry and made the change at QB also went on to reach the Quarterfinals in dominating fashion and was probably a Top 5 team in TN 3A... they lost to Belfry and twice to Alcoa who has obliterated every thing in their path.

Belfry went to CAK missing essentially their entire secondary and 2/3 of their backfield in what CAK viewed as a must win game at the time and took one.

I do agree though that Bourbon is a much better team than CAK (their passing game is the same, but better defense and a much better running game than CAK), but that Pirate team is a shadow of who Belfry really is.. even a spotty Belfry defense during the regular season was night and day from the unit who were forced to play that night in Knoxville.

[HSFOOTBALL]

I think the pressure is solely on Bourbon.. they got it handed to them last year, and have made getting to this game and playing Belfry tier super bowl. To Belfry this is business as usual they are used to games like this and are battle tested. If you think this thread is funny.. you should switch over to twitter.. The Bourbon players are hilarious... Here is a sample tweet for you from one of the players..

it's that fact that most of us want a state ring.. but me? no.. no, see I want belfry, I wanna punish them break them down & destroy them

I feel sorry enough arguing with you guys all day, you've hit rock bottom if you are on twitter following high school kids to keep up with smack talk.

:dudecomeon:

[Granny Bear]

I wasn't aware they even did this until Madison Southern spent the night in Harlan County the night before our game. Evidently, it has become common place for the kids to tweet about their ballgames.

[Belfry_99]

I feel sorry enough arguing with you guys all day, you've hit rock bottom if you are on twitter following high school kids to keep up with smack talk.

:dudecomeon:

Think as you want.. But it was posted on facebook from a player whom I am friends with. I was just illustrating the point that to Bourbon this is their super bowl! irateSho

[PHS95]

If mediocre is defined as playing for a state title year in and year out, I would be more than content to have a mediocre program, sir.... The fact is, I would rather be in Bowling Green, controlling my own destiny and finishing 2nd than sitting at home watching my peers from another area have that opportunity!

[HSFOOTBALL]

Well that's the difference between me and you ^^^

[PHS95]

Well that's the difference between me and you ^^^

OH yes, because it is so much better watching from the sidelines than never playing the game! NOT to mention the fact that what those in the "solid" programs category lack is consistency.... Belfry is CONSISTENTLY in the mix in 3A... why the lack of respect?

[Crossbones]

There goes that selective reading again ... I said program, not team, program.

I watched film last night, I think you have a good team and you will be the best team Bourbon has played this year, and on the flip side Bourbon will be the best team outsided of JC that Belfry has played. That being said I also watched that CAK game Belfry fans are bragging about, you know the 6-6 team from Knoxville, and Bourbon would mop the floor with that team.

Belfry will be the most physical team Bourbon has played, and Bourbon will be far and away the most athletic team Belfry has played. Should be a good game.

Ok then, That's several times you have referred to Belfry as a mediocre football "program". Belfry demolished Bourbon County last year and has 1 more ring than them. Belfry has been to the semi-finial round somewhere around 8 or 9 times out of the last 10 years. Beflry has played in 9 state championship games. So the question from me is, where in the world would that place Bourbon County? I will admit that Belfry is not world beaters, and to be honest I am surprised we made it this far this year. But mediocre they are not. If that is the case then Bourbon County would be like the jam between our toes.

I fixed it. So, where does that put Bourbon County, if Belfry is a "mediocre football program"? Im glad you got to watch film on Belfry, I hope you enjoyed it. I agree that Bourbon will be a good team and a challenge. Yea, I know the 6-6 CAK team. Wow, You can deduct from watching film that Bourbon would mop the floor up with them? That's pretty good tape watchin. But I do agree through all of this that it will be a good game between Belfry and Bourbon.

[alfus21]

I think the pressure is solely on Bourbon.. they got it handed to them last year, and have made getting to this game and playing Belfry tier super bowl. To Belfry this is business as usual they are used to games like this and are battle tested. If you think this thread is funny.. you should switch over to twitter.. The Bourbon players are hilarious... Here is a sample tweet for you from one of the players..

it's that fact that most of us want a state ring.. but me? no.. no, see I want belfry, I wanna punish them break them down & destroy them

Shouldn't bother you. Leave it to the kids to talk trash to each other if they want. It is going both ways. It's not like the player who posted that was sending it straight to the Belfry players or fans.

Both teams and coaching staffs have a lot to proud of, but the fans are leaving a lot to be desired regarding class and dignity.

I could point out that a Belfry player also said on twitter that they are already watching film of Wayne County and not even focusing on Bourbon County.

In the end it's all about the kids, not the fans.

Hoping for an injury free and great football game. Can't wait to see this one.

[bucslover68]

Ok then, That's several times you have referred to Belfry as a mediocre football "program". Belfry demolished Bourbon County last year and has 1 more ring than them. Belfry has been to the semi-finial round somewhere around 8 or 9 times out of the last 10 years. Beflry has played in 9 state championship games. So the question from me is, where in the world would that place Bourbon County? I will admit that Belfry is not world beaters, and to be honest I am surprised we made it this far this year. But mediocre they are not. If that is the case then Bourbon County would be like the jam between our toes.

I fixed it. So, where does that put Bourbon County, if Belfry is a "mediocre football program"? Im glad you got to watch film on Belfry, I hope you enjoyed it. I agree that Bourbon will be a good team and a challenge. Yea, I know the 6-6 CAK team. Wow, You can deduct from watching film that Bourbon would mop the floor up with them? That's pretty good tape watchin. But I do agree through all of this that it will be a good game between Belfry and Bourbon.

Crossbones...I like your posts and you make great points but you said you were surprised Belfry is here...I've known since leaving BG last year that we had to win "ONE GAME" to get back to BG...that game is this Friday.

[Crossbones]

One thing I have noticed throughout this whole thread. Is hsfootball and pirate1991 had the same exact exchange of words last year. Did you ever go meet up? And where was a crane? I never did see a crane last year.

[bucslover68]

Shouldn't bother you. Leave it to the kids to talk trash to each other if they want. It is going both ways. It's not like the player who posted that was sending it straight to the Belfry players or fans.

Both teams and coaching staffs have a lot to proud of, but the fans are leaving a lot to be desired regarding class and dignity.

I could point out that a Belfry player also said on twitter that they are already watching film of Wayne County and not even focusing on Bourbon County.

In the end it's all about the kids, not the fans.

Hoping for an injury free and great football game. Can't wait to see this one.

Alfus, would you care to post a screen shot of the twitter message from the Belfry player because frankly I don't believe that...I do have a screen shot from a Bourbon coach with pics and quotes.

[Crossbones]

Crossbones...I like your posts and you make great points but you said you were surprised Belfry is here...I've known since leaving BG last year that we had to win "ONE GAME" to get back to BG...that game is this Friday.

I personally have felt all year that Belfry was a year away from going back to BG. I feel that they have over achieved this year. Which is a good thing. They have improved leaps and bounds throughout the year. Starting 4 to 5 freshman and having the injurys they have had is impressive to be where they are. The defense is what has had me puzzled and scared at times. Hopefully that is fixed.

[Panther Thunder]

Well, now we have successfully hit the point of the thread where adults have threatened physical action. Nice. Great job, guys.

[Belfry_99]

Shouldn't bother you. Leave it to the kids to talk trash to each other if they want. It is going both ways. It's not like the player who posted that was sending it straight to the Belfry players or fans.

Both teams and coaching staffs have a lot to proud of, but the fans are leaving a lot to be desired regarding class and dignity.

I could point out that a Belfry player also said on twitter that they are already watching film of Wayne County and not even focusing on Bourbon County.

In the end it's all about the kids, not the fans.

Hoping for an injury free and great football game. Can't wait to see this one.

Where in my post did I say it bothered me? Ill be waiting for your response. :popcorn:

[Pulp Fiction]

Belfry will get to celebrate their 2003, 10 year championship, with the 2013 state championship.

[bucslover68]

I personally have felt all year that Belfry was a year away from going back to BG. I feel that they have over achieved this year. Which is a good thing. They have improved leaps and bounds throughout the year. Starting 4 to 5 freshman and having the injurys they have had is impressive to be where they are. The defense is what has had me puzzled and scared at times. Hopefully that is fixed.

I agree....what I was saying was you said you didn't think they would make it " this far" ...meaning semi finals .

[Crossbones]

I agree....what I was saying was you said you didn't think they would make it " this far" ...meaning semi finals .

No, I probably worded it wrong. I did not think they would make it to state. The defense was the biggest question mark for me and has been all year. But it seems to have improved but against teams that are hard judge by. Ya know?

[bucslover68]

No, I probably worded it wrong. I did not think they would make it to state. The defense was the biggest question mark for me and has been all year. But it seems to have improved but against teams that are hard judge by. Ya know?

Yes...I totally agree.

[HSFOOTBALL]

Well, now we have successfully hit the point of the thread where adults have threatened physical action. Nice. Great job, guys.

I don't think he was threatening physical action, I believe he was wanting to shake my hand. Right 1991#8?

[Crossbones]

Alfus, would you care to post a screen shot of the twitter message from the Belfry player because frankly I don't believe that...I do have a screen shot from a Bourbon coach with pics and quotes.

I would like to see that also. I'd like to the shot of BC also.

[NoworLater]

This has been going around the city of Paris and back

[PHS95]

Well, unfortunately, whatever he is doing doesn't matter as he is out for the season! ^^

[MtnHSFootballFan]

If i knew the game would be as good as this thread i'd almost make the trip to paris friday night to watch.

I wonder what the address of the football field is. Is the field at the school or someplace else?

[alfus21]

Alfus, would you care to post a screen shot of the twitter message from the Belfry player because frankly I don't believe that...I do have a screen shot from a Bourbon coach with pics and quotes.

Check PM

Where in my post did I say it bothered me? Ill be waiting for your response. :popcorn:

Sorry, you found it hilarious. Considering it's going both ways, and it is between the players and not alum. I find it hilarious as well.

[bocofan05]

I wonder what the address of the football field is. Is the field at the school or someplace else?

It's at the school. Parking might be a bit of an issue Friday...

[AtlPirateFan]

Would love it one of the local stations from either area would cover this with a webcast. Likely wont but I can hope. Anyway hears of a video stream of the game please post.