[Elliot Stabler]

Belfry will continue to be Belfry. They had an excellent year which was capped off by a state title. They do return the majority of their defense from this past season, but losing Sani on both sides of the ball could cause them to take a small step back by the time the start of the season rolls around. However, they will be ready to defend their title come playoff time.

[bucslover68]

Belfry will continue to be Belfry. They had an excellent year which was capped off by a state title. They do return the majority of their defense from this past season, but losing Sani on both sides of the ball could cause them to take a small step back by the time the start of the season rolls around. However, they will be ready to defend their title come playoff time.

Fair assessment IMO. This type of team will be perfect for Haywood's "developmental" style. In other words, get better everyday and every week. Tough games early may cause a few lumps, but Belfry will rely on a good D early and I think they will surprise some people offensivley if the injured can come back strong. Also, look for players like Woolum and Wellman to play significantly larger roles on offense and not just special teams.

[Elliot Stabler]

I totally agree.

[EKUAlum05]

My Bold Prediction for 2014:

Ray Horton is considered one of the best defensive players East of I-65 by season's end.

That kid was borderline un-blockable at times during the playoff run. If he applies himself in the weight room and in training anything comparable to what David Jones did I could see Horton turning into one of the most disruptive players to ever wear the crossbones.

[Belfry0304]

My Bold Prediction for 2014:

Ray Horton is considered one of the best defensive players East of I-65 by season's end.

That kid was borderline un-blockable at times during the playoff run. If he applies himself in the weight room and in training anything comparable to what David Jones did I could see Horton turning into one of the most disruptive players to ever wear the crossbones.

What's terrifying is that Rayquan could have been back in the 8th grade this past season, as a matter of fact a lot of people wanted him to be because they thought he'd have an easier time getting a scholarship as a 18/19 year old than an 17/18 year old. I've often worried that he's going to start believing how good he is instead of seeing that and trying to build on it. Let me tell you, I don't think that's the case. He has matured as a ball player and I believe he realizes he's going to have to work to play somewhere some day. I truly believe the sky is the limit for him if he realizes he is never 'good enough' and keeps growing.

[EKUAlum05]

What's terrifying is that Rayquan could have been back in the 8th grade this past season, as a matter of fact a lot of people wanted him to be because they thought he'd have an easier time getting a scholarship as a 18/19 year old than an 17/18 year old. I've often worried that he's going to start believing how good he is instead of seeing that and trying to build on it. Let me tell you, I don't think that's the case. He has matured as a ball player and I believe he realizes he's going to have to work to play somewhere some day. I truly believe the sky is the limit for him if he realizes he is never 'good enough' and keeps growing.

Ray is going to have the body, frame, and pure skill set to play collegiate football. What he needs to really focus on is improving his 40 time and hitting the camp circuit hard this Summer and next Summer.

There is no doubt in my mind if he can get his true 40 to somewhere around the 4.7-4.8 range that he could play FBS football. If he continues to grow and mature physically he should have prototype size to play DE in a 4-3 or play DT in an aggressive 3-4.

[Belfry0304]

My newest prediction (and I'm rarely right but hell at least it drums up some conversation) is that Catron may play LB and Dakota move to DT.

[PaytoPlay]

^ certainly possible. Give Stanley less to think about and allow him to just try and be strong and fire off the ball. I know he played it some last year, but against a power team, Catron is a bit undersized. Love him at LB against spread teams or on 3rd and long.

[PaytoPlay]

Thinking about defensive personel. While Stanley might be well suited to play DT, the Pirates do need to replace a safety and Catron would slide into that roll naturally. I'm sure there are other returning players that also look forward to competing but I am excited to see frosh Varney makes a push to get some snaps at safety.

If Catron aye safety and Stanley did move to DT, who could play LB? Austin Woolum have a shot to play CB? One has to assume Haywood will continue the trend of playing as few kids both ways as possible, which I love.

[PaytoPlay]

Dotson (DE), Hall (DE), Hatfield (LB), Stanley/Catron (LB) --- all return in the middle of the defense.

Horton wrecking people at DT. Edwards, and Taylor with great talent on the back end.

Pirates are going to be REALLY solid on D IMO. Now is the time to win, in the gym. I can't wait.

[Belfry0304]

Schedule is officially up on KHSAA's website. Folks, we are 5 months and 17 days away from kicking off as the DEFENDING STATE CHAMPS for the first time since August 20th, 2005 against the very same team we played on August 20th, 2005... the Henry Clay Blue Devils

Aug 29, 14 Henry Clay home
Sep 5, 14 Harlan County home
Sep 12, 14 Southwestern away
Sep 19, 14 Pikeville away
Sep 26, 14 Sheldon Clark home
Oct 3, 14 Gallia Academy, OH away
Oct 10, 14 Christian Academy of Knoxville, TN home
Oct 17, 14 Lawrence County away
Oct 24, 14 Pike County Central home
Oct 31, 14 Johnson Central away

Spring practice began today, as well! Unlike the last few years where I've been awaiting kickoff day since December, it is just now hitting me... BRING ON FOOTBALL SEASON!

[PaytoPlay]

^ Keep us posted on how spring practice goes man.

[EKUAlum05]

Henry Clay will be a tall order to open the season with a new-look offense.

We will find out if the Defense is for real or not right off the bat.

[WideRight05]

Maybe Belfry can invent a new way to throw away a football game in 2014.

[EKUAlum05]

Maybe Belfry can invent a new way to throw away a football game in 2014.

Scoreboard

http://khsaa.org/football/2013/4a/xlive.htm

[PaytoPlay]

Which key guys are not able to participate due to baseball? Hopefully the coaches can at least get an idea of who may lead for QB heading into summer.

Willis and Fletcher are on IR and not going right?

[Belfry0304]

Which key guys are not able to participate due to baseball? Hopefully the coaches can at least get an idea of who may lead for QB heading into summer.

Willis and Fletcher are on IR and not going right?

Keaton plays baseball. Which is why spring practice won't give us much of a clue on the QB position.

[Belfry0304]

[Image: https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/h...6033_n.jpg]

For those who have yet to see...

[cuppett777]

Maybe Belfry can invent a new way to throw away a football game in 2014.

like Highlands did :biglmao::biglmao::biglmao:

[WideRight05]

Highlands shut out Collins 47-0 last year. Belfry is yet to prove they can beat Central. Even with the title, there's still that yellow jacket buzzing around.

[Belfry0304]

Highlands shut out Collins 47-0 last year. Belfry is yet to prove they can beat Central. Even with the title, there's still that yellow jacket buzzing around.

Hey man I checked our rings still say "state champions" on them.

[EKUAlum05]

Highlands shut out Collins 47-0 last year. Belfry is yet to prove they can beat Central. Even with the title, there's still that yellow jacket buzzing around.

So what you are saying is while Belfry's program is ascending the Bluebirds have seen their program drastically fall off and even their HC is jumping ship as a result?

Prayers sent

[WideRight05]

So what you are saying is while Belfry's program is ascending the Bluebirds have seen their program drastically fall off and even their HC is jumping ship as a result?

Prayers sent

Highlands could lose 3/4 of their talent and still be ahead of Belfry.

[Belfry0304]

Highlands could lose 3/4 of their talent and still be ahead of Belfry.

You're right. That's why the Birds have only beaten us one more time than we have beaten you.

[PaytoPlay]

So how is spring practice going?

[proud44pirate]

Seems to be going great but can't get enough of the kids in the weight room right now.

[PaytoPlay]

You would think coming off a title. There would be great enthusiasm. Hope the kids don't fall into a mode of expecting success.

[proud44pirate]

Several played basketball so with it being finished now, I think all of them will get to work. A bunch of them was working out just not everyone, and that's what it takes for everyone working to get on the same page. I will be checking out spring drills next week and let you know what's up. Cole seems to be happy with how it's all going. Plus this will be the first time a lot of the younger kids will ever get to participate in 7 on 7 drills later his spring. Got a lot of young kids coming up from the middle school that ain't able to participate in spring drills that will see some time on Friday nights this year. One thing I haven't really noticed on here is our offensive line, we have 4 starters returning on that big line and all of them are working hard. From what Cole says hey have 7-8 offensive lineman that can play and no drop off in talent at all. That could be scary with a healthy X Willis, Fletcher and Hatfield all coming back plus a stable of other running backs.

[PaytoPlay]

^ Thanks for the context.

I also think the quality and size do OL returning (including Bentley) is tremendous. Francis anchors the center with great size. Mullins and Gibbs complete one side. Bentley plays TE. That is massive/quality size at 3A. Honestly, it would be big for any class. The Dotson kid (Soph to be) is 6'3" 250 plus and has the lineage. I will defer to others if he is ready to play good ball, but if so, there is another BIG kid up front. I think Jeremy Harrison (Sr to be) was getting a few snaps last year and is the likely 5th guy. If Bentley just grows into a OT, then Horton or D. Stanley are great options at TE. With a little weight, a kid like A. Hall could be a good option also.

I'm sure there are a lot of kids that can compete and play good ball on the LOS that I am not real familiar with. I hope someone surprises us and takes a starting job!

In the backfield - if Willis gets his knee right, he will be the quick RB that JJ was. IMO, Fletcher is a RB, not a FB. Kid has some speed and great size. Looks like Dustin May remade IMO. If Catron isn't QB, he would be a strong and speedy option at RB.

Kids like Church, Sanger, Young, Varney/Adkins (Frosh to be) all have opportunities to contribute. I don't want to be outrageous, but Varney looks like he has the talent to be very good.

[Belfry0304]

Man, I saw Devin Varney Wednesday and he's every bit of 6'0 and pushing 6'1. Can't wait to see him gain weight over the next 4 years.