[Spud6]

I don't think that Matney is serious about taking the job. I think this is a smart move on his part, to get a pay increase, or a little more leverage. Johnson Central is the second best program in the mountains and arguably the best program in the state in 4A. So, it doesn't make a lot of sense to me why he would be interested in the Prestonsburg job. Don't get me wrong, Prestonsburg is a good job, but I don't think it is near the job it was ten or fifteen years ago. If things don't change, regardless of who is named the new coach at Prestonsburg, the next two or three years could be some of the weakest teams in program history. All of the talent has left and from what I'm hearing, a lot of the remaining talent is leaving, due to the firing of Derossett. Personally, I think Brandon Brewer will get the job and deservingly so. Anyone who can turn Powell County into a regional contender, is one heck of a coach in my opinion.

With the realignment. Johnson Central with have a lot stiffer competition then they are facing right now.

[plantmanky]

With the realignment. Johnson Central with have a lot stiffer competition then they are facing right now.

They will also have more talent as well so I dont think its as big of a concern, but it is a valid point.

[Blackcat2001]

I hear today there is a new candidate that maybe the favorite that no one has mentioned. Stay tuned could be a big surprise. They are stepping up to the plate with BIG $$$$

[Blacksmith]

I hear today there is a new candidate that maybe the favorite that no one has mentioned. Stay tuned could be a big surprise. They are stepping up to the plate with BIG $$$$

I too heard there is a wildcard in the mix.. Im anxious to see

[plantmanky]

I hear today there is a new candidate that maybe the favorite that no one has mentioned. Stay tuned could be a big surprise. They are stepping up to the plate with BIG $$$$

I too heard there is a wildcard in the mix.. Im anxious to see

I cant believe it either, Daffy Duck is going to get the job.

[WILDCAT NATION]

I cant believe it either, Daffy Duck is going to get the job.

Who is it?

[cat86]

There is no wildcard. Final interviews to be held this week and new coach will be hired before Friday. Will be made public soon after.

[UpYours]

I hope the new coach puts Pikeville, Belfry and Paintsville back on the schedule. I even think JC would be a good game to prepare for post season. Four highly competitive teams within 45 minutes drive.

[plantmanky]

I hope the new coach puts Pikeville, Belfry and Paintsville back on the schedule. I even think JC would be a good game to prepare for post season. Four highly competitive teams within 45 minutes drive.

Do you want to continue to have a team?

[Blackcat Legend]

Do you want to continue to have a team?

:hilarious:

[WILDCAT NATION]

I hope the new coach puts Pikeville, Belfry and Paintsville back on the schedule. I even think JC would be a good game to prepare for post season. Four highly competitive teams within 45 minutes drive.

I am all for beefing up the schedule especially if they are geographically close games. Big gate games for all....but keep in mind that those are 3-4 likely losses yearly.

[Blackcat2001]

I hope the new coach puts Pikeville, Belfry and Paintsville back on the schedule. I even think JC would be a good game to prepare for post season. Four highly competitive teams within 45 minutes drive.

Could be a great rivalry and gate with Paintsville and Pikeville, but Belfry and Johnson Central would get no benefit playing their JV for 3 quarters.

[jetpilot]

Could be a great rivalry and gate with Paintsville and Pikeville, but Belfry and Johnson Central would get no benefit playing their JV for 3 quarters.

It would be a terrible mistake to over schedule while rebuilding. I agree, pick up Pikeville and/or Paintsville but no sense in playing Belfry or JC.

[Single Wing 77]

You have to play good teams in order to learn how to beat good teams.

[PHS Coach]

Personally I would like to see these games played. Since 1998 (KHSAA Scoreboard) the records are:
vs Paintsville 7 Wins 1 Lose
vs Pikeville 5 Wins 10 Loses
vs Belfry 5 Wins 11 Loses
vs JC 0 Wins 0 Loses

I agree while trying to rebuild you don't want to get beat to death but with the right coach, these games would draw huge crowds and make for amazing rivalries.

Have to say I was surprised by the record vs Pikeville although most were very competitive with the exception of the last 2 games played. Five wins against Belfry over that span is great considering the run and teams Belfry has fielded.

[PHSForever]

Personally I would like to see these games played. Since 1998 (KHSAA Scoreboard) the records are:
vs Paintsville 7 Wins 1 Lose
vs Pikeville 5 Wins 10 Loses
vs Belfry 5 Wins 11 Loses
vs JC 0 Wins 0 Loses

I agree while trying to rebuild you don't want to get beat to death but with the right coach, these games would draw huge crowds and make for amazing rivalries.

Have to say I was surprised by the record vs Pikeville although most were very competitive with the exception of the last 2 games played. Five wins against Belfry over that span is great considering the run and teams Belfry has fielded.

I was curious about this, so I looked it up. Last time Prestonsburg even played Belfry was 2012, so they’ve not even played them during the most dominating run in that program’s history, or the tally would probably be far more spread. Last win against Belfry was 2009 and again in 2010. Last win against Pikeville was 2010 with a DNP in 2011 and 2012. Lost last 4 in a row to Pikeville after winning 4 in a row (2007-2010). From 1998-2006, Pikeville was 6-1 vs Prestonsburg. Was interesting looking at the scores and schedules from those years.

[WILDCAT NATION]

Will there be an announcement this week? Hard to believe it's April and this job is open given the fanbase and their desire to compete at a high level.

[Blackcat2001]

I hear Powell County is working on keeping their coach. Making some major commitments.

[WILDCAT NATION]

I hear Powell County is working on keeping their coach. Making some major commitments.

Major commitments would be interesting to hear given the state of the education budget that has been front page this week.

[PHSForever]

Sounds like their booster program stepping up to the plate maybe? It can be done even with state issues in funding. Look at Pikeville’s major commitments to their programs lately. Softball completely turfed, new locker/weight/etc facility for the football team.

[the duke1]

how many actually got an interview?

[Blackcat2001]

Brewer will be the new head coach.

[cat86]

Terms have been agreed to. New incoming coach will meet with current players on Sunday. Out of respect for him and not wanting to steal his thunder or announcement, I won't post his name. It will be made public this weekend.

[WILDCAT NATION]

Sounds like their booster program stepping up to the plate maybe? It can be done even with state issues in funding. Look at Pikeville’s major commitments to their programs lately. Softball completely turfed, new locker/weight/etc facility for the football team.

Doesn't Pikeville get a chunk of change though from UPike Football to use their field.

[Real Badman]

That field and facility is owned by the city of Pikeville.

[bball_fan]

Totally agree there needs to be a new, young coach brought in that can relate to the kids more while teaching discipline and bringing a new style to Prestonsburg. To be fair to the former coach though, his record on paper is not as impressive as it should be... during the 2003 and 2004 season, Belfry and Prestonsburg played in the Regional Championship but everyone knew the winner of those games would be favored to win the State Championship. He is libel to have been a 2 time state champion had Prestonsburg and Belfry not peaked at the same time. Also, was this not the time Sheldon Clark dropped into the same class as both of them? I seem to remember looking at the polls once upon a time and Belfry, Prestonsburg and Sheldon Clark were 1, 2 and 3 in one class but also in the same district. Johnson Central's emergence and Paintsville's sudden rise has taken a big toll on Prestonsburg. Going back further, Prestonsburg use to draw a lot of kids from Betsy Layne... just look at how many came from Betsy Layne on the 2002 state runner up... but a lot of Betsy Layne's talent has stayed home to play basketball in recent years or transferred to Pikeville for other sports. I fully expect Betsy Layne and Prestonsburg to combine in the next ten to fifteen years though. Whoever does get it though, with 2A being redistricted the way it has, it should not take a very talented team to reach the state semi-finals which could be enough to draw kids back to Prestonsburg but at the end of the day, there is only so much talent in this area and it will continue to shrink with the economy.

[F.N.L.]

Don't get the "hush hush" about the whole thing? anybody else's name would have been named already. This hire is like 007 mode.. Everybody already knows.

[PHSForever]

Doesn't Pikeville get a chunk of change though from UPike Football to use their field.

Perhaps with the city but not the school. The football facility being done is nearly 100% boosters and the school. UPike will still have a locker room, as well as use of the field, of course. It has been a good working relationship.

[Blacksmith]

Brandon Brewer has been hired.

[cat86]

Don't get the "hush hush" about the whole thing? anybody else's name would have been named already. This hire is like 007 mode.. Everybody already knows.

My reason was because that’s what I was asked to to by the committee. Up until the time the candidate accepted the job, I was told there were efforts being made to squelch this, or any, hire.