[bucslover68]

The Battle of Pike County at CAM Stadium. Who ya got and why?

[Ralph Furley]

If the Panthers can fix their offensive woes this one could be close, if they can’t it will get ugly. Kudos to Pikeville for continuing to have the guts to play this game.

[bucslover68]

Historically, this has been a back and forth series. Recent history has favored the Pirates as they have won 17/18 with most of the games not being close. Pikeville revived the series in 2014 with a win and then Belfry rolled again in 15, 16, and 17. Last year's game at Hambley was a terrific game that Pikeville controlled a good chunk of. This game should be a dandy with both teams having several questions that need answered.

[64SUR]

Dang, I got to pick one :pondering:

Belfry 42
Pikeville 20

[bucslover68]

My early prediction would be Belfry 35-14. I think both teams are a long way from peaking and playing their best. Much of this has to do with injuries and inexperience. I like Belfry's defense to be big in this one and the offense to be able to flow better since they don't have to face a front like they did against Alter.

[pjdoug]

Belfry 42-14

[Spud6]

A belfry team coming off a lose where a lot of fans are saying the defense is for real. And a pikeville offense that is nonexistent and no signs of figuring it out based on last two games. Belfry could put a running clock on Pikeville. Pikevilles offense isn’t built to stop a run game. Raceland ran wildcat all night and was getting three to five yards every play. A running team like belfry I think just pounds them all night long.

[Rip/Spin]

Belfry 21
Pikeville 7

[EKUAlum05]

Lost in the defensive performance of the Alter game is the fact Belfry's O-Line simply is still struggling to maintain blocks and create holes consistently.

I would think Dixon is back after he was practically begging to come back in the game, but without him this may be a totally different game as the Pirate Offense is depending a lot on playmaking ability right now without the dominant surge up front they are accustomed to.

Belfry's Front 7 is the key. If the Pirates can win the LOS and put pressure on MacNamee I like their chances.

[Demarcus ware]

Belfry D way too much for a pikeville team struggling on offense. Will be quick and easy. 42-14

[bucslover68]

Lost in the defensive performance of the Alter game is the fact Belfry's O-Line simply is still struggling to maintain blocks and create holes consistently.

I would think Dixon is back after he was practically begging to come back in the game, but without him this may be a totally different game as the Pirate Offense is depending a lot on playmaking ability right now without the dominant surge up front they are accustomed to.

Belfry's Front 7 is the key. If the Pirates can win the LOS and put pressure on MacNamee I like their chances.

O line is still definitley a work for sure. They have their moments and they seem to have some good pieces, but we are spoiled by what we have had the last few years and it's just not there as a unit right now. Getting Cochran back should help and every game should build more cohesiveness. The individual pieces are not bad but the group as a whole has to come together.

[pjdoug]

Belfry D way too much for a pikeville team struggling on offense. Will be quick and easy. 42-14

That's what I was thinking. Belfry defense will likely be too much.

[#55PirateFan]

O line is still definitley a work for sure. They have their moments and they seem to have some good pieces, but we are spoiled by what we have had the last few years and it's just not there as a unit right now. Getting Cochran back should help and every game should build more cohesiveness. The individual pieces are not bad but the group as a whole has to come together.

The Pirare O-Line is definitely a problem. And I haven't seen any improvement from game one through game three to be honest. And we should have atleast seen some improvement by now. Some of the guys are completely missing blocks, giving up on blocks way to soon, and at times look like they don't even know what play is being run or what blocking scheme was even called. And that's not good. Even worse, some of the underclassmen are "getting their feelings hurt" when the senior leadership gets on to them when their not giving 100% or when they continue to make spring practice mistakes. This group better toughen up and leave their feelings at home or they'll never come together as a unit. That comment may ruffle a few feathers but I dont care. It's the truth. Some of these guys need to grow up!

As far as the Pikeville vs Belfry game:

Offensively: I think the Pirates will be just to much for the Panthers Friday night. I think we'll control both LOS's and I also think our backfield of Coleman, Bentley, Hensley, and Dixon will just wear down the Pikeville defense as the game goes along. I believe the Panther D will start out holding their own but will tire out later in the game from having to chase these guys around the field. And I know and understand that Pikeville has athletes and tons of speed as well but Belfry's long, methodical drives will eventually wear their defense down from having to stay on the field chasing those guys around. BUT, if Pikeville can find a way to force a bunch of Pirate three and outs and a couple turnovers then it could be a different story all together but I just don't see that happening.

Defensively: Belfry's defense this year is playing lights out! If anyone tells me they saw this coming before the season started, well, I wouldn't call you a liar but I would question your honesty. Lol! Our D-Line led by Big Jake Baisden has been down right scary. Our LB's and DE's are just knocking the hell out of everybody. And our secondary has great speed and are hitting as hard as the LB's. As a unit, these guys have been very impressive to say the least. I'm not going to sit here and say that we will totally dominate the Panthers and completely shut them down because if I did, or if anybody else says that, then we should all lose our credibility. Pikeville will score points. They have a fantastic team and playmakers all over the field on both sides of the ball. I just believe the Pirates will eventually wear them down and take over the game in the end. Good luck to both teams Friday night. And I hope and pray we can escape without anymore injuries on either team. God knows we've had a seasons worth already.

Belfry 42
Pikeville 24

[pjdoug]

I just had a dream this morning at around 6 A.M that I got off a school bus at what I think was a Dairy Queen beside a football stadium, and after I left the restaurant I walked over to the football field and the cheerleaders where there cheering and waiting for the team to run onto the field. I was there to cheer for Paintsville, but listen to this. They were wearing maroon nicker:

[Mister D]

Belfry is too much at home and wins by 2 touchdowns. Pikeville has to find a way to get their athletes the ball in space.

[Eagle2009]

I think the majority agrees that Pikeville needs to get their offense going or this games gonna be lop sided. Belfrys secondary is going to be important but I don’t think they will have many problems this week.
Belfry- 35
Pikeville- 14

[COACHITALL]

Belfry’s D will shut down Pikeville’s offense and Pikeville always struggles to stop our run attack. Belfry 35-7.

[Hambley]

Belfry will take away the pass as they did last year, so for Pikeville to stay in this game they HAVE to be able to run the ball effectively. The Panthers are banged up on the offensive line so this could be a tall order. As a panther fan this rivalry is getting old in a game that really doesn’t have post season implications. I hope it’s a solid effort and nobody gets hurt.

[VELVET CLOSER]

The Rivalry will never die. It has been lopsided for almost two decades. Even so, it’s a good game for both programs. For Belfry it gives them looks into the style of football they will face come playoff time. With Pikeville’s athletes it’s a good measuring stick of what needs to be addressed. Belfry’s schedule will dip quiet a bit come district play so they need this top notch competition. plus Pikeville is a really good football team. They are the number 1 ranked team in class A.

For Pikeville it builds toughness. Not many teams they face will line it up and come down hill at them all night long, so you better have your chin strap buckled and be ready to be tuff. Pikeville plays Belfry very well and knows there tendencies. This all has to help later in the year when your facing teams and you know there not going to bring what you faced against Belfry. It’s a great confidence builder. It would not surprise me to see Pikeville get Belfry on there heals quickly with there big play ability. The key will be how Pikeville’s young QB can handle Belfry’s zone defense. Belfry is big, fast and very physical on the defensive side of the ball. If they can keep Pikeville’s receivers in front of them then it could be a long night for the Panthers. Belfry’s offensive and backs are chomping at the bit to be turned loose and run after being shut down against a great Alter team. I think Belfry holds strong on Pond creek.

Belfry. 42
Pikeville 20

[MtnHSFootballFan]

I just had a dream this morning at around 6 A.M that I got off a school bus at what I think was a Dairy Queen beside a football stadium, and after I left the restaurant I walked over to the football field and the cheerleaders where there cheering and waiting for the team to run onto the field. I was there to cheer for Paintsville, but listen to this. They were wearing maroon nicker:

You’re supposed to eat those Paintsville Dairy Queen hot dogs, not snort them.

[FoSho]

Belfry - 35
Pikeville - 12

[#55PirateFan]

Where the heck is everyone at? I figured there'd be alot more "jawing" and trash talking going on in this thread than this. One of the biggest rivalry games in the mountains getting ready to take place this Friday and y'all have went silent!

[bucslover68]

Although the new RPI is not official for two more weeks, this is a big early RPI game. If the Pirates win, they get a big boost from a Pikeville team that probably has, worst case scenario, 8 wins and highly likely they get to 9.

[BallFan1952]

Belfry will have home field advantage Friday night and wins this one by 2 TD’s

Belfry 28
Pikeville 14

[EKUAlum05]

Although the new RPI is not official for two more weeks, this is a big early RPI game. If the Pirates win, they get a big boost from a Pikeville team that probably has, worst case scenario, 8 wins and highly likely they get to 9.

You are 100% correct.

Belfry has two RPI monsters left on their schedule in Pikeville and Johnson Central. With 9-game schedule and low early calculations already, the Pirates have to win 1 of those 2 games for sure.

[EKUAlum05]

28-7 or 28-14 Belfry.

I think people are focusing too much on Pikeville's Offensive woes and not enough on their Defense.

I think Pikeville's Defense will do enough to keep them in the game and expose some of Belfry's issues and allow them to force some punts. I think Belfry will be able to pop some big plays though and get some points off these, or at the very least help out some additional drives.

I think Pikeville Offensively is not going to try and reinvent the wheel, they will follow the same blueprint that beat Belfry before and gave them a chance to win with last year. Pikeville will try to keep the clock moving and limit possessions so they have a chance. They will spread Belfry out and try to work the short passing game and try to get 3-4 yards a pop in their run game.

I will be very surprised if this is a blowout, I think both Offenses are struggling too much and both Defenses are too good.

[PHS DYNASTY]

Not going to predict a score on this one, but I will say this. If Pikeville had played the last two games with the scoring margin and offensive intensity they did against the first two, then I would say it would be pretty close, maybe even a low scoring win. But, you know what they say about ifs and buts. At any rate, still a good rivalry and good for both teams.

[PHSForever]

Will Pikeville have their starting center back for this one?

[Patriot1]

I haven’t posted on this game for a reason. Now I just seen on mountain top sports they had a survey and the survey had Pikeville winning. So if it’s alright (#55PirateFan) with the rest of the posters we will just call this game off now. As always GO PANTHERS!!! PS that also means Pikeville wins just wanted to add that

[PHS DYNASTY]

Will Pikeville have their starting center back for this one?

Don't know for sure, but the team is fortunate that #65 has done a good job in the first three varsity games so far. Hope #54 has a complete and quick recovery.