[GOREDDEVILS]

Russell schedule should be the same as last year with home and away flipped.

[SImpleplan]

Mayfield should have the same schedule as last year. 2nd year of a 2 year playing contract with Lausanne Collegiate in Memphis but after that I think that's over. Hopefully, the new pick-up in 2021 will be a Kentucky school... unless something changes with the RPI.

[TheOracle]

Johnson Central has 3 open dates
The w.v team didn't want to renew contract, wish we could get couple 5a
6a Lexington school

Is Simon Kenton staying on the schedule for Johnson Central? Simon Kenton was down last year, but I think that's a great match-up (despite the drive time between the two). I know Simon Kenton is somewhat historically known for having less of a stout schedule, and a lot of NKY folks allege they duck away from big challenges, but JC vs. SK was a good game.

[HCS]

I’m not surprised. Breathitt isn’t real big on the idea of playing above .500 teams in the regular season.

Breathitt wasn't like that in the old days. It looks like they are dodging good competition now though unless they have someone better than Harlan County lined up to play.

[Mayfieldsportsfan]

Pretty sure Belfry is going to need a game, but not positive. If Paintsville needs a game as well then that would be a nice Eastern Kentucky matchup if the two sides would get together and make it happen.

And before anyone says Paintsville don't want to do that, the Pirates are going to look totally different next year.

I wish Mayfield and Belfry could get a series going. Maybe meet halfway for the game. Both fans based travel well and it would be packed.

[Gus McCrae]

Pretty sure Belfry is going to need a game, but not positive. If Paintsville needs a game as well then that would be a nice Eastern Kentucky matchup if the two sides would get together and make it happen.

And before anyone says Paintsville don't want to do that, the Pirates are going to look totally different next year.

How will Belfry look totally different next year 55 ? I was thinking their O line was gonna be pretty solid.

[WestCarterComet]

Breathitt wasn't like that in the old days. It looks like they are dodging good competition now though unless they have someone better than Harlan County lined up to play.

I wonder why they’re dodging competition.. their district is a cakewalk so I would expect some tougher out of district competition. They will benefit from the competition in rounds 3-5 of the playoffs if they manage to keep winning their district.

[Cat Daddy]

I wonder why they’re dodging competition.. their district is a cakewalk so I would expect some tougher out of district competition. They will benefit from the competition in rounds 3-5 of the playoffs if they manage to keep winning their district.

I don't think anyone is dodging competition. As others have said in the past on this site, the schedules for last year and this upcoming year, were put together when Breathitt was down and trying to rebuild. Nobody saw last year coming, with the development of our younger players and the kids that transferred in. After next year, If the schedule doesn't improve, when most of the current contracts expire, then the argument could be made of "dodging competition", but I can guarantee you when Coach Moore gets the chance to play better competition, he will do so, starting with week one of next year.

[WestCarterComet]

I don't think anyone is dodging competition. As others have said in the past on this site, the schedules for last year and this upcoming year, were put together when Breathitt was down and trying to rebuild. Nobody saw last year coming, with the development of our younger players and the kids that transferred in. After next year, If the schedule doesn't improve, when most of the current contracts expire, then the argument could be made of "dodging competition", but I can guarantee you when Coach Moore gets the chance to play better competition, he will do so, starting with week one of next year.

Schedules change every 2 years so the schedule they had last year would’ve been made last offseason, correct?

[Cat Daddy]

Schedules change every 2 years so the schedule they had last year would’ve been made last offseason, correct?

You are correct. During the off season last year, especially before spring, it was hard to envision a state semi final appearance without the addition of Long and Collins. I think everyone knew they would be improved, but the addition of both players, took the Bobcats to another level.

[WestCarterComet]

You are correct. During the off season last year, especially before spring, it was hard to envision a state semi final appearance without the addition of Long and Collins. I think everyone knew they would be improved, but the addition of both players, took the Bobcats to another level.

I agree completely that Long and Collins changed that team. However, even before they came I have a hard time believing they thought they would get competition from Jenkins or Magoffin County.

[eagles2011]

Is Simon Kenton staying on the schedule for Johnson Central? Simon Kenton was down last year, but I think that's a great match-up (despite the drive time between the two). I know Simon Kenton is somewhat historically known for having less of a stout schedule, and a lot of NKY folks allege they duck away from big challenges, but JC vs. SK was a good game.

This was 2 year deal home/ home
But Johnson Central still needs
Week 1.
Week 2.
I think week 4.
Need ky team's,
1 Scrimmage game

[HCS]

I don't think anyone is dodging competition. As others have said in the past on this site, the schedules for last year and this upcoming year, were put together when Breathitt was down and trying to rebuild. Nobody saw last year coming, with the development of our younger players and the kids that transferred in. After next year, If the schedule doesn't improve, when most of the current contracts expire, then the argument could be made of "dodging competition", but I can guarantee you when Coach Moore gets the chance to play better competition, he will do so, starting with week one of next year.

What does all of that have to do with having an open date in 2020? It has nothing to do with two-year contracts.
You said it would be a good test for both Breathitt County and Harlan County. Why not play better competition in 2020 when you have an open date instead of waiting until 2021?

[Cat Daddy]

What does all of that have to do with having an open date in 2020? It has nothing to do with two-year contracts.
You said it would be a good test for both Breathitt County and Harlan County. Why not play better competition in 2020 when you have an open date instead of waiting until 2021?

It has nothing to do with the open date in 2020, my response was pertaining to the overall schedule for this upcoming year. I agree, it would be a good test for both teams and a resume builder, but I don't know why it hasn't been scheduled, or if it will. It makes sense for Breathitt to schedule a team they will benefit from, win or lose.

[HCS]

I agree with all of that. Breathitt has already turned down the game. Maybe they have another opponent tougher than Harlan County. Maybe they have another Jenkins.

[Panther88]

I know Belfry will have to pick up someone to fulfill their schedule. They only had 9 regular season games this season. Not sure if the Ohio team is coming to Pond Creek or not. Not sure who the PCB opponent will be either. I've heard different things on it. I've heard Mingo central then I've heard people say it won't happen.

I heard that immediately after the bowl last year they was already looking for a way to get rid of MC for this year because of their behavior

[WestCarterComet]

I agree with all of that. Breathitt has already turned down the game. Maybe they have another opponent tougher than Harlan County. Maybe they have another Jenkins.

Breathitt is probably still holding out for Jenkins having a team

[pirateforlife]

I heard that immediately after the bowl last year they was already looking for a way to get rid of MC for this year because of their behavior

What do you mean their behavior? Fans or the team? I'm hearing that they will be playing Belfry in 2020 in the PCB.

[PHS DYNASTY]

What do you mean their behavior? Fans or the team? I'm hearing that they will be playing Belfry in 2020 in the PCB.

Imo, both. From what I saw, the fans were as bad as the players and coaches. Looks like one feeds off the other. Pikeville more than proved who the better team was. No need to see them at Hambley again, imo.

[#55PirateFan]

Hazard and Belfry both have the 2nd weekend in October open. Would love to see that game happen

So would I bother.

[#55PirateFan]

I wish Mayfield and Belfry could get a series going. Maybe meet halfway for the game. Both fans based travel well and it would be packed.

Brother, that would be an awesome series wouldn't it! I'd love to see this happen. No matter who won the game, or series, just seeing these two tradition rich, great programs do battle would be something most of the state would probably like to see. The atmosphere would be nuts!

[OutlawJoseyWales]

What do you mean their behavior? Fans or the team? I'm hearing that they will be playing Belfry in 2020 in the PCB.

Let’s hope not. RPI killer for sure....let alone a weak opponent. Fans and coaches behavior was shameful during and after PCB last season in Pikeville. I can only imagine what could potentially go down next season at Belfry if indeed Mingo is the opponent. Here’s hoping that doesn’t happen

[#55PirateFan]

Imo, both. From what I saw, the fans were as bad as the players and coaches. Looks like one feeds off the other. Pikeville more than proved who the better team was. No need to see them at Hambley again, imo.

Wouldn't want to see them on Pond Creek either my friend. It was bad at Hambley, imagine how much worse it would be at Belfry. That hatred runs much deeper. And I'm not talking about the players or coaches. Im talking about some of their fans and our fans that worry me. Just be a bad situation and environment all around in my opinion.

[#55PirateFan]

Let’s hope not. RPI killer for sure....let alone a weak opponent. Fans and coaches behavior was shameful during and after PCB last season in Pikeville. I can only imagine what could potentially go down next season at Belfry if indeed Mingo is the opponent. Here’s hoping that doesn’t happen

Same here buddy.

[#55PirateFan]

How will Belfry look totally different next year 55 ? I was thinking their O line was gonna be pretty solid.

This 2020 class Belfry will graduate in May was a special one, although it didn't seem like it at times during the regular season. They finally fixed whatever the heck was going on with them at playoff time and showed who they really were. The 2021 class is a very good group but not like the 2020 group.

I agree, Belfry's O-Line should be pretty solid starting out next year. Much better than they started this year. This year we only had one returning starter (the center) coming back and it took a few games for them to come together as a unit. Next year they'll have three returning starters and it SHOULD be a smoother start.

I'm going to explain why I think the Pirates are going to "look totally different next year" the best I can. Going to be a couple of long posts but Belfry is losing ALOT of valuable, moving pieces.

[#55PirateFan]

How will Belfry look totally different next year 55 ? I was thinking their O line was gonna be pretty solid.

Loses the Pirates are going to have to replace from the 2020 class on offense:

FB - #2 Peyton Hensley: In my opinion, Peyton was hands down the MVP of this team this year and I dont think it was even close. He was phenomenal at fullback and had the best season of his career. The kid gave Pond Creek everything he had and led the Pirates to Lexington.

RB/DB/ST - #9 Ben Bentley: Ben was just as important to the Pirates in the defensive backfield as he was in the offensive backfield, not to mention in the return game as well. Ben was a "multitool" for Belfry. With Bentley and Hensley both gone, Belfry loses two-thirds of their monster backfield.

WR's - #7 Daniel Oliver and #14 Isaac Spears: Although Belfry hardly ever passed the ball, when they did these two were pretty reliable and their senior leadership will be missing. They also contributed in other ways for the team.

Tackle - Sean Cochran: Sean only started his senior year for Belfry but he played half of every game played his junior year, rotating every other series with another lineman. Nobody on the team stepped up in their leadership role as much as Sean did this year. It was amazing to see him take over being a leader the way he did. He will surely be missed.

Center - Ethan Wolford: Ethan was a three year starter for Belfry at the Center position. He only missed one game after taking over the starting spot in the first game of his sophomore year his entire career and that was this year. He could have played that game but Heywood sit him to give the backup some PT in a district game. Reliable is an understatement when it came to Ethan. A starting Center is a position that is very hard to replace especially when it's an All State, three year, durable starting Center.

[#55PirateFan]

How will Belfry look totally different next year 55 ? I was thinking their O line was gonna be pretty solid.

Loses the Pirates are going to have to replace from the 2020 class on defense:

(The Pirates lose pretty much all of their Defensive front)

NG - #23 Jake Baisden: Jake was a man in the middle of a very much improved defensive front this year for the Pirates. His huge body in the middle lightened the load for our two DT's. Have no clue who replaces this guy.

DT - #40 Jonathon Stepp: Stepp was a beast this year. Seemed like he was in on about every play. And he was also one of our hardest hitters on a tough Pirate defense.

DT - #80 Dillon Goff: Goff was one of the unsung heroes of the Belfry defense. He wasnt one of the "well known" defenders, he was a kid that just went out, did his job, and flew under the radar. Goff was just a dang good football player.

DT #56 Mason Washington: Mason, like Goff, was just one of those players that didnt get alot of glory but he just went out every Friday night and played football. He's one of those players that was very valuable but you hardly noticed him until he wasnt there.

DE/TE/K/P #34 Grayson Cook: Cook did just about everything for the Pirates. He was the only four year starter for Belfry in the 2020 class. He was an All State Kicker, one of the best DE/LB in the mountains and state, and when he was called on to play TE this year, well, he did that too. Another tough one that will hard to replace.

LB - #31 John Ashurst: John got the starting nod this year and had a very good year. Made a bunch of tackles and was all over the field just doing his job. Kinda the same way Dillon Goff did.

DB/RB/ST - #6 Isiah Birchfield: Isiah had one helluva year! This kid was undersized but it didnt matter. He was a lock down corner for Belfry in 2019 in every sense of the word. QB's seldom threw his way; but when they did, he made them pay. He also filled in at RB when Dixon was out with his injury. Isiah was one of the toughest, more grittier, nasty football players we had on the team. Pond Creek will defiantly miss #6 roaming the defensive backfield next year.

[#55PirateFan]

How will Belfry look totally different next year 55 ? I was thinking their O line was gonna be pretty solid.

I hope I explained good enough why I said that I thought Belfry will look totally different next year Ol Buddy. The Pirates are going to take a major blow in May when the 2020 class walks across that stage and receive their diplomas.

Out of the thirteen names I mentioned, ten were starters and three (Bentley, Birchfield, and Cook) played both ways. The guys that weren't full time starters played a ton and, if I'm not mistaken, rotated starts. Like Oliver and Spears at WR and Washington and Goff at DT. I can't remember exactly about those four but I think that's how it went. Regardless, they were contributors.

So, that's why I said the Pirates will look completely different. BUT, Belfry will still be a top contender in 3A next year, IMO. With guys like QB Brett Coleman, RB/DB Isaac Dixon, LB Seth Mounts, DE Rudy Blackwell, a mostly experienced and large offensive line coming back, some young studs ready to fill those voids like the Rash twins and a few others who have been waiting for their time, and one of the best head coaches to ever do it leading the charge, you better believe the Pirates will be ready to go to war and defend that 3A 2019 State Championship when the leaves start turning.

Sorry for the long posts Gus! You ask and its late and I just felt like typing and talking a little football. 😂

[Gus McCrae]

I hope I explained good enough why I said that I thought Belfry will look totally different next year Ol Buddy. The Pirates are going to take a major blow in May when the 2020 class walks across that stage and receive their diplomas.

Out of the thirteen names I mentioned, ten were starters and three (Bentley, Birchfield, and Cook) played both ways. The guys that weren't full time starters played a ton and, if I'm not mistaken, rotated starts. Like Oliver and Spears at WR and Washington and Goff at DT. I can't remember exactly about those four but I think that's how it went. Regardless, they were contributors.

So, that's why I said the Pirates will look completely different. BUT, Belfry will still be a top contender in 3A next year, IMO. With guys like QB Brett Coleman, RB/DB Isaac Dixon, LB Seth Mounts, DE Rudy Blackwell, a mostly experienced and large offensive line coming back, some young studs ready to fill those voids like the Rash twins and a few others who have been waiting for their time, and one of the best head coaches to ever do it leading the charge, you better believe the Pirates will be ready to go to war and defend that 3A 2019 State Championship when the leaves start turning.

Sorry for the long posts Gus! You ask and its late and I just felt like typing and talking a little football. 😂

Your good 55. No problem. I think with this old timer it takes longer for the information to filter through because of those marbles rolling around in my head, ha ha. From the way it looks, the Pirates should be right there in the post season and in the hunt for another one. Good luck next year good buddy!

[#55PirateFan]

Your good 55. No problem. I think with this old timer it takes longer for the information to filter through because of those marbles rolling around in my head, ha ha. From the way it looks, the Pirates should be right there in the post season and in the hunt for another one. Good luck next year good buddy!

I know the feeling my friend. My memory is not very good anymore either, Lol. Yeah the Pirates will still be very dangerous next season. If the Pirates can find a FB that can have half the season Hensley just had to go along with QB Coleman and a Mr. Football candidate, IMO, in Isaac Dixon then the Pirate offense will continue to be it's old self.

I think the O-Line will be ok. With three starters coming back with experience and a couple more big bodies waiting to fill the gaps made by graduation, Coach Tackett will have a solid group to work with next season. He seems to always field a very good offensive line no matter what he loses. That's a testament to his coaching ability. Coach Tackett may very well be the best O-Line coach in 3A, maybe even in the state.

Defensive line is what's going to kill Belfry next year. They lost more here than anywhere else. They lose all the starters and some of their backups as well. I have know clue what their going to do here. I'm not worried at all about the offense next year as long as Dixon and Coleman can stay healthy. Defense is going to be a major problem on Pond Creek next year. But they do have Seth Mounts and Rudy Blackwell coming back and they can build around them with the talent they still have.