[Bull got out!]

Prestonsburg will travel to Middlesboro this Friday. 

Prestonsburg (8-2)
Aug 19, 22 Betsy Layne home (W) 28 - 25
Aug 26, 22 Magoffin County away (W) 26 - 18 
Sep 2, 22 Phelps away (W) 50 - 14 
Sep 9, 22 Powell County away (W) 42 - 26 
Sep 16, 22 Floyd Central home (W) 33 - 28 
Sep 23, 22 East Ridge away (W) 42 - 36 
Sep 30, 22 Shelby Valley home (L) 21 - 68 
Oct 7, 22 West Carter away (W) 38 - 14 
Oct 14, 22 Bath County home (W) 51 - 8 
Oct 21, 22 Martin County home (L) 20 - 27


Middlesboro (6-3)
Aug 19, 22 Hazard away (L) 24 - 42 
Aug 26, 22 Williamsburg away (L) 21 - 22 
Sep 2, 22 Garrard County home (W) 49 - 26 
Sep 9, 22 Lynn Camp away (W) 57 - 0 
Sep 16, 22 Harlan home (W) 21 - 20 
Sep 23, 22 Morgan County away (W) 48 - 0 Sorghum Bowl 
Sep 30, 22 Breathitt County away (L) 0 - 20 
Oct 7, 22 Leslie County home (W) 47 - 21 
Oct 28, 22 Pineville home (W) 41 - 38


Thoughts?

[Coach00]

If blackcats stop the run which they have had trouble with they will win it going down to the final second

[64SUR]

Expect this game to be close in first half
Middlesboro 21
Prestonsburg 20

Second half
Middlesboro 40
Prestonsburg 20
Final

[papabear02]

If records won games then Prestonsburg takes the win.

Middlesboro 44
Pburg 28

[BlackcatAlum]

Middlesboro is lead by their junior quarterback, Cayden Grigsby. He's a legit duel threat quarterback that has combined for nearly 2000 yards of offense in only 8 games. His favorite weapon to throw to is wideout, Kamron Wilson, who has nice size and great hands. He's their deep ball and jump ball weapon. Running back Vincent Smith is also very talented for M'boro. He knows his role and does it well. On defense they have a absolute stud at OLB. His name is Tyler Sturgill and he's someone that'll be all over the field looking to make the big play. His film is very impressive. M'boro's offensive line is very impressive as well. Very good team all the way around, which is expected under legendary head coach, Larry French.

I believe Prestonsburg has the advantage in the trenches in this matchup, which is good for Ethan jarvis. He hasn't really been slowed down once this season, so I expect him to have a big game. Key for Prestonsburg's offense is gonna be taking care of the ball. They've been excellent all season, but turnovers have been back breakers in the two losses this season. Got to take care of the football because Middlesboro plays aggressive and tries to strip the ball.

I look for Gavin Stephens to have a lot of opportunities to make some big time plays in the backfield for the Blackcat defense. He has 21 tackles for loss on the season and 9 sacks. So Middlesboro has to prepare for the pressure he can bring. I really hope the Pburg staff puts Elliott on Wilson. I think he is probably the only one who can cover him 1v1, because Middlesboro likes taking shots to him. Prestonsburg hasn't had to rely on Elliott very much defensively this season, but they'll have to in this game.

I think the game will be back and forth and will come down to the final minutes, maybe even to who has the ball last. I think both teams are very evenly matched. Should be one of the best games all across Kentucky this Friday night.

I'm taking my Blackcats by 6. Go Blackcats!!!

[BlackcatAlum]

If records won games then Prestonsburg takes the win. 

Middlesboro 44
Pburg 28

Schedule has been toughed up for 2023 by replacing Magoffin with Paintsville.

[TheStickyBandit]

Boro by a few scores. 

Boro- 35
Pburg-14

[BlackcatPride32]

This has potential to be the closest 1st round matchup. I really wish this was at PBurg as I dread the drive, but I do think that’s a beautiful trip down.

PBurg has to play defense like they did 2 weeks ago vs Martin County. Gavin Stephens and Brayden Goble on the edges seemed to win their matchups a lot against a very physical MC OL. We also can’t afford to play offense like we did in the first half. In 4 down territory, there’s no need to not trust Ethan Jarvis to get you 10 yards. That kid is an animal.

Grigsby and Smith are a very talented backfield though. Middlesboro can score in a variety of ways, but it’s mainly gonna be those 2. Grigsby is a special player. His film has been very exciting (and terrifying from my POV) to break down. He is a player that can carry this team on his back. Coach French is someone I’ve got to mention. He’s an absolute legend so I know Middlesboro will be ready.

If PBurg can come off the bus ready to play, then I think we have the talent to win. If we come out flat and can’t score in the first half, I worry that Coach French will coast to a victory in the 2nd half.

Cats win by 7.

[Gitback Coach]

Two pretty evenly matched squads, but the game is in the Crater...and Larry French is on the sideline.

MHS - 35
PHS - 27

[Johnny Boy]

If records won games then Prestonsburg takes the win. 

Middlesboro 44
Pburg 28

Good luck Blackcats! Haters gonna hate! One thing is for sure. Magoffin won’t be playing next week!

[wolfcat]

Has potential to be a good game. Grigsby is special when running the ball.Prestonsburg weak schedule will come back to bite them. They just aren't accustomed to some of the athletes Middlesboro has

I'll go 45-28 Jackets.

[BCF4L]

If records won games then Prestonsburg takes the win. 

Middlesboro 44
Pburg 28

Somebody is still butthurt sounds like. If it wasn’t for prior administration, Prestonsburg wouldn’t have to water down a schedule to get wins. But thanks to that crew for setting Prestonsburg athletics and academics back 20 years.

[The Scoop]

Took Middlesboro in "Pick-Em" and I wanted to say P-burg on the thread but I just can't. If Middlesboro is able to slow down Jarvis and Elliot on offense and then basically just account for Stephens on defense they will be fine.

[papabear02]

If records won games then Prestonsburg takes the win. 

Middlesboro 44
Pburg 28

Good luck Blackcats! Haters gonna hate! One thing is for sure. Magoffin won’t be playing next week!

I agree. Magoffin has struggled, and will be playing basketball soon.

---

If records won games then Prestonsburg takes the win. 

Middlesboro 44
Pburg 28

Schedule has been toughed up for 2023 by replacing Magoffin with Paintsville.

That’s great. Better competition for them.

[Corbin]

15-20 years ago, this would be one of the most exciting sounding games in the state. Both have respectable teams and it should be a good game but I’d love to see them get back to the blackcats and yellow jackets of old. Football is better when these tradition schools are rolling.

[watcher]

Should be the best first round game in the mountains. With one of the best and most respected coaches in the history of high school football (Larry French) I give a slight edge to Middlesboro. Grigsby is for sure a special player. How come Grigsby has only played in eight games? Good luck to both teams!

[tazcat]

Should be the best first round game in the mountains.  With one of the best and most respected coaches in the history of high school football (Larry French) I give a slight edge to Middlesboro.  Grigsby is for sure a special player.  How come Grigsby has only played in eight games?  Good luck to both teams!

Grigsby has only played in 8 games because he suffered a Concussion and didn't play against Breathitt Co this year.  And also Knott County didnt come to the Boro to play even though they are in Boro district.  So Middlesboro only had 9 games.

As for how this game will go....who knows.  I know Prestonsburg always has a good team but I also know they have not been what they once were and neither has Middlesboro except for last year.  Grigsby is the main threat for the Jackets.  Shut him down and its curtains, but thats easier said than done he is really good.  Ive been to Prestonsburg and its a long drive from Middlesboro to Prestonsburg and that may help the Jackets.  I dont really think either teams districts are all that different or all that strong.  Breathitt on our side and Shelby Valley on theirs.  Overall I think these 2 teams have played the same caliber opponents for the most part.  I. That said I will take Middlesboro by 3 or 4 just because of home field.  I think it has the potential to be one of the best 1st round games in the state.  We will see.

---

15-20 years ago, this would be one of the most exciting sounding games in the state. Both have respectable teams and it should be a good game but I’d love to see them get back to the blackcats and yellow jackets of old. Football is better when these tradition schools are rolling.

I agree and I guess by your name you are a Corbin fan.  I'm old enough to remember when Middlesboro and Corbin were in the same district in 2A and had some absolute wars.  Middlesboro and Corbin was a huge rivalry.  But unfortunately with Mines closing here in the Boro and loss of jobs and lots of other things I just won't mention here I dont really think Middlesboro is gonna be at that elite level all that often, especially where Corbin is today.  Sure Middlesboro made the State Semis last yr but all the covid returning 5th yr players that stayed was the reason for that IMO.  French changed the culture some but Switching to the current district and not playing Bell County and other big schools we were playing also helped with that.  The days of Middlesboro having the caliber teams from the 80s and 90s are long gone im afraid.  Its just different here in the crater these days.  Sad but true.  For Prestonsburg I have no idea but thats the Middlesboro state of things.  I would like to see it get back to what it was too but its not going too.  Sure will have some good teams but it won't be like it used to be.

[Blackcat 4 Life]

I dread the drive to Middlesboro and that is a disadvantage in itself. Other than the drive, I feel like both teams are pretty evenly matched. The key for Prestonsburg will be containing Grigsby, and the key for Middlesboro will be containing Jarvis. Also, Prestonsburg can not turn the ball over, if they turn the ball over against Middlesboro, they could be in for a long night. Once again, Prestonsburg's QB is going to have to make some plays, if the Blackcats are going to win this game. I heard that Little is out for this game, and if this is true, this really hurts the Blackcats on both sides of the ball. Also, our defense will have to be able to tackle their playmakers out in space, because they have some athletes who are creative. Most importantly, Middlesboro has always been a tough place to play, and we can't allow ourselves to get down as we did in the Martin County game. We need to come out and steal the momentum early, and make them play from behind. All and all, I look for this game to go down to the wire, and who ever has the ball last, could very well win and move on to the second round. Hail Blackcats!

---

If records won games then Prestonsburg takes the win. 

Middlesboro 44
Pburg 28

Schedule has been toughed up for 2023 by replacing Magoffin with Paintsville.

;)

You know better than BlackcatAlum. If we were truly wanting to "toughen up our schedule", we would start with Phelps, Powell, Floyd Central, and Betsy Layne. Brewer and the Administration don't want a part of Coach D and Magoffin County over the next couple of years. We are going to be down, and Magoffin gets the majority of their team back next year. I'm glad Paintsville is back on the schedule, but I would have left Magoffin on our schedule, because they will be the more competitive than any of the above teams that I mentioned and the rivalry is great for both programs. That's just my opinion.

[Corbin]

Should be the best first round game in the mountains.  With one of the best and most respected coaches in the history of high school football (Larry French) I give a slight edge to Middlesboro.  Grigsby is for sure a special player.  How come Grigsby has only played in eight games?  Good luck to both teams!

Grigsby has only played in 8 games because he suffered a Concussion and didn't play against Breathitt Co this year.  And also Knott County didnt come to the Boro to play even though they are in Boro district.  So Middlesboro only had 9 games.

As for how this game will go....who knows.  I know Prestonsburg always has a good team but I also know they have not been what they once were and neither has Middlesboro except for last year.  Grigsby is the main threat for the Jackets.  Shut him down and its curtains, but thats easier said than done he is really good.  Ive been to Prestonsburg and its a long drive from Middlesboro to Prestonsburg and that may help the Jackets.  I dont really think either teams districts are all that different or all that strong.  Breathitt on our side and Shelby Valley on theirs.  Overall I think these 2 teams have played the same caliber opponents for the most part.  I. That said I will take Middlesboro by 3 or 4 just because of home field.  I think it has the potential to be one of the best 1st round games in the state.  We will see.

---

15-20 years ago, this would be one of the most exciting sounding games in the state. Both have respectable teams and it should be a good game but I’d love to see them get back to the blackcats and yellow jackets of old. Football is better when these tradition schools are rolling.

I agree and I guess by your name you are a Corbin fan.  I'm old enough to remember when Middlesboro and Corbin were in the same district in 2A and had some absolute wars.  Middlesboro and Corbin was a huge rivalry.  But unfortunately with Mines closing here in the Boro and loss of jobs and lots of other things I just won't mention here I dont really think Middlesboro is gonna be at that elite level all that often, especially where Corbin is today.  Sure Middlesboro made the State Semis last yr but all the covid returning 5th yr players that stayed was the reason for that IMO.  French changed the culture some but Switching to the current district and not playing Bell County and other big schools we were playing also helped with that.  The days of Middlesboro having the caliber teams from the 80s and 90s are long gone im afraid.  Its just different here in the crater these days.  Sad but true.  For Prestonsburg I have no idea but thats the Middlesboro state of things.  I would like to see it get back to what it was too but its not going too.  Sure will have some good teams but it won't be like it used to be.

I sure hope it gets back. The Jackets were always a huge rival but I've always respected them as a program. Just something about that yellow and black that got you fired up for football.

[BlackcatAlum]

---

If records won games then Prestonsburg takes the win. 

Middlesboro 44
Pburg 28

Schedule has been toughed up for 2023 by replacing Magoffin with Paintsville.

You know better than BlackcatAlum. If we were truly wanting to "toughen up our schedule", we would start with Phelps, Powell, Floyd Central, and Betsy Layne. Brewer and the Administration don't want a part of Coach D and Magoffin County over the next couple of years. We are going to be down, and Magoffin gets the majority of their team back next year. I'm glad Paintsville is back on the schedule, but I would have left Magoffin on our schedule, because they will be the more competitive than any of the above teams that I mentioned and the rivalry is great for both programs. That's just my opinion.

I was only messing papabear. 

Powell is Brewer’s alma mater, so idk if they’ll be taken off the schedule or not. I also don’t see Betsy Layne being a county rival removed either. Phelps is really the only opponent Prestonsburg needs to replace. Haven’t heard whether they have yet or not, but I know Magoffin wasn’t renewed and that game has been replaced with Paintsville. Paintsville will draw a gate and is a rival historically. Only ones who care about the Magoffin matchup is the Magoffin staff and their family and friends. Prestonsburg needs to move on from the past. Coach Derossett is a great coach and a honorable man that’s always been great to me and I’m thankful for him. But I think it’s important that Pburg moves forward. I’m sure the two staffs can maybe work something back out in the future.

[Blackcat 4 Life]

---

If records won games then Prestonsburg takes the win. 

Middlesboro 44
Pburg 28

Schedule has been toughed up for 2023 by replacing Magoffin with Paintsville.

You know better than BlackcatAlum. If we were truly wanting to "toughen up our schedule", we would start with Phelps, Powell, Floyd Central, and Betsy Layne. Brewer and the Administration don't want a part of Coach D and Magoffin County over the next couple of years. We are going to be down, and Magoffin gets the majority of their team back next year. I'm glad Paintsville is back on the schedule, but I would have left Magoffin on our schedule, because they will be the more competitive than any of the above teams that I mentioned and the rivalry is great for both programs. That's just my opinion.

I was only messing papabear. 

Powell is Brewer’s alma mater, so idk if they’ll be taken off the schedule or not. I also don’t see Betsy Layne being a county rival removed either. Phelps is really the only opponent Prestonsburg needs to replace. Haven’t heard whether they have yet or not, but I know Magoffin wasn’t renewed and that game has been replaced with Paintsville. Paintsville will draw a gate and is a rival historically. Only ones who care about the Magoffin matchup is the Magoffin staff and their family and friends. Prestonsburg needs to move on from the past. Coach Derossett is a great coach and a honorable man that’s always been great to me and I’m thankful for him. But I think it’s important that Pburg moves forward. I’m sure the two staffs can maybe work something back out in the future.

Personally, I am glad to see Paintsville back on the schedule. I'm happy to see both programs have "ironed things out". I know there was a lot of bad blood between the two programs over transfers and other issues. I don't know, but I think people in Prestonsburg like the new rivalry with Magoffin. A lot of people want to beat the old ball coach, and it was evident with the number of Blackcat fans who were at Magoffin this year. I didn't get to attend, but I heard we had twice as many fans there as Magoffin. I don't know, I just feel like rivalries make games more exciting. Adding Paintsville is a step in the right direction, hopefully we can drop Phelps and add a quality opponent.

[BlackcatAlum]

---

If records won games then Prestonsburg takes the win. 

Middlesboro 44
Pburg 28

Schedule has been toughed up for 2023 by replacing Magoffin with Paintsville.

You know better than BlackcatAlum. If we were truly wanting to "toughen up our schedule", we would start with Phelps, Powell, Floyd Central, and Betsy Layne. Brewer and the Administration don't want a part of Coach D and Magoffin County over the next couple of years. We are going to be down, and Magoffin gets the majority of their team back next year. I'm glad Paintsville is back on the schedule, but I would have left Magoffin on our schedule, because they will be the more competitive than any of the above teams that I mentioned and the rivalry is great for both programs. That's just my opinion.

I was only messing papabear. 

Powell is Brewer’s alma mater, so idk if they’ll be taken off the schedule or not. I also don’t see Betsy Layne being a county rival removed either. Phelps is really the only opponent Prestonsburg needs to replace. Haven’t heard whether they have yet or not, but I know Magoffin wasn’t renewed and that game has been replaced with Paintsville. Paintsville will draw a gate and is a rival historically. Only ones who care about the Magoffin matchup is the Magoffin staff and their family and friends. Prestonsburg needs to move on from the past. Coach Derossett is a great coach and a honorable man that’s always been great to me and I’m thankful for him. But I think it’s important that Pburg moves forward. I’m sure the two staffs can maybe work something back out in the future.

Personally, I am glad to see Paintsville back on the schedule. I'm happy to see both programs have "ironed things out". I know there was a lot of bad blood between the two programs over transfers and other issues. I don't know, but I think people in Prestonsburg like the new rivalry with Magoffin. A lot of people want to beat the old ball coach, and it was evident with the number of Blackcat fans who were at Magoffin this year. I didn't get to attend, but I heard we had twice as many fans there as Magoffin. I don't know, I just feel like rivalries make games more exciting. Adding Paintsville is a step in the right direction, hopefully we can drop Phelps and add a quality opponent.

I see what you’re saying, but that matchup between Magoffin and Prestonsburg really does nothing for the PHS football program but give the doubters and haters something to look forward to and if Prestonsburg loses it’ll be made out to be a bigger thing than what it should be. 

So again, it’s best Prestonsburg moves forward from it and maybe revisits it in the future. Because I would like to see coach Derossett welcomed back to Prestonsburg and honored one day. I think he definitely deserves that.

[4QtrGrit]

Middlesboro - 38
Prestonsburg - 24

If Pburg can come up with a way to stop the run game, they have a shot.

[Old School Hound]

15-20 years ago, this would be one of the most exciting sounding games in the state. Both have respectable teams and it should be a good game but I’d love to see them get back to the blackcats and yellow jackets of old. Football is better when these tradition schools are rolling.

There was NOTHING like Corbin-Middleboro back in the day.

[TheStickyBandit]

P-burg did a pretty good job of stopping martin county run game.

[Old School Hound]

Should be the best first round game in the mountains.  With one of the best and most respected coaches in the history of high school football (Larry French) I give a slight edge to Middlesboro.  Grigsby is for sure a special player.  How come Grigsby has only played in eight games?  Good luck to both teams!

Grigsby has only played in 8 games because he suffered a Concussion and didn't play against Breathitt Co this year.  And also Knott County didnt come to the Boro to play even though they are in Boro district.  So Middlesboro only had 9 games.

As for how this game will go....who knows.  I know Prestonsburg always has a good team but I also know they have not been what they once were and neither has Middlesboro except for last year.  Grigsby is the main threat for the Jackets.  Shut him down and its curtains, but thats easier said than done he is really good.  Ive been to Prestonsburg and its a long drive from Middlesboro to Prestonsburg and that may help the Jackets.  I dont really think either teams districts are all that different or all that strong.  Breathitt on our side and Shelby Valley on theirs.  Overall I think these 2 teams have played the same caliber opponents for the most part.  I. That said I will take Middlesboro by 3 or 4 just because of home field.  I think it has the potential to be one of the best 1st round games in the state.  We will see.

---

15-20 years ago, this would be one of the most exciting sounding games in the state. Both have respectable teams and it should be a good game but I’d love to see them get back to the blackcats and yellow jackets of old. Football is better when these tradition schools are rolling.

I agree and I guess by your name you are a Corbin fan.  I'm old enough to remember when Middlesboro and Corbin were in the same district in 2A and had some absolute wars.  Middlesboro and Corbin was a huge rivalry.  But unfortunately with Mines closing here in the Boro and loss of jobs and lots of other things I just won't mention here I dont really think Middlesboro is gonna be at that elite level all that often, especially where Corbin is today.  Sure Middlesboro made the State Semis last yr but all the covid returning 5th yr players that stayed was the reason for that IMO.  French changed the culture some but Switching to the current district and not playing Bell County and other big schools we were playing also helped with that.  The days of Middlesboro having the caliber teams from the 80s and 90s are long gone im afraid.  Its just different here in the crater these days.  Sad but true.  For Prestonsburg I have no idea but thats the Middlesboro state of things.  I would like to see it get back to what it was too but its not going too.  Sure will have some good teams but it won't be like it used to be.

I sure hope it gets back. The Jackets were always a huge rival but I've always respected them as a program. Just something about that yellow and black that got you fired up for football.

There was nothing like Corbin-Middlesboro. NOTHING. They always played the last game of the season and the loser of that game was done for the year. HUGE rivalry. I miss it. As I've mentioned before, Middlesboro and Corbin were two of the best teams in the state in 1976. It's a shame both couldn't have advanced to the playoffs that year.