[EKUAlum05]

Didn't expect to pull up BGR and see the discussion of this game go the way it did, my thoughts:

1. First and foremost I was very pleased with the Belfry performance.Anyone who knows me knows my bias goes towards Belfry, but at the same time I have no problem calling a spade a spade. After the Pburg game I was convinced that Belfry's goals be set for a regional championship and building towards the great talent that will ultimately put them at an elite level in 2-3 years. I am slowly, but surely, gaining confidence in this team and starting to see potential for a "special" kind of run.

After Pburg they were a "bad, young team". After CHC they were a "below average young team". Friday they simply played like a "young team".

2. The one thought that I simply cannot get out of my mind is the fact that with the exception of Louisville Central, Belfry will not see a better offensive team in 3A football. Ashland was balanced, diverse, and explosive on offense. The bad news is Ashland moved the ball all over the field on Belfry.

3. Surprised there isn't much more mention of Belfry's passing game. I told my dad that everyone has penciled in Sani Warren as the QB and it is only a matter of time... but I am starting to see more and more that Tyler Williams is not going to give up his spot without a fight. That kid is getting better and better every game, and Belfry's young talent is proving they can catch a football. Pretty solid foundation to build off knowing the majority of the paties involved will be around for two more seasons after this one.

4. When Coach Hart was hired at Ashland I was a bit luke warm to where he would lead their program along with his assistants on staff. This is the most balanced and dangerous Tomcat team on offense I have seen in 10 years. The coaches called a beautiful game. What will make or break Ashland is their defense. I truly think JCHS is very suspect against a balanced offense, but as of right now Ashland does not have the defense, in particular at LB, to stop JC's ground game.

5. Letcher Central/Belfry will really tell us alot about where this Pirate team is.

6. I don't want to further this entire officiating debate so I will keep it short and sweet. The missed offensive pass intereference on the Ashland TD pass was HORRIBLE... but Belfry had 2 or 3 runs where they blatantly got by with holding calls. Officiating cost noone the game, but my goodness it is hard to fathom how some of those calls were missed going both ways.