[Hoot Gibson]

How did Bell and Boyle beat JC, and what must they do to avoid that from happening against a team that is slightly below their caliber?

JMO, but I think that Bell wore down some of JC's players by throwing long early and often, forcing J. K. Hall to chase receivers toward the end zone. Johnson Central lost a lot of players from its line last season and they have improved greatly over the course of the season. Bell was big and physical and they also have plenty of speed. IMO, Bell may be the best team in the state. The game probably would have been closer if it had been played in Paintsville but Bell County was definitely the better team at that point in the season.

Boyle County is a very solid team and Johnson Central gave them a very good game early in the season on a neutral field that was a long way from home. If a few more breaks had gone their way, JC played well enough to win the game.

If JC avoids getting burned by Highlands' long passing game, I think that they have a great shot of winning. The team showed against CovCath that they are in great condition, so I don't think fatigue will be as much a factor as it was against Highlands last season.

I expect that Johnson Central will challenge Highlands to stop J. J. Jude early, just as they did CovCath. If they can't, then Highlands better hope that their offense can keep up. If Highlands does stop Jude early, then I think that you will see Hall and Bratton carrying the ball much more than they did against CovCath. Bratton and Ousley will soften up the middle of Highlands' defense and Jude will eventually find some holes if they are not there for him early.

At least, that is what my crystal ball says. :biggrin: