[jetpilot]

Considering Belfry brings in the Lion's share of the gate, haven't lost to a Pike County team in a decade, and have been the victim of the PCB's politics I would say they should break off moreso. Belfry had the game moved to SV a couple year's back, seen a significant drop in the competitiveness of the opponents, and now suffered this Franklin County debacle. Belfry has the facilities, the draw, and the ability to get the sponsors behind their game.

It is a 4.5 hour drive for Tellico Plains to Pikeville. My guess is they asked to play Saturday to account for the drive and be well rested, it was probably part of their agreement. Pikeville will always host the Saturday game. The Panthers didn't get the shaft.

So does Pikeville. Remember it's a Pikeville-based company that puts on the Pike County Bowl. Regardless, the Pike County Bowl has gone from one of the top bowls anywhere to a second or third tier bowl. Time for Pikeville (and Belfry) to move on. The Pike County Bowl only works when Pikeville and Belfry play on the same field on the same night. And I watch the games at Belfry on Friday on WYMT and it looks like the fans (with very few in the visitors' section) are as bored at the game as I am watching it on TV.