[EKUAlum05]

As for Pike Central vs. Pikeville.

Pike Central is in the midst of the single greatest run of their program's history. Chapman has done a fantastic (albeit a bit controversial) job of turning that program around. Interest has never been higher and I will go as far as to say they have been the 2nd best team in Pike County the past two years.

With that said, until Pike Central proves they can consistently compete on the State level and for a championship, or until they actually prove they can compete with Belfry or Pikeville for an extended period of time, they are not worthy of the headliner role. Shelby Valley had a couple very good teams...including the Dusty Hall team.. that were hot in a hurry. All it took was one coaching turnover or one wave of kids to graduate before that was all gone.

Once you remove Pikeville from the headliner the damage is done and the sanctity further compromised. What if Holcomb retires and Chapman goes back to Breathitt next year? History would suggest PC would not continue their positive growth. Whereas with Pikeville, even during the darkest point of the program's history, they still are a name that draws and a name known across the state.

On a side note, if I were Pike Central I would prefer the bowl go back to the old way. As it stands PC is forced to play either Phelps, ER, or SV instead of having the freedom to schedule a better opponent. What does Phelps help PC accomplish this season, especially since they only have 9 scheduled games as it stands? If I were PC I'd much rather get a free share of the gate and go out and play a competitive team of my choosing instead.