[BellCoFaithful]

Central wins this category. Central has a handful of future D-1 recruits dotted throughout their lineup, specifically at LB. Bell can win the battle in the trenches...where it becomes tricky is once you get to the second levels and outside the tackle boxes.

The thing that has killed Belfry in their two games with Central has been turnovers. I know this is standard issue, but Central is lethal at quick change points. You throw an INT....they return it for a TD. You fumble, they score a TD on the next play. You are driving to make the score 21-17 then all of a sudden you look up and it is 28-10. Then you fumble and suddenly it is 35-10 and you are in a world of trouble. Prime example is the 2007 Finals.

Belfry is up 10-7 and intercept Central and return it into Yellowjacket territory with 11 seconds remaining in the half. Instead of going into the locker room, Belfry takes a deep shot and the QB's arm is hit as he throws. Central intercepts it and returns it 76 yards for a TD as the Half expires. Central goes into the locker room with momentum, they receive to open the 2nd Half.. a handful of plays later Stephon Robinson gets behind the defense for a TD. Belfry suddenly trails 21-10 and were forced to play catch up.

Mountain fans likes to brag about how hard they hit, how they play smashmouth football, and so on.... Central will straight up pop you and match your physicality. They are very good at creating turnovers, and even better at riding momentum. If Bell, Belfry, or Breathitt hope to have any chance against team you better protect the football.

I agree with you completely. I'm not in the least little bit delusional about what Central is bringing to the table, They're roster is certainly scattered with kids with a future on Saturdays, But this wont be the first time Bell has lined up across from a team like that. What ever Bell poster is saying that Bell will handily beat Central has lost his mind. Every player I've talked to seems the say the same things "It'll be tough, We'll have to play a perfect game, I think we can hang with them and win it". Key will definitely be the supporting casts, and turnovers. And you're right about Centrals second and third lines of defense, solid tacklers. Bell has been known to not worry about the second or third lines of defense though, Pick up 3-4 yards a carry and drain the clock. I think that's what it'll take for bell to win, Clock management and no costly turnovers.