[AtlPirateFan]

I will never pick against the Pirates, ever.

However I will be honest. In the last 15+ years there are 3 teams I fear in the playoffs each year. Russell, Breathitt County, and Sheldon Clark

While other teams have eliminated us in the past P-Berg almost makes that list. The three teams on the list however I consider to be our Playoff Rivals. No matter the year, no matter the records when Belfry meets one of these three in the Playoffs it's a dangerous game. All three teams bring their "A" game 95% of the time against Big Red and it can go in any direction. Breathitt is always a dangerous foe we have beat them as the underdog and they have beaten us as an underdog and vice versa.

Last years Pirates team overachieved this is a very agreed upon fact and the win over Somerset was amazing. They were young and had ball control issues which showed in the State title, this year literally the same team comes back, they control the ball and they play hard nosed football. I think they win tonights game by 7+ late, but Breathitt will lead and will give us some scares.

We can beat anyone in state when we are at 110% and for the next few weeks thats where the boys need to be. Hopefully life distractions can be set aside for the next month and these boys can focus on the task at hand.

The real Playoffs begin tonight.

Feeling good about that earlier prediction.