[EKUAlum05]

A day after and after watching the replay a few thoughts:

1. Central's LB's are phenomenal talents to be so young. Francis was EVERYWHERE and on at least 3 occasions Belfry had him isolated 1 on 1 with their RB's in space and he was able to make the tackle. The 2007/2008 team with Patterson and Wilson were special and big time prospects, but I think the combo of Styles/Francis will be a better HS tandem by the time they are through.

2. Not intending to make an excuse, but the late hit call on Central's final scoring drive was an absolutely horrendous call after seeing the replay. Milliken clearly was the one who initiated the contact, and even then it was as he was going out of bounds. What makes it worse was when Belfry had the ball after the blocked punt and Messer gets hit going out of bounds it was at the very least an equally deserving call. Had that call been made Belfry would have 1st and 10 at the C16 and had a very legitimate shot at a FG. Do I feel the hit on Messer deserved a flag on its own merits? No. Do I feel the flag on the Milliken play lost the game? No.

3. Can't get over how well Milliken played. He has always been in the shadow of Wales, ut he stepped up yesterday and won that game. Putting the gorgeous TD pass aside, he kept numerous plays alive with his feet and his QB draw on their scoring drive was huge. All 15 points were thanks to Milliken.

4. Speaking of which, hats off to Ty Scroggins for his coaching yesterday. The Flea Flicker was an awesome call to open the game as you could tell the Pirate D was dialed into the run. The Field Goal it created proved to be the difference. He also showed his merit in his ability to switch to the short passing game when Belfry was owning Cox and their running game. Once Belfry was creating issues with their passing game he brought the scatback Howard in and was able to get nice yardage and open the passing game back up. He continues to prove to me that he is on the short list of the State's Top Coaches.

5. The end of the game is what football is all about with the sportsmanship and respect showed after both teams beat the brains out of each other all afternoon.