[AtlPirateFan]

This game was much better and closer than the score indicates. Yes Ashland put a two TD win on the record books. However a few things happened in this game that real football and Belfry fans needed to see.

First off both teams lost the top running backs on their depth charts. Belfry at that was point was reeling trying to figure out personnel.

Ashland jumped to an early 14-0 lead by throwing the ball, they didn't expect it because of Baker but after he got knocked out of the game Belfry shut down the run except for one play later. It was something the Pirates had not been tested with all year and they had to adjust. Which they were able to do later in the game.

Secondly the Pirates had to get more of a passing attack going with their starters. Another thing that blowout wins have not allowed this season. After weeks of playing a quarter or a half the starters played a full 4 quarters and were much fresher than Ashland was late in the game. Ashland cramps were the likely momentum killer that stopped the Belfry comeback.

The Pirates came back and had a chance to tie the game 21-21 with very little time left but missed a crucial extra point. Down 21-20 with 1 TO and roughly 3:30 left in the game the Pirates allowed the only good Ashland run of the night and Ashland (could have been foolishly) took it to the house instead of downing it after the first down.

Belfry gets the ball back, down 8 but not out of it yet and begin to drive and it starts to look like it could be a great drive. The Pirates were giving it everything they had in them and it cost them on a penalty call that brought them back. Deflated from the call the Pirates allowed the Ashland D to swarm Sani Warren who fumbled the ball and Ashland took it to the house on the recovery.

Belfry showed all night they can adjust. They showed they are deep and that passing is a valid option. They showed they can play all 4 quarters and not be winded. They also showed they need to work on the passing D as well as special teams (always a weak unit)

This game was only 2-3 plays from having a different outcome. I hate to see Belfry lose, but there is a reason Haywood is the all time wins leader; you gave him a week and let him analyze this tape and they played this game again next week it would be a different ballgame.

This was heck of a football game, it had it all, and it by no means has me scared come playoff time.