[Leonidas]

It wouldnt surprise me to see Bourbon back in the Semi's... Belfry's district will be stout next year as both Lawrence County and Pike Central should have Top 10 caliber teams, but aside from them I don't see the Eastern Semi-State being any better. Hopefully Holman returns 100%..he's a heckuva back.


I am in the minority I think and will probably take heat when I say this, but I think Belfry takes a step back next year before a string of really dominant teams. I still think Belfry will be the prohibitive favorite in the East again as they have some nice pieces returning and the defense should be stout. With that said, it is difficult enough to lose guys J. Johnson, Carr, Dari, Duty, and C. Johnson, Barnes, Bostic, and Nelson (If I miss someone I apologize).. but losing Hayden Hatfield on defense and Sani both ways are massive blows.

No matter what you do at QB you are going to have a significant drop-off in some fashion... Keaton Taylor is he best suited and would do a good job.. but then you take away a major threat at WR while still giving up a little at QB. On Defense Warren is a 4 year starter at CB as well. Belfry can always plug in new talent in the backfield but this was an especially talented group with a ton of experience. A. Hatfield ideally doesn't have to play both ways, but we saw how vital he is to the defense... and when you lose 3 HB's and your best returning HB has to recover from an ACL injury I simply see Belfry having some issues.

H. Hatfield was the heart of the Belfry defense and really gave them their identity. Belfry has did a good job of recycling quick DT's and Horton will be a stud on the other side, but you lose a lot when Hatfield leaves. Simply put I can't look at a specific aspect of Belfry next year and say "that will b tough for teams to overcome".. the Oline will probably be the closest thing to that with Macky Francis leading a very talented group who improved significantly.

Belfry will still be a Top 5 team in 3A to open the year... but I think the door is open a bit if a team like Bourbon, Pike Central, Lawrence County, or even Mason County can catch lightning in a bottle this off-season and really buy in.

I think you'll be surprised as to how well this Pirate team will mesh next year, but I do think the year following will be a special, special year.