[EKUAlum05]

I think that mental advantage also favors Belfry... because the name "Louisville Central" was such a block to a lot of these boys.... the fact that it ISN'T central, regardless of it being a team that beat central, gives the Pirates more edge!

I could see it going the other way there as well.... the name "Central" wasn't a block in 2007 when a talented Belfry team lost to an underdog Central.

This Wayne team is darn good... in fact this Wayne team in any season Central won the title would give them a run for their money... playing Central may have caused Belfry to tighten up a bit because they wanted that win so bad, but it also meant they wanted it so bad that they were 100% focused on the task at hand.

It is clear form Thompson's comments that he has been playing the "Hoosiers" card to his team all season as they have chopped down Blue Blood program after blue blood program. He even referred to "David vs. Goliath" even though his team has been ranked right with Belfry all year and they are favored by the computers.... he has his team bought into being a team of destiny and "being the best by beating the best" and you can bet money they are bleeding football and community pride right now with every waking second. If Belfry doesn't respect Wayne as being the new King of 3A it could be dangerous.

The unfinished business aspect actually worries me this week. I would rather see Belfry simply focus on being the best Belfry team they can be, and the Seniors simply playing as hard as they can until the last second of their career while drinking up the memories as they prepare. Wayne County has nothing to lose... this is their first Finals and they have already cemented themselves in Monticello lure... to signify Belfry has unfinished business left is to signify that business will remain unfinished if they don't win or that the season is a failed opportunity if they dont bring home the trophy. Just go play the game for what it is and see where the chips fall when you give your best effort.