[bucslover68]

[Image: http://www.masguild.com/images/PCBWeek1.png]

My heart says Pirates by 2 TD's in this one (Sorry Granny). However after the PCB there are a ton of unanswered questions.

While we saw a Pirate team that was smooth, quick and talented that made few mistakes we are left wondering. Was Henry Clay overconfident, over-hyped, tired from the long ride and game-time delay? This early in the year we don't normally see a Belfry team as mistake free as they were Friday night. The Pirates looked to be in mid-season form on day 1 of the regular season, this is both scary and exciting.

If the Black Bears get up on the Pirates do they have that motivational leader that Sani was (ala down big to Pike Central last year).

Last years team had the identity of a second half team with a kid who never gave up under center. This years team is still finding its identity but if Fridays dominance was any indication of what that identity is going to be then this could be a very, very fun season for Pirate fans.

Belfry - 27
Harlan Co - 14

Good analysis. I think we all have to slow down and realize a lot of football is to be played. This was just one game. Larkey is old school just like Haywood and he will have a good game plan. Belfry's biggest hurdle will be complacency. Having people "crown" you after one game is dangerous. Haywood and the staff will preach staying grounded and getting better each day, but kids are kids and they like to have that "swag" so we will see. Some of my other thoughts after the Henry Clay game.
-Henry Clay was ultra athletic, but they need an identity. Why pass if you are having success running? Spread teams sometime don't know who they are because they mix in the run and the pass a lot. Balance is great, but if you are gashing a defense on the ground,why raise up and throw in relatively short yardage situations?
-Did anything concern me about Belfry? Yes. The fact they looked so good so early. Will this week be a repeat or will they come back down to Earth? I think they need a good test from Harlan County with some adversity thrown their way. Adversity causes teams to focus and keeps the egos in check.
-This is potentially the deepest Belfry team I have seen. 9-10 offensive lineman rotated in and out with no noticeable drop off in production. 3 fullbacks were used by the second quarter including freshman Derek Wellman...they never missed a beat. Austin Hall gives more depth at HB and it's needed with Catron out.
-Nate Sanger at LB is much improved. This gives Hatfield a chance to rest and if Belfry wants to go small, they brought in Hatfield at LB and moved Sanger to nose in place of Whitt.
-Kaleb Edwards gave great run support from a safety position.
-Will be interesting to see if another CB is groomed to give Keaton Taylor some rest on D.
-The two (for all you haters ) transfers didn't start, but both played well. Joplin at HB and Corbett at WR.
-Update from Catron's Dr. visit. No surgery required on collarbone. Recheck in 4 weeks and a 6 week timetable to return.