[EKUAlum05]

Starting to get a little worried about this one.

Everything on paper screams Belfry, but my fear is LC has just enough weapons to make this an ugly kind of game at home.

- Belfry isn't exactly their most healthy and I wouldn't be surprised to see them missing either Willis or Edwards at the other HB spot. That is a paper thin backfield.

- Even in the win last week Belfry continues the tradition of taking big plays off the board with unnecessary penalties. Willis had two nice runs erased by a penalty that had no bearing on the play, the Pirates also had a pair of false starts that could have loomed huge which they overcame. Between the Pikeville, Southwestern, and CAK games Belfry has probably removed nearly 300 rushing yards from penalties alone.

- LC believes they can/will win. The regular season game last year looms in their head and they felt like they laid an egg in the playoffs. Having Belfry at home makes this a game they have been looking forward to and building since their season ended. Seeing Pikeville give the blueprint on how to beat Belfry only reinforced that.

- LC actually has the size to negate Belfry's biggest advantage. I don't think LC's line is as good either way, but usually Belfry can steamroll or overpower teams... LC's size should minimize that.

- Dalton, if focused, is a tough match-up for Belfry at WR. He has hurt them before and his height makes him a mis-match. When he is focused he is one of the better WR's in EKY, I expect him to be focused.

My fear is a game where Belfry scores early and easily and lose their edge. They kill drives or big plays with penalties. A mistimed turnover or two. Special teams miscues that cost field position, coupled with LC bringing the fight defensively and taking away some things Belfry does well. I see no scenario where LC moves the ball up and down the field on Belfry, but what scares me is a short field due to what I just hit on... an isolated big play or two... mixed with a lone drive where LC gets everything to click.


Now I don't want to seem all gloom and doom or insinuate I think LC is going to win. As I said everything on paper screams Belfry and I literally can't see Belfry losing if LC doesn't play a game that they have yet to show this year. Belfry has the advantage in essentially every box you can check and even with a skeleton crew in the backfield has more speed and playmakers than LC should be able to withstand.

What I will say though is Belfry needs to take care of business all week and focus solely that this is essentially for the District Title and anything less than 4 Quarters of their best ball will not cut it. If the offense can score 3 times I feel good. Not sure LC will be able to put up 3 TD's..and even if they do not sure they will be able to make 3 XP's. If Belfry's defense brings it a win is certain.. but they better bring it.