[THOMCAT]

[quote=Pulp Fiction]There's no doubt that JC's rivals have changed since Matney has been at JC.

Ashland & Belfry have taken over those roles.

WE HATE ASHLAND!!!! THEY ARE CHEATERS!!!!
(The 2005 wide right field goal and the 2014 state softball tournament)
We've played Ashland every season in a District game since 2005 and once in the playoffs.
JC has a 11-6 record over the Tomcats.


I've heard the 1976 'The Kick was too High" story about fifty times from some of my family who played in that game. They talked worse about Belfry than they did Paintsville.
But over the past few years, 2007-present, JC and Belfry have played this game either as a 15 round Ali-Frazier bout or a glorified scrimmage. As Kenny Rogers said "You got to know when to hold'em, you got to know when to fold'em...." two best mountain teams just pounding on each other the week before the playoffs isn't a great idea if that team has state championship hopes. Belfry has won it 3 times since this series started back up, and JC has been to the state finals once. IMO, this game would be better about week 3 or 4.[/QUOTE]

Next season Belfry and Johnson Central both lose their week 2 games from what I hear, Belfry and Harlan County and Johnson Central and Lexington Catholic. In addition to Week 2, Johnson Central will have to replace Harlan County in week 4.