[#55PirateFan]

With all that said, I do think anything less than a state championship will be a disappointment for the Pirates next year. With four of the best 3A teams moving to 4A next year I think it opens the door for the Pirates to win another gold trophy. I know Ashland is moving down from 4A and two very very good teams in CAL and DeSales moving up from 2A I still think its Belfry's to lose. I think, and I may be wrong, but the only time we would face CAL or DeSales would be in the championship. And with Belfry playing the Powell County district to start the playoffs, which is what I've heard, I think the Pirates are primed for another deep playoff run. And I also know that Bell County returns alot of players and has one of the best roaming the sidelines that will have a say in how 3A plays out next year I just think Belfry will be the odds on favorite to win 3A in 2019. After next year though, I do think that the Pirates will fall on hard times on the football field. With the economy the way it is it may be a long time before Belfry will be a powerhouse contender again. And I also think 2019 may be the last you see Coach Philip Heywood roaming the sidelines on Pond Creek. Things dont look good at all in Eastern Kentucky, especially for Pirate football in the near future. Sad situation facing mountain folks.