[Jackson Purchase]

Everyone of you have great points. This is the type of discussions I like having on BGR. Even though we have different opinions, everyone is discussing their ideas instead of arguing and name calling.

Your post here Walt is more of my line of thinking.

Example of what I'm talking about. Take Belfry's four year championship run they had and even up to this team. You know how many times they went undefeated in those four years and since? ZERO. Want to know why? It's because Coach Heywood schedules teams that he know's, more than likely, are better than Belfry and that more than likely it will result in a loss. He schedules powerhouse teams like Knoxville Catholic out of Tennessee, Huntington High and Cabell Midland, two of the largest schools in WV and toughest. Archbishop Alter a power out of Ohio. And it's the same reason he keeps Johnson Central on our schedule.

He schedules games like that not for the win but for the preparation. It gets his teams ready. Gets them prepared to know what to do when they get behind or run into adversity. It gets his team conditioned so when his starters are needed to play for 48 minutes without a break they are in shape to do so. I believe a schedule prepares you just as much as two a days and practice do for the postseason. You play a weak schedule then you'll be a weak team come November.

This is exactly why McCracken has won six regional baseball championships in a row. When the best Pitcher you've faced all year is standing on the mound in the regional final your in deep trouble. It's even more significant in football. Belfry, Mayfield and other long standing traditions bring an edge. When they hit you in the mouth for the 1st time its really is a wake-up call. Few can respond without swimming in deep, deep waters. Weak schedules prepare you for nothing.