[Cat Daddy]

I have said it all year, and I'm not backing off of it now, "Breathitt can play with anyone in 2A". With that being said, I'm not predicting a Bobcat win, but the bobcats have a "punchers chance" in this match up. If the Bobcats are going to pull off the upset, they must continue to be opportunistic on defense. The Bobcat defense has created a lot of turnovers this year, while playing a "bend, but don't break" style of defense. If Breathitt is going to compete with Somerset, it's a must for the Bobcats to force the Briar Jumpers into multiple turnovers. If Somerset doesn't turn the ball over, it could be a long ride back to Jackson. On the flip side, Breathitt can't afford to turn the ball over, either. If we turn the ball over multiple times, this game could get ugly. So, at the end of the day, we must limit our own turnovers, while forcing the Briar Jumpers into turnovers, to have a chance.

Another thing that sticks out to me is the Bobcats inability to cover the "flats" this year. If this isn't cleaned up, Somerset could expose us in this area of the field. I think we cover the deep ball well, but short, to intermediate routes have given us problems this year. I look for this to be a point of emphasis this week, and hopefully improvements will be made. My last concern is "are the bobcats in game shape". What I mean by this is, how effective will the Bobcats be in a four quarter game, against a very good opponent. We all know, the Bobcats only played in two games all year, where the starters have played all four quarters of football. Breathitt may not be as beat up as other teams, but can they play four quarters of football at the highest level when it matters most. I observed the Bobcats to look fatigued at the end of the Walton-Verona game. Hopefully, that game helped prepare us for the Briar Jumpers, but I am concerned about this teams ability to play four quarters of competitive football.

I think Breathitt has a couple of things going for them, as well. First of all, I think Breathitt has the most "underrated" offensive line in 2A. Personally, I would put this line up against anyone in 2A. These guys can play, and they have improved with each passing week. They have a good mix of speed, size, and strength and I think the Briar Jumpers are going to be surprised by the skill set this line possesses. It doesn't hurt to have one of the best running backs in the state, in C.A. Collins running behind the "Big Blue Wave". Collins is dynamic and in my opinion, he will be the best running back Somerset has faced. So with all of that being said, I think Breathitt will have success running the ball.

Breathitt has struggled stopping the run, against "old school" offenses that have a lot of misdirection in the backfield. No doubt, Somerset's offensive line will be the best offensive line the Bobcats have faced all year, but I like the fact that the Briar Jumpers run right at you, with out a lot of misdirection. As crazy as this sounds, I believe this actually may benefit the Bobcats, due to the linebackers not having to keep their eyes in the backfield for extended period of time, and they can just react, rather than think too much, which usually gets you out of position to make a play. Regardless, I feel like Somerset will be able to move the ball on Breathitt, but I think their running style, will allow us to slow them down.

At the end of the day, regardless of the outcome of this game, I am proud of the fact that Breathitt County football is back on the map. I am not going to lie, three or four years ago, I didn't know if it would ever happen, and if it did happen, I never would have dreamed it would happen this fast. This is a testament of all of the hard work, Coach Moore and his staff have put into this program. Also, we can thank all of the coaches and parents that have been involved in the Lumberjack program, and the success it will be bringing us in the near future. I'm just thrilled to know that Breathitt football is back!!