[Scotty_Bronson]

Paintsville had a year similar to what Raceland did in their first title appearance. A good quality team, that peaked at the right time, god a good draw in terms of who they played in the playoffs and ran into a buzz saw. They also had similar issues in the title game offensively. Granted, Paintsville put up more yardage than Raceland did against Beechwood, but the outcome was the same. I think what Paintsville lacked was what they have had in the past years. And that was the 1+2 punch out of the backfield and a real threat at WR. They didnt have the ground and pound back that forced defenses to honor up the middle which helped bring in the corners and made the safeties have to honor the run. Which opened Phelps up to run the sweeps fir big plays. When everything is off tackle, theres no need to crowd the box if you have speed defensively. Pikeville was able to play balanced defense and that was the big difference in the game, imo. Raceland had the same issue in their title game. Not only being one demensional, but living and dieing off of one or 2 kids offensively, and being one demensional in the run game as well, isnt going to win a title. Paintsville and Raceland have both made a title appearance in the last few years. Says alot about our district, but the showings in said games also shows that both teams have a ways to go to truly be CONTENDERS.