[Blacksmith]

I ain’t aiming at anyone specifically and I apologize if it came off that way.

I’m happy for Betsy Layne and their fans. For far too long have we seen talent leave that school for others or not play football at all. I know Jarrell has coached this group of boys since he entered coaching and they’ve all developed and grown together and you see that when you watch this team.

Now I’m 100% loyal to Prestonsburg, but I like to think I’m also realistic. It’s easy to sit and look at a coaches overall record and draw conclusions. I think Brandon Brewer is a much better football coach than he gets credit for. I mean, look at what he done at Powell County. They beat a really good Leslie Co team opening week. But since the East Ridge game Prestonsburg can’t stay healthy, not to mention losing Nic Kidd second offensive play of the season. It’s hard to be consistent and good when you can’t keep your best players on the field. Leslie, Lewis, and Pike Central are really the only games where Pburg was at or near full strength. They’ve lost 2 guys for the season, have one out with a concussion this week, and three with injuries who are questionable for the Martin Co game. This team needs the bye week next week to get healthy and ready to make a run to end the season and hopefully secure a home playoff game. That’s continued steps in the right direction for the program

The expectations at Prestonsburg have to be realistic. I know a lot grew up in the 90s and early 2000s (like I did) and remember some great Pburg teams and want the same for their kids. I want these things for mine as well, but the only way we get that back or close to it is by keeping the kids at Prestonsburg and trusting the coaches.

I have asked this question before, and I'm not sure I have ever seen a response.  If I missed it,  I apologize.  Something that the Blackcat teams of the 90's didn't have to compete with that today's teams do is the school's soccer program.  What effect has soccer had on the football program?

I think it hurts football some. Look at all your soccer schools, especially ones that are successful. They’re all either larger schools or private. 

A problem I’ve noticed mostly is Pburg isn’t getting all the better athletes to play football. There’s probably a dozen kids I could name right now that would help this team, but they play other sports. Your good football programs have their best athletes playing football. Fortunately one of those kids just come out and should be eligible soon and will help this offense.

I played basketball at Prestonsburg in the ear;y 90's, did not play football. I really wish I had because to be honest Bill Letton was a good guy and treated me better than the basketball coach did, by far. He helped me after practice with weight training all on his own time...He got a lot from his players, they loved him. Then went to war for him.. All the best athletes played football then, no one thought of transferring to Johnson or Pike co. everyone wanted to be a part of it... I think the program is back on the right track but it will not be a short trip or an easy one back to where they were.. Some big hurdles to overcome and it might take a while