[Belichick]

Special teams is part of the game and Belfry owned it. I think even Belfry fans were surprised by that if you watched the Pirates all year. Pikeville tends to not put their best players or even tacklers on punt team. Not sure why but I have watched them for years and it has been that way. Later in the year, they sometimes change punt and kickoff coverage and put their best defenders on those teams. I’m guessing they try to give some kids who don’t start some time on the field during regular season but it has hurt them in the past and it killed them Friday. Their punter is usually a good high school punter but also struggled Friday. Pikeville has to throw the ball. Every team is bringing 8 in the box and having their linebackers play downhill. Middle of the field is wide open. Screens, slants, and drags are there all day. They played that way against LCA and put up some big offensive numbers. They haven’t played that way any other game and numbers speak for themselves. I think Pikeville is still the best team in 1A when healthy but the gap is smaller and it will be a while before they are healthy. Belfry can win 3A. Their defense has to improve but they have enough to win it if they continue to get better. I think both end up at Kroger. Calling it now.