[Hoot Gibson]

I would love to see JC go far. But look at the Belfry tape and the Ashland tape from last year. The secondary will get lit up again, and more than once. Will their run game be enough? Maybe.

Last year's games have no relevance to this year's Johnson Central team. With all of injuries that Johnson Central had, I was amazed that they beat Ashland. The Tomcats should have won last year's game.

I don't think you understand Johnson Central's approach to player development. They will put a lot of talented freshmen and sophomores in the defensive lineup and they will allow them to make mistakes. They may also throw some more experienced players into those positions in big games and situations until the youngsters are up to the job.

If you look at the Breathitt County score and stats, you might conclude that JC had trouble stopping BC's passing game. Actually, JC subbed liberally after getting a quick running clock and BC left their starters in and continued throwing down field. JC could have easily won that game by 60 points or more.

Johnson Central is also making quite a few interceptions. Yardage allowed doesn't make much difference if you are scoring on nearly every possession and winning the turnover battle. 

Ashland will have a lot more success throwing the ball against JC than Pikeville did because they are a better team - but Johnson Central's record against Ashland is something like 18-3 since Matney came, but there have been some very close games. Ashland had trouble stopping JC's makeshift offense last season. We will see how they fare against what will probably be the top rushing offense in the state.