[Blue_Bird96]

Pikeville looked terrible and won 41-0.  Some of that is the talent they have and some is Paintsville is very down this year.

Pikeville is hurt guys. They have played hurt all year and have too many big pieces out or playing hurt. If they get healthy, I think you’ll see a different team. I do question if the fire burns as hot or if they have the leaders required to play how they are capable. The players they lost from last year may have not been as talented as who they have this year but they still had talent and did the right things and were almost always in the right spot and focused. That’s what is missing this year.

I think if both teams are full strength Pikeville would beat Hazard soundly next week but that’s not the case and it might open the door for a more competitive game than it should be.  I would put Pikeville on upset alert next week and for their last game of the season against Boyd County.

I would have handed them the trophy before the season began but they are going to have a difficult path in the playoffs and if they do not get healthy before the 3rd round, it may be someone else’s turn this year.

Pikeville should be on upset alert vs Hazard. In 2020 Pikeville had a much stronger team than the team they have this year and completely over looked the bulldogs in which Hazard was able to capitalize.