[Belichick]

First off, give credit to Hazard for playing hard last night. The game was never really close or in doubt but the Bulldogs played hard. As far as the Corbin game, they got the benefit of playing against some kids who usually do not start or play much. I don’t know if it was senior night or their was something else behind it but Corbin came out with their starters second half and ran off 30-0 before subbing again and giving up a late score. No doubt Hazard has improved greatly this season and they stayed composed and didn’t get a lot of stupid penalties last night. Staff and players deserve credit. They will continue to get better this year and years to come I think.

For Pikeville, I don’t get the feeling it is the score that bothers them. This team and maybe the staff too is Jekyll and Hyde. Flashes where you think no one in 1A has a chance and other times where a decent team can beat them on any given night. The play calling is frustrating and there has been a dynamic there known in Pikeville circles for a long time. I’ve followed them closely for the last 10 years during their amazing run and that situation seems worse than ever. One game they will go almost strictly run and then the next throw it all over the field with some balance. I understand game plans for certain teams but it seems with Pikeville the plan doesn’t always fit the opponent. They tried to run against Johnson Central when everyone knows they don’t have a pass defense. The staff is obviously incredible and has won multiple championships including the last 3 in a row. So the play calls, clock mismanagement all year, and special teams disaster is head scratching. That team oozes with talent. They had a huge return of players from last season and are as talented or moreso than any recent Pikeville team. So I get it. I think the expectations were high and results are unsatisfactory to the fans. Injuries aside, they haven’t been fun to watch outside 2-3 games where they had spurts. I think it’s getting too late in the season to see a change and I really expect a new champ in 1A this season.