[2000PHS]

I think Pikeville staff thought they could run it at Sayre like most outsiders looking in but someone else thought that too. Chad Pennington. He loaded the box. Linebackers shots gaps on the snap and the safeties came downhill. 8-9 in box all night. Manned up corners outside because they weren’t afraid of the pass and didn’t think Pikeville could beat them outside. Their skill may have been better than the skill Pikeville had healthy for this one. This wasn’t a novel concept. Every team played Pikeville this way all year. Take away Anthony and make someone else beat you. Left big gaps to throw the ball into. Problem is Pikeville couldn’t spread them out because multiple receivers were hurt. When Pikeville spread the formation this year, that’s when they played well. They would pass more and it opened up running lanes. Why they ever went away from it is questionable. Injuries were a bigger deal than anyone thought. The ‘23 team had some dudes but this team was as good or better than last year talent wise. This was on players and coaches. Pikeville loses a lot but I don’t doubt they’ll be back in the mix next year. Something to prove. Looking forward to see who gets their first title out of remaining teams.

Sayre did take away or at least limited what Pikeville was good at due to sound game planning and good fundamental tackling. Pikeville didn’t game plan for what Sayre was good at which is short timing passes that kept the chains moving with some runs mixed in to keep the defense honest. Injuries, lack of focus, and poor game planning was too much for the talent to override. 

Give me Raceland in a low scoring close game.