[Panther#42]

I said all year I thought Belfry would get to the semi-final and lose to Russell. I know Belfry Pride thought Belfry was the better team but that was just his Belfry pride talking. I'm a Belfry fan all the way but Russell was on a different level from Belfry tonight. They are the better team. Belfry did play pretty good on defense. Especially against the run. The pass really hurt us a few times. But I can honestly say I've never seen a Belfry offense so dominated as they were tonight. I would've liked to have seen Haywood open it up before the last drive but o well. Belfry, 39 rushing yards and 114 passing yards I believe. I can't recall when the last time that Belfry had more passing yards then rushing yards. Hats off to Russell's coaching staff for heavy tape study on Belfry. I don't think tonight was as much a factor of Belfry's offensive line failing..though they did suck it up some...as much as Russell knowing what Belfry was going to do the whole game. On running plays, there were Russell defenders in the backfield before Belfry's backs got the ball. But on passing plays there was always pretty good protection. Everything else Russell covered completely. Belfry's tackling was much better tonight then in recent weeks. But it still wasn't totally up to par. The last touchdown for Russell tells the tale of Belfry's whole season. Russell's quarterback should've been sacked on that play. He was hit by not one but two Pirate defenders almost simutaniously. Thats all good but neither Belfry player attempted to wrap up or throw down the quarterback. They just assumed they would knock him down. That quarterback bounced off of both of them and threw a beautiful touchdown pass. I think Belfry's future is bright though. Belfry's quarterback really impressed me tonight. He threw a few bad passes but most were good ones. I really and truely believe that for Belfry to step up, Haywood really needs to open up the offense more. Next year Chapman will be gone. May, IMO, is overated. He's a good fullback. But not nearly good enough to be the feature back. I'm not sure whose in line to take Chapman's place next year. He was a good football player though. I just believe that for Belfry to step up then Haywood must open up the offense and incorporate much more passing next year. As for Russell...congradulations. I'll be pulling for you next week. Bring it back to Eastern Kentucky once again!

Losing Chapman will hurt Belfry, but returning May is a big plus.... Do they return the Epling kid?