[GRIZZ]

I'm just an outsider looking in on this. I think that just because Mullins defeated Pikeville doesn't mean that the future is bright for the Hawks. Congrats on the win, not trying to take anything away from you with this post. Back when I played middle school football our Paintsville team was probably 3-17 over the course of the two seasons I played. Was that a direct indication on how we were going to do during high school? Heck no. Players are developed and reach their max potential from their high school coaches. When we came in as freshmen no one was saying that the Tiger football team was going to be horrible by the time we became juniors and seniors. We grew up, learned a lot more about the game from our coaches, and matured more as both football players and individuals. Most of the kids on the 1 win 8th grade team that I played for ended up starting their sophomore season. Our worst season was an 8-4 record during our freshman campaign.. After that we averaged 9 wins a season over the course of the next 3 seasons including a Regional Runner-Up, Regional Title, and a State Semi-Final appearance. Middle school football and high school football are two totally different worlds. I applaud Coach J for bringing up the advanced middle school players for action against kids that are similar or better as far as skill level is concerned. Those kids sure aren't getting anything out of playing against weaker competition, you get better by playing against tougher competition. I think it is a good move on your part and it will pay off in the near future. Best of luck coach to you and your team this year and in the future.