[BlackcatAlum]

Pikeville ran for 400 yards on P'burg last year and they will do it again. P'burg is still soft on the run, Beechwood's stud RB didn't play and they still ran the ball with ease.

Pikeville 35
P'burg 21

Just a question - how many years in a row has Pikeville beaten P'burg?

For One, that was last years defense, all of them return but three and they all have gotten stronger and faster. This years defense is much more aggressive, and Pikeville doesn't have the same strong offensive line as last years.

Two, Beechwood's backs didn't run the ball with ease. Did you see all the 2 & 8's and 3 & longs Beechwood had? There two back up backs where as good if not better than any other backfield in the mountains. The only reason why they had so many yards on the ground was because they were a threat on the ground and threw the air, so Prestonsburg couldn't rush seven they only rushed five and six. Pikeville will more than likley be without Tim Honaker, and that will take away any type of passing they had. Now the Blackcats can bring seven and eight on the rush each time against the Pikeville offense.

Three. This Prestonsburg offense put up more yards on Beechwoods defense than any of there other opponets have so far (One of those opponets was 5A Powerhouse Covington Catholic). Prestonsburg has one of the most underrated backfields in the state with Juniors #5 Seth Setser and #3 Allen Craynon. No one has stopped them all year, and I don't see Pikeville doing it either. And Prestonburg's advantage triples if Tim Honaker is out. He is the leader of the Panthers, and that will really hurt them on both sides of the ball.

Without Tim, my prediction is,

Prestonsburg- 35
Pikeville- 16

But if Tim plays its the same as before.

:devilflam


If Pikeville wins, I will eat my crow.