[youknowwhoibe]

I think Pikeville needs to let the coaching staff go and do an actual coaching search this time. Not a simple posting of the job. I truly believe that the Panthers are going in the wrong direction. Just because a few of the PHS coaches and their friends have to defend themselves on here does not mean the rest of community will continue to accept the coacing staff's mediocrity.

After a LONG absence from BGR, I find no better moment then now to make my return. Now, first off, I must say that while I respect your opinion, I would have to disagree with the above statement. I have never seen a man pour so much into football as Coach Jackson has. The same goes for the rest of the coaching staff. I didn't not have the opportunity to play under many of these men, but no one can question there work ethic.

The problem many people have with this staff is that they have not yet won a state championship. I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but Pikeville has not won a championship since 1989. The players they had back then were some of the best to ever play at Pikeville, not to say the players now aren't talented because they are. But, I'm willing to say they are not to the level of those state championship teams. But what Pikeville team has? The point of bringing Jackson in wasn't to instantly win state championships, though that would be great. Jackson was brought in to revive Pikeville Football, and that starts with the reworking of the entire system from little league up, which he has done. He is building a program that will last 20, 30, or more years. Success will come in time, but patience and support is needed by the community. Times have changed people.

I like to make the analogy to UK basketball. UK basketball is not at the same level it was in the 90's, but with time, Gillispie should be able to help us get back to our former glory. The same could be said for Jackson and this football team. First, I will say they are already an extremely talented, hard-working group of kids. But, they aren't what the teams of late 80's were. BUT, they can become that with time. The weightlifting, the meetings, the idea of a Panther family, etc. are all key steps to helping Pikeville be state champs once again. It will certainly happen again and expect it within the next five years or so I think.

SO, IF I HAVEN'T SAID IT ENOUGH, BE PATIENT! Good things lie ahead at Pikeville.