[orisonspi]

As for my other opinions:

- Leslie would have to be considered the best team in the region right now, BUT by playoff time I expect them to be at least 3 touchdowns worse than Belfry and Prestonsburg. The Pirates and Blackcats have TREMENDOUS upside (Belfry much more so than Prestonsburg I feel) the Eagles have not been even in the same class as these two teams (and last year NOONE from that region including Breathitt were within three touchdowns of Belfry) and it takes ALOT of time and work to make up such a disparity. If you are a Leslie County fan then enjoy your regular season. If you are not 9-1 heading into the post season with your only loss comign at the hands of a rebuiliding Bell County team then you have not lived up to expectations. The Eagles will reach their peak by week 6 or 7,,,, then all they can do is watch the opposite district as Belfry and Pburg just get stronger and stronger week by week.

-It will be a rarity to ever see this happen, but expect Breathitt to be a complete non factor towards making noise in the playoffs. This year's Breathitt team is comparable to last year's Middlesboro team. Their best hope is to beat a Middlesboro team who has a definite lack of team speed this year before the season wears on. By playoff time Middlesboro will be possibly the best team in the district.

-Prestonsburg is extremely young,,, but I would be lying if I didn't say that their loss to Hazard was quite disappointing. This team will be a shadow of their current self come November... but until then Derossett had better hope that his team doesn't suffer blows to their confidence that could be devastating.

-If Belfry shows marked improvement this week then watch out..... after Lawrence the Pirates will breeze their way until Prestonsburg and have their confidence sky high (yes I know they play Pikeville, but the Panthers just don't have the overall team talent and depth to compete). If Belfry can survive until Ironton without suffering a loss then this team could be downright deadly. It's entirely possible that the Pirates may not reach their true peak this year with so many Sophomores playing.