[BelfryJustice]

First of all, Last year was Last year. It will have no reflection on this years game.

Johnson Central has played in close games against good competition, Belfry's lone close game was at Lawrence Co., a team that usually plays competitive with the Pirates. JC has also beaten good teams like Breathitt Co. @ Breathitt, Woodford Co. @ Woodford, Hazard, and Ashland @ Ashland. This team is not like teams of the past, they have followed along the trend of Belfry and what I mean is they have continued to get better game after game. This game IMO will by no means be a blow out, but for the Pirates to assume that just because of last years results, we should see the same, is absurd. How many of you ASSUMED last year that you would defeat Lou. Central by a heafty maring largely in part of because of there matchup with JC. More than I think would care to say.

For the person who wanted to know whats different about this years JC team from last year I will give you 3 things:

1. Senior Leadership in the right places.
2. A dominant offensive line.
3. The most depth overall Coach Matney has ever had.

We all know that it is all about this year and only this year. I don’t see much of a difference in Belfry 2007 and 2008. Defense may have a few question marks which may be answered this weekend. I do see an improved Johnson Central team; therefore, making it a much better match-up without the excuses from last year. This game should be in my opinion a very good game for both teams. I agree that Lawrence County plays Belfry good most games. I also agree that Johnson Central has played a much better schedule this year. You stated, “for the Pirates to assume that just because of last years results, we should see the same, is absurd.” I for one do not feel as if it will be the same and should be noted by my score prediction. I would in no way pick Belfry as a two touchdown winner over Johnson Central and only have them wining by four points this year. I hope that Johnson Central doesn’t get the big head and over look this Belfry team. They will be ready to play. I thought that Belfry would have beaten Central last year but not by a big margin with the Johnson Central / Central game factored in to the game thoughts. Belfry had chances in that game and things didn’t go our way which is part of football. That was a good state championship game in 3A last year. I am very proud of what the 2007 Belfry team was able to accomplish. It is an honor to make it to a state championship game win or lose. A win is always better. The factors that you mention do make this game more evenly matched. The one that could be the big factor is the depth, but I would hope that would be the case anytime playing a team two classes above you.
:igiveup: