[orisonspi]

From the predicitons thread:
"Talent wise, Belfry has the better team IMO. IF (and this is a huuuuuuge if) Belfry can fulfill three key things they win this game, if they don't do all three of this then Pikeville has an excellent shot at victory:

1. FUMBLES; Belfry cannot commit more turnovers than the Panthers.
2. OFFENSIVE PENALTIES; limit the drive killers such as holding, false start, and block in the back. Pikeville is too good to be backtracking, also Belfry's offense is designed for 1st and 10, not 1st and 15.
3. CONTAIN HUFFMAN'S FEET; If Belfry limits the Pikeville running backs to being the only running threat and bottle up Huffman... you pretty much take away the key component of this Pikeville offense IMO. Huffman is a solid quarterback,, but without the threat of hurting you with his feet his passing threat drastically decreases as well.



As for Pikeville... the inverse can be said but some other factors that the Panthers can do that would really kill their chances are:
1. DROPPED PASSES; the Panthers are notorious for this and last year it killed them vs. Belfry as well. The Pirates secondary is vulnerable, but if you can't make them pay then you are in trouble.
2. CONTAIN MATT MAYNARD; By far the elite playmaker on Belfry's team...containing him doesn't just mean his running game..the kid can kill you with returns or on defense. The Pirates momentum usually goes as Matt goes.. if he makes a big run or return the offense will be dangerous, if he makes a big hit or picks off a pass then the entire defense gets tougher.
3. DISRUPT TIMING; simply put, penetration on defense. You allow Belfry to keep your defense at the line of scrimmage and you can keep them in check most of the game, but it also makes you vulnerable for the big play Belfry is so good at breaking. You have got to put pressure on the handoffs and get some tackles for a loss"



Belfry #1- Fumbles were reduced in this game and did not hinder the Pirates from moving the ball.
Belfry #2-Belfry played very solid football and kept the penalties to a bear minimum
Belfry #3- Huffman only had 21 yards rushing and passing wise he threw two INT's. Also on 4th and 1 Belfry stopped Huffman in the backfield.

Bottom line: Belfry did not beat themselves, they did not put themselves in long yardage situations, and thus they controlled the momentum, the pace of the game, and ultimately the score.


Pikeville #1- Dropped passes played a major role when the pass form Huffman richocheted to Maynard for a key INT early in the game.
Pikeville #2- Speaking of Maynard he was by far the best football player on the field,,,, 120+ yards rushing, 2 key INT's, excellent coverage all night, and a pair of TD's. The kid is truly a gamebreaker.
Pikeville #3- Belfry made the Pikeville D-line look silly all night... and as I stated you give Belfry enough time and the big plays will ensue. A perfect example is Chapman's long run when he should have been stuffed at the LOS.

Bottom line: Pikeville was outmatched talent, speed, and strength wise.... they compounded the problem with some mental errors.