[cat86]

II will definately buy Breathitt as the stronger team, and would even possibly concede the athletic part if the proper arguement was brought forth, but there is no way in Hades that Breathitt is faster than Pburg. Also what Pburg loses in strength, size, and athleticism I think they make up in versatility, balance, and execution over the Bobcats.

I will go along with this with the following caveat: Prestonsburg had no one on the entire team as fast as Fugate or Haddix. However, in OVERALL team speed and quickness, I think Prestonsburg had the advantage.

It was a great game. Both teams had plenty of opportunities to win. In the end, I think it was a combination of 3 things that led to the Prestonsburg win:

(1) Heart and desire of the Blackcats. This group could have quit when it was 25-7, but they did not. The current Blackcat team has more grit than any in recent memory.

(2) Prestonsburg, even though short in numbers and having the majority of their players play both ways, was obviously in better condition.

(3) Holcomb got outcoached (again). I know this sounds odd, but Coach Allen calling the plays from the press box executed a masterful second half. I respect Holcomb, and he is a Hall of Fame coach for sure, but this is the second year in a row when Breathitt has played Prestonsburg that his play calling has left me scratching my head. He had last year's game won if he had not kept trying to throw a screen pass to Fugate in the flats on the short side of the field. This year, with Fugate obviously tiring, it was almost like he forgot there were other playmakers on the team. Haddix is a weapon unto himself. The Fletcher kid was impressive, if they could find ways to get him the ball more often. I think Holcomb is a great coach, and Breathitt is always tough and hard nosed, but it is almost like for the past 2 years he has frozen up against Prestonsburg in the second half.

Breathitt will be fine and will probably make it to Bowling Green this year, just like last year when everyone was writing them off early in the season.

It was a great game, and BOTH teams need to be congratulated.