[mysonis55]

Until someone can step up and knock them off, they have to be considered the favorite. It sounds like it was total domination this year. I guess Corbin wasn't as bad as several were giving them credit for being either. They may have to be considered the number 2 team starting out.

[Hurricane Storm]

Of course logically they should be there. I think no one can rationally dispute that. But that's a full year from now. This year was virtually injury-free, but started the post season with 7 key injuries last year. Who can predict that? Will the coaching staff stay together? (NO reason to assume they won't, just saying what-if), sickness, suspensions (happened this year), anything can derail their way past 4 playoff teams to get back to the championship. And while Belfry proved to be king of 3A this year, I don't think the imbalance of power of east vs. west is as we all thought. At least it didn't play out that way. Corbin, Lawrence County were both formidable opponents, and have a lot to offer. (Although I don't know what LC brings back - except they are always a thorn-in-the-side team.)
Yes, Belfry should return, but the just need to enjoy this for at least a few days.

[0ff The Chain]

Like every year the Pirates will need to replace key elements of their team. Yes they only loose a few seniors but they are important seniors.

I've felt like Gibbs is the leader of that Oline. We know some hoss will be plugged in there but this Oline has been special. Could Cole Bentley be moved to his projected college position, the current line plus Cole reworked for what they have and someone else take over TE?

Willis was on a different planet this year and was a speed threat that was exciting to watch. Fletcher, Wellman and Catron will still be there to bowl you over but who fills in as that change of pace speedster that makes you respect the outside?

On defense you have to replace two amazing players who showed leadership and heart all season long. It took quite a while this season for a leader to emerge and that became Sanger. Who fills that roll next year.

One thing I do look forward to is Austin Woolum. That kid is one of my favorite Belfry players, 2013 game winning field goal as a freshman. This season he covered some great receivers and that hit laid on Ogbogu on the punt return was nasty! He's already an astounding kicker but I expect him to be one of the hardest hitting DBs we've had next season. He has continued to improve as a DB year in and out.

Also very happy to see the player Corbett has become. Early I the year it felt like he just wasn't getting it. He made a few bad reads tonight but more than made up for it with his feet. Can't wait to see where he stands after another year in the system.

To me Catron is Belfry's best player. Either side of the ball he is just the most fundamentally sound that I seen. While he doesn't have the speed of Willis I think he will step in nicely as a big play back for them next year. I was just really impressed with that kid's game.

[Jack Lambert]

Belfry has to be a heavy favorite to win 3A next year.

[EKUAlum05]

To me Catron is Belfry's best player. Either side of the ball he is just the most fundamentally sound that I seen. While he doesn't have the speed of Willis I think he will step in nicely as a big play back for them next year. I was just really impressed with that kid's game.

Catron just simply is a pitbull.

Really fun watching him play. 110% every single play.... sometimes even to a fault when he is too aggressive on punt returns or getting personal foul penalties.

Love watching him and how physical he is for his size.

[EKUAlum05]

Belfry loses essentially 4 Senior Starters, 1 Senior Specialist, and 1 Senior who contributed as a reserve.

DL Keilan Carr- Carr provided depth and quickness on Belfry's vaunted Dline as a reserve. I am hoping this opens the door for some young buck to get valuable minutes and experience.


LB Nate Sanger- He was very, very good. Having Wellman back helps soften the blow. Biggest loss here though is leadership. Sanger was the consummate leader. I think Wellman is capable of taking that leader role..Catron also seems a natural fit as a leader. I do believe Belfry has the depth to find a replacement in terms of production, but there will be a definite stretch of bumpy roads as they learn on the job.

P Devin Wellman- This one both hurts, and is minimal at the same time. Wellman may very well be the best Punter to ever wear the Red and White. He was so good and so consistent and Belfry does not have anyone who can step in an equal him. With that said, Wellman barely had to do his craft this year because Belfry was so efficient on Offense.

T Austin Gibbs- Gibbs has been starting forever it seems and graduates with three rings as a Stater. Something no other Belfry linemen has ever done. What you lose here is stability. Gibbs was the anchor as this young and talented line found their mojo and gelled. A kid who exemplifies "Pirate Pride". Will be tough to replace but with the rest of the line back I think this is a prime spot to work a young guy in. Maybe even see Bentley move over and let Barker/Miller take over at TE.

DE/LB, SE- TJ Dotson- Here is the biggest void overall. Dotson was Belfry's "UTILITY" guy. He was a playmaker on Defense and Special Teams in every sense of the word. He provided key depth on Offense and was the guy Belfry could ask to step in basically anywhere on the field if injury arose. Going to be tough to replace his nastiness and ability to change the scoreboard on Defense.

HB Xondre Willis- I am really proud of Xondre. After the early season suspension left everyone shaking their heads I thought he showed tremendous maturity and was vital to Belfry's success. He emerged as one of the best HB's in 3A and was playing as good as anyone in the State. What Belfry loses here is home run ability. His speed was phenomenal and once he got a seam it was over. He will be a tough void because I am not sure Belfry has someone with his skill set ready to step in. Taveon Hunter and Justin Adkins both have potential, but neither are there yet. Would love to see Taveon kill it in the weight room starting now and devote himself to the position. Catron will take on a bigger role, but Belfry still needs that second HB who can take it 60 yards

[Single Wing 77]

The 2016 pirates will be the best team of this six year run. Possibly ever at belfry.

[dawg fan]

As good as belfry has been this year it has allowed their jv to get a lot of playing time in 3rd and 4th quarter's of games, theses kids have probably gotten 2 games or more worth of minutes this year and will get the same or more next year. By the time it gets their turn to start for belfry they will have close to a season of varsity playing time.
That is the difference between good teams (corbin, bell, lawrence, russell) and a great program like belfry.

[EKUAlum05]

As good as belfry has been this year it has allowed their jv to get a lot of playing time in 3rd and 4th quarter's of games, theses kids have probably gotten 2 games or more worth of minutes this year and will get the same or more next year. By the time it gets their turn to start for belfry they will have close to a season of varsity playing time.
That is the difference between good teams (corbin, bell, lawrence, russell) and a great program like belfry.

The extra practice as well.

Playing 15 games is huge because by and large those young guys are getting 2-3 weeks more practice than anyone else's young guys.

By the time they are Seniors this is essentially Half a season's worth of practice

[cherokee]

The extra practice as well.

Playing 15 games is huge because by and large those young guys are getting 2-3 weeks more practice than anyone else's young guys.

By the time they are Seniors this is essentially Half a season's worth of practice

Belfry has it's program where everyone else wants to be, 3 time defending champions and a full stable coming back next year. Belfry will be scary good next season. Glad to see the mountain teams claim 2 of the 6 I think we are closing the gap that the triangle once had on the rest of the state, and the BIG DIPPER would be really proud.

[WideRight05]

Belfry hit their stride right around the time they defeated Johnson Central and they didn't look back the rest of the way. If I were Belfry, my big concern going into next season would be complacency. Ohio State, for example, returned a lot from their championship team last season but they went through the motions a lot this year and it cost them a chance at repeating. Having seen a recent example with Highlands losing to Collins in the state finals a couple seasons back, someone can sneak up on Belfry if they let up. If any coach would know how to handle a situation like this it would be Haywood.

If Belfry can avoid being complacent and come back playing like they did these past few games, look out.

[BelfryPride]

We were all warned that Boyle and LexCath would rule 3A this year and oust the defending State Champions and "knock us off our pedestal" haha...well someone miscalculated or just wanted to run their mouths as usual.

[Crossbones]

Belfry hit their stride right around the time they defeated Johnson Central and they didn't look back the rest of the way. If I were Belfry, my big concern going into next season would be complacency. Ohio State, for example, returned a lot from their championship team last season but they went through the motions a lot this year and it cost them a chance at repeating. Having seen a recent example with Highlands losing to Collins in the state finals a couple seasons back, someone can sneak up on Belfry if they let up. If any coach would know how to handle a situation like this it would be Haywood.

If Belfry can avoid being complacent and come back playing like they did these past few games, look out.

Spot on IMO! :Thumbs: Belfry has been blessed with some good teams the last few years and it can spoil the fans, that is my biggest fear as a fan is in the major scheme of things these are just kids and the fans putting to much pressure on them and the kids have a bad game when it counts. Then you will see the head hunters. Let them enjoy it, and we should enjoy it b3cause,it won't last forever.

[EKUAlum05]

Belfry hit their stride right around the time they defeated Johnson Central and they didn't look back the rest of the way. If I were Belfry, my big concern going into next season would be complacency. Ohio State, for example, returned a lot from their championship team last season but they went through the motions a lot this year and it cost them a chance at repeating. Having seen a recent example with Highlands losing to Collins in the state finals a couple seasons back, someone can sneak up on Belfry if they let up. If any coach would know how to handle a situation like this it would be Haywood.

If Belfry can avoid being complacent and come back playing like they did these past few games, look out.

Absolutely spot on

Without a doubt complacency is Belfry's #1 biggest hurdle to overcome.

A side note...I really hope the staff can find someone to replace Austin Woolum on Offense and Punt Coverage. Not that Woolum is a liability... in fact the exact opposite. Woolum means so much to Belfry as a Kicker and DB I hold my breathe every time I see him taking unnecessary contact.

It nearly cost Belfry last season when he went down with an injury in Special Teams making a tackle.

[Pirate1991#8]

The 2016 pirates will be the best team of this six year run. Possibly ever at belfry.

I mean statistically 2015 is the best so far: schedule strength. Points scored: points allowed etc. of course you will have your ones to say the 03-04 was the best ever. Yeah they might have had the best back field but played a weak schedule. But The 2015 defense and Oline is the best by far. With all that being said I don't see Belfry getting Beat at all next year. God Forbid key injuries. Just my opinion but stats don't lie

[PaytoPlay]

Haywood probable should (and at the least could) move Bentley to T, and let Braxton Miller slide nicely in at TE. Miller looks like a nice athlete who with a modest offseason could come in at 6'1" 205 at TE.

[PaytoPlay]

One SR who needs some props: #22 Caleb Elkins. Kid played a solid amount of snaps that mattered, often out of position with heart as his asset. Also played well on special teams, including a big tackle on Belfry's opening kickoff in the title game.

Good job young man! Enjoy that ring!

[PaytoPlay]

Was also thinking about the "rank the finalists" thread. I think Belfrywould have had a chance to play with all the finalists not named Male.

That said, and despite that amazing Belfry oline, when Belfry got to their point where they met their match in the trenches (or even got played near even) they would have been unable to make enough plays in the passing game IMO. The oline was so good I honestly don't know if anyone but Male could win thatbattleconsistently enough to stifle Belfry. But Cabell Midland did. I only say all that to say this:

Corbettis capable. He isn't Johnny Manzeil but he is talented. Now that he has more experience, I hope to see coach (pretty, much the best HS coach out there I know guys) work on becoming even more dynamic next year by getting more explosive throwing it for big plays. Willis graduates and while I expect little drop off, I do think Belfry will have a little less home run ability from RB.

Maybe I am just dreaming, but I am picturing Tommy Frazier style dynamism. 😀

[DALE]

18 seniors return next season, Belfry will be the #1 team in 3A next season.

On a side note, I just want to say what a classy group of fans and players that Belfry has and the amount of respect both JC and Belfry have for one another. During the games each team's fans cheered for one another. JC and Belfry shared a locker room and before we took the field each Belfry player and coach gave encouragement and warm regards to our players prior to taking the field. To see all the red stand up and cheer for our players once we took the field made a memory that I will never forget. Hats off to you fine people, you truly are a championship program in every sense of the word.

[PaytoPlay]

^ Sure it wasn't simultaneous? 😉

Cool props man. God knows there are plenty of haters out there in regards to both of us.

[Crossbones]

Until someone can step up and knock them off, they have to be considered the favorite. It sounds like it was total domination this year. I guess Corbin wasn't as bad as several were giving them credit for being either. They may have to be considered the number 2 team starting out.

Corbin wasn't that good compared to Belfry but number 2 they were not. Lawrence County would have taken them to the woodshed. They also could not have beaten Lex Cath, Boyle already beat snot out of them and Central would have beat them. I misread what you said, yes, next year they may very well be number 2.

[PondCreekToWestwood]

back?? Never knew we left

[Pirates77]

I wonder? why we have not seen PJ throw his 2 cents in here guys? I kinda started this thread to get him going, but no response?

[Crossbones]

I wonder? why we have not seen PJ throw his 2 cents in here guys? I kinda started this thread to get him going, but no response?

New rules on trolling. The site is cutting back on the trolls and PJ understands that and has since made some good post.

[HAIL PIKEVILLE!]

The only thing that can stop Belfry is Belfry themselves. I don't see Coach Haywood and his staff letting that happen.

[KYHSFBFan]

Lol. I figure one of those big 4A schools will drop to 3A and beat us. Lol. Where is that powerful Boyle and Lexington Catholic teams at.

Don't let one blowout win in a title game skew your thinking or over inflate things.. You can bet the Boyle Co, Lex Cath, Central and Corbin teams aren't going to just roll over for you.. More times than not, Belfry has won or lost in title games that were very close and well contested.. The blowout is nice, but, if you think every year's going to be that way or even next year is going to be that way, I think you're getting way too caught up in one games results.. Belfry should be good next year, but, I wouldn't expect whoever you play in the title game or semis to lay the egg that Lex Cath did this year.

[EKUAlum05]

Don't let one blowout win in a title game skew your thinking or over inflate things.. You can bet the Boyle Co, Lex Cath, Central and Corbin teams aren't going to just roll over for you.. More times than not, Belfry has won or lost in title games that were very close and well contested.. The blowout is nice, but, if you think every year's going to be that way or even next year is going to be that way, I think you're getting way too caught up in one games results.. Belfry should be good next year, but, I wouldn't expect whoever you play in the title game or semis to lay the egg that Lex Cath did this year.

With respect... most of us know exactly what you said is 100% true...but after the bold proclamations and people crowing about the end of Belfry's run with a new realignment.. you have to give some Belfry fans the common courtesy of their moment in the sun to stick their chest out and call out the doubters.

[Pirate1991#8]

Don't let one blowout win in a title game skew your thinking or over inflate things.. You can bet the Boyle Co, Lex Cath, Central and Corbin teams aren't going to just roll over for you.. More times than not, Belfry has won or lost in title games that were very close and well contested.. The blowout is nice, but, if you think every year's going to be that way or even next year is going to be that way, I think you're getting way too caught up in one games results.. Belfry should be good next year, but, I wouldn't expect whoever you play in the title game or semis to lay the egg that Lex Cath did this year.

Lex Cath didn't roll over for us this year. WE ROLLED THEM OVER.

[RunItUpTheGut]

Pulaski>Belfry

[EKUAlum05]

Pulaski>Belfry

Nah bro...

The 4 best teams Pulaski faced put up 1079 yards on them on the ground.

269.75 per game

The only one of those 4 close to Belfry's Rush Offense was Scott County who went for over 400 and scored 53 points

Pulaski also saw their Offense get shut down the first time they played a Defensive front similar to Belfry's