[pjdoug]

Thanks' for mentioning Southwestern in some of your top 10's. Good to not be though of as and easy W on every ones schedule after last year. The Warriors will be relatively young at QB. with So. Brandon Pruitt(started a few games last yr.) and incoming FR. Mason Reese(broke Southerns passing record for season) battling it out this summer. Lots going on at Southwestern in a very positive way. May even get Danny Butt in uniform after not playing last year in 8th grade. With all the positive vibes there this year,and hard work, we may even crack that top ten.

Southwestern will make a big jump in Mountain top 10 after they knock Belfry off. I'll hear it from the Belfry fans now nicker:

[64SUR]

Southwestern will make a big jump in Mountain top 10 after they knock Belfry off. I'll hear it from the Belfry fans now nicker:

Southwestern will jump in s**t if they play belfry. And will get step on by corbin...pjdoug :truestory:

[pjdoug]

Southwestern will jump in s**t if they play belfry. And will get step on by corbin...pjdoug :truestory:

:betterthanexpected::biglmao:

[Warrior Grandpa]

No disrespect to Belfry we played them last year. Great team but it was not a slaughter, the way things were last year it may should have been. These guys have played some of the top teams in the state last year with very little leadership at the top. They were hit hard by the injury bug but they showed up every week to play.Not making excuses we were beaten,we took our lumps, we will be a different team this year. 6-4 outside shot at 7-3.

[pjdoug]

No disrespect to Belfry we played them last year. Great team but it was not a slaughter, the way things were last year it may should have been. These guys have played some of the top teams in the state last year with very little leadership at the top. They were hit hard by the injury bug but they showed up every week to play.Not making excuses we were beaten,we took our lumps, we will be a different team this year. 6-4 outside shot at 7-3.

it wont surprise me if they're in the running for a district championship.

[Belfry0304]

Southwestern WILL be a tough opponent for us this year --- luckily week 3 isn't a playoff game. I will say that was one of the worst games we played all of last year, probably second worse to the JC game. But I'm expecting a very good game down there this year. The one exciting factor for Belfry is that Southwestern could not slow down Austin Hatfield as he rushed for 158 yards and 2 TDs, and he's back. The exciting factor for Southwestern is they're looking MUCH brighter for 2014. Should be a good one, if we take an L and it helps us improve and win in week 15, I'll take an L.

[RunItUpTheGut]

In most years there are about 5-7 teams who are in a different level all to themselves.... then there are about 10-12 teams that are give or take on equal footing... then another 5 or 6 who arent too far behind them... followed by the bad teams.

Usually:

Belfry
Bell
Johnson Central
Pulaski Co
Harlan County

Teams like Breathitt County, Knox Central, Somerset have been in that group off and on.

In most years your better 1A and 2A schools I have no doubt could go toe to toe or even beat the mediocre big schools in EKY. Hazard used to match up well with PCC. Somerset always matched up well with Southwestern and even Pulaski for a long time. Hazard has had a lot of success vs. Letcher Central. Whitley has had struggles against smaller schools. By and large the majority of the big schools in EKY are very pedestrian and in the bottom third of their respective classifications.

When you see the domination is when teams are in the relative same level at different classes. A #7 ranked 1A can compete with the 25th best 5A team.... but when they play the #7 3A team they lose by 24 points. When they play the #7 5A team they lose by 49 points. There is a sliding scale that happens for the most part.

A #5 1A team is comparable to:
#7 or #8 2A Team
#10 or #12 3A Team
#14 or #15 4A Team
# 20 or #22 5A Team
#25 or #27 6A Team

A team like Hazard most years can play with Somerset, or Pike Central, or Knox Central, or Perry Central, or Daviess County

When you are at the top of your class the scale typically shrinks...
#2 1A Team is comparable to the #2 or #3 2A
#5 or #6 3A
#9 or #10 4A
#12 or #13 5A
#15 or #16 6A

A team like Beechwood in most years can play with NewCath, or Bourbon County, or Ashland, or Franklin County, or Campbell County

As you go down in gets wider though..
#18 1A is comparable to #25 2A
#30 3A
Bottom 2 in 4A, 5A, 6A

In other words a team like a Paris in most years can play with a Shelby Valley, or an East Ridge, or an Iroqouis, or Logan County, or Marshall County

That's exactly what I was saying but I was to lazy to type it out nicker:

[WhyLie]

1. Pulaski
2. Johnson Central
3. Belfry
4. Bell County
5. Southwestern
6. Corbin
7. Harlan County
8. Prestonsburg
9. Williamsburg
10. Pikeville, Pike Central, Knox County (take your pick)

With all the new players and coaches with new teams hard to pick.

[Big Five-0-]

1. Pulaski
2. Johnson Central
3. Belfry
4. Bell County
5. Southwestern
6. Corbin
7. Harlan County
8. Prestonsburg
9. Williamsburg
10. Pikeville, Pike Central, Knox County (take your pick)

With all the new players and coaches with new teams hard to pick.

Imo, best one I've seen yet. Only change I would make, would add Paintsville to the mix at #10 spot.

[Belfry0304]

I think Belfry is no doubt the top football program in Eastern Kentucky, but they don't have the best team, in my opinion. Pulaski is the top team, and Belfry and Johnson Central are a toss up for second. I put Johnson Central ahead of Belfry based off last years game between the two, and I feel like the loss of Warren will hurt Belfry more than most think. When it is all said and done, Belfry will once again be back in Bowling Green competing for another state championship.

Cat Daddy I just saw this but I couldn't agree more! BUT, it's a good thing for the mountains when a team who may be the third best team, is going to compete for a title. Because that means #1 and #2 are pretty dang strong, and they are! Hopefully we can bring a few trophies and rings back this way this year!

[pjdoug]

1. Pulaski
2. Johnson Central
3. Belfry
4. Bell County
5. Southwestern
6. Corbin
7. Harlan County
8. Prestonsburg
9. Williamsburg
10. Pikeville, Pike Central, Knox County (take your pick)

With all the new players and coaches with new teams hard to pick.

I think the EAST overall is much improved this year and there will be lots of changes in the top 10 after the season starts and will be a couple teams that nobody is even listing.

[Pirate1991#8]

My whole point that the Pirate1991 dude was missing, is that Pikeville constantly has a team year in and year out that usually earns a spot in anyone's top 10 of the mountains. Middlesboro loses quite a bit, and look what Pikeville did to them last year. The Prestonsburg game was close, and they are very strong, but Pikeville beat them too, and it wasn't just Chase Hall. Do I think we are better than Belfry? No. But if we had Belfry's numbers as a school, it would be more back and forth. This is a preseason top 10. I think they've earned the right to be in the mix for it.

And Pirate1991, you didn't even come close to "scaring" me, I was pointing out how you always try to threaten or hint at threaten people. I'll pass on the hotdog but thanks for the offer. Didn't even have to stalk your previous threads, it is easy to remember the more laughable comments.

Oh I think your scared, but it's ok, I still say who I am on here. And thanks for saying my comments are laughable, So are the ones you make man,because every time you say Pikeville is a top ten mountain football team I laugh. Now you and your buddy jet pilot read this slow. The only reason WYMT ranks pikeville in the mountain top ten is because out of all the Class A teams in the Mountains (which is like JV to what I'm use to seeing) you guys win in your minor league division.in other words they feel sorry for you guys...so with that being said if you took all the Mountain teams and had a playoff no way, no how would Pikeville be in the top ten. Now shut up go work on your academics and leave the real football talk to programs that can actually play. And people who have played in them..

[Craze JACKET man]

How can you not have Belfry at the #1 spot. They are the King of the Mtns.
1. Belfry
2. Johnson Central
3. Pulaski Co

[WhyLie]

I do think they have the best program,...and look forward to the JC game they could beat them this year. We are ranking teams not programs ,IMO they are two better teams.

[jim rome]

I do think they have the best program,...and look forward to the JC game they could beat them this year. We are ranking teams not programs ,IMO they are two better teams.

I agree, you can't argue that Belfry has the best program in the mountains and one of the best in the entire state. But were talking about this year and I just can't see Belfry or JC being better than Pulaski.

[GoodToKnow]

So Southwestern is really expected to make THAT big of a turnaround? That says a lot about Coach French, his staff and the talent at SW.

[bear claw]

I would like to see this game in the last week of the season (Pulaski and Belfry). I think there is no doubt that these two teams should be ranked 1 and 2 in the mountains, not sure which one is 1 and which one is 2 but going into the season these two teams should start off as 1 and 2. If this game was played early in the season I would take Pulaski in a close one, if played late when BOTH teams have had a full regular season under their belt, I take the Pirates. I just feel that Belfry's physical play out matches Pulaski. JMO!!!

[jetpilot]

I would like to see Pulaski vs. Belfry as well. Would have been a great Pike County Bowl matchup.

[eyesonly]

I know Hatfield, Flecther and Bentley all STILL live in WV. and maybe more. Why should KY tax payers pay for WV kids education.

[Briar jumper bd]

I just came home from Wal Mart and two people in front of me payed with foodstamps and got tons of food! I just payed for that sh** and aint no one complaining about that! I've seen those Belfry boys play and they play the game like its meant to be played and I don't have a problem spending my tax money on them! Quit crying leave the kids alone!!!! You want to save tax money>>>>>>>vote Obama out!!! Last time I checked cell phones are not a necessity!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I'm not a Belfry fan but can't help to be a fan of the way they do things in Pond Creek! BELFRY High is not good because of recruiting!!! They are good because they do the right things and draw the talent to thier program.

[Pirate1991#8]

I know Hatfield, Flecther and Bentley all STILL live in WV. and maybe more. Why should KY tax payers pay for WV kids education.

We give it back by playing West Virginia Lottery and buying alcohol...Pike County is a dry County...it all works out.LOL.... and is all perfectly legal...if you have issues with it call the KHSAA....they know where these kids live...see what you jealous people don't understand is that Coach Haywood is a very honest and Christian man and didn't get to were he is today by cheating. You can bet your last dollar that every kid that wants to transfer to Belfry he calls The KHSAA to make sure he isn't breaking the rules.

[Gargamel]

We give it back by playing West Virginia Lottery and buying alcohol...Pike County is a dry County...it all works out.LOL.... and is all perfectly legal...if you have issues with it call the KHSAA....they know where these kids live...see what you jealous people don't understand is that Coach Haywood is a very honest and Christian man and didn't get to were he is today by cheating. You can bet your last dollar that every kid that wants to transfer to Belfry he calls The KHSAA to make sure he isn't breaking the rules.

I agree Haywood is a Great Man & Coach, irateShoirateSho:Thumbs:Looks like some fans could learn a lot from him!

[Craze JACKET man]

I'm new with BGP, but have spent several days reading others post.. It's very obvious that it's hard to give credit to others on here. How can you not say that the best program and team is not Belfry. IMO they have the best coach and the most success in the mtns. Going to win 10 every year. Johnson Central is building that type of program as well.
I hope the Boro will start to build one, but many years away from that..

[ArJay]

Belfry is at the top. Then the group behind them is Johnson Central, Pulaski, Bell, and Harlan Co.

[EKUAlum05]

I'm new with BGP, but have spent several days reading others post.. It's very obvious that it's hard to give credit to others on here. How can you not say that the best program and team is not Belfry. IMO they have the best coach and the most success in the mtns. Going to win 10 every year. Johnson Central is building that type of program as well.
I hope the Boro will start to build one, but many years away from that..

To play Devil's Advocate I would be surprised if anyone questioned Belfry as the best program... it is impossible to argue against 3 State Titles and 4 Runner-Ups over an 11 year stretch.

With that said, Belfry is still only a 3A school and as Johnson Central proved last year it doesn't make you the best team every season especially when larger schools like a Johnson Central or Pulaski County have a loaded roster.

With that said, the difference between Belfry and Pulaski County was minimal at the end of last season and both teams return stacked lineups (FWIW I though Pulaski was probably a little better). Johnson Central proved they deserved to be considered a better team than Belfry by hanging 50+ on the Pirates.. but the Eagles lost essentially their Top 7 players.

Should be a fun year in EKY.

[PHSForever]

Oh I think your scared, but it's ok, I still say who I am on here. And thanks for saying my comments are laughable, So are the ones you make man,because every time you say Pikeville is a top ten mountain football team I laugh. Now you and your buddy jet pilot read this slow. The only reason WYMT ranks pikeville in the mountain top ten is because out of all the Class A teams in the Mountains (which is like JV to what I'm use to seeing) you guys win in your minor league division.in other words they feel sorry for you guys...so with that being said if you took all the Mountain teams and had a playoff no way, no how would Pikeville be in the top ten. Now shut up go work on your academics and leave the real football talk to programs that can actually play. And people who have played in them..

Let it go, man. You got issues.

[pjdoug]

To play Devil's Advocate I would be surprised if anyone questioned Belfry as the best program... it is impossible to argue against 3 State Titles and 4 Runner-Ups over an 11 year stretch.

With that said, Belfry is still only a 3A school and as Johnson Central proved last year it doesn't make you the best team every season especially when larger schools like a Johnson Central or Pulaski County have a loaded roster.

With that said, the difference between Belfry and Pulaski County was minimal at the end of last season and both teams return stacked lineups (FWIW I though Pulaski was probably a little better). Johnson Central proved they deserved to be considered a better team than Belfry by hanging 50+ on the Pirates.. but the Eagles lost essentially their Top 7 players.

Should be a fun year in EKY.

Pulaski would also likely hang 50 + on them

[killbilly usmc]

How can you not have Belfry at the #1 spot. They are the King of the Mtns.
1. Belfry
2. Johnson Central
3. Pulaski Co

Did johnson central lose that much or something. Belfry needs to beat them before id crown them king of the mountains. Last year belfry was not king of the mountains, cause johnson central smoked them like a boston butt.

[EKUAlum05]

Did johnson central lose that much or something. Belfry needs to beat them before id crown them king of the mountains. Last year belfry was not king of the mountains, cause johnson central smoked them like a boston butt.

JC lost their entire backfield and their top two defensive players in addition to all the other lost by graduation.

JC will still field a fine team as Matney has built that program to the point they are able to do interchangeable parts.

Belfry also was a different animal once they got healthy in November. JC still probably would have beat them, they were simply the better team, but a Belfry/JC game when the Pirates were healthy would have looked more along the lines of 38-28 or 28-21 IMHO.

[EKUAlum05]

Pulaski would also likely hang 50 + on them

In October I don't disagree... but Pulaksi offensively wasn't significantly better than Wayne or Bourbon County and once Belfry got all their puzzle pieces finally back togeher in November they were a very good defensive team.... borderline dominant.

I think a Belfry/Pulaski game at the end of last year ends up somewhere along the lines of 24-14 or 28-21 in Pulaski's favor. Let's not forget Wayne County's dominant balanced offense essentially had nearly 2/3 of their total yardage come on 3 plays. Bourbon County averaged over 50 points a game and over 450 yards per game entering the Belfry game. Wayne County averaged 41 points per game and averaged nearly 375 yards per game. Combined the two scored 13 points (6 of those from very controversial clock keeping at Bourbon) and averaged a mere 203 yards.

Belfry's defense was playing at a very high level.