[Coachdad]

Belfry , Bell ,Johnson Central who ?

[EKUAlum05]

Your team played the two best at the end of the season... who do you think it is?

Hazard also deserves a special mention in the discussion as well.

[Live Maroon]

Actually, Hazard brought home the big trophy, I'd put them first. Belfry would be a close 2nd.

[RoShamBo]

What Hazard did was impressive no denying that, but I don't see how you can justify saying they are the best in the mountains when they lost to two mountain teams this year.

I think it has to be Bell, Belfry or Johnson Central but it is tough to say with how this season transpired.

[Coachdad]

Your team played the two best at the end of the season... who do you think it is?

Hazard also deserves a special mention in the discussion as well.

Haven't seen enough to know , that's why I'm asking you all

[RoShamBo]

Haven't seen enough to know , that's why I'm asking you all

I think he's right it is probably going to come down to Bell Co. and Belfry, both of which Central played at the end of the season. So who do you think was the better team between those two based on what YOU saw?

[fieldofdreams]

Actually, Hazard brought home the big trophy, I'd put them first. Belfry would be a close 2nd.

Granted you are correct the Bulldogs did bring home the hardware (Very proud of our mountain team) but in no way could Hazard play in the 3A and compete with Belfry for the title. Belfry and Hazard were the ONLY 2 teams that made it to state and in my opinion (yes, it's an opinion) a 3A pulls rank on a 1A school. I would have to put the Pirates at 1 and Hazard either a 1B or very close 2. Sorry, but look at what both teams did to your Panthers! (BTW, congrats to Randy, Gavin, Cody and the rest of the Panthers on a great season)

[EKUAlum05]

Haven't seen enough to know , that's why I'm asking you all

It's a tough call.

Bell certainly had the better resume in the regular season, played a tougher schedule, and won the Harlan County game which was hyped as the biggest game in the Mountains.

Belfry certainly had the better resume in the post season. Playing Central much more closer, going further in the playoffs, knocking off a possible Top 5 Mountain team in Breathitt on the road, and an impressive road victory over a pretty darn good Garrard County team. The knock on Belfry is they lost to Johnson Central in the Regular Season finale whereas Bell hasn't lost to a mountain team in a handful of years.

Johnson Central's claim to fame is their win over Belfry. The Eagles though suffered a loss to Perry Central earlier in the season, did not win their district (losing to Ashland handily, a team Belfry defeated), and the consensus is they caught Belfry on an "off night" after the emotional win the Pirates had the week prior.

Hazard can say something no other team can, and it is a BIG claim. They won the big one. In doing so, they also knocked off (in controlling fashion) a team many viewed as a Top 15 team in the State regardless of class. The knock on the Bulldogs is the fact they lost twice to Mountain Schools Somerset and Breathitt County (who Belfry defeated) and had a heck of a fight brought to them by Pikeville (who Belfry crushed).

Harlan County had a fantastic regular season until Bell vanquished them in the Season Finale. The Bears felt they were the class of the mountains all season, but the Bell loss coupled with an extremely disappointing playoff run that ended at the hands of Southwestern proves they may have been a bit over rated.

Breathitt County was untouchable in the regular season including quality wins over Hazard and Somerset. Their season came to an end on their homefield though as Belfry ousted them by 2TD's.

IMHO you can view it two ways.

In terms of accomplishments:
1. Hazard
2. Belfry
3. Bell
4. Johnson Central
5. Breathitt


In terms of the eye test:
1. Belfry
2. Bell
3. Breathitt
4. Hazard
5. Johnson Central

[Live Maroon]

Granted you are correct the Bulldogs did bring home the hardware (Very proud of our mountain team) but in no way could Hazard play in the 3A and compete with Belfry for the title. Belfry and Hazard were the ONLY 2 teams that made it to state and in my opinion (yes, it's an opinion) a 3A pulls rank on a 1A school. I would have to put the Pirates at 1 and Hazard either a 1B or very close 2. Sorry, but look at what both teams did to your Panthers! (BTW, congrats to Randy, Gavin, Cody and the rest of the Panthers on a great season)

Actually, I can't argue with that at all. Wish Belfry could have held on against Central, but I have no argument with putting them first and Hazard a close second.

[99PIRATEFAN]

It's a tough call.

Bell certainly had the better resume in the regular season, played a tougher schedule, and won the Harlan County game which was hyped as the biggest game in the Mountains.

Belfry certainly had the better resume in the post season. Playing Central much more closer, going further in the playoffs, knocking off a possible Top 5 Mountain team in Breathitt on the road, and an impressive road victory over a pretty darn good Garrard County team. The knock on Belfry is they lost to Johnson Central in the Regular Season finale whereas Bell hasn't lost to a mountain team in a handful of years.

Johnson Central's claim to fame is their win over Belfry. The Eagles though suffered a loss to Perry Central earlier in the season, did not win their district (losing to Ashland handily, a team Belfry defeated), and the consensus is they caught Belfry on an "off night" after the emotional win the Pirates had the week prior.

Hazard can say something no other team can, and it is a BIG claim. They won the big one. In doing so, they also knocked off (in controlling fashion) a team many viewed as a Top 15 team in the State regardless of class. The knock on the Bulldogs is the fact they lost twice to Mountain Schools Somerset and Breathitt County (who Belfry defeated) and had a heck of a fight brought to them by Pikeville (who Belfry crushed).

Harlan County had a fantastic regular season until Bell vanquished them in the Season Finale. The Bears felt they were the class of the mountains all season, but the Bell loss coupled with an extremely disappointing playoff run that ended at the hands of Southwestern proves they may have been a bit over rated.

Breathitt County was untouchable in the regular season including quality wins over Hazard and Somerset. Their season came to an end on their homefield though as Belfry ousted them by 2TD's.

IMHO you can view it two ways.

In terms of accomplishments:
1. Hazard
2. Belfry
3. Bell
4. Johnson Central
5. Breathitt


In terms of the eye test:
1. Belfry
2. Bell
3. Breathitt
4. Hazard
5. Johnson Central

Hazard has a great team but Breathitt beat them and so would Belfry Bell and JC i seen them play they are good and they are the best in there class
but in the mountains no they are not.

[ekff]

Hazard has a great team but Breathitt beat them and so would Belfry Bell and JC i seen them play they are good and they are the best in there class
but in the mountains no they are not.

WOULD!!! thats your opinion. I don't think JC would beat Hazard. Belfry and Hazard played in a pre-seaon game and both teams just twice.

[Real Badman]

It's a tough call.

Bell certainly had the better resume in the regular season, played a tougher schedule, and won the Harlan County game which was hyped as the biggest game in the Mountains.

Belfry certainly had the better resume in the post season. Playing Central much more closer, going further in the playoffs, knocking off a possible Top 5 Mountain team in Breathitt on the road, and an impressive road victory over a pretty darn good Garrard County team. The knock on Belfry is they lost to Johnson Central in the Regular Season finale whereas Bell hasn't lost to a mountain team in a handful of years.

Johnson Central's claim to fame is their win over Belfry. The Eagles though suffered a loss to Perry Central earlier in the season, did not win their district (losing to Ashland handily, a team Belfry defeated), and the consensus is they caught Belfry on an "off night" after the emotional win the Pirates had the week prior.

Hazard can say something no other team can, and it is a BIG claim. They won the big one. In doing so, they also knocked off (in controlling fashion) a team many viewed as a Top 15 team in the State regardless of class. The knock on the Bulldogs is the fact they lost twice to Mountain Schools Somerset and Breathitt County (who Belfry defeated) and had a heck of a fight brought to them by Pikeville (who Belfry crushed).

Harlan County had a fantastic regular season until Bell vanquished them in the Season Finale. The Bears felt they were the class of the mountains all season, but the Bell loss coupled with an extremely disappointing playoff run that ended at the hands of Southwestern proves they may have been a bit over rated.

Breathitt County was untouchable in the regular season including quality wins over Hazard and Somerset. Their season came to an end on their homefield though as Belfry ousted them by 2TD's.

IMHO you can view it two ways.

In terms of accomplishments:
1. Hazard
2. Belfry
3. Bell
4. Johnson Central
5. Breathitt


In terms of the eye test:
1. Belfry
2. Bell
3. Breathitt
4. Hazard
5. Johnson Central

Why can I never disagree with you...

:oooo:

[99PIRATEFAN]

WOULD!!! thats your opinion. I don't think JC would beat Hazard. Belfry and Hazard played in a pre-seaon game and both teams just twice.

I watched the pre-season game and both teams got better as the year
went on but could Hazard have played the post season games that Belfry
played and won i don't think so i could be wrong but this is my opinion.

[ekff]

^ I understand but one thing is for sure.... Bell, Belfry, Breathitt, Hazard, JC, Harlan were all very good football teams and the mountains should be proud of all the teams.

[Coachdad]

I think he's right it is probably going to come down to Bell Co. and Belfry, both of which Central played at the end of the season. So who do you think was the better team between those two based on what YOU saw?

because of the domination by Mayfield the past couple years i would tend to believe they could beat most teams in the upper classes, and Hazard beat them , but i have not seen Hazard so i dont know, without me looking it up did hazard play belfry ?

[EKUAlum05]

because of the domination by Mayfield the past couple years i would tend to believe they could beat most teams in the upper classes, and Hazard beat them , but i have not seen Hazard so i dont know, without me looking it up did hazard play belfry ?

No...they scrimmaged...but that was it.

They shared 4 common opponents:
Breathitt County: Belfry defeated 28-14, Hazard lost 34-35
Pburg: Belfry defeated 48-30, Hazard defeated 35-12
Sheldon Clark: Belfry defeated 56-14, Hazard defeated 46-22
Pikeville: Belfry defeated 55-14, Hazard defeated 57-35

Belfry's average score in those games:47-18
Hazard's average score in those games: 43-26

[Coachdad]

No...they scrimmaged...but that was it.

They shared 4 common opponents:
Breathitt County: Belfry defeated 28-14, Hazard lost 34-35
Pburg: Belfry defeated 48-30, Hazard defeated 35-12
Sheldon Clark: Belfry defeated 56-14, Hazard defeated 46-22
Pikeville: Belfry defeated 55-14, Hazard defeated 57-35

Belfry's average score in those games:47-18
Hazard's average score in those games: 43-26

thats pretty even, was Mayfield really that good ? what happened to them against hazard ? from what ive been reading the past 2 years Mayfield had me thinking they were great !

[EKUAlum05]

thats pretty even, was Mayfield really that good ? what happened to them against hazard ? from what ive been reading the past 2 years Mayfield had me thinking they were great !

About a 2 TD per game difference and not indicative of the fact belfry basically only played their starters for 3 Quarters in the Pikeville and SC games...

Much like the Belfry vs. Central game...Hazard came to play and wanted to redeem themselves from last year's embarrassing loss. Mayfield's star RB played banged up as well, but the the story of the game was how Hazard controlled the LOS on both sides of the ball. At the 1A level where most teams don't have a ton of depth, if you win the LOS you almost certainly win the game.

[Coachdad]

About a 2 TD per game difference and not indicative of the fact belfry basically only played their starters for 3 Quarters in the Pikeville and SC games...

Much like the Belfry vs. Central game...Hazard came to play and wanted to redeem themselves from last year's embarrassing loss. Mayfield's star RB played banged up as well, but the the story of the game was how Hazard controlled the LOS on both sides of the ball. At the 1A level where most teams don't have a ton of depth, if you win the LOS you almost certainly win the game.

what year is jackson from mayfield, it sure reads like he's the real deal & a D1 prospect. did he play at all ?

[Blau Vogel]

I am going to start something here with no intention of ruffling feathers. If anyone takes offense, I ask that a mod remove my post. It is intended for those of you that take great pride (rightfully so) in mountain football to consider and discuss.

For years I have taken part in numerous forums and notice that the mountain fans seem to care more about being the best in the mountains than the best in the state. This year, one and nearly two mountain teams bring home the prize, but that is almost lost when two days after championship weekend the discussion heads back home.

I have seen seemingly hundreds of threads and thousands of posts regarding the WYMT Sports Overtime Mountain Top Ten. There are similar rankings, (fan polls and coaches polls) but very little IF ANY attention is paid to them, by the teams with their eye on the trophy that is given the first weekend of December.

Have you seen a Bowling Green fan open a thread wanting a ranking for western schools? No, they want to know if people think BG is better than the other state champs. There is a thread comparing Boyles 5 in a row with Highlands 5 in a row. No threads from Louisville asking which team is second to Trinity.

IMVHO, the focus at the end of the year needs to be on what needs to be done between now and the playoffs next year to beat those teams, OUTSIDE of your area, that stand in the way of the ring.



Winning the district is paramount because of the advantages it brings during the playoffs. After that goal is reached, everything that is done should be in preparation to get you by your playoff opponents, not being able to knock off some other mountain school, not even in your classification, for bragging rights.

Again, I mean no disrespect, but as an outsider, this is my perception. I have enormous respect and share the pride you feel for the mountains. Like a great many people living to the west of you, my roots run back to the mountains.

[Coachdad]

I am going to start something here with no intention of ruffling feathers. If anyone takes offense, I ask that a mod remove my post. It is intended for those of you that take great pride (rightfully so) in mountain football to consider and discuss.

For years I have taken part in numerous forums and notice that the mountain fans seem to care more about being the best in the mountains than the best in the state. This year, one and nearly two mountain teams bring home the prize, but that is almost lost when two days after championship weekend the discussion heads back home.

I have seen seemingly hundreds of threads and thousands of posts regarding the WYMT Sports Overtime Mountain Top Ten. There are similar rankings, (fan polls and coaches polls) but very little IF ANY attention is paid to them, by the teams with their eye on the trophy that is given the first weekend of December.

Have you seen a Bowling Green fan open a thread wanting a ranking for western schools? No, they want to know if people think BG is better than the other state champs. There is a thread comparing Boyles 5 in a row with Highlands 5 in a row. No threads from Louisville asking which team is second to Trinity.

IMVHO, the focus at the end of the year needs to be on what needs to be done between now and the playoffs next year to beat those teams, OUTSIDE of your area, that stand in the way of the ring.



Winning the district is paramount because of the advantages it brings during the playoffs. After that goal is reached, everything that is done should be in preparation to get you by your playoff opponents, not being able to knock off some other mountain school, not even in your classification, for bragging rights.

Again, I mean no disrespect, but as an outsider, this is my perception. I have enormous respect and share the pride you feel for the mountains. Like a great many people living to the west of you, my roots run back to the mountains.

there IS a poll who they think is second to trinity and its ST.X

[AtlPirateFan]

I am going to start something here with no intention of ruffling feathers. If anyone takes offense, I ask that a mod remove my post. It is intended for those of you that take great pride (rightfully so) in mountain football to consider and discuss.

For years I have taken part in numerous forums and notice that the mountain fans seem to care more about being the best in the mountains than the best in the state. This year, one and nearly two mountain teams bring home the prize, but that is almost lost when two days after championship weekend the discussion heads back home.

I have seen seemingly hundreds of threads and thousands of posts regarding the WYMT Sports Overtime Mountain Top Ten. There are similar rankings, (fan polls and coaches polls) but very little IF ANY attention is paid to them, by the teams with their eye on the trophy that is given the first weekend of December.

Have you seen a Bowling Green fan open a thread wanting a ranking for western schools? No, they want to know if people think BG is better than the other state champs. There is a thread comparing Boyles 5 in a row with Highlands 5 in a row. No threads from Louisville asking which team is second to Trinity.

IMVHO, the focus at the end of the year needs to be on what needs to be done between now and the playoffs next year to beat those teams, OUTSIDE of your area, that stand in the way of the ring.



Winning the district is paramount because of the advantages it brings during the playoffs. After that goal is reached, everything that is done should be in preparation to get you by your playoff opponents, not being able to knock off some other mountain school, not even in your classification, for bragging rights.

Again, I mean no disrespect, but as an outsider, this is my perception. I have enormous respect and share the pride you feel for the mountains. Like a great many people living to the west of you, my roots run back to the mountains.

This thread was started by Coachdad, a Louisville Central fan. He gets to experience one mountain team a year most of the time ( '07 Belfry, '08 Breathitt, '10 Belfry, '11 Bell and Belfry. Am I missing someone?) With his limited experience with Mtn Teams he is asking the mountain faithful how these boys stack up. Come on dude you spend enough time on this board to see this hopefully.

[Crossbones]

I am going to start something here with no intention of ruffling feathers. If anyone takes offense, I ask that a mod remove my post. It is intended for those of you that take great pride (rightfully so) in mountain football to consider and discuss.

For years I have taken part in numerous forums and notice that the mountain fans seem to care more about being the best in the mountains than the best in the state. This year, one and nearly two mountain teams bring home the prize, but that is almost lost when two days after championship weekend the discussion heads back home.

I have seen seemingly hundreds of threads and thousands of posts regarding the WYMT Sports Overtime Mountain Top Ten. There are similar rankings, (fan polls and coaches polls) but very little IF ANY attention is paid to them, by the teams with their eye on the trophy that is given the first weekend of December.

Have you seen a Bowling Green fan open a thread wanting a ranking for western schools? No, they want to know if people think BG is better than the other state champs. There is a thread comparing Boyles 5 in a row with Highlands 5 in a row. No threads from Louisville asking which team is second to Trinity.

IMVHO, the focus at the end of the year needs to be on what needs to be done between now and the playoffs next year to beat those teams, OUTSIDE of your area, that stand in the way of the ring.



Winning the district is paramount because of the advantages it brings during the playoffs. After that goal is reached, everything that is done should be in preparation to get you by your playoff opponents, not being able to knock off some other mountain school, not even in your classification, for bragging rights.

Again, I mean no disrespect, but as an outsider, this is my perception. I have enormous respect and share the pride you feel for the mountains. Like a great many people living to the west of you, my roots run back to the mountains.

I can sort of agree with this.. Being best in the mountain really means squat, just a make me feel better saying IMO. The true goal should and is the State Championship. It is for comparable purposes to kind of see who was best in your area but in the end only one trophy means anything. King of the mountain is a big deal around here, but King of the State is where it's at.

[cj2561]

1. Hazard
2. Belfry (only because they lose to Central)

3. Bell Co
4. SW
5. Harlan Co

Hazard was the only team in the mountains that won the state title.

[long_time_pirate]

1. Hazard
2. Belfry (only because they lose to Central)

3. Bell Co
4. SW
5. Harlan Co

Hazard was the only team in the mountains that won the state title.

Let's say just for your top 5.... WHAT would you have put if Hazard had to play Central in 3A? .... So, basically you think that Mayfield OR Hazard could beat Belfry--who lost only by 1 point to Central?
My point being, there is a LOT of difference once you get to this level in the playing level ie;. 1A, 2A, 3A, etc.... NOT taking anything away from Hazard as we cheered them on the entire way there! BUT, to think they are #1 ahead of Belfry and could beat them, then you are sadly mistaken!

[Blau Vogel]

This thread was started by Coachdad, a Louisville Central fan. He gets to experience one mountain team a year most of the time ( '07 Belfry, '08 Breathitt, '10 Belfry, '11 Bell and Belfry. Am I missing someone?) With his limited experience with Mtn Teams he is asking the mountain faithful how these boys stack up. Come on dude you spend enough time on this board to see this hopefully.

Yes I do spend a lot of time here and other boards...that is why I have noticed that it seems that the MAJORITY (that means most but not all) of mountain team fans seem to only care that there team is better than the one over the next ridge.

[Spud6]

I would have to say Belfry.

[WideRight05]

Definition of Mountain Team: Can't compete with the rest of the state...especially with the big boys!!!

[Blau Vogel]

there IS a poll who they think is second to trinity and its ST.X

I did a search and this is all I could find... 6A (Minus Trinity)

http://www.bluegrassrivals.com/forum/sho...+x+trinity

Not quite the same, and has had only 8 posts in two and a half days. On the other hand, this thread had 8 posts in the first 45 minutes and shows no signs of slowing down.

[Blau Vogel]

Definition of Mountain Team: Can't compete with the rest of the state...especially with the big boys!!!

Go away