[Thrillex]

Wayne Co. beat Central though...that's also a big mental advantage.

[Buc Wild]

Along those same lines of thought, how big of a mental advantage is it for Belfry's upperclassmen to have basically twice as much playoff experience as Wayne Co's? Especially if you consider "big game" playoff experience?

For instance, Belfry's seniors will be playing in their 20th playoff game. 12 of those being regional finals, semi-finals or finals.

Wayne County's seniors will be playing in their 10th playoff game in 4 years. Only 3 of those games have been beyond the 2nd round, and all of those are this year.

Personally, I don't think you get this far if your players let pressure get to them. It's when or go home after the 10th game of the regular season. Getting to the championship game has to be somewhat of a relief, especially if you are us.

But at this point there isn't a next week so why not lay it all on the line and see what happens?

Pirate Pride!!

[PHS95]

Wayne Co. beat Central though...that's also a big mental advantage.

I think that mental advantage also favors Belfry... because the name "Louisville Central" was such a block to a lot of these boys.... the fact that it ISN'T central, regardless of it being a team that beat central, gives the Pirates more edge!

[EKUAlum05]

Along those same lines of thought, how big of a mental advantage is it for Belfry's upperclassmen to have basically twice as much playoff experience as Wayne Co's? Especially if you consider "big game" playoff experience?

For instance, Belfry's seniors will be playing in their 20th playoff game. 12 of those being regional finals, semi-finals or finals.

Wayne County's seniors will be playing in their 10th playoff game in 4 years. Only 3 of those games have been beyond the 2nd round, and all of those are this year.

I am not sure... the biased side of me thinks it is a huge advantage..in particular the fact that Bowling Green has literally been like their second home whereas this will all be foreign to Wayne... the schedule/routine, the logistics, the hotel, the pressure, having one less day of practice... whereas to Belfry everyone aside from the Freshmen already know exactly what to expect.

Conversely... I think to last week's game vs. Bourbon and how Belfry really wasn't very sharp coming out themselves and needed a Quarter before they started to settle in. Granted Bourbon also struggled it seemed...even their "tunnel time" and fog machine was mis-timed.

The bottom line is these are teenage boys so there will be nerves no matter what... I think Belfry's big game experience certainly gives them a better chance to adjust, but at the same time this is a Wayne team who has a ton of Seniors and experience of their own. Though they havent played on the "big stage" as much as Belfry's Seniors... the anticipation and excitement at kickoff isn't nearly as foreign thanks to some big time regular season match-ups with big crowds.

[EKUAlum05]

I think that mental advantage also favors Belfry... because the name "Louisville Central" was such a block to a lot of these boys.... the fact that it ISN'T central, regardless of it being a team that beat central, gives the Pirates more edge!

I could see it going the other way there as well.... the name "Central" wasn't a block in 2007 when a talented Belfry team lost to an underdog Central.

This Wayne team is darn good... in fact this Wayne team in any season Central won the title would give them a run for their money... playing Central may have caused Belfry to tighten up a bit because they wanted that win so bad, but it also meant they wanted it so bad that they were 100% focused on the task at hand.

It is clear form Thompson's comments that he has been playing the "Hoosiers" card to his team all season as they have chopped down Blue Blood program after blue blood program. He even referred to "David vs. Goliath" even though his team has been ranked right with Belfry all year and they are favored by the computers.... he has his team bought into being a team of destiny and "being the best by beating the best" and you can bet money they are bleeding football and community pride right now with every waking second. If Belfry doesn't respect Wayne as being the new King of 3A it could be dangerous.

The unfinished business aspect actually worries me this week. I would rather see Belfry simply focus on being the best Belfry team they can be, and the Seniors simply playing as hard as they can until the last second of their career while drinking up the memories as they prepare. Wayne County has nothing to lose... this is their first Finals and they have already cemented themselves in Monticello lure... to signify Belfry has unfinished business left is to signify that business will remain unfinished if they don't win or that the season is a failed opportunity if they dont bring home the trophy. Just go play the game for what it is and see where the chips fall when you give your best effort.

[Belfry0304]

I'm on my phone so I'm not gonna quote but ... I'm fairly certain Payton Mullins started the most games. He became the starter within the first 3 weeks whereas Sani did not start DB until I believe the Sheldon Clark game in 2010. While Payton missed some games his senior year, I know Sani missed the Garrard game in 2011, as well as Pikeville and Sheldon Clark last year. Last I heard though, Payton owned that record.

I believe Woolum will end up being a pretty good wide out. Last week isn't good evidence but he has really nice hands, and is one of the better athletes in the younger grades (excellent soccer player and point guard)

[throw deep]

Significant injuries?

Was one of Wayne Co.'s defensive lineman injured in the Pad. Tilghman game??? Saw on another site where they said he didn't play any in the 2nd half of the game......

[Gravy]

It is clear form Thompson's comments that he has been playing the "Hoosiers" card to his team all season as they have chopped down Blue Blood program after blue blood program. He even referred to "David vs. Goliath" even though his team has been ranked right with Belfry all year and they are favored by the computers.... he has his team bought into being a team of destiny and "being the best by beating the best" and you can bet money they are bleeding football and community pride right now with every waking second. If Belfry doesn't respect Wayne as being the new King of 3A it could be dangerous.

Thompson has sort of had to play the David vs. Goliath card his whole career even on Wayne's campus. Wayne County has always been a basketball school...even the AD is the basketball coach. Respect hasn't come easy in Wayne County, but they have everybody's attention around here now.

[Leonidas]

This week is going by so S----L-----O-----W !!!!!!!!!!!!

[64SUR]

Hope you Pirate Faithful enjoy this.....2 Weeks of Production later and I think this ended up pretty cool. (Big thanks to Belfry0304 for
assisting in the making of this). Best of Luck this weekend, Pirates.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2CAPPgv-QoE&feature=youtu.be

Great job MCMiner247 :Cheerlead from Williamsburg nations an 64SUR. GO irateSho irateSho irateSho

[Matt Dillon]

I have yet to comment on this score. I will say this, if it were not going to be bad weather I would pick Wayne by 2 TD. Now its a toss up. If for some reason the weather clears up and the ball stays dry, Belfry will be no different than the other 14.

[IronMan86]

Belfry by 2 TD's rain or shine

[proudpirate90]

as for Guffey i want to let you know,,,,everyone said that said that Bourbon Co running back would run through Belfry,,,not....as for last 2011 Louisville Central had the #1 running back....went out with on the second play of the game....all i am saying is get ready our boys come to play this ball game and intend to leave it all on the field,,,their coached well and will let you know it when it comes to contact...just ask anyone they have played

[AnotherPirateTD]

:Thumbs::flame::irateSku:Skull03::

Belfry by 2 TD's rain or shine

[HarleyD]

Belfry's ground and pound will win this game and bring the gold back to Pond Creek! Go Big Red!

Belfry 35
Wayne Co 20

irateSho:devilflamirateSho:devilflam

[Belfry0304]

Here's a pretty good run down of what Pirate Pride is all about, these are only ones I know about. The ones who wore the jersey before you... and family tradition.

OT Austin Gibbs
- Dad, Whitey Gibbs, 1990s
- Uncle, Van Gibbs 1980s
- Cousins, Stevan/Matt Gibbs, James Hardin 2000s

OG Drew Mullins
- Brother, Payton Mullins 2000s

C Macky Francis
- Uncle, Steve Francis 1970s
- Brother, Zack Francis, 2000s
- Cousin, Josh Francis, 2000s
(Pretty sure his dad played too, just not sure of a year)

OG Zack Lester
- Brother, Casey Lester, 2000s

WR Keaton Taylor
- Brother, Zach Taylor, 2010s

TE Cole Bentley
- Brother, Morgan Bentley, 2000s

RB Justin Johnson
- Uncle, Carl Johnson, 1970s (May have had a few more uncles, I just saw Carl in a yearbook today so I know for sure)

FB Austin Hatfield
- Josh Dixon, 2000s

DT Rayquan Horton
- Jeffree Pruitt 2000s
- David Jones 2000s

NG Joey Duty
- Brother, John Duty, 2000s

DE Austin Hall
- Chad Steele 2000s
- Mike Steele

LB Dakota Stanley
- Brother, Jimbo Stanley, 2000s

Cameron Catron
- Dad, Harry Catron, 1980s

S - Kaleb Edwards
- StepBrother, Matt Maynard, 2000s

K - Austin Woolum
- Matt Smith (2000s)

A lot of kids with a deep family history of Pirate football on this team. I may be forgetting or have some mixed up, but I think this is fairly accurate. There's probably some more that I'm leaving out. Pretty incredible though. Trenity Carr is also a cousin to the long-time girlfriend of RB Thomas Varney.

[Go Big Red!]

Looking like a crap storm is headed our way just about game time!!

[Buc Wild]

Everybody on the team has kinfolk that played at BHS during some point.

Pirate Pride!!

[Buc Wild]

Can I post yet, this is killing me?

I've been waiting to join all year.

[skully03]

Gonna head toward Bowling Green tomorrow. Can't wait to watch this game. I pray God watches over everyone traveling this weekend especially with the bad weather coming in. Stay safe folks and best of luck to all mountain teams. Also I pray for an injury free weekend for all teams. GOOOOO BELFRY!!!!

[Belfry0304]

I'll drive 25 mph both ways or buy some dogs and a sled before I miss this! Safe travels to our Cardinal counterparts, much shorter trip but you guys be safe coming down!

[bucslover68]

I'll drive 25 mph both ways or buy some dogs and a sled before I miss this! Safe travels to our Cardinal counterparts, much shorter trip but you guys be safe coming down!

You and Skully better get some sleep so you won't be tired driving!!! Go Big Red!!!!:biggrin::biggrin:

[skully03]

You and Skully better get some sleep so you won't be tired driving!!! Go Big Red!!!!:biggrin::biggrin:

SLEEP!!!! HA!!!! To excited to sleep. Lol

[Belfry0304]

You and Skully better get some sleep so you won't be tired driving!!! Go Big Red!!!!:biggrin::biggrin:

Come on now Bucslover, you really think we're taking my gas guzzler to Bowling Green? We'd stop at every station between here and there, lol. Riding with a friend.

[AtlPirateFan]

Travel safely everyone who makes the trip. Looks like things will only start to get bad around the time the 3A game is about to start. Hopefully the boys have spent some time with wet and slippery balls a bit in practice this year.

[OutlawJoseyWales]

Bad weather...good weather....honestly, IMO the weather may impact how the game is played....but it shouldnt impact the outcome. The team that stays focused, executes their gameplan....and can make timely in game adjustments will be victorious.

I stated before the Bourbon Co game that Belfry would have the coaching edge. IMO, that edge will exist again tomorrow. Nothing agalnst the Wayne Staff....obviously they've done a fabulous job in preparing and coaching their kids to maximize their strengths. That being said.....I'm not sure there's a better in-game technician than Coach Haywood. Haywood and Staff have consistently throughout the years been able to dissect, analyze and scheme during the in-game phases....Whether it's adjusting gap assignments, tweaking line splits...disguising multiple defensive schemes...etc, etc.

Both teams appear to be fairly even overall.....IMO....it will come down to coaching.

Gotta go with Haywood and Belfry.

Belfry 28

Wayne 12

[cuppett777]

Travel safely everyone who makes the trip. Looks like things will only start to get bad around the time the 3A game is about to start. Hopefully the boys have spent some time with wet and slippery balls a bit in practice this year.

I say BG may be getting some tonight,as they done moved the the time up from here in Jonesboro 9 hrs already,was sup 2 to start around midnight tonight and now around 3pm today..

[EKUAlum05]

When it all boils down here are what I think are the 3 keys to the game:

- Belfry OL vs. Wayne County DL:
Belfry has a huge size advantage but this isn't Wayne's first rodeo with a bigger line. Belfry's line moves better than Bell and Southwestern's though and the backs that follow them are considerably better. If Belfry consistently creates a surge the snowball effect in this game goes toward their favor, if Wayne's quickness is able to create penetration and cause disruptions and get's Belfry off the field then it significantly goes toward their favor. IMHO, this is the SINGLE BIGGEST KEY.

- Wayne Passing Game vs. Belfry Secondary and LB's:
I have no doubt Wayne is "going to get theirs" with their precision passing game and ability to take what defenses give the. I may eat crow here, but I simply am not overly worried about Wayne's running game. I think Guffey may be able to extend some drives on his own, but by and large Belfry should have reasonable success containing Wayne's backs. Where Wayne will be able to make hay is in the short to intermediate passing game that they do so well. Belfry, IMHO, will play pretty conservative and take a "bend but dont break" approach forcing Wayne to eat clock and limit possessions basically waiting for their chance to take a calculated risk or for Wayne to make a mistake. If Belfry is able to get off the field more times than they allow TD's I like their chances.

- Slippery Football:
This is the X Factor for both teams. Looks like two teams who rely on precision in their offense must deal with a wet track and a wet ball. Whoever makes a mistake will significantly impact both of the points made above and potentially swing the game. Can Belfry hold on to the ball? Will Wayne's impeccable accuracy on their short passing game suffer? I think both teams have an equal potential for disaster.. the question is which way the ball bounces.

My Prediction:
Belfry gets a few key stops and also force Wayne to kick a FG instead of scoring 7. Pirate offense consistently has success, but a couple drives end after self inflicted wounds and general good defensive play force a punt. Belfry consistently wins the Field Position game. Trailing 24-21 in the 4th Sani Warren caps off a long scoring drive by taking an option keeper in from inside the 10.

Belfry 28
Wayne County 24

The best game of the weekend

[Leonidas]

When it all boils down here are what I think are the 3 keys to the game:

- Belfry OL vs. Wayne County DL:
Belfry has a huge size advantage but this isn't Wayne's first rodeo with a bigger line. Belfry's line moves better than Bell and Southwestern's though and the backs that follow them are considerably better. If Belfry consistently creates a surge the snowball effect in this game goes toward their favor, if Wayne's quickness is able to create penetration and cause disruptions and get's Belfry off the field then it significantly goes toward their favor. IMHO, this is the SINGLE BIGGEST KEY. - Wayne Passing Game vs. Belfry Secondary and LB's:
I have no doubt Wayne is "going to get theirs" with their precision passing game and ability to take what defenses give the. I may eat crow here, but I simply am not overly worried about Wayne's running game. I think Guffey may be able to extend some drives on his own, but by and large Belfry should have reasonable success containing Wayne's backs. Where Wayne will be able to make hay is in the short to intermediate passing game that they do so well. Belfry, IMHO, will play pretty conservative and take a "bend but dont break" approach forcing Wayne to eat clock and limit possessions basically waiting for their chance to take a calculated risk or for Wayne to make a mistake. If Belfry is able to get off the field more times than they allow TD's I like their chances.

- Slippery Football:
This is the X Factor for both teams. Looks like two teams who rely on precision in their offense must deal with a wet track and a wet ball. Whoever makes a mistake will significantly impact both of the points made above and potentially swing the game. Can Belfry hold on to the ball? Will Wayne's impeccable accuracy on their short passing game suffer? I think both teams have an equal potential for disaster.. the question is which way the ball bounces.

My Prediction:
Belfry gets a few key stops and also force Wayne to kick a FG instead of scoring 7. Pirate offense consistently has success, but a couple drives end after self inflicted wounds and general good defensive play force a punt. Belfry consistently wins the Field Position game. Trailing 24-21 in the 4th Sani Warren caps off a long scoring drive by taking an option keeper in from inside the 10.

Belfry 28
Wayne County 24

The best game of the weekend

Thats most definitely the key to this game for both sides, and everything else either team done is dictated by what happens up front all game long.

Can't wait to watch it!!!!

[Tica]

Interesting - people in the far west are posting pictures of grocery stores already bare from a pre-storm run on food. Memories still fresh from 2009 when some folks went without power for three weeks; no fuel for days. I don't think it is going to be as bad as 2009 because Jim Cantore is not set up in Paducah ... yet.