[mysonis55]

Short and simple answer, no!!!!

[pjdoug]

Boyle will win 3a. They are clearly the best team in the class. I say JC has a chance tho.

You pick them over Corbin?

[I Rule The World]

I knew 2A mountain teams had no chance which is why I didn't even bother mentioning it in this thread. But whoever said Leslie County up there is nuts lol. They can't beat Shelby Valley. No one from the East is beating NewCath this year. Which I look for Shelby Valley to play them again and get about the same result.

I cannot wait until that game...

[Crossbones]

Boyle will win 3a. They are clearly the best team in the class. I say JC has a chance tho.

Clearly? I guess if your looking through your glasses. 3 games in and they are clearly the best of the class? Based on what?

[Gator95]

I cannot wait until that game...

Valley vs. NewCath or Leslie?

[KYHSFBFan]

I think Pikeville, Paintsville or Raceland all have a good shot at the 1a title.

Belfry and Corbin have a good shot at the 3a title.

Johnson Central should be the favorite to win 4a. I don't see Ashland or Knox with much of a shot.

Pulaski Co has a real shot to repeat in 5a and I think N.Laurel & Southwestern have an outside shot.

[Cat Daddy]

1A - Pikeville or Paintsville should represent the East in the Finals this year. Both have player of the year candidates, in Pugh and Daniel and both are very solid defensively. With that being said, Beechwood is the team to beat in 1A this year, but either of these two teams could pull off the upset.

My Prediction: Beechwood

2A - I really don't see any teams from the East being able to compete with NCC. Leslie County and Shelby Valley are the best two 2A teams in Eastern Kentucky this year, but I can't forget about the beating NCC put on Shelby Valley last year. If an East team could pull off the upset, they have no shot at beating Desales or Mayfield in the West.

My Prediction: Desales

3A- Until someone beats Belfry, they would have to be considered the favorite to represent the East in Bowling Green. This is another vintage Belfry team, they are big, strong, and they will wear you down, by running the ball down your throat, play after play. Their defense is also very talented, and Belfry is always a team who gets better in the playoffs. With that being said, Belfry's biggest threat in the East will be the Corbin Redhounds. Coach Haddix has brought a lot of excitement back to the Redhound program and he is staring to turn the program into the powerhouse it once was. I don't know if the Redhounds can beat Belfry at CAM, but they will give them all they want. Haddix in my opinion, is one year away from a state championship berth.

When looking at the West, there is only one team who I see beating Belfry, and that team is Boyle County. Chuck Smith is back at the helm, and that spells trouble for everyone else in 3A. I think Boyle is the team to beat right now, but as I said earlier, Belfry is another animal in the playoffs.

Prediction - Belfry

4A: After the exit of Covington Catholic and Highlands from 4A, Johnson Central is the favorite to bring home a championship. The only team that stands in their way in the East is Ashland, and I can't see Ashland beating Johnson Central, after Johnson Central dominated them the way they did last year. In the West, South Warren is the favorite to get to Bowling Green, but they couldn't even make it to the finals in 3A last year. In my opinion, if Johnson Central doesn't win a championship this year, they never will, because 4A is very weak this year.

Prediction - Johnson Central

5A: I don't consider Pulaski County a mountain school, so therefore the mountains have no shot at bringing home a championship in 5A. That leaves you with Letcher Central, Harlan County, Perry Central, and Whitley County. All of these teams will be lucky to have a winning record, let alone being able to complete for a championship. In the West, Bowling Green will be right there again this year, and with Highlands being down this year, I believe it is a two horse race between BG and Pulaski.

Prediction - Pulaski County

6A: No schools in Eastern Kentucky are 6A, and if there were, no body is beating Trinity.

Prediction - Trinity

[ColtPride]

No offense to the op. But as a former Maroon player, we don't and have never identified ourselves as a mountain team.

[jetpilot]

No offense to the op. But as a former Maroon player, we don't and have never identified ourselves as a mountain team.

No offense to you either, but 99% of mountain football fans don't consider you a mountain team either. It's strictly a tactic by WYMT to try to pull in more viewers.

[OutlawJoseyWales]

I dont even see that :biggrin:

blinded by jealousy:Thumbs:

[OutlawJoseyWales]

Boyle will win 3a. They are clearly the best team in the class. I say JC has a chance tho.

By who's standard? Oh...is this the Chuck Smith effect?

C'mon.....way to early to say any team is "clearly the best team" in any class...including 6A.

I've seen several teams this season...including Boyle, Belfry and Lex Cath. The only thing that's clear is this...........3A is loaded.

[OutlawJoseyWales]

I think Johnson Central has a very good shot this year. South Warren also. I keep seeing Belfry not getting a lot of love on here this year. What have they lost? Why are people counting them out already. I honestly do not know. Haven't seen them play.

Sick of seeing a mountain team dominate. And Belfry is boring. They run...run...and run some more. To the general football fan...not a lot of excitement. To the football purist.....a thing of beauty when their offense is clicking.

[Hatz]

It's all these Boyle county "fans" that no one ever knew existed until these past couple weeks. Not sure what makes them think they have the right to say anything negative towards Belfry. I for one hope and pray Belfry sends them and their "fans"to the house crying later this year.

Most of these are not Boyle fans.

[Do-double-gg]

We can argue all day on whether Pulaski is a mountain team or not, but as long as they are in the WYMT coverage area and are listed as a mountain County and team then I will call em a mountain team lol.
:popcorn:

[Do-double-gg]

If we had the championships right now...............
1A. With Mayfield gone I think Pikeville or Paintsville have a very good shot. Remember Beechwood has a good program but Mayfield was always a notch better.

2A. Somerset, Shelby Valley and Leslie County all have good teams but the top 5 of 2A is way too stacked with teams like Desales, Mayfield and NewportCC

3A. Belfry is the champs till someone beats em, but I believe like a lot have said, I think 2 or 3 teams at the top of 3A are good enough to take Belfry out right now, but Belfry always gets way better by the playoffs. I don't think Bell or Corbin are good enough to even think about it at this point. I said at the end of last season that Boyle would own 3A this season and I'm sticking to that prediction.

4A. IMO Johnson Central is the hands down favorite so if you disagree name me a 4A team who is better. For years it's been Highlands, Covington and then Johnson Central and everyone knows it.

5A. I believe Pulaski is still the best team in 5A till someone proves otherwise. I think their game against 6A Scott County is looking better and better as the season goes along. Southwestern to this point is a little overrated.

6A. ?????lol

I can see 2 possibly 3 champions coming from the mountains if they played it right now, but a lot can change from now to December.

I'm sticking with my prediction. I say we send 3 teams to the finals and get 2 champions..............Johnson Central wins 4A hands down. Belfry is the favorite in 3A and I think both Pikeville and Paintsville have a shot in 1A with Mayfield being gone.

[#P3]

No

[bball_fan]

Could four mountain teams play for a state title, yeah I can see that. Single A in the east I believe runs through Paintsville and Pikeville. I've read a lot of people say this year's Raceland team is lacking athletes they had before and Hazard nearly got beat by a team Pikeville laid the smack down on. The only team in the east I see throwing a curve ball into this could be Fairview.

2A... Maybe if you have a ton of injuries and Somerset get really lucky... And you count Somerset as a mountain team.

3A will be Belfry or Corbin from the east. I believe it will be Belfry, this being the first year their former hold back students start go play major roles. All the other competition in 3A has to beat each other up to play in the State Title and Belfry's ball control style could give anyone who is beat up troubles.

4A I really believe runs through Johnson Central. Someone made the argument before about South Warren not getting it done in 3A when Johnson Central beat the 3A champ the last couple years.

[Jarons]

No. The only teams in the east with a chance for a title are Raceland, Paintsville, and Pikeville in 1A, Belfry with Russell with a way outside shot if they are fortunate enough to beat Belfry. Johnson Central since Highlands and Cov. Cath. have left 4A.

[bcpc]

Yes, I said it... I've seen Boyle Play. Wether it's the 3rd game or not. They would beat Belfry or Corbin... They are a Very Very disciplined/fundamental team. But they my glasses I don't see The Pirates getting a shot to play them. All you Belfry Homers shouldn't talk about glasses. Belfry isn't the only team to play football in 3a. They have their work cut out for them and yall won't have any name cross ya other than Belfry. Wether you like it or not, there is another red team in the east that is gonna give your team allllllllll you want for the foreseeable future. Hell, I pick my team. But I can't say they are the best. Boyle wins 3a.

[bcpc]

I for one have been on the winning side Vs Belfry and Boyle.. I have seen the Pirates lose. Seen them lose on Turf, dry grass, and even 10" of mud. Somehow, I've seen them lose on a muddy field when it hadn't rained a week prior.

[pjdoug]

blinded by jealousy:Thumbs:

dont flatter yourself.

[Crossbones]

Yes, I said it... I've seen Boyle Play. Wether it's the 3rd game or not. They would beat Belfry or Corbin... They are a Very Very disciplined/fundamental team. But they my glasses I don't see The Pirates getting a shot to play them. All you Belfry Homers shouldn't talk about glasses. Belfry isn't the only team to play football in 3a. They have their work cut out for them and yall won't have any name cross ya other than Belfry. Wether you like it or not, there is another red team in the east that is gonna give your team allllllllll you want for the foreseeable future. Hell, I pick my team. But I can't say they are the best. Boyle wins 3a.

Wow, you've seen Boyle play...hahaha...so has several other people. Have you even seen all the others teams in 3A? I highly doubt it. And for the record I didn't say Belfry was clearly the best team in 3A. To much ball to be played to say that after 3 games in. As far as the other red team from the east, well looks like they have their work cut out for them. Have you seen Central play this year or just going off what you read here? Boyle may very well win it all but after 3 games and crowning them champs...lol

[IronMan86]

Yes, I said it... I've seen Boyle Play. Wether it's the 3rd game or not. They would beat Belfry or Corbin... They are a Very Very disciplined/fundamental team. But they my glasses I don't see The Pirates getting a shot to play them. All you Belfry Homers shouldn't talk about glasses. Belfry isn't the only team to play football in 3a. They have their work cut out for them and yall won't have any name cross ya other than Belfry. Wether you like it or not, there is another red team in the east that is gonna give your team allllllllll you want for the foreseeable future. Hell, I pick my team. But I can't say they are the best. Boyle wins 3a.

Would you happen to be talking about the team that is currently getting it handed to them by Danville?

[Crossbones]

I for one have been on the winning side Vs Belfry and Boyle.. I have seen the Pirates lose. Seen them lose on Turf, dry grass, and even 10" of mud. Somehow, I've seen them lose on a muddy field when it hadn't rained a week prior.

You've been on the losing side against them also.

[More Cowbell]

Out of all Honesty their only one and I dont see them winning it this year. I think mountain football is down. Their is only a handful a decent teams not great. Belfry Johnson Central, Paintsville, Pulaski County and Leslie County outside of that anyone can beat anyone! We have this conversation every year. same teams in the semifinals 80% of the time and hardly outside of Belfry who else from the mountains.

Leslie County? Yeah, they appear to have a good team, but to put them up there with Belfry, JC, Paintsville, and Pulaski? Come on now.

They have no more chance of winning 2A than Shelby Valley, which is practically zero.

[outsider]

1A - always interesting because depth plays an issue. If you can get to Beechwood, they're good, but not the monster they were and Mayfield is gone. I wouldn't count Raceland out of the eastern mix here either.

2A - no chance. Desales is hammering 6A Louisville teams, and Mayfield is Mayfield. All due respect, but those two teams probably easily handle any 606 small school.

3A - this'll be the most interesting. Belfry's traditional cakewalk to state has become a gauntlet. Still, they could win if they stay healthy and fix their personnel issues. Central is down. Lex Cath has athletes but weak on the line. Think it is either Boyle of Belfry here.

4A - two horse race between JC and Ashland to go to the finals, I think (depending on how Scott keeps doing, maybe 3; after the hammering Bourbon took, not sold there). About 3/4 of the good 4A teams are in the west; luckily only one can come out. I favor JC/Ashland winner to be at least runner-up in 4A with a fair shot to win.

5A- Pulaski looks like a solid pick. They picked a good year for BG, HHS, CCH to all be terrible and them to be really good. Timing is everything. Pretty good showing against Scott Co, which is probably a top 3 team in the state and would win any other class.

So, 4 titles, probably not. I'd say one with a couple runners up. Won't say which one.

1A Paintsville and Pikeville will be a factor with Mayfield moving to 2A
2A will be a Mayfield/NewCath showdown IMO
3A Belfry will be a major factor as will Bell Co. to face Central/Boyle Co. Lex.Cath
4A Ashland with their best team in years and is a tough place to play more so during playoff time has a shot .
5A JC moved up to challenge Pulaski Co.
6A no mountain schools but a Scott Co. vs Louisville School Male/Trinity?

[Gator95]

1A Paintsville and Pikeville will be a factor with Mayfield moving to 2A
2A will be a Mayfield/NewCath showdown IMO
3A Belfry will be a major factor as will Bell Co. to face Central/Boyle Co. Lex.Cath
4A Ashland with their best team in years and is a tough place to play more so during playoff time has a shot .
5A JC moved up to challenge Pulaski Co.
6A no mountain schools but a Scott Co. vs Louisville School Male/Trinity?

JC is 4A lol

[pjdoug]

1A Paintsville and Pikeville will be a factor with Mayfield moving to 2A
2A will be a Mayfield/NewCath showdown IMO
3A Belfry will be a major factor as will Bell Co. to face Central/Boyle Co. Lex.Cath
4A Ashland with their best team in years and is a tough place to play more so during playoff time has a shot .
5A JC moved up to challenge Pulaski Co.
6A no mountain schools but a Scott Co. vs Louisville School Male/Trinity?

tare:

[64SUR]

Yes...1A Paintsville or Pikeville ( I believe if either team makes its they will win it.
No....2A would loved to see Leslie County
Yes...3A Belfry or Corbin
Yes...4A Johnson Central and maybe Knox county central making a run.
Yes...5A Pulaski county
No....6A like to see Ryle make it to Bowling Green ( Tanner Morgan Fan )

eriously:

[Bigcat]

1A Beechwood the favorite but I think they're beatable. I'd take Pikeville over Raceland and Paintsville over both. Kash is different than any QB in the state. Phelps is one of the most underrated backs in the state. Defense has been good. I think the key for Paintsville is to create a 3/4 headed monster on offense. Raceland loaded the box and stuffed them in the playoffs. Trimble had 0 touches that game. He's proven to be one of the more talented kids in EKY they have to get him involved to get to the top level I think. Pikeville slowed Paintsville down without Phelps but Paintsville was open almost every play when they threw in the 4th when Pikeville knew they had too. The young receiver on the opposite side has a lot of skill too. They get those guys involved I think you'll see a Beechwood/Paintsville matchup.
2A just don't have the horses this year.
3A the title goes through Belfry. Monster DLine and Horton will be one of the better defenders to come from the mountains. They miss Hatfield+Taylor on offense but still have skill there. I think Boyle is their biggest hurdle. Corbin will be a tough out.Lex Cath is a shell of Lex Cath but their schedule really prepares them. Jones is a nice athlete. Sleeper to watch is Lawrence Co. Until they beat Belfry it's hard to put them in the next level but you can make an argument this is the fastest team ever at Lawrence Co. The Dalton's are 2 of the best receivers in KY and they have a Senior built team.
4A I think Johnson Central is the favorite. Typical Central size. The road to a championship has become WAYYY easier by realignment. Central can always run the ball. This team is different because of Workman. Duel threat QB that can beat you with his arm. I like South Warren in the west. Ashland is probably JC biggest test. Central has owned them but Ashlands Def is playing better and Bakers home run threat every snap gives them a punchers chance.
5A I like Pulaski Co. They have built something special there. That Pulaski/Pulsski SW game should be a dandy! Montgomery Co is quietly playing good ball but I think the Pulaski/Pulaski SW winner will make it.