[Hound05]

No matter how great you are,no matter how great a coach you have(and yes pirates you do have the best in the country)no matter how great the players are,and no matter how great the fans are,there comes a point and time where it just wasn't meant to be.congrats pirates on a great season and all the memories we have over the past several years.

I’m with ya on some things aren’t just meant to be. But, Phillip Haywood the best coach in the COUNTRY?? Hahahahahahahahhaha. I’m hope that you were just exaggerating. Sometimes sarcasm and such are hard to read on a message board.

[bucslover68]

I’m with ya on some things aren’t just meant to be. But, Phillip Haywood the best coach in the COUNTRY?? Hahahahahahahahhaha. I’m hope that you were just exaggerating. Sometimes sarcasm and such are hard to read on a message board.

That's being a little mean Hound considering he has an award that says just that on it...

[Demarcus ware]

That's being a little mean Hound considering he has an award that says just that on it...

Which is something you’ll never see a Corbin coach have.

[Bobcat4years]

Let this thread Stop::
Phillip Haywood is the best coach in this state and even a better man.. More coaches in this state sound take a look at his platform and impact student athletes the way he does. He has done things at Belfry that 98% of men will never do in there career.. 40 years of coaching and most head coaches will not make 20. Godly man! Won more games than anyone in this state! Not sure on how many State titles!
Great year Pirates!

[Granny Bear]

I have to say I'm amazed at how this thread has went. After all the trash talking and arrogance that some of our fans show on hear you guys have been a class act. I try my best to be professional, respectful, and nice as I possibly can on here and I was expecting just total smashing of Belfry today and it's quite the opposite. Thank you guys. I couldn't get on last night after the game because I just didn't want to here it. But after reading most of these comments from you guys, it's really helped the hurt. Again, thank you guys. It hurt when we lost. But what hurt the most was seeing my son, who is the starting Center and just a Sophmore coming out of the locker room and I could tell he had been crying just broke my heart. What can a man say to his son at that moment? I just didn't know. I'm in the Army and have taught my boys to be strong as I am but at times like that we all are very humbled. He told his Mom that what hurt the most was that he felt he let the Seniors down. I was so proud of him for thinking of others instead of himself at a time like that. So very proud of you #55, you've made your mom and dad very proud of the young man you've become. Back to the game, congrats Central. No excuses here you guys wanted it more and beat us. Plain and simple. Good Luck the rest of the way although now I've become a Corbin fan the rest of the year. I love mountain football and nothing would please me more than to see the Hounds win the title. Good Luck to all teams left. May God bless you young men with a great injury free run at the championship. Finally, just one more time I want to thank all you classy fans here on this site. Belfry fans opened the door for you guys to hammer us after a defeat and haven't done that. Thanks BGR.

THIS is what I love!!

THIS is what makes it worthwhile!!

I remember picking up and helping my kids off the field after a heart breaking loss; after they had left everything on the field and had nothing left to give. I remember doing this at Southwestern one time when some of their fans (4 to be exact) had surrounded one of mine who was struggling, and taunting him. They said the most horrible things!! I remember other Southwestern fans that intervened and helped me get him off the field. Then talked with him and me for a long time about devotion and hard work. So I learned that ALL fan bases have their assholes and their angels.

Same with Belfry. The first year we played them, I talked smack big time to all of them! I was so confident!!! lol I thought their fans were arrogant and mean.....until I met them at the game. Those fans were just as passionate about their kids than I was with mine. Turns out, I made many friends that are still dear to me to this day. I saw them win 2 of their rings, and attended those games primarily to watch them!!

You teach life lessons in a win as well as a loss. Student athletes learn that you live on to fight another day.

So good luck to Belfry seniors!! Good luck to ALL the seniors. They will fight another day, another place BUT they WILL take the lessons learned in football and hopefully apply them to the rest of their life.

[E's Army]

Granny that is what high school sports should be about. Life lessons from sports go a long way into making these young men grow into better citizens.

[BelfryPride]

First off, thanks to the classy people on here that have been gracious to us. It took me a few days to slowly get back on here because I like many others were dreading of what we may come back to, but i was honestly suprised and elated and made me smile that there's still some good people on here.

Secondly, there's no better man and coach to these kids as Phillip Haywood. He is a Godly man and a fine role model for these boys and to this community. Records and numbers show HE IS the best coach in this State.

Lastly, I'll piggy back off what Granny said. Many on here take our pride, love and passion for the game and Belfry as arrogance and that is simply not the case. Do we expect to win? Yes, but don't you?

These players may not be blood to all of us, but they are our family regardless, we will do anything to protect family. We cry when they cry, we celebrate when they celebrate. This community cherishes their beloved Pirates.

There's nothing like being in those bleachers on a warm fall night cheering on the Red & White. The glowing lights from Vipperman and now Cam Stadium just drew you in and you automatically felt like you were at home.

It has been an honor and a privilege to watch this program grow into a Dynasty. Belfry has solidified themselves as a powerhouse and a contender in 3A.

All of those years spent being in awe of programs like Highlands, Danville and Boyle County to name a few, and to now be joining them on that list is such an honor.

Growing up as a Belfry fan, all I wanted for Belfry to win at least 1 State Title, now we're blessed to say we have 6 and I have been fortunate enough to have saw every one of them.

It's now up to our mountain brothers Pikeville, Johnson Central, Harlan County and Corbin to represent Eastern Ky. and get to Lexington next week. Us Pirate Fans will be behind you all the way!

Good Luck, God Bless and as always....Go Belfry! irateSho

[Granny Bear]

HEY!!!!

We may not make it to Lexington, but we ARE still in the mix!!!

Arrogant Pirate fan!

[64SUR]

HEY!!!!

We may not make it to Lexington, but we ARE still in the mix!!!

Arrogant Pirate fan!

Pretty sure BelfryPride made a typo Granny Bear :popcorn:

[BelfryPride]

HEY!!!!

We may not make it to Lexington, but we ARE still in the mix!!!

Arrogant Pirate fan!

Sorry Granny! I didn't mean to leave ya'll out You already know I'm behind Harlan and I'll even go watch if I can and if they get to Lexington. Kroger Field is 5 miles away from my place.

[Granny Bear]

Tell ya what, if we play in Lexington you and I will go out for dinner. My treat!!!

I’m with ya on some things aren’t just meant to be. But, Phillip Haywood the best coach in the COUNTRY?? Hahahahahahahahhaha. I’m hope that you were just exaggerating. Sometimes sarcasm and such are hard to read on a message board.

Hound05, I don't believe you are the type of person to be disrespectful. I would suggest you obtain a copy of Coach Haywood's book, Faith Family and Football. It's a fantastic read, and I believe you would enjoy it.

[smoke1015]

First off, thanks to the classy people on here that have been gracious to us. It took me a few days to slowly get back on here because I like many others were dreading of what we may come back to, but i was honestly suprised and elated and made me smile that there's still some good people on here.

Secondly, there's no better man and coach to these kids as Phillip Haywood. He is a Godly man and a fine role model for these boys and to this community. Records and numbers show HE IS the best coach in this State.

Lastly, I'll piggy back off what Granny said. Many on here take our pride, love and passion for the game and Belfry as arrogance and that is simply not the case. Do we expect to win? Yes, but don't you?

These players may not be blood to all of us, but they are our family regardless, we will do anything to protect family. We cry when they cry, we celebrate when they celebrate. This community cherishes their beloved Pirates.

There's nothing like being in those bleachers on a warm fall night cheering on the Red & White. The glowing lights from Vipperman and now Cam Stadium just drew you in and you automatically felt like you were at home.

It has been an honor and a privilege to watch this program grow into a Dynasty. Belfry has solidified themselves as a powerhouse and a contender in 3A.

All of those years spent being in awe of programs like Highlands, Danville and Boyle County to name a few, and to now be joining them on that list is such an honor.

Growing up as a Belfry fan, all I wanted for Belfry to win at least 1 State Title, now we're blessed to say we have 6 and I have been fortunate enough to have saw every one of them.

It's now up to our mountain brothers Pikeville, Johnson Central, Harlan County and Corbin to represent Eastern Ky. and get to Lexington next week. Us Pirate Fans will be behind you all the way!

Good Luck, God Bless and as always....Go Belfry! irateSho

I myself did not having a thing against Belfry, you, or anyone from there. Until the putdown comment, that had nothing to do with Belfry, and wasn't confused as arrogance. Then an edited post, while leaving another Belfry member's insult up. That is nothing against Belfry football, Belfry folks in general, but for a moderator being unfair. Having said that, I take no pleasure in any team losing this time of year. If my team isn't in it, I'm rooting for good football, plain and simple. People in life deserve things, usually adults, and maybe not to fall down a flight of steps, and a broken ankle, but deserve a return insult, from a hundred miles away, thick skin can take that. Kids don't deserve to lose heart breaking games because of what some guy on the internet said, either way. Congrats to all teams that made the regional championships, and are going beyond. In the future, leave the cakewalk comments for the non Christians, Godly men, to make.

[smoke1015]

I’m with ya on some things aren’t just meant to be. But, Phillip Haywood the best coach in the COUNTRY?? Hahahahahahahahhaha. I’m hope that you were just exaggerating. Sometimes sarcasm and such are hard to read on a message board.

He won the award fair and square. I've been to coaching seminars where coach Haywood spoke, the Gault House in Louisville a couple of times, etc.. He seems very legit in his beliefs. I liked what the man had to say and some of the programs he's put in, prayer groups and such (I think he said), in the mornings. I'm sure he's the man the people say he is. He was very soft spoken and not arrogant at all. When he retires the state will lose a lot of class.

[Poseidon]

It's important to remember that people have the right to their own opinion whether we agree with it or not. Trying to label someone or something as the best is always an opinion and will have different interpretations based on one's perspective and experience Haywood has done a great job with the teams he has had, that is a fact based on the numbers. As far as the book is concerned I hope he is the type of person the book portrays him to be, I do not know him and have learned not to believe everything I read. As far as the best coach in the country.... Could be I suppose. But I look at the coaches that compete for state titles in the big schools and are nationally ranked. Not small school Kentucky. That being said that is not saying he is not a solid coach, he certainly is.

[bucslover68]

It's important to remember that people have the right to their own opinion whether we agree with it or not. Trying to label someone or something as the best is always an opinion and will have different interpretations based on one's perspective and experience Haywood has done a great job with the teams he has had, that is a fact based on the numbers. As far as the book is concerned I hope he is the type of person the book portrays him to be, I do not know him and have learned not to believe everything I read. As far as the best coach in the country.... Could be I suppose. But I look at the coaches that compete for state titles in the big schools and are nationally ranked. Not small school Kentucky. That being said that is not saying he is not a solid coach, he certainly is.

I agree that everyone has a right to their opinion, but let's not put something sarcastic in responding to an opinion about one of the great coaches all-time in this state.

[bucslover68]

I agree that everyone has a right to their opinion, but let's not put something sarcastic in responding to an opinion about one of the great coaches all-time in this state.

The book is spot on and this comes from everyone around Belfry and most other areas that knows him. He is also a very intense competitor and does not like to lose.

[pjdoug]

First off, thanks to the classy people on here that have been gracious to us. It took me a few days to slowly get back on here because I like many others were dreading of what we may come back to, but i was honestly suprised and elated and made me smile that there's still some good people on here.

Secondly, there's no better man and coach to these kids as Phillip Haywood. He is a Godly man and a fine role model for these boys and to this community. Records and numbers show HE IS the best coach in this State.

Lastly, I'll piggy back off what Granny said. Many on here take our pride, love and passion for the game and Belfry as arrogance and that is simply not the case. Do we expect to win? Yes, but don't you?

These players may not be blood to all of us, but they are our family regardless, we will do anything to protect family. We cry when they cry, we celebrate when they celebrate. This community cherishes their beloved Pirates.

There's nothing like being in those bleachers on a warm fall night cheering on the Red & White. The glowing lights from Vipperman and now Cam Stadium just drew you in and you automatically felt like you were at home.

It has been an honor and a privilege to watch this program grow into a Dynasty. Belfry has solidified themselves as a powerhouse and a contender in 3A.

All of those years spent being in awe of programs like Highlands, Danville and Boyle County to name a few, and to now be joining them on that list is such an honor.

Growing up as a Belfry fan, all I wanted for Belfry to win at least 1 State Title, now we're blessed to say we have 6 and I have been fortunate enough to have saw every one of them.

It's now up to our mountain brothers Pikeville, Johnson Central, Harlan County and Corbin to represent Eastern Ky. and get to Lexington next week. Us Pirate Fans will be behind you all the way!

Good Luck, God Bless and as always....Go Belfry! irateSho

I have to disagree with the arrogance comment. some take arrogance to the limit .

[Granny Bear]

^Like you??

nicker:

[bucslover68]

My point in responding to Hound, whom I respect his/her posts, is that people can laugh at someone saying that an individual is the best in the country and who knows who is really best, but he WAS the nominee from KY and the WINNER nationally of Coach of the Year presented by the National High School Athletic Coaches Association last year. So he does have some national merit to back up whatever claims people want to make about him. The fact that he has done what he has done in a small town with a relatively small school is a record that stands on its own and is very deserving of whatever awards or recognition comes his way.

[pjdoug]

^Like you??

nicker:

Nothing at all like me

[#55PirateFan]

Dang yall, I'm still crushed over Friday night! Is that normal? I've never felt this way over a sporting event my entire life and I'm 41 years old. Maybe I'm just being a big man baby I don't know but this sucks!

[Snow]

I myself did not having a thing against Belfry, you, or anyone from there. Until the putdown comment, that had nothing to do with Belfry, and wasn't confused as arrogance. Then an edited post, while leaving another Belfry member's insult up. That is nothing against Belfry football, Belfry folks in general, but for a moderator being unfair. Having said that, I take no pleasure in any team losing this time of year. If my team isn't in it, I'm rooting for good football, plain and simple. People in life deserve things, usually adults, and maybe not to fall down a flight of steps, and a broken ankle, but deserve a return insult, from a hundred miles away, thick skin can take that. Kids don't deserve to lose heart breaking games because of what some guy on the internet said, either way. Congrats to all teams that made the regional championships, and are going beyond. In the future, leave the cakewalk comments for the non Christians, Godly men, to make.

I agree with every point in your post you have made

[Cakebattermatters]

I have to say I'm amazed at how this thread has went. After all the trash talking and arrogance that some of our fans show on hear you guys have been a class act. I try my best to be professional, respectful, and nice as I possibly can on here and I was expecting just total smashing of Belfry today and it's quite the opposite. Thank you guys. I couldn't get on last night after the game because I just didn't want to here it. But after reading most of these comments from you guys, it's really helped the hurt. Again, thank you guys. It hurt when we lost. But what hurt the most was seeing my son, who is the starting Center and just a Sophmore coming out of the locker room and I could tell he had been crying just broke my heart. What can a man say to his son at that moment? I just didn't know. I'm in the Army and have taught my boys to be strong as I am but at times like that we all are very humbled. He told his Mom that what hurt the most was that he felt he let the Seniors down. I was so proud of him for thinking of others instead of himself at a time like that. So very proud of you #55, you've made your mom and dad very proud of the young man you've become. Back to the game, congrats Central. No excuses here you guys wanted it more and beat us. Plain and simple. Good Luck the rest of the way although now I've become a Corbin fan the rest of the year. I love mountain football and nothing would please me more than to see the Hounds win the title. Good Luck to all teams left. May God bless you young men with a great injury free run at the championship. Finally, just one more time I want to thank all you classy fans here on this site. Belfry fans opened the door for you guys to hammer us after a defeat and haven't done that. Thanks BGR.

Very classy, great season!

[smoke1015]

Dang yall, I'm still crushed over Friday night! Is that normal? I've never felt this way over a sporting event my entire life and I'm 41 years old. Maybe I'm just being a big man baby I don't know but this sucks!

Some losses effect people different ways. It might be a team that isn't very good, and lose a rare scheduled game they are supposed to win, or a very good team that losses a game that is being called even. I was stunned just a week ago, getting beat by a team that most said we'd beat by 3 to 4 scores. Like Belfry, we were injured. Unlike Belfry we played a much lesser opponent. I was probably just as crushed. This was the first group of seniors I had coached with since the 3rd grade. I did not expect Central to win that game Friday night, and certainly not how it was won. Possibly Belfry could win that game 50% of the time, maybe more. It definitely was one of those games that nothing really went right. I can relate.

[oldschool77]

It hurts to lose a game you expect to win at any point in the season. The finality of a loss like this in the playoffs is what makes it so brutal. During the season there is always a "next game" to think about and get back to the win column.

[EKUAlum05]

Wasnt able to follow this one live and had to get texts.

Central was the superior team and took it to Belfry and deserve all the credit.

What a run for these Pirate Seniors and hated that injuries had to keep kids like Wellman from being able to "go down with the ship" while playing their hearts out like they have their entire career. Belfry still doesn't win..but just know it had to feel unfair that something like an injury kept them on the sideline. That's football though.

Much respect to Central and at least for this year it is back to the drawing board for Belfry. Been a great ride.

[pjdoug]

Dang yall, I'm still crushed over Friday night! Is that normal? I've never felt this way over a sporting event my entire life and I'm 41 years old. Maybe I'm just being a big man baby I don't know but this sucks!

imagine how it feels for me wanting my team to win state

[pjdoug]

It hurts to lose a game you expect to win at any point in the season. The finality of a loss like this in the playoffs is what makes it so brutal. During the season there is always a "next game" to think about and get back to the win column.

This is what aggravates me when some fans say their team worked harder is why they won state.it is simply not true. kids that play on teams with not much of a winning tradition still put their heart and soul into it and work as hard as anybody. imagine kids putting all the time and work in and never get a win.

[#55PirateFan]

imagine how it feels for me wanting my team to win state

Hang in there brother, it'll happen.

[Single Wing 77]

imagine how it feels for me wanting my team to win state

There is a big difference between hope and expectation. You hope your team will shock the world and win a fluke state title. Belfry folks expect to win a state title because they actually compete at that level on a regular basis. Something that "your school" has never done.