[bucslover68]

Ashland 17-2 all time against Belfry. Let that sink in. A lot of posters on here putting the cart before the horse wondering where Belfry will play after they dismantle Ashland and keep telling yourself Ashland is small! Tomcat's 28-20!!!

Nobody is putting a cart anywhere. Ashland is small there is no denying that. I have the all time record as 18-3 Tomcats with a list available of each match up. It is a series definitely in favor of Ashland.

[bucslover68]

Belfry won in 89,92, and 2011. 35-14 has been the average score in this series in favor of AHS.

[nekysportsfan]

Ashland’s linebackers are small. Their QB and running backs are small. Their line is only small if you compare them to Johnson Central or Spring Valley. Every position on the field, though, can run rather well. I look for it to be a game settled by a single score either way as well. Hard to say who will win. It should come down to something like a turnover, special teams play, or FG making the difference.

[bucslover68]

Size is relative. Ashland may not be the smallest team but overall Belfry has played much bigger in JC and Archbishop Alter.

[bucslover68]

Ashland’s linebackers are small. Their QB and running backs are small. Their line is only small if you compare them to Johnson Central or Spring Valley. Every position on the field, though, can run rather well. I look for it to be a game settled by a single score either way as well. Hard to say who will win. It should come down to something like a turnover, special teams play, or FG making the difference.

Ashland definitely is known for their speed all over the field.

[bucslover68]

And believe me...fans looking and analyzing a bracket is not THE TEAM looking anywhere. Both of these schools have great fan bases with knowledgeable BGR members. This is the type of game all involved should be looking forward to.

[T-CATS]

Ashland’s linebackers are small. Their QB and running backs are small. Their line is only small if you compare them to Johnson Central or Spring Valley. Every position on the field, though, can run rather well. I look for it to be a game settled by a single score either way as well. Hard to say who will win. It should come down to something like a turnover, special teams play, or FG making the difference.

I'd take Ashland's LB Workman all day and Sunday on my team.

[nekysportsfan]

I’ll go ahead throw out the disclaimer for Bob Seger who is sure to show up in this thread talking about how great Johnson Central is and how terrible Ashland is...we know, Bob...please just worry about your mighty Eagles trying to win state, something they’ve amazingly only been able to do once during their recent run of “dominance”.

[bucslover68]

T-CATS....are you familiar with fourseasonsfootball.com? Go check it out and click on the top banner for EKY schools.

[T-CATS]

The last two times these teams met at the CAM they were classic slugfest games. 22-20 Blazer and 7-6 Belfry. I wouldn’t be surprised if the margin for either team was just like these two games.

Was at both games along with the Home W Ashland got on a late TD run by Malik Massey Ashland's small but super fast WR was forced in the backfield after injuries busted a 62 yard run.

[T-CATS]

T-CATS....are you familiar with fourseasonsfootball.com? Go check it out and click on the top banner for EKY schools.

No thanks for the info. I'll check it out.

[Hoot Gibson]

I’ll go ahead throw out the disclaimer for Bob Seger who is sure to show up in this thread talking about how great Johnson Central is and how terrible Ashland is...we know, Bob...please just worry about your mighty Eagles trying to win state, something they’ve amazingly only been able to do once during their recent run of “dominance”.

That was one more that Ashland won during the same period. The truth is Coach Matney is a difference maker and Ashland has only been willing to schedule Johnson Central when the Tomcats have been forced to compete in the same district as the Golden Eagles. My guess is that the series record between Belfry and Ashland has been skewed by the fact that Ashland schedules teams that they think they can beat and runs and ducks teams that are most likely going to saddle them with a loss.

In the Matney era, Johnson Central has won over more talented Tomcat teams and they have beaten less talented Tomcat teams. Never once did Ashland upset a Johnson Central team that had an edge in athletic talent. Bill Musick put Johnson Central's football program on the map and Jim Matney launched it into a high altitude, stable orbit. Think how much different the Tomcats' football fortunes would have been if Ashland had lured Coach Matney away from Sheldon Clark instead of Johnson Central.

As for this game, I am picking Belfry on the basis that it has a HOF coach in Phillip Haywood and will be hosting the game on Pond Creek. For Ashland to win, somebody other than Pitman and Hester will need to have a big game because Belfry will find a way to take away their primary options.

Belfry 23
Ashland 17

[nekysportsfan]

Never once did Ashland upset a Johnson Central team that had an edge in athletic talent.

Not entirely true:

Ashland 21
Johnson Central 18

October 20, 2017

You are correct, though, that Ashland was beaten soundly by Johnson Central during the time they were in the same class. For whatever reason, Ashland could never seem to find the monsters that Johnson Central could find on their lines. That was the entire difference in the rivalry. I guess they just grow them big down there in Johnson County. In any case, it would be nice if Johnson Central could establish a state-wide reputation by winning some championships rather than continuing to have their biggest accomplishment being that they managed to grow or find bigger line players than Ashland for a number of years.

[Hoot Gibson]

Not entirely true:

Ashland 21
Johnson Central 18

October 20, 2017

You are correct, though, that Ashland was beaten soundly by Johnson Central during the time they were in the same class. For whatever reason, Ashland could never seem to find the monsters that Johnson Central could find on their lines. That was the entire difference in the rivalry. I guess they just grow them big down there in Johnson County. In any case, it would be nice if Johnson Central could establish a state-wide reputation by winning some championships rather than continuing to have their biggest accomplishment being that they managed to grow or find bigger line players than Ashland for a number of years.

And this is why Ashland lost almost every time the Tomcats faced Johnson Central during the Matney era. Johnson Central's line play is not great because its players are big, it is great because developing cohesive lines is a priority of Coach Matney's staff. Most games are won in the trenches and Ashland's emphasis has always been on putting great athletes on the field instead of teaching fundamentals.

As for state wide reputations, Johnson Central has one. Ashland lives in the past. When was the last time that the Tomcats advanced beyond a regional final? A state semi-final game? nicker:

[80Wonders]

I’m only basing this on one game watched, but if Belfry is physical on defense and hits Ashland’s backs hard, I give the edge to Belfry. Spring Valley payed the wood to Pitman on his first carry and he was stopping in the hole and covering up waiting on the blow the rest of the game. Hester took a little longer, but ended up doing the same.
I repeat, just basing this on one game.

[nekysportsfan]

And this is why Ashland lost almost every time the Tomcats faced Johnson Central during the Matney era. Johnson Central's line play is not great because its players are big, it is great because developing cohesive lines is a priority of Coach Matney's staff. Most games are won in the trenches and Ashland's emphasis has always been on putting great athletes on the field instead of teaching fundamentals.

As for state wide reputations, Johnson Central has one. Ashland lives in the past. When was the last time that the Tomcats advanced beyond a regional final? A state semi-final game? nicker:

It is enjoyable debating this with you rather than Bob Seger. At least I don't feel like you are just getting ready to post "cluck cluck" and something about some poster who used to post a decade ago named "Bad Cat" or the "Prideful One".

I agree that Matney has done a tremendous job at Johnson Central. I attended many of those Ashland-Johnson Central games over the years, though, and a layman fan could see who was going to win simply by looking at the teams in warmups. Johnson Central has consistently fielded lines that look like small college lines. Matney has done a great job with them, but it is much easier to do a great job when you are working with 6-6 300lb athletes as opposed to working with 6-2 220lb athletes.

It just seems to me that Johnson Central should start focusing on putting some state title trophies in their hallways rather than constantly dwelling on how they have lapped the competition here in Eastern Kentucky including Ashland. In the past decade, they have proven to consistently be far better than Ashland. Move on now and win some state titles. Be better than everyone. I hope they can manage to do so this season. I think it's good and rather amazing that any team from Eastern Kentucky can be better than the rest of the state in anything given the economy in our area.

[Hoot Gibson]

It is enjoyable debating this with you rather than Bob Seger. At least I don't feel like you are just getting ready to post "cluck cluck" and something about some poster who used to post a decade ago named "Bad Cat" or the "Prideful One".

I agree that Matney has done a tremendous job at Johnson Central. I attended many of those Ashland-Johnson Central games over the years, though, and a layman fan could see who was going to win simply by looking at the teams in warmups. Johnson Central has consistently fielded lines that look like small college lines. Matney has done a great job with them, but it is much easier to do a great job when you are working with 6-6 300lb athletes as opposed to working with 6-2 220lb athletes.

It just seems to me that Johnson Central should start focusing on putting some state title trophies in their hallways rather than constantly dwelling on how they have lapped the competition here in Eastern Kentucky including Ashland. In the past decade, they have proven to consistently be far better than Ashland. Move on now and win some state titles. Be better than everyone. I hope they can manage to do so this season. I think it's good and rather amazing that any team from Eastern Kentucky can be better than the rest of the state in anything given the economy in our area.

You cannot put state title trophies into the trophy case unless you reach championship games and JC has been making it to title games on a regular basis. JC put together one of the most, if not the most, dominant playoff runs in history that culminated in a 48-0 win over Franklin Simpson. The next season, they lost 2016 4A Player of the Year in the first game of the season and lost in the state finals to Franklin Simpson in the state title game. Last season, JC lost to a very strong Franklin Simpson team by a narrow 14-12 margin.

If three straight state title games does not demonstrate a focus on winning state titles, then I am not sure what more Matney and JC could have done. What were the Tomcats do during those state title games to demonstrate their focus on winning state titles?

[Hoot Gibson]

Good luck to Belfry in its quest to bring another state title home to the mountains of eastern Kentucky!

[OutlawJoseyWales]

And believe me...fans looking and analyzing a bracket is not THE TEAM looking anywhere. Both of these schools have great fan bases with knowledgeable BGR members. This is the type of game all involved should be looking forward to.

Fact. There aren't any Belfry fans looking beyond next week. Heck....Belfry hasn’t made it past the third round in the past two years, so I know these fans, and more importantly, these kids and coaches are chomping at the bit with excitement; albeit nervous excitement. Should be an interesting game.

Ashland has been pretty consistent most of he season, while the Pirates are still finding their way. But Belfry’s offense is getting closer and closer to where Haywood wants them to be. The injuries have really delayed the offensive unit’s cohesiveness.....but it appears that our backfield is finally starting to jell and getting more and more comfortable as a unit. Whether or not that’s gonna translate into a victory next week remains to be seen.

Ashland’s backfield appears to be very very good from what I’ve seen on film. And usually, the film doesn’t fully represent what these kids can bring too the table.

Unless one of these teams just ends up being substantially better than the other, usually this type of game will come down to turnovers and untimely penalties. ......and I’m guessing this one will be no different.

I dont think this one will turn into a defensive struggle. Both teams have speed....and a lot of it. Everywhere. Guessing this one could have several big plays if that speed is able to be displayed.

The atmosphere will be ELECTRIC at The CAM.

[Hambley]

I’ve seen Belfry and Ashland. Gonna be a great game. Personally I don’t think Ashland has played anyone with the offensive style of Belfry and it’s ALWAYS hard to pull out a win in Pond Creek. Belfry +6

[ekywildcat]

Belfry has at least three kids that can take it to the house consistently. Ashland has played some good teams, may be ready for them.

I'm going with Belfry 35-21. irateSho

[VELVET CLOSER]

And just like that.....this thread turned into Ashland and Johnson Central fans trashing each other.

[M&G]

I’m sure the Bell Qb is quick but the pitman kid from Ashland is the fastest I’ve seen in 20 years and he’s not Ashland’s best that would be Hester. I’m no way shape or form an Ashland fan but they are very good

They are very good. Pittman tho is a track guy in a football uniform. He doesn’t get you those yds after contact very often. Hester on the other hand is elite RB. Not big on size but refuses to go down easy. Special in the open field. Contain him somewhat and nothing else is scary about the offense. Workman at middle linebacker motor never quits although a bit undersize.
DT Marushi is hard to move out and pursues well but Belfry O will be a real problem for this group.

[Tomcat Pride]

Who are these “teams” besides Spring Valley you’re speaking of?

I can tell you from just the little bit of film that I’ve watched on your pirates that Ashland has played four teams that are better that Belfry this year. Wheelersburg, Ironton, GW and Spring Valley would all beat the Pirates this year. Russell, in my opinion, would’ve also gave Belfry all they wanted. Belfry has played only one good team (Johnson Central) in almost two months and was destroyed on their home field, so spare is with the upcoming chest pounding.

[Tomcat Pride]

Belfry 35
Ashland 21

After seeing both teams I like Belfry’s physicality and there overall athleticism. Plus its never easy beating a Phillip Haywood coached team this deep into the playoffs. Belfry better play discipline football because Ashland does have the athletes to break big plays. It’s always a huge game when these two get together, should be a dandy.

Where was all that physicality two weeks ago? I’m not saying that Belfry isn’t physical this season. I just believe they are no where near the physical team when we use to play.

[OutlawJoseyWales]

I can tell you from just the little bit of film that I’ve watched on your pirates that Ashland has played four teams that are better that Belfry this year. Wheelersburg, Ironton, GW and Spring Valley would all beat the Pirates this year. Russell, in my opinion, would’ve also gave Belfry all they wanted. Belfry has played only one good team (Johnson Central) in almost two months and was destroyed on their home field, so spare is with the upcoming chest pounding.

Well....if y’all show up this time....I guess we’ll see.

[OutlawJoseyWales]

Where was all that physicality two weeks ago? I’m not saying that Belfry isn’t physical this season. I just believe they are no where near the

physical team when we use to play.

Really sounds like you’re indicating that Belfry is soft. We’ll make sure to pass it along. 😂😂😂

[pirateforlife]

Where was all that physicality two weeks ago? I’m not saying that Belfry isn’t physical this season. I just believe they are no where near the physical team when we use to play.

I think two weeks ago it was a lot more to do with JC just being that much better than Belfry. This year's JC team is right there with that state championship team. Belfry is always gonna be physical and hit you hard though. If Ashland can withstand the blows and hit back for 4 quarters then they can win this game. If not, then they will need to get ready for the roundball.

[VELVET CLOSER]

It was still a physical game, When I speak of them being more physical I’m talking about this particular game. In my opinion after watching both teams, Belfry is more physical on both sides of the ball. Belfry has three backs that run extremely hard and all three have big play abilities. Belfry also has a great defense with excellent skill players. Dline is much improved and their linebackers and secondary will get to the ball and flat lay the wood. JC was the better team and is a juggernaut for any team to handle.

I will say this, if Belfry doesn’t play discipline and make their reads, Ashland will make them pay. Ashland, a lot like Pikeville will draw ya in with their excellent running backs and then hit ya over the top. It’s going to be a good one, just think over the course of 4 quarters Belfry will be too much.

[cuppett777]

Ashland 17-2 all time against Belfry. Let that sink in. A lot of posters on here putting the cart before the horse wondering where Belfry will play after they dismantle Ashland and keep telling yourself Ashland is small! Tomcat's 28-20!!!

i am the one that started the question,as to where would they play,and no where in there did i say anything about Belfry Dismantling Anyone.I Ask Because I Seen Where They Could Play At Tilman If Things Worked Out.I Ask Because I Havent Seen Them Play In Person For About 7 Yrs And Could Make The Easy Trip Over There If That Happened...ANYWAY- GO PIRATES