[BurntTires]

Doug Howard- Belfry
Matt Slone- Prestonsburg

[Mr. Right]

1. Doug Howard - Most complete back to come thru EKY in quite sometime. Excellent instincts, excellent speed, ferocious blocker, and a natural leader.
2. Jon Chapman - If we would have gotten to see him healthy his SR year, who knows?
3. Arliss Beach - Big, strong, and fast. Great RB on a good team.
4. David Jones - Fastest guy I have ever seen in pads.
5. John Ortega - As good a natural athlete that you will see in high school.
6. Brent Coleman - Hard runner and surprisingly elusive.
7. Michael West - Quick, fast, & agile.......Good back on a great team.
8. Marty Reagan - pound-for-pound as tough as any of these RBs.
9. Shawn Robbins - workhorse for the Bobcats for 3 years, despite weighing only 160 lbs.
10. Matt Slone - Punishing RB with good instincts.

[Matney's Prodigey]

This is a list that could be debated over and over with nobody coming up with the right answers. I'll give my list anyway tho:

1. Doug Howard- Belfry: The best football player to ever come out of tradition rich Belfry High School IMO. Was not the best athlete or the best college prospect, but was the best high school football player. Split carries his whole time at Pond Creek.
2. David Jones- Belfry: Was the second half of the best runningback tandem I have ever seen on a high school football field. The second fastest kid I have ever laid eyes on. An athlete capable of beating you in numerous ways. Split carries his whole time at Pond Creek.
3. Arliss Beach- Ashland: The smoothest of all the runners listed. He never seemed to be running hard but just kept pulling away from people. Played on a couple of pretty good Ashland teams.
4. Michael West- Lawrence Co: One of the more hard nosed runners on the list, but when you play for Chuke Williams you better run hard. I thought he was better as a sophmore and seemed to lose a step as he aged. Played on really good teams, but numbers speak for themselves.
5. John Ortega- P'burg: The backbone of the Prestonsburg Blackcats durring his time. He pretty much put them on his shoulders and took them where they needed to go. Was a 3 sport letterman (football, basketball, baseball) and all confrence in all 3 also in college (Centre) so he was pretty athletic you could say.
6. Jon Chapman- Breathitt/Pikeville: Maybe as good if not better than others listed, but the injury senior season drops him IMO. Still was a really really really good back.
7. Chris Jennings- Fairview: If you include Paul Blazer you have to include Fairview and this back is as good as you get at a small A school. Was a monster in the backfield. Carried Fairview on his broad back all year. UK scout said he was best rb in state just didn't have the head for college.
8. Marty Reagan- Rockcastle Co: An extremley quick back who was tough as leather. Was not very big but could deliver a blow like he was. Took Tom Larkey & Rockcastle to 2 consecutaive state title apperances only to meet with Boyle Co.
9. Shawn Robbins- Bell Co: A back that might have been made better by the system (much like West at Lawrence; but did not posess West's athleticism). He carried the load for Hilton and Co. Was hard nosed and ran with great awareness. Very seldom took shots due to his very good vision.
10. Matt Slone- P'burg: IMO not such a "GREAT" back, but was extremley athletic and had other threats to keep teams honest. Ran with a recklessness that was admirable, but seemed to lose composure to often. Was main back of 01 team that went to state finals.

Now this is only my top 10 list. You could add numerous other names, and 10 years is hard to judge, but I would take these 10 up against any 10 others could post. There have been alot of great backs it is a shame we can't praise each the way they deserve to be.

[Hold_'Em_King]

I don't see how you could leave my cousin Ron Blume out of the Top 5 let alone the Top 10!!! :ChairHit: He is one of the best if not thee best!

Even at 165 pounds, he was a complete back. He could get the hard yards, could block well, and obviously was a fantastic leader. No one could break a game open like Blume could in the past 10 years.

[Mr. Right]

Blume was a great RB, but I stand firm on my Top 10.:thumpsup:

[corndog23]

and obviously was a fantastic leader. .

Yeh he lead his team all the way to the first round!

[Playboy5]

Brent Coleman in Pikeville in 1996!

[Playboy5]

Doug Howard being A VERY CLOSE SECOND!

[LC99]

All good backs mentioned, I'm surprised Quentin Henson of Lynn Camp has not been mentioned. He is the 4th all time leader rusher in the state. Scott Chaney from Bell County was a very good back, as was Steven Cook from Corbin, Booby Joe Lawson from Whitley County, Jarrad Lawson from Corbin, Asher from Middlesboro, TJ Dunson from Harlan.

[NYY10]

Doug Howard- Belfry
Jonboy- Shelby Valley

[PantherPride68]

How can you not have Brent Coleman on that list?? Brent is the best RB to ever play at Pikeville High School. Well I just saw that you had the last 5 years my bad....Brent Coleman was a better RB than any RB on your list besides Howard and I don't think you could put Coleaman over Howard or visa versa.

Did you know that according to the KHSAA record book Brent rushed for more yards than Shaun Alexander? I played with Brent, he was 2 years younger than me. He simply was the best back Ive ever seen. He was cat quick,had breakaway speed, and was deceptively powerful for his size. He was a hero on the field. But he died a real hero, defending our freedom. RIP#25

[alfus21]

I'm really surprised more people aren't mentioning Dusty Hall who played for SV in 1999...He was a touchdown machine scoring 54 that season...

[Mr. Right]

Did you know that according to the KHSAA record book Brent rushed for more yards than Shaun Alexander? I played with Brent, he was 2 years younger than me. He simply was the best back Ive ever seen. He was cat quick,had breakaway speed, and was deceptively powerful for his size. He was a hero on the field. But he died a real hero, defending our freedom. RIP#25

I REALLY, REALLY think the stadium ought to be named in his honor. I don't know the history of it being named W.C. Hambley, but Coleman deserves this honor IMO.

[alfus21]

I REALLY, REALLY think the stadium ought to be named in his honor. I don't know the history of it being named W.C. Hambley, but Coleman deserves this honor IMO.

Or maybe not the stadium, but the field at least would be a good idea...Brent Coleman Field

[PantherPride68]

I REALLY, REALLY think the stadium ought to be named in his honor. I don't know the history of it being named W.C. Hambley, but Coleman deserves this honor IMO.

Mayor Hambley had a big hand in getting the complex built and the field is named after Hillard Howard, but I agree something needs to be named after Brent.

[Hold_'Em_King]

Yeh he lead his team all the way to the first round!

Only beating a team 35-28 when they had 5 turnoevers is pretty sorry. All you can say is that the Eagles played bad that night, Blume as well. And you can ask Madison Southern is they were scared. Like when they were up 21-7, they probably thought they had it in the bag; as well as their fans did too when they kept saying "Kick it to Blume" and "Blume sucks, Blume sucks"

They did kick it to him once the whole game and he broke that game back open.

And what for you to say? Who's your team?

[corndog23]

Regional runner up Sheldon Clark High School

[Tough Turf]

Only beating a team 35-28 when they had 5 turnoevers is pretty sorry. All you can say is that the Eagles played bad that night, Blume as well. And you can ask Madison Southern is they were scared. Like when they were up 21-7, they probably thought they had it in the bag; as well as their fans did too when they kept saying "Kick it to Blume" and "Blume sucks, Blume sucks"

They did kick it to him once the whole game and he broke that game back open.

And what for you to say? Who's your team?

No one ever want's to give any credit to JC

[corndog23]

Well, when they can win somethin...ill give em credit. but when you lose when you should not lose, what is supposed to make me give them credit.

[Tough Turf]

But why give Sheldon Clark High School credit when they dont stand a chance against belfry

[Tough Turf]

sheldon clark cant even beat Lawrence county (o but JC beats lawrence 43-0) sheldon clark cant even beat boyd county I think JC beat them also 27-47......:howdy: I guess sheldon clark was having a bad night....... Belfry/prestonsburg is the only two real teams in your district and at that you all beat p-burg.and what does that say about your all district and ours. Fighting a loseing battleirateSho

[Matney's Prodigey]

*Now why does everyone have to bash Sheldon Clark? Ron Blume had a GREAT year. There is no doubt about it. But the people mentioned on here have had great careers. Blume had a good junior year and a great senior year, but you can not say honetley that his junior and senior years compare close to those of Doug Howards 4 seasons and David Jones 2 seasons. Not to mention Beach, West, and so on. Now he was a very special back one of the best JC has had in a while, but he does not deserve to be on this list. If we had the 10 best single seasons then you could make an argument for him, but this is not a single season thread it is a career thread. Ron Blume was a great back, but I agree he did not quite deserve to be on this list.

*Now for the comments on Sheldon Clark. Ron Blume has 0 playoff wins under his belt. That is not a stat that GREAT backs have. Look at the people on my list. Everyone of them made good runs in the playoffs. Many walking on the field in Louisville. Ron Blume has yet to go to a second round game that he didn't buy a ticket for. So before you go thrashing SC for playing in the district they do you may want to look at your SUPERSTAR'S playoff record. I don't care what confrence you play in as long as you keep on playing when post season rolls around. You can compare scores all you want the bottom line is Blume never got it done when it mattered so he is on the outside of the list. Bashing SC won't make your case any better. SC had a great season. JC's started off great but finished a little disapointed (even tho you probabley had the best #3 seed in AAA in the state). No point in bad mouthing SC because of your bad luck.

[Mr. Right]

*Now why does everyone have to bash Sheldon Clark? Ron Blume had a GREAT year. There is no doubt about it. But the people mentioned on here have had great careers. Blume had a good junior year and a great senior year, but you can not say honetley that his junior and senior years compare close to those of Doug Howards 4 seasons and David Jones 2 seasons. Not to mention Beach, West, and so on. Now he was a very special back one of the best JC has had in a while, but he does not deserve to be on this list. If we had the 10 best single seasons then you could make an argument for him, but this is not a single season thread it is a career thread. Ron Blume was a great back, but I agree he did not quite deserve to be on this list.

*Now for the comments on Sheldon Clark. Ron Blume has 0 playoff wins under his belt. That is not a stat that GREAT backs have. Look at the people on my list. Everyone of them made good runs in the playoffs. Many walking on the field in Louisville. Ron Blume has yet to go to a second round game that he didn't buy a ticket for. So before you go thrashing SC for playing in the district they do you may want to look at your SUPERSTAR'S playoff record. I don't care what confrence you play in as long as you keep on playing when post season rolls around. You can compare scores all you want the bottom line is Blume never got it done when it mattered so he is on the outside of the list. Bashing SC won't make your case any better. SC had a great season. JC's started off great but finished a little disapointed (even tho you probabley had the best #3 seed in AAA in the state). No point in bad mouthing SC because of your bad luck.

Good post!:thumpsup:

[PantherPride68]

sheldon clark cant even beat Lawrence county (o but JC beats lawrence 43-0) sheldon clark cant even beat boyd county I think JC beat them also 27-47......:howdy: I guess sheldon clark was having a bad night....... Belfry/prestonsburg is the only two real teams in your district and at that you all beat p-burg.and what does that say about your all district and ours. Fighting a loseing battleirateSho

Reckon you guys could start a JC vs SC thread and let us get back on topic PLEASE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Batpuff]

Well I know I an going to take it hard for this one but here we go. Oh bye the way I am sorry if i leave anyone out and dont have any stats for everyone.

1) Michael West - Lawrence Co.- 10th in the State all time in Scoring with 584 (1998-01), Is 8th in the State (career) in TD's with 95, Is 3rd in the State (career) in Rushing yards with 7,725 (the leader Derek Homer 8224), 10th in the state for rushing yards in a season with 2,727 in 1999., 9th all time in state in rushing yards in a game with 414 yards against BELFRY in 2000, also in 2000 was 8th in the state in rushing yards per game at 212.5, was 14th in the state in rushing attempts for a career with 758 from 1998-01, was 8th in the state for rushing TD's in a career with 93 from 1998-01. Also played injured his Jr and Sr year with a broken nose and a screwed up ankle.
2. Johnathan Chapman - Brethitt Co. and Pikeville most of it coming from the Bobcats. - 9th in points scored with 594 from 1995-1998, Total TD's with 99,rushing td's with 98. Chapman played on great Brethitt Co teams that passed the ball more than they ran the ball, and was a class act.
3. John Ortega(sp) Prestonsburg- was just unreal
4. Lee Abshire - Lawrence Co. I know that it has been more than 10 years for him but how can you throw his name in there just a great pleasure to watch and was just so hard to stop, Played tailback, WR, QB, and even fullback against Prestonsburg in the Playoffs his Senior Year.
5. Arliss Beach-Ashland- Was fun to watch, but did have games that he laid down in and just stopped playing, but those were very few maybe once his senior year, didnt like to take a hit but had unreal numbers and I wish him the best of luck with the Packers and he got Screwed @ UK .
6. Nick Meadows-Lawrence Co. Was just the hardest back to bring down, and the run against Brethitt Co when he broke 8 tackles and had like a 60 yard gain in the mud was the best run I have ever seen.

[Matney's Prodigey]

Well I know I an going to take it hard for this one but here we go. Oh bye the way I am sorry if i leave anyone out and dont have any stats for everyone.

1) Michael West - Lawrence Co.- 10th in the State all time in Scoring with 584 (1998-01), Is 8th in the State (career) in TD's with 95, Is 3rd in the State (career) in Rushing yards with 7,725 (the leader Derek Homer 8224), 10th in the state for rushing yards in a season with 2,727 in 1999., 9th all time in state in rushing yards in a game with 414 yards against BELFRY in 2000, also in 2000 was 8th in the state in rushing yards per game at 212.5, was 14th in the state in rushing attempts for a career with 758 from 1998-01, was 8th in the state for rushing TD's in a career with 93 from 1998-01. Also played injured his Jr and Sr year with a broken nose and a screwed up ankle.
2. Johnathan Chapman - Brethitt Co. and Pikeville most of it coming from the Bobcats. - 9th in points scored with 594 from 1995-1998, Total TD's with 99,rushing td's with 98. Chapman played on great Brethitt Co teams that passed the ball more than they ran the ball, and was a class act.
3. John Ortega(sp) Prestonsburg- was just unreal
4. Lee Abshire - Lawrence Co. I know that it has been more than 10 years for him but how can you throw his name in there just a great pleasure to watch and was just so hard to stop, Played tailback, WR, QB, and even fullback against Prestonsburg in the Playoffs his Senior Year.
5. Arliss Beach-Ashland- Was fun to watch, but did have games that he laid down in and just stopped playing, but those were very few maybe once his senior year, didnt like to take a hit but had unreal numbers and I wish him the best of luck with the Packers and he got Screwed @ UK .
6. Nick Meadows-Lawrence Co. Was just the hardest back to bring down, and the run against Brethitt Co when he broke 8 tackles and had like a 60 yard gain in the mud was the best run I have ever seen.

Not saying all these backs aren't deserving (they most definatley are), but how can you not include Doug Howard and David Jones somewhere? They are possibly the #1 & #2 choices. I don't see how you can leave them off totally.

[Batpuff]

Not saying all these backs aren't deserving (they most definatley are), but how can you not include Doug Howard and David Jones somewhere? They are possibly the #1 & #2 choices. I don't see how you can leave them off totally.

I didnt mean to leave them off, just ran out of time, but I really dont see them as the #1 and 2 they never put up career numbers like West did, The only reason Michael West didnt have a ring was because of the bone head coach. Now if they put up numbers like West did then I might think different.

[corndog23]

Dumb question but i dont know the answer to it. Where did Micheal West go to college?

[Batpuff]

Dumb question but i dont know the answer to it. Where did Micheal West go to college?

Marshall

[corndog23]

Marshall

Thank you batpuff:thumpsup: