[Iam4thecats]

He will never answer that question because he has to look for numbers up on wet games for the top 3500 or what ever number. From the times we have posted back and forth he always sticks with the numbers. Like he has no feeling or logical input to a game where feeling and heart of these players have any affect, just RPI numbers.

I don't know who it favors. I know Belfry has turf so it may be slick but at least won't be a mudbath. I don't have an opinion on this game. What do you think rain will do?

[AngryMob]

I don't know who it favors. I know Belfry has turf so it may be slick but at least won't be a mudbath. I don't have an opinion on this game. What do you think rain will do?

Make things wet.

[Patriot1]

I don't know who it favors. I know Belfry has turf so it may be slick but at least won't be a mudbath. I don't have an opinion on this game. What do you think rain will do?

Well personally I think it effects both the ball will be wet and that makes it definitely harder to hold on to. As far as the Belfry running game or Ashland’s running game not much because of the turf just the handling of the ball. Ashland does threw the ball some so it could be affected but Belfry’s passing game which they don’t do very much (if at all) will not be affected. I personally think it’s going to be a game in which turn overs will tell the winner. I know you really don’t care if I answered at all just showing you that I try to be a nice guy as much as I can.

[KYHSFB]

I can’t believe it but this board has made me want to root for Ashland

Not sure why people hate them so much

[AtlPirateFan]

I expect this to be a darn good, hard-fought ball game. The Bucs could definitely find their season ends without a 3rd straight regional (or whatever they want to call it now) win. The all-time record might be 3-18 in favor of Ashland, the Kittys may have a 4-1 playoff record against Belfry. Come Friday night none of that matters.

All of the talk has been about Ashlands big play, playmakers on offense and Belfry hydra rushing attack that can strike from anywhere on the field. I think it really comes down to special teams (For all the reasons EKU posted above) and more importantly the defenses.

Observations:
Ashland
- Might have the home run backfield but their balance is most dangerous. Pikeville came back on Belfry with balance and confusion. Using the run game in a mix with intermediate passing game hurt Belfry.
- Defense has held all but two opponents to less than 2 touchdowns.
- QB Jake Gregg may be the deciding factor. He is not a mobile QB so he will need the accuracy he has shown all season.
- The first Russel game and Spring Valley show Ashland struggles with Run Heavy, Russell didn't try to run as much in the second game and the score showed.

Belfry
- Belfry's offensive style should negate the QB pressure Ashland has shown
- Belfry has handled speed well this year, Ashland is nowhere near as big as JC.
- Belfry has thrown very little this year, but a completion currently is about 50% chance of being a TD. Mixing in one or two is likely to happen.
- Isaiah Birchfield is lurking in the secondary hoping for Gregg to throw . with 4 ints and 2 returned for TD he's a danger to a throwing team.
- A balanced team with a decent intermediate passing game is Belfry's kryptonite on defense. If they get you throwing deep or some negative yardage run plays they have you where they want you.
- Peyton Hensley has to have a good game from the FB spot. So that Bentley and Dixon can do their work.

Final thoughts
This one can go either way. I don't see either team winning by more than 10. A blowout in either direction would really surprise me.

BHS Fan Prediction
Belfry 26
Ashland 21

Without my homer hat on as a complete pessimist based on superstitions that make no sense prediction
Ashland 29
Belfry 26
In OT

[Hambley]

A rainy night definitely favors Belfry. They can run the triple option ALL night in any weather. If you are forcing them to pass your doing something right. Essentially that clinched the game for Pikeville earlier in the season.

[bucslover68]

A rainy night definitely favors Belfry. They can run the triple option ALL night in any weather. If you are forcing them to pass your doing something right. Essentially that clinched the game for Pikeville earlier in the season.

I think it does too. At Bryan Station a few years ago the people in the press box were amazed they Belfry could still ball handle as good as they did in a pouring rain. Obviously Ashland is a lot better than BS was but they had a good point. Historically Belfry has fumbled as much in dry conditions as they have in rain nicker:nicker:

[AtlPirateFan]

maybe more :-P

[irishcard16]

I think it does too. At Bryan Station a few years ago the people in the press box were amazed they Belfry could still ball handle as good as they did in a pouring rain. Obviously Ashland is a lot better than BS was but they had a good point. Historically Belfry has fumbled as much in dry conditions as they have in rain nicker:nicker:

Yeah generally speaking conditions don’t cause us to fumble, we cause us to fumble.

[irishcard16]

I can’t believe it but this board has made me want to root for Ashland

Not sure why people hate them so much

Really?

[AngryMob]

You guys just need to play Ashland, wherever you’re from. You’ll get it.

[OutlawJoseyWales]

you guys just need to play ashland, wherever you’re from. You’ll get it.

😂😂😂😂

[Blue_Bird96]

Look for the Pirates to take this one.

Pirates 32
Tomcats 17

[Wolverine]

Belfry 35 to 21

[Buffs19]

Great matchup between two of the state's most storied programs. I have to be honest, I've only seen Ashland play one time this year and that was against Raceland. With that being said, if the boys over on Pond Creek are all healthy, then I don't see Ashland stopping them. I look for a competitive game in the beginning, but ultimately Belfry and those running backs are too much.

Belfry 35
Ashland 14

[T-CATS]

Max Preps 3A Rankings
1 Ashland
2 Desales
3 Bell
4 Belfry
5 Russell
6 Bardstown
7 Paducah Tilghman
8 CAL
9 Elizabethtown
10 Mercer
11 Taylor
Has Ashland 10th in the State at large and 1299 Nationally.
Has Belfry 22nd in the State at large and 2188 Nationally.
None of this matters Friday but it’s food for thought.

[T-CATS]

Max Preps Top 10 in KY at large
1 Covington Cath
2 Male
3 Trinity
4 Boyle
5 Johnson Central
6 North Hardin
7 St X
8 Frederick Douglass
9 Pikeville
10 Ashland
Haywood is a legend and great coach and I’m sure he doesn’t have a losing record against many teams, but he is 3-10 all time against the Tomcats!!!

[AngryMob]

We’ve made it to Wednesday and I’ve yet to hear of Ashland calling in sick for Friday Night!

[T-CATS]

We’ve made it to Wednesday and I’ve yet to hear of Ashland calling in sick for Friday Night!

From the looks of this thread if Belfry loses there’s going to be a lot of sick people Friday night with a plate full of crow to eat too.

[jumpshooter]

I am highly considering making the 2 1/2 hour drive to Pond Creek from Irvine Friday night to check this one out! Regardless of the final score and who you are rooting for, this is what playoff football in the mountains is all about. It going to be an ALL OUT WAR!! These two fan bases need to just chill with the trash talk and all of the previous records, none of that matters come Friday. Sit back, cheer on your team with everything you have, and enjoy a classic unfold before your eyes.

[PHSFAN]

I will be staying on Pond Creek Friday night to cheer on the Pirates instead of making the short drive to the Pikeville game.

Go Pirates!!

[foxbatone]

Ashland is 17-2 against Belfry, I do know one lose was a hugh upset 31-14 first round playoff 1989. With that said Tomcats win 19-15.

[AngryMob]

From the looks of this thread if Belfry loses there’s going to be a lot of sick people Friday night with a plate full of crow to eat too.

Crow? Where did I say I thought Belfry was better and going to win?

[Scotty_Bronson]

I gotta tale Ashland in this game. Based off of one thing, speed. And not just in the skill positions. They are quick upfront and at LB defensively. Really flow sideline to sideline. If not for my daughters surgery, I'd be heading to watch this one. Should be a dandy.

Ashland 34
Belfry 23

[OutlawJoseyWales]

From the looks of this thread if Belfry loses there’s going to be a lot of sick people Friday night with a plate full of crow to eat too.

There's gonna be crow to eat either way. Ashland has been eating crow for the past 4+ years for not showing up for the 8th grade state quarterfinals game against these same kids.

Back to the game......it should be a good one. I think EKU had a great post regarding the importance of the special teams aspect of the contest. Special teams will be huge in my estimation. Whether it's extra points, flipping the field with a punt, big kickoff return or turnover.

Regarding Haywood. He's got a losing record against a few programs. He's not immune to bad games, questionable decisions, etc etc. Typically, what you always get from a Haywood team is backbone, heart, and the ability to make adjustments .

I'm sure Ashland will come ready to play.....as will Belfry.

[AngryMob]

I hope Belfry respects the Ashland QB. He kind of lulls you to sleep not doing anything extraordinary but making short easy throws and handing the ball off then will catch you asleep and make you pay.

[T-CATS]

Hometown TV Facebook interview with Haywood was interesting. He says Ashland is bigger then his Pirates. Should be a great game and hopefully it's not raining during the game.

[T-CATS]

There's gonna be crow to eat either way. Ashland has been eating crow for the past 4+ years for not showing up for the 8th grade state quarterfinals game against these same kids.

Back to the game......it should be a good one. I think EKU had a great post regarding the importance of the special teams aspect of the contest. Special teams will be huge in my estimation. Whether it's extra points, flipping the field with a punt, big kickoff return or turnover.

Regarding Haywood. He's got a losing record against a few programs. He's not immune to bad games, questionable decisions, etc etc. Typically, what you always get from a Haywood team is backbone, heart, and the ability to make adjustments .

I'm sure Ashland will come ready to play.....as will Belfry.

I don't follow middle school football and didn't know about that happening. What exactly happened.

[Hoot Gibson]

I am predicting a narrow Belfry win but I will be happier with a running clock shutout in the Pirates' favor.

T-CATS, I have lived outside of Kentucky for nearly 20 years and I know that when this group of Ashland seniors were 8th graders the Ashland adults decided to forfeit a playoff game to Belfry. How's that for a show of confidence?

(You may also be unaware that Ashland forfeited some basketball games to Rose Hill a few years ago on "principle" but resumed the series once O.J. Mayo left town and Rose Hill's program fell on hard times again. Forfeits are a tradition at Ashland. Be sure that the game has not been canceled before driving to Belfry Friday night.)

[T-CATS]

I am predicting a narrow Belfry win but I will be happier with a running clock shutout in the Pirates' favor.

T-CATS, I have lived outside of Kentucky for nearly 20 years and I know that when this group of Ashland seniors were 8th graders the Ashland adults decided to forfeit a playoff game to Belfry. How's that for a show of confidence?

(You may also be unaware that Ashland forfeited some basketball games to Rose Hill a few years ago on "principle" but resumed the series once O.J. Mayo left town and Rose Hill's program fell on hard times again. Forfeits are a tradition at Ashland. Be sure that the game has not been canceled before driving to Belfry Friday night.)

Sounds crazy to me what was there reason for the forfeit and I’ve actually heard rumors on the Mayo stuff. Think I heard Ashland turned in Rose Hill.. I don’t follow the basketball at Ashland all that much except hearing a score hear or there.