[OutlawJoseyWales]

I know Belfry has a great running attack. But if there was ever a team built to negate that it would be this DeSales defense. They're front seven are really aggressive and quick to the ball. From the games I've seen from Belfry, they're secondary can be attacked. DeSales ran a empty backfield look for most of the game against CAL, which was very successful. Reputations are hard to get rid of sometimes, and the rep that DeSales won't throw the football just isn't true. They will toss it around the field. i think that will be the difference in this game. Throw it to set up the run. Again I like the size, athleticism, and physicality of both teams. I think the speed advantage goes to the Colts. The home field advantage obviously Colts. I also like the coaching advantage. I know you guys have a really good one on the sideline, however we have 2 really good ones, and one of them knows Belfry pretty good.
I just don't see Belfry being able to run the ball (enough) which is the key word on this defense to beat us at home. I like the home field advantage that much in this match up. If the game was at Belfry I'd definitely take the Pirates.

No need in us coming 😂😂. Just kidding. DeSales is the favorite

[Hurricane Storm]

A lot of the problem is that many of the die-hards are so far away now, ecomomic situation of the area has driven us away. EKUAlum and I are two that I know for sure are tuned into Coach Mick and Bobby almost every Friday night from way down here in the Peach State. Regardless of how the season is going, regardless of what I am doing I am listening. (Halloween night a few years ago I was walking my kids around our neighborhood with one earbud in listening to a Belfry-JC game.) I don't watch NFL or NCAA, my only football passion lies in Bluegrass. To me, high school football is the purest form of the sport and it's what I enjoy 10-15 weeks a year. Unfortunately, the boys on the field can't see the MASSIVE amount of us who are tuned in from afar, but I hope they know we are here.

Even if I'm at a game here in Lexington (or anywhere), I have my ear buds in for the Belfry game. I even listened to it at dinner for my second anniversary Friday, but at least I didn't have ear buds in. I would keep the volume low on my phone and put the phone up to my head every few minutes. Lol

[EKUAlum05]

I know Belfry has a great running attack. But if there was ever a team built to negate that it would be this DeSales defense. They're front seven are really aggressive and quick to the ball. From the games I've seen from Belfry, they're secondary can be attacked. DeSales ran a empty backfield look for most of the game against CAL, which was very successful. Reputations are hard to get rid of sometimes, and the rep that DeSales won't throw the football just isn't true. They will toss it around the field. i think that will be the difference in this game. Throw it to set up the run. Again I like the size, athleticism, and physicality of both teams. I think the speed advantage goes to the Colts. The home field advantage obviously Colts. I also like the coaching advantage. I know you guys have a really good one on the sideline, however we have 2 really good ones, and one of them knows Belfry pretty good.
I just don't see Belfry being able to run the ball (enough) which is the key word on this defense to beat us at home. I like the home field advantage that much in this match up. If the game was at Belfry I'd definitely take the Pirates.

DeSales D-Line is super impressive on film and Scott is dominant on both sides of the ball.

IF Belfry can get it into the second level they are going to give DeSales fits. The LB's and DB's are very opportunistic, but they miss a lot of tackles one on one. The problem is that is definitely easier said than done because that Front 4 sets the table for the entire Defense and between Watkins dominating inside and Scott being un-blockable outside, that is a very tall task.

DeSales OLine surprised me with how excellent they were at pass blocking. They are decent at run blocking but if the Pirates can make them rely on the run that will be a big advantage to Belfry. The two strengths of DeSales is that D-Line and their WR's. Very, very impressive group with great size, hands, and speed.

If Scroggins does not play I think you will see Avery under Center a lot more. Scroggins is the more accurate passer and throws a prettier ball down field, but Avery is more than capable of making you pay with his arm. Avery is also a more polished runner and basically a second HB. Yo can tell Scroggins is at his best in the Spread stepping in and delivering and Avery is at his best throwing off some movement or using heavy play action.

DeSales will have a Special Teams advantage.

Belfry also has a slight advantage in that DeSales has seen nothing like this Belfry scheme this year. Obviously having Scroggins to tell them what to look for in the film room is a big help to alleviate that, but that is a tall task to gameplan for on a week with a holiday included.

Paducah Tillghman was probably the closest thing to Belfry but Tilghman's base offense was still more spread predicated and the blocking scheme was much different. Tilghman also made the mistake of thinking they had enough speed to outflank those DE's and lightning quick OLB's and Safeties. They were wrong!

It all comes down to that battle in the trenches of Belfry's O vs. DeSales' D. If Belfry can't get to that second level I have no doubt DeSales will hit a couple big plays and have enough points to win. If Belfry finds some sustained success it is going to be very hard for DeSales to counter punch. Should be a great game.

[EKUAlum05]

I think the speed advantage goes to the Colts.

Also, for the record I think Belfry's team speed is going to really surprise you.

I think DeSales does have a slight edge in team speed, but Belfry's tactical speed is really good and maybe even a little better than DeSales. Bentley and Dixon also may be the two fastest players on the field.

As good as Johnson is at RB, he does not appear to have as much top end speed as either of the Belfry HB's surprisingly. Avery can fly when he gets n the open field, but Dixon and Bentley are something to behold. The $10,000.00 question though is will either of those Belfry backs even get a chance to get up to full speed, as disruption will be the name of DeSales game with their DL and all the blitz and slanting they do on D.

[#55PirateFan]

Also, for the record I think Belfry's team speed is going to really surprise you.

I think DeSales does have a slight edge in team speed, but Belfry's tactical speed is really good and maybe even a little better than DeSales. Bentley and Dixon also may be the two fastest players on the field.

As good as Johnson is at RB, he does not appear to have as much top end speed as either of the Belfry HB's surprisingly. Avery can fly when he gets n the open field, but Dixon and Bentley are something to behold. The $10,000.00 question though is will either of those Belfry backs even get a chance to get up to full speed. as disruption will be the name of DeSales game with their DL and all the blitz and slanting they do on D.

Well said and I agree 100%

[ColtPride]

I think Avery will be the fastest player in the game. I do think he's a wildcard in this. I'm pretty sure he'll be the starting qb, however Belfry will have to prepare for both.
DeSales has 4 of the top 10 sack leaders in 3A, that's crazy. They have 5 in the top 25. Belfry has none. Desales is first in rushing defense, only giving up 479 yards rushing through 13 games, again a crazy number. Belfry ranks 17th in that category. If the Colts can establish a running attack, mix in the pass when needed, they are going to be tough to handle. Not saying they can do those things. That's why we play the game.

[pirateforlife]

Also, for the record I think Belfry's team speed is going to really surprise you.

I think DeSales does have a slight edge in team speed, but Belfry's tactical speed is really good and maybe even a little better than DeSales. Bentley and Dixon also may be the two fastest players on the field.

As good as Johnson is at RB, he does not appear to have as much top end speed as either of the Belfry HB's surprisingly. Avery can fly when he gets n the open field, but Dixon and Bentley are something to behold. The $10,000.00 question though is will either of those Belfry backs even get a chance to get up to full speed, as disruption will be the name of DeSales game with their DL and all the blitz and slanting they do on D.

I agree. Don't forget about Hensley at fullback. He is the fastest as far as straight up top end speed that Belfry has probably ever had and all 3 have a physical running style to them. Dixon and Bentley are really fast and I don't see anyone catching them if they get out ahead in the open field. As long as Belfry can hang onto the football, I think they will score points. The Belfry D will need to make Desales drive the ball down the field. Can't have those 3 play, 80 yard drives and expect to win. Also, why hasn't belfry ran the wildcat with Dixon at QB with Hensley and Bentley beside him and Cook in the backfield as an extra blocker. Maybe they just haven't needed to.

[EKUAlum05]

I think Avery will be the fastest player in the game. I do think he's a wildcard in this. I'm pretty sure he'll be the starting qb, however Belfry will have to prepare for both.
DeSales has 4 of the top 10 sack leaders in 3A, that's crazy. They have 5 in the top 25. Belfry has none. Desales is first in rushing defense, only giving up 479 yards rushing through 13 games, again a crazy number. Belfry ranks 17th in that category. If the Colts can establish a running attack, mix in the pass when needed, they are going to be tough to handle. Not saying they can do those things. That's why we play the game.

As I watched video on DeSales all I could think was "Why in the world does Scott not have D1 schools flocking to him!"

That kid is as good of a DE as the kids from Doss last year for sure. Heck, I think he could be a D-1 H-Back for someone that runs that style of Offense. He has great hands and is not afraid to block.

Typically you won't see Belfry have big sack numbers. The lone exception was when they had Ray Horton because Horton was literally impossible to block without double or triple teaming him. Belfry usually errs on the side of being super conservative against the pass. It is probably one of the biggest critiques of the Belfry staff is sometimes that conservative approach allows QB's too much time (see the Pikeville game this year).

It's no secret what Belfry will do Friday. You are going to see a 3-4 look where the two DE's stand up as LB's. Belfry is going to dare DeSales to be patient and accurate and try to keep the run game funneled between the hashes. The good news is just as Scroggins knows how to defend Belfry's offense, the exact same can be said for Haywood and how he has handled Scroggins' offense.

By and large Belfry has fared very well against Scroggins' offense (Coach Simpson was the OC technically) over the years and outside of a handful of trick plays or big plays they have gave him fits including nearly pulling a monumental upset Ace Wales' senior season.

I don't think Scroggins had as many weapons on Offense at one time as this Colts' team has, but I also don't think the DeSales line is at the level as he was accustomed to having. Losing his son will hurt a little. Avery obviously will not be a major step down at QB, but you do take one more weapon off the field in the pass game as a result and Avery was their best guy for taking a crossing route and turning it into a long score.

[CS17]

Will there be a Facebook page, YouTube channel, or other site that will have this game? Ill be listening to Mayfield vs. Bwood... but would love to have this one running on the side.

[Blue_Bird96]

By no means do I mean any disrespect to Desales and this weeks game but I was just curious as to how many trips the Belfry Pirates have made to the state title game?

[#55PirateFan]

I think Avery will be the fastest player in the game. I do think he's a wildcard in this. I'm pretty sure he'll be the starting qb, however Belfry will have to prepare for both.
DeSales has 4 of the top 10 sack leaders in 3A, that's crazy. They have 5 in the top 25. Belfry has none. Desales is first in rushing defense, only giving up 479 yards rushing through 13 games, again a crazy number. Belfry ranks 17th in that category. If the Colts can establish a running attack, mix in the pass when needed, they are going to be tough to handle. Not saying they can do those things. That's why we play the game.

That's some insane stats!

[OutlawJoseyWales]

By no means do I mean any disrespect to Desales and this weeks game but I was just curious as to how many trips the Belfry Pirates have made to the state title game?

13 times we've been there....and we've won 6

[EKUAlum05]

By no means do I mean any disrespect to Desales and this weeks game but I was just curious as to how many trips the Belfry Pirates have made to the state title game?

13 Total State Finals

Six Championships:
2A- 03 & 04
3A- 13, 14, 15, & 16

Seven Runner-Ups:
3A- 79, 85, 86, 07, 10, 11,12

[EKUAlum05]

On the subject..

DeSales has been to the Finals 4 Times:
2A Champions- 13 & 14
2A Runner-Up: 09
4A Runner-Up: 81

[Buc-a-roo]

13 Total State Finals

Six Championships:
2A- 03 & 04
3A- 13, 14, 15, & 16

Seven Runner-Ups:
3A- 80, 85, 86, 07, 10, 11,12

First trip was 79 (not 80) and was a magical season. The injury bug and a very good Franklin Simpson team led by Joker Phillips ended it on a sour note, but that team put Belfry on the football map.

You may have to turn in your Pirate card if you get that date wrong.

[EKUAlum05]

First trip was 79 (not 80) and was a magical season. The injury bug and a very good Franklin Simpson team led by Joker Phillips ended it on a sour note, but that team put Belfry on the football map.

You may have to turn in your Pirate card if you get that date wrong.

Literally coming back to update it because I knew Belfry had reached the Finals in 4 different decades LOL

[EKUAlum05]

For the record this game made do some research:

Last Friday was Belfry's 22nd Regional Championship and marks the 22nd trip to the Semi-Finals. It is Haywood's 17th Regional Title.

They are 13-8 entering this game and 12-4 under Haywood.

[EKUAlum05]

Here is some trivia for you guys:

Belfry has played 11 different opponents in the Semi's (not including DeSales):

Who can name all of them?

[Hurricane Storm]

Here is some trivia for you guys:

Belfry has played 11 different opponents in the Semi's (not including DeSales):

Who can name all of them?

Not referencing all mighty Google, I believe I remember the first 5, then it starts getting a little fuzzy when the 2019 streak started. Plus I didn't get to attend some. I'll wait and see if someone gets them all. Preferably from memory! Ha.

[Hurricane Storm]

Not referencing all mighty Google, I believe I remember the first 5, then it starts getting a little fuzzy when the 2019 streak started. Plus I didn't get to attend some. I'll wait and see if someone gets them all. Preferably from memory! Ha.

Typo - meant "when the 2010 streak started".

[AtlPirateFan]

Here is some trivia for you guys:

Belfry has played 11 different opponents in the Semi's (not including DeSales):

Who can name all of them?

I can but I would be semi-cheating since I have all the data in front of me.

[EKUAlum05]

Slight Hint:
They have played one team 4 times.
Played another team four times.
Played four different teams twice.
The remaining five teams they have played once.

[#55PirateFan]

Corbin 16
Corbin 15
Russell 14
Bourbon 13
Bourbon 12
Garrard 11
Somerset 10

That's all I got. Lol.

[#55PirateFan]

Corbin 16
Corbin 15
Russell 14
Bourbon 13
Bourbon 12
Garrard 11
Somerset 10

That's all I got. Lol.

Is this correct EKUAlum?

[#55PirateFan]

I think they played Lloyd Memorial in the semis in 2003 and Owensboro Cath. in 2004 in 2A.

I dont have a clue about the rest. I think '85 or '86 they played Paducah Tighman but that mat have been in the championship game. Not sure.

[Belfry_99]

The Lloyd Memorial game is by far the coldest game I have ever attended and its not even close!

[AngryMob]

Here is some trivia for you guys:

Belfry has played 11 different opponents in the Semi's (not including DeSales):

Who can name all of them?

Highlands
Danville
Newport
Lloyd Memorial
Russell
Breathitt County
Somerset
Garrard County
Bourbon County
Corbin

I’ll remember the 11th in a second.

[#55PirateFan]

The Lloyd Memorial game is by far the coldest game I have ever attended and its not even close!

Was that a semifinal game or the final?

[EKUAlum05]

Corbin 16
Corbin 15
Russell 14
Bourbon 13
Bourbon 12
Garrard 11
Somerset 10
I think they played Lloyd Memorial in the semis in 2003

I dont have a clue about the rest.
That's all I got. Lol.

These are all correct... you missed 2004 though.

[EKUAlum05]

Highlands (4X)
Danville
Newport
Lloyd Memorial (2X)
Russell (4X)
Breathitt County (2X)
Somerset
Garrard County
Bourbon County (2X)
Corbin (2X)

I’ll remember the 11th in a second.

The same one that stumped bucslover by text...

Thomas the Train may be able to help you out.