[jlocke]

Pikeville had a great season with some seriously talented football players. They were phenomenal. They went undefeated playing a very tough schedule.

It will be interesting to see them next year to see if they can become a perennial championship program. By my count, they only return 3 offensive (QB,WR,OG) and 3 defensive (2DL, 1DB or LB) starters. They have a lot of players on the roster. Far more than any other 1A team so that helps.

[HAIL PIKEVILLE!]

I’m in a subset of the “Pikeville didn’t play anyone crowd” they didn’t play anyone in the playoffs that could beat them even if Pikeville played their “C” game. There’s nothing they can do about that. I know that Pikeville schedules to get pushed in the regular season and because they know their district is weak (Hazard is typically a tough opponent).

Maybe they were just THAT good? Ever think about that?

[2000PHS]

Maybe they were just THAT good? Ever think about that?

If you care to read my posts I have more than thought about it, I have typed it several times. I think the top 5 teams in the east could have made it to the finals playing Nicolas County and HC though. 1A was pretty weak this year if we are being objective. Pikeville was an outlier and it showed.

[Gargamel]

If you care to read my posts I have more than thought about it, I have typed it several times. I think the top 5 teams in the east could have made it to the finals playing Nicolas County and HC though. 1A was pretty weak this year if we are being objective. Pikeville was an outlier and it showed.

Kiss the Ring :yum:

[Micro-Brew]

I know Pikeville's offense gets a ton of credit and rightfully so due to their Qb and their plethora of playmakers but lets talk about their defense. They had 4 three year starters at Lb and 5th that was just as good as the other 4. Their DL may be slightly undersized but they are super athletic and Do Not stay blocked. Their defensive backs caught more balls than got completed on them and no chance you were out running them. What made them so unique tho was there ability to adapt to any formation and any play style, really without any personnel change. They could play an odd front with 2 deep and seemlessly hop to an even front and jump to a cover 3 look. Or they could man up on the corners and put extra Dudes in the box if needed. They could bring extra pressure or they could get pressure with their front and never miss a beat. It was a versatile defense as I've ever witnessed and that in itself will be the biggest hurdle for the 2020 Panthers to overcome, at least initially. There's still Dudes in the Cupboard there, they just need the reps and the experience. It may be Mid November before you see that defense start to find its footing or honestly it may be 2021. But let me say this, if you're gonna enact some revenge on the panthers for the beat downs of this past year, it better be early next year because after that look out. Cheers 2019 Panthers!!!

[HAIL PIKEVILLE!]

I know Pikeville's offense gets a ton of credit and rightfully so due to their Qb and their plethora of playmakers but lets talk about their defense. They had 4 three year starters at Lb and 5th that was just as good as the other 4. Their DL may be slightly undersized but they are super athletic and Do Not stay blocked. Their defensive backs caught more balls than got completed on them and no chance you were out running them. What made them so unique tho was there ability to adapt to any formation and any play style, really without any personnel change. They could play an odd front with 2 deep and seemlessly hop to an even front and jump to a cover 3 look. Or they could man up on the corners and put extra Dudes in the box if needed. They could bring extra pressure or they could get pressure with their front and never miss a beat. It was a versatile defense as I've ever witnessed and that in itself will be the biggest hurdle for the 2020 Panthers to overcome, at least initially. There's still Dudes in the Cupboard there, they just need the reps and the experience. It may be Mid November before you see that defense start to find its footing or honestly it may be 2021. But let me say this, if you're gonna enact some revenge on the panthers for the beat downs of this past year, it better be early next year because after that look out. Cheers 2019 Panthers!!!

I agree 100%! Gonna be an adjustment period in 2020. But Coach Mac will have them ready come playoff time!

[Gus McCrae]

I agree 100%! Gonna be an adjustment period in 2020. But Coach Mac will have them ready come playoff time!

Agree. Looking forward to see some playmakers again like RB Carson Wright, QB Isaac McNamee, and WR Zach Lockhart, just to name a few. Got some good young lineman coming up who were starters as Freshmen this past season in the Sayers twins. These are just a few that comes to mind, but like someone else said in another thread, there are younger brothers of those that are graduating that will fill the void that are very capable. Should be another good season.

[HAIL PIKEVILLE!]

Agree. Looking forward to see some playmakers again like RB Carson Wright, QB Isaac McNamee, and WR Zach Lockhart, just to name a few. Got some good young lineman coming up who were starters as Freshmen this past season in the Sayers twins. These are just a few that comes to mind, but like someone else said in another thread, there are younger brothers of those that are graduating that will fill the void that are very capable. Should be another good season.

Next season may not start like this years did for Pikeville. But, it very well could end in the same place with the same result if we progress and stay healthy...

[Patriot1]

All the people who doubt the 2020 class at Pikeville football better watch out. This years seniors grew up their 2nd year, too. From a 4 loss team into 3 points loss in the semifinals to Raceland. The offense and defensive lines for Pikeville are going to be good next year plus add in the quarterback and a running back that could be 2 of the best to ever come out of Pikeville. They definitely have a lot of talent at the skill positions coming up that all they need is to get the time in and the reps and they will be fine. It’s up to those individuals to put the work in and I know they will. First part of the year may be getting it figured out and lumps and bumps but come end of the year they should be a very good team. The coaches will have it figured out and they will be ready for their team to make a run and as always GO PANTHERS!!!

[HAIL PIKEVILLE!]

Some “Hidden Stats” from this years Panther Defense that are nothing short of jaw dropping.

In 9 games against 1A competition (not counting the Jenkins forfeit, of course)
Pikevilles STARTING defense gave up a grand total of 14 points (1.6 Points Per Game!). Against Non 1A competition, all were either Kentucky 3A or the WV or Va equivalent of Kentucky 3A: Pikevilles starting Defense only gave up 16 points per game. Of the 5 teams we played that were Non 1A competition: there were 4 regional finalists and a 3A State Champion and we only averaged giving up two TDs a game to them! That’s 87-88 “Big Dawgs” type numbers!!!

[Scotty_Bronson]

I know Pikeville's offense gets a ton of credit and rightfully so due to their Qb and their plethora of playmakers but lets talk about their defense. They had 4 three year starters at Lb and 5th that was just as good as the other 4. Their DL may be slightly undersized but they are super athletic and Do Not stay blocked. Their defensive backs caught more balls than got completed on them and no chance you were out running them. What made them so unique tho was there ability to adapt to any formation and any play style, really without any personnel change. They could play an odd front with 2 deep and seemlessly hop to an even front and jump to a cover 3 look. Or they could man up on the corners and put extra Dudes in the box if needed. They could bring extra pressure or they could get pressure with their front and never miss a beat. It was a versatile defense as I've ever witnessed and that in itself will be the biggest hurdle for the 2020 Panthers to overcome, at least initially. There's still Dudes in the Cupboard there, they just need the reps and the experience. It may be Mid November before you see that defense start to find its footing or honestly it may be 2021. But let me say this, if you're gonna enact some revenge on the panthers for the beat downs of this past year, it better be early next year because after that look out. Cheers 2019 Panthers!!!

Great point. So much talk about offensive balance, but not much about balanced defense. When u can play your corners in man and both safeties can cover the middle and flats while still playing run first, a defense is hard to deal with. When u can stop the run or atleast contain it with 6 or 7 in the box, it's almost impossible to get anything going. Pikeville did just that in the playoffs, but especially in the title game.

[Redneck]

I would have to agree Otis. Possibly some time off and how the title game went, could cause a change of heart. Who knows? Even though Pikeville is a much larger school than Paintsville, One of the big differences between the two are, if your an athlete at Pikeville in the fall, for the most part, your on the football field! Paintsville has quite a few that would be difference makers that just don’t play. You could see the difference looking at both sidelines. Pikeville has Double the amount of kids on their roster. Paintsville needs to figure out how to get those extra athletes onto the field. In a 1A program you need Every one you can get!

Agree. I’m sure Pikeville has some athletes walking the halls that don’t play football. I don’t get why so many parents won’t let their kids play football, which has always been a trend at Paintsville. Everyone is gonna be a basketball star or baseball star. When was the last time we won the region in basketball? How many region titles do we have in baseball the last 10-15 years? I noticed one player walking the sidelines Friday in the STATE CHAMPIONSHIP, not even dressed out. Didn’t dress out Friday but played basketball on Saturday? I don’t get it.

[PHSFarmersMarket]

The real PHS (Pikeville)!!!

[HAIL PIKEVILLE!]

A question for the Paintsville fans. Who was the genius that decided that Paintsville go down the morning of the game instead of staying in a hotel the night before? You can’t tell me there’s not some deep pocketed boosters down there that wouldn’t be willing to help out with that...

[Redneck]

A question for the Paintsville fans. Who was the genius that decided that Paintsville go down the morning of the game instead of staying in a hotel the night before? You can’t tell me there’s not some deep pocketed boosters down there that wouldn’t be willing to help out with that...

No idea. Doesn’t the state provide rooms?

[HAIL PIKEVILLE!]

No idea. Doesn’t the state provide rooms?

The KHSAA reserves rooms for the teams but I’m not sure if they pay for them. If the KHSAA does pay, why would anyone NOT take advantage of that?!?!

[2000PHS]

A question for the Paintsville fans. Who was the genius that decided that Paintsville go down the morning of the game instead of staying in a hotel the night before? You can’t tell me there’s not some deep pocketed boosters down there that wouldn’t be willing to help out with that...

I’m sure that was Chirico’s call. They also decided to not go the night before to KCD. It had nothing to do with funding.

[Gibby]

Great game by Pikeville.

[HAIL PIKEVILLE!]

I’m sure that was Chirico’s call. They also decided to not go the night before to KCD. It had nothing to do with funding.

I didn’t figure it did, but why rob your kids of that experience after they worked so hard to get there?

[2000PHS]

I didn’t figure it did, but why rob your kids of that experience after they worked so hard to get there?

What experience? Sleeping in a Comfort Inn? Or where ever they would have stayed. Paintsville did what they thought gave them the best chance to win, period.

[HAIL PIKEVILLE!]

What experience? Sleeping in a Comfort Inn? Or where ever they would have stayed. Paintsville did what they thought gave them the best chance to win, period.

So, getting those boys up at the crack of dawn after you’d already had a parade and a pep rally for them the night before. Then feeding them breakfast and sticking them on a SCHOOL BUS for a 3 hour ride to Lexington, then let them set in a locker room and do nothing but set there and think for several hours about how they were getting ready to play THE BIGGEST FOOTBALL GAME OF THEIR LIVES!!! That’s what was going to give you the best chance to win?!?! No wonder those boys looked dead on there feet when they came out of the tunnel!!!

[2000PHS]

They left at 9am, so they were pretty much on their normal sleep/ wake up schedule. Get to field at 12:30, get dressed, warm ups, play.

I’m confused, I thought Pikeville was just that good.

[red r8r]

The KHSAA reserves rooms for the teams but I’m not sure if they pay for them. If the KHSAA does pay, why would anyone NOT take advantage of that?!?!

I doubt they pay. Belfry got there about 2 hours before kickoff I was told. Wasnt there. However Im sure if they'd played as early as you guys, I'm sure they'd have went over Thursday.

[HAIL PIKEVILLE!]

They left at 9am, so they were pretty much on their normal sleep/ wake up schedule. Get to field at 12:30, get dressed, warm ups, play.

I’m confused, I thought Pikeville was just that good.

You’re right, it wouldn’t have made a difference...Just figured y’all cared more about your kids than that is all....

[Josiewales]

Cared about your kids more than that? Seriously? Ignorant statement.

[Hambley]

The important thing about going and staying the night before is that championship atmosphere is unique. I have found it helpful to get there and get in that championship state of mind the night before and relax. I totally get the argument of sleeping in your own bed, but I think the reason this is even being questioned is Paintsville just looked tired and out of their element from the kickoff. This year I don’t think it would have made a huge difference but who knows.

[HAIL PIKEVILLE!]

Cared about your kids more than that? Seriously? Ignorant statement.

Ignorant decision.

[2000PHS]

You’re right, it wouldn’t have made a difference...Just figured y’all cared more about your kids than that is all....

Congrats on the most ignorant post of 2019.

You have the benefit hindsight knowing the game result. Paintsville did what they best thought gave them a chance to win

[2000PHS]

Ignorant decision.

I thought it was because the staff didn’t care about the kids? So was it a tactical error or does the staff just want to rob kids of the great experience?

[HAIL PIKEVILLE!]

I thought it was because the staff didn’t care about the kids? So was it a tactical error or does the staff just want to rob kids of the great experience?

You tell me, you’re the one defending it. Quite a few folks in Paintsville weren’t happy about it either. How do you think I knew about it?