[Bull got out!]

Bump.

[Mr. D]

The final schedule is complete for JC. 

Aug 18th Madison Central Home (Hutch Bowl) 
August 26th Pikeville Away (Pike County Bowl) 
Sept 1st Belfry Away
Sept 8th Breathitt Co. Home 
Sept 15th Dohn Prep Away 
Sept 22nd Boyd Co. Home 
Sept 29th Corbin Away 
Oct 5th Rowan County Away 
Oct 13th Greenup County Away 
Oct 20th Ashland Home 

Looks like a pretty tough schedule for JC this year. Madison Central, Pikeville, Belfry, Corbin, and Ashland will all be competitive games. I don’t know Dohn Prep but it won’t be easy to drive close 4 hours in a bus up there.

[fansville]

The final schedule is complete for JC. 

Aug 18th Madison Central Home (Hutch Bowl) 
August 26th Pikeville Away (Pike County Bowl) 
Sept 1st Belfry Away
Sept 8th Breathitt Co. Home 
Sept 15th Dohn Prep Away 
Sept 22nd Boyd Co. Home 
Sept 29th Corbin Away 
Oct 5th Rowan County Away 
Oct 13th Greenup County Away 
Oct 20th Ashland Home 

Looks like a pretty tough schedule for JC this year. Madison Central, Pikeville, Belfry, Corbin, and Ashland will all be competitive games. I don’t know Dohn Prep but it won’t be easy to drive close 4 hours in a bus up there.

Great schedule but as for 3 of the competitive games you mentioned, I don’t see Belfry being a competitive game at all, Madison Central being a 3+ TD win and I wouldn’t be surprised if they don’t win the Pikeville game by 2+ TDs. On the last one, I also wouldn’t be surprised if Pikeville walks away with a win if they can put up points early, you never know what happens early in a season.

[pjdoug]

The final schedule is complete for JC. 

Aug 18th Madison Central Home (Hutch Bowl) 
August 26th Pikeville Away (Pike County Bowl) 
Sept 1st Belfry Away
Sept 8th Breathitt Co. Home 
Sept 15th Dohn Prep Away 
Sept 22nd Boyd Co. Home 
Sept 29th Corbin Away 
Oct 5th Rowan County Away 
Oct 13th Greenup County Away 
Oct 20th Ashland Home 

Looks like a pretty tough schedule for JC this year. Madison Central, Pikeville, Belfry, Corbin, and Ashland will all be competitive games. I don’t know Dohn Prep but it won’t be easy to drive close 4 hours in a bus up there.

Great schedule but as for 3 of the competitive games you mentioned, I don’t see Belfry being a competitive game at all, Madison Central being a 3+ TD win and I wouldn’t be surprised if they don’t win the Pikeville game by 2+ TDs. On the last one, I also wouldn’t be surprised if Pikeville walks away with a win if they can put up points early, you never know what happens early in a season.

I'll be surprised if they don't get that hind end smoked.

[Hoot Gibson]

Johnson Central should go undefeated with that schedule and they better go undefeated if they want to avoid an early road trip in the playoffs. Pikeville should be overmatched against JC because of the Golden Eagles' experienced line and loaded backfield. Hats off to the Panthers for scheduling a much more experienced team for a season opener. The Corbin game should be the make or break game on Johnson Central's schedule because it could make the difference between playing a very tough Covington Catholic team at home or on the road in the playoffs.

Ashland returns a lot of very good athletes and the game has the potential to be a classic in the series. Johnson Central has dominated the series recently, but several games were decided late - but I like JC in a home game with a lot riding on it.

[jetpilot]

Johnson Central should go undefeated with that schedule and they better go undefeated if they want to avoid an early road trip in the playoffs. Pikeville should be overmatched against JC because of the Golden Eagles' experienced line and loaded backfield. Hats off to the Panthers for scheduling a much more experienced team for a season opener. The Corbin game should be the make or break game on Johnson Central's schedule because it could make the difference between playing a very tough Covington Catholic team at home or on the road in the playoffs.

Ashland returns a lot of very good athletes and the game has the potential to be a classic in the series. Johnson Central has dominated the series recently, but several games were decided late - but I like JC in a home game with a lot riding on it.

neutral field
[2022] Pikeville (KY) 31 (73%), [2022] Johnson Central (Paintsville, KY) 22 (27%)

[Truewords]

Johnson Central is only one with anything to lose in this one. If this was last season I would go with Pikeville. Upfront will be where Central wins this one. Pikeville will be fine by end of year but this is a lot to ask of the young line they will have. If Central doesn’t win they are in for long season and RPI will plummet

[jetpilot]

Way too early to gauge Pikeville line play. Backfield will be fantastic.

[Micro-Brew]

I truly think last year Pikeville would have beaten JC but unlike JP, haha, think that’s probably the exception not the rule in an ongoing series with the Golden Eagles. Most years they’ll just be too big, too deep and too physical for the Panthers and there’s nothing wrong with that, they’re a much bigger school. I love that Pikeville has accepted another physicality challenge on their schedule where you know year in and year out you have another with the Pond Creekers. Anyway as far as this game, I think we are forgetting Pikeville is replacing a ton defensively now not saying this bunch won’t be good but early in the season they’re going to be very green and to match up with a very well oiled physical rushing attack is going to be a huge challenge. I’ll go with the Eagles in this one. But make no mistake, Pikeville will be ten fold better for playing JC and N Pulaski in back to back weeks. Look out 1A Pikeville ain’t going anywhere anytime soon. Good luck to JC on a great season and would like to see you guys dethrone Boyle once again like in 2019. That was classic.

[Hoot Gibson]

Johnson Central should go undefeated with that schedule and they better go undefeated if they want to avoid an early road trip in the playoffs. Pikeville should be overmatched against JC because of the Golden Eagles' experienced line and loaded backfield. Hats off to the Panthers for scheduling a much more experienced team for a season opener. The Corbin game should be the make or break game on Johnson Central's schedule because it could make the difference between playing a very tough Covington Catholic team at home or on the road in the playoffs.

Ashland returns a lot of very good athletes and the game has the potential to be a classic in the series. Johnson Central has dominated the series recently, but several games were decided late - but I like JC in a home game with a lot riding on it.

neutral field
[2022] Pikeville (KY) 31 (73%), [2022] Johnson Central (Paintsville, KY) 22 (27%)

If you think that a CalPreps projected score from last season is any indicator of how Johnson Central and Pikeville will stack up against each other in the opening game this season, then I strongly suggest that you leave your big bag of money at home game night.

It will be a long season if Johnson Central loses to Pikeville in its first game of the season because they would have very little chance of beating both Covington Catholic and Corbin on the road in the playoffs. A JC loss would not be the end of the world, but as strong as 4A will be this season and as much as Pikeville loses from last season, a loss to Pikeville would put JC in a deep hole to begin the season.

[pjdoug]

I truly think last year Pikeville would have beaten JC but unlike JP, haha,  think that’s probably the exception not the rule in an ongoing series with the Golden Eagles. Most years they’ll just be too big, too deep and too physical for the Panthers and there’s nothing wrong with that, they’re a much bigger school. I love that Pikeville has accepted another physicality challenge on their schedule where you know year in and year out you have another with the Pond Creekers. Anyway as far as this game, I think we are forgetting Pikeville is replacing a ton defensively now not saying this bunch won’t be good but early in the season they’re going to be very green and to match up with a very well oiled physical rushing attack is going to be a huge challenge. I’ll go with the Eagles in this one. But make no mistake, Pikeville will be ten fold better for playing JC and N Pulaski in back to back weeks. Look out 1A Pikeville ain’t going anywhere anytime soon. Good luck to JC on a great season and would like to see you guys dethrone Boyle once again like in 2019. That was classic.

N Pulaski?

[Micro-Brew]

My bad…..Pulaski Co

[jetpilot]

Johnson Central should go undefeated with that schedule and they better go undefeated if they want to avoid an early road trip in the playoffs. Pikeville should be overmatched against JC because of the Golden Eagles' experienced line and loaded backfield. Hats off to the Panthers for scheduling a much more experienced team for a season opener. The Corbin game should be the make or break game on Johnson Central's schedule because it could make the difference between playing a very tough Covington Catholic team at home or on the road in the playoffs.

Ashland returns a lot of very good athletes and the game has the potential to be a classic in the series. Johnson Central has dominated the series recently, but several games were decided late - but I like JC in a home game with a lot riding on it.

neutral field
[2022] Pikeville (KY) 31 (73%), [2022] Johnson Central (Paintsville, KY) 22 (27%)

If you think that a CalPreps projected score from last season is any indicator of how Johnson Central and Pikeville will stack up against each other in the opening game this season, then I strongly suggest that you leave your big bag of money at home game night.

It will be a long season if Johnson Central loses to Pikeville in its first game of the season because they would have very little chance of beating both Covington Catholic and Corbin on the road in the playoffs. A JC loss would not be the end of the world, but as strong as 4A will be this season and as much as Pikeville loses from last season, a loss to Pikeville would put JC in a deep hole to begin the season.

I expect a great game. I wouldn't trade Pikeville backfield for JC backfield plus a sack of money. Don't know about line yet. Do worry about replacing 3 very good linebackers. Pikeville will be loaded again and I expect them to play with JC all night long.

[Hoot Gibson]

Johnson Central should go undefeated with that schedule and they better go undefeated if they want to avoid an early road trip in the playoffs. Pikeville should be overmatched against JC because of the Golden Eagles' experienced line and loaded backfield. Hats off to the Panthers for scheduling a much more experienced team for a season opener. The Corbin game should be the make or break game on Johnson Central's schedule because it could make the difference between playing a very tough Covington Catholic team at home or on the road in the playoffs.

Ashland returns a lot of very good athletes and the game has the potential to be a classic in the series. Johnson Central has dominated the series recently, but several games were decided late - but I like JC in a home game with a lot riding on it.

neutral field
[2022] Pikeville (KY) 31 (73%), [2022] Johnson Central (Paintsville, KY) 22 (27%)

If you think that a CalPreps projected score from last season is any indicator of how Johnson Central and Pikeville will stack up against each other in the opening game this season, then I strongly suggest that you leave your big bag of money at home game night.

It will be a long season if Johnson Central loses to Pikeville in its first game of the season because they would have very little chance of beating both Covington Catholic and Corbin on the road in the playoffs. A JC loss would not be the end of the world, but as strong as 4A will be this season and as much as Pikeville loses from last season, a loss to Pikeville would put JC in a deep hole to begin the season.

I expect a great game. I wouldn't trade Pikeville backfield for JC backfield plus a sack of money. Don't know about line yet. Do worry about replacing 3 very good linebackers. Pikeville will be loaded again and I expect them to play with JC all night long.

Barring a rash of fumbles, Pikeville will not be able to slow down JC's running game. McCoart was the best running back in eastern Kentucky last season and he will be even bigger, stronger, and faster this season. With Carter Conley, Logan Music, and whoever Coach Peck decides to start at fullback, and nearly the entire starting OL returning, Johnson Central will have a better running game than Pikeville, and it will not be close. JC may fumble the game away, but they normally steamroll most defenses in early games when they have this much talent returning.

I am really looking forward to the season kicking off. There are several games on JC's schedule that should have a playoff-like atmosphere this season and Pikeville will be one of them.

[Mr. D]

I’m just happy this game is going to be played and both coaches are prioritizing preparing for the playoffs over 10 easy wins.

JC should have an advantage early in the season. If this game was 7th or 8th on the schedule I think it would be closer to 50/50. But early in the season I think JCs rushing attack will be too much.

There is no doubt JC is going to have an elite rushing attack led by McCoart and Conley but the real question is can they sprinkle in enough success with the passing game to keep good teams honest. For JC to get back to Kroger field they have to have a few chunk plays here and there in the passing game. That was non-existent most of last year.

[Hoot Gibson]

I’m just happy this game is going to be played and both coaches are prioritizing preparing for the playoffs over 10 easy wins.

JC should have an advantage early in the season. If this game was 7th or 8th on the schedule I think it would be closer to 50/50. But early in the season I think JCs rushing attack will be too much.

There is no doubt JC is going to have an elite rushing attack led by McCoart and Conley but the real question is can they sprinkle in enough success with the passing game to keep good teams honest. For JC to get back to Kroger field they have to have a few chunk plays here and there in the passing game. That was non-existent most of last year.

Do you have a feel for who JC may play at fullback? I am also wondering whether Coach Peck might find some snaps for Dalton Matney on offense.

[jetpilot]

McCoart better than Birchfield I just spit Wheaties and milk all over my screen thanks Hoot.
Hoot is in for a shock with the Pikeville running attack. Not to mention passing attack. If the same JC defense comes to Pikeville that showed up vs Letcher last year Pikeville will hang 60 on them.

[Hoot Gibson]

McCoart better than Birchfield I just spit Wheaties and milk all over my screen thanks Hoot.
Hoot is in for a shock with the Pikeville running attack. Not to mention passing attack. If the same JC defense comes to Pikeville that showed up vs Letcher last year Pikeville will hang 60 on them.

I watched Pikeville's running attack against Corbin and Covington Catholic last season. I don't believe that it will be better than last season and it was not that impressive against 4A competition last year. I am sure that their offense will dominate 1A opponents again this season, but the Panther running attack will not be on the same level as JC, especially in the season opener. Pikeville's running attack was not that impressive against either Corbin or Covington Catholic and Birchfield was in the lineup.

[jetpilot]

LOL first two games without lineup set. Corbin handled JC easily in last game of the year. You will be shocked Hoot. Pikeville will run and pass very well vs. JC. Write it down. Now am I worried about JC running game? Of course, very.

[Micro-Brew]

You’re wasting your breath Jet. In Hoots eyes JC is Bill Braske to everyone else. Always bigger and better. I’ll take the kid who rushed for around 5k yards the last two years and probably had 500 yards receiving in those two years as well as being the best back in Eastern Ky last year as well Jet.

[Hoot Gibson]

LOL first two games without lineup set. Corbin handled JC easily in last game of the year. You will be shocked Hoot. Pikeville will run and pass very well vs. JC. Write it down. Now am I worried about JC running game? Of course, very.

You wore out that "without lineup set" excuse last season. Pikeville's coaching staff had the same amount of time to prepare for the season as the coaching staffs of Corbin, Covington Catholic, and Johnson Central. I will not be shocked if Pikeville plays well against Johnson Central. I will be shocked if the Panthers win. 

Pikeville, because of the weakness of competition in 1A can afford to lose a few games during the season because they will still be favored, home or away in the playoffs. JC needs every win that it can get because of the RPI and the competitiveness among 4A teams.

[Hoot Gibson]

You’re wasting your breath Jet. In Hoots eyes JC is Bill Braske to everyone else. Always bigger and better. I’ll take the kid who rushed for around 5k yards the last two years and probably had 500 yards receiving in those two years as well as being the  best back in Eastern Ky last year as well Jet.

Birchfield vs. Corbin 2022: 15 rushing attempts for 47 yards and 0 touchdowns, with 0 receptions.

McCoart vs. Corbin 2022: 21 rushing attempts for 80 yards and 1 touchdown, with 1 reception for 83 yards and 1 touchdown.

Birchfield vs. Belfry 2022: 26 rushing attempts for 180 yards and 4 touchdowns, with 0 receptions.

McCoart vs. Belfry 2022: 20 rushing attempts for 181 yards and 4 touchdowns, with 0 receptions.

You are entitled to your opinion, but I give the edge to McCoart, in part because JC was in a rebuilding season with a young offensive line, while Birchfield was running behind an experienced offensive line in a state title season. But against two common opponents last season, I don't see anything in the stats to indicate that Birchfield was better than McCoart.

If Pikeville has a running back as talented as Birchfield to step into his shoes this season, then I look forward to seeing him. Barring injuries, McCoart will be the best running back in eastern Kentucky this season and he should be even better in his senior season.

[jetpilot]

LOL

[Mr. D]

I’m just happy this game is going to be played and both coaches are prioritizing preparing for the playoffs over 10 easy wins.

JC should have an advantage early in the season. If this game was 7th or 8th on the schedule I think it would be closer to 50/50. But early in the season I think JCs rushing attack will be too much.

There is no doubt JC is going to have an elite rushing attack led by McCoart and Conley but the real question is can they sprinkle in enough success with the passing game to keep good teams honest. For JC to get back to Kroger field they have to have a few chunk plays here and there in the passing game. That was non-existent most of last year.

Do you have a feel for who JC may play at fullback? I am also wondering whether Coach Peck might find some snaps for Dalton Matney on offense.

I have no inside knowledge but I would think the sophomore Logan Morrow would get some snaps at fullback. Strong, powerful runner and a really good baseball player as well. I wouldn’t be surprised to see Dalton Matney get snaps on offense as well. He had a strong freshmen season at linebacker and I expect him to be even better this year.

Anytime you have to replace a kid like Chase Price at fullback there will be a drop off early. JCs program has been built on churning out really tough kids like Chase Price every year. I expect Morrow/Matney to get better and better as the year goes on.

[Hoot Gibson]

I’m just happy this game is going to be played and both coaches are prioritizing preparing for the playoffs over 10 easy wins.

JC should have an advantage early in the season. If this game was 7th or 8th on the schedule I think it would be closer to 50/50. But early in the season I think JCs rushing attack will be too much.

There is no doubt JC is going to have an elite rushing attack led by McCoart and Conley but the real question is can they sprinkle in enough success with the passing game to keep good teams honest. For JC to get back to Kroger field they have to have a few chunk plays here and there in the passing game. That was non-existent most of last year.

Do you have a feel for who JC may play at fullback? I am also wondering whether Coach Peck might find some snaps for Dalton Matney on offense.

I have no inside knowledge but I would think the sophomore Logan Morrow would get some snaps at fullback. Strong, powerful runner and a really good baseball player as well. I wouldn’t be surprised to see Dalton Matney get snaps on offense as well. He had a strong freshmen season at linebacker and I expect him to be even better this year.

Anytime you have to replace a kid like Chase Price at fullback there will be a drop off early. JCs program has been built on churning out really tough kids like Chase Price every year. I expect Morrow/Matney to get better and better as the year goes on

Thanks, that's what I suspected but I also have no insider info and have no idea who played where in JV games in recent decades. Johnson Central does have a long history of great linebacker/fullbacks, and Matney is well on his way to becoming one of those great linebackers. I also wondered about the possibility of having McCoart play some snaps at fullback with Logan Music in the backfield. McCoart definitely has the size and strength for the position and he is also a great blocker. 

I believe that Coach Peck will have the same dilemna as he faced when last season opened about how to get all of the running backs the snaps that they deserve. Conley's early season injury made the decisions last year a little easier. Hopefully, JC will enter the playoffs this season with all of their key players healthy.

[TopSportsFan23]

With a healthy team, JC is unstoppable.

[Bull got out!]

With a healthy team, JC is unstoppable.

I’ll take that bet.

[Bull got out!]

I do hope all teams are healthy this season. I want to see the JC/ Pikeville game. Nice early season matchup.

[BEChargers]

I think JC makes a deep run this year.

[Bull got out!]

I think JC makes a deep run this year.

They make a deep run every year. The question for me is how deep.