[BlackcatAlum]

This seems to be a very interesting district especially since the addition of Harlan County High. Breathitt County dominated the district last season but since the addition of Harlan County, should the Bobcats be worried? IMO, yes they should. The Black Bears are going to give the Bobcats all they can handle this upcoming season, IMO Breathitt will still win the district but by the time the playoffs roll around and the Bears have a full season under there belt it could get quite interesting. And I wouldn't sleep on Estill County either, from my understanding they return their entire backfield from last season.

[Mama Bear]

Did somebody say Black Bears?!

I gotta tell ya, the excitement is building over here in Harlan. Breathitt County will be the visitors at our house when the Black Bears of Harlan County will be making their very first home town debut.

Speed! You heard it here first. I can not wait to see this defense I keep hearing about either. They have alot of work to do and every body is rip roaring ready to go. Our staff seems to be very cooperative. The kids are all getting along great. They are ready to put some pads on and get down and dirty! These boys come from Cumberland, Evarts, and Cawood, but they are all son's of Harlan County and it will be so nice to cheer for them all at once!

The community support has been overwhelming. The people and businesses in our little town are phenomenal! These kids will not want for anything this year. Coach Larkey has a big job ahead of him and he is ready for the challenge. We are so thankful for him. I think that anybody who overlooks the Black Bears this year are in for a very big surprise. These kids are hungry to win!

I don't see how, but it seems that we are the underdogs? I guess people just don't know what to expect out of us.

[BlackcatAlum]

Did somebody say Black Bears?!

I gotta tell ya, the excitement is building over here in Harlan. Breathitt County will be the visitors at our house when the Black Bears of Harlan County will be making their very first home town debut.

Speed! You heard it here first. I can not wait to see this defense I keep hearing about either. They have alot of work to do and every body is rip roaring ready to go. Our staff seems to be very cooperative. The kids are all getting along great. They are ready to put some pads on and get down and dirty! These boys come from Cumberland, Evarts, and Cawood, but they are all son's of Harlan County and it will be so nice to cheer for them all at once!

The community support has been overwhelming. The people and businesses in our little town are phenomenal! These kids will not want for anything this year. Coach Larkey has a big job ahead of him and he is ready for the challenge. We are so thankful for him. I think that anybody who overlooks the Black Bears this year are in for a very big surprise. These kids are hungry to win!

I don't see how, but it seems that we are the underdogs? I guess people just don't know what to expect out of us.

Thats exactly what it is, I don't know what to expect out of Harlan County, I know they have alot of potential but alot simply don't know what to expect.

I'm glad to hear that the community is supporting the program, fan support will do wonders for a football team.

Best of luck to you guys!

[thecoacher]

This seems to be a very interesting district especially since the addition of Harlan County High. Breathitt County dominated the district last season but since the addition of Harlan County, should the Bobcats be worried? IMO, yes they should. The Black Bears are going to give the Bobcats all they can handle this upcoming season, IMO Breathitt will still win the district but by the time the playoffs roll around and the Bears have a full season under there belt it could get quite interesting. And I wouldn't sleep on Estill County either, from my understanding they return their entire backfield from last season.

I wouldn't just forget about Fleming County either. I am not saying they will win the district, but they could make things interesting.
Harlan County will have to make that LOOOOOONG trip to Flemingsburg that the Panthers made to Cawood last year.
Also, Estill County beat Fleming 14-7 last year. They scored twice in the 1st quarter and never threatened again. Estill's defense really played well for them and stopped Fleming several times in the red zone.
Estill returns a lot, but so does Fleming. They started several sophmores and juniors last year and they could be dangerous this season.

[BlackcatAlum]

I wouldn't just forget about Fleming County either. I am not saying they will win the district, but they could make things interesting.
Harlan County will have to make that LOOOOOONG trip to Flemingsburg that the Panthers made to Cawood last year.
Also, Estill County beat Fleming 14-7 last year. They scored twice in the 1st quarter and never threatened again. Estill's defense really played well for them and stopped Fleming several times in the red zone.
Estill returns a lot, but so does Fleming. They started several sophmores and juniors last year and they could be dangerous this season.

Thanks for that information, I'm not very familiar with Fleming County but from the way you made it sound it looks as if seeding for the playoffs will be very interesting within district 6.

[Real Badman]

For New Schools, Its hard to know what expect for the first game. Harlen Co will have there hands full the first week against Charlie Banks and the LCC Cougars. I nor noone know how Harlen Co will be next year. But for a 5A team playing in 3A class its untelling bu the odds look good in the favor or the Black Bears.

[NIECE]

This seems to be a very interesting district especially since the addition of Harlan County High. Breathitt County dominated the district last season but since the addition of Harlan County, should the Bobcats be worried? IMO, yes they should. The Black Bears are going to give the Bobcats all they can handle this upcoming season, IMO Breathitt will still win the district but by the time the playoffs roll around and the Bears have a full season under there belt it could get quite interesting. And I wouldn't sleep on Estill County either, from my understanding they return their entire backfield from last season.

Estill returns 9 on both sides and yes they return the backfield only losing the QB, which is not a big threat in the double wing unless he can run the QB trap. I don't think Estill has thrown the ball 20 times the last 3 years. Don't look for the style to change, they have been rushing for close to 3000 yds. per year. The only achilies heal for them is defense and a sub par schedule outside the district. This team has more talent than any team ever fielded at Estill, big, strong, and fast. So we'll see what happens. Breathitt is loaded also, losing only 2 or 3, Fleming returns almost all. Fleming's advantage over Harlan is the trip across the state to play a district game, I think they are playing it on a Saturday. I am sure Larkey will have Harlan ready though.

[footballnut]

For New Schools, Its hard to know what expect for the first game. Harlen Co will have there hands full the first week against Charlie Banks and the LCC Cougars. I nor noone know how Harlen Co will be next year. But for a 5A team playing in 3A class its untelling bu the odds look good in the favor or the Black Bears.

I keep reading Harlan is 5A playing 3A,how is this..I mean im confused..If there 5A why is the KHSAA leting them schedule and palying district as 3A....or is it because with the merging that there finishing the last year of all the merging schools 2 year scheduling deals? just wondering.....

[NIECE]

I keep reading Harlan is 5A playing 3A,how is this..I mean im confused..If there 5A why is the KHSAA leting them schedule and palying district as 3A....or is it because with the merging that there finishing the last year of all the merging schools 2 year scheduling deals? just wondering.....

I think that is pretty much it. They are merging at the end of an alignment and it is easy for them to just leave it be. Also, they are not sure how many kids will actually be at the school, for all they know, they could end up 6A. The only fair thing I can see them doing in the future is making the consolidated school play an independant schedule, until they are for sure how many kids are in the school system, I know it is not fair for the seniors who will be on the team, but they are really in a bind when it comes to making assumptions on where a school will end up. I personally don't like the 6 class system, I thought the 4 class was much better and we didn't worry about the consolidations.

[Brooks4Prez]

I'm telling you guys, it's harder to have immediate success when consolidating than you might think. It takes time. Harlan County may go 10-0, I'm just saying don't be dissappointed if it's a hard adjustment.

[methodtothemadness]

Breathitt lost alot more than that didn't they?

[BlackcatAlum]

Breathitt lost alot more than that didn't they?

The only true playmaker they lost was quarterback Colby Fugate, and I'm sure Haddix will take over for him just fine.

Holcomb returns a very talented group of boys.

[EkyLb]

coul another 5A team do well in this class, I don't know, but we will see. How long will the tyranny that is the KHSAA be allowed to do this stuff to KY HS sports.

[NIECE]

I'm telling you guys, it's harder to have immediate success when consolidating than you might think. It takes time. Harlan County may go 10-0, I'm just saying don't be dissappointed if it's a hard adjustment.

Well said. 3A, I feel is too strong this year. There are 3 or 4 teams in 3A that can play with and beat anybody in the state.

[NIECE]

Breathitt lost alot more than that didn't they?

No, they are loaded. Look for a Breathitt and Belfry/Russell rematch in the playoffs. Belfry and Russell will face each other first with the way the districts are. I think Breathitt will have home field throughout baring some major upset.

[DevilsWin]

I keep reading Harlan is 5A playing 3A,how is this..I mean im confused..If there 5A why is the KHSAA leting them schedule and palying district as 3A....or is it because with the merging that there finishing the last year of all the merging schools 2 year scheduling deals? just wondering.....

IMO Harlan Co as well as MerGer County picked the "IN Between" year on purpose to give themselves an sizable advantage after consolidating.

[NIECE]

IMO Harlan Co as well as MerGer County picked the "IN Between" year on purpose to give themselves an sizable advantage after consolidating.

I don't think they picked a good year for 3A. The East is too strong. I don't think they will be like Mercer Co. Mercer Co. had just come off a 10-2 season with mostly juniors and their running back had rushed for over 1000 yds. Then you combine two more 1000 yd. rushers from Harrodsburg, that gives you a pretty decent backfield. I just don't see them beating Belfry, Breathitt, or Russell whoever they may play, "IF" they make it that far.

[methodtothemadness]

i feel like you have to put estill right in there with those big three now, estill has proven they can beat a russell, jones beat beechwood and a undefeated breathitt team while at hazard, so it can be done.

[thecoacher]

i feel like you have to put estill right in there with those big three now, estill has proven they can beat a russell, jones beat beechwood and a undefeated breathitt team while at hazard, so it can be done.

To be considered with the "big dogs" you have to beat the good teams on a regular basis. Not just once. Let's look at Estill against 2 "big dogs" (Breathitt and Russell) and a solid middle tier team (Fleming) since the year 2000:

2000: Breathitt 41 Estill 8
2001: Breathitt 75 Estill 0
2002: Breathitt 53 Estill 22
2003: Russell 14 Estill 35
Fleming 52 Estill 36
2004: Russell 49 Estill 8
Fleming 42 Estill 20
2005: Russell 69 Estill 22
Fleming 54 Estill 12
2006: Russell 47 Estill 8
Fleming 42 Estill 12
2007: Breathitt 47 Estill 8
Breathitt 55 Estill 7
Fleming 7 Estill 14

As you can see from these numbers, they have beaten Russell 1 time and Fleming 1 time. A lot of the other games were not close (looking at the numbers). I am not trying to pick on Estill, I respect them and know they are a hard working team. Just pointing out they are not yet, a team to be considered with Breathitt, Belfry, and Russell.

[EkyLb]

i feel like you have to put estill right in there with those big three now, estill has proven they can beat a russell, jones beat beechwood and a undefeated breathitt team while at hazard, so it can be done.

Not to mention 03 was kinda a down year for Russell. They had just graduated a majority of one of their 5 best teams in the history of the school. Should have been state champs that year, blew that lead to Breathitt.

[methodtothemadness]

your right , i did not mean that, not even close as far as tradition etc, i just meant in the east in 3a.

[EKUAlum05]

your right , i did not mean that, not even close as far as tradition etc, i just meant in the east in 3a.

When you say "The east in 3A" you are saying by default Belfry, Breathitt, Russell. Do you honestly think Estill is just as good as these three teams this year, or any year?

[EkyLb]

Estill has good teams from time to time. I don't know what kind of feeder program they have. I also don't know if they sturggle like some county schools to get kids out to play. I think doing what they can to get the community involved more and improving the feeder system will allow them to have consistantly good teams.

[methodtothemadness]

The feeder system is the best it has been, no i am not saying that, i am just saying they should be in the mix this year.

[NIECE]

Estill has good teams from time to time. I don't know what kind of feeder program they have. I also don't know if they sturggle like some county schools to get kids out to play. I think doing what they can to get the community involved more and improving the feeder system will allow them to have consistantly good teams.

Have you seen Estill's schedule? It does not prepare them for any of the top teams in 3A. Breathitt man hadled us, even though we were the stronger team. The feeder system is good right now, but a lot needs reworked at the upper level. You can be 9-3 when your off district schedule which is 6 teams win a combined 16 games, 18 if you count the 2 forfeits the other teams won, but originally lost the game. This years team is loaded, however, look for a much tougher season. Look for the Breathitt game to be much the same, they scored 4 times last year the first possession of their offensive series, and anyone who knows Estill's style of play knows that cannot be overcome. So I don't put them up with Belfry, Breathitt, and Russell, not yet.

[NIECE]

When you say "The east in 3A" you are saying by default Belfry, Breathitt, Russell. Do you honestly think Estill is just as good as these three teams this year, or any year?

In the past Estill has been better, however, they were much more physical then and fundamentally sound on both sides of the ball and the kicking game.

[methodtothemadness]

what needs to be reworked at the upper level at estill?

[NIECE]

what needs to be reworked at the upper level at estill?

Read the previous quote (#26). Football has three phases, Offense, Defense, and Special Teams. They have one (the offense) mastered, the other two really hurts them. Need to be more physical which starts in practice and is all coaching and getting the kids mentally tough. Schedule needs to be a little more competitive if you want to get deep in the playoffs. When you only have a 1/3 of the equation, you cannot expect to be competitive with the upper teams. Scoring 30 a game is not good if the other team can score 31 plus. Here is an example, last year, Estill was much stronger than Breathitt teamwise, however, when Breathitt stopped the Offense, they scored on the 1st possession of a series 4 straight times. They scored 26 pts. I think against Pineville and lost, when you score 26 pts., you should win the game. I understand there were some turnovers, but that is fundamental football, they still scored 26. Pineville was 4-6 I think. Same thing with Bourbon, Estill scored 30 sum and Bourbon scored in the upper 20's. You can't base a team on just 1/3 of the game. It takes practice and a lot of it to get these things down when you are at a place like Estill where numbers are limited. I didn't mean anything bad, just stating facts that could really put them in the upper level. They have more talent than they ever have and should be able to walk into the 2nd or 3rd round of the playoffs this year, but they have achilles heals as mentioned above.

[NIECE]

To be considered with the "big dogs" you have to beat the good teams on a regular basis. Not just once. Let's look at Estill against 2 "big dogs" (Breathitt and Russell) and a solid middle tier team (Fleming) since the year 2000:

2000: Breathitt 41 Estill 8
2001: Breathitt 75 Estill 0
2002: Breathitt 53 Estill 22
2003: Russell 14 Estill 35
Fleming 52 Estill 36
2004: Russell 49 Estill 8
Fleming 42 Estill 20
2005: Russell 69 Estill 22
Fleming 54 Estill 12
2006: Russell 47 Estill 8
Fleming 42 Estill 12
2007: Breathitt 47 Estill 8
Breathitt 55 Estill 7
Fleming 7 Estill 14

As you can see from these numbers, they have beaten Russell 1 time and Fleming 1 time. A lot of the other games were not close (looking at the numbers). I am not trying to pick on Estill, I respect them and know they are a hard working team. Just pointing out they are not yet, a team to be considered with Breathitt, Belfry, and Russell.

Good quote. Look at the scores you mentioned, not close. This is why Estill needs to improve the other 2/3 of the game. You can't score a lot against everyone.

[methodtothemadness]

breathitt scored alot on lots of people, estill defense got better this year, and i believe will continue too, specials teams never really hurt them except p.a.ts. there was one kick off returned on them and that is because the band was still on the field, and you have to be physical to run for that many yards a season, it is a physical offense, and they are very fundamental, they did not fumble much at all, if any until breathitt in the second round of playoffs;, they blocked alot of punts this year also, defensively some of those scores was given up on the second and third teams, its all relative, estill will continue to get better, administrative support needs to be better,