Results from Day 1 of Food City Invitational

The city of Prestonsburg is being taken over right now by volleyball teams from across the state. Games are going on at Adams Middle, Allen Elementary, Prestonsburg Elementary and Prestonsburg High School.

Results from Day 1:

Prestonsburg def. Belfry 2-0
Southwestern def. Hazard 2-0

Paintsville Tigers: 2011 Season Preview & Outlook

The Paintsville Tigers enter the season coming off of a rather disappointing 3-8 year. From the looks of things this season will be an improvement due to a few factors, the most important of which is playing a easier schedule. For years the Tigers have had one of the tougher Class-A schedules in the mountains, and to me at least it was time for this to change. The only problem is this leaves the Tigers with no real rivalry games, hopefully though they can foster some new rivalries. I can see both Betsy Layne and Magoffin County as future rivals. The team will be lead in the trenches on both sides of the ball by senior Tyler Spriggs, who is a hoss up front and will give opponents nightmares. Sophomore Blake Williams will be the newcomer to the line and should add some impressive strength up front. Quarterback will be a question for Tigers this year, but I believe Junior Matt Daniels will do a fine job leading the offense. As for the rest of the backfield the biggest bright spot should be sophomore Prater Helton, who had a stellar freshman season until he suffered a season ending injury in the fourth game of the year. He reminds one a lot of Kyle Sublett in has attitude and approach to the game. The receiving corp will be headed by juniors Dawson Smith, and Adam Plumley. Smith is very speedy, and will be a coverage nightmare on deep routes, while Plumley is a instinctive route runner with great hands. Both will benefit greatly from having a true pocket passer in Matt Daniels, I predict breakout seasons for both. The Tigers will be running a more I-based offense this year with a lot of double tight sets. This will probably do a world of good for the Tigers who will have a solid running game, if they can take occasional deep shots to Smith and Plumley the offense should do very well in Class-A and keep opponents guessing. I haven't heard much about defense but the players tell me they are looking to do a lot more hitting this year. So take that for what you will.

Shelby Valley Wildcats: 2011 Season Preview

Shelby Valley comes into the season as a bit of a mystery team, as they've hired a new coach in Aaron Stepp. So many, including myself, really don't know what to expect out of Valley this upcoming season. They always have talented athletes and also have one of the nicest facilities in the state, so it shouldn't be too hard for Stepp to build on their recent success the program has had the last few years. The Wildcats do return quite a bit of talent in Lucas Field, Logan Lucas and Corey Griffith. Fields & Lucas will be the duo on the backfield and they'll be joined by Corey Griffith who will replace Zack Norman as the quarterback.

The Wildcats look to improve on defense this season as they return one of their leading tacklers from last season in Mason Johnson. Others I mentioned above will also be expected to play huge roles on defense as well as offense and special teams. The roster looks thin right now for Valley, but as school starts more boys will come out for the team.

Sheldon Clark's Tim Smith Ruled Eligible

Sheldon Clark's Tim Smith has been ruled eligible by the KHSAA. 

Smith played last season at Shelby Valley and lead the Wildcats in rushing, but was granted another year of eligibility and decided to enroll at Sheldon Clark and become a Cardinal.

The Cardinals open up the season against Rockcastle County on August 20th for the Hometown Pharmacy Thorobred Bowl at Harrison County.

Sheldon Clark Cardinals: 2011 Season Preview

The 2011 edition of the Sheldon Clark Cardinals is going to have a new look to it this season after graduating 15 players off of last years Squad. You can never count out Coach Shawn Hager and his cards as they come prepared every week come game time. The Cards return Leading rusher K.P Skyles who rushed for 1154 yards and 17 Touchdowns as a junior. The Cards will be face with many challenges this year as they have to replace most of the offensive line and will also have a new QB under center this season. The addition of Tim Smith from Shelby Valley will be a boost to the backfield so it should be a very interesting season for the Cards.

BSPs Preseason Top 5

We've finally released our preseason poll for the upcoming 2011 high school football season and the unanimous #1 was (no-surprise) Johnson Central. They return Mr. Football candidate JJ Jude and many more that will contribute this upcoming season for coach Jim Matney. Belfry received every 2nd place vote as they return just about everyone, from 3-5 it was a scramble. Prestonsburg received the most 3rd place votes while Sheldon Clark beat Pike Central out by one vote.

1. Johnson Central
2. Belfry
3. Prestonsburg
4. Sheldon Clark
5. Pike Co. Central


Others receiving votes: Lawrence County