The Medical Leader

Fans,

By request, I have posted a special picks edition of my blog. Because of my schedule, I have not been able to write my picks column for the past few weeks, and while Teddy — they call me Teddy Ballgame — Paynter has held down the fort, I thought I would do a special pigskin pickin’ segment for our loyal blog readers.

Here it goes…

I look forward to Fridays for a lot of reasons. Sure, it’s the end of the work week (I’m smiling now), but when the leaves fall it means high school football is hitting a fever pitch.

And it won’t be any hotter than over on Pond Creek where Sheldon Clark and Belfry collide in a second-round Class 3A playoff matchup.

Four weeks ago, the Pirates (8-3) secured another district title by defeating the Cardinals (7-4) 34-13 at CAM Stadium. Of course, the game was marred by a scuffle in the second quarter, which led to the suspension of three SCHS players and a pair of Belfry players.

From that point, Sheldon Clark fell apart, fumbling the ball on three consecutive plays. Belfry turned that into quick points and slammed the door shut on the Cards.

Perhaps the biggest disappointment for SCHS came the following week when Pike Central rolled into Inez and handed the Cards a 40-18 loss on senior night. To be fair, the Cardinals were without three starters due to suspensions and a hand full of other players due to injuries.

This time around, I look for a closer matchup if the Cardinals can keep their composure.

That’s a big if in this intense rivalry.

Looking back on my game notes of the first matchup, Sheldon Clark could not a) hold on to the football and b) establish any type of passing attack. The Cardinals jumped ahead early on a dive play that turned into paydirt because of a missed assignment by Belfry.

My pick: Belfry is still Belfry.

You really have to tip your hat to Prestonsburg. With an unblemished 11-0 mark, the Blackcats have turned heads all season long.

Especially mine.

Imagine a team that lost a chunk of its line, 3,000 yards in rushing and its top receiver from a year ago going undefeated? Prestonsburg sure has defied the odds.

On Friday, Middlesboro rolls into town.

What are my thoughts: Quarterback Michael Burchett is as cool as the other side of the pillow. With over 1,500 yards passing, the field general has evolved into one of the state’s best players. Equally as important, he is a great kid and student.

Last year, injuries in the backfield really kept fans from seeing what Prestonsburg can accomplish. If the Blackcats stay healthy, bring on Corbin.

My pick: Those pesky Blackcats! That’s for you Joe Chirico.

Other local teams in action include: Shelby Valley at Corbin (I just indirectly gave you my pick there); Pikeville vs. Harlan and Allen Central at Hazard, Pike Central at Mason County and Letcher Central vs. Harlan County..

Here’s how I see those games playing out:

Allen Central at Hazard: The Rebels are reeling from last week’s first-ever playoff win in its first-ever home playoff game against Pineville, 60-34.

Hazard will simply have too much. The Bulldogs’ speed will wear down the Rebels and Allen Central’s magical run will come to an end.

Hazard rolls…

Pikeville vs. Harlan: Ben Howard has brought his magic back home, and the Panthers seem to be back on track.

And the panthers’ good fortune will continue for another week.

Pikeville has speed and the wide-open playbook that has made Ben Howard so much fun to watch as a player and coach over the years.

The Panthers won’t put up 71 points like they did last week against Jenkins, but they will survive and advance.

Pike Central at Mason County: The Hawks’ first-ever playoff win and home post-season game was like watching a Johnny Martin team on the basketball court.

Actually, the game last week against Fleming County should have been moved into the gymnasium.

On a more serious note, first-year Pike Central coach John Chapman has made things right on Buckleys Creek. The hawks were really a few plays away from winning a district title.

But an undefeated Mason County team waits in the horizon.

Don’t count the Hawks out. I feel they keep things close but a miscue late could spell doom and end a great season for the Hawks.

My pick: Mason County.

Letcher Central will survive (barely) and knock off Harlan County. This should be a good one, featuring two legendary coaches in Hillard Howard and Tom Larkey.

Wow, what a slate of games.

With kickoff about 24 hours away, I can already smell the burgers and dogs cooking on the fire at CAM Stadium.

See ya at the games…and the tailgate.