When one thinks of a rivalry in the Mountains, the Belfry Pirates for Pikeville Panthers quickly comes to mind. The two programs clash again on Friday at Hambley Athletic Complex in Pikeville in what promises to be a highly anticipated battle between Eastern Kentucky powers.
The Pirates (2-2), coached by Philip Haywood come into the game after getting a huge win on the road over Southwestern, 47-28.
Junior quarterback Chase Varney leads Belfry into battle. The signal caller is putting up incredible passing numbers so far this season. Varney has completed 44-of-69 for 668 yards, 6 touchdowns and 3 interceptions. He also has 65 yards on 8 carries and 1 touchdown this season.
The powerful Belfry rushing attack is led by Jeremiah Austin with 499 yards and 8 touchdowns on 62 carries. JB Woolum is a versatile weapon for the Pirates. So far this season, he has 22 carries for 267 yards and 5 touchdowns. He also has 15 catches for 241 yards and 3 touchdowns. Ace Caudill also is a big weapon for the Pirates with 22 carries for 169 yards and 4 touchdowns. He also has 11 receptions for 104 yards. Cayden Varney has been a huge part of the passing game with 182 yards and 1 touchdown on 8 catches.
The strong Pirate defense is led by Hunter Hylton who has 59 total tackles and 4 sacks so far this season. Cayden Varney and Tristan Chapman each have an interception for Belfry.
Pikeville (1-3), coached by Chris McNamee, got its first win of the season at Raceland last week, 16-13.
The Panthers will have Isaac Duty at quarterback. Duty has completed 45-of-75 passes for 741 yards, 5 touchdowns and 5 interceptions.
Brenden Anthony leads the strong Panther ground attack with 22 carries for 272 yards and 1 touchdown.
Pikeville has a talented receiving corps, giving Duty a lot of weapons. Mikey Hager leads the way with 14 catches for 287 yards and 3 touchdowns. Bradyn Hall has 13 receptions for 177 yards and 1 touchdown. Cole Slone has 130 yards and 2 touchdowns on 8 catches. Kingston Braxton has racked up 117 yards on 5 catches.
Jeremiah Anderson leads the Panther defense with 47 tackles, including a sack and 2 tackles for loss. Brenden Anthony has 45 tackles, including a sack and 4 tackles for loss. Jayden Justice has 44 tackles, including a sack and 7 tackles for loss. Deonte Stevens has 43 tackles, including 3 tackles for a loss.
This is the biggest game in the Mountains this weekend. You will definitely want to be at Pikeville on Friday night!
