Beech Tree News Network

Butler County football is beginning its "second season" tomorrow night as the Bears travel to Princeton for a first-round playoff game against Caldwell County.  Kick-off is set for 7 p.m. and the game will be broadcast live on Beech Tree 1570 with David Clark.

"Playoffs are the start of a new season.  Its ironic that we return to start our playoff season where we began this season.  We scrimmaged Caldwell to start the year and we are returning there for the first playoff game this year," said BCHS head coach Ryan Emmick.  "The playoffs are exciting because you know that you control your own destiny.  If you win, you get to play another game.  There is nothing that you really do in the playoffs any differently than you would with a regular season game, but there is an added sense of urgency in everything you do.  The players have done a great job coming into practice focused and motivated and that is what we need in order to be successful Friday night," added Emmick.

Coach Emmick expects the Tigers to launch an aggressive passing game.
"Caldwell brings the "Air Raid" attack to the field.   They want to play fast and play a fast break on grass style of football, while spreading your defense out and attackimng with screens.  Then, they get you to bite up and take some shots deep.  We have to be sound in coverage and recognize their tendencies in order to be successful against their high powered offense," said Emmick.  "Coach David Barnes has done a great job developing his freshmen quarterback who is one of the most prolific passers in all of Kentucky.  We have to find a way to neutralize their passing game and put pressure on the quarterback to be successful."

With two tough losses over the past two weeks, Coach Emmick's Bears are hoping the third time will result in a playoff victory. 

"The number one goal is to come out with a victory.  We have stood on the threshold of victory the past two weeks and have come up short.  During that time, we have found out a lot about the heart and character of these young men on this team.  Each and every young man on this team is a fighter who will not quit until the final whistle blows," said Emmick.  "It is a testament to the physical and mental makeup of these young men and the way they continue to fight through adversity for four quarters and beyond.  We have to continue to have that mental toughness Friday night when we travel to Caldwell for the first round of the KHSAA Class 2A Playoffs."