Sound Off on Sports Podcast

It's the Season Finale of Season 3 for the guys as they recap the high school basketball season in the 15th region. Congratulations to Magoffin County winning at the Boys' Sweet 16 to reach the Elite 8. Turning the page to next season with changes looming for high school baseball and football on the horizon and predictions for the upcoming fall/winter sports season 2024-25.

The guys give a complete breakdown on how the upcoming Super-Regional Tournament will play out based on current seeding of 15th region teams in their districts in a hypothetical scenario. Also, a preview of next week's 58th District Tournament at Prestonsburg Fieldhouse. KHSAA proposed realignment ideas on how to place all Floyd County schools in one district rather than fractured.

Three of our four guys spend Valentine's talking sports... One is still figuring out the nuances of Valentine's Day in a marriage. Super Bowl reaction and the big business of the NFL. Blind comparison of 3 major college basketball programs and where they stand in the court of public opinion. 15th region high school basketball discussion. Sweet 16 pairings. Pikeville's girls challenge themselves. Throwback game at the Betsy Layne "Dome" this weekend.

Parents are always asking, "Why don't my baby get to play?" They'll bad mouth a coach and talk to anyone that will listen, rather than ask their son or daughter, "Why aren't you getting to play?" The sports culture in Floyd County needs to change because at the moment, it's complacent. Where does the change begin? It starts with understanding why your baby isn't playing.

The guys are back in studio after being snowed in, entertaining the Cincinnati Reds and covering wall-to-wall basketball games around the 15th region. Bunch of anti-heroes talking about Taylor, Travis, State All "A" Classic, 15th region basketball and the search for a new football coach at Prestonsburg High School.

The guys give out mid-term grades for the boys' basketball teams in the 58th District for Lawrence County, Betsy Layne, Prestonsburg and Floyd Central. Also, Prestonsburg is searching for a new head football coach. Who are some possible candidates?

Two takeaways from the CFP and Bowl season: the committee got it right and something has to be done to stop early opt-outs. The key is moving the date for the opening of the transfer portal. High School Basketball scene in the 15th region is as even as it's ever been in years on the boys' side as we're at the halfway point of the season.

It's Sports Festivus and time to air out your sports grievances... Also, Santa told the guys what the basketball coaches at Betsy Layne, Floyd Central and Prestonsburg have asked for this Christmas. Merry Christmas from the Sound Off on Sports Podcast!

The KHSAA all-time leading scorer in boys' basketball Travis Perry of Lyon County is coming to the home of the player who's record he shattered - "King" Kelly Coleman. Perry and Lyon County are traveling across time zones and over 300 miles to play in historic Wayland Gym this Saturday and the guys discuss why fans need to appreciate Perry for his talent and ability rather than compare him to Coleman. Also, a different take on the Pikeville 85-point win over East Ridge girls last week than you'll hear anywhere else.

Why are there so many fleeting hearts over Florida State football being pushed out of the College Football Playoff? When it comes to college football, always follow the dollars. We've had a week to digest the failed escape plan of Mark Stoops. How do you feel now that Kentucky has a chance to beat a big-name program in a bowl game? The guys also touch on the opening week of 15th region high school basketball.

The guys return from a post-week of turkey hangover to touch on several topics including the buzz around Kentucky Basketball and sensation Reed Sheppard, Mark Stoops and his apparent escape plan from Lexington, a preview of the 15th Region high school basketball season and this weekend's historic throwback basketball game between Paintsville and Floyd Central at Wheelwright Gym, which is being designated as part of the KY High School Basketball Hall of Fame's Glory Road project.

On this episode the guys open the format of the show with a "no bad questions" segment, where video podcaster viewers submitted questions for the guys to chime in on. If you'd like to submit a question for a future episode, email your thoughts to: jamey.johnson@wmdjfm.com

What's the mood of the high school football season following the conclusion of the season for Betsy Layne and Floyd Central? The mood of Big Blue Nation? The mood of the upcoming high school basketball season.

The first round of the KHSAA High School Football playoffs is what the guys refer to as, "the proving grounds". But what have teams that finished winless in their district or even overall done to prove anything that they should be in the postseason? It's the oldest argument in high school football throughout Kentucky, but the guys give some fresh perspective. Meanwhile, Floyd Central will host only it's second-ever playoff game, while Betsy Layne goes for a school record 10th win of the season against Prestonsburg. Also, the passing of Bob Knight today and what makes some sports icons beloved even when they're not loveable.

It's the fastest season of all the different high school sports - seems to be anyway. High School Football's regular season ends this Friday. The guys breakdown where Betsy Layne, Floyd Central and Prestonsburg stand. Also a full preview of the upcoming playoffs. Jamey got a free copy of Cats Pause magazine.

Episode 10 finds Jamey and Josh with a full preview of this Friday's matchup between Floyd Central and Martin County, affectionately known as "The Hager Bowl". Jaguars coach Shawn Hager returns to the Rock at Inez for a winner-take-all game against the Cardinals for the regular season district championship. On the Cardinals sideline is Shawn's son, Wes, who's an assistant coach at Martin County. Of course, Shawn Hager spent many years as head coach of old Sheldon Clark High School in Inez. Also, how will Betsy Layne respond after suffering their first loss of the season last Friday? What about the postgame thoughts of Shelby Valley coach Anthony Hampton following the win?

Simply put, it's Prestonsburg vs. Floyd Central in what we are calling "The Game VII" this Friday and this time, it has district implications. Class 2A 8th-ranked Betsy Layne is playing for a possible district championship on the road at Shelby Valley, while looking to stay undefeated at (8-0). High School basketball talk as the old Wheelwright Gym prepares to be designated a Glory Road Gym by the KY High School Basketball Hall of Fame. Was Mark Stoops wrong when he asked fans to "pony up" to help UK football compete against the upper echelon of the SEC?

District high school football games are underway, where is your football team at the moment? Are they a contender for a district title? Home playoff game? Can they make a run in the postseason? The guys discuss Betsy Layne (6-0), Floyd Central (4-3) and their grassy knoll win over Knott County Central last week and what has happened to Prestonsburg (4-3)? Also, 2-minute drill on a variety of topics from UK football, the renewal of the UK/IU series and MLB.

The guys discuss last week's Betsy Layne Bobcats win over Prestonsburg snapping a 25-game/37-year losing streak to the Blackcats. Should there be a traveling trophy for the unofficial county football champion? What does the future of high school football hold over the next 20 years in Floyd County? The guys look back at the last 20 years' worth of stats against Pike County opponents as an example of where Floyd County needs to be.

The Betsy Layne Bobcats remain undefeated at (5-0) after dismantling county rival Floyd Central (3-2) in the "680 Series". Bobcats dominated the line of scrimmage from the start while looking poised and prepared. Bobcats host county rival Prestonsburg this Friday. The guys break it down. Predictions on all of this week's games. Also, Jamey wants to know why every Floyd County school can't enjoy the same amenities, such as working internet in the press box at Betsy Layne.

Just in time for this week's Floyd Central at Betsy Layne rivalry football game, new KY Route 680 opened, connecting the communities. Coincidence? The Battle for New Route 680 happens this Friday and they gang breaks down the matchup. New RPI ratings are out and 2 of Betsy Layne's 4 wins are against last place teams in RPI ratings of their respective classes - does that matter? Can the Cincinnati Reds win 11 of their final 16 games to reach 87 total wins and postseason play? Is it panic time for UK football fans after two lackluster wins?

Every win should be celebrated in high school football no matter whom it's against - it's better than the alternative. Betsy Layne is rolling opponents with their confidence schedule, while Floyd Central is winning again, but showing areas in need of improvement. Prestonsburg suffered their first loss of the season on the road at Paintsville. Plenty of football talk on every level and Josh shared the story about how he let a waitress "feed him" while on an anniversary date with his wife - what!

Episode 3 finds our sports guys discussing why they're so loyal to their favorite college or professional teams, even when they mostly let us down. Have you ever "fired" a favorite team? Also a full recap of Week 2 of KY High School football in the mountains. Are Betsy Layne and Prestonsburg on a collision course for one another in late September? Can Floyd Central get healthy for their home opener?

SEASON 3, EPISODE 2 - The guys memorialize a food fixture on U.S. 23 in Lawrence County that announced that after 30+ years they're closing their doors this week. Save your hometown greasy spoon hotspot! Also, a full recap of week 1 wins for Betsy Layne, Floyd Central and Prestonsburg High School Football. Also, a shortage of 15th region officials is forcing 3 games to be moved next week to Thursday night starts.

In our final episode of Season 2, the guys give rapid reaction to the Boys and Girls 15th Region Tournaments. Josh used a dry erase board (not that it helps with the audio version of the podcast) to explain in depth the upcoming Super Regional next season for high school basketball and why it's a GOOD THING. If you're upset that your team didn't make the regional tournament or felt that you should've won the regional, remember what Captain Insano said? Apply it to next season. Finally the guys discuss the changes to major league baseball. Season 2 finale.

State basketball phenom Travis Perry from Lyon County is within striking distance of breaking Floyd County / Wayland High School scoring champ "King" Kelly Coleman's all-time career scoring record of 4,337 points. Would it be better for Perry to break the mark before or during this year's Sweet 16, granted his team isn't upset along the way. Why can't we get Lyon County to make the trip to Wayland for a game next year in Perry's senior season? (It's faster to get from Wayland to Canada than it is to Eddyville!) Also, the guys preview the upcoming 58th District Tournament for the Boys/Girls to be played at Lawrence County High School. 

When your team is playing great, the results speak for themselves. Now is the peak time for high school basketball teams as the regular season is wrapping up and the guys discuss the landscape of the 58th District and 15th Region in boys' basketball. Speaking of greatness, how great was the atmosphere at the Prestonsburg Fieldhouse this past weekend? A packed gym with the kind of pageantry not seen in years for a regular season game. It has fueled the debate of moving the 15th Region Tournament back to high school gyms and away from the Appalachian Wireless Arena. One more great point: Michael Jordan never proclaimed himself as the G.O.A.T. like Lebron has done, who is now the new NBA all-time scoring leader, yet still disliked in the court of public opinion. How great is that?

This special episode of the Sound Off on Sports Podcast was recorded live at the history Wayland Gymnasium in the tiny coal town of Wayland, the home of basketball legend 'King' Kelly Coleman, the first recognized Mr. Basketball award winner in Kentucky. The Wayland Gym, now the home of the Mountain Sports Hall of Fame, which represents athletes from the 16th, 15th, 14th and 13th regions, hosted it's first KHSAA basketball game in 52 years on February 4th. The guys spoke with former Mr. Basketball JR Vanhoose, Van Lear Bankmule alumnus Doug Kretzer and Wayland Wasps alumnus Jerry Fultz about the MSHOF and recapped a weekend of throwback basketball in Floyd County.

The guys breakdown today's KHSAA changes with the approval of the new high school football realignment, which will only be for two seasons rather than a 4-year cycle. The gang explains why. Also, some teams got what they wished for with the alignment, some were denied. One wanted to change positions after seeing what they were leaving behind and were rightfully denied. The realignment is a win-win for Betsy Layne, Floyd Central and Prestonsburg. The Jaguars and Blackcats annual rivalry becomes a key district game now and the best part, the 8 teams that make up the new Class 2A Districts 7 and 8 all have a level playing field to achieve a deep postseason run. The guys also preview the Friday showdown in Lawrence County between the Dawgs and Lady Dawgs vs. Floyd Central in two games that will be battle's first place in the 58th District. 

Everyone has an opinion on men's basketball coach John Calipari and the situation at the University of Kentucky. Jamey and Josh took live calls and created a support group setting for Wildcat basketball fans who are suffering through a miserable season. 

Jamey was out sick, missing his first episode ever of 'Sound Off' and the rest of the crew picks up the slack. Our panel of four presents the Top 10 Best Boys and Girls High School Basketball Teams in Floyd County over the past 30 years. The guys debate their selections and their own bias. Who's the best from Allen Central, Betsy Layne, Floyd Central, Prestonsburg and South Floyd over the past three decades?

Jeremy set the tone before the show telling the guys about being dubbed, "a Gen Xer" today during an important meeting. 'Gen X Jeremy and Jamey' take a different view of the whole college football players sitting out bowl games topic than 'Millennial Josh', who has more of a 'doesn't-affect-me' viewpoint of Will Levis and Chris Rodriquez sitting out Kentucky's Music City Bowl game with Iowa. Also, some perspective on the 15th Region Boys Basketball scene and how strong the 58th District has been in the early going. Floyd Central will clash with defending District Tournament champion Betsy Layne this Friday and the guys have a complete breakdown. Prestonsburg is out to their best start in two decades. Johnson Central is struggling, but loaded with talented youth. Pikeville stumbling out of the gate. Martin County looking strong early. 

After a week hiatus because Jamey and Jeremy were playing the role of Dance Dads, the guys return from their experience watching their daughters spend a week preparing for the Nutcracker dance recital to talk high school sports. Hot button topic is on the upcoming Kentucky H.S. Football realignment as the KHSAA released preliminary classification numbers based on enrollment earlier this week. Mountain schools will be doing some shuffling. Many schools are moving down in class due to drops in enrollment. Will some decide to play 'up' a classification? What are the advantages in doing so? How will new districts look based on the early returns? Also, the Floyd County boys' basketball teams are off to a combined (9-0) start with Betsy Layne, Floyd Central and Prestonsburg all looking good after one week of play. Floyd Central girls basketball has pulled out two impressive defensive wins as well. 

In honor of Thanksgiving and Feast Week the guys dive into an assortment of topics and sports trivia. Everything from NFL, College Basketball, College Football, High School Basketball, Mark Stoops, John Calipari, Ken Griffey Jr. and Futbol. Four different topics in 5 minute breaks along with Josh's over-the-top sports nerd trivia that's nearly impossible to solve. 

This week the guys were joined by Betsy Layne Bobcats boys' basketball coach Derrick Newsome, who is trying to do something this season that's never happened in the near 100-year history of Bobcat basketball. His two-time defending district champions are looking to take care of some unfinished business with the region's most under-valued player in Andrew Kidd along with senior standout Brady Robinson returning to lead the way. The guys also react to Kentucky's loss to Michigan State in the Champions Classic this week. Should fans buy into NIL? Are fans suckers that do it? 

The importance of creating a 'brotherhood culture' within your high school sports program. How do you keep young, talented groups of players together? How do you keep them from vaulting to other programs where they may see the grass as being a little greener? Special guest Alan Joe Moore, head boys' basketball coach at Floyd Central, discusses the upcoming season including their expectations to be a dark horse contender in the 15th region. The guys wrap up high school football recapping Betsy Layne and Prestonsburg's narrow losses on the road in the playoffs. Also, a full disclosure of the guys trip to the Paris location of Jerry's Restaurant, which also bled over to a heated debate over whether you order spaghetti as an entree. You also have to pick one 'sauce as the boss' for spaghetti - Prego or Ragu. 

On this week's episode Jamey, Jeremy and Josh breakdown the playoff matchups for Betsy Layne and Prestonsburg. The Bobcats aren't traveling to Paris, France on Friday and shouldn't be intimidated of their surroundings or situation if they tackle and play disciplined football. The Blackcats, whom Josh says apparently used to be orange and black back in the 1930s, are traveling to the home of Lee Majors, but not facing a 'major' opponent in Middlesboro. Floyd Central snapped their 22-game losing streak, but does it wipe away the problems the program is battling through? More evidence presented as to why the 1 vs. 4 seeded games in KHSAA football playoffs should end. Also, Jamey explains why the Tennessee Volunteers are the worst fanbase in college football after he had his Twitter account crushed by a mass of Big Orange fans for the past several days. 

This week's episode is a tag team edition as Jeremy sits in the first part of the podcast discussing the KHSAA High School Football playoff picture, RPI benefits/disadvantages, return to cross district matchups and should there be a change in how the regular season wraps up for each team statewide. The second half of the show features Byron talking about his trip to the Blue/White scrimmage in Pikeville, rebuilding John Calipari reputation and healing BBN. Did last season's loss to St. Peter's set in motion the positive vibes fans are feeling now? Also, the price was right for Bryce Harper and the Phillies.

The guys drag out the old 'Playoff Predictor' as the regular season for High School Football winds down. Betsy Layne will host Paintsville this Friday with playoff seeding and a home playoff game on the line. Prestonsburg should roll Bath County this week, which would set up a similar scenario next Friday when the Blackcats host Martin County. A viewer of the video version of the podcast accuses the gang of giving Paintsville bulletin board material. Also, they all admit that they ignored the signs and drank too much Big Blue Kool-Aid when predicting the Kentucky Wildcats football season. In MLB, the Guardians are beating the Reds in the rebuild game. 

PREDICTION: The 20-game on-field losing streak that the Floyd Central Jaguars are suffering through ends this Thursday against Magoffin County. Jamey gives his reasons why the streak will end. Prestonsburg suffers their first loss of the season and the guys think that their trip to West Carter is a make-or-break game for their season. Betsy Layne begins district play against Raceland. The Kentucky Wildcats gave one away on the road at Ole Miss. Will South Carolina catch the Cats crying this Saturday? Also, can you name that Loretta Lynn song? The guys memorialize the passing of the Queen of Country Music, the pride of Butcher Holler - Loretta Lynn. 

The guys take a stroll down memory lane about the time (times) each of them met someone famous in the world of sports, including that time this past summer when they all almost met a famous Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame player and promptly blew it. This comes after Jamey and Matt had the pleasure of meeting Mr. NASCAR Dale Earnhardt Jr. earlier this week. Also, the guys discuss last week's Betsy Layne, Floyd Central and Prestonsburg games while previewing this week's matchups. Kudos to some football statistical state leaders from Floyd County who are shining halfway through the season. And Jeremy proves that Major League Baseball is losing ground in pop culture after whiffing on his knowledge of recent heights achieved by Albert Pujols and Aaron Judge. 

We're halfway through the 2022 high school football season and mid-term grades are in for Betsy Layne, Floyd Central and Prestonsburg. The guys discuss how our teams have faired thus far and what could happen going forward with district standing predictions. When's the right time to play a 'confidence schedule?' Also, even though we are witnessing the golden age of Kentucky Wildcats football, some fans just aren't enjoying. The guys discuss why our older fans need to adopt the viewpoint of the younger fan base. 

Going back to Friday, November 26th, 1992 as the Prestonsburg Blackcats once again were pushing for a chance to region the state finals with the Danville Admirals standing in their way. 

It's Rivalry Week in Floyd County as Floyd Central (0-4) invades Prestonsburg (4-0) this Friday night. Which team is more tested? Who has the advantage between the lines? Who has the momentum? Our guys debate the game the keys to a win for either team. The guys also enjoyed special guest Troy Howell from KSR, who covers high school football statewide and defended why he likes polls and what goes into his Top 25 high school team rankings. Jeremy pouts about being a Notre Dame fan and Josh defended Brownie the Elf of Cleveland Browns fame. 

This week, Josh takes us back to September 9th, 1994 for a district contest between South Floyd and Phelps, played at old McCoy Field in Phelps. This was a 2OT thriller, decided by the most unsuspected scoring play, given each team's history, sending the Hornets to a win. 

Every football season there's one Friday under the lights where you nothing seems to go right. Bus was late to the game. Scoreboard issues. Officials. Nothing you've worked on in practice this week changed during game play. Whatever the reason, there's always a 'burn the tape game'. For the Betsy Layne Bobcats and Floyd Central Jaguars, that game was last Friday. Jamey and Josh breakdown those games and preview this week's featured game on WMDJ between Floyd Central and Leslie County. Byron misses because he attended the Backstreet Boys concert, but claims he had to work at school. Our NASCAR lug nut Matt calls in to update the NASCAR playoffs, a cool event next year on the Cup racing schedule and talks about breaking into the abandoned Rockingham Speedway this past summer. 

This weeks Floyd County Football Flashback takes us back to the first winning season for Betsy Layne Bobcats football, 1986. That season, the Bobcats set a school record that still stands today. Don't forget, WMDJ will have coverage of Betsy Layne's home opener with East Ridge on Friday night, September 2nd.