Published: October 03, 2008 01:03 am      

Berea Community set to take on Estill County

BEREA — In the past two seasons, the Pirates have erased the memories of a lot of painful, lopsided losses and in the process have turned a lot of heads.

However, they still feel like they have plenty left to prove.

Berea Community improved to 4-0 last week with an easy win at Nicholas County, but tonight the team will face undoubtedly its biggest challenge of the season.

The Pirates are set to take on Estill County (4-1) at 7:30 p.m. in Irvine.

“This is a big game for us,” Berea coach Kenan McWhorter said. “If we can pull this one out, I think it would open some eyes up.”

The Pirates are off to their best start in more than a decade, cruising to impressive victories over Bracken County (32-6), Beth Haven (53-12) and Nicholas County (42-15). They’ve outscored their opponents 139 to 40 and have only been challenged once — a 12-7 win over Pineville.

Still, the Pirates haven’t faced a squad the caliber of Estill County yet this season. The Engineers are ranked just outside of the top 10 in the latest Associated Press 3A Poll and their only loss came two weeks ago at traditional state power Breathitt County, 7-6.

“I think, to be honest, this is the best team that Berea has faced in I don’t know how many years,” McWhorter said. “So, you are looking at the biggest game for Berea in a long time.”

The two teams played last season in Berea and Estill County pulled away for a 52-24 win after leading by just two points in the third quarter.

Once again, the Engineers have relied on a dominant running attack to power a potent offense. Estill County has racked up 1,792 yards on the ground this season, led by Ben Benedict (102 carries, 710 yards and nine touchdowns) and Justin Convey (73 carries, 647 yards and 11 TDs).

“Like in any sport, knowing what they are going to do and being able to stop it are two different things,” McWhorter said. “I’ve schemed as many ways as I know how and I’ve watched hours of film, so basically we know what it is going to come down to.”

The Engineers have just 35 yards passing on the season and are coming off a 28-13 win at home over Fleming County.

Berea jumped out to an early lead last week against Nicholas County and cruised to the school’s seventh win in its past nine games.

Quarterback Bo Brewer had four touchdowns (two rushing and two passing) in the win. The junior has accounted for 12 touchdowns this season (eight passing, four rushing) and has thrown just two interceptions.

Senior Rashad Slaughter has been the other key component in a solid offense, averaging 99 rushing yards a game with seven touchdowns.

“You are never as good as you think you are and you are never as bad as you think you are,” McWhorter said. “So, I’ve been trying to teach them the old biblical concept of being content whatsoever state you find yourself in. We need to just focus on one game at a time.”