October 3, 2021 – Pikeville, KY –
University of Pikeville head football coach Corey Fipps is steering his team in the right direction as they are currently 2-0. Coach Fipps was hired by Pikeville University in June and replaced former coach Allan Holland Jr. Fipps coached at Kentucky Christian University before being hired at Pikeville. Over his three seasons at Kentucky Christian Fipps posted a non-impressive 12-29 record. During his last season as head coach, Kentucky Christian boasted a top-ten rushing offense while going 6-2 for the season.
It looks like Coach Fipps has picked up right where he left off. Pikesville’s high-powered offense is off to a hot start and has scored over 50 points in their first 2 games. During their first game against Bluefield, quarterback Lee Kirkland threw for 333 yards and passed for 4 touchdowns. Running backs Alex Sanders, Ivan Vaughn, and Jayden Neace all averaged over 4 yards a carry and have provided a spark to the offense. Both Neace and Sanders scored a touchdown and the Bears won 52-20. The offense kept their fire power against Webber University with a well-balanced attack. The Bears rushed for 200 yards and threw for another 217 yards. Coach Fipps team dominated winning the game 59-0. If there is anything for Pikesville to work on, it’s their third down conversion. Through the first 2 games, they only have a third down conversion rate of 45%. Converting third downs is crucial in football because they keep drives alive and provide momentum for a team. If the Bears want to continue their offensive dominance, they must get better in this area.
Pikeville’s defense has helped their explosive offense and has only surrendered 20 points. Freshman linebacker Jonathan Morton recently won defensive player of the week for his stellar performance and is averaging 8.5 tackles a game which leads the Bears defense in this category. Pikeville currently has 6 takeaways and 1 forced fumble on the young season. If the Bears can continue taking the ball away, they will have a chance in any game they’re in.
Coach Fipps has done a great job so far and his coaching has helped propel a program that has went 8-9 over the past 2 seasons. His offense and defense are playing solid football and his players appear to have bought in. Coach Fipps must not get complacent and respect all opponents on the schedule. In order to continue winning, Fipps has to be consistent and his players must stay disciplined. With Fipps at the helm Pikeville can become a perennial winning program. He has experience and has brought a winning attitude to the locker room. If the winning continues, Coach Fipps and his team will have their eyes on the NAIA Bluegrass division top spot. Pikeville is currently fifth in the standing. If Pikeville can continue to compete and learn how to win; a new era of football may have just begun.
