Class '3A' Playoff Preview (R1)

Two down, and today's playoff preview looks at Class 3A...

1st District
--Calloway County @ Paducah Tilghman
Many teams struggled early, but district games turned their fortunes around quickly. Paducah Tilghman was one of those teams, and their fortunes should continue to rise.
Paducah Tilghman 41 Calloway County 8

--Madisonville-North Hopkins @ Hopkinsville
Very much like Tilghman, Hoptown couldn't get it going early, but the district schedule proved favorable for the Tigers. Coming off a loss, Hoptown must recover quickly. This one could get interesting.
Hopkinsville 24 Madisonville-North Hopkins 10

2nd District
--Allen County-Scottsville @ Bowling Green
The Patriots played Bowling Green well three weeks ago and still lost by 30 points. The Purples will prove too powerful, but the ACS program is one to watch over the coming years.
Bowling Green 49 Allen County-Scottsville 12

--Franklin-Simpson @ Warren East
Warren East might be no match for Bowling Green, but they should be able to clear a Franklin-Simpson team that never reached expectations this season.
Warren East 45 Franklin-Simpson 27

3rd District
--North Bullitt @ Central
Central dropped a season-closing game to Doss, but don't read much into that game, as they had already clinched the district title. The 3A power will be back in form this week.
Central 30 North Bullitt 20

--Doss @ Valley
This one will prove hard to predict. Doss picked up a nice win over Central, but Valley has been a pleasant surprise all year. I would not be surprised to see this one go into extra sessions.
Valley 17 Doss 14 (OT)

4th District
--Pulaski County @ Southwestern
Southwestern rolled through district play, including a great win over Boyle County. Expect them to roll through Pulaski County as they await a matchup against the Rebels.
Southwestern 49 Pulaski County 6

--Marion County @ Boyle County
Marion County has been a solid team in the 4th district all season, and to think that this game can't be close is foolhardy. But Boyle County is Boyle County, and that will get them to week two.
Boyle County 34 Marion County 27

5th District
--Grant County @ Covington Catholic
The benefits from their big victory over Highlands will be felt in the next round, as either Grant County or South Oldham won't be much of a challenge for the Colonels.
Covington Catholic 62 Grant County 6

--South Oldham @ Highlands
The Bluebirds now face an incredibly difficult road to the state championship, but a date with South Oldham shouldn't be that scary.
Highlands 51 South Oldham 12

6th District
--Harrison County @ Lexington Catholic
Lexington Catholic is once again looking like a team that could challenge for a state championship. However, Harrison County has proven to be solid team this season in the 6th district. Not solid enough though.
Lexington Catholic 30 Harrison County 13

--Franklin County @ East Jessamine
Franklin County looked as if it could topple mighty Lexington Catholic earlier this season, but the Flyers fell to the Knights and shortly after East Jessamine. Can they get one of those losses back? I think so.
Franklin County 33 East Jessamine 20

7th District
--Clay County @ Rockcastle County
Clay County was undefeated but then was sent back to reality earlier this year by Rockcastle County. Expect the same story on Friday between these two.
Rockcastle County 59 Clay County 7

--Knox Central @ Bell County
Here's one to watch. Even though Bell County is closer to Rockcastle County than they are to Knox Central, I get the feeling that the three seed might give the two seed a run.
Bell County 41 Knox Central 31

8th District
--Boyd County @ Johnson Central
One of the few unbeatens left in Kentucky, Johnson Central should continue their roll through Class 3A Eastern Kentucky football.
Johnson Central 48 Boyd County 2

--Mason County @ Ashland Blazer
Ashland Blazer looked ready to challenge Johnson Central for the district championship, but the Tomcats failed miserably and now must shift their attention to Mason County, a team more than capable of pulling the upset.
Ashland Blazer 27 Mason County 23

Class '2A' Playoff Preview (R1)

Here we go for the first round games in Class 2A...

1st District
--Webster County @ Caldwell County
The Tigers came from the pack this season to run the table in the district, and while Webster County had a nice year, I see Caldwell County moving on with relative ease.
Caldwell County 33 Webster County 14

--Trigg County @ Fort Campbell
Many would guess that we'd see this game in the playoffs, but certainly not this early. The teams are evenly matched, and even though Fort Campbell lost the first game, I still like them to win.
Fort Campbell 14 Trigg County 12

2nd District
--Glasgow @ Monroe County
Here's another one of those games that was played last week. Monroe County wasn't impressive or dominant against the Scotties, but the Falcons gave no indication that they'd be prone to an upset.
Monroe County 24 Glasgow 7

--Butler County @ Owensboro Catholic
The Bears used a win over Edmonson County to climb to the third spot in the district standings, but their reward is a trip to the defending state-runners up. Catholic is still down, but should be up enough for this one.
Owensboro Catholic 41 Butler County 20

3rd District
--Elizabethtown @ Western
After a woeful beginning to the district campaign, E-Town rallied enough to make the playoffs. Wouldn't it be sweet redemption to stun Western, a team that ran circles around the 3rd District this season? Yeah, why not?
Elizabethtown 28 Western 27

--Washington County @ Larue County
Washington County took advantage of Western's clinched district title and defeated the Warriors last week and clinched the third seed in the process. Larue County on the road, however, will be tough to overcome.
Larue County 21 Washington County 7

5th District
--Lloyd Memorial @ Mercer County
Anything less than a 30-point win for the Titans will be eye-raising. This one may get real ugly, realy quickly.
Mercer County 70 Lloyd Memorial 7

--Spencer County @ Newport
The Newport Wildcats fell in their first two district games but rallied impressively to capture the remaining home playoff game. But Spencer County has been solid all season, and I see a mild upset forming here.
Spencer County 23 Newport 16

4th District
--Garrard County @ Corbin
Corbin has been anything but impressive this season, but they will benefit from a weak district in the first two rounds of the playoffs.
Corbin 35 Garrard County 0

--Casey County @ Wayne County
The winner will move on to the second round of the district, but there playoff journey will likely end there in Corbin. Expect home field advantage to make a difference here.
Wayne County 21 Casey County 14

6th District
--East Carter @ Russell
Coming off a nice win over Fleming County to clinch the district championship, Russell should be in fine form after waiting several weeks to play a meaningful game.
Russell 45 East Carter 6

--West Carter @ Fleming County
Fleming County has been a solid squad all season long. Regrettably, they represent one of those teams that do not benefit from the new playoff structure. Expect them to win big though on Friday.
Fleming County 30 West Carter 13

7th District
--Cawood @ Middlesboro
Cawood snuck into the playoffs over Knott County Central, but their run should be short lived. Middlesboro has to be considered a state sleeper right now.
Middlesboro 52 Cawood 0

--Leslie County @ Breathitt County
This might turn into one of the better games in the first round of the playoffs. Breathitt County must be careful not to look forward too much to a rematch against Middlesboro.
Breathitt County 28 Leslie County 20

8th District
--Shelby Valley @ Belfry
Even though Belfry made news by losing a district game this season, the Pirates still wind up with the district's top seed through tiebreakers and should advance fairly easily.
Belfry 48 Shelby Valley 14

--Sheldon Clark @ Prestonsburg
So let me get this straight: Sheldon Clark beats Belfry and still gets the '3' seed through tiebreakers? Of course, they did lose to Prestonsburg early this season, but I don't see a repeat of that.
Sheldon Clark 35 Prestonsburg 21

Class 'A' Playoff Preview (R1)

(I apologize for the crappy formatting...blogger was acting weird today)

And so it begins...

We need to note that Fulton City forfeited all their wins from this season due to playing an ineligible player. Fulton City's loss is Ballard Memorial's gain though, as they make the playoffs with Fulton City's now-winless season.

1st District
--Ballard Memorial @ Mayfield
As said, Ballard Memorial got fortunate to make it this far. However, their playoff journey won't be that far.
Mayfield 55 Ballard Memorial 0

--Fulton County @ Murray
Murray's October 20th win at Fulton County gave Murray the home field for this game after Fulton City was eliminated. Home field didn't matter before, but I believe it will now.
Murray 21 Fulton County 20

2nd District
--McLean County @ Metcalfe County
Just this weekend, McLean County cemented their playoff position with a big win against the Hornets. Now they must do it twice in a row, and those odds are never good.
Metcalfe County 30 McLean County 15

--Russellville @ Crittenden County
The Panthers were hot at the beginning of the season, but they tailspinned late, including a tough loss to this very Crittenden County team last week. But the same rule as above will apply.
Russellville 35 Crittenden County 27

3rd District
--Kentucky Country Day @ Bardstown
KCD's loss last week to Holy Cross actually knocked Green County from the playoff picture. Can they make it up to the Dragons with a win over Bardstown? Uh, no.
Bardstown 48 KCD 6

--Louisville Holy Cross @ Bethlehem
Ever since an opening loss to Bardstown, Holy Cross played from behind in district play and just snuck into the playoffs. They will get the chance to avenge that loss next week.
Holy Cross 20 Bethlehem 14

4th District
--Carroll County @ Frankfort
A mismatch if there ever was one, expect Frankfort to put this one away early.
Frankfort 51 Carroll County 6

--Trimble County @ Danville
It won't happen, but it's not inconceivable to think that Trimble County will pull off the upset as Danville comes off a bye week in which they lost the district title to Frankfort. But it won't happen.
Danville 38 Trimble County 21

5th District
--Dayton @ Beechwood
Beechwood has been a quiet contender in Class A all season. With a big win on Friday, expect it to stay that way.
Beechwood 63 Dayton 13

--Newport Central Catholic @ Covington Holy Cross
Holy Cross dropped to the two spot with a loss last week against Beechwood, and Newport Central Catholic has underacheived all season but has the potential to make a playoff run. Your guess is as good as mine here.
NCC 27 CHC 21 (OT)

6th District
--Bath County @ Lexington Christian
After Mercer County put the hammer down on Christian early this season, the Eagles have been improving from week to week. Expect this one not to be that close.
Lexington Christian 38 Bath County 15

--Paris @ Raceland
Raceland must be careful here, as Paris has been a darkhorse in the 6th district all year long. Just how much is Raceland looking ahead to a rematch with Lexington Christian? I'd say they are, but not enough to matter.
Raceland 34 Paris 27

7th District
--Cumberland @ Somerset
The Briar Jumpers started the year miserably, but they ran the table in district play and should stay on their roll here.
Somerset 42 Cumberland 12

--Williamsburg @ Harlan
Harlan lost their chance at a district championship last week against Somerset, and I have a sneaky feeling that the Green Dragons will still be thinking about last week.
Williamsburg 13 Harlan 7

8th District
--Jenkins @ Pikeville
This shouldn't be much of a challenge for Pikeville.
Pikeville 34 Jenkins 0

--Paintsville @ Hazard
While Pikeville was probably the best team all season in the 8th district, the second best team was always a question mark. I'd say that this game will give us a clear indication about who that is.
Hazard 22 Paintsville 17

Week Eleven Thoughts

I apologize for the short length of this week's review, but as we look toward the playoffs, let's look back at the winners and losers of this week's final games...

Winners
Ballard Memorial
Louisville Holy Cross
Carroll County
Butler County
North Bullitt
Grayson County
Nelson County
Woodford County

Losers
Fulton City (forfeits all their wins due to ineligible player)
Green County
Owen County
Bullitt East
Tates Creek

Playoff previews begin tomorrow.

Note

There will be no Saturday Morning Quarterback this weekend. I will be out of town (in Corbin actually) and will not have access to a computer. Look for my regular weekend review sometime late Sunday night and then full playoff previews all next week.

Week Eleven '4A' Preview

And now the final regular season preview...it has been fun...

1st District
--Warren Central @ Christian County
--Marshall County @ Graves County
--Barren County @ Greenwood

2nd District
--Apollo @ Owensboro

3rd District
--North Hardin @ Nelson County
--John Hardin @ Central Hardin
--Meade County @ Bullitt Central

4th District
--Butler @ St. Xavier
--Manual @ Male
--Iroquois @ Pleasure Ridge Park

5th District
--Trinity @ Shelby County
--Ballard @ Fern Creek
--Eastern @ Seneca
--Oldham County @ Southern

6th District
--Dixie Heights @ Ryle
--Boone County @ Conner
--Simon Kenton @ Scott
--Campbell County @ Holmes

7th District
--Bryan Station @ Dunbar
--Woodford County @ Tates Creek

8th District
--South Laurel @ George Rogers Clark
--Madison Central @ Lincoln County
--Whitley County @ North Laurel

Another game of note: Montgomery County @ Rowan County

Game of the Week
--Scott County @ Lafayette

---

CLASS 4A BUBBLE WATCH

1st District
IN: Warren Central, Christian County, Marshall County, Graves County
OUT: Greenwood, Barren County

2nd District
IN: Owensboro, Apollo, Henderson County
NOTE: Three teams ended at a 1-4 record for district play. Does anyone know which team--Ohio County, Daviess County or Grayson County--will get the last playoff position via the tiebreaker?

3rd District
IN: John Hardin, North Hardin, Meade County, Nelson County
OUT: Central Hardin, Bullitt Central

4th District
IN: Male, St. Xavier, Manual
IN FOR NOW: Pleasure Ridge Park (in with win over Iroquois)
OUT FOR NOW: Butler (MUST WIN over St. Xavier + PRP loss)
OUT: Iroquois

5th District
IN: Trinity
IN FOR NOW: Ballard (in with win over Fern Creek), Seneca (in with win over Eastern), Southern (in with win over Oldham County)
OUT FOR NOW: Shelby County (MUST WIN over Trinity + Southern loss), Eastern (MUST WIN over Seneca + Shelby County loss + Southern loss + win tiebreaker over Southern and Shelby County)
OUT: Oldham County, Fern Creek

6th District
IN: Ryle, Boone County, Dixie Heights, Campbell County
OUT: Simon Kenton, Conner, Holmes, Scott

7th District
IN: Lafayette, Henry Clay, Scott County
NOTE: Winner of Tates Creek/Woodford County will be #4 team
OUT: Bryan Station, Dunbar

8th District
IN: Lincoln County, Madison Central, Montgomery County, George Rogers Clark
OUT: North Laurel, South Laurel, Whitley County

Week Eleven "3A" Preview

Let's examine the race to for the final spots in 3A...

1st District
--Hopkinsville @ Paducah Tilghman
--Calloway County @ Madisonville-North Hopkins
--Union County @ Hopkins County Central

2nd District
--Franklin-Simpson @ Bowling Green
--Logan County @ Adair County
--Allen County-Scottsville @ Breckinridge County

3rd District
--North Bullitt @ Bullitt East
--Doss @ Central
--Valley @ Waggener
--Jeffersontown @ Atherton

4th District
--Boyle County @ Russell County
--Pulaski County @ Southwestern
--Marion County @ Taylor County

5th District
--South Oldham @ Grant County

6th District
--Lexington Catholic @ Anderson County
--Franklin County @ Harrison County
--East Jessamine @ Bourbon County
--West Jessamine @ Western Hills

7th District
--Knox Central @ Rockcastle County
--Clay County @ Bell County
--Perry County Central @ Madison Southern

8th District
--Johnson Central @ Mason County
--Boyd County @ Ashland Blazer
--Greenup County @ Lawrence County

Other games of note: Warren East @ Muhlenberg North, Letcher County Central @ Haysi (VA)

Game of the Week
--Covington Catholic @ Highlands

---

CLASS 3A BUBBLE WATCH

1st District
IN: Paducah Tilghman, Hopkinsville, Calloway County, Madisonville-North Hopkins
OUT: Union County, Hopkins County Central

2nd District
IN: Bowling Green, Warren East, Franklin-Simpson, Allen County-Scottsville
OUT: Logan County, Adair County, Breckinridge County

3rd District
IN: Central, Valley, Doss
IN FOR NOW: Bullitt East (in with win over North Bullitt)
OUT FOW NOW: North Bullitt (in with win over Bullitt East)
OUT: Fairdale, Waggener, Jeffersontown, Atherton

4th District
IN: Southwestern, Boyle County, Pulaski County
IN FOR NOW: Marion County (in with win over Taylor County)
OUT FOR NOW: Taylor County (in with win over Marion County)
OUT: Russell County

5th District
IN: Covington Catholic, Highlands, South Oldham, Grant County

6th District
IN: Lexington Catholic, East Jessamine, Franklin County, Harrison County
OUT: Anderson County, Western Hills, West Jessamine, Bourbon County

7th District
IN: Rockcastle County, Bell County, Clay County
IN FOR NOW: Knox Central (in with win over Rockcastle County)
OUT FOR NOW: Madison Southern (MUST WIN over Perry County Central + Knox Central loss)
OUT: Letcher County Central, Perry County Central

8th District
IN: Johnson Central, Ashland Blazer, Mason County, Boyd County
OUT: Greenup County, Lawrence County

Week Eleven '2A' Preview

Many will concede Class 2A to either Mercer County or Western, but don't tell that to some of these teams fighting for playoff position...

1st District
--Trigg County @ Lone Oak
--Reidland @ Fort Campbell
--Muhlenberg South @ Caldwell County
--Heath @ Webster County

2nd District
--Owensboro Catholic @ Hart County
--Monroe County @ Glasgow
--Butler County @ Edmonson County

3rd District
--Washington County @ Western
--Moore @ Larue County
--Christian Academy-Louisville @ Elizabethtown
--DeSales @ Shawnee

4th District
--Corbin @ Garrard County
--Wayne County @ Casey County

5th District
--Mercer County @ Spencer County
--Newport @ Lloyd Memorial
--North Oldham @ Henry County

6th District
--Morgan County @ East Carter
--Estill County @ Powell County

7th District
--Leslie County @ Middlesboro
--Knott County Central @ Breathitt County

8th District
--Shelby Valley @ Belfry
--Magoffin County @ Sheldon Clark
--Prestonsburg @ East Ridge

And another game of note: Evangel Christian @ Pike County Central

Game of the Week
--Russell @ Fleming County

---

CLASS 2A BUBBLE WATCH

1st District
IN: Caldwell County, Fort Campbell, Trigg County
IN FOR NOW: Webster County (in with win over Heath)
OUT FOR NOW: Lone Oak (MUST WIN over Trigg County + Webster County loss), Heath (MUST WIN over Webster County + Lone Oak loss to Trigg County + win tiebreaker over Webster County AND Lone Oak)
OUT: Reidland, Muhlenberg South

2nd District
IN: Monroe County, Owensboro Catholic
IN FOR NOW: Glasgow (in with win over Monroe County), Butler County (in with win over Edmonson County)
OUT FOR NOW: Edmonson County (MUST WIN over Butler County)
OUT: Todd County Central, Hart County

3rd District
IN: Western, Larue County
IN FOR NOW: Washington County (in with win over Western), Elizabethtown (in with win over Christian Academy-Louisville)
OUT FOR NOW: DeSales (MUST WIN over Shawnee + Elizabethtown loss OR Washington County loss)
OUT: Moore, Christian Academy-Louisville, Shawnee

4th District
IN: Corbin, Casey County, Wayne County, Garrard County

5th District
IN: Mercer County, Spencer County, Lloyd Memorial, Newport
OUT: Henry County, North Oldham

6th District
IN: Russell, Fleming County, West Carter
IN FOR NOW: East Carter (in with win over Morgan County)
OUT FOR NOW: Morgan County (MUST WIN over East Carter)
OUT: Estill County, Lewis County, Powell County

7th District
IN: Middlesboro, Breathitt County, Leslie County, Cawood
OUT: Knott County Central

8th District
IN: Sheldon Clark, Belfry, Prestonsburg, Shelby Valley
OUT: Pike County Central, Magoffin County, East Ridge

Week Eleven 'A' Preview

The final week for many teams, and much will be decided...

1st District
--Mayfield @ Ballard Memorial
--Fulton City @ Fulton County

2nd District
--Russellville @ Crittenden County
--Metcalfe County @ McLean County
--Caverna @ Hancock County

3rd District
--Louisville Holy Cross @ Kentucky Country Day
--Green County @ Fort Knox

4th District
--Frankfort @ Trimble County
--Owen County @ Carroll County

5th District
--Bracken County @ Newport Central Catholic
--Dayton @ Bellevue

6th District
--Fairview @ Lexington Christian
--Paris @ Raceland
--Bath County @ Nicholas County

7th District
--Harlan @ Somerset
--Lynn Camp @ Williamsburg
--Evarts @ Pineville

8th District
--Pikeville @ Paintsville
--Hazard @ Phelps

Other games of 'A' variety: Ohio County @ Murray, Ludlow @ Summitt Country Day (OH), Hancock County (TN) @ Berea, Conner @ Cumberland, McCreary Central @ Allen Central, Jenkins @ Betsy Layne

Games of the Week
--Bardstown @ Bethlehem
--Covington Holy Cross @ Beechwood

---

CLASS A BUBBLE WATCH

1st District
IN: Mayfield, Fulton City, Murray, Fulton County
OUT: Ballard Memorial

2nd District
IN: Metcalfe County, Russellville, McLean County
IN FOR NOW: Crittenden County (in with win over Russellville)
OUT FOR NOW: Hancock County (MUST WIN + Crittenden County loss)
OUT: Caverna

3rd District
IN: Bethlehem, Bardstown, Kentucky Country Day
IN FOR NOW: Green County (in with win over Fort Knox)
OUT FOR NOW: Louisville Holy Cross (MUST WIN over KCD + Green County loss)
OUT: Campbellsville, Fort Knox

4th District
IN: Frankfort, Danville, Trimble County
NOTE: Winner of Owen County/Carroll County will claim fourth and final spot

5th District
IN: Beechwood, Covington Holy Cross, Newport Central Catholic
IN FOR NOW: Dayton (in with win over Bellevue)
OUT FOR NOW: Bellevue (MUST WIN + win tiebreakers over Dayton and Ludlow), Ludlow (Bellevue win over Dayton + win tiebreakers over Dayton and Bellevue)
OUT: Bracken County

6th District
IN: Lexington Christian, Raceland, Paris
IN FOR NOW: Bath County (in with win over Nicholas County)
OUT FOR NOW: Fairview (MUST WIN over Lexington Christian + Bath County loss), Nicholas County (MUST WIN over Bath County + Fairview loss + win tiebreakers over Bath County and Fariview)
OUT: Berea

7th District
IN: Harlan, Somerset
IN FOR NOW: Williamsburg (in with win over Lynn Camp), Cumberland (in with Williamsburg win)
OUT FOR NOW: Lynn Camp (MUST WIN over Williamsburg + win tiebreaker over either Williamsburg or Cumberland)
OUT: Pineville, Evarts

8th District
IN: Pikeville, Harlan, Paintsville, Jenkins
OUT: Allen Central, Phelps, South Floyd

Week Ten Thoughts

I'll be frank, there's a lot to think about from this weekend...

--Was anyone surprised that Male beat St. Xavier? I wasn't particularly, but I was surprised at the result from the big game in Lexington. The Henry Clay Blue Devils, as it seemed, were the dominant team in the greater Lexington area, but the Devils were ambushed at home by the Lafayette Generals 25-13. With the win, Lafayette can clinch a district championship next weekend, but Scott County stands in their way on Senior Night for the Generals. If the Cardinals win, the district ends in a three-way tie, and a tiebreaking system would decide the district champion and the host of the first round district game.

--While many had already ceded the Class A State Championship to the Danville Admirals, there was a team that failed to get the memo: Frankfort. With a district championship on the line, Frankfort stepped up to the plate and obliterated Danville in the second half on their way to an impressive 33-13 win. With the win, Frankfort will own homefield advantage when (and let's face it, they will) these two meet again in three weeks. To be sure, Class A looks a lot more interesting than it did Friday morning.

--Many would argue that district games in 2A's 4th district don't matter at all this season (all district teams will make the playoffs), but someone forgot to tell Wayne County and Garrard County. These two teams went three extra sessions before the Cardinals took the 20-14 win. With the victory, Wayne County should avoid heavy favorite Corbin in the first round, while Garrard County will likely face the district titan in the opening act of these playoffs.

--After a puzzling loss to Raceland to start the season, Ashland Blazer turned things around with consecutive wins over Belfry and Russell. But the Tomcats had fallen off the state radar as of late, as they had been dusting off inferior district opponents. But a contest with Johnson Central was the chance for Blazer to jump back on the map. It didn't go well, as Johnson Central kept their undefeated record in place with a dominant 35-7 victory. Like so many districts, these two prohibitive favorites inside their districts will likely meet again in the second round.

--Teams still undefeated: Bethlehem, Bardstown, Western, Mercer County, Johnson Central, Male, Lafayette

--My prediction for teams that will finish (the regular season) undefeated: Bardstown, Western, Mercer County, Male

--Games that will decide a district champion next week: Bardstown @ Bethlehem, Harlan @ Somerset, Russell @ Fleming County, Hopkinsville @ Paducah Tilghman, Covington Catholic @ Highlands, Warren Central @ Christian County

Saturday Morning Quarterback

With many scores not yet reported...

Teams That Impressed
--Lincoln County (d. Montgomery County 40-22)
--Fort Campbell (d. Webster County 55-0)
--Owensboro Catholic (d. Glasgow 49-7)
--Shelby County (d. Ballard 60-40)
--Allen County-Scottsville (d. Barren County 40-0)

Significant Wins
--Male (d. St. Xavier 28-27 in OT)
--Lafayette (d. Henry Clay 25-13)
--Johnson Central (d. Ashland Blazer 35-7)
--Middlesboro (d. Breathitt County 57-42)
--Owensboro (d. Henderson County 29-12)

Other Wins To Note
--Williamsburg (d. Cumberland 48-41)
--Larue County (d. Washington County 22-7)
--Dixie Heights (d. Campbell County 18-17)
--Bullitt East (d. Valley 46-20)
--John Hardin (d. North Hardin 22-10)

Week Ten '4A' Preview

And we end this week with these 4A games...

1st District
--Christian County @ Graves County
--Warren Central @ Marshall County

2nd District
--Owensboro @ Henderson County
--Apollo @ Ohio County
--Grayson County @ Daviess County

3rd District
--North Hardin @ John Hardin
--Nelson County @ Meade County
--Bullitt Central @ Central Hardin

4th District
--Pleasure Ridge Park @ Butler
--Manual @ Iroquois

5th District
--Fern Creek @ Trinity
--Ballard @ Shelby County
--Eastern @ Southern
--Seneca @ Oldham County

6th District
--Dixie Heights @ Campbell County
--Holmes @ Boone County
--Simon Kenton @ Conner
--Scott @ Ryle

7th District
--Lafayette @ Henry Clay
--Dunbar @ Scott County
--Tates Creek @ Bryan Station

8th District
--Lincoln County @ Montgomery County
--George Rogers Clark @ Whitley County
--North Laurel @ Madison Central

Game of the Week
--Male @ St. Xavier

---

CLASS 4A BUBBLE WATCH

1st District
IN: Warren Central, Christian County, Marshall County, Graves County
OUT: Barren County, Greenwood

2nd District
IN: Henderson County, Owensboro
IN FOR NOW: Apollo, Grayson County
OUT FOR NOW: Ohio County
OUT: Daviess County

3rd District
IN: North Hardin, John Hardin
IN FOR NOW: Nelson County, Meade County
OUT FOR NOW: Central Hardin, Bullitt Central

4th District
IN: Male, St. Xavier, Manual
IN FOR NOW: Butler
OUT FOR NOW: Pleasure Ridge Park
OUT: Iroquois

5th District
IN: Trinity, Ballard
IN FOR NOW: Seneca, Eastern/Southern
OUT FOR NOW: Eastern/Southern, Shelby County, Fern Creek, Oldham County

6th District
IN: Dixie Heights, Ryle
IN FOR NOW: Campbell County, Boone County
OUT FOR NOW: Holmes
OUT: Simon Kenton, Conner, Scott

7th District
IN: Henry Clay, Lafayette
IN FOR NOW: Scott County, Woodford County
OUT FOR NOW: Tates Creek, Bryan Station
OUT: Dunbar

8th District
IN: Lincoln County, Montgomery County
IN FOR NOW: Madison Central, George Rogers Clark
OUT FOR NOW: North Laurel, South Laurel, Whitley County

Week Ten '3A' Preview

Here we go...

1st District
--Hopkins County Central @ Hopkinsville
--Paducah Tilghman @ Calloway County
--Madisonville-North Hopkins @ Union County

2nd District
--Bowling Green @ Breckinridge County
--Logan County @ Franklin-Simpson
--Adair County @ Warren East

3rd District
--Fairdale @ Central
--Bullitt East @ Valley
--Atherton @ North Bullitt
--Doss @ Waggener

4th District
--Taylor County @ Boyle County
--Russell County @ Southwestern
--Marion County @ Pulaski County

5th District
--Highlands @ South Oldham
--Grant County @ Covington Catholic

6th District
--Western Hills @ Lexington Catholic
--Bourbon County @ Franklin County
--Harrison County @ East Jessamine
--Anderson County @ West Jessamine

7th District
--Rockcastle County @ Perry County Central
--Bell County @ Knox Central
--Madison Southern @ Clay County

8th District
--Lawrence County @ Mason County
--Greenup County @ Boyd County

Game of the Week
--Ashland Blazer @ Johnson Central

Other '3A' hosted games: Barren County @ Allen County-Scottsville, Evarts @ Letcher County Central

---

CLASS 3A BUBBLE WATCH

1st District
IN: Hopkinsville, Paducah Tilghman, Calloway County
IN FOR NOW: Madisonville-North Hopkins
OUT FOR NOW: Hopkins County Central, Union County

2nd District
IN: Bowling Green, Warren East
IN FOR NOW: Franklin-Simpson, Allen County-Scottsville
OUT FOR NOW: Adair County, Logan County, Breckinridge County

3rd District
IN: Central, Valley
IN FOR NOW: Bullitt East, Doss
OUT FOR NOW: North Bullitt, Fairdale, Waggener
OUT: Jeffersontown, Atherton

4th District
IN: Southwestern
IN FOR NOW: Boyle County, Pulaski County, Marion County/Taylor County
OUT FOR NOW: Marion County/Taylor County, Russell County

5th District
IN: Covington Catholic, Highlands, Grant County, South Oldham

6th District
IN: Lexington Catholic, Harrison County
IN FOR NOW: East Jessamine, Franklin County
OUT FOR NOW: Anderson County
OUT: Western Hills, West Jessamine, Bourbon County

7th District
IN: Rockcastle County
IN FOR NOW: Bell County, Knox Central, Clay County
OUT FOR NOW: Madison Southern
OUT: Perry County Central, Letcher County Central

8th District
IN: Johnson Central
IN FOR NOW: Ashland Blazer, Mason County, Boyd County
OUT FOR NOW: Greenup County, Lawrence County

Week Ten '2A' Preview

The races are heating up in Class 2A...

1st District
--Trigg County @ Muhlenberg South
--Fort Campbell @ Webster County
--Caldwell County @ Heath
--Lone Oak @ Reidland

2nd District
--Glasgow @ Owensboro Catholic
--Todd County Central @ Monroe County
--Hart County @ Butler County

3rd District
--Moore @ Western
--Larue County @ Washington County
--DeSales @ Elizabethtown
--Shawnee @ Christian Academy-Louisville

4th District
--Casey County @ Corbin
--Garrard County @ Wayne County

5th District
--Lloyd Memorial @ Mercer County
--Henry County @ Newport
--North Oldham @ Spencer County

6th District
--East Carter @ Russell
--Fleming County @ Morgan County
--West Carter @ Estill County
--Powell County @ Lewis County

7th District
--Cawood @ Knott County Central

8th District
--Sheldon Clark @ Pike County Central
--Prestonsburg @ Shelby Valley
--East Ridge @ Magoffin County

Game of the Week
--Middlesboro @ Breathitt County

---

Class 2A Bubble Watch

1st District
IN: Caldwell County, Fort Campbell
IN FOR NOW: Trigg County, Webster County
OUT FOR NOW: Lone Oak, Heath, Muhlenberg South
OUT: Reidland

2nd District
IN: Monroe County, Owensboro Catholic, Glasgow
IN FOR NOW: Butler County
OUT FOR NOW: Edmonson County
OUT: Todd County Central, Hart County

3rd District
IN: Western, Larue County, Washington County
IN FOR NOW: DeSales
OUT FOR NOW: Elizabethtown, Moore
OUT: Christian Academy-Louisville, Shawnee

4th District
IN: Corbin, Casey County, Garrard County, Wayne County

5th District
IN: Mercer County, Lloyd Memorial
IN FOR NOW: Spencer County, Newport
OUT FOR NOW: Henry County, North Oldham

6th District
IN: Russell, Fleming County
IN FOR NOW: West Carter, East Carter
OUT FOR NOW: Morgan County, Estill County
OUT: Lewis County, Powell County

7th District
IN: Breathitt County, Middlesboro, Leslie County
IN FOR NOW: Knott County Central
OUT FOR NOW: Cawood

8th District
IN: Belfry, Shelby Valley, Prestonsburg
IN FOR NOW: Sheldon Clark
OUT FOR NOW: Pike County Central
OUT: Magoffin County, East Ridge

Week Ten 'A' Preview

It's getting fun now.

1st District
--Mayfield @ Fulton City
--Murray @ Fulton County

2nd District
--Caverna @ Metcalfe County
--McLean County @ Russellville
--Hancock County @ Crittenden County

3rd District
--Kentucky Country Day @ Bardstown
--Campbellsville @ Fort Knox
--Bethlehem @ Green County

4th District
--Trimble County @ Owen County

5th District
--Bracken County @ Beechwood
--Newport Central Catholic @ Bellevue
--Dayton @ Ludlow

6th District
--Raceland @ Fairview
--Nicholas County @ Paris
--Berea @ Bath County

7th District
--Somerset @ Lynn Camp
--Pineville @ Harlan
--Williamsburg @ Cumberland

8th District
--Hazard @ Pikeville
--Paintsville @ South Floyd
--Allen Central @ Jenkins

Game of the Week
--Danville @ Frankfort

Other 'A' games of note: Phelps @ Betsy Layne, Ballard Memorial @ Muhlenberg North

---

CLASS A BUBBLE WATCH

1st District
IN: Fulton City, Mayfield
IN FOR NOW: Fulton County, Murray
OUT FOR NOW: Ballard Memorial

2nd District
IN: Metcalfe County
IN FOR NOW: Russellville, McLean County, Crittenden County
OUT FOR NOW: Hancock County
OUT: Caverna

3rd District
IN: Bethlehem, Bardstown
IN FOR NOW: Kentucky Country Day, Green County
OUT FOR NOW: Louisville Holy Cross, Fort Knox
OUT: Campbellsville

4th District
IN: Danville, Frankfort
IN FOR NOW: Trimble County, Owen County
OUT FOR NOW: Carroll County

5th District
IN: Covington Holy Cross, Beechwood
IN FOR NOW: Newport Central Catholic, Ludlow
OUT FOR NOW: Dayton, Bellevue, Bracken County

6th District
IN: Lexington Christian, Raceland
IN FOR NOW: Paris, Fairview
OUT FOR NOW: Bath County, Nicholas County
OUT: Berea

7th District
IN: Somerset, Harlan
IN FOR NOW: Cumberland, Williamsburg
OUT FOR NOW: Lynn Camp
OUT: Pineville, Evarts

8th District
IN: Hazard, Pikeville, Paintsville
IN FOR NOW: Allen Central
OUT FOR NOW: Jenkins
OUT: Phelps, South Floyd

Week Nine Thoughts

And so, we draw within a few weeks of the beginning of the playoffs. While I predicted some crazy upsets for Friday the 13th (in jest of course), we did have several things occur that bear noticing and watching. Also, many teams are beginning to press the panic button in these district races, while many have packed it up for the year.

First of all, there was a big shocker out in Eastern Kentucky, as Sheldon Clark served notice with a 35-29 win over the Belfry Pirates. Even though these two will likely meet again in the second round of the playoffs, SC certainly made a statement, declaring that the best team in Eastern Kentucky's 2A class is not just a race between the Big Three (of sorts) in Russell, Middlesboro and Belfry. Only three weeks ago, Sheldon Clark dropped a surprising overtime decision in Prestonsburg to the Blackcats, and it seemed a long shot for the Cardinals to climb back to the top of the district standings. They got the big win, and now with momentum, the Cards should take their final two regular season games, see Prestonsburg? again in the first round, and then play host to Belfry.

Boone County looked to be the team to beat in 4A's 6th District after a nice win over Dixie Heights, but the Rebels were slammed back to earth on Friday by Campbell County in a 48-21 beatdown. With the loss, this district has morphed into a four way tie at the top, with Ryle and Dixie Heights joining these two teams at 4-1. While district seeding is a huge question here, it will take much for any of these teams to miss the playoffs. One win the rest of the way will seal a playoff spot for these four, and one would have to lose both games (and have Holmes win their last two) if that team was to miss the playoffs.

Well PRP, after getting a nice win over 3A Central three weeks ago, has seen their fortunes slip a bit. After being pummeled by Male and beaten soundly by St. X, the former Top 5 ranked team dropped another district game, this one to the red hot Manual Crimsons. With the loss, PRP drops to 0-3 in district play, and MUST beat Butler next week to get into the playoffs.

They likely won't do much damage in the playoffs outside their own district, but Lincoln County has really stepped up its play this season. The Patriots aren't just beating teams; they are wholesomely whipping them. A 52-7 pasting of North Laurel on Friday adds to Lincoln County's district domination so far this season. The Patriots also beat South Laurel by a 56-7 count. However, watch out for next week's game at Montgomery County, as the Indians haven't stopped making noise after an earlier upset win over Madison Central.

While Russellville was widely regarded as Mayfield's top challenger in Western Kentucky Class A football, perhaps folks should pay more attention to the Metcalfe County Hornets, which marched into Russellville on Saturday and handed the Panthers a 33-0 whipping. Not many saw this kind of margin coming, considering that Russellville was a point away from being undefeated on the season coming into this contest (Franklin-Simpson beat them 21-20). Metcalfe County also shows just one loss now, that coming to a mediocre 3A team in Adair County.

Over the next week, I'll look at the bubble for playoff teams in each class as we draw closer to the end of the regular season. This Friday is going to be a lot of fun, and not just for St. X-Male fans...

Saturday Morning Quarterback

Teams That Impressed
--John Hardin (d. Nelson County 38-14)
--Madison Central (d. George Rogers Clark 35-14)
--Trinity (d. Ballard 48-7)
--Middlesboro (d. Harlan 35-6)
--Lexington Christian (d. Paris 56-14)

HUGE District Wins
--Sheldon Clark (d. Belfry 35-29 in OT)
--Fleming County (d. West Carter 38-21)
--Manual (d. Pleasure Ridge Park 21-14)
--Cumberland (d. Lynn Camp 27-15)
--Campbell County (d. Boone County 48-21)

Games of the Night
--Woodford County d. Bryan Station 7-6
--Kentucky Country Day d. Fort Knox 49-48
--McLean County d. Hancock County 14-13
--Shelby County d. Fern Creek 27-26
--Valley d. Doss 41-35

It would happen today...

Hey everybody, it's Friday the 13th! In October no less. So therefore, I am convinced that some crazy things are gonna happen tonight. We are going to have some teams win some crazy games over big favorites, I can feel it! Here's a few games that are gonna go the way that we all figure it won't...

--Murray d. Mayfield 35-31
--Trimble County d. Danville 21-17
--Dayton d. Beechwood 10-3
--Pineville d. Somerset 41-38
--Henry County d. Mercer County 55-49
--Estill County d. Russell 21-10
--Allen County-Scottsville d. Bowling Green 42-35
--Grant County d. Highlands 33-30
--Bourbon County d. Lexington Catholic 3-0
--Iroquois d. St. Xavier 24-23
--Butler d. Male 10-7 (5 OT)

It's happening folks. With the playoff pressure of some of these winning teams, they won't feel any stress tonight, and they will perform like they have never performed before. You can go to the bank on it!

Week Nine '4A' Preview

Finally, we come to the 4A games and the best of week nine...

1st District
--Warren Central @ Greenwood
--Graves County @ Barren County

2nd District
--Grayson County @ Owensboro
The Cougars are engaged in a three-team race for the fourth playoff position in the second, and an upset win over Owensboro would give them a leg up on Daviess County and Ohio County.
--Henderson County @ Apollo
This could serve as a playoff preview, either as a first round game or a second round game. Do expect the winner of this game to have a home playoff contest.

3rd District
--North Hardin @ Bullitt Central
--John Hardin @ Nelson County
Both teams have won their first two district games. The winner of this third district battle should be in great shape for the playoffs.
--Meade County @ Central Hardin

4th District
--St. Xavier @ Iroquois
--Butler @ Male
--Pleasure Ridge Park @ Manual
It's time for PRP to gain some respect, but Manual hasn't been all that bad as of late, and a Crimson win wouldn't be that big of an upset in my mind.

5th District
--Trinity @ Ballard
Many expect Trinity to walk away with the district crown, and they indeed will if the Rocks defeat the Bruins on Friday.
--Shelby County @ Fern Creek
--Oldham County @ Eastern
--Southern @ Seneca
Both Southern and Seneca have surprised this season, as each team sits at 2-2 in the district. At the moment, they tie for the fourth playoff position. Needless to say, there's a lot riding on this one.

6th District
--Boone County @ Campbell County
The Rebels would all but wrap up the district championship with a win over Campbell County, who would take over the district lead if they should win this one.
--Holmes @ Dixie Heights
Holmes has work to do, and Dixie Heights is recovering from a tough loss to Boone County. It should be a very good game.
--Ryle @ Simon Kenton
--Conner @ Scott

7th District
--Henry Clay @ Dunbar
--Scott County @ Tates Creek
Are the wheels falling off the Tates Creek bandwagon? After a splendid start, the Commodores have lost to Lafayette and Henry Clay, and with Scott County coming to town, a three-game losing streak isn't out of the question.
--Bryan Station @ Woodford County

8th District
--Lincoln County @ North Laurel
The Jaguars pretty much must win this game if they want to go to the playoffs. It will be difficult though, as the Patriots are playing as well as anyone in the state right now.
--Madison Central @ George Rogers Clark
What figured to be the game that decided the district champion now turns into a critical game for two teams fighting for playoff position, and a playoff home game.
--Montgomery County @ South Laurel

Game of the Week
--Marshall County @ Christian County
While Warren Central watches on, both the Marshalls and the Colonels need this one if they want a district championship. Christian County will likely be favored, but I expect this score to be tight throughout.

Another game of note: Logan County @ Daviess County

Week Nine '3A' Preview

What's going on in Class 3A this week? Let's look inside...

1st District
--Hopkinsville @ Madisonville-North Hopkins
The Maroons are hanging on to the final playoff spot in the district, but an upset win here over the Tigers would be very valuable in the coming weeks.
--Paducah Tilghman @ Union County
--Hopkins County Central @ Calloway County

2nd District
--Bowling Green @ Allen County-Scottsville
You'll likely see this game again in three weeks, only the venue will change to the BG.
--Breckinridge County @ Adair County

3rd District
--Central @ Jeffersontown
--North Bullitt @ Fairdale
A CRITICAL game for both teams. Both North Bullitt and Fairdale have three district losses, and a loss here would all but eliminate them from playoff consideration.
--Waggener @ Atherton
--Valley @ Doss
Who would have thought that this game would be so big so late? Both Valley and Doss have only one district loss, and the winner should be in good shape for a home playoff game.

4th District
--Boyle County @ Marion County
Southwestern had some trouble with Marion County, so an upset here (despite the obvious historical mismatch) isn't out of the question.
--Southwestern @ Taylor County
--Pulaski County @ Russell County

5th District
--Highlands @ Grant County
--South Oldham @ Covington Catholic
Has anyone noticed that South Oldham is 5-1? We will see if that record is accurate of the team in Covington this weekend. Also, expect to see this game again in the playoffs.

6th District
--Lexington Catholic @ Bourbon County
--Franklin County @ Western Hills
With two district losses, the Flyers can't afford to stub their toes against Western Hills. A loss here puts their playoff chances in jeopardy, but more than likely they would see Lexington Catholic in the first round.
--West Jessamine @ Harrison County
--East Jessamine @ Anderson County
A win here gives Anderson County a leg up over Franklin County in the race for that final playoff spot.

7th District
--Rockcastle County @ Madison Southern
After knocking off Bell County, Rockcastle County must refocus for a dangerous road game against a dangerous Madison Southern team.
--Perry County Central @ Bell County
--Clay County @ Knox Central

8th District
--Lawrence County @ Ashland Blazer
One week until Johnson Central for the Tomcats. Who's excited?
--Mason County @ Greenup County

Game of the Week
--Franklin-Simpson @ Warren East
It's not the biggest of games, as it's all but certain these two will meet again in the first round of the playoffs. Franklin-Simpson is coming around after a tough start, and Warren East is looking to revive its chances after being smoked by Bowling Green.

Week Nine '2A' Preview

Have a look at what Class 2A has to offer this weekend...

1st District
--Muhlenberg South @ Fort Campbell
--Webster County @ Caldwell County
Caldwell County looks to be on its way to a district championship if they can beat district contender Webster County on Friday.
--Reidland @ Heath

2nd District
--Edmonson County @ Owensboro Catholic
Coming off a disappointing loss to Monroe County, the Aces must rebound against the Wildcats of Edmonson County if they are to claim a home playoff game.
--Monroe County @ Hart County
--Todd County Central @ Glasgow
Given a loss against Butler County, the Scotties must now be careful against teams like Todd County Central if they are to return to playoff competition.

3rd District
--Elizabethtown @ Shawnee
E-Town's chances of making the playoffs have become slim, and they will totally evaporate if the Panthers stumble against 1-6 Shawnee.
--DeSales @ Christian Academy-Louisville
--Washington County @ Moore
With games left against Larue County and Western, Washington County still has a lot to play for. But keep in mind that two more district losses PLUS a loss at Moore may move the Commanders out of the playoffs.

4th District
--Corbin @ Wayne County
Corbin has struggled this season, but they still remain district favorites as they travel to Monticello to battle the Cardinals.
--Garrard County @ Casey County

5th District
--Henry County @ Mercer County
--Newport @ North Oldham
You can call it a must win for Newport, which has dropped its first two district games.
--Spencer County @ Lloyd Memorial

6th District
--Estill County @ Russell
--Fleming County @ West Carter
Don't be too surprised if these two teams meet again in a few weeks, and there will be quite a bit more on the line then.
--Lewis County @ Morgan County
--East Carter @ Powell County
East Carter holds that fourth playoff spot in the sixth for now, but a loss at Powell County would move them back into the clutches of Morgan, Estill and Lewis Counties.

7th District
--Cawood @ Leslie County

8th District
--Belfry @ Sheldon Clark
If there's a big game in the eighth this season, this would be it. Sheldon Clark is coming off a huge win against Shelby Valley, while Belfry has breezed through four early district games.
--Pike County Central @ Prestonsburg
--Magoffin County @ Shelby Valley

Another game to note...

--Harlan @ Middlesboro
Before Harlan battles Somerset, the Green Dragons take on Middlesboro, which likewise has a huge game next week. The district seven powerhouse heads to Breathitt County to likely decide the regular season district championship.

Game of the Week
--Western @ Larue County
Western has stolen all the headlines this season in district three, but Larue County has been there every step of the way. Let's see if the Hawks can throw a wrench into the Class 2A playoff picture with a win here.

Another '2A' hosted game: Muhlenberg North @ Butler County

Week Nine 'A' Preview

Let's look at the first set of games coming on Friday...

1st District
--Murray @ Mayfield

2nd District
--Hancock County @ McLean County
This is a must-win game for Hancock County if they want to challenge for a district playoff position. With a win here, they should be good for the playoffs.
--Crittenden County @ Caverna

3rd District
--Campbellsville @ Louisville Holy Cross
Holy Cross sits two games back in the loss column for the fourth playoff spot, so this and every other game this season is a must win.
--Green County @ Bardstown
The Dragons have assumed the Cinderella role in the third district, and a win over Bardstown would vault them to second in the district standings.
--Kentucky Country Day @ Fort Knox

4th District
--Trimble County @ Danville
Trimble County is a solid 6-1 on the season with their lone loss coming at Henry County. Danville ain't no Henry County.
--Frankfort @ Carroll County

5th District
--Beechwood @ Dayton
If Dayton can pull this upset, it will be hard for them not to make the playoffs.
--Ludlow @ Covington Holy Cross
Ludlow sits in third place in the fifth district standings, but a loss at Holy Cross would likely send them to the bottom in this competitive district.
--Bellevue @ Bracken County

6th District
--Lexington Christian @ Paris
While Raceland seemed to be the team that would challenge Lexington Christian, now it is Paris, who sits at 6-1 with a 3-0 district record, that remains the lone challenger in the sixth.
--Raceland @ Nicholas County
--Fairview @ Berea

7th District
--Pineville @ Somerset
The Briar Jumpers should cruise in this matchup as they eagerly await Harlan next weekend.
--Cumberland @ Lynn Camp
--Evarts @ Williamsburg

8th District
--Pikeville @ Jenkins
--Paintsville @ Hazard
Three teams sit undefeated atop the eighth district standings, and these are two of them. With Pikeville lurking, the winner here is a win away from a district championship.
--Allen Central @ South Floyd

Game of the Week
--Metcalfe County @ Russellville
This game will likely decide the district, and you couldn't find two teams more similar in record but different in style. Barring an future upset courtesy of McLean County, Crittenden County or Hancock County, either the Hornets or Panthers will all but be crowned district champs on Friday.

Other 'A' hosted games: Bethlehem @ Clinton County, Bath County @ Rowan County, East Ridge @ Phelps

Week Eight Thoughts

With only four weeks remaining now until the beginning of the playoffs, several things occured this weekend that will shape the fortunes of teams in November. Let's take a look at a few important developments...

--Monroe County was stumbling around to begin the season, losing to Allen County-Scottsville and Wayne County among other teams. But the Falcons have righted the ship for the district season, and on Friday night in Tompkinsville, they made a big statement with a 27-21 upset of perinneal district favorite Owensboro Catholic. With the win, Monroe County should host at least two playoff games, and the second (if they advance) would likely be a rematch with the Aces. But for now, the Falcons are in control of Class 2A's 2nd District.

--What's happening in Lexington? Henry Clay, that's what's happening. The Blue Devils continued their march through district play with a 48-20 smackdown of Tates Creek. With this win, only Lafayette stands in Henry Clay's way of a district championship. The Generals took care of business against Dunbar at home, but now must sit for a week before traveling across town to decide the district championship.

--Up I-75, it appears as if Boone County will take the 6th District. With a tough 14-10 win over Dixie Heights, the Rebels climb to the top of the district standings and look poised to claim the top spot in the district playoffs. As for Dixie Heights, the Colonels now must be careful not to lose again, or their district hopes will be in jeopardy. Ryle, Campbell County, Simon Kenton and Holmes all will be in the hunt for a district playoff spot as the season winds down.

--Despite early season struggles, Hopkinsville and Paducah Tilghman have recovered to win their first two district games. And once again, the Tigers and the Blue Tornado will be the only contenders for the 1st district championship.

--Finally, Boyle County has won again. The Rebels beat Harrison County to start the season but had dropped five straight games before stomping Pulaski County last night for a critical district win. If the Rebels win out, they should meet Southwestern once more in the second round of the playoffs in Somerset.

--There are some odd things going on in Class A's 3rd District. Louisville Holy Cross, who was considered to be district favorites at the beginning of the season, has fallen to 1-3 in district play, and if the playoffs started today, they would be sitting out. In their place sits Green County and Kentucky Country Day, two teams that few expected to make the playoffs much less beat Holy Cross in the process. And then there's Campbellsville, which has totally fallen apart and sits at 1-7 overall with four losses in district play. Bardstown and Bethlehem, meanwhile, continue to cruise.

--Over the next two weeks, there's gonna be several district games that will decide district championships. So keep an eye on the blog for previews of these critical games, which include but are not limited to...

St. X vs. Male
Johnson Central vs. Ashland Blazer
Harlan vs. Somerset
Danville vs. Frankfort
Western vs. Larue County
Henry Clay vs. Lafayette

Saturday Morning Quarterback

Teams That Impressed
--Beechwood (d. Bellevue 62-8)
--Henry Clay (d. Tates Creek 48-20)
--Larue County (d. Elizabethtown 55-14)
--Scott County (d. Woodford County 41-12)
--Sheldon Clark (d. Shelby Valley 40-6)

HUGE Wins
--Monroe County (d. Owensboro Catholic 27-21)
--East Jessamine (d. Franklin County 14-13)
--DeSales (d. Washington County 21-19)
--Spencer County (d. Newport 14-6)
--Green County (d. Holy Cross 14-6)

Games of the Night
--Rockcastle County d. Bell County 18-14
--North Hardin d. Meade County 25-21
--Seneca d. Shelby County 47-44
--Boone County d. Dixie Heights 14-10
--Fulton County d. Ballard Memorial 40-39

What's Gonna Happen

First, there were some games played on Thursday night. Ballard, Male, Central, Western and Lexington Christian all won big, as they were supposed to do. Perhaps the most important result was Doss's big win over North Bullitt. With the win, Doss moves to 4-1 in district play, but North Bullitt falls to 2-3 in district and is in trouble for the playoffs.

Will they make it? Here's how I think, when all is said and done, the playoffs will look like...

Class A
1) Mayfield vs. 4) Murray
2) Fulton County vs. 3) Fulton City

1) Russellville vs. 4) McLean County
2) Metcalfe County vs. 3) Hancock County

1) Bardstown vs. 4) Kentucky Country Day
2) Bethlehem vs. 3) Louisville Holy Cross

1) Danville vs. 4) Carroll County
2) Frankfort vs. 3) Trimble County

1) Beechwood vs. 4) Ludlow
2) Covington Holy Cross vs. 3) Newport Central Catholic

1) Lexington Christian vs. 4) Bath County
2) Raceland vs. 3) Paris

1) Somerset vs. 4) Williamsburg
2) Harlan vs. 3) Lynn Camp

1) Pikeville vs. 4) Jenkins
2) Paintsville vs. 3) Hazard

Class 2A
1) Caldwell County vs. 4) Webster County
2) Fort Campbell vs. 3) Trigg County

1) Owensboro Catholic vs. 4) Edmonson County
2) Monroe County vs. 3) Glasgow

1) Western vs. 4) Elizabethtown
2) Larue County vs. 3) Washington County

1) Mercer County vs. 4) Spencer County
2) Newport vs. 3) Lloyd Memorial

1) Corbin vs. 4) Casey County
2) Wayne County vs. 3) Garrard County

1) Russell vs. 4) East Carter
2) West Carter vs. 3) Fleming County

1) Middlesboro vs. 4) Knott County Central
2) Breathitt County vs. 3) Leslie County

1) Belfry vs. 4) Prestonsburg
2) Shelby Valley vs. 3) Sheldon Clark

3A and 4A previews will come out tomorrow after tonight's play...

Week Eight '4A' Preview

Let's take a peek at some big games in 4A this weekend...

1st District
--Christian County @ Barren County
--Greenwood @ Graves County
Many point to this game as the contest that will decide the fourth playoff team in this district. Graves County has to be considered the favorite in this situation.

2nd District
--Daviess County @ Owensboro
--Ohio County @ Henderson County
Ohio County is sitting on the playoff bubble, and with Grayson County playing out-of-district this week, this would be a huge win to hop over the Cougars in the standings.

3rd District
--Meade County @ North Hardin
Meade County must win this tough game on the road if they want to avoid a quick 0-2 start in the 3rd district. North Hardin, on the other hand, would make their playoff chances near perfect with another district win.
--Central Hardin @ Nelson County
--Bullitt Central @ John Hardin

4th District
--Pleasure Ridge Park @ St. Xavier
After PRP's 59-0 where-did-that-come-from loss against Male, they would earn some respect back if they stayed within 30 of the Tigers.
--Iroquois @ Male
--Manual @ Butler
Manual has shown signs of life, but a loss here would seriously jeopardize their playoff chances.

5th District
--Eastern @ Trinity
Eastern is off to a nice 2-1 start in district play, but a loss here at Trinity wouldn't be a surprising loss, to be sure.
--Oldham County @ Ballard
--Southern @ Fern Creek
Both teams are sitting at 1-2 in district competition. The loser will drop to 1-3 and will be facing an uphill climb to get back into playoff competition.
--Seneca @ Shelby County

6th District
--Conner @ Ryle
--Campbell County @ Simon Kenton
Simon Kenton broke their two-game district losing streak with a win last week, and with Campbell County at 2-1, a win here for SK would put them back in the playoff picture.
--Scott @ Holmes

7th District
--Woodford County @ Scott County
What could have been for the Yellow Jackets. After losing a ten point lead to Lafayette, they dropped a game to Henry Clay and now face three losses in a row right in the face in Georgetown.
--Tates Creek @ Henry Clay
Like Woodford County, Tates Creek lost their first game of the season against Lafayette, and now like the Yellow Jackets, they must face the district juggernaut Henry Clay.
--Dunbar @ Lafayette

8th District
--George Rogers Clark @ Lincoln County
The Patriots are picking up steam in the 8th district, and a home win against the Cardinals would all but seal the district championship.
--South Laurel @ Whitley County
--Montgomery County @ North Laurel

Game of the Week
--Dixie Heights @ Boone County
Dixie Heights and Boone County both started the season slowly, but both have picked up steam and face each other as undefeated district teams. The Colonels and the Rebels should produce one of the better games we've seen this year.

Other '4A' hosted games: Apollo @ Evansville North (IN), Bryan Station @ Grayson County

Week Eight '3A' Preview

3A continues to look like a two-horse race (BG and Highlands), but there are district playoff spots yet to be won...

District One
--Calloway County @ Hopkinsville
Hoptown has struggled so far this season, but they have to be considered district favorites until somebody knocks them off. Calloway County might be that team to do it.
--Hopkins County Central @ Paducah Tilghman

District Two
--Warren East @ Logan County
--Allen County-Scottsville @ Adair County
An absolutely pivotal game for both teams. The winner will be heading to the playoffs (in all likelihood) while the loser will be sitting at home.

District Three
--Atherton @ Central
--Waggener @ Bullitt East
Bullitt East sits precariously at 3-2 in district play, and Waggener is needing a win to get back in playoff consideration. The loser of this one will be in major trouble come playoff time.
--North Bullitt @ Doss
North Bullitt returns to district play with a date at Doss, which is sitting pretty in district play at 3-1. North can't afford another loss here, which would drop them under .500 in district competition.
--Fairdale @ Jeffersontown

District Four
--Pulaski County @ Boyle County
--Marion County @ Southwestern
After a big win against Boyle County, Southwestern must be ready and focused for a Marion County team which has been solid at 4-2 so far.

District Six
--West Jessamine @ Lexington Catholic
--Franklin County @ East Jessamine
Both teams sit a game behind Lexington Catholic in the district standings. A win will mean a playoff spot, while a loss will create some anxious moments over the coming weeks.
--Harrison County @ Western Hills
--Anderson County @ Bourbon County

District Seven
--Perry County Central @ Clay County
Clay County must shake off its butt whooping at the hands of Rockcastle County if it wants to respond with a big district home win against Perry Central.
--Knox Central @ Letcher County Central

District Eight
--Greenup County @ Johnson Central
--Ashland Blazer @ Mason County
You know Ashland Blazer has to be looking forward to its big game against Johnson Central, but the Tomcats must take care of business in Maysville if that October 20th game is to mean anything.
--Lawrence County @ Boyd County

Another game to note...

--Madison Central @ Highlands
The Indians have been shaky as of late, losing to Montgomery County and slipping past Whitley County. The prescription isn't a trip to Highlands; the Bluebirds are regarded as the best team in 3A (when one doesn't consider Bowling Green).

Game of the Week
--Bell County @ Rockcastle County
With Clay County dismissed, all bets are on this game when deciding the 7th District Champion. Neither team has been special this season, but both are 5-1 with 2-0 district records. No matter who wins this game, these two should meet again in the second round of the Class 3A playoffs.

Week Eight '2A' Preview

On we go to Class 2A for this week...

District One
--Webster County @ Trigg County
Here's a case of role reverse: Webster County is in position for the district championship, while Trigg County must fight for its life if they are to reach the playoffs.
--Fort Campbell @ Heath
Fort Campbell, despite the loss last week to Caldwell County, is still in position for a district championship but must not overlook the Pirates.
--Caldwell County @ Reidland
--Muhlenberg South @ Lone Oak

District Two
--Owensboro Catholic @ Monroe County
After struggling mightily to start the season, the Falcons moved all-everything Seth Graves to RB and are reaping the benefits. Will it be enough to stop the favored Aces in Tompkinsville?
--Butler County @ Glasgow
--Hart County @ Todd County Central

District Three
--Shawnee @ Western
--Elizabethtown @ Larue County
It's the last gasp for the Elizabethtown Panthers, which have lost all their momentum from early this season. Falling to 1-3 in district play would be very difficult to overcome.
--DeSales @ Washington County
--Christian Academy-Louisville @ Moore

District Five
--Mercer County @ North Oldham
--Newport @ Spencer County
If Newport is to capture that home playoff game, this is a game that they must win.
--Lloyd Memorial @ Henry County

District Six
--Russell @ Lewis County
--Morgan County @ Estill County
--Powell County @ Fleming County
--West Carter @ East Carter
Carter County will be alive on Friday as West invades East. To boot, this could be a possible playoff preview with the winner of this game hosting the playoff contest.

District Seven
--Middlesboro @ Knott County Central
--Breathitt County @ Leslie County
Middlesboro seems poised to capture the district championship, but both these teams are hunting the second position. The winner here gains the ultimate advantage.

District Eight
--Prestonsburg @ Belfry
--Magoffin County @ Pike County Central

Game of the Week
--Shelby Valley @ Sheldon Clark
Deep in the hills of Eastern Kentucky, both Shelby Valley and Sheldon Clark chase Belfry in the eighth district. Both teams sit at 5-1 on the season, but Shelby Valley has already closed the deal on three district wins. Neither team has played Belfry yet though, and those two games will help decide the district along with this one.

Other games of note: Edmonson County @ Muhlenberg North, Evangel Christian @ Casey County, Lee County (VA) @ Cawood, Tolsia (WV) @ East Ridge

Week Eight 'A' Preview

It's already week eight, and the district races are heating up big time...

District One
--Fulton City @ Murray
While Mayfield is grabbing ALL the news in the 1st district, Fulton City has quietly had a good season. How good you ask? Try 6-0.
--Fulton County @ Ballard Memorial

District Two
--Caverna @ Russellville
--Hancock County @ Metcalfe County
Hancock County came oh-so-close to beating Russellville last week in Hawesville, but now they must travel to Edmonton to battle the Hornets. This game will likely decide who plays their playoff opener at home.
--Crittenden County @ McLean County

District Three
--Bethlehem @ Campbellsville
Campbellsville's slide doesn't look to stop against Bethlehem, who seems to be the lone remaining challenger to Bardstown's district dominance.

District Four
--Danville @ Carroll County
--Owen County @ Frankfort

District Five
--Newport Central Catholic @ Ludlow
This is a must win for Catholic, who already has two district losses and is fighting for their playoff lives.
--Bellevue @ Beechwood
--Bracken County @ Covington Holy Cross

District Six
--Nicholas County @ Lexington Christian
--Raceland @ Bath County
Watch out Raceland. While Bath County fell last week, they still have district sleeper written all over them.
--Paris @ Berea

District Seven
--Somerset @ Evarts
--Williamsburg @ Harlan
Harlan has a big date with Middlesboro next weekend, but Williamsburg has to be considered the more important game if they are to reach Somerset in the district.
--Pineville @ Cumberland

District Eight
--Hazard @ South Floyd
--Phelps @ Allen Central

Game of the Week
--Louisville Holy Cross @ Green County
The Dragons dropped a puzzling decision to Kentucky Country Day and thus somewhat stalled their playoff momentum. They must get back on their horse quickly to meet Holy Cross, which is still playing catchup after losing to Bardstown.

Other 'A' hosted games: Jackson County @ Trimble County

Some Quick Thoughts

--Pleasure Ridge Park was thought by many to be one of the top contenders in Class 4A, but few believed they were on the level of the Big Three. So with a chance to prove themselves worthy against the Male Bulldogs, PRP shot and missed and paid the price. Male put the beatdown on PRP by a 59-0 count. I must say, I expected Male to take this game, but I had no clue how dominant they would be in the process. Across town, St. Xavier was busy taking care of an underrated Manual team by a 20-6 score. However, with such a dominant win over a (supposedly) very good PRP team, Male just might have become the favorites in Class 4A.

--Which takes me to Lexington and Henry Clay, which continued their dominance with a big win over Woodford County. No surprises there, but it was Lafayette that beat the hot Tates Creek Commodores 27-17. How far Lafayette has come in a short amount of time. Last Monday, the Generals looked dead in the water against Woodford County, but an exciting comeback win catapulted Lafayette to the head of the pack. With a win over Tates Creek, it seems that Lafayette is the only team standing in the way of Henry Clay, which is the only 4A team (but maybe Christian County as well...HC beat County 50-46) left that could conceivably challenge the Big Three.

--Meanwhile, across the state, a great battle is forming in Class 2A's 1st district, and for once it's not gonna involve Trigg County and Fort Campbell. Webster County and Caldwell County are the lone remaining undefeated teams in this competitive district. But there is a difference here, as Caldwell County has already defeated both Trigg and Campbell, while Webster County is preparing to embark upon a rough three-game stretch which is bookended by Trigg and Campbell with an October 13th game at Princeton in between. Should be fun.

--Class A looks to be a battle between two teams now: Bardstown and Danville. One would wonder about Newport Central Catholic, but it's been a nightmare season for Central. It continued Saturday night as they lost to Beechwood...not a rough loss, but it does drop them to 2-5 overall with a 1-2 record in district play. Another loss would paralyze their district playoff chances, but games against Ludlow, Bellevue and Bracken County should give them ample opportunity to make up ground. A home playoff game, however, is probably out of the question now.

--District three in Class A continues to be one to watch, as Bardstown and Bethlehem have seperated themselves from the pack. Kentucky Country Day is off to a strong district start at 2-1, and Louisville Holy Cross, despite early struggles, should rebound. But most surprisingly is the struggles of the Campbellsville Tigers, who sit at a paltry 1-6 with three losses in district play. These haven't been small losses either, as the Tigers have been pasted by Green County and KCD. Their playoff chances nearly gone, Campbellsville will look to rebound next week at home against Bethlehem. Good luck.

--While Campbellsville is struggling for sure, goodness knows what's happening in Danville to the Boyle County Rebels. After an opening win against Harrison County, Boyle County has dropped five straight games. Even though those five losses come to teams that all factor in their district races, it was this week's loss to Southwestern that was particulary alarming. Southwestern dusted the floor with the Rebels, knocking them out 28-7. Will the Rebels recover to make the playoffs? It will be stunning if Boyle County doesn't, and I'll be equally surprised if they don't run the table from here on out.

--And finally, it seems Bowling Green still is the king of south central Kentucky. With Warren East threatening the throne, the Purples lashed out at the Raiders with a 41-0 stuffing. The Raiders boasted one of the state's most potent offenses, but it seems weak scheduling played more of a part there than their actual team did. Nevertheless, the Raiders will play for a home playoff game in two weeks against Franklin-Simpson, and barring an upset, these two will meet again in the first round of the playoffs. Bowling Green, meanwhile, won't be seriously challenged again until the state semifinals when they play, likely, Louisville Central (or perhaps Boyle County, wouldn't that be a rally)...