The Playoffs - Round Four

Some quick hits from the eight playoff games held on Friday night...

--Danville, once again, squashed Mayfield's title hopes with a dominant 27-0 victory. The Admirals have looked dominant all playoffs and will be difficult to stop next week when all is on the line.

--Newport Central Catholic continued their marvelous playoff run with a big 40-24 win over Somerset. The Briar Jumpers fell for the first time since early September, and Catholic will move on to the title game despite their five early losses.

--It now looks inevitable: Mercer County, with a monstrous 43-0 beating of a good Owensboro Catholic team, motors toward Louisville looking for a 15-0 perfect season. Who dares to stand in their way?

--It will be Russell that tries, as the Red Devils snuffed rival Belfry 19-0 to advance to the state championship. Despite a less than challenging season schedule, the Red Devils stepped it up when it counted, and now they will have their shot at the Titans.

--Bowling Green breathed a sigh of relief after escaping the clutches of Central by a 21-14 score. The close margin represented a change of sorts for the Purples, as they hadn't broken a sweat during the first three weeks of the playoffs.

--Covington Catholic moves on to the Class 3A championship game with a solid 38-14 victory over a previously undefeated Johnson Central squad. It was a fantastic season for the Golden Eagles, but all eyes will be on the Purples and Colonels next week in Louisville.

--The dream run ends for Henderson County, as northern Kentucky power Ryle pulled out the guns to win 59-28. Ryle now faces the toughest test of them all in Louisville next weekend, as the Raiders gun for a championship.

--Trinity escaped Henry Clay and Lexington with a good 56-35 win. Now the Shamrocks head back west and face a Ryle team that has been solid all season, but Trinity will be favored by a wide margin to repeat as state champions.

Class '4A' Playoff Preview (R4)

Semifinal One
Henderson County @ Ryle

Records: Henderson County (10-2), Ryle (11-2)
Common Opponents: None

Henderson County: a team of destiny? The Colonels appear to be in that mold, what with upset wins over Owensboro and Warren Central, plus the inordinate amount of adversity the team had to go through this season. Even if their run ended in the state semifinals, it wouldn’t be a disappointing finish. But the opportunity is there for Henderson County to make a state finals appearance. Ryle is still a mystery team, one of the many from Northern Kentucky who appeared solid throughout the year. Ryle defeated a weaker Meade County team to reach this round, so they haven’t faced the test that Henderson County faced. Couple that with this dream run, and I think the Colonels keep the dream alive for one more round.

Henderson County 45 Ryle 30
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Semifinal Two
Trinity @ Henry Clay

Records: Trinity (12-1), Henry Clay (12-1)
Common Opponents: None

While Male was the dominant team throughout the regular season, it will be the defending state champion Trinity Shamrocks that represent Louisville’s 4A powerhouses in the state semifinals. And awaiting them will be the team that dominated Lexington this season—the Henry Clay Blue Devils. After the late season loss to Lafayette, Henry Clay has rolled over every opponent, including dominant playoff performances over Scott County and Woodford County. But Trinity is another animal from what Henry Clay has seen so far, and it will take a perfect effort from them to pull the upset. I think this is the most compelling game of the weekend. Nobody is picking Henry Clay to upset Trinity, and I’m not going to either. But I have a feeling that this game will go down to the wire, but as Trinity has proven (see last week), they make the plays down the stretch to close the deal.

Trinity 23 Henry Clay 20

Class '3A' Playoff Preview (R4)

Semifinal One
Bowling Green @ Central

Records: Bowling Green (12-1), Central (12-1)
Common Opponents: None

Much of Class 3A's attention this season has centered around Bowling Green and the dominant team in Northern Kentucky, which was assumed to be Highlands but has proven to be Covington Catholic. Many figure that both the Purples and the Colonels are on a collision course for the finals, but don't forget Louisville Central, which rode under the radar this season in an underrated 3rd district. However, it will be a tough chore for Central to derail the Purples, who have been rolling all season long since an opening week loss to St. Xavier. If Central can keep it close until the final quarter, anything can happen. But I feel the Purples are a bit too strong.

Bowling Green 33 Central 17
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Semifinal Two
Covington Catholic @ Johnson Central

Records: Covington Catholic (10-3), Johnson Central (13-0)
Common Opponents: None

This game represents the classic hot-shot team from the urban area matched up against the rural school that nobody knows about. And in this case, that rural school is pretty good. What a season it has been for Johnson Central. The Golden Eagles have zoomed through thirteen games with flying colors, and along with Mercer County are the only teams that remain unbeaten this season. But Covington Catholic, who assumed the throne of worthy-challenger-to-Bowling-Green from the Highlands Bluebirds, will pose the greatest test the Golden Eagles have faced this season. Will they pass the test? Call me crazy, but...

Johnson Central 35 Covington Catholic 30

Class '2A' Playoff Preview (R4)

Semifinal One
Owensboro Catholic @ Mercer County

Records: Owensboro Catholic (9-4), Mercer County (13-0)
Common Opponents: None

When it was announced that Harrodsburg High would merge with Mercer County, and the school would stay in Class 2A, immediate predictions were made about how good this Titan team could be. Through the first three rounds of the playoffs, Mercer County has not been tested in the least degree. But Owensboro Catholic, who is no stranger to state championship play, should be able to at least give the Titans a small scare. The Aces, which slid past Trigg County last weekend in overtime, have the momentum and the history to give the Titans a run for their money, and I believe this game will be much closer than people think at first glance.

Mercer County 31 Owensboro Catholic 21
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Semifinal Two
Russell @ Belfry

Records: Russell (12-1), Belfry (11-2)
Common Opponents: Ashland Blazer
Ashland Blazer d. Russell 24-21 (3 OT)...Ashland Blazer d. Belfry 28-27 (OT)

While Mercer County grabbed all the attention this season, the traditional Eastern Kentucky powers continued to go about their business, as both Belfry and Russell make it to the state semifinals once again. Both have been quiet this season; the three losses between them though have all come in overtime, two of which came to Ashland Blazer. But now both the Red Devils and the Pirates are on their best game, and this one should be a classic. How much did that shootout with Middlesboro take from Belfry last week? Not enough to prevent them from returning to the state championship game, I think.

Belfry 33 Russell 27 (2 OT)

Class 'A' Playoff Preview (R4)

Semifinal One
Mayfield @ Danville

Records: Mayfield (11-2), Danville (12-1)
Common Opponents: None

And once again, the traditional power from Western Kentucky and the traditional power from Central Kentucky meet again one step from the state championship. It hasn't been a flawless year for Mayfield, but they haven't lost since September 8th and hasn't been seriously challenged during the first three rounds of the playoffs. Danville exacted their revenge against Frankfort in the second round and blitzed Bethlehem in the third, a team that put out #1 and previously undefeated Bardstown. The Admirals are on a roll again, and I don't see their ship sinking this weekend, especially at home.

Danville 30 Mayfield 14
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Semifinal Two
Newport Central Catholic @ Somerset

Records: Newport Central Catholic (8-5), Somerset (9-4)
Common Opponents: None

Don't let the records fool you; these are two quality teams that have taken seperate roads to where they are this weekend. Somerset dropped their first four games, but since then, only Harlan has come within shouting distance of the Briar Jumpers. However, their road to the state semifinals has not been that challenging; perhaps only Mayfield has had an easier road. That cannot be said of Newport Central Catholic, who began the year 2-5 and 1-2 in district play. But since a home loss to Beechwood, Catholic has played some special football, including tough playoff wins over Beechwood and Raceland. Somerset is battle tested, but not since September. It will show Friday night.

Newport Central Catholic 42 Somerset 17

The Playoffs - Round Three

Some quick hits from each class, where most everything went as expected...

Class A
It was another great season for Metcalfe County, but once again they can't get past Mayfield in the playoffs...Danville is the obvious favorite now to win the state tournament, what with their dominant win over Bethlehem, a team which had just beaten #1 Bardstown...Newport Central Catholic could play spoiler though, as they continue their fantastic play with a solid win over Raceland...Somerset, as expected, came out of the east with a big win over Hazard...

Class 2A
Owensboro Catholic's athletic program just knows how to get it done when it counts, as the Aces added to their lore with an exciting overtime win against Trigg County...but their season looks to end next week against Mercer County, as the Titans demolished a very good Larue County team...Russell struggled to put away Corbin, but nevertheless marched onto the state semifinals again...Belfry outscored Middlesboro and sets up the classic Russell vs. Belfry tilt to decide Eastern Kentucky superiority....

Class 3A
Bowling Green, as expected, had no trouble with a Hopkinsville team that started the year very poorly...Central barely escaped Southwestern by a 47-40 count, which probably was the most exciting 3A game of the weekend...or perhaps it was Covington Catholic outlasting Lexington Catholic 56-49, in a game that would have been worthy of a state championship...and Johnson Central made a statement as well, as they punished Rockcastle County and proved once and for all to be the best 3A team in the East...

Class 4A
Henderson County's dream run continues with their ultra-exciting 42-38 win over Warren Central, in which the Dragon kicker missed four PAT's...Ryle put their name into the discussion with an expected pounding of Meade County...what can you say about Male-Trinity, other than it is a shame that this game had to be played this early in the playoffs...Male would likely beat all the other teams in the field by 20+ points, with the possible exception of Henry Clay, which outlasted George Rogers Clark and now is all that stands between Trinity and a repeat championship...

Class '4A' Playoff Preview (R3)

For our last four games in the spotlight this weekend...

Region One Championship
Henderson County @ Warren Central

Records: Henderson County (10-2), Warren Central (10-2)
Common Opponents: Daviess County
Henderson County d. Daviess County 48-7...Warren Central d. Daviess County 40-8

I said last week that Owensboro was an easy winner over Henderson County, and look what happened. This Henderson County team went through a lot of adversity at the beginning of the season, and I'm starting to believe that helped this team grow more than we thought. However, Warren Central will be a difficult test, and the Dragons are winners of eight straight. Not since September 8th has Warren Central lost (to Manual), but Henderson County is playing inspired football right now, and that will show up Friday night in Bowling Green.

Henderson County 14 Warren Central 10
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Region Two Championship
Meade County @ Ryle

Records: Meade County (7-5), Ryle (10-2)
Common Opponents: Boone County
Meade County d. Boone County 27-24...Boone County d. Ryle 34-22

This would be the yawner of the four games, but it still is an intriguing matchup. Meade County played, at best, third fiddle in the week 3rd District behind the Hardins, John and North. Ryle was one of four teams that could have made it out of the second round of the playoffs, and with two solid playoff victories, here are the Raiders ready to go. I would have to tab Ryle the favorite in this game. Meade County, though winners of five straight, did not play the schedule that Ryle did and still have five losses to their credit, including puzzling losses to Fern Creek and a 31-point loss to John Hardin (which they would avenge). Ryle will win in style.

Ryle 27 Meade County 6
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Region Three Championship
Trinity @ Male

Records: Trinity (11-1), Male (11-0)
Common Opponents: Manual, St. Xavier, Ballard, Seneca
Trinity d. Manual 28-3...Male d. Manual 35-7
Trinity d. St. Xavier 10-0...Male d. St. Xavier 28-27 (OT), 33-7
Trinity d. Ballard 48-7...Male d. Ballard 41-14
Trinity d. Seneca 55-21...Male d. Seneca 56-14

Many would argue that the winner of this game will go on to win the state championship, and it's not a bad argument to make. As seen above, these two teams have more or less dominated the Louisville area this season; neither has lost to an opponent from the Bluegrass State. Male seems to be a little more battle tested having beaten St. Xavier twice and playing in an overall tougher district than Trinity. But the Rocks are the defending state champions, and they will not be shut down easily. Don't be surprised if this game goes into the extra session, but Male looks to be on a roll, and not even Trinity will be able to slow them down at this point.

Male 31 Trinity 21
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Region Four Championship
Henry Clay @ George Rogers Clark

Records: Henry Clay (11-1), George Rogers Clark (8-4)
Common Opponents: Tates Creek, Bryan Station
Henry Clay d. Tates Creek 48-20...Tates Creek d. George Rogers Clark 17-14
Henry Clay d. Bryan Station 42-0...George Rogers Clark d. Bryan Station 31-0

Even though they fell in their regular season finale against Lafayette, the Henry Clay Blue Devils have been the dominant team in the Lexington area all season (if you aren't counting Mercer County as the Lexington area, which I won't at this point). So far these playoffs, Henry Clay is outscoring their opponents at a 110-14 clip. George Rogers Clark, on the other hand, lost four of their first eight games but have rallied for four straight wins, including a thrilling win over Lincoln County last week. But it will take a perfect effort and perhaps more if the Cardinals are to spring the upset of the playoffs so far.

Henry Clay 45 George Rogers Clark 13

Class '3A' Playoff Preview (R3)

Here we go...

Region One Championship
Hopkinsville @ Bowling Green

Records: Hopkinsville (7-5), Bowling Green (11-1)
Common Opponents: Christian County
Christian County d. Hopkinsville 24-20...Bowling Green d. Christian County 24-21 (3 OT)

It's been two different years for the Tigers and the Purples. Hopkinsville didn't pick up a win until their fourth game, and overall began the season 1-4. They then lost home field advantage to Paducah Tilghman at the end of the season, but the Tigers rallied to beat PT in the playoffs. Now they must travel to Bowling Green, which hasn't been beaten since an opening week loss to St. Xavier and hasn't allowed double figures since a 36-13 win over Warren Central on September 1st. Look for the dominance to continue on Friday.

Bowling Green 34 Hopkinsville 7
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Region Two Championship
Central @ Southwestern

Records: Central (10-2), Southwestern (9-3)
Common Opponents: None

For once, the Boyle County Rebels won't be representing the 4th district, as Southwestern topped the Rebels twice this season. And it's no fluke; Southwestern has challenged itself with a tough out-of-district schedule (Danville, Somerset, George Rogers Clark, Highlands) and now seems poised to continue its march through the playoffs. But Central will be a tough challenge. They themselves have been stellar all season, as only losses to 4A PRP and a season-closer to Doss marr the schedule. But I like how Southwestern has challenged themselves throughout the year, and it will pay off this week.

Southwestern 24 Central 20
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Region Three Championship
Covington Catholic @ Lexington Catholic

Records: Covington Catholic (9-3), Lexington Catholic (10-1)
Common Opponents: None

Perhaps Covington Catholic should have been in the discussion all season. The Colonels did not lose to a Kentucky opponent; their three losses came to teams from across the river in Cincinnati. But now, with Highlands out of the way, Catholic becomes the favorite on the bottom side of the bracket. However, another Catholic (Lexington) looks to be a formidable opponent. Let us not forget that the defending state champions rallied from 25 back last week at halftime (against a very good Franklin County team, I might add) to advance to the state quarterfinals. No deficit will put Catholic down for good, but I'm expecting Covington Catholic to be on the upside at the buzzer. Barely.

Covington Catholic 31 Lexington Catholic 29
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Region Four Championship
Rockcastle County @ Johnson Central

Records: Rockcastle County (11-1), Johnson Central (12-0)
Common Opponents: None

Johnson Central is one of those teams that I don't know what to think about. Sure, they have a spotless record, but they haven't been placed in a game of immense pressure so far, or at least a game that people around the state are watching. That will happen this week, as state power Rockcastle County pulls into Paintsville for this quarterfinal battle. After a tough loss to Lincoln County early on, Rockcastle County has been brilliant, including two tough wins over a good Bell County team. Johnson Central can match that with two wins over Ashland Blazer. This will be a good one, and home field advantage may play the deciding factor.

Johnson Central 17 Rockcastle County 13

Class '2A' Playoff Preview (R3)

Eight teams left, seven games to play, four of them this week...

Region One Championship
Trigg County @ Owensboro Catholic

Records: Trigg County (10-2), Owensboro Catholic (8-4)
Common Opponents: None

Both of these traditional powers faced plenty of adversity this season. The Wildcats dropped two consecutive district games in mid-September, only to rally this far as the #3 seed in their district. The Aces, on the other hand, lost their first three games of their season and lost in upset fashion at Monroe County on October 6th. But the Wildcats have used a dominating defense since a loss to Caldwell County to reach this spot, while Catholic hasn't scored less than 35 points since losing in Tompkinsville. In this game of contrasting styles, expect the winner to be the one who keeps the score to their level.

Trigg County 13 Owensboro Catholic 10
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Region Two Championship
Larue County @ Mercer County

Records: Larue County (10-2), Mercer County (12-0)
Common Opponents: None

Like the anticipated Bardstown-Danville matchup, the anticipated Western-Mercer County game would have been the highlight of the weekend. But Larue County, which lived in Western's shadow all season, rose up and took down the Warriors last week by a narrow two point margin. Conventional wisdom says that if Larue County could beat the #2 team in the state, they could have a go at #1. But Mercer County, whose smallest margin of victory this season has been 13 points, is not your normal #1 team. However, if the Hawks can keep this game close to the 4th quarter, then anything can happen. But just don't expect it.

Mercer County 43 Larue County 13
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Region Three Championship
Corbin @ Russell

Records: Corbin (7-5), Russell (11-1)
Common Opponents: None

In a game that will grab little attention as compared with the other three, perhaps we all should be paying more attention to the Russell Red Devils. Due to the relatively non-challenging schedule offered by 2A's 6th District, Russell has played out of the limelight nearly all season. In fact, only Fleming County has come within 25 points of the Red Devils. But Corbin, which likewise has been silent for the second part of the regular season, should give us an indication if Russell can steer past Belfry or Middlesboro in the next round of the playoffs, if they even get that chance.

Russell 33 Corbin 18
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Region Four Championship
Middlesboro @ Belfry

Records: Middlesboro (11-1), Belfry (10-2)
Common Opponents: None

It's exactly what we wanted, and we're gonna get it Friday night. Two of the premier teams in Eastern Kentucky will square off in what should be a classic matchup. Middlesboro hasn't lost to a Kentucky opponent all season, and their only loss came in the opening week against a very good Knoxville Central team. Belfry has had a slightly bumpier road, but the Pirates two overtime losses to Ashland Blazer and Sheldon Clark (a district opponent they did not see again) has proven to help Belfry to get to this point. Don't be surprised to see an offensive shootout, and if that's the case, I like Middlesboro's chances.

Middlesboro 35 Belfry 30

Class 'A' Playoff Preview (R3)

We're down to eight, and four games will capture the third week of the playoffs...

Region One Championship
Mayfield @ Metcalfe County

Records: Mayfield (10-2), Metcalfe County (10-2)
Common Opponents: None

By winning their first two playoff games by a cumulative score of 112-22, Mayfield moves on to the Elite Eight with a head of steam. But a long bus ride to Edmonton to play Metcalfe County awaits them. The Hornets, after losing their season finale to McLean County, rallied to smoke the same team the next week and then beat district rival Russellville for a second time this season. Mayfield, though, will be a step up in competition and should end a great season for the Hornets.

Mayfield 35 Metcalfe County 20
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Region Two Championship
Bethlehem @ Danville

Records: Bethlehem (11-1), Danville (11-1)
Common Opponents: North Oldham
Bethlehem d. North Oldham 35-0...Danville d. North Oldham 56-0

Everyone, including myself, was excited about the probable Bardstown-Danville matchup in the third round of the playoffs, but the possibility existed that one would not make the show. Danville could have lost to Frankfort, but they didn't, but Bardstown lost to Bethlehem, and they shouldn't. But Bethlehem, after losing 28-0 to the Tigers two weeks earlier, rallied for an improbable victory. Now Bethlehem must travel to Danville, who assumes the role of state championship favorite given their dominant effort last week against Frankfort, the only team to beat the Admirals this season.

Danville 38 Bethlehem 14
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Region Three Championship
Newport Central Catholic @ Raceland

Records: Newport Central Catholic (7-5), Raceland (11-1)
Common Opponents: None

Sitting at 2-5 after a loss to Beechwood, few expected Newport Central Catholic to rally to a playoff position in the difficult 5th district, much less make the 3rd round of the playoffs. But Catholic took advantage of a soft schedule coming home, and with an upset win over Beechwood find themselves in position to make a run for state. Likewise, Raceland makes a surprise appearance in the Elite Eight after dismissing Lexington Christian, a team that had beaten them at home this year. Both of these teams were counted out sometime this season, but they both persevered to make a deep playoff push. Expect a good game in far Eastern Kentucky.

Newport Central Catholic 30 Raceland 23
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Region Four Championship
Hazard @ Somerset

Records: Hazard (9-3), Somerset (8-4)
Common Opponents: Harlan, Danville
Harlan d. Hazard 34-0...Somerset d. Harlan 14-7, 34-7
Danville d. Hazard 63-14...Danville d. Somerset 48-14

It will probably be the least publicized game of the four this week, but don't expect this game to not be competitve. Somerset, after starting 0-4, has rode a less-than-challenging schedule to eight straight wins, and only one of those games was less than a three-touchdown affair. Hazard, meanwhile, dropped a 42-6 decision to Pikeville during the regular season only to defeat them 15-14 last week. With that huge win under their belts, don't expect this team to get rattled on the road. However, I don't think that not being rattled will be enough to save Hazard from a season-ending loss.

Somerset 43 Hazard 21

The Playoffs - Round Two

No Surprise, No Stress Winners

A: Mayfield, Somerset
--
2A: Belfry, Corbin, Mercer County, Owensboro Catholic, Russell
--
3A: Bowling Green, Central
--
4A: Trinity, Ryle, Henry Clay, Warren Central
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Upsets

A: Bethlehem (d. Bardstown), Hazard (d. Pikeville), Raceland (d. Lexington Christian)
--
2A: Larue County (d. Western)
--
3A: none
--
4A: Meade County (d. John Hardin), Henderson County (d. Owensboro), George Rogers Clark (d. Lincoln County)
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Other Winners of Note

(A) Metcalfe County, (2A) Middlesboro, Trigg County, (3A) Hopkinsville, Johnson Central, Rockcastle County, Southwestern
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Which leaves these games to discuss...

--Danville 35 Frankfort 6
Revenge served by the Admirals, and with Bardstown and Beechwood gone, it seems only Newport Central Catholic will stand in Danville's way now.

--Newport Central Catholic 26 Beechwood 21
And after a terrible beginning, Catholic seemed to leave all discussion of state championship contenders. But here they are, heading to the third round, and only three wins away from a title.

--Covington Catholic 25 Highlands 15
I wasn't convinced that Covington Catholic was good enough to beat Highlands twice, but I guess they are now. Will anyone out there be interested in next week's game between Covington Catholic and...

--Lexington Catholic 44 Franklin County 38 (OT)
It was all but over for Lexington Catholic, as the Knights fell into an impossible hole against the Flyers. But Catholic showed a heart of a champion and came all the way back, and now their title defense can continue.

--Male 33 St. Xavier 7
And so Male, which just slid past X in the regular season, sent an emphatic message across town to Trinity that the Bulldogs won't be easily dismissed from these playoffs.
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Round three predictions begin tomorrow...it'll be fun!

Class '4A' Playoff Preview (R2)

Now a look at some of the titanic matchups we have this week in Class 4A...

District One Championship
Graves County @ Warren Central
With Christian County out of the way, it would seem that Warren Central would be in good position to roll on into the Elite Eight. But Graves County will put up a fight, despite losing to the Dragons by 25 earlier this season.
Warren Central 31 Graves County 23

District Two Championship
Henderson County @ Owensboro
Owensboro is having a magical season, and I don't expect Henderson County to give the Red Devils much of a problem.
Owensboro 35 Henderson County 17

District Three Championship
Meade County @ John Hardin
After upsetting North Hardin (which had vastly underachieved all season), Meade County looks poised to pull the Hardin County sweep with a victory over John Hardin. But John's a bit better than North, and you'll see it through this game.
John Hardin 27 Meade County 12

District Six Championship
Campbell County @ Ryle
Thanks to Campbell County, Boone County is gone, and Ryle assumes to favorite post to advance to the third round. But Campbell County, which won in overtime over the Rebels, will throw all they have at the Raiders. However, it probably won't be enough.
Ryle 34 Campbell County 24

District Four Championship
St. Xavier @ Male
And so it is, the rematch. There's not much to say about this one, but do you get the feeling that one of these teams will come out strong and take it to the other? I sure don't.
St. Xavier 30 Male 23 (OT)

District Five Championship
Ballard @ Trinity
One gets the feeling that Trinity will knock out Ballard early and then cruise late, and all the time have an eye across town on the District Four Championship game. Just a thought.
Trinity 45 Ballard 20

District Seven Championship
Woodford County @ Henry Clay
And so Lafayette, 10-0 during the regular season, was dismissed early, leaving only Woodford County to stop the well-oiled machine that is Henry Clay. The Blue Devils scorched Scott County, and nothing suggests anything different this weekend.
Henry Clay 51 Woodford County 12

District Eight Championship
George Rogers Clark @ Lincoln County
Many tabbed the Cardinals to take the eighth district, but Lincoln County stole the show by running the table in district play. Whoever the best team is will be settled Friday as GRC takes its team to Stanford.
Lincoln County 33 George Rogers Clark 31

Class '3A' Playoff Preview (R2)

Eight great games to look at here...

District One Championship
Hopkinsville @ Paducah Tilghman
And in the end, the same two characters show up in the same play. Both teams struggled mightily to begin the season, but once district play started, the Tigers and Tornado turned it on. Tilghman hasn't lost in what seems like a year. I don't expect that to change.
Paducah Tilghman 33 Hopkinsville 21

District Two Championship
Warren East @ Bowling Green
Some time ago, Warren East fans were hyping their regular season meeting with the Purples as a changing of the guard in Bowling Green-area football. Result: BG 41 WE 0. East has had a GREAT year, but it ends Friday.
Bowling Green 35 Warren East 6

District Three Championship
Valley @ Central
The Valley Vikings came from the pack to finish second in district play, and they haven't seen Central since early in the district season. Combine those two things, and Central is still a bit too good for everyone in the third.
Central 24 Valley 10

District Four Championship
Boyle County @ Southwestern
What a terrible season it has been for Boyle County, yet here they are, on the edge of making the third round of the playoffs. Southwestern spanked the Rebels earlier this season, but Boyle County is still Boyle County, and that should count for something.
Boyle County 30 Southwestern 28

District Five Championship
Highlands @ Covington Catholic
In all of the Highlands-Bowling Green hysteria, everyone forgot about Covington Catholic...that is before the Colonels upset Highlands two weeks ago to close out district play. Can they beat arguably the best in 3A two times in three weeks? It may be too much to ask for.
Highlands 42 Covington Catholic 27

District Six Championship
Franklin County @ Lexington Catholic
Lexington Catholic looked most vulnerable early this season as they were pummeled by St. Xavier, but the Knights rallied like state champs do and put on a great season. Franklin County was tabbed by many to be a sleeper for the state championship, but their season goes to bed Friday.
Lexington Catholic 48 Franklin County 38

District Seven Championship
Bell County @ Rockcastle County
As it should be in the seventh, the two traditional powers square off to decide who moves on to the third round. I still like Rockcastle County to not only win this game, but perhaps move on a little farther in the postseason.
Rockcastle County 20 Bell County 7

District Eight Championship
Ashland Blazer @ Johnson Central
Two weeks ago, Ashland Blazer whiffed against undefeated Johnson Central. I have no reason to believe that it won't happen again.
Johnson Central 42 Ashland Blazer 14

Class '2A' Playoff Preview (R2)

And so it is down to sixteen teams, and some that we didn't expect would still be hanging around...

District One Championship
Trigg County @ Caldwell County
Caldwell County flew past both Fort Campbell and Trigg County during the regular season to run the table in the 1st district, but none of that matters now. A Trigg County team that saw their playoff hopes in jeopardy early now has a great chance to make it a great year.
Trigg County 24 Caldwell County 20

District Two Championship
Glasgow @ Owensboro Catholic
Well the 2nd District took some weird turns this year, but in the end, it's Glasgow and Owensboro Catholic again. I have a feeling that Catholic is beginning to peak, and even though the Scotties just took down the district champ Monroe County Falcons, I think their days are numbered.
Owensboro Catholic 42 Glasgow 9

District Three Championship
Larue County @ Western
Game of the week in these 2A playoffs? Larue County has been strong all season, but Western has been a bit better all season. I wouldn't be overly suprised to see the Hawks upset the Warriors, but I don't expect it.
Western 30 Larue County 16

District Five Championship
Newport @ Mercer County
No team this season has been rolling like the new juggernaut Titans, and I don't expect Newport to make a scratch in their perfect season.
Mercer County 42 Newport 20

District Four Championship
Wayne County @ Corbin
Compared with these other games, this one will be a snoozer. Wayne County was the best team of three mediocre followers of Corbin in the fourth, and don't expect the Cardinals to give them much of a challenge.
Corbin 28 Wayne County 6

District Six Championship
Fleming County @ Russell
Russell hasn't been making a lot of headlines this season, but the Red Devils are once again in position to make a deep postseason run. Fleming County, however, is more than capable of pulling a grand upset. This one will be a close one.
Russell 34 Fleming County 29

District Seven Championship
Leslie County @ Middlesboro
There will be no Middlesboro-Breathitt County rematch, as the Leslie County Eagles threw a wrench into many fans' plans. After such a great win at Breathitt County, it will be difficult if not impossible to win again on the road against such a good team.
Middlesboro 21 Leslie County 0

District Eight Championship
Prestonsburg @ Belfry
Sheldon Clark showed that Belfry can be beaten. Prestonsburg beat Sheldon Clark twice, including last week's beatdown in the first round. But it's playoff time, and I expect the Pirates to be ready to rumble at home.
Belfry 33 Prestonsburg 13

Class 'A' Playoff Preview (R2)

In essence, these matchups are analogous to basketball's district championships...

District One Championship
Murray @ Mayfield
It was a three-horse race to see who would be visiting Mayfield on November 10th, and Murray outlasted the Fulton schools to earn that prize. It will be a tall order for them to last any longer.
Mayfield 45 Murray 13

District Two Championship
Russellville @ Metcalfe County
All season (with the exception of the last week), two teams broke away from the pack in the 2nd District. Metcalfe County won big in the first matchup, but now let's see if they can hold off the Panthers in the game that really counts.
Metcalfe County 30 Russellville 28

District Three Championship
Bethlehem @ Bardstown
When Danville lost to Frankfort late this season, Bardstown became the prohibitive favorite to win the state championship. Add that to the beating they gave Bethlehem two weeks ago, and the Tigers look very good right now.
Bardstown 34 Bethlehem 10

District Four Championship
Danville @ Frankfort
Frankfort flew all over Danville in their first meeting, but I believe the Admirals will be more than capable of holding their own in this rematch. But will it be enough? Expect a classic.
Danville 27 Frankfort 21 (OT)

District Five Championship
Newport Central Catholic @ Beechwood
Aside from the district four final, you won't find a better Class A game on Friday night. Newport Central Catholic raised my eyebrows with their smackdown of Holy Cross last week, but Beechwood will offer more of a challenge.
Beechwood 24 Newport Central Catholic 13

District Six Championship
Raceland @ Lexington Christian
When they established themselves as the district favorites in their first game this season, Lexington Christian went from a disappointing beginning to a district dynamo. But Raceland has revenge on their minds, and I like their chances.
Raceland 41 Lexington Christian 36

District Seven Championship
Harlan @ Somerset
The Briar Jumpers are the class of district seven, and Harlan will have to play nearly perfect to have a shot at upsetting them. How things have changed from their winless streak earlier this year for Somerset.
Somerset 31 Harlan 7

District Eight Championship
Hazard @ Pikeville
Pikeville certainly isn't great, but they are good enough to push past Hazard and into the round of eight.
Pikeville 35 Hazard 12

The Playoffs - Round One

No Surprise, No Stress Winners

A: Bardstown, Beechwood, Danville, Frankfort, LexingtonChristian, Mayfield, Pikeville, Raceland, Somerset
--
2A: Belfry, Caldwell County, Corbin, Fleming County, Mercer County, Middlesboro, Newport, Owensboro Catholic, Russell, Western
--
3A: Ashland Blazer, Bell County, Bowling Green, Covington Catholic, Highlands, Johnson Central, Lexington Catholic, Paducah Tilghman, Rockcastle County, Southwestern
--
4A: Ballard, Lincoln County, Male, Owensboro, St. Xavier, Trinity
---

Close Calls

A: Bethlehem, Harlan, Hazard, Murray, Russellville
--
2A: Larue County, Trigg County
--
3A: Boyle County, Central, Hopkinsville, Valley, Warren East
--
4A: George Rogers Clark, Henderson County, John Hardin, Meade County, Ryle, Warren Central
---

Which leaves these games to discuss...

--Newport Central Catholic 41 Covington Holy Cross 7
Well, NCC must have been sandbagging throughout the year because they came out with a vengeance this weekend, taking down a Holy Cross team that only two weeks ago was undefeated in district play. Beechwood will have their hands full with the Thoroughbreds.

--Glasgow 28 Monroe County 20
What a miserable regular season it was for the Glasgow Scotties, but all that has been erased with a stunning eight-point win in Tompkinsville on Friday. Since midseason, the Falcons were one of 2A's best teams. But their positive momentum came to a screeching halt.

--Leslie County 28 Breathitt County 14
Not many expected Leslie County to ruin plans of a Middlesboro-Breathitt County rematch, but that's exactly what the Eagles did. Now, can they mow through Middlesboro? It will be difficult to score two tough playoff road wins on consecutive weeks.

--Campbell County 31 Boone County 28 (OT)
All season, the 6th district in Class 4A has been one hard to figure out. Boone County earned the district championship, but there will little difference I felt between the #1 team and the #4 team in this wild district. And Campbell County proved me correctly on Friday.

--Henry Clay 49 Scott County 7
Message sent? After beating the Cardinals by a single point in Georgetown earlier this season, Henry Clay brought the horses on Friday and sent a message to the rest of 4A that the Blue Devils will be difficult to dismiss. And the next team who will try to do that is not who we thought it'd be.

--Woodford County 43 Lafayette 22
It was undoubtedly the most surprising result from the first weekend. Lafayette had a dream season, running the table with exciting wins over Boyle County, Henry Clay and Scott County. But the Generals got stung by the Yellow Jackets at the most inopportune time, and their run is now over.
---

Round two predicitions begin tomorrow. And are there some games to look forward to...

Oh yeah...

So what's gonna happen in the end?

Class A
Semifinal #1: Mayfield vs. Bardstown
Semifinal #2: Beechwood vs. Somerset

Finals: Bardstown vs. Beechwood

State Champion: Beechwood

Class 2A
Semifinal #1: Caldwell County vs. Mercer County
Semifinal #2: Russell vs. Middlesboro

Finals: Mercer County vs. Middlesboro

State Champion: Mercer County

Class 3A
Semifinal #1: Bowling Green vs. Central
Semifinal #2: Highlands vs. Johnson Central

Finals: Bowling Green vs. Highlands

State Champion: Highlands

Class 4A
Semifinal #1: Owensboro vs. Boone County
Semifinal #2: Male vs. Henry Clay

Finals: Owensboro vs. Male

State Champion: Male

Class '4A' Playoff Preview (R1)

Let's complete our playoff previews with a look at the opening round matchups in Class 4A...

1st District
--Marshall County @ Warren Central
A few weeks ago, many pointed to this game as a contest that might decide the district champion. So I'm not assuming anything with this one.
Warren Central 17 Marshall County 13

--Graves County @ Christian County
Christian County, after a disappointing loss to Warren Central, settles into the number two position, but I think the Colonels will be ready to play and win big against Graves County.
Christian County 38 Graves County 10

2nd District
--Grayson County @ Owensboro
Grayson County won the tiebreaker over Daviess County and Ohio County, but they now must travel northwest to take on the Red Devils, who have been on fire as of late.
Owensboro 44 Grayson County 0

--Apollo @ Henderson County
This one should be fun to watch. Apollo was an early story this year, and Henderson County has overcome mountains of adversity to rally for a great regular season. This one will be close, and the home field advantage will make the difference.
Henderson County 13 Apollo 10

3rd District
--Nelson County @ John Hardin
I'm not quite sold on John Hardin, but the Bulldogs should and will be good enough to outlast Nelson County in the first round.
John Hardin 31 Nelson County 15

--Meade County @ North Hardin
North Hardin has been a big disappointment this season, yet they find themselves second in their district and hosting a playoff game. However, I think that won't be enough to make them immune from an upset.
Meade County 24 North Hardin 20

6th District
--Campbell County @ Boone County
The Rebels of Boone County emerged as the top seed out of district six, but don't be fooled...any one of these four teams can make the state quarterfinals. I expect Boone County to slide past Campbell County here.
Boone County 31 Campbell County 24

--Dixie Heights @ Ryle
After a terrible start to the season, Dixie Heights fired back with a strong district campaign. It will take a great effort for the Colonels to get a win at Ryle, but I believe DH has what it takes. Barely.
Dixie Heights 20 Ryle 17

4th District
--Pleasure Ridge Park @ Male
The last time these two met, Male sent PRP home crying with a 59-0 spanking. I thought that PRP could hang with the Males and the St. X's of the world. I was wrong.
Male 48 PRP 7

--Manual @ St. Xavier
Manual has been darn impressive throughout the district season, and it wouldn't totally surprise me to see this game go down to the fourth quarter. I think it will, but St. X will pull away for a good win.
St. Xavier 34 Manual 21

5th District
--Southern @ Trinity
These will be a stressless two weeks for the Trinity Rocks.
Trinity 57 Southern 6

--Seneca @ Ballard
Ballard better be careful here because the rest of the 6th district is closer to the Bruins than the Bruins are to Trinity. This may be a good one.
Ballard 28 Seneca 20

7th District
--Woodford County @ Lafayette
Lafayette, along with Male, stands undefeated this season. After a big win over Henry Clay, many tabbed the Generals as one of the ones who could take down the Big Three. We won't see that this week, but we will see a win.
Lafayette 34 Woodford County 14

--Scott County @ Henry Clay
After a classic regular season matchup in Georgetown in which the Blue Devils won by a point, the scence shifts to downtown Lexington, and I expect nothing less than another classic.
Henry Clay 41 Scott County 35 (OT)

8th District
--Madison Central @ Lincoln County
The Patriots came from nowhere this season to dominate the 8th district, and their Reign of Terror on southeastern Kentucky Class 4A football will continue.
Lincoln County 42 Madison Central 14

--Montgomery County @ George Rogers Clark
Montgomery County has likewise been a suprise in this district, but George Rogers Clark is tough at home and should be good enough to move on to the second round.
George Rogers Clark 20 Montgomery County 13