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