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)