Class 2A Playoff Preview

Region 1

Fort Campbell has dominated this part of the state for the past three years, but the Falcons’ run appears to be nearing an end with a pair of Region I teams ranked in the top five year.

Murray (10-0) is coming off their second straight unbeaten regular season and appears poised to avenge last year’s last-second loss to Fort Campbell in the region finals.

The Tigers have held seven of their opponents to single digits on the season thanks to their size up front. It’s that size that makes it tough for their opponents to run against them. The Tigers only allow 52 rushing yards a game.

Murray isn’t a flashy team, but use a bruising ground game to average 35 points and 243 rushing yards a game.

Only Matt Deese (734 yards) has more than 500 yards rushing, but four backs have over 300 yards and they have combined for 39 touchdowns.

The Tigers don’t throw much – only 37 times all season. However, nine of their 16 completions have gone for touchdowns.

The Tigers are looking ahead to a possible second round home matchup with either Trigg County or Fort Campbell. The Falcons ousted Murray on a last-second Tre Powell touchdown catch in the region title game, while Trigg County is the last team, other than Fort Campbell, to beat the Tigers at home (2008).

Tre Powell’s return from an offseason knee injury has spurred the Falcons to win three of their last four games. In just four games, Powell is already second on the team on receiving yards and touchdowns and is one of the top return threats in the state.

Fort Campbell is led by quarterback Aaron Hills, who has both run and passed for over 1,000 yards. However, the Falcons have had trouble stopping the run at times this year, which doesn’t bode well for a second round matchup with Murray.

Trigg County’s defensive woes will likely keep them from getting past Fort Campbell in the first round, although their mix of size and speed could give the Falcons some trouble.

Owensboro Catholic has rebounded from last year’s rare down season to roll through the regular season with a 9-1 mark.

While Isaac Hardesty and Russell Hayden have put up big numbers on offense, the Aces’ defense is underrated, having handed Fort Campbell their first shutout loss in eight years earlier this season.

Caldwell County and Hancock County could be the most interesting first round game of the region. Hancock features a rugged ground game, while Caldwell runs the Franklin system around versatile running back Brandon Sigler.

Projected Region Final: Murray 20 Owensboro Catholic 15

Region 2

The region is a wide-open race that could see any one of five teams win the region title and host a state semifinal game.

Glasgow and Danville are the top seeds in the region, but have had close calls with other teams in the region.

Glasgow edged Green County by a point. Both beat Monroe County by two touchdowns.

Danville’s 20-point win over previously unbeaten Washington County gave them the district title.

Glasgow hasn’t won a playoff game in four years and is looking to get back to the region final for the first time in six seasons.

The offensive combo of Tavion Parrish in the backfield and Parker Cash at quarterback has accounted for over 2,000 yards and 35 touchdowns.

While Fort Knox is improved, they shouldn’t be much of a roadblock for the Scotties in the first round.

The intriguing matchup has Monroe County playing at Washington County in the first round.

Monroe County was ranked in the BGP preseason top five and even enjoyed a few weeks at number one before losing four straight to end the regular season.

The Falcons have the offensive weapons in Tanner Kendall and quarterback Jackson Arnett but must get better on defense.

After allowing just 41 points total in their first six games, they have given up an average of 38 points during their four-game losing streak.

One-loss Washington County is the wildcard of the region. They are capable of advancing to the region title game or flaming out in the first round.

Quan Turner has accounted for over 1,300 total yards, while quarterback Trae Abell has thrown for 1,672 yards and 20 touchdowns.

Washington County hasn’t won a playoff game since 1997 when they beat, ironically, Monroe County.

Danville appears to be back in top form and appears headed for a second round showdown with Green County. The Ads would love to extract some revenge for last year’s 61-22 loss to the Dragons – the most lopsided postseason loss in Danville history.

Defense holds the key to who survives this region, with Danville getting the slight edge since they could host the first three playoff games.

Projected Region Final: Danville 34 Glasgow 21

Region 3

Newport Central Catholic and DeSales appear destined for another region title clash, although there are a couple of potential spoilers in the mix.

Christian Academy-Louisville has three single-digit losses to teams ranked in the BGP rankings, including a five-point loss to DeSales.

If the Centurions face NewCath in the second round, they will have to find a way to contain Chris Kelly and his 1,129 rushing yards. Quarterback Brady Hightchew has thrown for 1,255 yards and added another 690 on the ground.

Despite their 8-2 record, NewCath has been prone to giving up points in bunches. If they can avoid this, they should make another long postseason run.

DeSales is trying to crash the party in Bowling Green for a second straight year but may find the road a little tougher this year.

There aren’t many teams in 2A that can boast the schedule strength of the Colts, which head coach Mark Sander is hoping prepares them for another long run.

Garret Leicht and Jeremy Lucas have combined to rush for over 1,500 yards and 20 touchdowns.

Holy Cross could surprise some people if they can find a way to stop teams on the ground. They give up over 225 yards rushing a game.

Offensively, Holy Cross can score with anyone.

Projected Region Final: Newport Central Catholic 31 DeSales 14

Region 4

Prestonsburg and Corbin appear to be the class of Region 4, with very few upsets expected here. In fact, the region may be the only one to follow seed order through to the region title game.

Prestonsburg has put together another solid season for veteran coach John DeRossett, who missed a trip to Bowling Green last year by a touchdown.

The Blackcats have endured a couple of hiccups during the season in losses to Breathitt County and Pike County Central and appear poised to make a strong run behind the arm of quarterback Adam Crisp (2,357 yards, 24 TDs). Joseph Jamerson has turned into one of the top defensive players in the mountains and could be a key player in the later playoff rounds.

Prestonsburg has won eight of their last nine first round playoff games and should make it nine of 10 this year.

On the other hand, Corbin has used a ball control look on offense to open things up and the result has been 31 points and 175 rushing yards a game.

Corbin could benefit by hosting the playoffs up until the state title game.

Projected Region Final: Prestonsburg 44 Corbin 40

Projected Semifinals: Murray 12 Danville 7
Newport Central Catholic 29 Prestonsburg 22

State Championship: Newport Central Catholic 14 Murray 8