Class 5A Playoff Preview

Region 1

Region 1 looks to be entertaining and hard to predict a winner.

Christian County (8-1) brings a balanced offense to their first round match up with District 2 number four Barren County (2-8). Christian County has amassed 1,754 yards on the ground while piling up 1,139 yard through the air. Look for Anthony Hickey to continue to add to those totals. Hickey has been accurate with the pass (58/100/2 for 915 yards and 12 touchdowns) and potent with the run (551 yards and 7 touchdowns). Christian County is only one of the teams that can possibly win Region 1.

Bowling Green (8-2) was on everyone’s radar in the pre-season and many expected them to walk to the Championship game. After 10 weeks, they are still near the top, but that walk will be much harder. Bowling Green has put up some great numbers. Bowling Green has scored 405 points this season, while only allowing 98. Their 1,965 rushing yards have been spread out over four players with Hunter Neveras leading the way with 664 yards and 11 touchdowns. Scooter Hollis has been equally effective with arm as he is with his legs, rushing for 500 yards and passing for over 1,200 yards. Bowling Green will first face Madisonville-North Hopkins (5-5).

The one team in 5A that has beaten Bowling Green is Warren Central (8-2). The Dragons come into the playoffs allowing only 85 points in 10 games. Demonte Smith and Cortez Barber supply most of the ground game, while Micheal Bush supplies what passing game is needed. The Warren Central defense is lead by three very good tackles that know how to get to the ball: Darius Lancaster, Smith, and Johnathan Thompson. Warren Central may have won the first match up with Bowling Green, but the second will a little harder. And, Central will have to go though Ohio County (2-8) in round one first.

The final game in Region 1 will put District 1 number two Owensoboro (6-4) against District 2 number three Grayson County (8-2). Both teams have had success and been ranked in Class 5A. No small games in Region 1 in the first round. Expect excitement and expect upsets.

Region 1 Championship: Bowling Green 21 Warren Central 17

Region 2

The team that stands out in Region 2 is without doubt, John Hardin (10-0). John Hardin is not 10-0 without reason; they have only allowed opponents 6.5 points per game, while averaging 31.7 points per game. John Hardin has a 1,000-yard passer in Eli Mitchell, and a thousand yard rusher in Jeremy Harnes. John Hardin scores, but their defense appears to make the biggest difference. Jeffersontown (6-4) will have to find a way to score against a strong defense and to stop a balanced offense.

Bullitt Central (6-4) will match up with South Oldham (7-3) in the first round of the Class 5A playoffs. Bullitt Central does supply hope for opponents by allowing 233 points this season. That’s not to say Bullitt Central doesn’t have some defensive stars. Nick Bellows has racked up 45 solo tackles and assisted on another 44 tackles. It’s safe to say that where ever the ball is, Bellows will be close by.

Anderson County (7-3) has proven to a dangerous team. James Johnson has 13 touchdowns on the ground and supplied a large part of the ground game. Neal Wells has hauled in 26 receptions for 460 yards to help with the passing game. Seth Carmichael has completed 69% of his passes to make Anderson County’s pass attack potent. Waggener (1-9) will have to play their best game of the season to limit Anderson County’s offensive attack.

Oldham County (6-4) will face Doss (6-4) in the other Region 2 game. Both teams have been ranked this season, and look for this game to, possible, be the most evenly matched first round game in the region.

Region 2 Championship: John Hardin 28 Bullitt Central 7


Region 3

All eyes in Region 3 will once again be on Highlands (9-1). Highlands, after losing to 6A Ryle, will be looking to prove they are still the team to beat in 5A. Patrick Towles has proven to be the engine that drives Highlands. Towles has rushed for 500 yards and 8 touchdowns, while passing for over 1,600 yards and another 13 touchdowns. Towles' passes are spread out over to Daniel Gold, Austin Sheehan, and Brian Gall. Highlands will first face Woodford County (1-9) in their quest for another State Championship.

Highland’s district rival, Covington Catholic (6-4) will face Ashland (7-3) Covington Catholic has had ups and downs this season, but seems to be prepared for the playoffs. Covington Catholic and Ashland may supply the game of the week in round one of the state playoffs.

Johnson Central’s J.J. Jude and J.K. Hall will begin working toward their goal of a rematch with Highlands, by first playing District five’s number four seed Scott (2-8). Jude is thought to be the state’s leading rusher, but stats are not reported for Johnson Central.

Montgomery County (6-4) will take on Dixie Heights (5-5) for the right to move on to round two in the Class 5A playoffs. Both teams look to be prepared for the next round. This will be another nail biter.

Region 3 Championship: Highlands 34 Johnson Central 28

Region 4

On paper Pulaski County (9-1) looks to be the favorite in Region 4, and may well be. Pulaski has been quietly moving though opponents all season while spreading some great offensive number among several players. Rushing: Alex Abner with 864 yards, and 16 touchdowns; Zach Eastham with 830 yards and 9 touchdowns. Passing: Eastham 130/193/8 for 1,961 yards and another 27 touchdowns. Receiving: Stephen McQueen 31 receptions for 615 yards and 10 touchdowns. The numbers aren’t limited to offense: Mason Flynn has 64 solo tackles and 52 assists, Logan Joseph 51 solo tackles and 33 assists, and Zach Stoltz has 43 solo tackles and 33 assists. With those numbers, Perry County Central (7-3) will have their hands full. But, that is why we play the games on the field, not on paper.

Harlan County (8-2) has had a very good season and doesn’t want to stop in the early rounds of the playoffs. Marcus McMillian and Dylon Smith have been churning to supply the offense for Harlan County all season, expect them to continue against Mercer County (3-7).

Clay County (7-3) will face Lincoln County (4-6). Clay County ran for 1,900 yards and passed for 1,472. A balanced offense like that makes for nightmares for defensive coordinators. C.J. Miller and Noah Reid have supplied the majority of those rushing numbers. John Wilson throwing to Reid , Joey Dezarn, and John Hooker has supplied the passing numbers. Dezarn has also proven to be able to catch passes for opponent’s quarterbacks as well with 4 interceptions.

Southwestern (6-4) will take on Whitley County (5-5) in round one.

Region 4 Championship: Pulaski County 28 Harlan County 14

State Semi-Final: John Hardin 28 Bowling Green 14
State Semi-Final: Highlands 34 Pulaski County 24

State Championship: Highlands 21 John Hardin 14