article Class 5A Games to Watch (8/21)

There are some interesting games to take note of in Class 5A in the first week of the season. They are not for bragging rights, for the most part, or for District Championships, but they are going to tell a lot of people about what some teams are going to do this year.

#1 Highlands at 6A Cooper

Some think Highlands may be closer to the pack then normal and may smell some blood in the water. Cooper has done a lot in their short time in existence. These two teams have never met and this meeting should be interesting. Cooper coming off a 9-5 season that ended at the hands of the eventual 5A State Champions - Pulaski County - in the State Semifinals. Highlands coming off a 13-2 season that saw them win the 4A State Championship. Can Cooper beat Highlands? Will Highlands start the season with a win?

#3 Pulaski County vs. Jeffersonville (IN)

Pulaski County won the 2014 5A State Championship and are going to have to win some big games to reclaim that title in 2015. Playing an out of state opponent brings more questions then answers, but the way in which the Maroons play is what is in question in this game. Will the Maroons come out looking like a team on the road to back-to-back Championships?

#4 Covington Catholic vs. 6A Ryle

There is a buzz at Covington Catholic, the fans and players are excited about a new regime and are ready to prove things are on the rise. Sure, the matchup with Highlands is the only real game that matters for the Colonels, but they have to prepare for that match up and that preparation begins with Ryle. Will the Raiders start the Colonels' season off with a problem? Will the Colonels prove they are a top team in Class 5A?

Graves County vs. 4A Hopkinsville

Graves County kind of snuck up on many people a year ago, making it to the State Championship game and playing eventual State Champion Pulaski County to a close game. Probably even more surprising then that, the Eagles beat state powerhouse Bowling Green on their run to the Championship Game. Graves County won't surprise anyone this year, they showed their capability last year. How will they start the 2015 season? Will they prove they are in the conversation again this year?

Lots of question to answer in Class 5A. Is it's Highlands class to lose? Or, is this the year that Class 5A is more diverse with: Highlands, Bowling Green, Pulaski County, Covington Catholic and others being able to de-crown the Blue Birds? It all starts this week.

For me, the issue in the Graves v Hopkinsville game is can the Tigers recover from a truly devastating team loss in losing a team mate a very short time ago.

The Graves Co. Vs Hopkinsville Football game is still on for Friday nite but the kickoff time has been moved from 7pm to 7:30pm @ eagle field.

Graves County will honor the hopkinsville football player (mr. Quarles) @ the game with a moment of silence..God bless the hopkinsville high school football players as they suit up to play the eagles..even though there will be two teams on the field, they will be one in christ..