article Bluegrasspreps' Eastern Kentucky Power Rankings 10-2

1. Johnson Central Golden Eagles (4A, 6-0)- The Golden Eagles are red hot and inch into the #1 spot by way of comparative analysis. Their undefeated record and a dominating win over possibly the #1 overall team in West Virginia puts them at the top by the narrowest of margins.

2. Belfry Pirates (3A, 5-1)- The Pirates avenged their only loss from 2015 but still showed signs of playing at less than a peak performance. Belfry has a three week stretch to work out the kinks before the battle for #1 in Week 10.

3. Corbin Redhounds (3A, 6-1)- Corbin now directs their focus to winning another District Title and making their push to a rematch with Belfry in the Semi's.

4. Pulaski County Maroons (5A, 5-1)- The Maroons just keep winning, the latest victim 6A Henry Clay. They begin District play with Lincoln County.

5. Southwestern Warriors (5A, 4-2)- Southwestern had the week off prior to their District push. South Laurel will be their first test in the games that count.

6. Rockcastle County Rockets (4A, 5-1)- The Rock needed a statement and they got it in a thriller against previously #3 Wayne County. To say this win is big is an understatement. Rockcastle now controls their own destiny in the District where home field advantage in the Region will be a very big deal.

7. Wayne County Cardinals (4A, 5-2)- The Cardinals take the fall after losing a big showdown with the aforementioned Rockets. There is no rest for the weary though as they must go to Barbourville with a "must win" game against the Panthers.

8. Paintsville Tigers (1A, 7-0)- Pike Central had nothing Paintsville couldn't handle. The Tigers will look to blister a vulnerable Fairview defense.

9. Raceland Rams (1A, 7-0)- Raceland had the task of another Class 3A District 6 Team and also didn't break much of a sweat against Lawrence County. Heading into an off week the gap between these two seems to be almost non-existent.

10. Knox Central Panthers (4A, 4-2-1)- Ever since an injury to RB Jermel Catron the Panthers haven't seemingly looked the same. With a monster game on the horizon this is the golden opportunity to reclaim their momentum toward the goal of a Regional Title.

Three Other Statement Wins

Pikeville defeats Hazard 29-21- With home field advantage throughout the playoffs on the line the Panthers survived a competitive clash with the Bulldogs to take the win and the driver seat in District 8.

Whitley County defeats North Laurel 23-22- One of the most surprising 5-1 teams in EKY are the Whitley County Colonels who survived probably their stiffest test since their season opening loss by edging the Jaguars by a point. Does this make them the District favorite?

Russell defeats Fleming County 30-7- The Red Devils all but iced their District Championship with this win and in the process may have secured a substantial First Round Bye. With only Belfry as a team seemingly on their level, the extra week of prep time could be a big deal come November.

Three Other Scores to Note

Leslie County defeats Allen Central 26-8- The Eagles took down the previously undefeated Floyd County foe and move a step closer to Homefield Advantage. With the strength of District 7... any little bit might help.

Phelps defeats Jenkins 40-8- Though both teams will be considered among the bottom 5% of the State, this win brings extra meaning to Phelps as they have a direct comparison to show their progress. Last year Jenkins defeated the Hornets 42-20.

Casey County defeats Bell County 53-14- For one of the Top 3 or 4 EKY Programs of all-time this may be the lowest point of the school's proud program. Taking nothing away from a very good (and undefeated) Casey County squad, but this is the first time Bell has lost to the Rebels and to do so by way of a running clock goes to show that the Bell may be cracked more than the one in Philadelphia.

Player of the Week

QB Chayse McClure, Rockcastle County

In the biggest win of the week McClure was the biggest star. He led the way with 160 yards on 21 carries with 2 TD's, but he changed the game with a 4/6 passing performance for an additional 119 yards and score.

Game of the Week

Prestonsburg Blackcats (4-2) at Leslie County Eagles (5-1)- This could very well be the District Title. For as much as has been made of the state of the Prestonsburg program a win could put Pburg in prime position for an 8-2 regular season, District Title, and home field advantage throughout the playoffs. For both teams this could be a watershed type of game.

For 3A and 4A, and 1A, EKY has serious title contenders!

And they have what I would also call a semi-finalist in Class 5A!

Lots of good football here!