article Class 5A Notebook (10/5/16) Game of the season!

Outside of one game, everything pretty much went as scripted last week in class 5A. But man, what a game it was. The Owensboro Red Devils traveled to Christian County to take on the #3 ranked Colonels in what ended in a double overtime win in favor of the Red Devils. Owensboro has spent the majority of this season ranked in the top 5. It wasn’t until a loss to Owensboro Catholic that some began to wonder if the Red Devils were for real or just a solid 5A team. Then came Bowling Green the following week, we all knew how that would turn out. But the final score still left some people wondering, is Owensboro as good as advertised? Fast forward to last weeks matchup at #3 Christian County and I think the Red Devils have proved that they are for real.

Prior to Friday’s loss to Owensboro, Christian County has been in discussion for the number two spot in the rankings all season. If not for running into that big purple machine in Bowling Green they would have posted a perfect record on the season heading into the matchup versus Owesnboro. Even in the loss to Bowling Green, the Colonels kept the score respectable, keeping it within 3 scores and giving the Purples their best game of the season. Keep an eye on these two teams, they are capable of beating anyone on a given night. Although Bowling Green is likely an exception to the rule.

So how did Owensboro pull off the double overtime win? I can’t give you a definitive answer, however all signs point to “in the trenches.” While Christian County led a balanced attack with with 308 yards of total offense. Owensboro on the other hand, had ZERO yards through the air, but did spread the wealth with 4 rushers tallying up 294 yards on the ground. Owensboro’s large offensive line likely had a lot to do with that. This was quite possibly the game of the year in class 5A in what was otherwise a pretty much scripted week, with several other top ten teams having a bye week or a homecoming game.

The best of the rest

There are several teams that are in the 11-15 or even the 11-20 range. However, Madison Southern and Dixie Heights have been knocking on the door all season, more less waiting on a big win of their own or someone ahead of them to take an unexpected loss. Madison Southern took last week off, while Dixie Heights kept it close but ultimately lost 28-13, to 6A Cooper. Dixie Heights has an excellent chance to work their way into the top ten this week as they host the Bluebirds of Highlands.

Things are about to get interesting for another team that has an opportunity to work their way up the ladder. Graves County has an open week coming up this weekend, but after that they will face Christian County and Owensboro back to back. Graves County has only lost two games all season, which came from the hands of 4A #4 Hopkinsville and 2A #1 Mayfield. We will know a lot more about where the Eagles fall or soar in class 5A over the next few weeks.

There are several other teams to keep an eye on throughout district play. Keep an eye on all of the Bullitt County teams and see how they sort themselves out the remainder of the season. Bullitt East lost to Bullitt Central this past week in a defensive battle that ended in a final score of 7-9. They host 5A #9 South Oldham this week in a game that should tell us more about South Oldham along with how things may pan out in district 3.

Upcoming Game of the Week

Highlands takes a short trip to Dixie Heights for this weeks game of the week. Highlands spent last week resting up after starting the first half of the season with a brutal schedule. While Highlands has played a brutal schedule, their level of consistency seems to be a big issue with these Bluebirds. Their win against Cooper looks great on paper, Cooper only has one other loss on the season and that’s to Simon Kenton. Cooper also beat Dixie Heights 28-13 last week for what that’s worth. But in the grand scheme of things, Highlands has lost their last 5 games after their season opener versus Cooper.

Dixie Heights on the other hand only has three losses thus far, all of which were to solid teams as well. While Dixie Heights doesn’t have a win as solid as Highlands win over Cooper, they are certainly capable of picking up a win in this one. This should be a great game to watch, not only will it tell us a lot about both of these top 10-15 teams, it has major district seeding implications. If I were in NKY, I would definitely go watch this one.

Neither team adjusted to the weather early as it was a downpour most of 3 quarters. Owensboro took over at the Christian Co. 20 yard line after the Colonels started with a 3 and out and the snap rolled to the punter. An off sides penalty and 15 yards later the Red Devils lead 6 to nothing to start the game. It stayed this way for awhile before County put a drive together later in 1st quarter to tie the game. The OHS ground attack grounded it out over the next 2 quarters carrying most of the momentum. They grabbed their 3rd and final score of regulation on the 1st play of the 4th quarter to push the lead to 18-6. The Colonels offense got it going when it had to in crunch time on the shoulders of Keyron Catlett who had a receiving TD and two rushing TDs (including an 80 yard scamper that tied the game). Both teams had opportunities to finish the game in regulation but turnovers and penalties derailed those plans. I believe Both teams finished with 3 turnovers. Owensboro had several more opportunities to score but couldn't convert. The two teams exchanged field goals in the 1st over time. The Colonels connected first in the 2nd overtime with another field goal but Landon Board rushed in from 10 yards out on the first play of OHS' possession and it was in the books.

Closing Thoughts:

-This was a great game by two very good teams in 5A.

-Owensboro's bye week was very beneficial to them as they have gotten back to more of their ground option attack. Which started the weeks prior to the break.

-OHS is much improved since their game against OCHS.

-Christian Co. missed their leading rusher & scorer in this game (Trequan Haskins-Taylor). Although, Keyron Catlett was effective running the ball it limited his receiving touches.

-Both teams have tons of heart and fight in them.

-5A Region 1 is loaded.

Neither team adjusted to the weather early as it was a downpour most of 3 quarters. Owensboro took over at the Christian Co. 20 yard line after the Colonels started with a 3 and out and the snap rolled to the punter. An off sides penalty and 15 yards later the Red Devils lead 6 to nothing to start the game. It stayed this way for awhile before County put a drive together later in 1st quarter to tie the game. The OHS ground attack grounded it out over the next 2 quarters carrying most of the momentum. They grabbed their 3rd and final score of regulation on the 1st play of the 4th quarter to push the lead to 18-6. The Colonels offense got it going when it had to in crunch time on the shoulders of Keyron Catlett who had a receiving TD and two rushing TDs (including an 80 yard scamper that tied the game). Both teams had opportunities to finish the game in regulation but turnovers and penalties derailed those plans. I believe Both teams finished with 3 turnovers. Owensboro had several more opportunities to score but couldn't convert. The two teams exchanged field goals in the 1st over time. The Colonels connected first in the 2nd overtime with another field goal but Landon Board rushed in from 10 yards out on the first play of OHS' possession and it was in the books.

 

Closing Thoughts:

-This was a great game by two very good teams in 5A.

-Owensboro's bye week was very beneficial to them as they have gotten back to more of their ground option attack. Which started the weeks prior to the break.

-OHS is much improved since their game against OCHS.

-Christian Co. missed their leading rusher & scorer in this game (Trequan Haskins-Taylor). Although, Keyron Catlett was effective running the ball it limited his receiving touches.

-Both teams have tons of heart and fight in them.

-5A Region 1 is loaded.

WELL DONE MAP!

Terrific analysis!

My Purples will have to play and defeat both of these very good teams again IMO if they want to earn what their goal was at the beginning of the season!

Lot's of good football left for both of these teams!