article Class 5A Notebook (10/11/16) Upset Alert!

While two of the top three teams in the top ten tried to track down the illusive “OPEN” and force them to play, Bowling Green and Greenwood were both unsuccessful in those endeavors. For Bowling Green it was the first week since the start of the season that they did not post a W in the win/loss column. The rest of the top 10-15 teams in class 5A took care of business last week, with every team with the exception of Highlands all posting wins with a margin of victory of 20 points or more.

Former number ten Highlands traveled to Dixie Heights on Friday in what was predicted to be the game of the week. Well, it turned out to be the upset of the week as the Colonels posted a 40-20 win over the young Bluebirds. This was a huge win for Dixie Heights as it gives them a solid opportunity to host a playoff game, or even win their district if they can pull off another upset in two weeks when they travel to Covington Catholic, this game also bumped Dixie Heights into the top ten. The Colonels clearly won the game on the ground with 524 yards rushing, while only giving up 53 yards rushing and 247 yards total to the Bluebirds. Jose Torres led the Colonels with 230 yards rushing and two touchdowns, while averaging 11.5 yards per carry. The wealth was spread around though, as Cameron Barrett and Brandon Barker combined for 254 yards of their own, with Barrett adding a touchdown. While Highlands quarterback Brady Gosney completed over 50% of his passes for 223 yards and three touchdowns, as well as the Bluebirds defense forcing and recovering three fumbles, the Colonels running game was just too much for the Bluebirds to handle. This week things don’t get any easier for the Bluebirds as they have to face the Colonels once again, this time the #2 Covington Catholic Colonels. Dixie Heights on the other hand can secure a home playoff game if they can keep things on track and beat Grant County.

Game of The Week

While some may not agree, this week’s game of the week has to be Highlands visiting Covington Catholic. While Highlands is obviously down a bit this season, this is one of the biggest rivalries in the state and the Bluebirds have their backs against the wall, so who know’s what may happen in this one. While the Bluebirds are struggling to find their identity this season, the 5A #2 Colonels have secured their position as the best team not named Bowling Green thus far in class 5A. The Colonels have went 2-1 on the season versus large Ohio schools, with their only loss to an Ohio team coming from the #1 division 3 team, Columbus St. Francis De Sales, who is ranked in the top 5 among all classes in Ohio. The Colonels only other loss was a 31-13 loss at the start of the season to class 6A #6 Ryle. While the Colonels clearly win this game on paper, the Bluebirds have their back against the wall and will obviously be fired up for this one.

Upset Alert!

To be honest, this could be the game of the week. Graves County is sitting just outside the top ten and looking for a big win to gain even more momentum heading toward the playoffs. This week is their chance as they travel to Christian County to take on the (6-2) Colonels. Both teams have posted similar results on the season, with Christian County losing to 5A #1 Bowling Green and 5A #5 Owensboro. While the Eagles only losses have came from 4A #4 Hopkinsville and 2A #1 Mayfield. Christian County looks to be the winner on paper, however Graves County is hungry for a season defining win as we work our way closer to the playoffs. Expect this one to be close unless the Colonels find a way to stop the Eagles running game. However, if Christian County cannot stop the Eagles running game, this could certainly result in another top ten upset.