article 1A Notebook 9/5 - SHOWTIME!

Ladies and Gentlemen, this week is SHOWTIME in 1A. What a slate of games we have on the schedule for this Friday. We have been asking questions about many of our 1A teams over the past couple of weeks. This Friday we should get a lot of answers.

Review of Last Week

Before we jump into this week's lineup though, let's take a quick look back at Hurricane Harvey weekend. Weather was the story as much as the games last week. Teams moved their schedules around to avoid playing in heavy rain and possible lightning. After all was said and done, it was a good week for the 1A top ten. Of the 9 teams that had games last week, 7 of our top ten came out with wins against teams from a larger size class. The headline win for 1A was #1 Beechwood over 2A #10 Somerset at Somerset. It wasn't easy at all for the Tigers as they escaped the rain soaked Briar Patch with a 7-0 win. Other winners over big schools were Hazard, Kentucky Country Day, Williamsburg, Raceland, Russellville and Frankfort.

The two losses by top ten teams were also against larger schools. At the time 1A #3 Paintsville ironically hosted Hurricane, WV during hurricane week and the Tigers were not able to weather the storm. Hurricane traveled to Paintsville and dumped a 17-13 loss on the undefeated Tigers, a loss that cost Paintsville one spot in the rankings. The other top ten loss was Louisville Holy Cross getting drubbed by 2A #3 DeSales by a 47-0 score.

Finally, as we look beyond the top 10 last week, there were a couple games of note. Two teams trying to make some noise and work into the top ten had nice wins. Nicholas County posted a solid 19-6 win over Fairview. That was a very nice bounce back for Nicholas County after a disappointing loss the week before to Pendleton County. The other nice win was the Bellevue Tigers pinning the first loss of the year on the Brossart Mustangs, 26-17. We also should note that Bracken County rebounded very well from their loss the week before by overwhelming Pendleton County 39-6.

Now ... on to SHOWTIME!

Let's do this from the bottom up. There are two games featuring matchups between 1A top ten ranked teams. There are three other games featuring matchups between 1A ranked teams against teams ranked in the top ten in larger classes, with the marquee contest being the 1A Game of the Week of #1 Beechwood versus 3A #1 Corbin.

#10 Pikeville at #4 Paintsville - There have been some memorable matchups in recent years between these two. This year's game is a bit odd though because both teams are coming off losses. Pikeville had the week off last week after losing the week before to 2A #5 Lexington Christian. As mentioned above, Paintsville lost last week to Hurricane, WV. Both these teams are not only looking to get a win in this eastern Kentucky rivalry, but both are looking to establish that they are a title contending team in 2017. The winner of this game takes a big step forward in that title pursuit.

#9 Frankfort at #5 Williamsburg - Are the Frankfort Panthers really back? This is their chance to make that statement. Unfortunately they lost a couple of key players to injuries in last week's win. With an already low roster, those injuries are tough to overcome. This game should be a shootout as both teams have put a lot of points on the board in their three games played.

#6 Raceland vs. 4A #9 Greenup County - Perhaps the biggest mystery team in the 1A top ten is the Raceland Rams. The Rams are 2-1 and followed up their 14-0 loss to Ashland with a clearcut 35-0 win over West Carter. Who are these guys? How good are they? This week we should find out. Greenup County is ranked in the top 10 despite losing last week to Fleming County. This is a test the Rams need to pass to show everyone this new group is ready to contend.

#2 Hazard vs. 2A #10 Somerset - Somerset continues their tour of the 1A top ten this week with a battle versus the Hazard Bulldogs. Somerset has defeated Williamsburg 25-8 and then lost last week in the rain to Beechwood 7-0. Hazard is ranked in between those two teams and is licking their chops at a chance to compare scores and show they are ready to avenge last year's title game loss to Beechwood. This showtime battle is going to be a good benchmark game for our 1A contenders.

#1 Beechwood vs. 3A #1 Corbin - Wow. Does it get any better than this? Two perennial powerhouse programs that have never met. Now they face off with each team ranked #1 in their respective class. The Tigers get to host this historic face off and they will need that home field advantage to offset their underdog status. Corbin has been one of the most impressive teams in the state over their first three games. Meanwhile, Beechwood has struggled more than expected, especially on offense, while winning their first two games. The Tiger offense is going to need to figure some things out if they want to get the upset win over the Redhounds. With it still being early in the season and no history between these two, it is hard to predict how this matchup will play out. Friday night we get to find out.

Other Key Games

#3 Kentucky Country Day vs. 2A Carroll County - The Bearcats moved up one notch in the rankings. They are favored in this one and need a clear win to keep the momentum going forward.

#7 Louisville Holy Cross vs. Bethlehem - Holy Cross was able to hang onto their #7 ranking despite the beating they took from DeSales. They need to turn the tables this week and take care of business versus 1-2 Bethlehem to get their season back on track.

#8 Russellville vs. 4A Logan County - Russellville is taking care of business in western Kentucky. After an opening loss to a very good Glasgow, the Panthers have posted two wins over larger class teams and look to make it three in a row this week. Logan County does have a 3-0 record but the teams they have beaten have posted one win in nine games this year. Russellville is a big favorite and should have no problem getting the win.

Summary

Showtime it is! What a lineup. I doubt we will see another week like this the rest of the way in our 1A top ten schedule. The weather looks great for this week. If you didn't make it out to a game due to last week's weather, there is no shortage of excellent games this week. Enjoy!

Nice job VOR ... plenty of big games this week and the feel of fall in the air !!!

Very nice article VOR! Should be some great games this week within this class.

This is Great week for football, I wish every season they have to where every team in the top 10 of each class played a top tier team.

Wonderful piece, VOR. You'd love to have a sports package app on your phone while at the game you're attending to watch a little of all these other cliff hangers coming up on Friday. I counted four or five match ups you list above that I'd love to watch....the Beechwood/Corbin game is this weekend's Alabama/Florida State.

Wonderful piece, VOR. You'd love to have a sports package app on your phone while at the game you're attending to watch a little of all these other cliff hangers coming up on Friday. I counted four or five match ups you list above that I'd love to watch....the Beechwood/Corbin game is this weekend's Alabama/Florida State.

It may not be video, but keep your phone and BGP handy Friday night. I am sure there will be a regular updates on all of these games.

Wonderful piece, VOR. You'd love to have a sports package app on your phone while at the game you're attending to watch a little of all these other cliff hangers coming up on Friday. I counted four or five match ups you list above that I'd love to watch....the Beechwood/Corbin game is this weekend's Alabama/Florida State.

General i can update you on Hazard and Somerset.

General i can update you on Hazard and Somerset.

Thanks! I'll be checking in on my ipad from the KCD/Carroll County game. The Hazard/ Somerset game looks to be a hugely entertaining ball game.

Over the next couple of weeks Paris has a chance to build a case for a top 10 spot. Hosting 4a Harrison County and then a date @ top ten Holy Cross!

Over the next couple of weeks Paris has a chance to build a case for a top 10 spot. Hosting 4a Harrison County and then a date @ top ten Holy Cross!

A win against Louisville Holy Cross will show quite a bit about how good or improved Paris is.