1A # 2 Kentucky Country Day at 1A Bethlehem

Who wins this one? Kentucky Country Day is rolling while Bethlehem is struggling.

KCD exits it's emphatic 56-0 win over Carroll County in one piece--no injuries to report. That's a big deal to any team, but especially one with a skinny depth chart like the Bearcats.

The season summary thus far: a balanced and explosive offense, coupled with an improved defense, experienced seniors filling most of the starting roster spots.

On offense, KCD has passed for just shy of 800 yards and rushed for just shy of 800 yards. 10 different kids have scored a touchdown, six of them multiple times. That's the balance in an offense averaging 44 points a game.

On defense, teams are scoring on average around 11 points a game against KCD-- they're rushing for less than 100 yards a game, and they're passing for less than 100 yards a game. Serious hurdles await in just a week and a half when Lexington Christian roars into Louisville, but for now, KCD's kids can be proud they've played hard and played well in the first four games.

So the Bearcats present a daunting challenge to the Eagles in Bardstown this Friday. This was a competitive and exciting game two years ago when last KCD traveled to Bethlehem. Graduation has taken QB Matthew Hagen, TE Jameson Hinkebein and RB Hunter Downs, all talented seniors on last year's Eagles team. Without them, Bethlehem faces a KCD squad with essentially the same players from last year's 10-3 regional finalist. It's a group of kids simply one year bigger, stronger and more experienced.

I don't really have a prediction for the score, other than to say that I think KCD will continue putting significant points on the scoreboard, and playing improved and stingier defense. What could hurt KCD? Thinking ahead to the following Friday when a different set of Eagles travel to Springdale Road.

KCD 42

Beth 7

KCD big.