#3 Hazard vs #8 Pikeville (1A Quarterfinals)

Who wins this matchup? Can Hazard keep there season moving forward? Will Pikeville come into Hazard and end the there season?

The forecast is showing rain for Friday. Hopefully that changes. This could be an exciting game.

The forecast is showing rain for Friday. Hopefully that changes. This could be an exciting game.

The first meeting between these teams was a back and forth, competitive game. A couple of costly turnovers deep in Hazard territory doomed the Panthers. With the way Pikeville's playing right now, this is shaping up to be a great one.

The past few games the Bulldogs have let senior Matt Francis carry the load in the running game and he has put up some nice stats in two games. Yes against a little weaker competition but definitely motivation for the kid. He has 217 yards on 14 carries. He's averaging 15.5 yards a carry. This has let fellow running back and starting linebacker Reese Fletcher focus mainly on defense.

Hopefully the Bulldogs have improved as well because it seems Pikeville has.

The forecast is showing rain for Friday. Hopefully that changes. This could be an exciting game.

Does rain benefit/negate any strengths or weaknesses of either team?

Pikeville as a team has improved significantly since mid season. Their run/pass game is peaking at the right time. The defense is getting better by the week, something that was sorely needed since the early season. No doubt Hazard has improved as well, with a tough defense and a solid offense with the Blair kid at the helm. Reece and Fletcher will be tough to bring down as well. Imo, this will be a close and tough game for both teams. Look for the Panthers to come away with the win.