article 6A Notebook: Deja Vu

Deja Vu

Week 1 brought another exciting weekend of high school football in the Bluegrass State. While thrilling for several teams, it proved heartbreaking for others. For some, this would be their second game of the season, while for others it was their first after having a scrimmage the week before.

1. The Trinity Shamrocks had high hopes of a big win in their home opener against Warren Central (IN) on national television. Trinity would come out on fire and take an early 21-0 lead on big plays by Ryan Miller and Gereimah Smith from Seth Jutz. (Stanford Commit) Stephen Herron blocked a punt that was returned for a touchdown. Warren Central (IN) would finally strike back and put a few scores on the board before halftime and Trinity added one more to take a 28-21 lead at halftime.

Although leading at the half, the Shamrocks would be down both star running backs in the 2nd half, leaving them very vulnerable. Trinity came out and marched down the field and extended the lead 35-21. Trinity expanded the lead even more later in the 3rd, but the extra point was blocked, making the score 41-21.

Like many, I thought that this game was over, but boy, were we wrong. Warren Central (IN) clawed back into the game and was down just 6 with less than 2 minutes left. Trinity was faced with a 3rd down and 6 with Warren Central (IN) having no timeouts. Trinity dialed up a pass play on 3rd down instead of running the ball to keep the clock moving, but the throw would be incomplete and leaving many scratching their heads. With 4th down, it seemed as though the Shamrocks would look for a pooch punt to pin Warren Central deep, but yet again another head scratcher decision as they would go for it and come up short, giving Warren Central (IN) a chance to win the game, thanks to that blocked field goal earlier.

Many Trinity fans and observers were in shock, seeming to experience deja vu. Last week Trinity lost to Carmel (IN) after blowing a lead, losing in the final minutes. Yet again this week, Trinity was on the losing side as Warren Central (IN) would drive down and take the lead 42-41. Trinity had one last shot but turned it over on downs, ending the game.

2. Scott County took on 6A foe Lafayette. The Cardinals rode a 600+ yard rushing attack to a 58-28 win. But Lafayette made those Cardinals sweat, giving them a game for almost 3 quarters and even taking the lead 28-27 early in the 3rd. However, the wheels would fell off after that, as the Cardinals put up 31 unanswered points.

3. Male came out and made a statement in week 1. The Bulldogs would blast the #10 Ballard Bruins 47-0. Male would gave up only 52 yards on the night. Male also got some bad news, as starting running back Henry Vestal left in the 2nd quarter with an apparent ACL tear and will more than likely be done for the season.

4. St Xavier was open this week and will prepare for next week,s opponent, Bowling Green, who will be looking to give their old coach a loss.

5. Butler took on 2A power DeSales who just recently downed St Xavier. Butler led most of this game, but had their hearts broken on a last second Hail Mary, 35-34, leaving them feeling like fellow counterpart Trinity.

6. Frederick Douglass was on the road and took on Tates Creek. Douglass made quick work of the Commodores, as they put up over 400 yards of offense in a 48-14 running clock.

7. Simon Kenton had a better week than last, as they posted a 37-20 victory over Bryan Station, thanks to a strong running game behind Caleb Farfsing and Austin Hammacka (320 yards and 2 touchdowns). Simon Kenton had over 400 yards total for them game.

8. Manual posted a solid win over 5A Fern Creek 33-13 after a 18-0 shutout from 3A power Central last week.

9. Central Hardin rebounded nicely with a win over 5A Bullitt East 43-7.

10. Ballard was on the bad end of the scoreboard, as Male put a running clock on the Bruins 47-0.

Others Notables

Ryle took on Lexington Catholic and yet again had another running clock put on them, but made it respectable at the end, 50-34. Daviess County crossed the river into Indiana and was taken to the wood shed, 49-13, by Evansville Central (IN).

Madison Central made quick work of Woodford County, 38-6. Henry Clay played 5A power Covington Catholic and was also taken to the woodshed, as the defending 5A Champs posted another running clock win.

Campbell County played 5A Highlands very competitively for 2 quarters, but Highlands pulled away in the 3rd and cruised to a 34-7 win. Cooper scored a solid win over 2A #6 Newport Central Catholic, 42-36. North Hardin picked up a win over John Hardin, 31-0.

Games to Watch Week 2

St Xavier vs. Bowling Green

Scott County at Highlands

Central Hardin at Christian Academy of Louisville

Madison Central vs. Southwestern