article Bluegrasspreps' Eastern Kentucky Power Rankings 9-23

1. Johnson Central Golden Eagles (4A, 4-1)- The Eagles are now in District play and feasting as expected. After pounding Boyd County expect the same story against East Carter.

2. Belfry Pirates (3A, 4-1)- Belfry over matched Sheldon Clark and should do likewise this week hosting Floyd Central. If the Pirates can get healthy they are starting to show improvement.

3. Ashland Tomcats (4A, 6-0)- The Tomcats keep their perfect season alive with a convincing win over a vastly improved Rowan County team. There will be no reason the Tomcats are not 9-0 before their season finale with Johnson Central

4. Corbin Redhounds (3A, 4-1)- Corbin tasted defeat for the first time against 2A powerhouse Mayfield, but most did not expect them to be outclassed the way they were. A pair of easy District games should help them regain their confidence.

5. Raceland Rams (1A, 5-1)- Perhaps the most eye opening win of the week was the Rams crossing the river and beating an excellent Portsmouth West team by two scores on their homefield. Raceland's Defense is legit and if they can take care of business against Somerset their 1A title hopes may soar.

6. Southwestern Warriors (5A, 5-0)- The Warriors return back into action hosting a 6A Central Hardin team that has some great talent. The Bruins may be a tough test despite their record, they have struggled with injuries and one of Kentucky's toughest schedules.

7. Pikeville Panthers (1A, 3-2)- Back to back losses has Pikeville reeling. The Panthers could not finish standing up in a shootout at Point Pleasant. There is no rest for the weary as Pikeville now has to fight for a District Title against Hazard.

8. Knox Central Panthers (4A, 4-1)- The Panthers continue to fly under the radar. The Panthers polished off Russell County and will look to do the same against Clay County leading into their huge clash with Wayne County.

9. Somerset Briarjumpers (2A, 5-1)- Somerset continues to impress after shutting down and shutting out Rockcastle County. The Bunnies will have their work cut out for them as they take on yet another 1A powerhouse.

10. Bell County Bobcats (3A, 5-0)- Bell continues to roll, but we are all still waiting for them to play a team with a pulse. The Bobcats will finally get that distinction this week against an undefeated Casey County team with huge District implications on the line.

11. Wayne County Cardinals (4A, 4-2)- The Cardinals are hitting their stride. They pummeled Clay County and should be able to do the same to a struggling Rockcastle County team. The 28th is when we can see how far they have come.

12. Hazard Bulldogs (1A, 3-1)- Hazard should be well rested and well prepared. They will need both when they load up and head to Pikeville for a monster clash of 1A heavyweights.

13. Paintsville Tigers (1A, 4-2)- The Tigers Offense continues to stumble, but their Defense is really starting to shine. Paintsville made it hard on Lawrence County and will need to step up again versus a solid Walton-Verona team.

14. Pulaski County Maroons (5A, 4-2)- The Maroons finally have some momentum going and were able to take down the 5A Runner-Ups from last season. Coach Hines will take a week off their schedule before challenging a suddenly surging Lincoln County team in a big District clash.

15. Montgomery County Indians (5A, 4-1)- The Indians probably did not circle their schedule to start the year with South Laurel listed. Now it is a big clash of 4-1 teams that should let us know whether either have serious chances of making a deep playoff run.

The Next 5:

16. South Laurel Cardinals (5A, 4-1)

17. Williamsburg Yellowjackets (1A, 4-2)

18. Bath County Wildcats (3A, 4-1)

19. Powell County Pirates (3A, 4-1)

20. Shelby Valley Wildcats (2A, 5-1)

Player of the Week:

QB Brady Worley, Knox Central

It is hard to have a more perfect night than what Worley gave us against Russell County. He finished 10/10 for 267 yards and 5 TD's. Just to put a cherry on the top he also threw in a rushing score as well.

Three Big Games:

#10 Bell County at Casey County- The Bobcats may be for real. They very well may be. Casey County, 5-0 as well, may be for real as well. Unfortunately it is hard to tell as neither has really played a difficult schedule. This is a huge clash of unbeatens with major playoff implications.

#12 Hazard at #7 Pikeville- Speaking of huge implications, most likely the District 8 Title and homefield advantage throughout the playoffs is going to be determined when Hazard heads to Pikeville. The Panthers have a great team but after two weeks of tough losses they may be searching a little. Hazard will be a tough out.

Whitley County at North Laurel- Their records do not suggest it, but this is a pivotal game when it comes to the pecking order in the District. Both teams desperately need a good win and a loss may mean that you are on the Outside looking in come November.

Game of the Week:

#5 Raceland at #9 Somerset- It is ironic, but if any team could serve as the barometer for the best teams in Class 1A it may be 2A Somerset.The Jumpers have faced Beechwood, Williamsburg, and Hazard prior to the game with Raceland. For the Rams this is a chance to legitimize their Title aspirations if they can make a statement on the road. For Somerset, the Jumpers need one last tuneup before going head first into a District they now may be expected to win.