article Class 4A Notebook (10/15): A Little Shakeup

Last week's notebook asked where are the upsets, and finally, 4A had an answer. To be fair, it was right in the week we were looking for them, but still, it was a prolonged period of calm.

Knox Central entered the week rated #4 and unbeaten against Kentucky competition. They traveled to #7 Franklin County for a possible region final preview, good enough to earn honors as the game of the week in 4A. Franklin County drew first blood and the mental edge, flying (if you'll excuse the pun) to a 42-20 victory. They never trailed, enjoying leads of 14-0, 28-6, and 42-14. It was a dominating effort, sparked by a series of defensive stands by the Flyer, as they forced turnovers on downs three times in their own territory. Franklin County has allowed just 13 PPG on average the last four weeks after not allowing less than 20 in their first four games. Defense wins titles, and theirs is performing right now. The Flyers still have to beat North Oldham to secure the district, but that looks like an almost foregone conclusion. Meanwhile, Knox Central saw the end of their five game winning streak, dropped to #5 in the class, and will take that out on Rockcastle County this week.

The other shakeup took place in the west. #5 Logan County carried a 7-0 record into their home game against #10 Madisonville-North Hopkins, a game which would decide District 1's champion. The Cougars had not lost a regular season game since 2016 (which still is so odd to type), and had personally crushed Madisonville's dreams in a 23-21 heartstopper last season. The Cougars overcame injuries to take down a similarly injury decimated Hoptown team the last week, and appeared to be in good shape with a 17-7 lead midway through the fourth quarter of this one. But the Cougar magic finally ran out. The game turned on an aggressive playcall at midfield, as Gary Hardy was tackled for a loss on fourth down, setting up the Maroons with excellent field position, they cashed in there on a Hightower 29 yard touchdown run, and then received a first and goal opportunity after Logan County fumbled the kickoff. Seconds later J.D. Gilbert put the Maroons in front, and the reeling Cougars could not recover. North-Hopkins claimed their first district title since 2000, and it means they are away from Franklin-Simpson until the region finals. For Logan County, it means a likely 9-1 season, but a much tougher first round matchup, and critically, Franklin-Simpson in the second round should they advance.

Other games of note:

-#1 Johnson Central and #3 Ashland blasted their way through Rowan County and Greenup County respectively to set up their showdown this week. Ashland is after their first unbeaten regular season in 43 years. Johnson Central is hunting another district title.

-#9 Taylor County eked out a victory over Mercer County 26-21. It was closer than expected, but the Cardinals are district champions for the first time since 2008. They're among the favorites for a region that includes idle #8 Moore and John Hardin, two teams that are due to meet in a district title showdown this Friday.

-An off the radar game that I personally got to witness, Warren East took down homestanding Allen County-Scottsville on a last second 37 yard field goal by QB Nolan Ford. It was his first field goal attempt of the season. The sophomore wasn't sharp on 11/27 passing with 2 INTs, but he was clutch when it counted. They'll probably host Hopkinsville in the playoffs, relegating Allen County-Scottsville to a matchup with Logan County.

Game of the Week

It couldn't be any other, it's #1 Johnson Central hosting #3 Ashland. District title, region favorite - put simply the game of the year in 4A. Until the next meeting.

That JC-Ashland game is gonna be a dandy. Wish I could go, but its too much of a drive.

I wish I could travel around the state to watch different games. Maybe one day my schedule will allow it. I'd love to see the Johnson Central versus Ashland game this week.