article BluegrassPreps Class 6A Football Playoff Preview

Region 1: (District 1 vs. District 4)

McCracken County (7-3) basically won the district title and the #1 seed for the playoffs two weeks ago. Even though McCracken County last played against Muhlenberg County, most knew this game would be a mismatch. They got a week off before the playoffs start to rest and get the injured healed up for what they hope is a state title run. McCracken County has put up a total of 311 points on the season and averaging 31.1 points per game. Quarterback Elijah Wheat is a big part of the success, throwing for close to 1400 yards and 15 touchdowns. Franklin Hayes, Alex Meizio, Tymar Halliburton, and Cannon Lamont have been his consistent targets, accounting for all of his touchdown passes thrown. Hunter Bradley has anchored the run game by putting up 585 yards and 8 touchdowns. McCracken County has distributed the ball fairly well to its playmakers all season. The McCracken County defense is lead by Kiael Waldon and Jack Holland. These two have accounted for over 120 tackles on the season. The defense has also 5 fumble recoveries and 7 interceptions and two of those were returned for touchdowns. McCracken County is on a 5 game winning streak and they hope their luck continues, as they will host Jeffersontown in the first round.

Trinity (4-6) locked up the #1 seed and the district title this past week over Ballard, 19-14. Trinity started the season with a 30 game winning streak and hopes of its 26th state championship. Trinity never got the season start they were looking for as they began the season 0-5, before finally picking up its first win. The bad start wasn’t the only problem for the Shamrocks as the injury bug has been a thorn in the Shamrocks' side. The Trinity offense is averaging 29.8 points per game (per the eight games of stats reported.) Quarterback Seth Jutz is listed to have thrown for over 500 yards and 5 touchdowns on the season. Ryan Miller and Jacob McCarthy has been the favorite targets in the offense. The rushing attack, what was going to be the backbone of the Shamrocks this season, has been where the injury bug has hit the most. The Shamrocks have been down to their 3rd string running back most of the season, but word is Luke McGuire was suited up for the Ballard game, though he hasn’t played since the week two. While the offense has put up solid numbers, the defense hasn’t been to shabby, only giving up a average of 17.7 points per game. Stephen Herron (Stanford commit) has been the leader of the defense. He has been a disruptive force making sacks, blocking punts,and making tackles. He has almost been unblockable. If Trinity is going to get back to were they want to be, he will be the key. Trinity will host Muhlenberg County in the first round.

Although McCracken County and Trinity are the top seeds in this region, there is another team that could make some noise and poise a threat, the Ballard Bruins. Ballard has plenty of athletes to match up with most teams. They did however lose their starting quarterback early in the season, but the backup Larry Cummings has played pretty well since taking over during the Manual game. Elijah Downing has been the big play guy in the pass game, hauling in 27 catches on the season for 356 yards and 4 touchdowns. Jayden Farmer anchors the running game, rushing for just about 40 yards a game in a pass heavy offense. Defense has been a strong point for Ballard, allowing just over 17 points per game. The headliner of the defense is Jared Casey (Oregon commit), but Justice Thompson is the leading tackler on the team. These two young men have accounted for over 140 tackles on the season. If Ballard is going to have a chance in the playoffs, they will need these two young men to continue to step up.

Ballard will host a dangerous Daviess County team lead by Marquel Tinsley and Joseph Cambron.

Region 1 Championship prediction: Trinity 21 Ballard 17

Region 2: ( District 2 vs. District 3)

Unlike Region 1, Region 2 has several teams that could make a big time playoff run. This region is loaded with talent and has four contenders that could win it. The two favorite are Saint Xavier and Male. North Hardin is a team to keep a close eye on but will have to beat Male in a 2nd round match-up to get a shot at the region championship.

Saint Xavier (7-3) started the 2018 season with a heartbreaking loss to 2A DeSales, 19-16. The loss took class 6A by storm. Saint Xavier would drop another heartbreaker in game 2 of the season to Bowling Green, 24-21. Saint Xavier would rebound quite nicely, reeling off 7 straight wins. Saint Xavier has also had their fair share of injuries this season, losing the starting quarterback for a few games before the season, and for a few games after returning back to action. The back-up quarterback, Douglas Bodhaine, has played pretty well in the absence of Keegan Sullivan. He has thrown for 692 yards and 3 touchdowns on the season, but he has also rushed for 348 yards and 8 touchdowns. Anthony Moretti has been a work horse for the Tigers. He has accounted for 529 yards and 6 touchdowns in the rushing department while also accounting for 255 yards and a touchdown in the passing game. The defense has been the key in the 7 game winning streak. They are allowing an average of 12.6 points per game. Quinn Owen and Camren Sams have been the leaders of the defense, accounting for over 100 tackles and taking advantage of the other teams' mistakes.

Saint Xavier will host Ohio County in Round 1.

Male (9-1) has had a heck of season, starting out 8-0 before losing to Saint Xavier in district play. One thing that needs to be noted and always seems to be true, It will be very hard to beat a good team twice. Male is another team that was hit with the injury bug early. They lost starting running back Henry Vestal the 2nd game, but quarterback Garrett Dennis and Quantrell Wright have shared the work load in the backfield, accounting for 900 yards and 13 touchdowns. Garrett Dennis has also had a phenomenal season, throwing the ball as well. He has thrown for over 1600 yards and 25 touchdowns, distributing the ball fairly evenly between 4 receivers, who have accounted for close to 1500 yards of the 1600 yards the quarterback has thrown. The Male defense has been tough all year, only allowing 7.4 points per game. Joe Kuerzi is a big part for the success. He has accounted for 77 tackles, 3 sacks and 1 interception which was returned for a touchdown. Male will host Meade County in the opening round.

Region 2 Championship prediction: Male 17 Saint Xavier 13

Region 3: (District 5 vs. District 8)

While the first two regions are full of big time teams, region 3 seems to be more understated. However, Region 3 does present us with a team that did crack the BluegrassPreps Top 10 sometime this season in Madison Central.

Madison Central (8-2) has put together a phenomenal season. Their only blemishes are to 5A Southwestern and 6A Frederick Douglass. Madison Central's success this season has been on the backs of four seniors. Quarterback Derrick Miller has thrown for over 750 yards and 8 touchdowns and has also rushed for 373 yards and 4 touchdowns. Freddy Chenault has carried most of the work load in the rushing department, accounting for over 800 yards and 14 touchdowns. Ethan Hahn is the 2nd leading rusher on team with 483 yards and 4 touchdowns. This Madison Central offense is averaging just over 28 points per game, while only allowing 15.3 points per game defensively. A big part of that defense is Jackson Juett. He has accounted for over 100 tackles and forcing 4 turnovers. Madison Central will host Seneca in the 1st round

Conner (7-3) is the district 5 winner. They have put together an outstanding season beating some big time name teams such as Newport Central Catholic. They also have a solid win over a top 10 Lloyd. They won the district over Cooper and Ryle (who has owned this district previously.) Conner has won most of their games behind the strength of its offensive line and running game. Conner has rushed for close to 1900 yards and 26 touchdowns. Christian Webster is the leading ground gainer in the offense rushing for over 1000 yards and 11 touchdowns on the season. Quarterback Jared Hicks has thrown for over 800 yards and 4 touchdowns on the season. His favorite targets on the season have been Emmanuel Merkel, and Tate Neiderman. These young men have accounted for right at 500 yards and 2 touchdowns of Jared Hicks 800 yards. Defensively Conner is lead by Clayton Boyd who has racked up 80 tackles to go along with 3 quarterback sacks, 1 interception, 1 forced fumble and 1 fumble recovery. Conner will host a very dangerous Lafayette team in the first round.

Region 3 Championship prediction: Madison Central 21 Conner 20

Region 4: ( District 6 vs. District 7)

Region 4 for is very similar to region 2. But there is a favorite to come out of this region. There are teams such as Simon Kenton and Scott County who could pose a serious threat. This region also has four teams that is in the BluegrassPreps Top 10.

Frederick Douglass (10-0) is the favorite and the #1 seed in District 7. Frederick Douglass will have athletes all over the field. They have a very good Quarterback in (Cincinnati commit) Cameron Jones to get the ball to these athletes. He has thrown for well over 2300 yards and 26 touchdowns. He has 5 big time targets who could score at anytime. Dekel Crowdus is the leading receiver on the team who has hauled in 32 catches for 741 yards and 9 touchdowns. Haiden Hunt is another weapon who has 611 yards and 5 touchdowns. Those two young men alone are very dangerous. But they still have more weapons in Micah Lowe, Montaveon Bean, and Demarco Fishback. These three have accounted for over 800 yards and 9 touchdowns. Demarco Fishback is also a very dangerous running back, rushing for over 1000 yards and 18 touchdowns. He is averaging two touchdowns rushing per game. This offense is averaging 44 points per game. The defense isn’t to shabby itself only allowing just over 7 points per game. The defense has made 14.5 sacks, forced 8 fumbles and recovered 7 of them. The Broncos secondary has 12 interceptions, 2 of those have been returned for touchdowns. Frederick Douglass will host Pleasure Ridge Park

Scott County (7-3) could pose a serious threat to Frederick Douglass hopes of a regional championship. This match-up normally would be for the regional championship, but Scott County was defeated at home by Henry Clay, 51-27, so this match-up will happen in round two if Scott County can get a win at Campbell County. Scott County will rely heavily on its rushing attack by big offensive linemen Bryan Hudson (Virginia Tech commit). They have rushed for over 3000 yards and 37 touchdowns. So it will be a tall task to contain such a rushing attack. They will travel in round 1 to play Campbell County.

Simon Kenton (8-2) is the district 6 winner. Simon Kenton has defeated its district opponents by a score of 66-14. They started the season on a 5 game winning streak, then lost the next two games to northern Kentucky powers Highlands (on the rise) and 1A Beechwood. They did however finish the season strong, locking up the district and winning the next three games. Simon Kenton has leaned heavy on its three headed monster in the running game of Caleb Farfsing, John Sergent, and John Hammack. These young men have rushed for over 2100 yards and 26 touchdowns. Caleb Farfsing has also thrown for over 1000 yards and 9 touchdowns as well. Evan Mulberry has been the favorite target hauling in 23 catches for 295 yards and 2 touchdowns. This offense is averaging 32 points per game. The defense has been lead by Seniors JJ Courtney, Bryson Pernell, and Clay Cogswell. These young men have accounted for more than 200 tackles. Junior Vuk Sajlovic is another leader of the defense accounting for 60 more tackles. This defense is only giving up 17 points per game. Simon Kenton will host Bryan Station in the first round.

Region 4 Championship prediction: Frederick Douglass 24 Simon Kenton 14

State Semifinals prediction: Male 17 Trinity 13

State Semifinals prediction: Frederick Douglass 35 Madison Central 10

State Finals prediction: Frederick Douglass 21 Male 20

My Tigers will have to go through a meat grinder to win the title. Will have to most likely beat Butler, Male, Trinity, and Frederick Douglass. Good defense will give them a shot, just need offense to avoid turnovers.

My Tigers will have to go through a meat grinder to win the title. Will have to most likely beat Butler, Male, Trinity, and Frederick Douglass. Good defense will give them a shot, just need offense to avoid turnovers.

Sounds about like road that Owensboro is going to have to go through to get to the finals. Getting there will be a task in itself, but it sounds like Coach Wallace has them poised to accomplish the task. Good luck!!!! I am glad you have him and he's not coaching Bowling Green this year.

Good luck Pioneers!

My Tigers will have to go through a meat grinder to win the title. Will have to most likely beat Butler, Male, Trinity, and Frederick Douglass. Good defense will give them a shot, just need offense to avoid turnovers.

Tough district hands down. It also will be a tough Region to get out of.

Region 1: (District 1 vs. District 4)

 

McCracken County (7-3) basically won the district title and the #1 seed for the playoffs two weeks ago. Even though McCracken County last played against Muhlenberg County, most knew this game would be a mismatch. They got a week off before the playoffs start to rest and get the injured healed up for what they hope is a state title run. McCracken County has put up a total of 311 points on the season and averaging 31.1 points per game. Quarterback Elijah Wheat is a big part of the success, throwing for close to 1400 yards and 15 touchdowns. Franklin Hayes, Alex Meizio, Tymar Halliburton, and Cannon Lamont have been his consistent targets, accounting for all of his touchdown passes thrown. Hunter Bradley has anchored the run game by putting up 585 yards and 8 touchdowns. McCracken County has distributed the ball fairly well to its playmakers all season. The McCracken County defense is lead by Kiael Waldon and Jack Holland. These two have accounted for over 120 tackles on the season. The defense has also 5 fumble recoveries and 7 interceptions and two of those were returned for touchdowns. McCracken County is on a 5 game winning streak and they hope their luck continues, as they will host Jeffersontown in the first round.

 

Trinity (4-6) locked up the #1 seed and the district title this past week over Ballard, 19-14. Trinity started the season with a 30 game winning streak and hopes of its 26th state championship. Trinity never got the season start they were looking for as they began the season 0-5, before finally picking up its first win. The bad start wasn’t the only problem for the Shamrocks as the injury bug has been a thorn in the Shamrocks' side. The Trinity offense is averaging 29.8 points per game (per the eight games of stats reported.) Quarterback Seth Jutz is listed to have thrown for over 500 yards and 5 touchdowns on the season. Ryan Miller and Jacob McCarthy has been the favorite targets in the offense. The rushing attack, what was going to be the backbone of the Shamrocks this season, has been where the injury bug has hit the most. The Shamrocks have been down to their 3rd string running back most of the season, but word is Luke McGuire was suited up for the Ballard game, though he hasn’t played since the week two. While the offense has put up solid numbers, the defense hasn’t been to shabby, only giving up a average of 17.7 points per game. Stephen Herron (Stanford commit) has been the leader of the defense. He has been a disruptive force making sacks, blocking punts,and making tackles. He has almost been unblockable. If Trinity is going to get back to were they want to be, he will be the key. Trinity will host Muhlenberg County in the first round.

 

Although McCracken County and Trinity are the top seeds in this region, there is another team that could make some noise and poise a threat, the Ballard Bruins. Ballard has plenty of athletes to match up with most teams. They did however lose their starting quarterback early in the season, but the backup Larry Cummings has played pretty well since taking over during the Manual game. Elijah Downing has been the big play guy in the pass game, hauling in 27 catches on the season for 356 yards and 4 touchdowns. Jayden Farmer anchors the running game, rushing for just about 40 yards a game in a pass heavy offense. Defense has been a strong point for Ballard, allowing just over 17 points per game. The headliner of the defense is Jared Casey (Oregon commit), but Justice Thompson is the leading tackler on the team. These two young men have accounted for over 140 tackles on the season. If Ballard is going to have a chance in the playoffs, they will need these two young men to continue to step up.

Ballard will host a dangerous Daviess County team lead by Marquel Tinsley and Joseph Cambron.

 

Region 1 Championship prediction: Trinity 21 Ballard 17

 

Region 2: ( District 2 vs. District 3)

 

Unlike Region 1, Region 2 has several teams that could make a big time playoff run. This region is loaded with talent and has four contenders that could win it. The two favorite are Saint Xavier and Male. North Hardin is a team to keep a close eye on but will have to beat Male in a 2nd round match-up to get a shot at the region championship.

 

Saint Xavier (7-3) started the 2018 season with a heartbreaking loss to 2A DeSales, 19-16. The loss took class 6A by storm. Saint Xavier would drop another heartbreaker in game 2 of the season to Bowling Green, 24-21. Saint Xavier would rebound quite nicely, reeling off 7 straight wins. Saint Xavier has also had their fair share of injuries this season, losing the starting quarterback for a few games before the season, and for a few games after returning back to action. The back-up quarterback, Douglas Bodhaine, has played pretty well in the absence of Keegan Sullivan. He has thrown for 692 yards and 3 touchdowns on the season, but he has also rushed for 348 yards and 8 touchdowns. Anthony Moretti has been a work horse for the Tigers. He has accounted for 529 yards and 6 touchdowns in the rushing department while also accounting for 255 yards and a touchdown in the passing game. The defense has been the key in the 7 game winning streak. They are allowing an average of 12.6 points per game. Quinn Owen and Camren Sams have been the leaders of the defense, accounting for over 100 tackles and taking advantage of the other teams' mistakes.

Saint Xavier will host Ohio County in Round 1.

 

Male (9-1) has had a heck of season, starting out 8-0 before losing to Saint Xavier in district play. One thing that needs to be noted and always seems to be true, It will be very hard to beat a good team twice. Male is another team that was hit with the injury bug early. They lost starting running back Henry Vestal the 2nd game, but quarterback Garrett Dennis and Quantrell Wright have shared the work load in the backfield, accounting for 900 yards and 13 touchdowns. Garrett Dennis has also had a phenomenal season, throwing the ball as well. He has thrown for over 1600 yards and 25 touchdowns, distributing the ball fairly evenly between 4 receivers, who have accounted for close to 1500 yards of the 1600 yards the quarterback has thrown. The Male defense has been tough all year, only allowing 7.4 points per game. Joe Kuerzi is a big part for the success. He has accounted for 77 tackles, 3 sacks and 1 interception which was returned for a touchdown. Male will host Meade County in the opening round.

 

 

 

Region 2 Championship prediction: Male 17 Saint Xavier 13

 

Region 3: (District 5 vs. District 8)

 

 

While the first two regions are full of big time teams, region 3 seems to be more understated. However, Region 3 does present us with a team that did crack the BluegrassPreps Top 10 sometime this season in Madison Central.

 

Madison Central (8-2) has put together a phenomenal season. Their only blemishes are to 5A Southwestern and 6A Frederick Douglass. Madison Central's success this season has been on the backs of four seniors. Quarterback Derrick Miller has thrown for over 750 yards and 8 touchdowns and has also rushed for 373 yards and 4 touchdowns. Freddy Chenault has carried most of the work load in the rushing department, accounting for over 800 yards and 14 touchdowns. Ethan Hahn is the 2nd leading rusher on team with 483 yards and 4 touchdowns. This Madison Central offense is averaging just over 28 points per game, while only allowing 15.3 points per game defensively. A big part of that defense is Jackson Juett. He has accounted for over 100 tackles and forcing 4 turnovers. Madison Central will host Seneca in the 1st round

 

Conner (7-3) is the district 5 winner. They have put together an outstanding season beating some big time name teams such as Newport Central Catholic. They also have a solid win over a top 10 Lloyd. They won the district over Cooper and Ryle (who has owned this district previously.) Conner has won most of their games behind the strength of its offensive line and running game. Conner has rushed for close to 1900 yards and 26 touchdowns. Christian Webster is the leading ground gainer in the offense rushing for over 1000 yards and 11 touchdowns on the season. Quarterback Jared Hicks has thrown for over 800 yards and 4 touchdowns on the season. His favorite targets on the season have been Emmanuel Merkel, and Tate Neiderman. These young men have accounted for right at 500 yards and 2 touchdowns of Jared Hicks 800 yards. Defensively Conner is lead by Clayton Boyd who has racked up 80 tackles to go along with 3 quarterback sacks, 1 interception, 1 forced fumble and 1 fumble recovery. Conner will host a very dangerous Lafayette team in the first round.

 

Region 3 Championship prediction: Madison Central 21 Conner 20

 

Region 4: ( District 6 vs. District 7)

 

Region 4 for is very similar to region 2. But there is a favorite to come out of this region. There are teams such as Simon Kenton and Scott County who could pose a serious threat. This region also has four teams that is in the BluegrassPreps Top 10.

 

Frederick Douglass (10-0) is the favorite and the #1 seed in District 7. Frederick Douglass will have athletes all over the field. They have a very good Quarterback in (Cincinnati commit) Cameron Jones to get the ball to these athletes. He has thrown for well over 2300 yards and 26 touchdowns. He has 5 big time targets who could score at anytime. Dekel Crowdus is the leading receiver on the team who has hauled in 32 catches for 741 yards and 9 touchdowns. Haiden Hunt is another weapon who has 611 yards and 5 touchdowns. Those two young men alone are very dangerous. But they still have more weapons in Micah Lowe, Montaveon Bean, and Demarco Fishback. These three have accounted for over 800 yards and 9 touchdowns. Demarco Fishback is also a very dangerous running back, rushing for over 1000 yards and 18 touchdowns. He is averaging two touchdowns rushing per game. This offense is averaging 44 points per game. The defense isn’t to shabby itself only allowing just over 7 points per game. The defense has made 14.5 sacks, forced 8 fumbles and recovered 7 of them. The Broncos secondary has 12 interceptions, 2 of those have been returned for touchdowns. Frederick Douglass will host Pleasure Ridge Park

 

Scott County (7-3) could pose a serious threat to Frederick Douglass hopes of a regional championship. This match-up normally would be for the regional championship, but Scott County was defeated at home by Henry Clay, 51-27, so this match-up will happen in round two if Scott County can get a win at Campbell County. Scott County will rely heavily on its rushing attack by big offensive linemen Bryan Hudson (Virginia Tech commit). They have rushed for over 3000 yards and 37 touchdowns. So it will be a tall task to contain such a rushing attack. They will travel in round 1 to play Campbell County.

 

Simon Kenton (8-2) is the district 6 winner. Simon Kenton has defeated its district opponents by a score of 66-14. They started the season on a 5 game winning streak, then lost the next two games to northern Kentucky powers Highlands (on the rise) and 1A Beechwood. They did however finish the season strong, locking up the district and winning the next three games. Simon Kenton has leaned heavy on its three headed monster in the running game of Caleb Farfsing, John Sergent, and John Hammack. These young men have rushed for over 2100 yards and 26 touchdowns. Caleb Farfsing has also thrown for over 1000 yards and 9 touchdowns as well. Evan Mulberry has been the favorite target hauling in 23 catches for 295 yards and 2 touchdowns. This offense is averaging 32 points per game. The defense has been lead by Seniors JJ Courtney, Bryson Pernell, and Clay Cogswell. These young men have accounted for more than 200 tackles. Junior Vuk Sajlovic is another leader of the defense accounting for 60 more tackles. This defense is only giving up 17 points per game. Simon Kenton will host Bryan Station in the first round.

 

Region 4 Championship prediction: Frederick Douglass 24 Simon Kenton 14

 

State Semifinals prediction: Male 17 Trinity 13

 

State Semifinals prediction: Frederick Douglass 35 Madison Central 10

 

State Finals prediction: Frederick Douglass 21 Male 20

Great work. However didnt Madison Central just lose to Bryan Station by 20 last week? I also think you were a little off based saying Ryle has owned the district. In the 4 years now it has been a district. Cooper won it the first year, Ryle won it the next two, and Conner this year. So in a 3 team district, every team won it at least once in a 4 year period. So I know I'm just nit picking here. Overall great job with your reports and thanks for the hard work put into them.

The road for St. X is as tough as I’ve seen in a long time. With the way their defense has played all season they have a very good shot at getting to Kroger Field. Defense and running the football are two things that always travel in the playoffs. I like their chances, especially with the opportunity of playing at home.

ttt

They say defense wins Championships, and the St.X defense held two of the top 5 offenses in 6A to 14 and 7 points. The last time the Tigers lost to DeSales they won the Championship. Going with DeJa Vu! Go Tigers!

Lets go Rocks. Prove all of the doubters wrong.

Conner is an underrated team and it wouldn't shock me to see them end up as Region Champs and a spot in the semifinals. They aren't flashy but they grind out wins.

They say defense wins Championships, and the St.X defense held two of the top 5 offenses in 6A to 14 and 7 points. The last time the Tigers lost to DeSales they won the Championship. Going with DeJa Vu! Go Tigers!

I like things like that. Is it game time yet!

Most predictions have been spot on except, the Frederick Douglass one. But it was also noted that Scott County would be a threat. 6A seems to be shaking up pretty well.

Most predictions have been spot on except, the Frederick Douglass one. But it was also noted they would be a threat. 6A seems to be shaking up pretty well.

All the usual suspects rising to the top.