article 1A Notebook - Playoff Review and Update Semifinal Round

Here we are to the final four. Let's take a look at the preview, see if there were any surprises and look ahead to tonight at the possible title game matchups.

Here is a link to the original preview if you want to go back and check it out: http://bluegrasspreps.com/ky-football-high/bluegrasspreps-class-1a-371876.html

West Bracket

Region 1

Region 1 went as projected till the title game. The expected Campbellsville versus Crittenden County happened and the preview projected a close 3 point win for Crittenden County. However, some cracks showed up in the district title game for Crittenden County as they had to fight hard to hold off a late charge from Bethlehem. That game was surprisingly close at the end and caused doubts about whether Crittenden County would be able to avenge last year's regional title loss to Campbellsville. Sure enough, those doubts became reality as Campbellsville took care of business with a 26-21 win.

Region 2

There were no surprises in Region 2. The preview projected a regional title game battle between two time defending state champion Beechwood and the Frankfort Panthers. Those two teams performed as expected to meet up in Ft. Mitchell in the title game. The preview projected out a 49-14 win for Beechwood, which was very close to on the money as the Tigers rolled to a 49-8 win.

Semifinal Projection - Beechwood 42 Crittenden County 14

Obviously, it is Campbellsville not Crittenden County in the final four at Beechwood. However, just change the name and leave the projected score the same. Beechwood rolled over Campbellsville 63-7 in last year's semifinal. Look for Campbellsville to make it a little closer this year but Beechwood's advantage in the trenches will be too much for the Eagles.

East Bracket

Region 3

Once again the preview was on target in the projection in this regional. Everything ran true to form with Raceland and Paintsville facing off once again in a regional title game. Paintsville posted a 6-0 regular season win and that score told us to expect another defensive struggle. The preview projected a Raceland 20-14 win. The defenses were in full display once again in the title game as expected. This time however the result was different than in the regular season with Raceland getting a one touchdown win as projected. Final score in the regional title game was Raceland 14 Paintsville 7.

Region 4

This region featured the biggest upset in the regional games. The preview projected a Pikeville rematch with Hazard and a score of 34-21 in favor of the Panthers. Williamsburg was having none of that. The preview said Williamsburg had a shot at the win but didn't think Williamsburg's offense would be able to put up this many points on Hazard. Williamsburg proved the numbers don't lie. Their offense was one of the most explosive in 1A all year and they showed that firepower off in a 45-27 district title win over Hazard. Pikeville was not worried. The Panthers appear to be getting better and better every week. They had no problems with the Williamsburg offense and steam rolled their way to the semifinals with an impressive 57-16 win over Williamsburg.

Semifinal Projection - Pikeville 24 Raceland 14

This is the projected matchup, and this projected score looks like a solid prediction. Last year Raceland was the favorite and held off Pikeville 17-14 to make their first title game trip. This year the Rams are the underdog. Can they show Pikeville how to spring a semifinal game upset and get the win? This should be a great game, but we will stick with the original projection of Pikeville winning 24-14.

Championship Projection - Beechwood 28 Pikeville 21

We don't want to get ahead of ourselves. Let's see how these semifinal games play out. That championship game projection looks solid. We'll come back next week and review the semifinals and take a closer look at the title game.