article Central Kentucky Power Rankings- September 12, 2019

We are officially over 1/4 the of the way through the regular season. Central Kentucky had its first losses from teams in the top 5. Lexington Catholic coming up just short against Covington Catholic and Anderson falling to Mercer. The other 3 teams flexed their muscle and showed that they deserve to stay where they are.

 

The Top 10

 

1. Frederick Douglass (5A, 3-0)

 

Last Week: Douglass remains undefeated against FCPS opponents in their 40-0 win over Lafayette. The D dominated allowing just 9 yards of offense and spent a lot of time in the Lafayette backfield coming up with 11 tackles for loss. The offense who had a short field for most of the evening was led by QB Josh McClurg. He had 189 yards combined passing and rushing along with 2 TD. Dane Key showed what he can do on special teams with 2 returns for scores.

 

This week: Frederick Douglass will look to extend their streak versus city opponents when they take the trip over to Dunbar (6A, 1-2). Don’t look for Dunbar to be a serious threat to the Broncos unblemished record so far.

 

2. Boyle County (4A, 3-0)

 

Last week: Crosstown rival Danville was no match for the Rebels as Boyle rolled to a 59-0 win giving Chuck Smith his 200th victory at Boyle. The defense continued its scoreless streak while the offense was able to do whatever it pleased. RB Will McDaniel led the Rebels in yardage gaining 93 yards and 2 TD on 8 carries.

 

This week: Boyle takes the short trip north to neighboring Mercer County (3A, 3-0). Mercer is coming off a thrilling victory over a Boyle district opponent, Anderson County. Several media outlets are naming this their game of the week as both teams look to move to 4-0.

 

3. Scott County (5A, 3-0)

 

Last Week: Scott County removed some of the doubt that was generated from the week before by taking care of Manual 48-35. The Cardinal ground attack was once again led by Philip Garner. He accounted for 198 yards and 3 scores while Bronson Brown added another 105 yards. Brown also had a 55 yard Int return for a TD. QB Cade McKee provided some big plays with his arm throwing for 129 yards and 2 TD on just 3 completions.

 

This week: Scott County will travel to Bryan Station (6A, 1-1). The defenders have had 2 weeks to prepare for this matchup but look for the Cardinals to handle their business this week.

 

4. Lexington Catholic (4A, 2-1)

 

Last week: Lexington Catholic had Covington Catholic backed into the corner all night but couldn’t finish them off falling 39-38. Lex Cath turned heads around the state in this defeat and most assumed Covington Catholic would run away with the victory. Beau Allen had another impressive stat line completing 23 passes for 455 yards and 5 TDs and threw zero INTs. Blake Busson came up big in several 3rd and long situations. He had 3 receptions for 167 yards and 2 TDs.

 

This week: 3A title contender DeSales (1-1) comes to Lexington Catholic for what should be another good test for the Knights. DeSales will be well rested as they are coming off of a bye and a 37-8 Win over Butler the week before that.

 

5. Taylor County (3A, 3-0)

 

Last Week: Taylor County used two 4th quarter TDs to complete a come from behind 29-20 victory over cross town rival, Campbellsville. RB Wes Oliver came through with another good night for Taylor County providing 186 yards and 2 TDs.

 

This week: Taylor County hits the road to take on Green County (2A, 0-3). Green County has yet to come close to victory in their 3 games so far. Look for Taylor to be able to play some guys that don’t normally get a lot of PT.

 

6. Franklin County (4A, 3-0)

 

Last Week: The Flyers had little trouble with Collins, winning 46-7. Tariq Lester shined on both sides of the ball with 105 yards rushing and 2 scores to go along with 11 tackles, 3 TFL and a sack on the other side of the ball. QB Nick Broyles was solid as well completing 12/19 passes for 167 yards and 3 TD. He also had 6 carries for another 81 yards and a score.

 

This week: Franklin County will play host to neighboring and fellow CKY top 10 Anderson County. Anderson will be looking to avoid back to back losses while Franklin looks to move to 4-0 and prove they are truly a contender in 4A. This game will be one to keep an eye on!

 

7. Lexington Christian Academy (2A, 2-1)

 

Last Week: LCA went across the Ohio River to take on Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy. The game was never in doubt for LCA even through the final score of 47-37 may indicate otherwise. WR Dearious Smith has a big night hauling in 12 catches for 243 yards and a TD. QB Jayden Barnhardt went 21/32 for 321 yards and 2 TD. He also added another 2 TDs on the ground.

 

This week: LCA heads down to Madison Southern to take on Madison Central (6A, 0-3) in the Doc Sipple Bowl. Central will be looking to get their first win of the season while LCA will be looking to have a good week in preparation for next weeks matchup against Lexington Catholic.

 

8. Mercer County (3A, 3-0)

 

Last Week: The Titans held off a furious Anderson come back attempt to win 15-13 this moving then into the top 10 for the first time this season. Mercer continues to ride their strong defense while the offense improves week to week. Defensively for the Titans Braeden Dunn led the way with 15 tackles, 2 TFL and a sack. Malachi Yulee led on the offensive side of the ball gaining 102 yards on 15 carries and a score.

 

This week: Mercer County will host Boyle County (4A, 3-0) in a matchup of two ranked Central Kentucky teams. Nobody has been able to slow down the Rebels so far this season as they are averaging 50 Points per game offensively while their defense has yet to allow any points (the 7 against Bullitt Central was on a pick 6). The Mercer defense will be put to the test in this one. It’s a full moon Friday the 13th, who knows what kind of craziness will occur.

 

9. Anderson County (4A, 2-1)

 

Last week: The Bearcats made it as far as the 4 yard line with under two minutes left looking to take the lead but were derailed by penalties and a turnover in their 15-13 loss to Mercer County. It has been hard to get a read on how good Anderson county is or what their ceiling is based on their 3 games so far.

 

Next Week: Anderson gets a chance to show Central Kentucky what their potential is when they visit a quality Franklin County (4A, 3-0) squad. Their defense will be tested by the arms and legs of Flyer star QB Nick Broyles who has 927 total yards and 11 TDs over 3 games this season.

 

10. Campbellsville (A, 2-1)

 

Last week: Campbellsville led Taylor County for the majority of the game before squandering their lead in the 4th quarter ultimately falling 29-20 to their rival. Malachi Corley has a knack for playing well against Taylor County. Last week he had 179 offensive yards on 17 touches and a TD while adding 14 tackles from the defensive side of the ball.

 

Next week: The Eagles will take on their 4th consecutive 3A opponent when they hit to road to take on Larue County (3A, 1-2). Larue is coming off their first win of the season and will be looking to gain some momentum after a slow 0-2 start.

 

Teams 11-15

 

11. Henry Clay (6A, 0-2)

 

Last week: Henry Clay got to catch their breath after their rough outing vs St. X as the Devils had their Bye week.

 

This week: Henry Clay welcomes Pulaski County (5A, 2-1) to town. The Maroons are coming off a narrow 23-22 victory over Corbin and are led by WR and EKU commit Jake Sloan (113 ypg).

 

12. East Jessamine (5A, 2-1)

 

Last Week: East has a knack for playing in close games this season as all 3 games have been decided by a touchdown. They were able to knock off Dunbar by a score of 28-21. The Jags were carried by the legs of Dylan Moore who carried the rock 35 times for 162 yards and 3 scores. QB added another 124 yards on the ground as well.

 

Next Week: East will travel into the mountains to take on Paintsville (A, 2-1). Paintsville is coming off a 1 point loss to A powerhouse Pikeville and two weeks removed from knocking off Beechwood 19-14.

 

13. Lincoln County (4A, 2-1)

 

Last Week: Lincoln was able to bounce back from their OT loss to East Jessamine by taking care of West Jessamine 42-15. The Patriots collectively rushed for 330 yards and used their defense to keep West at bay. West Jessamine’s lone offensive score came late in the game against the younger Lincoln players.

 

Next Week: Lincoln will head to North Laurel (5A, 1-2). The Jaguars will look to test the Patriots run defense as they come into this game averaging 273 ypg on the ground.

 

14. Danville (2A, 1-2)

 

Last Week: The “Titletown Showdown” was a game to forget for the Admirals. Danville was completely dominated in all facets of the game en route to a 59-0 loss to Boyle County. The Ads were without suspended Sophomore RB Caleb Burns due to his ejection in the Bardstown game but I’m not sure how much of a difference it would have made.

 

This week: Danville will look to return to their winning ways as they travel to Madison Southern (5A, 1-2) in the Doc Sipple Bowl. Southern is coming off a win over rival Madison Central.

 

15. LaRue County (3A, 1-2)

 

Last week: The Hawks finally got into the win column with a 28-7 victory over Casey County. They were finally able to get RB Jeremiah Belton going as he tallied 129 yards on the ground. Defensively they were able to come up with 3 interceptions while returning one for a score.

 

Next Week: LaRue will take on a top 5 class A team in Campbellsville (2-1) who will be hungry to get back to their winning ways after losing to their cross town rival. The key for the Hawks will be trying to slow down Campbellsville star Malachi Corley who has 519 total yards and 9 touchdowns over 3 games.

 

Teams 16-20

 

16. Russell County (3A, 3-0) last week, W 28-26 vs Metcalfe Co. Next week, at 3A Casey County.

17. Washington County (2A, 2-1) last week, L 41-39 vs Kentucky Country Day. Next week, at 3A Bardstown.

18. Woodford County (5A, 2-1) last week, W 47-20 vs Bourbon County. Next week, at 5A Great Crossing.

19. Harrison County (4A, 2-1) last week, W 49-0 vs Great Crossing. Next week, vs Boyd County.

20. George Rogers Clark (6A, 1-1) last week, W 34-28 vs Tates Creek. Next week, at 5A Montgomery County.

 

Teams on the rise

 

1. East Jessamine- The Jags have bounced back from their first game loss to win 2 straight over Lincoln County and Dunbar.

2. Harrison County- The loss to Newport to start the season isn’t looking so bad as Newport has moved into the BGP 2A top 10. The Breds have won since gotten wins over Mason County and Great Crossing.

 

Teams on the decline

 

1. Tates Creek- the Commodores have suffered consecutive losses to Frederick Douglass and George Rogers Clark. The task doesn’t get much easier as they face North Hardin this week.

2. Danville- The game 1 blowout over John Hardin has lost its luster as JH is 0-3 and the Ads have since lost back to back games.

 

Players of the week

 

1. QB Beau Allen, Lexington Catholic- 23/33 455 yards 5 TD 0 INT.

2. WR Dearious Smith, Lexington Christian Academy- 12 receptions 243 yards 1 TD.

3. RB Timmy Thompson, Berea- 11 carries 205 yards 5 TD.

4. RB Christian Hansford, Garrard County- 27 carries 293 yards 5 TD.

5. Jatavian Churchill, Washington County- 8/13 90 yards, 11 carries 269 yards 3 TD.

 

Last Weeks Game of the week.

 

Taylor County 29 Campbellsville 20

 

Campbellsville led for most of the game before Taylor County scored several times in the 4th quarter to overcome a 20-7 deficit and come out on top.

 

This weeks Game of the Week

 

CKY #6 Franklin County vs CKY #9 Anderson County

 

Both teams are in the top 10 of this weeks Central Kentucky poll. Anderson County is looking to bounce back after a tough loss to Mercer County while Franklin County will be looking to further prove they are a contender in class 4A.

Outstanding Work West.....

Great work!