Class 4A Playoffs: 4A Franklin-Simpson at 4A #7 Madisonville North-Hopkins Predictions

The Maroons, who is coming off a 28-21 road win over Hopkinsville will return home to host Franklin-Simpson.

Franklin-Simpson is riding a 2 game win streak and has won 7 of their last 8.

I think Madisonville has been looking forward to trying to get to this game. Franklin knocked them out last year and know many of these Maroons haven't forgotten that and want this game pretty bad. I look for Franklin to play hard and compete, but for Madisonville to be too much in the end.

This looks like a steep climb for the Wildcats. It’s why we turn the lights on every Friday night though.

Madisonville will come away with win, Franklin-Simpson will compete, but Madisonville will be to much.

I think Franklin will make a good account of themselves I expect something like last weeks game for MNH so I expect them to win in a close one.

Madisonville is just going to be too much offensively. Their QB Hayden Reynolds is very underrated. Can throw and run. True dual threat.

Madisonville 35

Franklin Simpson 21

Bump.

I think somehow, FS makes enough plays to steal a win here. 24-21 FS

35-14 Madisonville

Currently the poll says Madisonville 23-8.

This will be the seventh playoff game in the last nine years between these two teams. All of the previous six have been at Franklin-Simpson and this one would have been as well under the old playoff format as Madisonville was the third seed from their district. FS is 5-1 in those games with Madisonville having a 35-21 come from behind victory in 2014. In 2011 and 2018 Madisonville gave FS its closest playoff game before the state finals.

Madisonville should be very motivated to win this one, not just because it’s a playoff game but finally getting the Wildcats in Madisonville after so many of their seasons have ended in Franklin. The Maroons record this year indicates they are the favorites. FS is greatly improved from the beginning of the year and has recovered from most of the key injuries they have faced this season. A close road loss at Glasgow has been the only blemish for the Wildcats in their last eight games. FS has struggled somewhat trying to contain balanced offenses. If FS can continue their recent offensive output, they have the ability to win this one in a shootout. If the Maroon defense can bottle up the FS rushing attack, the Wildcats may be in trouble. I’ll pick FS 42-38.

Madisonville 35

FS 27.

Kickoff in 8 minutes.

Madisonville wins the toss and defers. FS to receive.

FS punts to Madisonville 18.