State Final Headlines
• Hodge completes unique legacy
• Coffman takes the ram by the horns 
• Atwell reaches milestone, but fails again to grab brass ring 


First Team All-Watchlist
Connor Hodge (Christian Academy of Louisville, ATH)

Good things come in threes, so they say. I'm sure Hodge would agree after doubling up Union County on the scoreboard to seal CAL's third consecutive state championship. 

He masterfully mixed passing and running to the tune of 362 total yards (225 passing/137 rushing) and all six Centurion touchdowns. 

For a brief career retrospective, he's started both ways for three consecutive state championship teams and excelled at three different positions. Hodge aggressively grew into his role at quarterback in his first year on the job after being all-state at defensive back and all-state worthy at receiver as a junior. He simultaneously led the state in receptions and interceptions in 2023 before sliding to quarterback and leading the state in total offense.

The depth and reach of that career arc is unmatched by anyone else running this race. There are certain names that evoke demi-god like reverence within this state. Michael Bush is one of those. Purely from a high school perspective, Hodge to Bush is a worthy comparison. 

2024: 244/353 for 3,659 yards and 40 TDs with 9 INTs | 984 rushing yards and 19 TDs | 5 INTs as a DB

Cooper received the opening kick.  The Jags were stopped on downs and punted.  Cooper's Ryker Campbell intercepted a Deuce Baily pass and returned it to the Bowling Green 12 yard line.  On the next play Cam OHara hit Isaiah Johnson for a 12 yard touchdown pass.  The extra point was no good and the Jags lead the Purples 6 to 0 with 828 left in the 1st quarter.  The Purples took the kickoff and marched down the field liked they own it and Deuce Bailey walked into the end zone from two yards out to make it 7-6 Purples with 414 left in the first quarter.  Jaxen Smith recovered a Jag fumble at the Cooper 48 which led to a 41 yard FG to put Bowling Green up 10-6 with 927 left in the half. 

Jaiden Combs made one-handed touchdown catch to put Cooper up 12-10 with 844 left in the half.  It was a 32 yard td pass for Cam OHara and the extra point was no good.  Bowling Green answered with a 31 yard Braden Widener FG to make it 13-12 Bowling Green with 342 left in the half. 

Bowling Green started the third quarter on their own 39 yard line.  A few players later Deuce Bailey hit Trevy Barber on a 41 yard pass to the Cooper 14.  On the next play, Bailey ran it in to make the score Bowling Green 20 Cooper 12, with 951 left in the 3rd. OHara ran around trying to avoid sack and lost the ball giving BG ball on the Cooper 27.  The Bowling Green offense turned that into a 3 yard Jaxen Smith touchdown run to put BG up 27-13 with 501 left in the 3rd. 

With 840 left in the game, Deuce Bailey ran it in from 6 yards out to make the score 34-12 Bowling Green.  Cooper answered with a 22 yard TD pass from Cam OHara to Austin Alexander.  The two also hooked up on the two point conversion to make it 34-20 Bowling Green with 729 left in the game.  Another Braden Widener FG made it 37-20 Purples with 334 left in the game. The Bowling Green Purples are your 2024 Class 5A State Champions!

Congrats Bowling Green!  Congrats Coach Spader!

The Ryle Raiders received the opening kickoff and got one first down before punting to Trinity.  After a partially blocked punt Trinity started on the Ryle 47 but went three and out.  Ryle marched 80 yards and scored the games first points with a 26 yard TD pass from Nathan Verax to Landon Lorms to make it 7-0 Ryle with 449 left in the first quarter.  After a quick three and out for Trinity, Verax hit Lorms for a long touchdown pass to put Ryle up 14-0 with 145 left in the 1st quarter. 

Ryle faked a punt and Jaden Galicia motored down to the Trinity 27 yard line to give the Raiders a chance to go up by three scores.  The Trinity defense stepped up and the Rocks took over on offense.  Trinity started on their own 32 and the drive culminated in a Jamaurion Berry 4 yard TD run to make it 14-7 Raiders with 508 left in the half.  Trinity stopped Ryle again and scored on a 30 yard TD pass from Zane Johnson to Mason Scherer with 149 left in the half to make it 14 all. 

Trinity received the second half kickoff and moved down the field until they fumbled the ball to Ryle on the Ryle 34.  The Raiders went 3 and out and punted right back to T.  Ryle scored next on a Gavin Moses 39 yard field goal to make it 17-14 Ryle with 417 left in the 3rd quarter.  Trinity answered with a Zane Johnson to Jason Hagan td pass to make it 21-14 Trinity with 135 left in the 3rd quarter. 

With 735 left in the game Trinity's Caleb Ricks intercepted Nathan Verax and took it to the house for a 28-17 Trinity lead. Jamaurion Berry scored on an 11 yard TD run with 326 left in the game to give the Shamrocks a 35 to 17 lead.  Bailey Vance added another pick six for Trinity bringing the score to 42-17 Rocks with 315 left in the game.  A long Dylan Lee run after catch set the Raiders up for a late touchdown.  Verax hit Lorms from three yards out to make it 42 to 23 Ryle with 103 left in the game.  The two point attempt was no good.   The Trinity Shamrocks are your 2024 Class 6A State Champions. 

Congrats Trinity!  Congrats Coach Cobb!

Christian Academy of Louisville received the opening kickoff and went three and out.   Jarren Johnson ran for 42 yards on the first play for Union County but the drive stalled on downs at the CAL 29.  CAL drove the length of the field on runs and throws by Connor Hodge and Hodge ran it in from 8 yards out to give CAL a 6-0 lead with 354 left in the first quarter.  Union County drove down the field on the legs of Jarren Johnson but was stopped on downs at the CAL 30.  On the next play Connor Hodge hit Darwin Cotton on a 70 yard td pass and Hodge connected with Stone Perkins on the two point conversion to make it CAL 14 Union County 0 at the end of the 1st quarter.

CAL forced Union County to punt on the first possession of the second quarter and CAL took over on their own 20 yard line.  9 plays and 80 yards later Connor Hodge hit a wide open Bryce Wilson for a 38 yard TD reception making the score 21-0 CAL with 327 left in the half.  On Union County's next possession a bad punt gave CAL the ball on the Union County 24.  Two players later Connor Hodge ran it in from 20 yards out to put CAL up 28-0 with 144 left in the half. 

Union County opened the second half on their 37 yard line and drove down to the CAL 22 yard line before being stopped on downs.  CAL moved the ball down the field but Jarren Johnson picked off a tipped, Connor Hodge pass and took the ball 72 yards to the house to make it 28-7 CAL with 503 left in the 3rd.  Union County lined up and perfectly executed an onside kick to get the ball again at the CAL 47.  Union County converted some crucial plays and Jarren Johnson ran it in from 11 yards out to make it 28-14 CAL with 117 left in the 3rd quarter.

CAL opened the scoring in the 4th quarter with a 22 yard TD run by Connor Hodge to make it 35 to 14 CAL with 1034 left in the game.  Union County went right back down the field and scored on a 4 yard td pass from Jarren Johnson to Luke Thomas with 655 left in the game to make it 35-21, Christian Academy of Louisville.  Connor Hodge scored again on a 12 yard run with 208 left in the game.  CAL 42 Union County 21.  Christian Academy of Louisville is your 2024 Class 3A State Champions. 

Congrats CAL!  Congrats Coach Cantwell!

Tilghman received the opening kickoff and was driving until a Luke Toothaker tip turned into a Delano Collins interception.  The Flyers moved right down the field and Jack Oldham scored on a 23 yard TD run to make it 7-0, Franklin County with 726 left in the first quarter.  Tilghman answered with a Jack James to Martels Carter TD pass. The extra point was blocked and with 350 left in the first quarter it is Franklin County 7 Paducah Tilghman 6.

Franklin punted down to the PT 9 on their next possession.  The Blue Tornado went 91 yards and scored on a Martels Carter two yard run after Carter caught a long pass to get PT down to the two.  Tilghman went for two and James rolled right and hit Avery Thompson to make it Tilghman 14 Franklin County 7 with 901 left in the half.  Tilghman drove down to the one yard line with 4 seconds left in the half and the Flyer defense stuffed UK recruit, Martels Carter, at the goal line.

Franklin County received the second half kickoff.  Neither team scored until Michael Hinton's big run to the five to set up a Jack James TD run to give Tilghman a 20-7 with 426 left in the 3rd.  Franklin County quickly answered with a Jacob Taylor 16 yard TD pass reception from Knox Barrett.  With 53 seconds left in the 3rd quarter the score was 20-13, Tilghman after another missed extra point.

A long Jack James pass to Martels Carter set Tilghman up at the 15 yard line to start the 4th quarter.  Jack James finished another drive off with a 1 yard td run with 1002 left in the game to make it 27 to 13, Tilghman.  Franklin County answered with a long run by LeDarrius Simmons and a 6 yard td run by Jayquan Crawford to make it 27-20 Tilghman with 511 left in the game.   After a Tilghman fumble Franklin drove down to the 21 where they were stopped on downs with 207 left in the game.  The Paducah Tilghman Blue Tornado is your 2024 Class 4A State Champions!

Congrats Tilghman!  Congrats Coach Thompson!

The Aces received the opening kickoff and started on their own 20 yard line.  The two teams exchanged possessions.  Beechwood forced a second Owensboro Catholic punt and then Beechwood drove down and scored on a Chase Flaherty two yard run with 14 seconds left in the 1st quarter to put the Tigers up 7-0.  It was a 9 play, 64 yard drive by Beechwood. 

Early in the 2nd quarter Owensboro Catholic was driving but an Atwell pass went through his receiver's hands and resulted in a Luke Erdman interception.  Erdman returned the INT to the 10 yard line and Chase Flaherty powered it in from the 2 yard line to put Beechwood up 14-0 with 940 left in the first half.  On Beechwood's next possession they missed a 33 yard field goal.  The Aces kicked it into high gear and threw their way right down the field capping the drive off with a touchdown pass from Brady Atwell to Waryn Ebelhar to make the score 14-7, Beechwood.  Beechwood took the kickoff and went right back down the field with a combination of Hayden passes and Flaherty runs to score another touchdown on a Chase Flaherty 3 yard run.  The Tiger touchdown made the score 21-7 Beechwood with 32 seconds left in the half. 

Beechwood received the second half kickoff and started on their own 35 and punted after three plays.   The Aces went right down the field on the arm of Atwell and the running of Dereon Crowe.  Crowe banged it in from one yard out to make the score 21-14 Beechwood with 7 minutes left in the 3rd quarter.  Beechwood answered immediately with a 33 yard Nathan Pabst touchdown run.  With 424 left in the third quarter Beechwood led 28 to 14.  On Owensboro's Catholic's next possession they went for it on 4th and 4 on their own 40 and did not get it.  Two plays later Tyler Fryman scored on a 35 yard run to make it Beechwood 35, Owensboro Catholic 14, with 216 left in the 3rd quarter.  Atwell passed the Aces back down to the one yard line and then ran it in himself to make it 35-14 Beechwood with 35 seconds left in the 3rd quarter.  A penalty on the OCath extra point and a good return by Pabst resulted in Beechwood starting their next drive at the Owensboro Catholic 49. 

Beechwood scored again on a 1 yard Chase Flaherty run with 520 left in the game to go up 42-21.  The Aces answered immediately with an Atwell to Crowe TD pass.  The drive was 9 plays, 60 yards to make it 42-28 Beechwood.  Owensboro Catholic's onside kick ending up with with Beechwood's Jack Meier taking it to the house to make it 50-28 Beechwood after a two point conversion with 233 left in the game.  Owensboro Catholic played hard to the end and scored on the last play of the game on a short Atwell run to make the final score, Beechwood 50 Owensboro Catholic 34. The Beechwood Tigers are your 2024 Class 2A State Football Champions!

Congrats Beechwood!  Congrats Coach Volker!

Sayre received the opening kickoff and started on their own 32.  Luke Pennington went 7 for 7 on the drive which culminated in a 1 yard TD pass to Brock Coffman with 634 left in the 1st quarter.  Raceland started on their own 23 and the Rams marched down the field running the football and scored on a Jonah Arnett to Jaxon Rister 2 yard TD pass. The 17 play drive made the score 7 to 6, Sayre, after a missed extra point. 

Jonah Arnett intercepted Luke Pennington on the Ram 44 and Raceland converted the turnover into a 28 yard FG to go up 9-7 with 520 left in the 1st half.  Raceland stopped Sayre on downs and took over on their own 36 with 326 left in the half.  The teams exchanged possessions and Sayre drove right down the field throwing the ball and scored on a 2 yard pass from Luke Pennington to Brock Coffman with 25 seconds left in the half to go up 14-9.

Raceland received the second half kickoff and returned it to their own 40.  The teams exchanged possessions and then Raceland went for it on 4th down deep in their own territory and did not get it giving Sayre the ball at the Ram 36.  On the next play Luke Pennington connected with Brock Coffman for a 36 yard TD pass to go up 20-9 midway through the third after a missed extra point.  Raceland drove the length of the field and answered with a 1 yard Shannon Marushi TD run.  The Rams received a 5 yard penalty but still went for two from the 8 yard line and the attempt was no good.  After the Raceland TD the score was 20-15 with 222 left in the 3rd quarter. 

With 1108 left in the game Charlie Slabaugh scored from 2 yards out and the extra point put the Spartans up 27-15.  The Rams answered with a long drive of their own on a short Jacob Waller run to make it 27-22, Sayre with 722 left in the game. Raceland drove to the Sayre 26 with 130 left in the game but was stopped on downs.  Sayre ran out the clock to become your 2024 Kentucky 1A State Football Champions!

Congrats Sayre Spartans!  Congrats Coach Pennington!

#1 Trinity Shamrocks (12-2) vs. #5 Ryle Raiders (12-2)

Kickoff: 4pm Sat, Dec 7

In a whirlwind of a season for the big boys, the gold standard of Kentucky high school football is back to defend a title, both in reputation and hardware. Trinity has run another gauntlet of a schedule, including wins over Frederick Douglass (×2), Male, Carmel (IN), St. Xavier (OH), and Bryan Station. Losses to Center Grove (IN) and the archival Tigers of St. X kept the Shamrocks tethered to the parity that permeated 6A this season. And yet, here they are, 4 quarters away from state title #29. Soph QB Zane Johnson may be the face of the program, but the backbone is a defense allowing just 9 points per game, tops in 6A and #3 statewide. They just choked the life out of Douglass. That's why they're here.

Standing in their way is an old familiar face, with sights set on making history. Ryle is searching for title #1, not just in the program's three decade existence, but also the 1st ever won by a NKY “Big School”. Boone County, Dixie Heights, and Simon Kenton have all swung and missed over the years. They're also searching for their 1st win over the Shamrocks in 8 tries. Ryle got an up close look at the winner's circle 18 years ago, but was rebuffed by the same dynasty that blocks their path now. A running clock demolition of St. X in the region final catapulted the Raiders into the role of trendy pick to end NKY's futility in the largest class. Jacob Savage leads a fearsome defensive front, one that also includes ends Dillon Smith (UofL commit) and Bo Gay.

When the lights come on at Kroger Field, there will be nowhere to hide. The moment has proven too much for many a contender over the years, but there is no greater proving ground than a state championship game versus the Trinity Shamrocks. Can Ryle rise to the occasion and join Bullitt East to strike another one for the rebellion, or does the Evil Empire further distance itself from the pack?

5A STATE CHAMPIONSHIP GAME

Cooper Jaguars (14-0) vs Bowling Green Purples (12-2)

Saturday December 7, 2024 at 8:00 pm at Kroger Field in Lexington, KY


Game Information:

This State Championship game will again (even though I think it’s unfair to keep 5A in the #6 game slot every year) be the last game of the 2024 season and will be played at the University of Kentucky’s Kroger Field at 8 pm. 

I think Cooper has earned the right to be the favorite in this game.  They really haven’t been challenged since the first Highlands game and are playing better than most all teams left.  Bowling Green is the defending 5A State Champion but has clearly had a harder time getting back to this game than the Jaguars have.

This game will feature some of the best players 5A (and the state too for that matter) has to offer.  Check out some key stats below:

KHSAA 5A Leaders:

Passing Leaders: 
#2 Cam O’Hara – Cooper – 236 yards a game.
#3 Deuce Bailey – Bowling Green – 229 yards a game.

Receiving Leaders:
#1 Travey Barber – Bowling Green – 91 passing yards a game.
#2 Isaiah Johnson – Cooper – 84 passing yards a game.

Defensive Sacks Leaders:
#3 Montez Trussell – Bowling Green – 14 sacks on the year.
#7 Austin Alexander – Cooper – 10 sacks on the year.

KEY QUESTIONS?  Which high powered offense will be the most effective?  Which defense can make the big stops when it counts?  Which QB will have his best game of the year?  Can BG contain the D1 WRs?  Can Cooper slow down Deuce Bailey and his stable of WRs?  Going to be a really good one!  Really looking forward to it! 

Who wins this Championship Game and why?

PT (14-0) Franklin County (13-0)

Kickoff: Friday, December 6th at 8:00 p.m. at Kroger Field

Tilghman defeated Corbin 31-14 and Franklin County defeated Covington Catholic 14-10 in the semi-finals to make it to the championship game. One of these two will leave Lexington with their first loss. 

This will be Tilghman's 2nd championship appearance in 4 years since Coach Thompson took over, losing to Belfry in the 3A state title game 33-28 back in his first season in 2021. This will be Franklin County's 2nd championship game appearance in 5 years, having lost to Boyle County 31-28 in the 2020 season. 

While both these teams can put some points on the board, I believe it's both of these teams' defensive units that have been underrated nearly all season. They both showed some of that in the semi-final games holding down very worthy opponents to season lows by their respective offenses. 

Tilghman has not allowed over 2 touchdowns by their starting unit the whole season. Franklin much the same, the only exception being the Lexington Christian game where they allowed 33.  Tilghman on average gives up 9.14 points a game, Franklin allows 10.15 points a game. These units may very well determine who walks out victorious in this one. 

On offense, PT has averaged 49.28 ppg while Franklin averaged 39.61.

Both teams fly to the ball as evidenced by their 17 team interceptions each going into the semi-final round. Only 2 teams had more. Franklin County had 1 more sack on the year and gave up 94 passing yards to PT's 98 allowed. Against the run, PT allowed 67 ypg on the year, Franklin 83. Scoring margin on offense PT was 1st, Franklin 3rd. 

If you are going off paper alone, these two match up really well. What is it going to take for each of these two to bring home the hardware back to their city and celebrate a championship and remain undefeated?

🏆Class 3A State Championship🏆

CAL Centurions 🇸🇯 (11-3, #2)
vs.
Union County Braves 🏹 (12-2, #9)

Kickoff: 12:00pm on Saturday, December 7th at Kroger Field in Lexington

🗞 The Centurions are aiming to keep some elite company with three straight titles, joining the likes of Trinity, Highlands, Beechwood, Mayfield, and Boyle County, among a few others.

The road hasn't been smooth. Doubts were cast following a spanking at the hands of Central, but a defensive masterpiece in the rematch set CAL back on course.

If you're looking over this match-up with a sense of deja vu, you're not alone.

CAL had to snuff out a one man wrecking machine last year to clinch back to back titles.

The same challenge has been set before them now, with Jarren Johnson looking to twist Centurion tacklers into knots.

I've called him a tazmanian devil, a cyclone, and a force of nature. Each week he grows his case for another title: Mr. Football. 

He's broken Harts and sunken Pirate ships.

He now takes aim at toppling a CAL empire with plans of aggressive expansion. 

The Centurions will hit back with their own Mr. Football worthy talent, Connor Hodge. He's taken the baton from brother Cole and transitioned seamlessly into his role as two way star and leader.

It's a tale as old as time, David vs. Goliath.

The wrestling school from rural WKY against the two time defending state champions from Louisville. 

Can the Braves pull off one of the biggest upsets in championship game history, or will CAL further entrench itself as omnipotent rulers of 3A?

Series History 📖: First ever meeting

Beechwood Tigers (13-1) vs. Owensboro Catholic Aces (14-0) December 6 at Kroger Field Lexington, Kickoff at 4 PM

These two teams feature powerful offenses led by senior QB's who have arguably each been among the 5 best QB's in the entire state the past couple years. The Aces' Brady Atwell and the Tigers' Clay Hayden are setting records at their schools and in the entire state. With tonight's semi finals results, Beechwood moved past Owensboro Catholic in team scoring in the entire state. Beechwood is #2 in the state with 655 points and Owensboro Catholic is #3 in the state with 642 points. Entering the semi finals games, both Hayden and Atwell had 44 TD passes and 5 INT's. Two historic QB's will be leading the offenses in this game.

But it takes more than one star to get a team to a championship games. Owensboro Catholic features the leading WR in 2A, Sr Warren Ebelhar. Ebelhar has over 1,000 yards receiving averaging 22 yards a catch and scoring 12 TD's. Beechwood counters that with a platoon of super fast WR in state sprint champions Luke Erdman, James Cusick and Nathan Pabst along with So Tyler Fryman, who holds  D1 baseball scholarship offer from Louisville. Pick your poison. All four of these receivers are a TD threat any time they touch the ball in open space.

The team rushing stats entering the semifinals games were almost identical, with both teams sitting right at 2,000 rushing yards on the season. But the way each team gets those yards is very different. QB Atwell is the second leading rusher for the Aces while Beechwood QB Hayden has rarely run the ball over the past two season. Sr. Chase Flaherty has been the Beechwood rushing attack this season with about 1,400 yards rushing on the season. Flaherty left Beechwood's semi final game in the first half but So. Nathan Pabst moved from WR to RB and promptly scored on TD runs of 62 yards and 28 yards.

How do you see this matchup playing out?

Despite all the unpredictable madness that has gone on in the playoffs, with the way everything is looking one thing seems to be guaranteed in 1A that we knew in the semifinals.

We will have a first time champion, regardless of who wins.

The schools have five common opponents.

Berea
Raceland W 70-7
Sayre W 56-7

Eminence
Raceland W 41-13
Sayre W 49-6

Fairview
Raceland W 56-6
Sayre W 63-0

Paris
Raceland W 28-14
Sayre W 41-20

Pikeville
Raceland L 16-13
Sayre W 21-6

It’s state championship week for Kentucky football! What are your thoughts on this matchup?

Class 6A:
Ryle 96.12
Trinity 94.39
Frederick Douglass 93.12
Great Crossing 79.34

Class 5A:
Cooper 98.04
Highlands 93.68
Bowling Green 87.3
South Warren 83.18

Class 4A:
Franklin County 93.36
Paducah Tilghman 92.15
Corbin 89.72
Covington Catholic 86.36

Class 3A:
Christian Academy - Lou. 90.02
Belfry 69.54
Lexington Catholic 69.47
Union County 52.31

Class 2A:
Owensboro Catholic 89.78
Lexington Christian Academy 88.11
Beechwood 73
Somerset 52.05

Class 1A:
Raceland 72.06
Sayre 68.49
Campbellsville 62.44
KY. Country Day 49.99

With Thanksgiving nearly upon us, and the season beginning next week, I wanted to throw out my Pre-Season NKY Top 10 heading into the season.  I tend to think there are 3 "much the best" squads this year, all from the 9th, with an 8th and a 10th team that look like they could join them on that top tier.  You then have 3 other 9th teams that look like they will be good, not great, and should test the "Big 5" on a lot of nights, but typically fall just short.  Then you have some clubs with new coaches, or experienced coaches and new rosters, that look to keep themselves in the Top 10 all year.  As usual, it should be a GREAT season of NKY Girls basketball, with a ton of talent, and I hope people get out to watch them play!!

All time records: Trinity leads 2-1

Last Meeting: Trinity 23-13 8-30-24

This will mark the 2nd straight season that the Broncos and Shamrocks will meet up with a trip to Kroger Field and a spot in the 6A championship game. Trinity defeated Douglass 14-7 in OT at home last season. This is the 6th straight state semi-final game and what is there to say about Trinity and the dynasty they have built as the will be going for back-to-back state titles. They will also be going for their 12th title in the last 18 seasons and 29th overall.

The Broncos defeated Madison Central 36-6 in the regional championship game at Douglass. The Douglass defense was very good in not allowing the Indians a first down until halfway through the 3rd quarter. Their offense rushed for 289 yards. They have 4 different backs now that senior Derion Talbert is back he rushed for 109 yards on just 9 carries and also had a 75 yard kickoff return for a touchdown. They also have one of the best all-around athletes in the state in WR Aveion Chenault.

The Shamrocks are coming off a hard fought come from behind win at home vs. a much improved and hard playing Ballard Burins. Trinity trailed much of the first half and was down 21-17 at the half. Then the Shamrocks dominated the 2nd half outscoring Ballard 18-0 in the 2nd half for the win. The Rocks are led on offense by sophomore QB Zane Johnson and RB Jamaurior Berry. They like Douglass have very a stable of 3-4 excellent receivers. Their defense again this season is very good they have allowed 16 or less points in 11 of their 13 games so far with 5 shutouts.

The game will be on the Trinity TV I am sure, but at this time I have no other information on streaming sites. I or @theguruwill post the address once they are out. This should be a good one.

A big game rivalry renewed! The Beechwood Tigers will host the Lexington Christian Eagles in a post Thanksgiving day Class 2A state semifinal, game time 7:30 pm. It is always a well earned honor to be playing football after Thanksgiving and these two teams have accomplished that. Beechwood and LCA have been ranked 2 and 3 in 2A all year, trading places after Beechwood dropped to 3 following their loss to Covington Catholic. These teams have met 5 times since 2004, all in the playoffs. Beechwood leads the series 4-1. The only loss happened in 2005 at LCA. That 42-20 loss ended an 8-4 season. Mike Yeagle resigned as head coach that year, so it was his last game as Beechwood head coach.

Looking at the matchup, the only offense LCA has faced that is as productive as Beechwood's was Boyle County. The offense that Beechwood has faced that is most similar to LCA's was Covington Catholic. Those games were losses for LCA and Beechwood. Every time Beechwood has faced LCA in the past 5 years, LCA was the clear favorite in most people's eyes. I believe that is true again in this game. Can Beechwood once again pull off an upset against a dominant looking LCA team? 

Cooper has been rocking and rolling with their studs Cam O'Hara who probably surpassed 3,000 yards passing last night (I haven't seen last nights stats yet).  You have Keagan Maher who has around 1,500 rushing yards, Isaiah Johnson who is over 1,000 yards receiving, then you have THE Austin Alexander who is just a phenomenal athletic specimen who is a threat on both sides of the ball at TE & DE...They have accomplished something that no other Cooper team has done before which is go into the Post Season undefeated, basically winning with the running clock almost every game.  The only 2 schools that made them really play a full game was their neighbors in Boone County the Ryle Raiders (21-14) and the upcoming opponent Highlands Bluebirds (24-21).

The Birds have also really put a hurtin' on their opponents throughout the season and playoffs with the exception of the same 2 teams mentioned with Cooper. A loss against Ryle (28-34) in OT, and the nail biter at home against Cooper (21-24).  The Birds have orchestrated this season with somewhat a balance offensive attack with 2,571 yards in the air and 2,063 yards on the ground (not including last nights stats).  They might have a limited number of Seniors on this team but the ones they do have fit into the skill positions with RB Jack White and Receivers Adam Surrey & Jackson Arnold.  Rio Litmer has grown into a nice passer this season being smart with the ball throwing 27 TDs and only having 6 INTs (not counting last night).  Like I stated last week the X-Factor has got to be Tayden Lorenzen again, he continues to grow each and every week and it was on display last night against Pulaski, either running up the middle in the Wildcat formation or being an extremely big target for Litmer to pass to when you needed a big play for a 1st down.

Region Final Headlines
• Hodge In A Vengeful Mood
• Johnson A Hart Breaker
• Q Runs The Spectrum 

First Team All-Watchlist
Connor Hodge (Christian Academy of Louisville, ATH)
The feeling was in the air. Despite getting hammered by Central in Week 9, CAL won the pregame poll and the sentiment leaned toward the Centurions being able to reach a little higher if they're on their game. 
That proved true as CAL scored on their first two possessions, covering 125 yards in ten plays with Hodge hurting the Yellow Jackets with his arm and legs.
The Centurions were already out of reach.
He totaled 361 yards of offense (209 passing/159 rushing) and all four CAL touchdowns to bury the Jackets.
Hodge also thwarted two Central drives with interceptions. He's got 23 of those for his career, tying him for #8 all-time in state history.

All things considered, this may have been his finest hour. What more does he have in store with CAL's biggest threat now behind them?
Season to date: 213/314 for 3,241 yards and 34 TDs and 8 INTs | 786 rushing yards and 15 TDs | 5 INTs

Round 2 Headlines
• Atwell Quenches Playoff Thirst With 7-Up
• Brown Not Content To Play Second Fiddle
• Johnson Goes 2K ×2 

First Team All-Watchlist
Brady Atwell (Owensboro Catholic, QB)
With a state championship the only missing ingredient from a stellar resumé, Atwell is reaching back to last year's absurd level of play as he narrows his focus. 
He totalled seven combined touchdowns against Murray, his first such performance this year after achieving that number three times during last season's run to Lexington. Last week's seven included a career high four on the ground.
Any time a player hits the century mark for career touchdowns, it's newsworthy, both in here and beyond. Atwell is closing in on doubling that number, currently sitting at 189 career touchdowns accounted for.

Second Team All-Watchlist
Demauriah Brown (Boyle County, ATH)

Third Team All-Watchlist 
Jarren Johnson (Union County, ATH)

Honorable Mention(s)
All in the thread

2A
Owensboro Catholic 91.13
Lexington Christian Academy 86.29
Beechwood 72.31
Mayfield 66.23
Somerset 52.64
Monroe County 40.69
Prestonsburg 34.65
Martin County 33.69

1A
Pikeville 69.70
Raceland 69.44
Sayre 65.58
Campbellsville 64.74
Hazard 59.07
Newport Cent. Catholic 54.84
KY Country Day 51.88
Newport 32.25

In a region that has been as predictable as the 4th Region has been in the past quarter century, it is exceedingly rare to have a truly shocking result.  That occurred last year, as Warren Central climbed the ladder to knock off heavily favored Bowling Green in overtime, and in so doing taking home their sixth region title crown in seven years, and opening up the possibility for a run that may surpass even the GOAT 2002-2007 run the Dragons put together.  Their title represented the 23rd region title in a row won by a representative from the 14th District, and Warren Central and Bowling Green have no combined for each of the last 16.  Can there be any doubt as to what teams will be at the top?

One could say top Region in the state of Kentucky. Lots of Solid talent in the region and great coaches.

1.    Newport
2.   Covington Catholic
3.   Cooper
4.   Lloyd
5.   Ryle
6.   Conner
7.    Holy Cross
8.   Highlands
9.   Boone County
10.  Dixie Heights
11. Beechwood
12. Ludlow
13. Bellevue
14. St. Henry
15. Newport Central Catholic
16. Villa
17. Heritage
18. Dayton
19. Holmes

Traditionally, the 11th Region has multiple teams that are true contenders for a State Championship.  This season will be no different.  2023-24 saw 8 of the 18 teams win at least 20 games.  The top 2 teams in the Region, Great Crossing and Lexington Catholic, both eclipsed 30.  The two teams fought a battle down to the wire in the Regional Finals, with Great Crossing hitting two 3 pointers in the last 35 seconds to squeak out a 56-53 win.  That win propelled the Warhawks to the semi-finals of the Sweet Sixteen, where they fell to Travis Perry, and eventual champion, Lyon County 58-49.  Coach Steve Page returns all but 2 players from that team, including University of Kentucky commit, Malachi Moreno.  The Warhawks are hoping to push things one game further, and play for the State Championship on Saturday night.  But to do so they will have to navigate a gauntlet of teams hoping to dethrone them as 11th Region Champions.  Lexington Catholic graduated 9 seniors from their team, that took Great Crossing to the wire in the Regional Finals, and might not be at the same level this season.  But Bryan Station, Henry Clay and Frederick Douglass return strong clubs that will be looking to claim the 11th Region's spot in Rupp Arena in the Sweet Sixteen.  So, without further ado, let's see how the 11th Region stacks up going into opening night on December 2nd.

The Golden Eagles are led by senior running back Zack McCoart, who has rushed for over 2,000 yards this season, with a total 2017 yards and 28 touchdowns on 173 carries (12.7 yards per carry) previous to their 49-7 win over Grant County. Johnson Central's offense as usual, is a rushing machine with 4308 yards on the ground and 229 yards by air in their first 11 games. On defense, the Golden Eagles have allowed 110 yards per game rushing and 173 yards per game passing, with senior Caleb Barnes (46), junior Dalton Matney (44), sophomore Dylan Lemaster (37), and senior Seth Davis (36) leading the team in solo tackles.

The Colonels are led on offense by junior quarterback Cash Harney, who has 1035 yards rushing (94 yards per game) and 1034 yards passing (94 yards per game) this season and junior running back Dylan Gaiser, who has 1196 yards rushing (109 yards per game). The two have combined for 30 touchdowns on the ground, and Harney has passed for another 11 touchdowns. On the defensive side of the ball, senior linebacker Tate Kruer leads with 54 solo tackles, senior linebacker/edge Andrew Bessler has 36 solo tackles, junior Brady Guard has 39 solo tackles, and senior Nick Krallman has 25 solo tackles and leads the team with 7 sacks.

Looking at shared opponents this season, Johnson Central beat Boyd County 42-14 on Sep 28, while Covington Catholic also beat the Lions 42-14 on Friday night. Then Covington Catholic beat Grant County 54-0 on Oct 4 while Johnson Central beat the Braves 49-7 on Friday night.

Game kicks off in Park Hills on Friday at 7:30pm. What are your predictions for this second round playoff matchup?