4A #3 Owensboro at 5A #5 Warren Central Predictions

[DragonFire]

Series History: Warren Central leads 8-5

Series at Owensboro: Warren Central leads 5-0

 

These teams have alternated wins in the last four meetings, and Warren Central has not won two consecutive over the Red Devils since taking three straight from 1996-1998. This is the first meeting between the two at Warren Central since 2000, a classic 17-14 OT victory for the Dragons that would ultimately be the key victory in their district championship campaign that season. Aiding the Dragons in their attempt to win again is that this game will be played at Dragon Stadium, where they have never lost to Owensboro. Most of the games have been close affairs with three of the five decided by 7 points or less. This is a rematch of last year's perhaps surprising victory for Warren Central in Rash Stadium. At the time the Dragons were merely 3-3 while the Devils were 5-1 with only a loss to Bowling Green holding them back. But the Dragons never trailed in the game, which was a defensive struggle for most of the time. Warren Central got on the board first in the second quarter, tacking on another score late in the third, before a flurry in the 4th Quarter saw a kickoff return and pick six allow the Dragons to put it away with a 28-7 victory.

 

This year has a more even look on paper coming in, but still sees the Red Devils as potentially the favorite. While the blemish on Central's record came to a very, very good DeSales team in ugly, ugly fashion, Owensboro nearly shocked the state in going toe to toe with Bowling Green before faltering late. That loss did more than any win to cement the reputation of Owenboro, which features an incredibly hard to defend triple option attack. This game shapes up to be the last potential loss before the postseason for Owensboro. Win it, and they'll almost certainly go 9-1. For the Dragons it is much the opposite. More and more, the last three games are appearing to be set in stone the way they were last year - loss (BG), win (Logan Co.), loss (Highlands). This is likely their last swing game before the playoffs, and certainly their last chance to improve before welcoming Bowling Green in two weeks. The Dragons have won six consecutive at home and haven't lost there to a team that didn't play for or win a state title since 2008. Can they keep it alive?

[Brown]

Central is tough every year, and this game is usually a good one. Being at WC favors the Dragons but Owensboro will be ready. I think OHS lost one of its backs to injury, but they still have a lot of athletes. WC usually matches our speed though and number of athletes. I know nothing of Central this year so I can't really predict a blowout win, but with the eye test, this should be a close game. Oboro has a huge and athletic O'line at 310,295,250,340,310. I'd like to read more about the Dragons before posting a prediction.

[Irish Cat]

Owensboro will need to play much better than they did last week at Madisonville. Airius Phillips for OHS left the game last week via ambulance. I'm not sure as to the extent of his injury or whether or not he is at risk to miss this game, but he is a key player on offense, defense, and special teams. The Red Devils will need someone to step up if he is unable to go.

 

I see it mentioned that OHS has a big line but I thought that Madisonville dominated the line of scrimmage last week on both sides of the ball. Of course their linemen looked really big as well.

[Tommy2tone]

Very interested in how this one turns out. One of the better games in the state..

[Purple88]

Airius Phillips for OHS left the game last week via ambulance. I'm not sure as to the extent of his injury or whether or not he is at risk to miss this game, but he is a key player on offense, defense, and special teams.

 

Irish Cat, what is Mr. Phillips #? Is it #6? I was at the BG game and am trying to figure out who he is. O had several very good skill players, but #6 stood out to me as making BIG plays on both offense and defense and likely special teams too! Honestly, I don't think he ever came out of the game. Terrific Performance!

[Brown]

I didn't see last week IC, but OHS had right at 200 yds of rushing. Phillips has a broken arm per the paper. Hopefully senior Mike Johnson is back from injury as he can help out at Phillips position in the offense. Johnson is a track star but has been out all year. I hear he dressed vs. Ohio County. Phillips will be missed at the safety spot and special teams though.

[Brown]

Purple 88,

 

Phillips is Number 8. #6 is Barrett and is a track guy, he's still a go. Phillips (No. 8) caught the long pass for a TD at the end of the first half against BG.

 

Barrett is a track star in the 100 and relays, but Mike Johnson is a little faster. Both are speed burners so hopefully Johnson will be back.

[Purple88]

I'm really interested to see how this one plays out! Playing off Morgantown Road will be big for WC to capitalize on as their D is very solid, but Owensboro's offensive scheme is very difficult to prepare for. You may have one or two of the triple options covered, but their QB is the best I have seen in person this year and he will find the other option if WC doesn't shut it down.

I am concerned for Owensboro's defense late in the game, as I think Mr. Shanklin (WC QB) is underrated.

I see this one being a close game. I want to find out what Irish Cat has to say about my previous post before I make a prediction.

[Purple88]

Purple 88,

 

Phillips is Number 8. #6 is Barrett and is a track guy, he's still a go. Phillips (No. 8) caught the long pass for a TD at the end of the first half against BG.

 

Barrett is a track star in the 100 and relays, but Mike Johnson is a little faster. Both are speed burners so hopefully Johnson will be back.

 

Thanks Brown! I remember him now. Very athletic. But in my opinion, not the most important for O.

 

I have not seen WC in person yet and that affects my prediction of 28 to 27 Owensboro.

[Brown]

I agree he's not the most important, he's a solid athlete plays PG on the bball team and can do anything, but the running game is James, Barrett, Locher, Lindsay, and Phillips. James, Barrett and Locher I think all have more yds, but Phillips was a WR also a great safety also. I heard another starter was out but haven't heard who.

[PurplePride92]

This is a big game for Warren Central's psyche. Everyone saw what Owensboro did to BG. If Warren Central defeats Owensboro more soundly than BG then that will be huge for their confidence going into the BG game. If Warren Central struggles or loses to Owensboro then that could be damaging mentally.

 

If Owensboro wins this game then the Warren Central/Highlands game becomes even bigger. If Owensboro wins this game then they should become the #2 team in 4A IMO.

[devils advocate]

Owensboro suffered a couple huge losses in the Madisonville game. The word is leading rusher TJ James had a concussion. He was unable to finish the game last week. Then of course Phillips broke his arm. Phillips is a 3 year starter at RB/S/KR and he's been a big part of Owensboro's success since he's been on varsity. He rushed for 582 yards on 77 carries last year with 10 TD's. (7.6 yards per rush.) He also had 20 catches for 262 yards and 5 TD's. (20+ yards per catch.) On defense he was the 3rd leading tackler with 2 INT's. This year he's rushed 31 times for 191 yards. (6+ yards per rush.) And he also has 7 catches for 187 yards. (27 yards per catch.) On defense this year he has 6 pass break ups and 2 INT's. He's scored 5 total TD's. He will be very very hard to replace. As far as the game with Warren Central goes....I'll be pulling for the Red Devils but I don't think they win this game without James and Phillips....history says it more then likely wouldn't happen with them....

[Randy Parker]

Owensboro suffered a couple huge losses in the Madisonville game. The word is leading rusher TJ James had a concussion. He was unable to finish the game last week. Then of course Phillips broke his arm. Phillips is a 3 year starter at RB/S/KR and he's been a big part of Owensboro's success since he's been on varsity. He rushed for 582 yards on 77 carries last year with 10 TD's. (7.6 yards per rush.) He also had 20 catches for 262 yards and 5 TD's. (20+ yards per catch.) On defense he was the 3rd leading tackler with 2 INT's. This year he's rushed 31 times for 191 yards. (6+ yards per rush.) And he also has 7 catches for 187 yards. (27 yards per catch.) On defense this year he has 6 pass break ups and 2 INT's. He's scored 5 total TD's. He will be very very hard to replace. As far as the game with Warren Central goes....I'll be pulling for the Red Devils but I don't think they win this game without James and Phillips....history says it more then likely wouldn't happen with them....

 

Great info. :thumb:

 

I picked Owensboro, but now I'm not so confident.

 

I know little about the two teams, but what PP92 said about this being important for Warren Central's psyche makes sense. I'm curious to see how it plays out.

[SLINK]

Warren Central 27-26.

[Brown]

Red & Black,

 

thanks for the info - if James is out also it doesn't look great but I still think OHS can win the game. Haven't seen WC though and would love to hear more. I know Feggins is the main WR and he is a stud.