Two of Louisville's premier programs open the season against each other. Manual has won the last two meetings with Central, while the Yellowjackets last won in 2012. Both teams have state championship aspirations this season.

Who wins this season opener and why?

I think Manual wins. Central always plays better football later in the season, which is good for their program, but bad for this game. Manual has a solid club that should win by at least two touchdowns.

I think Central's Defense is good enough to win this game, but I am not sure they will have enough Offensive firepower.

 

Central returns the house on Offense, but they lose their primary running threat.

 

Think it will be a game in the 24-7 range

Reportedly Central gave Scott County all they wanted in their scrimmage.

 

What does that say about this game with Manual?

I watched some of the video of that scrimmage and I think more than anything it reaffirms my thoughts on Central's Defense. Very good unit.. especially for a 3A team... but still a team that will be playing their first game of the Season.

 

Central's offense is still reliant on the home run at this point though their passing game has improved. If Central wins it will have to be a game where neither team scores 3 TD's.

 

I am going to change my prediction to 24-14 Manual... I think Central's defense may force a turnover or two that will lead to an additional score.

Manual's OL and DL are HUGE! Seeing them in their scrimmage last week makes me think it will be tough for Central to consistently move the ball. But Central isn't scared of any team so I think its in the 21-7 range for Manual.

I'm going with the Yellow jackets in this one! At some point it will come down to a coaching move and I'll take Coach Scroggins over Dr. Oliver.

 

21-13 Central

Didn't Bowling Green beat the tar out Manual in their scrimmage? I am going with Central

Central 16-14.

Didn't Bowling Green beat the tar out Manual in their scrimmage? I am going with Central

Hogg, I wouldn't call it beating the tar out of them, but 21-6 was the varsity score and it was played at Manual.

 

But I still think their line is one that BG can handle better then Central can.

Hogg, I wouldn't call it beating the tar out of them, but 21-6 was the varsity score and it was played at Manual.

 

But I still think their line is one that BG can handle better then Central can.

 

I didn't know the exact score, but I did think it was worse. I still like Central.