Yellowjackets Stun St. X to Remain Listed Among Class Leaders

On opening night of the 1951 season Louisville Central tied St. Xavier 7-7. That matchup marked a turning point in Jefferson County with St. X being the first all-white team within the city to play the all-black Central High. The two schools played each other thirty-four more times after that opening game and not once did the young men from Central go home victorious (they did tie again in 1970).

 

That all changed Friday night when the Yellowjackets knocked off the Tigers by a score of 20-17. St. X had risen to #5 in Class 6A and was beginning to garner mention as an outside choice in Kentucky's biggest class. #4 Central, on the other hand, had lost to Manual and then had a troubling loss to Knox Central, a mid-pack team in Class 4A. Last week had seen the Jackets respond with a big win over 2A contender Christian Academy-Louisville, but no one was giving them much of a chance against St. X.

 

Central coach Ty Scroggins told the Courier-Journal he was concerned after what he called a “horrible” week of practice. “They just weren’t into it,” he said. But those concerns were brushed aside when they took a 12-0 in the first half. St. X would score 17 straight points before Central pushed across the winning score on a 27-yard pass from quarterback Myron Norfleet to Kambrin Brown late in the 4th.

 

With the win Central (2-2) moves into the conversation as a real state title contender. For years the Yellowjackets have been among the annual favorites in Class 3A but had seemed to slip from the discussion behind newcomers Boyle County and Lexington Catholic. But as for right now, I'm sure the community on Muhammad Ali Boulevard is just excited to see an old foe vanquished for the first time.

 

Pirates Put Away 'Breds in Tough Affair

Second-ranked Belfry moved to 3-0 on the season after defeating 2A #6 Newport Central Catholic 28-10. Belfry was still without their starting tailback and quarterback who each missed a second consecutive game due to suspension. While not a vintage offensive performance, the Pirates were able to rush for over 200 yards while holding Newport Catholic to 89 yards on the ground. Belfry had struggled at time in pass defense and Newport Catholic did pass for 92 yards, taking advantage of some options in the first half before the defense clamped down after the break.

 

There are still questions to be answered about this Belfry team and the next three weeks will help do that. Next week the Pirates face county rival Pikeville, looking for revenge after the Panthers snapped Belfry's 13-game series win streak last season. Games to follow include Knoxville Catholic (September 25) and Cabell-Midland (October 2). After that three game stretch we may have a better indication of where Belfry stands in Class 3A.

 

Win 4-0-0, but Many More to Go

Boyle County rolled Class 5A #5 Anderson County by a count of 43-21, securing their spot at the top of the rankings while also notching the 400th win in school history. The Rebels (4-0) had little trouble dispatching the Bearcats, rushing out to a 43-7 lead before halftime. Anderson would tack on two second-half touchdowns against a running clock. Quarterback Josiah Robbins continued his outside push for Mr. Football by throwing for 219 yards and two scores while Boyle ran for 140 yards and four touchdowns as a team.

 

Notes from Around the Rankings

#3 Lexington Catholic (2-2) held on to beat 5A Covington Catholic 15-14 after the Colonels failed on a two-point conversion at the end of the game. The Knights played most of the game without quarterback Legend Brumbaugh, who was injured on the first drive, and may have to go a few games more without the signal caller. Jaylen Jones led the winners rushing for 156 yards and a score while also catching a touchdown pass.

 

#7 Corbin (3-1) took their first loss of the season, being shut out by 2A #7 Danville 20-0. The Admirals, coming off a tough loss to Boyle County, held Corbin to their first scoreless showing since a playoff loss to Wayne County in 2013.

 

#8 Elizabethtown (4-0) continued their impressive start to the season with a win over 6A North Hardin 34-28. As always, the Panthers were run-first and put up 211 yards rushing, though running back Bernil Cecil was held to a season-low 35 yards. The defense did allow its largest point total of the season.

 

#10 Bell County (3-1) picked up its second consecutive win beating 4A Wayne County 14-10. The Bobcats, left for dead after their loss to Boyle two weeks ago, were much tougher defensively than the last two weeks. Most are still looking at the October 16 matchup with Corbin to establish a clear favorite in Region IV.

 

Extra Points

Garrard County (3-1) waited out a ninety minute lightning delay before defeating Rockcastle County 20-8. The Lions ran for 226 yards and passed for another 123 in finishing off their most complete game of the season.

 

West Carter (2-1) had no trouble winning the county championship over East Carter, 49-13. The Comets have won the last two meetings over their rivals from Grayson.

 

Henry County (4-0) remained among the unbeaten in Class 3A with a 28-0 shutout victory over Walton-Verona. The Wildcats actually picked up two victories this week. Henry defeated Owen County on Monday night in a game that had been suspended due to weather last Friday.

 

Bath County (2-1) dominated previously undefeated Morgan County in every facet of the game running for 243 yards and winning 45-0. The Wildcats, who won only twice last season, are in their first year under Coach Johnny Poynter.

Very in-depth.

 

Good work!

Good article @gchs_uk9! Very nice work.