The great debate, of course, is who should be at the top – Johnson Central or South Warren? Johnson Central was the preseason #1 , and even in other rankings was elevated above the Spartans to begin the year. The Golden Eagles have opened up 2-0, including a more dominating than the final 42-28 win over Lexington Catholic, currently the #4 team in 3A. That game saw Johnson Central rack up 441 yards on the ground without gaining a single one through the air. But they’ve been hampered in their defense of the top spot by a bye week out of the gate and a second bye week due to their opponent backing out on them. That has opened the door for South Warren, which played their two best opponents during the weeks Johnson Central was on the sideline. The first was an opening salvo against John Hardin, a crushing 43-12 result that immediately screamed the arrival of the Spartans on the scene. The second was a 24-3 win over then-#1 0 Central Hardin from 6A. That game showed off the defensive prowess for South Warren, holding the Bruins to just 98 yards of offense. South Warren couldn’t get much going with their QB hobbled, not gaining much offensively themselves, but won the day on defense and special teams. They opened the game with a kickoff return for a score, and later blocked a punt for a scoop and score by linebacker Devante Colton. Both Johnson Central and South Warren have been unapproachable so far, and each would make a fine #1 . They are considered the easy favorites for their respective sides, but until that potential meeting in the state finals, it appears we may be left with an “eye of the beholder” situation as to who belongs at the top.

 

Speaking of Ryder Litten, the engine of the South Warren offense, he was one of several key players on South Warren to emerge banged up last week, and is considered doubtful for their tilt against North Hardin this week. This is likely a precaution to ensure his health heading into district play, but bears keeping an eye on. He is easily their most dominant playmaker, and in many ways the difference between the South Warren of 2013 and 2014, with the former featuring a smothering defense but an offense that combined for 10 points in their two losses.

 

Quenton Baker kept up his Mr. Football candidacy with a 17/147/3 stat line on the ground against 3A #9 Russell. Baker has already rushed for 634 yards on 64 carries this season, with one out of every 7 carries resulting in a touchdown. Ashland is 3-0, and will likely roll to 8-0 before facing Johnson Central on October 23rd.

 

Franklin County, Hopkinsville, and Shelby County also kept up undefeated campaigns, with each bumping up to 4-0. Franklin County blew out 1A Frankfort 46-15 while Shelby County handled North Bullitt 56-7. Franklin County is just two years removed from starting this well, but Shelby County only had three wins in the entire season last season. It’s the best start for the Rockets since they opened 7-0 in 2005. Hopkinsville has been waiting even longer, last starting this well in 2004 when they opened 13-0 in Curtis pulley’s senior campaign. The adversity has been constant for the Tigers, now dealing with injuries on top of the tragic death of Jay’von Quarles at the beginning of the year. This latest win didn’t come easily, a come from behind victory over Murray. They face a tough test this week against Christian County.

 

It wasn’t a win this last week, but perhaps no team found a greater status in a previous win than Knox Central did. While they were beating Harlan County 35-25, Louisville Central was taking down St. X 20-17. Knox Central beat the Yellowjackets two weeks ago 28-24.

 

The games to watch this week are the aforementioned Hopkinsville/Christian County tilt, where the Colonels enter as 5A’s #6 team, Franklin County putting it on the line against 5A #8 Anderson County, and a matchup of the unbeaten when Spencer County takes on 5A #1 0 Bullitt Central. A nice benchmark also might be seen when Collins hosts Boyle County, 3A’s #1 team.

South Warren definitely has a claim.

 

JC's physical dismantling of LexCath I think is equal to, if not greater, than either of SW's signature wins.

 

Personally I think you can put either on the 1 line and it is a safe bet.

 

Looking ahead South Warren's schedule lightens up a good bit more than Johnson Central's. The bets team lef tis Warren Central who most likely will not even be ranked.

 

Johnson Central has some cream puffs left, but Ashland and Belfry are top notch tests.

Tell us about South Warren what do they do on offense and defense, some of us are not familiar with them and John Hardin and what they offer?

DEFENSE DEFENSE DEFENSE !!! Physical in the trenches and a lot of speed may be the best coached team in west ky offense very good also a lot of playmakers plus they want to redem themselves for last year that's pretty much it in a nutshell

may be the best coached team in west ky

 

The coaching staffs at Mayfield and Bowling Green have a time tested resume and disagree.

I think I like SWarren as the #1 over JC right now.. Either can make a great case, but, I believe SWarren's D would stop JCs running attack and that'd be the difference.. If JC were more versatile and could beat you thru the air, then I'd likely give them the nod.. I think JCs offense is better overall, but, in my book, a great D will win you more championships than a great O will..