Caldwell Beats Tilghman, Stakes Claim to Tops in Region I

On opening night, Caldwell County found themselves unranked. The Tigers, a steady presence near the top of Class 2A for the last several years, were making the move to 3A and were something of an unknown, having to replace several key players including Mr. Football Elijah Sindelar.

 

What a difference a few weeks make. After losing their opener to Christian County late, Caldwell (5-1) has reeled off five consecutive wins and will likely now find themselves ranked in the top four in Class 3A. That position was cemented with a 48-27 over preseason district favorite Paducah Tilghman (3-3). Caldwell showed a balanced attack, rushing for 232 yards and four scores while passing for 192 yards and two more scores. The Tiger offense has most often been led by running back Dee Cain and he again had a strong night (112 yards, 2 TDs) before leaving with an injury. No worries, though, as Javonte Riley picked up the slack, carrying the ball for 154 yards and 2 scores of his own.

 

Now the question is, can Caldwell hold the momentum? The schedule shows a trip to a much improved Union County team this week. If Caldwell can get that win then they will likely have home field advantage throughout the postseason, meaning teams like Elizabethtown, Boyle County, and/or Central would have to advance through Princeton.

 

Belfry Wins First of Two-Week Out-of-State Two-Step

With the arrival of Boyle County into Class 3A and a somewhat blase performance in their season opener against a so-so Tates Creek team, many could be forgiven for thinking Belfry might not be the favorite to win its third straight championship. But if you've had your eyes on Pond Creek the last four games then you might be thinking otherwise. The Pirates won again this week, dominating a Tennessee Top 10 team in Knoxville Catholic by a score of 38-14. Belfry (5-0) ran for 427 yards, led by Xondre Willis' 158.

 

Round two of this out-of-state turn is a visit to Cabell-Midland, the #1 ranked team in the entire state of West Virginia. Cabell-Midland is coached by former Lawrence County coach Luke Salmons, who lost his only meeting with Belfry while in Louisa, a 20-13 tight one in 2008. Cabell-Midland will provide a legitimate test to Belfry and will likely be the best defensive unit the Pirates see in the regular season. If Belfry can cross the Big Sandy and get a win it might be time to reconsider who is the #1 team in Class 3A.

 

Russell Fends off West Carter, Claims Superior Status in District 5

It hasn't always been pretty, but the Russell Red Devils are 4-1 and in the driver's seat for a district championship and home field advantage throughout the playoffs. Russell beat what many considered their chief district challenger on Friday night, claiming their 23rd consecutive victory over West Carter.

 

Coach T.J. Maynard's Red Devils ran for 230 yards and passed for another 70, while holding West Carter (3-2) to 138 total yards. It wasn't until a late fourth quarter touchdown pass from Jacob McKee to Ryan Stump that Russell could truly feel out of the woods. Russell running back Nick Conley ran for 187 yards and the Russell defense held West Carter star quarterback Braden Brown to only 52 yards rushing and a 4-11 performance through the air.

 

Around the Rankings

#1 Boyle County (6-0) played much of the night in quagmire but still managed to handle Lincoln County, 42-12. The Rebels now have a week off before starting district play on the road against Garrard County on October 9.

 

#3 Central (3-2) had to work to win their district opener on the road at Waggener. The Yellowjackets led by one point in the fourth quarter before pulling away for a 21-6 win in a game marred by numerous penalties.

 

#4 Lexington Catholic (3-3) continued their Jekyll and Hyde offensive performance with a disappointing 28-0 shutout loss to 6A Cooper. Catholic, who is playing with backup quarterback Kirk Fagot, struggled to move the ball after putting up 485 total yards the previous week.

 

#7 Elizabethtown (6-0) just keeps winning, this week picking up a road win at district rival Edmonson County. The Panthers defense was once again solid, holding Edmonson to 178 total yards.

 

#9 Corbin (3-3) had perhaps the toughest task of any Class 3A team this week and they fell to 2A #2 Mayfield, 28-14 at Lindsey Wilson College in Columbia. The Redhounds have now lost three straight, but all have been to highly ranked teams and all have been reasonably close.

 

Extra Points

Henry County (5-0) stayed unbeaten on the season with a big 28-7 win on the road at Bardstown. The Wildcats are in position to host a home playoff game for the first time in two years.

 

Bath County (4-1) won their fourth straight, dominating Pendleton County by a 50-6 score. The 4 wins by the Wildcats are their most since 2012.

 

Powell County (2-3) surprised rival Estill County 38-16. Isaac Harrison ran for 195 yards and four scores for the Pirates.

 

Breathitt County (1-4) won their first game of the season, beating Knott County Central 48-12.

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Great Info GC! I'm on the Caldwell train! Think they can go along way!

Caldwell won 46-27. Not sure why KHSAA has the score wrong.

Good stuff, but slight misinformation on Knoxville Catholic. They're number ten in their class, but they are nowhere near the overall top ten in TN.

Good stuff, but slight misinformation on Knoxville Catholic. They're number ten in their class, but they are nowhere near the overall top ten in TN.

 

Yeah, I meant to include "in their class" but when I went back to edit it later I couldn't. Thanks for clearing it up!

If Caldwell can get that win then they will likely have home field advantage throughout the postseason, meaning teams like Elizabethtown, Boyle County, and/or Central would have to advance through Princeton.

It's a long bus ride from Etown to Princeton and a longer one from Louisville and Boyle County to Princeton.

Come on down and visit us in Princeton and we can grab a bite

And watch some football