4A #10 Shelby County at 3A #8 Garrard County

[DragonFire]

We covered it in the preview, but last season was a dream campaign for the Rockets, and a throwback to the glory days of the 80s. But with the high of that season, comes the reality of a myriad of departures. Malik Manica and Michael Perry were their best offensive and defensive weapons, and they were lost to graduation. So too were the majority of their offensive line. They'll feature a completely rebuilt offensive unit, and will be put to the test right away against Garrard County, which made them fight for every inch of a 31-30 win in the opener a season ago. Garrard County suffered some losses to graduation as well, but has a sizable line and a 1,000 yard back running behind it. Who wins this time around?

Edited August 15, 2016 by DragonFire

[gchs_uk9]

Who wins the return matchup at Shelby County?

 

This game is actually at Garrard County again this season. It's year two of Garrard's bowl.

[DragonFire]

This game is actually at Garrard County again this season. It's year two of Garrard's bowl.

 

Edited!

[Tommy2tone]

Yes those are 2 huge losses for SC but have several key players returning. FYI, Manica didn't play in that game last year.

Not sure if I would classify last seaso. As a dream. Stay tuned for part 2 if it was. Most polls has SC higher than your 10

[DragonFire]

Yes those are 2 huge losses for SC but have several key players returning. FYI, Manica didn't play in that game last year.

Not sure if I would classify last seaso. As a dream. Stay tuned for part 2 if it was. Most polls has SC higher than your 10

 

You would not classify a turnaround from 3-8 to 12-2 and an appearance in the state semifinals as a dream season? No, they didn't get the big ring, but that in addition to not dropping the game to Franklin County is about all above that they could have done.

 

When you turn in what may have been the most wins in school history, a nine game turnaround, and a region title for the first time in over two decades, it was a dream season.

 

As to the ranking, there will be plenty of time for that to work itself out! I personally looked at what the other teams have coming back, and considering that last season was such a stark contrast to where Shelby County has been lately, I think they need to prove themselves some in the face of losing so much personnel. I originally had them a bit higher, but while previewing the team, felt that it was too much to ignore the huge loss in production as well as replacing so much on the offensive line.

[Tommy2tone]

Seeing your explanation of dream season I will sort of by into it. Only most wins in school history, taking your word for it, is only due to playing more games. SC has had some really nice football teams.

IMO replacing the line will be a bigger challenge than replacing Manica and Perry. There Is still talent in the backfield. The D is good. Will find out how good trying to stop the run this week.

As far as rankings go, there will be several teams in 4A playing better completion than some of the others and taking the L. I think everyone will agree that District 4 will have outstanding district games each week.

[DragonFire]

Seeing your explanation of dream season I will sort of by into it. Only most wins in school history, taking your word for it, is only due to playing more games. SC has had some really nice football teams.

IMO replacing the line will be a bigger challenge than replacing Manica and Perry. There Is still talent in the backfield. The D is good. Will find out how good trying to stop the run this week.

As far as rankings go, there will be several teams in 4A playing better completion than some of the others and taking the L. I think everyone will agree that District 4 will have outstanding district games each week.

 

The source of that is here: http://www.kyhssports.freewebspace.com/fbmadvsshelby.doc

 

I can vouch for the accuracy of that site. The reason I say "may have been" as far as the most wins, is because it doesn't track back past 1975 other than 1969-1971. Considering that they didn't win a state title before that, I find it unlikely that they would have won 12 games, but it isn't impossible. And definitely, Shelby County has had some very good teams. But strangely enough, not many double digit win seasons, and that's with some of those teams playing the same amount this team did. Last year was their first double digit win total since 1988. Even when they won state in 1987, they only won 10 games.

 

District 4 was an awesome district last year, the best top to bottom in 4A, no question. I expect the same this year. I believe that if Shelby gets past Garrard, they will probably enter district play 5-0. I think there's a good chance Spencer County does likewise, and maybe Franklin County has an outside shot of doing the same.

[Tommy2tone]

Big if they get past Garrard. Big ole boys pounding down your throat.

Speaking of Franklin, very unknown this year. 5A power falling off the face of the earth playing 4A. New coach and very unknown team. If they still have the 5A talent, could be very dangerous come playoff time.

Spencer has stepped up schedule just a little bit. It is great that all the Bullitt schools and Oldham schools playing the Schools in this area. Makes it easy for road trips.

[FLYGUY]

Big if they get past Garrard. Big ole boys pounding down your throat.

Speaking of Franklin, very unknown this year. 5A power falling off the face of the earth playing 4A. New coach and very unknown team. If they still have the 5A talent, could be very dangerous come playoff time.

Spencer has stepped up schedule just a little bit. It is great that all the Bullitt schools and Oldham schools playing the Schools in this area. Makes it easy for road trips.

Franklin Very Unknown, talent was down last year, with a lot of injuries. This year I am not sure what the Flyers will have, didn't fair well vs. Waggner last week.

[FLYGUY]

Shelby beats Garrard soundly.

[Tommy2tone]

Who did Garrad scrimmage last week and result?

[gchs_uk9]

Who did Garrad scrimmage last week and result?

 

Southwestern. I didn't go, but was told that it was competitive, but Garrard had some turnover issues. Also was told that Southwestern should be very good this year.