1. Belfry Pirates (3A, 0-0)- Pirates remained idle in Week 0 but now face a stiff test in 6A Tates Creek. Belfry has been battling the injury bug and the Commodores really tested their Defense in 2015, will Belfry be able to hold strong?

 

2. Johnson Central Golden Eagles (4A, 0-0)- The Golden Eagles scrimmaged the best of our neighbors to the North (even farther North than Ohio!) but get a whole new animal in their debut taking on powerhouse Capital, WV.

 

3. Corbin Redhounds (3A, 1-0)- Whiitley County was no match for the Hounds who dominated every facet. This week brings once of the State's more curious matchups as Haddix's Hounds take on fellow 3A Power Louisville Central in a definite "measuring stick" game.

 

4. Southwestern Warriors (5A, 1-0)- The warriors turned heads in the opener by lighting up the scoreboard against Jeffersonville, IN. This week Southwestern turns their attention to a Top 5 2A Danville.

 

5. Wayne County Cardinals (4A, 0-1)- The Cardinals challenged themselves by stepping up in class against a Top 15 6A Bryan Station team and came up just a hair short in Overtime. Wayne validated themselves, but a huge matchup with North Laurel will be needed for confirmation.

 

6. Pulaski County Maroons (5A, 1-0)- The Maroons felt the effects of their youth and needed a pair of Kickoff Returns for TD's to survive Harlan County. Most expect that learning experience to continue against powerful 6A Scott County.

 

7. Pikeville Panthers (1A, 1-0)- Pikeville made short work of a rebuilding 2A Prestonsburg squad. This week 5A Letcher Central comes calling on the defending Champs.

 

8. North Laurel (5A, 1-0)- Rival South Laurel just became another notch in the belt of North Laurel's recent series domination. The waters get much deeper with Wayne County this week.

 

9. Paintsville Tigers (1A, 1-0)- Sheldon Clark stood no chance as the Tigers celebrated Kent Phelps D-1 commitment. This week Paintsville will be pushed by a fellow Top 10 1A team in Frankfort.

 

10. Knox Central Panthers (4A, 0-1)- A questionable 4th Down decision may have cost K-N-O-X the chance of knocking off 6A Madison Central as they fell by a single point. The Panthers Defense is legit, but it will be stretched to it's limit with speedy Top 10 3A Waggener coming in.

 

3 Losing Teams That Made Statements:

 

Harlan County Black Bears (5A, 0-1)- Most gave Harlan County little respect entering a matchup with Pulaski County but the Bears clawed themselves to a respectable 26-14 showing. Harlan County only allowed two Offensive TD's as the Defense seems much improved.

 

Williamsburg Yellowjackets (1A, 0-1)- Many have expected Williamsburg to retain the form of 2015 when they went a ho-hum 5-6. For three Quarters Williamsburg appeared the better team against Top 10 2A Lexington Christian before wilting in the August humidity late.

 

Middlesboro Yellowjackets (2A, 0-1)- You probably can't expect to see Middlesboro competing for the Top 10 this year, but after giving rival 3A Bell County all they wanted the Jackets did prove that they will have something to say about their 1-10 campaign in 2015.

 

 

 

Player of the Week

WR Jake Johnson, Pulaski County- There were certainly better statistical performances than Johnson's 6 receptions for 62 yards in the win against Harlan County, but none were as meaningful. Those six receptions moved Johnson into the #1 spot in Kentucky History for career receptions as he passed Trinity's James Quick.

 

Game of the Week

Ashland Tomcats (4A, 0-0) vs. Raceland Rams (1A, 1-0)- Much like Johnson above it is easy to find other EKY matchups with more impact on rankings or featuring State Title contenders, but the internal dialogue of this game is hard to ignore. The rivalry of these two porgrams have became palpable in recent years but the Tomcats have found a way to dominate the series. Raceland's optimism is higher than it has ever been that they can do what few Rams teams have been able to do before and knock off the much larger Tomcats and in the process do it on the road.

Raceland and Ashland have had some great games in the last 20 years, this year will be another one. It will be just about impossible to find a game with a better crowd and better atmosphere this Friday. I expect a great game.

Great job ATL!

 

3 through 5 have REALLY big games this week will be interesting to see who makes it out on top!

The Rock, Knox, Wayne district will be tough. I agree with these rankings because I believe Rock has to earn a top 10 spot.

Raceland and Ashland have had some great games in the last 20 years, this year will be another one. It will be just about impossible to find a game with a better crowd and better atmosphere this Friday. I expect a great game.

 

I couldn't agree more. The annual Ashland/Raceland game has become my favorite of the season, other than it's always 95 degrees it seems. But the atmosphere is as good as it gets, especially this early in the season. There is something special about Putnam with a packed house, playing a local opponent.

How is Wayne co in eastern ky

They belong in the Midwest or something

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Im with you, when did Wayne start being considered as an EKY team?

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Im with you, when did Wayne start being considered as an EKY team?

 

Wayne is in no man's land relatively speaking when you break up the state into CKY, EKY, NKY, WKY, and Lou Metro

 

It is truly Southern Kentucky.

 

The issue is it is definitely not Western Kentucky or Northern Kentucky. So it has to fall somewhere, and your options are Central or Eastern Kentucky. By geography Wayne would be closer to Central KY, but the issue is that for as long as I can remember Wayne has never competed in what would be considered Central KY District. They have always been seemingly grouped with teams from Southeastern Kentucky.

 

Even their current District is Rockcastle, Knox Central, and Clay County (EKY)... and not the Mercer County, Taylor County, and Jessamine District (CKY).

 

Going back to the 3A alignment Wayne was in with Bell and Corbin instead of the more Central-Western or Central District Options.