Class 5A Notebook (8-29-16)

As expected, things heated up quick in class 5A, with five of the top ten teams taking losses. Some of those losses were expected, though there will still be a slight shakeup in the rankings. Fern Creek, Christian County, Highlands, Pulaski County, and Southwestern were all defeated for the first time this season. Highlands was the only real head scratcher, as they lost to an unranked 6A Campbell County team. Week 2 will also prove to be another challenge for several class 5A teams, including class favorite Bowling Green, which faces off with St. Xavier. More on that game and this past week’s results, along with this week’s matchups to come later in the article.

The Top Ten

Bowling Green had another tough test of many this season facing off against #3 Christian County. The Purples had no problem posting the win though, as they beat the Colonels of Christian County 42-22, the running clock started in the 3^rd quarter this week. Quarterback Clark Payne had an efficient game completing 20 of his 27 passes totaling 254 yards, 4 touchdowns and zero interceptions. Running back Jamale Carothers was his top target catching 5 passes for 124 yards, resulting in two touchdowns. Carothers also posted 113 yards rushing on 14 carries, adding another touchdown. The Purples have won an overwhelming 71 of their last 74 games but have another tough challenge coming this week as they host 6A top ten St. Xavier, whom was responsible for the Purples only loss in 2015.

Fern Creek traveled to 6A #7 DuPont Manual in week two, resulting in the Tigers first loss of the season. Fern Creek only mustered 74 yards of offense in this one, while giving up 258 yards to the Manual Crimsons. This week Fern Creek looks to get things back on track as they host 3A Moore.

Christian County has now played the toughest game they will play all season, unless of course they meet Bowling Green in the playoffs. The Colonels lost to the 5A favorite 42-22. The Purples put a running clock on the Colonels in the third quarter, however that will be more normal than not this season for the class 5A favorite. All in all Christian County put up a good fight, but the Purples are a special team this season. This week, Christian County has their home opener versus 6A Henderson County. The Colonels look to get things back on track and solidify themselves as a top 3 team in class 5A.

Highlands, Highlands, Highlands… After winning their home opener against 6A top 15 Cooper, the Bluebirds looked poised to work their way into the top 3 with a win over Campbell County. But alas, the Camels proved to be too much for the Bluebirds this time around. This one was a shocker to most in the state as it was the first time the Camels have beat the Birds since 1991. Undoubtedly some of us are scratching our heads wondering what is going on in Fort Thomas. All is not lost for the Bluebirds though as they tallied up 338 total yards on offense (200 rushing, 138 passing) compared to 356 total yards for the Camels. What really hurt the Bluebirds in this one was the 8 penalties for 105 yards, compared to 4 penalties for 25 yards for the Camels. Highlands will have to get the penalties under control and step up the defense if they want to beat the Cardinals of Scott County this week. 6A #5 Scott County is coming off an impressive 48-19 win over 5A top ten Pulaski County.

Owensboro continues to impress. The Red Devils have scored 91 points in just two games to start the season while only giving up 34. In week two Owensboro faced Madisonville/North Hopkins and posted a 48-28 win. The Red Devils offense continues to roll as they tallied up 380 yards of total offense versus the class 4A Maroons. Running back Landon Board led the way with 195 yards on 28 carries while tacking on a touchdown, Zack Gross and Imonte Owsley tacked on 3 more touchdowns and 122 yards. This week the Red devils face off against cross town rival Owensboro Catholic, which should be a good tune up prior to playing Bowling Green in two weeks.

Covington Catholic posted a much needed win over Oak Hill’s, OH this past week as they held on to a 56-48 win in what looked like would be a blowout in favor of the Colonels. The Colonels were putting a beating on Oak Hill’s early in the game, but the Oak Hill’s passing game proved to be too much for the Covington Catholic’s defense, which allowed Oak Hill’s to make a game of it. Things get much tougher over the coming weeks as Covington Catholic faces Sycamore, Ohio, Lexington Catholic, Beechwood, and St. Francis DeSales, Ohio before entering district play. Quarterback AJ Mayer had a phenomenal game completing 19 of his 28 passes for 286 yards and four touchdowns. He was also the Colonels #2 rusher behind Casey McGinness. McGinness was responsible for 88 yards on 15 carries, while Mayer added 81 yards on 15 carries. As mentioned above, the Colonels host Sycamore, Ohio this week, which will be a much tougher team to beat than Oak Hill’s.

Pulaski County took a beating from Scott County in week two. All is not lost for the Maroons though as Scott County is a top 5, 6A team. Pulaski was only able to muster 210 yards of total offense, which won’t get it done against an offensive juggernaut like Scott County. Quarterback Matt Hendricks led the way completing over 60 percent of his passes for 107 yards and a touchdown. However, Hendricks also threw two interceptions. The Maroons look to get things back on track this week versus

4A Russell county.

South Oldham took a road trip to visit a solid Doss team this past week, winning a close one 34-26. Honestly, with Doss playing at home, the Dragons were prime for an early season upset. Doss actually tallied more total yardage in this game with 323 total yards, but the Dragons were still able to pull off the win as they totaled a respectable 311 total yards of their own. Quarterback Drew Zaubi tacked on 124 yards through the air while adding a touchdown. The Dragons balanced running attack led the way with 184 yards spread out among 6 players. South Oldham gets a week off before facing cross county rival North Oldham on September 9^th.

Southwestern was another 5A top ten team that took one on the chin in week two. The Warriors lost a close one to 2A top 5 Danville 35-34. On paper, you would think the Warriors won the game totaling 480 yards of offense compared to the Admirals 396 total yards. Quarterback Brandon Pruitt had a phenomenal game completing over 50% of his passes for 304 yards and three touchdowns. Running back Patrick Edwards tacked on 3 touchdowns of his own (2 rushing, one receiving) while racking up nearly 200 yards of total offense, 142 rushing and 57 receiving. This week the Warriors face another tough test as they travel to Clay County to face 4A #6 Knox Central in the Appalachian Bowl.

Greenwood keeps on taking care of business, although in week two they just barely came out ahead as they beat 4A Allen County – Scottsville 35-27. Allen County is 0-2 on the season, losing last week to Daviess County, so honestly this one being as close as it was this one was a bit of a surprise. However, a win is a win is a win and that’s all that really matters. Once again the Gators won the game on the ground, totaling 305 yards rushing, while only attempting two passes the entire game. Running backs Jackson Adams and Willie Reynolds let the ground attack, accounting for 285 yards of the Gators total offense and 4 touchdowns. This week the Gators will have their hands full as they host class 4A favorite South Warren. With South Warren having an exceptional run defense and the Gators being a run heavy team, the Gators will have to bring their A game if they want to pull off a win against the Spartans.