Things are really started to heat up in the second round of the playoffs, two games in particular come to mind. In the playoff preview I had Dixie Heights and Covington Catholic meeting up for a rematch in the regional finals, I had also predicted Madison Southern would upset South Oldham in the region 3 championship. After this weekend’s results, neither will happen. This week will host another slate of interesting matchups as we work our way toward crowning a champion.

 

Region 1

 

This region went as expected, with Bowling Green and Owensboro both advancing to meet each other for the regional title game. Owensboro led Greenwood 14-3 at halftime, but Greenwood made a game of it late in the third quarter closing the gap to 14-10. The Red Devils pulled away at the end though, winning the game 28-17. This game featured two teams that line up and dare you to stop the run and the final stats for the game reflect just that. Owensboro posted 403 yards on the ground, while Greenwood managed a respectable 290. That was the story of the game as both teams finished with ZERO yards through the air.

 

While Bowling Green also did as expected advanced over Christian County, this game went a little different than most would have expected. The Purples jumped out to a 17-0 lead over the Colonels in this one and it looked like another typical running clock for Bowling Green. But Christian County bounced back and managed a 22-17 lead at halftime. Hats off to Christian County as they didn’t give up and fought their way back, keeping this one within reach of a victory up until the Purples snatched victory out of the jaws of defeat.

 

This week Owensboro gets a shot at the Purples, but don’t expect this one to be a nail biter late in the third quarter if you’re a Bowling Green fan. The reason Christian County was able to keep it close for most of the game against the Purples was their passing attack, as they managed 321 yards through the air. The Red Devils will operate on a different philosophy and keep the ball on the ground. To be frank, you’re not going to beat Bowling Green that way, look for a running clock in this one.

 

Region 2

 

Last week in region two, both winning teams left no doubt as to who would be advancing. Fern Creek over Dixie Heights was the surprise outcome but not the fact that the Tigers won, but how dominant they were in doing so. The Tigers posted a 39-6 win over Dixie Heights, which left little doubt who the better team is. Fern Creek won the game with a balanced attack, totaling 135 yards rushing and 141 yards passing. While the total yardage between these two was nearly identical, the Tigers did what they needed to do to get into the endzone, completing three touchdown passes as well as adding two more on the ground.

 

Covington Catholic also had no real issues with Doss, as they outgained the Dragons 329 yards to 277, which resulted in a 48-21 win for the Colonels. The Colonels balanced attack allowed them to march down the field six different times resulting in touchdowns. Quarterback AJ Mayer led the team with three touchdowns of his own, with two on the ground and one through the air. If that wasn’t enough Mayer also led the Colonels in yards per carry, with just over 11 yards per carry. Casey McGinnness was the workhorse of the ground attack, adding two touchdowns of his own on 13 carries.

 

This week is an eye opening matchup as Fern Creek may have very well be as good as their early season rankings suggested. While I would not be surprised with an upset in this one, I’m sticking with my earlier prediction with the Colonels winning the region. This is an exciting matchup though and should be an exciting game to watch, so if you have the opportunity, go check this one out! My prediction is that Covington Catholic wins this one on the road, 44-41.

 

Region 3

 

In region three South Oldham left no doubt why they were undefeated until the final week of the regular season. The Dragons swept the Bullitt County teams during the regular season and this game was no different, South Oldham blanked Bullitt Central 37-0. Quarterback Drew Zaubi completed 7 of his 12 passes, tacking on 3 touchdowns along the way, Drew also rushed for 42 yards while adding another touchdown on the ground in this one. Keanan John picked up the Dragons other touchdown while posting 72 yards on just two carries.

 

My favorite to win the region was Madison Southern. Well, lets just leave it at I was wrong. North Bullitt knocked off the Eagles of Madison Southern 54-41 on Friday. North Bullitt put up over 500 yards of total offense in this one on their way to the win. The quarterbacks for the Eagles of North Bullitt stole the show however, as they were responsible for all eight of North Bullitt’s touchdowns. While the Bullitt County teams have been up and down all season, North Bullitt has been the most consistent, which is why they will be playing in the regional final.

 

So here we are again, South Oldham and North Bullitt capped off the regular season against each other with the Dragons winning by a point, 35-34. To be honest, this is a hard region to figure out and is completely up in the air. I thought all along that the Eagles would win this region, even though it was a different group of Eagles. I’m sticking with my gut, North Bullitt wins a close one by a touchdown, 42-35.

 

Region 4

 

This was the one region that followed the rules, no upsets, no questions about final scores or how the game went. What this means is a familiar scenario, another postseason rematch between Pulaski County and Southwestern. This is likely a battle between who gets the chance to meet up with Bowling Green in the state title game.

 

Both the Maroons and the Warriors posted similar wins last week, versus two solid opponents. Both schools put up well over 400 yards of offense. The only thing that really stands out when looking at last week’s stats is that Pulaski County only allowed 285 yards of offense to Whitley County, while Southwestern gave up 399 yards of offense to North Laurel.

 

That said, don’t look too much into that stat, when these two teams played each other earlier in the season Southwestern did not have much trouble pulling out the 21-6 win. Expect this one to be a bit closer but the Warriors will advance this season. My prediction is 35-28, Southwestern.

Very good breakdown, JD. Really appreciate the work you put in all season.

Very good breakdown, JD. Really appreciate the work you put in all season.

 

Thank you! Didn't get to put much time into this one as I've had some internet issues this week. Plenty of grammar mistakes in it, as I didn't get much of a chance to proofread, but I think everyone will still be able to read it lol.

Very good overview JD -- but still no love for the Dragons? LOL. And no matter who wins the South Oldham/North Bullitt game you are already picking against them. The best part of sports is its settled by the players on the field. Should be a great weekend of football. Let the kids have fun and be injury free.

Very good overview JD -- but still no love for the Dragons? LOL. And no matter who wins the South Oldham/North Bullitt game you are already picking against them. The best part of sports is its settled by the players on the field. Should be a great weekend of football. Let the kids have fun and be injury free.

Hey Bob,

 

I think for me concerning South Oldham, I just don't have a good measuring stick game for them. The Bullitt Family, I just don't know how to read those guys as being very good or not. Doss turned out to be a pretty good team and you guys beat them, but not sure they were as good to start the season though.

 

Not really a cut on South Oldham, just not sure what to expect when they play. Losing to Shelby County is no crime, but they are 4A. Then again the bones of this team took the bones of this years Fern Creek squad to the wire last year in a tough playoff loss. So :idunno::idunno:

Hey Bob,

 

I think for me concerning South Oldham, I just don't have a good measuring stick game for them. The Bullitt Family, I just don't know how to read those guys as being very good or not. Doss turned out to be a pretty good team and you guys beat them, but not sure they were as good to start the season though.

 

Not really a cut on South Oldham, just not sure what to expect when they play. Losing to Shelby County is no crime, but they are 4A. Then again the bones of this team took the bones of this years Fern Creek squad to the wire last year in a tough playoff loss. So :idunno::idunno:

 

I totally understand your point about South Oldham. Offense has been pretty steady throughout the season but the Dragons had to replace a good amount of defense and that has been a work in progress. They were missing some key pieces vs Doss on D and some kids needed some seasoning. They played better teams later in the season and exposed some weaknesses that are being fixed. I guess what I was questioning is what has North Bullitt done to get a nod over South Oldham. Shelby County doubled them up and they lost to Bullitt East (a team South Oldham beat by several TDs), and South Oldham beat North Bullitt. So whats the basis for picking North Bullitt?

I guess what I was questioning is what has North Bullitt done to get a nod over South Oldham. Shelby County doubled them up and they lost to Bullitt East (a team South Oldham beat by several TDs), and South Oldham beat North Bullitt. So whats the basis for picking North Bullitt?

 

I would agree with you on the North Bullitt issue as I like South Oldham in that game. Not by alot, but to win. Think South has more experience in tougher/closer games than North does.

 

I kinda feel North Bullitt is a 12 to 8 ranking team, where South is probably an 8 to 5 type ranking in 5A this year. Of course, if both are playing like they are #8 then it'll be a whale of a game!!!

 

I'm sure both teams thought they left alot on the field after the first game. Should be a good one!!

Should be fun for the fans!

Edited November 17, 20169 yr by CoachReedWingNut
too long

Very good overview JD -- but still no love for the Dragons? LOL. And no matter who wins the South Oldham/North Bullitt game you are already picking against them. The best part of sports is its settled by the players on the field. Should be a great weekend of football. Let the kids have fun and be injury free.

 

It's nothing personal, I promise. I'm just still not sold on the Dragons, mainly due to not having a lot to work with as far as body their body of work, but that's not their fault. They have won the games they were supposed to and had they beat Shelby County they would have certainly opened my eyes.

 

I completely get why you question why I picked North Bullitt over the Dragons and to be honest I believe the Dragon's should win that one. But what fun would it be if I don't pick an upset every once in a while? After all it was a one point game when the two teams played recently, so it's not that far fetched that it could happen.

 

Anyway, I hope the young Dragons prove me wrong and win the region again this year. I also hope that none of the players that may read this board think I don't respect their team, they certainly do have my respect and I was pulling for them to win the Shelby County game to finish the regular season undefeated. Good luck to both teams this weekend and I hope they both come out injury free. It should be one helluva game.

JD -- No problem. never even thought of taking it personal. Being on here is for fun. This is going to be a fun game to watch. Both offenses are clicking so defenses beware.