Who do you think wins and why?

This is the time the Panthers get over the hump. Lots of speed and plenty of weapons to choose from. I can see something along the lines of last year's shootout (34-25).

I'm curious as to how Russellville travels for this game. Do they come the night before or same day? That long bus ride could lead to a sluggish start

This is definitely going to be a hard fought game. Size will be against Russellville during this game. However, speed and experience will be key for the Panthers. Beechwood has an solid defense and and very good skill players on the defensive side of the ball. The Panthers are going to have to do more than run between the tackles to win! It was an excellent game last year, and I think both teams are evenly matched this year! I give the edge to Beechwood because they are at home. My game calculator calls is 28 - 27 Russellville. I honestly don't know but it will be a show! Good luck To both teams!

This is definitely going to be a hard fought game. Size will be against Russellville during this game. However, speed and experience will be key for the Panthers. Beechwood has an solid defense and and very good skill players on the defensive side of the ball. The Panthers are going to have to do more than run between the tackles to win! It was an excellent game last year, and I think both teams are evenly matched this year! I give the edge to Beechwood because they are at home. My game calculator calls is 28 - 27 Russellville. I honestly don't know but it will be a show! Good luck To both teams!

 

So Russellville is actually smaller than Beechwood?

Player size wise?

I'm curious as to how Russellville travels for this game. Do they come the night before or same day? That long bus ride could lead to a sluggish start

 

They had a decent-sized crowd last night. But going to Beechwood adds another 2 hours onto the trip. Then again, it's the state SFs, so I would hope that would bring other fans out of the woodwork for the Panthers.

The Panthers are small in the trenches, but, quick. I think they're more athletic as a team than they were last year and has more experience than last years team. They can definitely put some points on the board and can do it with long, sustained drives or they can quick strike you. They have a couple of nice receivers and their QB can sling it pretty good, but, for the most part, when they pass, it'll be short to intermediate routes or screens to their RBs and getting them in space. Their RBs are also the real deal. Very quick and elusive and stronger than they look as they break a lot of tackles. I do think the Tigers can run the ball straight at them and give them problems. The Panther D is pretty quick and pursue left to right well, but, going right at them, you can have some success and if the OL gives their QB time to throw it, their secondary can be had on the deeper routes.

Jaylyn McMurry is very impressive running that option with the way he's able to hide the ball.

Edge:Game at Beechwood

Edge: Experience Beechwood

Edge: Russellville never beating Beechwood

Prediction: Beechwood 35 Russellville 14

This should be a good game and I believe both teams are more than capable of winning. Regardless of who wins, the title game should be awesome against whoever wins between Hazard and Paintsville.

Edge:Game at Beechwood

Edge: Experience Beechwood

Edge: Russellville never beating Beechwood

Prediction: Beechwood 35 Russellville 14

 

Russellville definitely has the experience edge. They are a senior dominated team. They have a lot of players who were starters in last year's playoff match. I believe Beechwood has only 4 players starting who were starters last year and one of them was injured early against Russellville last year and missed almost the whole game. Beechwood is playing more young players this year than any time in the past 15 years or more.

Yes they are smaller up front on both size then normal. If memory serves me right, there are 10+ seniors that Russellville has playing and more than 7 starters on each side of the line that returned from last year. The travel to Beechwood will definitely affect the fan base that shows. I was at the Franklin game and was very impressed by the panthers. If not for 3 big runs back to back for scores by the wildcats, the finish would have been an awesome game. Beechwood has the edge against the Panthers in the win column and the home field advantage. I'll be anxious to see how the Panthers offense responds to Beechwoods defense. That will difinitely be the key to the winning the game.

Edge:Game at Beechwood

Edge: Experience Beechwood

Edge: Russellville never beating Beechwood

Prediction: Beechwood 35 Russellville 14

 

Forgot major edge to BW. Panthers will have to play on Level playing field. For those of you that have never traveled to Russelville, you won't understand.

I think Russellville finslly gets a win over Beechwood. They are experienced, fast and hungry for a title. Russellville. 35-28

Beechwood is extremely athletic and fast on defense. On offense they can run or pass equally well. I think the Tigers win this game and move on to the finals for the second year in a row..GO TIGERS!!