The number of games are shrinking as teams are eliminated and we head to the title game. The semifinal matchups are excellent. Let's look at how our final four won their games last week and how the matchups look in the semifinal games.

 

Region 1 Championship

 

Russellville has been the prohibitive favorite to win region 1 since the first snap of the season and they did what everyone expected. The Panthers used their single wing rushing game and speed to roll over Bethlehem 48-12. Russellville rushed for 578 yards in the game. Leading the way was explosive RB Johnny Drumgole running for 194 yards on just 9 carries. QB Jaylyn McMurry was right behind him with 153 yards on just 7 carries. McMurry only threw 3 passes in the game but he was 3-3 for 79 yards and a TD. No surprises in this region as Russellville moves on the the state semifinals.

 

Region 2 Championship

 

Beechwood also was the clear favorite in their region and they delivered as well. Their regional title game was not a walk over despite the 42-7 final score. Kentucky Country Day proved their 10-2 record was no fluke as they pushed Beechwood hard in the first half. Ky. Country Day held Beechwood's offense in check and forced their way to a 7-7 tie late in the first half. The backbreaker for Ky. Country Day came almost immediately after their only score late in the first half when Beechwood QB Brayden Burch hit WR Daniel Mescher with a 56 yard pass that put the ball inside the 5. The Tigers scored a couple plays later to go back ahead 14-7 at halftime. In the second half it was all Beechwood. They completely dominated with their defense and used their running game to pull away. The Tigers move into the state semifinals for the 9th time in the past 10 years.

 

Region 3 Championship

 

The big regional matchups in 1A happened on the east side of the bracket. None were bigger than #1 Paintsville versus #3 Raceland in region 3. This game was a rematch of an overtime thriller in the regular season. Two of the stingiest defenses in 1A were on the field and they slugged it out in another classic game. The game was scoreless the bulk of the first half. Paintsville passed for a TD midway through the 2nd quarter and then added another score with less than a minute left in the half to go up 14-0 at halftime. When the Tigers added another score to go ahead 21-0 in the 3rd quarter it looked to be over. However, Raceland stormed back with a punt return for a score in the 3rd quarter and then another TD with about 6 minutes to go to make it 21-14. Paintsville was able to stop Raceland on downs after that to secure the win. A valiant effort by a very good Rams team falls short. Paintsville earned their way to the semifinals, that's for sure.

 

Region 4 Championship

 

The Hazard Bulldogs have been building momentum as the season goes on. To keep their season going, they had to get past 1A defending state champion Pikeville. Pikeville was the favorite here and a rocky start by Hazard with a fumble led to a quick 7-0 lead for Pikeville. That was as good as it got for Pikeville. The Bulldogs put up 21 straight points to lead 21-7 at halftime. The defending champs tried to battle back in the 2nd half getting within 21-13. Once again Hazard matched Pikeville's score with 3 in a ow of their own to push the lead to 42-13 and roll to a surprisingly easy win. Hazard handed the ball off to the top rusher in 1A Cory Smith 37 times and he delivered 279 yards. Beware the Bulldogs. They have a history of putting their best football together in the playoffs and they are looking very strong right now.

 

Semifinal Matchups - Speed and Power

 

#4 Russellville (12-1) at #2 Beechwood (12-1) - This is the speed game. Both teams feature explosively fast backs. For Russellville it is RB Johnny Drumgole and running QB Jaylyn McMurry. For Beechwood it is the 1 -2 punch of RB's Aiden Justice and James Davis. Beechwood's offense is much more balanced with QB Brayden Burch throwing for over 2,000 yards on the year with 23 TD's and only 4 INT's while completing better than 60% of his passes. Russellville's passing game is one of surprise. They pound you repeatedly with their running attack and then sneak a receiver deep on you for big plays. They don't throw it often but they make it hurt when they do. Which defense can get more stops against the high powered offenses? That is what will determine the winner in this game of speed on speed on the turf in Ft. Mitchell.

 

#1 Paintsville (13-0) at #6 Hazard (11-2) - This is the power game. Yes, Kent Phelps is a blazer but by power game I mean power running attack versus power running attack. These two teams would like nothing better than to line up behind the beef they have up front and run it down your throat all night. Hazard's Cory Smith is the leading rusher in the 1A and has averaged over 300 yards per game rushing in these playoffs. Paintsville's Kent Phelps is #2 in rushing in 1A. He will find the seam and blast through it for big plays. Both backs are over 2,000 yards rushing on the season. If the teams have to turn to their passing games, Hazard looks to have the edge there with QB Bailey Blair over 2,000 yards passing on the season, although he only needed to throw it 3 time versus Pikeville. Paintsville QB Darren Morris throws it enough to keep defenses honest and has been effective passing it. His passing could be a surprise factor in this one for Paintsville. Can Paintsville stop the runaway Cory Smith rushing attack? Can Hazard keep Phelps away from the big play runs? If you like old school, slug it out rushing football, this is a game you will want to see.

Very well written! Good read!

Great read; but, where are the "climb out on a limb" predictions? Man-up, VOR and give us your thoughts.

"Beechwood also was the clear favorite in their region and they delivered as well. Their regional title game was not a walk over despite the 42-7 final score. Kentucky Country Day proved their 10-2 record was no fluke as they pushed Beechwood hard in the first half. Ky. Country Day held Beechwood's offense in check and forced their way to a 7-7 tie late in the first half. The backbreaker for Ky. Country Day came almost immediately after their only score late in the first half when Beechwood QB Brayden Burch hit WR Daniel Mescher with a 56 yard pass that put the ball inside the 5. The Tigers scored a couple plays later to go back ahead 14-7 at halftime. In the second half it was all Beechwood."

 

Weighing in now several weeks after the Beechwood/KCD game to say how spot on VOR was in his analysis. Several key factors that I think will be critical tonight against Hazard. Beechwood adjusts beautifully. The 3rd quarter onslaught came with some brilliant halftime moves on Beechwood's coaching staff part and this disciplined, football-savy team's ability to execute. KCD did not adjust, did not feed it's wide receivers enough in the second half despite a significant height advantage and continued to try to play power football with a defense that adjusted beautifully. I have nothing but admiration and respect for Beechwood's special kids and their sharp, sharp coaching staff. All the best of luck tonight.