Fern Creek (1-0) got off to a hot start returning the opening kickoff for a TD and never looked back walloping Seneca 52-0.

 

Manual was shut out losing to 3A power Central 7-0, their first shutout loss since the 2015 season ending 36-0 loss to Male in the 2nd round of the playoffs. it was Central first win in 7 years vs Manual. The game was a defensive battle with Central's score coming after a shanked punt gave them the ball on the Manual 29. Manual only threatened once missing a field goal after returning a fumble to the Central 20.

 

Last season Manual shut out Fern Creek 14-0 in a game dominated by Manual's big linemen.

2017 will see two different teams, Manual graduated a lot and are down to 44 varsity players. The Crimsons defense is still stout but can they get their offense on track?

Fern Creek also graduated a lot replacing their entire offensive backfield. The Tigers defense held Seneca to 62 yards.

 

In a defensive battle whose offense can get it done Fern Creek or Manual?

These teams are trending in opposite directions. I'm taking Fern Creek.

 

With Manual only fielding 44 varsity players, will there be JV and freshmen games between these teams this week?

Fern Creek is playing on a higher level right now. Manual's defense is talented, but Fern Creek is much more powerful than Central. Make it 35-10 Fern Creek.

Stoner twins, on the left Donnie Stoner DB Coach at Manual, on right Ronnie Stoner RB Coach at Fern Creek. Both are 2002 graduates of Manual. Donnie coached at FC from 2010-2016, first 5 years as DB coach, last year as Defensive Coordinator. Ronnie has coached at Fern Creek since 2012.

If the manual varsity is down to 44 players that is a concern. Such a historic school should never field a varsity team with less than 55 players. Manual had a chance,

From what I was told to have hired one of the most iconic coaches in the area.

They chose instead their current head man. Big mistake ! Fern creek 45-0