For the first time since 2007, Class 2A will use a cross-bracketing procedure in the postseason. The KHSAA implemented this plan during the off-season but many are likely unaware who is playing who in the playoffs. This thread intends to outline the bracket and project favorites and contenders in each position. (Rankings listed are from the most recent Bluegrasspreps rankings)

 

REGION I

District 1 vs. District 2

 

Favorite: #4 Mayfield

Contenders: #8 Owensboro Catholic

Look Out For: Murray

 

Entering the season optimism was pouring from the Owensboro Catholic camp thanks to a strong crop of returning skill talent and lots of turnover of skill talent at Mayfield. Through the first three weeks Mayfield has instead re-asserted themselves as the team to beat, meanwhile Catholic has struggled to find continuity. Mayfield appears poised to remain the team to beat.

 

PREDICTION: Mayfield takes Owensboro Catholic's best shot as the Aces peak at the right time, but the Cardinals are too good at home.

 

REGION II

District 4 vs. District 5

 

Favorite: #1 Christian Academy- Louisville

Contenders: #3 DeSales, #9 Walton-Verona

Look Out For: Washington County, Owen County

 

Sometimes you just get unlucky. Walton-Verona is fielding the best team in their young history, but due to realignment they get the unenviable task of drawing arguably the toughest playoff path possible for a District winner. Christian Academy- Louisville is the reigning State Champion and they have looked true to form early in the season with three quality wins. DeSales is more than capable of contending for a State Title and in Horse Racing terminology, the Colts seem to be stalking the pace. Walton-Verona definitely is showing they are capable of playing spoiler, but to be asked to beat two teams who may very well the top two teams in the class will be a tall task.

 

PREDICTION: It's CAL vs. DeSales one more time. DeSales will make it an all out war, but the defending Champions CAL squeak by in razor thin fashion.

 

REGION III

District 3 vs. District 6

 

Favorite: #7 Newport Central Catholic

Contenders: #6 Glasgow, Lloyd Memorial

Look Out For: Monroe County

 

The Region with the most parity between the Districts would have to be Region 3 thanks to Cross-Bracketing. It is almost fair to say that at this point Glasgow and Newport Central Catholic are Co-Favorites, and Lloyd Memorial and Monroe County seem to be level footed as the next in line. Glasgow may be a bit ahead of schedule. Their better days are still ahead of them with a load of talented underclassmen, meanwhile Newport Central Catholic is built a little better for the present and also have a bit more playoff experience. Monroe County and Lloyd Memorial are both dangerous teams as potential 2nd Round opponents and either can play spoiler.

 

PREDICTION: Lloyd has been knocking on the door but unable to come through. The Juggs finally pull off an upset to re-match with Newport Central Catholic. In a back and forth battle the Breds return to the Semi-Finals after being a year removed.

 

REGION IV

District 7 vs. District 8

 

Favorite: #2 Danville

Contender: #5 Lexington Christian Academy

Look Out For: #10 Somerset

 

Let's be honest here, this is basically the District 7 post-season revenge tournament. District 8 will most likely only have one team standing come the 2nd Round and their chances of taking down the 2nd Seed from District 7 seems unlikely at this time. Danville and Lexington Christian Academy treated us to a pair of "Instant Classic" games in 2016 as the two teams split. Ultimately it was Danville who won the game that mattered the most. Danville has looked a bit more crisp against a bit stiffer competition early on, although LCA has not necessarily looked anything but strong in their own right. Somerset is the wildcard, the Jumpers are the type of team that may be a tougher 2nd Round foe than even the Champion of District 8.

 

PREDICTION: Exactly what you expect. Beautiful, beautiful chalk with the ranked teams winning as expected. Danville and LCA treat us to another epic showdown but the Admirals have just a few too many fast twitch fibers and make a key Defensive stop to survive and advance.

 

*-Reminder: Since 2017 is an odd year, if two teams with the same seed meet in the regional final, the team from the odd district would host.

 

SEMIFINALS

Christian Academy- Louisville at Mayfield

Danville at Newport Central Catholic

 

How do you think it will play out?

Long ride for CAL

CAL or DeSales at Mayfield in November! Toughest place to play that time of year. I was down there two years ago with DeSales. Game started off good for the Colts but Mayfield stormed back! Probably the best homefield advantage in the state.

DS vs MF - MF

 

DV vs NCC - DV

 

MF vs DV - MF

I'll take Danville to win this season.