For the first time since 2007, Class 4A will use a cross-bracketing procedure in the postseason. The KHSAA implemented this plan during the offseason 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: #8 Franklin-Simpson

Contender: #10 Hopkinsville

Look Out For: Warren East, Allen County-Scottsville

 

Of all the regions in 4A, there may not be one more wide open than this one. Franklin-Simpson remains the highest ranked team, but their position is very tenuous. Hopkinsville is also ranked, but is 0-3 after facing a tough schedule. Both Warren East and Allen County-Scottsville possess better wins, and may supplant those two as favorites in the coming weeks. It's anyone's game in this region.

 

PREDICTION: Hopkinsville navigates the unsteady waters and overcomes the loss of star Jalen Johnson before the season, and climbs to the top of the region.

 

REGION II

District 4 vs. District 5

 

Favorite: #3 Collins

Contenders: #5 Mercer County, #6 Shelby County

Look Out For: Franklin County

 

District 4 is annually the top to bottom best district in 4A, and this year is no exception, with the favorite Collins, a primary challenger in Shelby County, and a dark horse in Franklin County chasing the region crown. Collins is out to a 2-1 start behind JR Lucas's 9 touchdown passes. Both Mercer County and Shelby County took some concerning losses in this past week, establishing Collins with that slight edge. Franklin County gave a very good effort against Mercer County in the second week of the season.

 

PREDICTION: Collins secures the district title and then survives Shelby County in the region finals.

 

REGION III

District 3 vs. District 6

 

Favorite: #2 Wayne County

Contender: #4 Rockcastle County

Look Out For: Western, John Hardin

 

Wayne County entered the year in the #2 position, and hasn't done anything to sway that through three games. They're unbeaten, with wins over a rising Warren East squad and a barn burner win against 5A Pulaski County - one of the few marquee wins against an out of class team for a 4A squad. Rockcastle County is hot on their heels with a 2-0 start, pointing towards their September 29th matchup with Wayne. However their district race shakes out, it seems likely these two will meet for the region title. Western and John Hardin will be looking to play spoiler out of District 3, an especially unusual position for John Hardin. Western is the more intriguing dark horse, having played a team like Central to a 13-12 decision in the second week.

 

PREDICTION: Wayne County avenges their loss to Rockcastle County a season ago twice - both times at Wayne County this time around.

 

REGION IV

District 7 vs. District 8

 

Favorite: #1 Johnson Central

Contender: #7 Ashland, #9 Greenup County

Look Out For: Bourbon County, Scott

 

We can dance around it, but Johnson Central is the clearest favorite of any district or region in 4A. The defending champs are out to a 2-0 start despite currently being without the services of Joe Jackson, one of the best players in the class. They likely will not face a significant challenge until they play Belfry in the last week of the year. Ashland and Greenup County do position as the primary contenders, but each have stumbled to losses so far that call in to question the seriousness of their chances against Johnson Central. District 7 has no clear favorite, but Bourbon County and Scott appear to be the best of that crop so far.

 

PREDICTION: No one even comes close to stopping Johnson Central as they roll to the region title.

 

*-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

Collins at Hopkinsville

Johnson Central at Wayne County

 

 

How do you think it will play out?

Way too early.

District 4 will be a war.

Dang. It's not even cool outside yet. Maybe we should play some games...lol.

Dang. It's not even cool outside yet. Maybe we should play some games...lol.

 

I think it was designed more to show that the playoff format is different this year than in the past - you won't necessarily be playing the same teams again.

Not taking anything away from the west, but in my opinion Wayne County and Johnson Central is the Semi-state game will determine the 4A State Champion. Correct me if I'm wrong but I believe that game would be played at Wayne County this year. I believe its a two horse race between these two compared to rest of the state.

Not taking anything away from the west, but in my opinion Wayne County and Johnson Central is the Semi-state game will determine the 4A State Champion. Correct me if I'm wrong but I believe that game would be played at Wayne County this year. I believe its a two horse race between these two compared to rest of the state.

 

Way too early to say that yet but as of today, it appears that way.

I have said, Boyle counties next 2 games with Wayne and Collins might show us something.

JC's 12 point win over Henry Clay might give us all some hope.

I do say it is theirs to lose.

IMO, no one has a strangle hold on this class, although JC and Wayne would be the early favorites.

 

JC's narrow victory at Henry Clay gave the rest of the class hope that the gap has closed. Hopefully, Henry Clay can put together some solid wins following their close battles with JC and Ryle.

I know JC and Wayne are the favorites on one side. Who are the top four contenders on the other side of the bracket.

Collins, Shelby, Mercer, Hopkinsville, Franklin Simpson, Warren East.

Wat too early to pick a favorite

IMO JC is a lock to win a horrible 4th region. It will be a cake walk for them.

Wayne has a couple of teams to worry in John Hardin and Western. Not sure which district host.

Collins, Shelby, Mercer, Hopkinsville, Franklin Simpson, Warren East.

Wat too early to pick a favorite

IMO JC is a lock to win a horrible 4th region. It will be a cake walk for them.

Wayne has a couple of teams to worry in John Hardin and Western. Not sure which district host.

 

Rockcastle will provide more of a battle then John Hardin. Western could be a formidable opponent but I still say Rockcastle is the 2nd best team in Region 3.

Rockcastle will provide more of a battle then John Hardin. Western could be a formidable opponent but I still say Rockcastle is the 2nd best team in Region 3.

Yes Rock very well could be but didn't mention them cause they were mentioned earlier and just considered it a given

Collins, Shelby, Mercer, Hopkinsville, Franklin Simpson, Warren East.

Wat too early to pick a favorite

IMO JC is a lock to win a horrible 4th region. It will be a cake walk for them.

Wayne has a couple of teams to worry in John Hardin and Western. Not sure which district host.

 

If Warren East gets mentioned, so too should Allen County-Scottsville.

If Warren East gets mentioned, so too should Allen County-Scottsville.

 

Good point. And that's the problem/exciting part about the west bracket in Class 4A - several teams could win and none would be a huge surprise (at least at this point in the season).

I have great respect for Johnson Central you guys are the by any stretch of the imagination THE team to beat in 4A you are defending State champs from last year and have won your games to this point this year so kudos to you. I do also apreciate the respect shown towards my team this year so far in Rockcastle.

 

I have to say I would love for nothing else than a region final showdown between Rock and JC! That in my opinion would be epic! Here's to what hopefully unfold's as being just that Rock vs JC!

 

I understand Wayne County made it to the region final last year and I give them respect for that but let's not forget Rock won the district and until they win it back I feel Wayne has been receiving all the credit and high expectations of being the favorite to make it to the region final when they may not win the district again. Good thing all this can be decided in 3 weeks. Hope everyone has a injury free season and I feel the East playoff bracket should be as fun as last year!

Go Rock!