Early 5A Semifinal Predictions

This thread intends to outline the bracket and project favorites and contenders in each position. (Rankings listed are from the most recent Bluegrasspreps rankings). The alignment changed a little from last season, here is the alignment for 2017.

 

REGION I

 

District 1 vs. District 2

 

Favorite: #2 Bowling Green

Contenders: #3 Christian County, #4 Owensboro

Look Out For: #7 South Warren

 

While Bowling Green is below .500 with a 1-2 record, the losses were to two Louisville 6A teams in St. Xavier and PRP. This week the Purples host Owensboro who they dominated last season in regular season and playoffs. The outcome of that contest should let us know if Bowling Green is still the elite of 5A. Christian County is undefeated and last year the Colonels scored 29 pts vs Bowling Green in the playoffs, the most points given up by the Purples all season. A wildcard in the mix is newcomer to 5A South Warren. Led by QB Gavin Spurrier who has thrown for 660 yards and 5 TD in 3 games. The Spartans are 3-0, but the verdict is out with the move up from 4A until October 20th at Bowling Green.

 

PREDICTION: Despite their early losses don't count out the Purples. While they might not appear as formidable as last year they still have a great team last season best both Owensboro and Christian County both the regular season and playoff contests. Look for Bowling Green in the regional final.

 

REGION II

District 3 vs. District 5

 

Favorite: #1 Covington Catholic

Contenders: #8 South Oldham, #9 Highlands

Look Out For: #13 Bullitt Central

 

Covington Catholic has been the most impressive and consistent 5A team this season. South Oldham took an early loss vs CAL, but have recovered with a couple strong wins. Highlands seems improved but don't think it enough to get out of this district. Bullitt Central is undefeated and has only given up 13 points but a weak schedule still leaves questions, tough games in October vs South Oldham and Bowling Green will either confirm or expose them.

 

PREDICTION: If the rankings hold true this could be an amazing regional final of Covington Catholic vs South Oldham.

 

REGION III

District 4 vs. District 6

 

Favorite: #4 Fern Creek

Contenders: #12 Doss, # 13 Madison Southern

Look Out For: #15 Anderson County

 

After two weeks Fern Creek appeared to be the heavy favorite after beating Manual for the first time in 7 years. Then the Tigers stumbled vs Central, getting shut out 0-29. Fern Creek has two more tough non district games to improve at Butler and at DeSales. Doss has dropped two straight to South Oldham and Male, can the talented Dragons get it together in games vs Butler and Fern Creek? Madison Southern is 2-1 but hasn't played the toughest schedule and #34 is out of eligibility now blocking punts and scoring touchdowns for Alabama.

 

PREDICTION: The rankings say Fern Creek wins this region easily as the Tigers are the only top ten team in either district. However Doss was a preseason top ten and the Tigers vs Dragons regular season game should be a battle.

 

REGION IV

District 7 vs. District 8

 

Favorite: #6 Southwestern

Contenders: #10 Pulaski County, #11 North Laurel

Look Out For: #14 Whitley County

 

Southwestern and North Laurel are both undefeated, while Pulaski County is 1-2.

 

PREDICTION: History looks to repeat with Southwestern knocking North Laurel out of the playoffs for the second straight year. While both are putting up similar scores in their three wins, Southwestern seems to have the tougher schedule. Pulaski County knocked out Southwestern last season but are down from last years squad, look for the Warriors to get revenge.

 

SEMIFINALS:

Covington Catholic at Bowling Green

Southwestern at Fern Creek

 

How do you think it will play out?

Great Work Pete!

 

Region I is again easily the most difficult (#2,3,4 and 7) by alot. Whoever comes out of there will have to earn it. Same as most years.

It is way too early but I'm liking CCH's chances to take it all more and more each week.

I know we probably have covered it on BGP somewhere but for Region II you have Districts 3 and 5. Being an odd year who hosts the Region final? Also does District 5 have only 3 teams? Who becomes the fourth for first round matches?

I couldn't find who hosted Regional finals for Region 2 or 3.

Yes with Grant County dropping out of district play they do only have 3 teams but not sure which districts 5th team would move over.

I have looked on KHSAA and haven't found it.

"6) Should teams with the same seeding meet in the third round, the team representing the even-numbered District shall serve as the host school the games in even-numbered years, while the team representing the odd-numbered District shall host the game in odd-numbered years. If the paired districts are both even or both odd, the highest numbered district shall host the game in even numbered years and the lowest numbered district shall serve as the host school for the game in odd numbered years."

 

Found this in the KHSAA handbook. Since Districts 3 and 5 are paired together, who would host round three assuming the top seeds meet in round 3? What is considered the highest or lowest numbered district?