'BGP Gameday' Week 4

[DevilMayCare]

This idea went over pretty well last week, so let's give it another go! The slate of games this week isn't quite as deep as it was a week ago, but there's still a mouth watering buffet of contests to choose from...

 

1A #1 Beechwood vs. 5A #1 Covington Catholic

I said last week that it's not every year that you get a #1 vs. #1 match-up. And now, thanks to Beechwood's victory over Corbin, here we are with just such an occasion for the second straight week. The Colonels will try to use their superior numbers and the talents of future D1 studs Cam Butler and AJ Mayer to combat the playmaking abilities of Beechwood's Logan Castleman, James Davis, and Co. If this game lives up to the hype, it will be talked about for years to come in NKY.

 

6A #4 Scott County at LaSalle (OH)

After a valiant effort in a 38-28 defeat against Moeller last week, the Cardinals will face their second Cincinnati GCL South heavyweight in a row. The LaSalle Lancers have won three consecutive Division II state championships in Ohio. QB Griffin Merritt was the GCL South's top passer a year ago. His top target is TE Josh Whyle, a Cincinnati commit who also received offers from the likes of Georgia, Oregon, Tennessee, Pitt, Wisconsin, and UK. This will be a tall order for Scott County in a Bluegrass vs. Buckeye battle.

 

6A #2 St. Xavier at 3A #5 Central

The Tigers and Yellowjackets have faced off every year since 2007. Far more often than not, Central has taken its lumps in this series, but did score a win in 2015. Scheduling teams like St. X is what helped elevate Central's program to the heights they achieved under former coach Ty Scroggins. Win or lose, this game always made the Jackets better. Both teams have aspirations of a state championship this year and both have recorded wins that help validate those aspirations... St. X over Bowling Green, and Central over Manual and Fern Creek.

 

6A #1 Trinity vs. Champagnat Catholic (FL)

As of this post, this game is still a go. Assuming it stays that way, the Lions will make the looooong trip from South Florida to Louisville to face the top ranked Shamrocks. Champagnat appears to have a roster that is loaded with future D1 talent at the top, but also very thin with approximately 40-45 players on the team. Depth could play a huge role in the outcome of this game. The Lions were the 2A state runner-up last year in Florida and currently stand at 3-0, ranked as high as #2 in their class in most polls. Trinity comes in on the heels of a 22-0 shutout of rival Male after a tough two game stretch against Warren Central (IN) and Moeller (OH).

 

2A #1 CAL at 2A #10 Newport Central Catholic

Louisville and NKY private school powers collide in a match-up that could go one of two ways… either CAL further solidifies its hold on the top ranking by showcasing its might over an established blue blood, or the ‘Breds reassert themselves as a viable contender in 2A after back to back humbling losses to Campbell County and Belfry.

 

4A #3 Collins vs. 3A #3 Boyle County

For the second straight week, the Rebels find themselves in an under the radar matchup with a highly ranked 4A contender. Last week, Boyle County handily defeated #2 Wayne County 38-14, while Collins, frankly, looked less than stellar in a 28-21 win over Oldham County. Titans QB JR Lucas has accounted for an average of 383 yards of total offense per game and 17 combined TDs. Boyle County will rely on QB Reed Lanter (768 yards passing, 8 TDs), WR Reese Smith (421 yards receiving, 5 TDs) and RB Tanner Crawford (450 yards rushing, 5 TDs).

 

2A #3 DeSales vs. 5A #5 Fern Creek

The Colts have been quietly going about their business so far this season, piling up wins over ranked 6A opponents Ballard and Butler, as well as 1A top 10 ranked Louisville Holy Cross. This week they'll look to score another victory over a ranked foe as they welcome in the Tigers of Fern Creek. Through four games, DeSales has yet to leave home, while Fern Creek, on the other hand, will be wearing their road uniforms for the third consecutive week. The Tigers will look to rebound from back to back losses to Central and Butler. Butler is the one common opponent between these two teams. DeSales beat the Bears 28-27 in Week 1 and Fern Creek lost to Butler last week, 28-20, suggesting a tight, competitive game awaits on Friday night.

 

2A #5 Lexington Christian Academy vs. 2A #8 Walton Verona

The Eagles are flying high after securing their first ever win over Lexington Catholic and staking their claim as the top team in Fayette County. This will be Walton Verona's first major test of the season as they're about to find out just where they stand in class 2A. After the huge win last week, can LCA avoid the letdown that often comes after such an emotional high? If LCA comes out flat, can the Bearcats take advantage and set themselves up for a huge win of their own?

 

There you have it, BGPers. Where should the Gameday crew be this week? Feel free to mention any possible games/locations that I may have overlooked.

[Ram]

Beechwood/Cov Cath definitely.

[ATLCat]

Normally I would say Beechwood/CovCath but since Beechwood would have been in the Gameday game last week I would change it up

 

My pick would be Floyd Central vs. Prestonsburg. Gameday likes going off the beaten path sometimes and this would fit the bill in my mind.

[Randy Parker]

Beechwood/Cov Cath definitely.

 

Agreed

[DevilMayCare]

Normally I would say Beechwood/CovCath but since Beechwood would have been in the Gameday game last week I would change it up

 

My pick would be Floyd Central vs. Prestonsburg. Gameday likes going off the beaten path sometimes and this would fit the bill in my mind.

 

Technically, Trinity/Male won the vote last week.

 

I like the idea of Prestonsburg/Floyd Central, though. How high is the level of animosity between those schools? Maybe we can borrow the Georgia vs. Georgia Tech rivalry moniker, "Clean, Old Fashioned Hate".

[DukeDog]

Cov Cath vs. Beechwood would have a really rowdy crowd, which is a big part of what makes College Gameday so great. Also it checks off the rivalry box.

 

However, if we're going to go based on the best playing the best then Scott County vs. Lasalle. Plus any GCL South school would have no trouble making sure the place is nuts.