Thoughts and predictions? This is for the number one seed and home field in the first two rounds. Harlan is supposed to have the tough defense and Somerset the explosive offense which one is stonger? Its at the Briarpatch. Here's a comparison:

 

Harlan........................Somerset

#9 in the AP Poll..........Not Ranked

#9 in the WYMT Poll.....Not Ranked

7-2 (5-0 district).........5-4 (5-0 district)

185-68 in district.........289-86 in district

37 offense dis.............57.8 offense dis

13.6 defense dis..........17.2 defense dis

 

Although Somerset is only 5-4 and unranked, their defense has grown by leaps and bounds over the last 5 weeks. They doubled Harlan's score tonight against Lynn Camp while allowing the same 8 points that the Dragons did. I'd say doubling up sounds about right next week and I'll take the Jumpers at home 28-14 as they play it close to the vest while facing the prospect of having to play the Dragons again in 2 weeks.

Somerset 35

Harlan 21

Harlan 35

Somerset 28

Well, Harlan has to keep the scoring low in order to win this game. While Harlan did score 62 points on Pineville last night, it was Pineville. I think that Harlan has the ability to win this game but only if they limit Somerset's ability to make a big play by doubling up Somerset's stud receiver and forcing the QB to make quick decisions. I think that if the Dragons can keep Somerset out of the end zone and allow them to score NO MORE THAN 3 TD's, then Harlan wins. If Somerset scores more than 21 points, then Harlan will struggle to stay in this one. So I will take Harlan in a close one 22-21. However, if Somerset scores more than 21, then Harlan's chances really diminish.

Anything can happen in a high school football game but looking at head to head opponents, although Harlan does have a good defense I just don't see the basis for them holding Somerset below 3-5 touchdowns and their offense appears to have struggled. The two scores that really jump out at me are the Cumberland game (21-14 vs. Harlan 69-27 vs. Somerset) and the Lynn Camp game (21-8 Harlan compared to 42-8 vs. Somerset). I just feel like Somerset has too much firepower for the Dragons to shut down and enough defense to keep the Dragons from controlling the clock. I think one of the biggest differences in the game will come on special teams where Somerset has been head and shoulder over the rest of the district. They have a kicker that puts almost every kickoff in the endzone and is accurate from 40 yards on in on field goals as well as the fact that Cole has returned 5 kicks for touchdowns. Those facts coupled with the home field advantage and I think Harlan struggles to keep it close.

I was a little concerned about the physicalness of Harlan compared to what had been a soft Somerset defense but, after this past Friday night when Somerset didn't just stop Lynn Camp they punished them. My prediction now is Somerset 38 Harlan 21, at that I am giving Harlan a late t.d..

Good luck Jumpers and may the fans from Harlan have a safe trip over to the Briar Patch. If ya get there early enough the Jumper fans usually have a kickin tailgate party with plenty of good food, please come and join us just outside the entrance in the grass. See ya Friday night and hopefully 2 Friday nights from this Friday.... BACK AT THE PATCH!!!

I'd guess Somerset by 35 points or more if their offense is clicking. If they double Cole then something else will be open. If they single Cole then he might just have 35 points by himself. Only way I see Somerset losing this game is if they beat themselves.

Dragons find a way to win this one; probably by a late interception:

 

Harlan 24

Somerset 20

Somerset 38

Harlan 28

Somerset 35-14.

Somerset 42

Harlan 12

Seen both of them play LC. Harlan may slow down the inevitable, but Somerset will wear down the Harlan D, which is a really good unit, and proceed to stomp the life out of the Dragons. The Jumpers are a whole level above everyone in the district this year. They are every bit as fast and as scary as Middlesboro. Harlan won't be able to score quick enough to keep up. Plus, it's senior night at Somerset. Homefield and a superior team makes for a long night for Harlan. District, after this one is played: Jumpers #1, Dragons #2, Jackets #3, Skins #4.

Jumpers 48 Harlan 14

I was a little concerned about the physicalness of Harlan compared to what had been a soft Somerset defense but, after this past Friday night when Somerset didn't just stop Lynn Camp they punished them. My prediction now is Somerset 38 Harlan 21, at that I am giving Harlan a late t.d..

Good luck Jumpers and may the fans from Harlan have a safe trip over to the Briar Patch. If ya get there early enough the Jumper fans usually have a kickin tailgate party with plenty of good food, please come and join us just outside the entrance in the grass. See ya Friday night and hopefully 2 Friday nights from this Friday.... BACK AT THE PATCH!!!

While I certainly hope we are playing in 2 weeks back in Harlan, I certainly want to thank you for being so gracious in your posting. Many folks just don't have that much class when predicting a victory for their team. I believe it will be closer than most think. At any rate, good to know there are some great Jumper fans out there who realize its a game.

Seen both of them play LC. Harlan may slow down the inevitable, but Somerset will wear down the Harlan D, which is a really good unit, and proceed to stomp the life out of the Dragons. The Jumpers are a whole level above everyone in the district this year. They are every bit as fast and as scary as Middlesboro. Harlan won't be able to score quick enough to keep up. Plus, it's senior night at Somerset. Homefield and a superior team makes for a long night for Harlan. District, after this one is played: Jumpers #1, Dragons #2, Jackets #3, Skins #4.

Jumpers 48 Harlan 14

I just don't think Somerset is 13 points better than Middlesboro and surely don't think their D is as good as Middlesboro. I just love the "stomp the life out" line. I promise you the hardest hits will be by the green team, win or lose. Ask your campers. No one has "wore down" the Harlan D. If the Dragons lose it will not be by being "ran over".

Have you seen Cole play yet this year? The kid is unreal this season. M'boro comes at you running, but this kid is already in afterburner when he catches the ball. You won't have the time to really get physical with them. I know what the Dragons did to us, and I know that they gave up over 200 rushing yards to Roskoph, who is comparable to Cole (speed wise). I also know what the Jumpers did to the Campers, the Jackets, the Skins, et al. NOW it's the Dragons turn. There is no running over you. Their receivers are fast, not just Cole. They'll run enough to keep you honest, but, believe me or not, until you've seen them in action, WOW! I know that the Dragons are confident and rightfully so, but unless they have really found some speed in the secondary, lightning is getting ready to strike. The biggest point I'm trying to make is that the Dragon D won't get wore down by physical play, it will get winded from chasing the ball here, there and yonder. The speed is there on D, also. It's hard to break away from them. I'm telling you, you've not seen this yet this year. They will score on you faster than the M'boro Jackets did, and if you make any mistakes, you'll pay. If you get down by 10, you won't get back in the game. Best of luck to you, but you will be right here with the rest of us in the Jumpers list of also rans after friday.