Surprised to not see a thread on this one yet. Here's a long-winded synopsis:

 

Big game involving two teams currently undefeated in their district. These two teams account for every district title since Warren Central moved into the district, with WC having two, Christian one, and the winner of this game will add to their total. Additionally, this is a rematch of last year's regional title game, a 36-35 last second victory by Warren Central. Central has taken 4 of 5 from the Colonels since they returned to 4A, and lead the series 12-4, but some feel the winds of change moved in this year. Tandy is a senior now, and a Mr. Football candidate to boot, and Central was hit pretty heavily by graduation. This and a possible rematch in the playoffs represent Christian's last chances to get over the hump with the Dragons.

 

This game also represents a possible completion of a rebirth of sorts for this year's Dragons. They looked dominant against Franklin-Simpson in their season opener, but a rough performance against Paducah coupled with a big loss to Bowling Green and a second half letdown against Manual had the Dragons left for dead by many. Coming into the season they were already considered second behind Christian County, but those games left some suggesting they were as low as fourth in their own district. Central began to erase those doubts with a dominating win over Graves County, but then suffered another lackluster performance in a win over Greenwood. Central then turned in their most complete game of the year in a 40-14 win over Marshall County, a team that the previous week had played within a TD of Christian County. This leaves the Dragons with an opportunity to complete the comeback this Friday.

 

As for the game itself, it matches a dominant Christian County offense against a decent Warren Central defense which has recently been their strength. On the other side of the ball is a Warren Central offense that is not quite as good as last year versus a Christian County defense which has been spotty at times but very good at others. Stopping Tandy is the obvious key for Central. The do-everything QB has been having a heck of a season, and doesn't figure to stop now as Central has allowed over 1100 yards through the air this year. Word has it that he tweaked his ankle a little bit on Friday, but I doubt it will slow him down. On the other side Warren Central is probably going to try and establish their rushing game which has come through for them the past several games, racking up 1431 yards in the last five games. They've got their #1 rusher healthy now, and in the interim their next three on the depth charts have filled in nicely. Central will also try to get the passing game back on track more in line with Friday's effort, and less like Greenwood where they completed only four passes and outside of a 90 yard TD completion, only passed for 50+ yards.

 

When all is said and done, my head says that Christian has the slight edge with them being at home, it being senior night, and because of Tandy, but my gut just won't allow me to believe Central will actually lose it. They're playing their best ball of the year, and I think they come in and steal it by 7.

Tandy County 35 Warren Central 27:ylsuper:

Continued from the prediction thread:

 

DF, I believe if WC can contain Tandy and not let him scamble around then they can and will win this game. Tandy made his biggest plays against WC last year (and Henderson for that matter) when he had to get out of the pocket. He is enough of an athlete that he can make you pay for not getting to him. I remember him burning WC long last year a couple of times their first game when he had to scamble. If WC can put mass amounts of pressure on him they should pull this one out. I would also think that WC needs to play tight on the receivers and not give them the 5-8 yards on the line. WC needs to make CC run the ball.

Christian Co. 35-19.

Tandy County 35 Warren Central 27:ylsuper:

EasyPro, what's on the shirt on the avatar? Oh and Christain County wins by three TD's!

Key question...how is Tandy's ankle after spraining it last week in the second half against Graves County

EasyPro, what's on the shirt on the avatar? Oh and Christain County wins by three TD's!

 

I don't believe Christian's defense is good enough to allow the offense to beat WC by 3 TD's. If WC can come up with a couple of big stops then they will win this one.

 

CC and WC have played 5 common teams. In those five games CC has allowed a total of 123 points and WC 78 points. CC gave up 26 against Barren Co and 35 to Greenwood at home (a number of those may have been against CC's bench).

Warren Central's disciplined style and defense will do just enough to stop the athletic Colonels....35-27

Warren Central matches up well with Christian Co. in the athletes category except for Tandy. WC should be able to run the ball on Christian Co. and that would then open up things in the passing game. Such an important game it will be interesting if Mike Whitaker lets the County defensive Coaches have Keith Tandy more at FS or CB.

 

On defense they have to make Christian Co. drive the ball and not hit the big play. Christian has live and died with the big play at times this year. Their running game is inconsistent except for Tandy whose gotten most of his rushing yardage on scrambles and broken plays. Their giving more reps to a Freshmen (Banks) but he's more of a scat back and not a banger. So much riding on the game Whitaker could let Tandy have more designed running plays then he has had up to this point.

 

I have the two teams evenly matched. Special Teams could be a factor. That's an area County has struggled at this season. How has WC looked in that are???

 

Christian Co. will be honoring 22 Seniors. This is their 2nd straight year of a big graduation loss.

Some Warren Central highlights from the last two years:

 

Central Highlights

I have the two teams evenly matched. Special Teams could be a factor. That's an area County has struggled at this season. How has WC looked in that area??

 

Probably Central's worst area. On returns they're not bad, so if that's what you're talking about, Central could have an edge. But when Central is punting, kicking off, kicking extra points.... bad. Central has also not attempted a single field goal this year.

How is Central's passing game this year? Have you guys played any speed teams other than your two loses?

Warren Central threw the ball very well against Paducah Tilghman. Ayers was able to hook up with Beason deep just about whenever they wanted. I think Beason had 200 yards in receptions and four touchdowns in that game, three of them on catches and the other one on a kickoff return.

Game of the year in 4A West

Probably Central's worst area. On returns they're not bad, so if that's what you're talking about, Central could have an edge. But when Central is punting, kicking off, kicking extra points.... bad. Central has also not attempted a single field goal this year.

 

 

Christian Co. has a kicker with a descent leg just not accurate. I do think WC could get a good return on a kickoff or punt. Christian Co. just relies on athletes and speed on the kickoff game and on their Punt return they put Tandy back there and ask him to make a play.