If Belfry and Middlesboro both make it to the 3rd round I believe that this will be an excellent game for everyone. Middlesboro has been knocked out of the playoffs for the past 3 yrs by Belfry and I believe that Middlsboro has pay back on their mind!

I think a potential Bardstown-Danville or Bardstown-Mayfield, or for that matter, Danville-Mayfield, is always a classic.

In 3A, two interesting (likely) second round games will be Boyle County vs. Southwestern and Highlands vs. CovCath.

Sheldon Clark vs. Prestonsburg will be a good first round game.

Sheldon Clark vs. Prestonsburg will be a good first round game.

I think this will be the most competitive first round game in the state on Friday.

First Round games:

 

1A: Newport Central Catholic at Covington Holy Cross

 

2A: Trigg County at Fort Campbell

2A: Sheldon Clark at Prestonsburg

 

3A: Franklin-Simpson at Warren East

3A: Doss at Valley

 

4A: Campbell County at Boone County

4A: Dixie Heights at Ryle

4A: Scott County at Henry Clay

I am neither a Louisvillian nor a thread-jacker, but I gotta believe it'd be St. X-Trinity, given their unfinished business from September.

I am going to say a potential round 3 matchup of JC and the Rock so we can finally see if they are for real. What in the world will we have to talk about after that? ;)

Looking just at the first round matchups, there are a few I think should be a lot of fun.

 

Seneca at Ballard: Other than Trinity, the only district team to beat the Redhawks was the Bruins. It was a three-point game the first time around and it'll be close again, but I think Seneca wins it this time.

Lou. Holy Cross at Bethlehem: This was a close call (25-20) during the season and it's just too hard to beat a good team twice.

NCC at Cov. Holy Cross: NCC's two district losses came by a combined 10 points (7 to Beechwood and 3 to Holy Cross) and I, for one, am not counting these guys out until the last horn sounds.

 

Looking ahead, I love the way the third round is shaping up.

Possible matchups:

 

Western vs. Mercer County: These two teams are the real deal. This should be a heck of a matchup if we get to see it.

Trinity vs. Male/St. Xavier: I have no clue how this might turn out, but with a whole lot of talent concentrated in these three schools, look for them to meet and churn out arguably the best game of the year.

 

I can't wait.

I'm not sure too many first round games will be on par with Franklin Co. at East Jessamine.

Trinity vs. Male/St. Xavier: I have no clue how this might turn out, but with a whole lot of talent concentrated in these three schools, look for them to meet and churn out arguably the best game of the year.

 

I can't wait.

 

Based on the fact that two games are at Papa John's this weekend, do you think a third round game pitting Male against Trinity would be at Papa John's? I know X/T would be, just because of the crowd, but was curious if the other game would be.

Breathitt Co / Leslie Co should be a good one, too.

Trigg County at Fort Campbell looks to be one of the best matchups.

I think Ashland / Mason has the makings of a dog fight in the first round.

Personally, I think the Henry Clay versus Scott County game is the toughest first round match up by a landslide.