It's the grudge match we all expected, meeting for the third straight year in the finals after splitting the previous two. These two teams have spent the entire year ranked #1 and #2. Franklin-Simpson is looking for back to back titles while Johnson Central is looking for their second title in their fourth straight title game appearance. The Golden Eagles have won 13 in a row, are undefeated against teams from Kentucky, and have not scored less than 50 points in the playoffs. Franklin-Simpson has won 11 in a row - their lone loss to an undefeated South Warren team that is in the 5A title game - but they have been pushed in the playoffs, winning a nail-biter 12-10 over Madisonville-North Hopkins in the region finals. Both of these teams have championship pedigrees. This is the title game we deserved. Who brings home the title?

Here we go again. Two years ago, FS top two linemen were injured, and JC put a running clock on the Wildcats before halftime. Last year, JC was without star RB Joe Jackson and FS jumped out to a 21-0 lead early in the second quarter and won by 14. Hopefully this year injuries won’t be a factor. I think we are in for a closer game this year. Old fashioned smash mouth football by both teams. Both defenses are playing well, too. I’ll stick with FS 28-21.

Johnson Central 27-14.

I can honestly see this game going either way. Both teams like to pound you with the run. Both are solid on the defensive side of the ball. In my opinion, who ever can slow down the run game and who can get going passing wise wins this game. Franklin did that last season. This is gonna be a good one!

ttt

After trading wins the past two years, it's fitting that these teams appear so even entering this game.

 

JC can't afford to get pounced on early like they did last year. They're just not built to dig out of a three score hole like the one they faced in that game (neither team is, really). With the way both teams found success through the air a year ago, it'll be interesting to see whether or not each team loads the box to help slow down the opposing running game. Safeties were seldom further than seven yards off the ball in last year's championship game, and each team paid the price for that strategy.

I’m going out on a limb here and I’m going to say Johnson Central will not be held to just 52 rushing yards like last year.

If tonight’s games were any indication, tomorrow should be a great day for football. Having not seen FS in person this year, I can’t make a prediction on the outcome. One thing I do know is, Tre Bass is very good and FS will look to run the ball just as JC.

 

What I will say is I know this years JC team is make better than last year and has a more complete stable of backs. I just hope at the end of the game it’s JC hoisting it’s 2nd state title.

 

Good luck to the Eagles tomorrow and a special shout out to #25! Bring it home!

This is another game that is so tough to decide on (which really means we are so lucky this year) but I am going to go with the Johnson Central Golden Eagles in the rubber match.

 

Good luck to both teams!