I believe the Ashland game will help JC more than any of their other 11 wins this season. The Golden Eagles finally were forced to face adversity and they met the challenge.

 

As for my prediction, I really don't know. I haven't seen Rock play this season...other than some snippets on Sports Overtime. I will say that I do feel better about Johnson Central's chances after finally being in a game that was very much in doubt late in the contest.

 

 

 

I agree with you on several levels. I think it helps JC to have been in a close game.

 

I also agree that this game is hard to predict. I haven’t seen Rockcastle this year. But have seen them in the play-offs the last two years and I know that they are always good. They returned a lot of starters from last year.

 

It’s probably good for JC that this game is at home. But, the home field advantage didn’t help Ashland last year.

 

I’d like to see our side of the Region get the win this year – but it won’t come easy.

 

My prediction: this one will be well worth the price of admission.

I would love to be @ this game..

I noticed that the Rockets dominated the stats against Bell County in both games, but really struggled to pull away from the Bobcats. Why was Rockcastle's offense so inefficient in those games despite its dominant defense and huge time of possession advantage? Will Central's speed create the kind of problems for Rockcastle that nearly cost the Rockets' a playoff game against Mason County last year?

Rock had almost 600 yards of offense against Bell County the first time but were penalized over 80 yards that game as well all inside the red zone. About Central's speed, there is no one that could possibly possess more speed, besides Lexington Catholic that Rock saw in Lincoln County. After 3 huge plays in the first quarter against Lincoln County, Rock shut them down to only 24 yards in the remaining 3 quarters. Will eb a dandy, I'd say.

I have seen both teams play. Johnson Central has the best RB and LOS. There is no way that RC can stop JC. It will be a blow out. Bye Bye Rock. Best of luck next week in the semi-finals JC.

I have seen both teams play. Johnson Central has the best RB and LOS. There is no way that RC can stop JC. It will be a blow out. Bye Bye Rock. Best of luck next week in the semi-finals JC.

 

If Johnson Central can win this one it will be the first time Coach Matney has ever beaten Rockcastle County. I know he would like to get that monkey off his back. Explosive offense against great defense. Usually the defense wins. I am picking Rockcastle 20 - 14.

I have a feeling that this is going to be Rock's game! Coach Larkey does a good job and he'll have them ready. Good luck to both teams. I'm sure that most everyone in the mountains will be watching this score next week.

I have no idea why, but my gut tells me Johnson Central wins by 2 td's with Rock scoring late to make it look closer than it was.

 

Again, NO data at all on which to base this. But that is my barely educated guess.

 

If I'm right, someone has to call me Nostrodamus right? lol

If Johnson Central can win this one it will be the first time Coach Matney has ever beaten Rockcastle County. I know he would like to get that monkey off his back. Explosive offense against great defense. Usually the defense wins. I am picking Rockcastle 20 - 14.

Matney has had three years to fish from a bigger pool of talent than he ever had at Sheldon Clark, and he still managed to field some strong Card teams that were competitive with much bigger 3A schools. I am assuming that Rockcastle will have an edge in experience because many of the key JC players are still sophs and juniors and that could be a factor, but I don't put much stock in the "Matney has never beaten the Rocks theory." How many of his teams have played them? Two? And one of the games was decided by a 7-6 margin. That doesn't sound like a very big monkey to me.

I have a question for the Rock fans? I seen Brad Durham at the UK-Vandy game today with alot of UK's other recruits. Is there a good chance that we could see him suiting up the the Blue and White next year? I would definately love to see it after Louisville, being the respectful program it is, pulled the young mans scholarship.:mad:

UK is where you belong Brad!

I have a question for the Rock fans? I seen Brad Durham at the UK-Vandy game today with alot of UK's other recruits. Is there a good chance that we could see him suiting up the the Blue and White next year? I would definately love to see it after Louisville, being the respectful program it is, pulled the young mans scholarship.:mad:

I looked on Rivals.com and he has UK listed as his number 1 school now.

Matney has had three years to fish from a bigger pool of talent than he ever had at Sheldon Clark, and he still managed to field some strong Card teams that were competitive with much bigger 3A schools. I am assuming that Rockcastle will have an edge in experience because many of the key JC players are still sophs and juniors and that could be a factor, but I don't put much stock in the "Matney has never beaten the Rocks theory." How many of his teams have played them? Two? And one of the games was decided by a 7-6 margin. That doesn't sound like a very big monkey to me.

 

I was in attendance for this game. SC scored late in the 4th quarter and Matney choose to go for the win with a 2pt conversion instead of kicking the PAT to tie and send the game into overtime. Had he converted, ppl would have said he was a genius. And when he didnt ppl questioned his creditials as a football coach. Well I can say that Im glad to have this man as our Coach and welcome T.D. Matney to the Eagle Family with wide open arms.

JC 28

RC 21

Last year Rockcastle had one of the best lines i have seen play in a long time and they are all back this year,they are big physical and strong.

Last year they sure mixed the run and the pass against the Tomcats,i don't know if they can pass or not this year.

Some thought the same of JC.

(imo)This will be JCs toughest test yet,good luck Eagles.

I have a question for the Rock fans? I seen Brad Durham at the UK-Vandy game today with alot of UK's other recruits. Is there a good chance that we could see him suiting up the the Blue and White next year? I would definately love to see it after Louisville, being the respectful program it is, pulled the young mans scholarship.:mad:

 

 

I talked to Brad and his parents last night after the game. I wished him luck wherever he went and he replied with "Thanks. We'll go somewhere." So it's anybody's guess. Either he hasn't decided or doesn't want to announce it until after the season is over. I would like to see him at UK. Perhaps his former Rock teammate, Jason Leger, can convince him to go there.