1. Johnson Central Golden Eagles (4A, 5-0)- The Eagles continued to flex their muscles by laying to smack down on traditionally stout 6A Simon Kenton. They now begin District play with rejuvenated Clay County, but expect Johnson Central to do what #1 teams do.

 

2. Somerset Briarjumpers (2A, 5-0)- Another week and another clinic put on by Somerset. Not only did the Briarjumpers light the scoreboard up against Russell, they also continue to play sound Defensive football. They finalize their Class 1A stretch with Hazard next.

 

3. Bell County Bobcats (3A, 5-0)- The Bobcats keep rolling and McCreary Central offered little resistance. Bell now faces Rockcastle County in a rivalry renewed, but this should continue to be all Bobcats.

 

4. Pikeville Panthers (1A, 6-0)- The Panthers left little doubt by jumping on Lawrence County early and coasting to a win. Pikeville will take the week off before beginning District play.

 

5. Pulaski County Maroons (5A, 5-1)- Pulaski needed every yard they could get but survived a scare against upset minded Whitley County. South Laurel should prove a lighter test as the Maroons continue to try and stake their claim as a legit threat in 5A.

 

6. Belfry Pirates (3A, 3-2)- A running clock win over Magoffin County was just what the doctor ordered for Belfry to recover from a loss to Pikeville. District play continue with a trip to Floyd Central as Belfry looks to get a win streak cooking.

 

7. Ashland Tomcats (3A, 4-1)- The Tomcats needed a week away from playing Overtime football and now set their sights on a massive NEKY showdown. Ashland continues to look like a team with big expectations in 3A but will need a win over Raceland to keep those expectations high.

 

8. Wayne County Cardinals (4A, 4-1)- We finally found someone capable of slowing down Braedon Sloan.... Mother Nature. The lightning cancelled the Cardinals' game against Danville and with a BYE week on us, it will e a while before we see the Cardinals explosive Offense.

 

9. Corbin Redhounds (4A, 2-2)- It's off only seeing 4 game results to Corbin's name, but a cancellation against Bowling Green will leave them with only nine games. Lafayette will get a well rested Corbin team and should be a nice 6A win for Haddix's Hounds.

 

10. Russell Red Devils (3A, 5-1)- You have to like where Russell is as they enter the back half of their schedule. The Red Devils obliterated Fleming County and look to be the real deal. They get a fortuitous week off before gearing up for District play.

 

11. Breathitt County Bobcats (2A, 6-0)- The blowout tour is in full effect. The latest victim was Middlesboro and Morgan County seems to be destined for a similar fate. Say what you want about Breathitt's S.O.S, they are doing exactly what you would hope they would.

 

12. Raceland Rams (1A, 3-2)- Raceland may have entered as a .500 team, but they made sure that they left their game with Portsmouth West as a team more fitting of their stature by crushing their foe. Can the 1A Rams jump up and get their larger class rival?

 

13. Hazard Bulldogs (1A, 4-1)- Now that is exactly the statement you would hope Hazard would make! Te Bulldogs asserted themselves squarely in the 1A Title Picture by defeating Paintsville and now have a chance to make an even bigger statement against 2A's top-ranked team Somerset.

 

14. Paintsville Tigers (1A, 3-2)- Injuries and depth are causing some issues for the Tigers and Hazard exploited it for a head turning win. The road doesn't get easier as Union, VA is a traditionally very stout foe from across the border.

 

15. Harlan County Black Bears (4A, 5-1)- Clay County was no push over, but the Bears Defense bounced back to carry them to a victory in a hard fought game. Letcher Central has always played Harlan County tight so expect another tough one this week.

 

Trending Up:

West Carter Comets (2A, 3-2)- The Comets took a big step forward by handling Shelby Valley and now are the favorites to win their District. Bath County is a fellow class dropper but does not seem to be faring as well.

 

Martin County Cardinals (2A, 4-1)- The Cardinals are off to their best start in a long time and have nice confidence after handling Bath County. Expect them to clinch a .500 regular season with a win over struggling East Ridge.

 

North Laurel Jaguars (5A, 4-2)- After a disappointing 1-2 start, the Jags have reeled off three straight including a win over hated rival South Laurel. Southwestern is a huge game for them as they try to avoid a potential 3-seed and keep their District hopes alive.

 

 

Trending Down:

Williamsburg Yellowjackets (1A, 3-2)- There is no shame in who Williamsburg has lost to the past two weeks as both Somerset and LCA are capable of hoisting a title. With that said, in the the ridiculously loaded 1A East, it is appearing the Jackets are lagging behind specifically on Defense.

 

Perry Central Commodores (5A, 0-5)- This isn't about piling on a winless team, but with a narrow loss to Letcher Central the Commodores are looking like missing the playoffs may be a distinct possibility. They need a good showing against Lee, VA desperately.

 

Morgan County Cougars (2A, 0-6)- The Cougars lost to Knott County Central and with it cost themselves potentially their most winnable game remaining on their schedule. Morgan County has only scored more than single TD one time and help is not coming soon with Breathitt County next.

 

 

Player of the Week:

Trent Asher, Leslie County- The Junior athlete for the Eagles needed to step up in a "must win" type of game for Leslie County, and that he did! Asher carried the ball 8 times for 157 yards and 3 TD's, he also caught 6 balls for 102 yards and 2 more scores. For the cherry on top he even threw in a critical Interception in the 43-27 win.

 

Game of the Week:

#12 Raceland Rams at #7 Ashland Tomcats- This has become one of the most competitive and tightly contested rivalries in Eastern Kentucky over the past decade and expect nothing less than a continuation of that. Both teams need a statement win and more importantly the RPI points that come with it.

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