Bluegrasspreps' Eastern Kentucky Power Rankings 10-12

1. Johnson Central Golden Eagles (4A, 7-0)- The Golden Eagles have had it coasting in a lower gear and Perry Central was the latest running clock win. Harlan County may make the Eagles stretch their wins, but anything less than another win will be surprising.

2. Somerset Briarjumpers (2A, 7-0)- Danville competed but Somerset simply was in a different class. This week they get LCA in the biggest Class 2A game of the year in the regular season. This will be a humdinger!

3. Bell County Bobcats (3A, 7-0)- Bell just keeps chopping down inferior competition. Garrard County was beat before they got off the bus. Jackson County will probably be beat before they even fuel the bus up!

4. Pikeville Panthers (1A, 7-0)- Phelps was no competition for the powerhouse Panthers. Pikeville draws their third game against a team entering in the Top 5 of Class 1A. Hazard will be a great game.

5. Pulaski County Maroons (5A, 7-1)- Pulaski County keeps winning and were able to put some distance on the rest of their District by taking care of North Laurel. The Maroons get this week off.

6. Belfry Pirates (3A, 4-2)- No more BYE’s for Belfry, they jump back into District play with a Lawrence County team limping into the matchup. Pirates are trying to get healthy and find some continuity.

7. Ashland Tomcats (3A, 6-1)- Ashland got a nice challenge from East Carter but proved to just be a cut above and won comfortably. Now we get the biggest game in NEKY this season.

8. Wayne County Cardinals (4A, 5-1)- Wayne County returned to action and wasted little time by waxing Lincoln County. The Cards get back to back games with massive District ramifications beginning with the lesser of the two teams Knox Central.

9. Corbin Redhounds (4A, 4-2)- Corbin is finding a groove fueled by their Defense and a ball control Offense. Knox Central would not hang with the Hounds and Lincoln County won’t be able to as well.

10. Russell Red Devils (3A, 6-1)- The Red Devils just keep exceeding expectations and have a Defense that is yet to allow 14 points or more. They have an opportunity to make a massive statement this week if they can keep their trend up.

11. Breathitt County Bobcats (2A, 7-0)- No game for Breathitt this past week as they focused on self-improvement. They might as well do it again as Knott Central will be lucky to avoid a running clock before Half Time.

12. Hazard Bulldogs (1A, 5-2)- The little engine that could got a win without ever having to suit up and now set their focus on their prize prey. Beating Paintsville opened eyes, beating Pikeville would send shockwaves throughout Kentucky.

13. Paintsville Tigers (1A, 5-2)- Paintsville did what you would expect against outmanned Fairview. Betsy Layne will be a second consecutive running clock.

14. Raceland Rams (1A, 4-3)- The Rams got back above .500 by blasting Betsy Layne. Fairview will be nothing more than a tune up as the Rams plod toward a showdown next week with District foe Paintsville.

15. Harlan County Black Bears (4A, 6-1)- The Black Bears hibernated for a week as they gear up for a potentially defining game. Johnson Central is going to require perfection from Harlan County, especially on the road.

Three of Note:

Nicholas County Bluejackets (1A, 5-3)- Nicholas County and Paris have had some competitive games in recent years with Paris usually getting the best of the series. The Bluejackets turned the tables and put a statement on the Greyhounds.

Pineville Mountain Lions (1A, 6-1)- In a game that live dup to the billing, the Mountain Lions survived Lynn Camp and now get their shot at the team everyone is chasing in their District, Williamsburg.

Casey County Rebels (3A, 3-4)- The Rebels needed a game to get them back on track and a hard fought win over Adair County proved the ticket. Hart County should allow them to reach the .500 mark.

Three Teams Needing a Rebound:

Mason County Royals (3A, 3-4)- The Royals had a chance to shake things up but could not find enough points to upset Fleming County. Lewis County will allow them every opportunity to get back on the right road though.

Lawrence County Bulldogs (3A, 3-4)- Lawrence County has had the upper-hand on Pike Central in the now longstanding District rivalry. The Hawks flipped the script and now Lawrence County must face Belfry with their confidence wavering.

Greenup County Musketeers (3A, 3-4)- Greenup needed a good showing to bolster their playoff hopes and internal confidence, but instead they were white-washed and dominated by Russell. If they cannot rebound against East Carter they will be facing a dreaded 4-seed.

Co-Games of the Week:

#4 Pikeville Panthers at #12 Hazard Bulldogs- The Panthers are still pursuing perfection and perhaps their biggest test remaining in the Regular Season is a road trip to Hazard against the stingy Bulldogs. The winner gets an all-important 1-seed.

#7 Ashland Tomcats at #10 Russell Red Devils- This game has levels of importance. Not only is it a rivalry game, not only is it for the District Title, not only is it for homefield advantage in a potential playoff rematch, but with the new RPI system this may determine the 1 seed in 3A East.

Player of the Week:

RB Braedon Sloan, Wayne County- Alright at this point he is just showing off. Sloan wins the award for the second time this season after yet another superb showing. Sloan accounted for 397 All-Purpose yards and 6 TD’s in the Cardinals’ win over Lincoln County. He is currently on pace for over 3000 total yards and 40 TD’s as he is making a strong case for EKY Player of the Year.