Pikeville makes it back to the State Semifinals for the 4th time in 5 years. Pikeville comes into this matchup at 12-0 and 1 of 2 teams who remain undefeated in the Class 1A playoffs. The Pikeville Panthers haven’t really been tested for a whole game since late September, when they beat Belfry 22-21. The Pikeville offense has been explosive all year, averaging over 37 points per game. The defense hasn’t been to shabby either, but gets overlooked because of such a dynamic offense.

 

Louisville Holy Cross comes into this matchup after upsetting #2 Newport Central Catholic 21-16. The Cougars trailed earlier in the matchup 10-0, before rallying off 21 unanswered points to take a 21-10 lead at halftime. The defense in the second half bent but didn’t break, as Newport Central Catholic had a shot to win it at the end of the game. Louisville Holy Cross now sits at 11-2 on the season. Some may think it’s odd that the home team in the matchup was the underdog, but the new RPI system was implemented this season and Louisville Holy Cross had just a slight higher RPI to host the matchup.

Louisville Holy Cross is averaging close to 33 points per game. They also are only giving up on average about 16 points per game.

 

What’s your thoughts of this matchup? Will Pikeville continue its dominance on its way back to the State Championship? Or Does Louisville Holy Cross pull the upset on its way to finish out a dream season for Coach Bob Bronger?

Great season for Holy Cross in Coach Bronger's farewell tour. Unfortunately for them, the tour ends here. Holy Cross might keep it closer than some expect, but getting a win here seems out of reach.

Bump.

Pikeville will have this in hand early on. Nothing against Holy Cross, Pikeville is just really good.

Bump.

0 to 0

Pikeville 7 HC 0

Pikeville 7 HC 0

 

Same score.

Pikeville 14 Louisville Holy Cross 0

Pikeville 21 Louisville Holy Cross 0

Pikeville 21 Louisville Holy Cross 0 at the half.

Pikeville 36 Louisville Holy Cross 0 near the end of the game.