It is an early season Eastern Kentucky headliner as the defending Class 4A State Champion Johnson Central Golden Eagles travel to Log Mountain to face the 3A Runner-Up Bell County Bobcats.

Expect a tutorial in ground warfare, both teams enter the 2020 season with veteran O-Lines and plenty of talent in the backfield. A win for either team will certainly set up well for future RPI points, but also make a symbolic statement that may set the tone for the remainder of the year.

Both teams will be breaking in new QB's following the graduation of standout multi-year starters. Bell County's London Stephany was sensational and the Bobcat's top weapon in 2019, Ryley Preece was Johnson Central's heartbeat and leader on both sides of the football.

As good as Jim Matney has elevated the Johnson Central program, they have never defeated Bell County. In fairness, they have only played Bell twice since Matney's tenure began, but the Bobcats outscored Johnson Central 78-24 in those meetings in 2009 and 2010. 

First for everything.  Like JC in this one by 3 scores. 

This should be a display of mountain football at its finest... or at least as fine as it can be with so little prep time. 

Bell County returns a lot and it's no easy feat going to Log Mountain and walking away victorious when Dudley Hilton is patrolling the sideline there, but JC's program is like a runaway freight train and they return the strongest o-line in EKY with Grant Bingham leading the way.

I think the Golden Eagles grind out a two touchdown win.

I think JC is up 14 to 0.

JC up to 22-0 at the Half and controlling the game.

JC up 29-0 in 3rd.

36-0 JC

 

Final: 36-0 JC wins!