The two flagships of East Kentucky renew their rivalry (hopefully) Friday. It will also be a battle of the defending 3AChampions and defending 4A Champions.

Johnson Central will enter as a clear favorite riding high on a 22-game win streak and a 25-game streak of winning consecutive regular season games.

Last season Johnson Central left little doubt and hammered Belfry 53-16. Johnson Central has won the past two meetings and seven of the last 11 meetings in the series. Since arriving at Johnson Central, Matney has won 7 of the 13 meetings. Belfry still holds the all-time series lead 29-7.

 

Both teams enter the game behind a lethal ground and pound offense led by elite RB's. Belfry Isaac Dixon continues to remain a payer in the Mr. Football discussion with over 1100 rushing yards on only 81 carries and 21 Total TD's scored. Johnson Central's Dillon Preston has been exceptional as well. He is just shy of the 1000 yard mark in one less game and has accounted for 22 total scores himself. 

The key to the game, as it has been basically every time these two juggernauts have met, will be whoever controls the line of scrimmage controls the game. Johnson Central seemingly has the edge with their massive and veteran OLine, but Belfry has shown a marked improvement in recent weeks in their defensive Front 7 as players have returned from injury or emerged in their performance.

This one is going to be a great game, but I've got to think Johnson Central comes away with the W, especially as the home team.

Johnson Central looks too strong right now. These two have had a handful of great games together since Matney's been at JC, but there's been several blowouts in the series, even when both teams looked like title contenders. The 2016 game was probably the apex of the series. The programs seem to be trending in slightly different directions since. Belfry, although still very much a force in 3A, looks to be on the down slope of an incredible run of talent over the last 17 years, while Johnson Central appears to be getting stronger in some respects.

I expect Dixon will have his moments, partly because he's that good and partly because I question how good JC's d-line is, compared to years past. In the end, JC still has too many brutes and playmakers to overcome.

Belfry has their hands full Friday night. They  may very well be the favorite to win 3A again this year but JC dominated them last season and I look for a similar score again.

JC 49

Belfry 14

5 hours ago, Tomcats1990 said:

Belfry has their hands full Friday night. They  may very well be the favorite to win 3A again this year but JC dominated them last season and I look for a similar score again.

JC 49

Belfry 14

No they are the favorite to win 3A this year! Ashland wants none of the Pirates, no different than last year! 

52 minutes ago, Morehead State said:

No they are the favorite to win 3A this year! Ashland wants none of the Pirates, no different than last year! 

That's what he said. And what does Ashland have to do with Johnson Central playing Belfry this week?

JC Audio: https://www.wsipfm.com/player/?playerID=1900

Touchdown JC on a run by the QB. 

7-0 JC 

5:34 in the 1st quarter 

Isaac Dixon fumbles the ensuing kickoff. JC recovers at midfield. 

TD JC.  Preston 52 yard run. 

 

14-0 JC!

End of 1st

JC 14-0

Belfry 1st and 10 in red zone.

Electric TD run by Dixon 15 yards.  TD Belfry.

14-7.

Good Half.

JC drove their first possession with gut shots to take a 7-0 lead.

Dixon had a nice kickoff return but got hit hard and fumbled.

Preston cashed it in for a long TD run to make it 14-0.

Belfry answered with a great drive and a highlight reel TD run by Dixon to cut it to 14-7.

JC drove the ball before Belfry bowed and held.

Pirates got something going but JC's defense answered with a stand of their own.

Just now, ATLCat said:

Good Half.

JC drove their first possession with gut shots to take a 7-0 lead.

Dixon had a nice kickoff return but got hit hard and fumbled.

Preston cashed it in for a long TD run to make it 14-0.

Belfry answered with a great drive and a highlight reel TD run to cut it to 14-7.

JC drove the ball before Belfry bowed and held.

Pirates got something going but JC's defense answered with a stand of their own.

Thanks for all that @ATLCat!

Good game!