Murray is the lone survivor of the Western Kentucky small school delegation. The Tigers brought the hit stick and shut down Owensboro Catholic's offense to advance to the Semi-Finals for the first time since 2014 and are looking for their first Finals Appearance since the controversial 1994 State Finals. Lexington Christian Academy has bookended the decade with Semi-Finals appearances, their last appearance was 2010. The Eagles took the title back in 2009 and definitely have to like their chances to take home the hardware  for a second time.

It will be a contrast in styles. The Tigers bring a brawler mentality relying heavily on the ability to dictate pace with their defense and overpower teams with their ball control offense led by Charvelle McCallister, QB Rowdy Sokolowski, and Brendan Dahnke. This smashmouth trio has accounted for 3000+ yards and well over 40 TD's sharing the wealth. Sebastian Lawrence is the heartbeat of this team's tough demeanor at the Line of Scrimmage and will need to play the game of his life against LCA.

The Eagles will counter-punch Murray's bully ball with one of the most proficient skilled offenses in the State. Xavier Brown, QB Drew Nieves, and Mason Moore put up their own trio of offensive explosion, but from a primarily passing game oriented attack that relies heavily on exposing mis-matches and winning the game outside the hash marks. The Eagles are not just some finesse squad, so don't be fooled. Mattie Lebryck and Anthony Johns will certainly be ready for the challenge Murray is set to bring and ready to deliver some hit-sticks of their own inside the box. 

In a game where the styles will contrast so much, keep an eye on Special Teams to play a key role. LCA's Placekicker Andrew Dobbs has been superb this season and perhaps the most active kicker in the State. His ability to change a game with his foot cannot be ignored and even if Murray can lower the score in this one, having his ability to post three points once on the Tiger side of the field is a major advantage.


 

I’m calling upset, Murray is solid and should not be underestimated I know LCA is good, but I have to pull for the team that is representing the Far West.

I would love to see Murray win but im just not sure. There is a scenario where they win by controlling the clock and not turning it over. It looks like LCA is dang good though. They have a very impressive resume. Metcalfe was the first bad team they played all year. I think LCA will win but ill support Murray as I have for the last few years.

I see this game as around 35-7 or 35-14 - LCA. If Murray gets behind they won't have the passing game to keep up. Murray is big and physical and could give LCA some trouble at first. A cold wet windy night would be great for Murray but I think it's going to be good weather.

3 hours ago, snakesnot_2000 said:

I see this game as around 35-7 or 35-14 - LCA. If Murray gets behind they won't have the passing game to keep up. Murray is big and physical and could give LCA some trouble at first. A cold wet windy night would be great for Murray but I think it's going to be good weather.

I'm thinking around that score as well. As much as I'd like to see Murray pull this one out, I'm just getting that feeling that this one could get ugly. 

LCA has an unbelievably impressive resume. Everyone they have played is either still in the playoffs or a defending champion. Very impressive team! Murray just needs to go and let it all hangout and enjoy the moment. Don't be afraid to open it up if they need to.

How good is LCA offensive line? Murray had a really big defensive line which had the ability to be incredibly disruptive.

On 12/5/2020 at 8:42 AM, Bud_Kilmer said:

I would love to see Murray win but im just not sure. There is a scenario where they win by controlling the clock and not turning it over.

This has to be the game plan and Murray has the ability to execute that plan. They are very good across the line of scrimmage and between the quarterback and two running backs it is hard for a defense to focus on a single ball carrier. However, if Murray were to fall behind, turn the ball over, or give LCA any cheap scores it could be a long night. Bottom line: Murray can win if they play an almost flawless game, but any mistakes will put them behind a big eight-ball.

On 12/5/2020 at 2:44 PM, Bud_Kilmer said:

LCA has an unbelievably impressive resume. Everyone they have played is either still in the playoffs or a defending champion. Very impressive team! Murray just needs to go and let it all hangout and enjoy the moment. Don't be afraid to open it up if they need to.

By defending champion you mean the school at some point in their history won a championship, not defending a title won last year? Because the only defending champion they played is Somerset. And half the teams they have played are out of the playoffs. 

Pikeville and Somerset (twice) are the defending champions. Frederick Douglas, Dunbar, Williamsburg, are still in. Desales, Lex Cath and Danville are championship caliber programs. Im just saying that I think you would be hard pressed to find another small school with a tougher schedule with better results.

14 minutes ago, Bud_Kilmer said:

Pikeville and Somerset (twice) are the defending champions. Frederick Douglas, Dunbar, Williamsburg, are still in. Desales, Lex Cath and Danville are championship caliber programs. Im just saying that I think you would be hard pressed to find another small school with a tougher schedule with better results.

Beechwood’s schedule wasn’t to shabby either. Had it not been for COVID their first 6 games would have been Paintsville, Somerset, Corbin, Cov Cath, Ryle and Dixie. Then you would add New Cath and Meade County at the end of the season. 

1 hour ago, Bud_Kilmer said:

Pikeville and Somerset (twice) are the defending champions. Frederick Douglas, Dunbar, Williamsburg, are still in. Desales, Lex Cath and Danville are championship caliber programs. Im just saying that I think you would be hard pressed to find another small school with a tougher schedule with better results.

Agree on the LCA strength of schedule. The district strength is a boost to their overall SOS. Second best SOS in 2A is Somerset. If we look at non district games only, Beechwood's SOS may be the best. Beechwood's win over Corbin at Corbin is the best quality win by a 2A team this year.

I have been impressed with LCA each time I've watched them this season. Their SOS is obviously better than Murray's, so I don't see this one being in doubt. 

LCA by three scores. 

I enjoy watching this Murray team play. They are kind of old school and their physical Front 7 will certainly give them a chance to compete in this game and expose the few weaknesses I feel LCA has.

 

With that said...

Scheme, Scheme, Playmakers, Scheme, Scheme, Special Teams.

 

No small school in Kentucky schemes better than LCA. They usually have some pretty good talent, but what they do best is maximize what talent they have and expose weaknesses of the opposition. This goes for both sides of the ball... but especially the offensive side. They are creative, they are aggressive, and they get the ball into their best players hands in unique ways and in different parts of the field.

On top of all of this, I think LCA has a massive advantage in the Special teams department. They have the best kicker in Class 2A and a dangerous return game.

It will be a battle but I like the Eagles by a couple TD's and maybe a FG, extending their lead late and putting pressure on Murray to come back with their passing game where LCA's pass rush thrives.

LCA 31

Murray 14

Yeah the difference in beechwood and LCA is strength of district. Beechwood did play a very tough non district and performed well. Very good team! I thought Murray played a tough schedule picking up crittenden and Tilghman. I think they would beat PT if they played again. I say this a lot about Murray but I just hope they don’t turn the ball over and have crippling penalties and then let the chips fall where they may. They have been a pretty impressive team when they don’t do that and have still been able to overcome them and win games this year.