Looking ahead (2A) - Small schools capable of big drama

[DevilMayCare]

The championship pursuit can often overshadow the small wonders that occur over the course of a season. Sometimes it's nice to stop and smell the roses, and what transpired between Owensboro Catholic and Hancock County last year was more like a whole rose bush. 

The back and forth between the Aces and Hornets was one of the more dramatic events to unfold over the course of the 2020 season.  A two game series can't get any tighter than what the those two schools put forth. Each side won once and both games were decided by a single point. Hancock denied an OCath two-point conversion attempt in the final seconds to win the regular season contest (30-29), before the Aces essentially flipped the script for the district championship rematch (27-26). 

With Owensboro Catholic returning the main cogs of its offensive arsenal and Hancock County getting back 8-9 starters on each side of the ball, expect to see that district hotly contested once again. Though it's unlikely they'll match the drama from last season, a neutral fan can dream, right?

[FB Head]

2 hours ago, DevilMayCare said:

The championship pursuit can often overshadow the small wonders that occur over the course of a season. Sometimes it's nice to stop and smell the roses, and what transpired between Owensboro Catholic and Hancock County last year was more like a whole rose bush. 

The back and forth between the Aces and Hornets was one of the more dramatic events to unfold over the course of the 2020 season.  A two game series can't get any tighter than what the those two schools put forth. Each side won once and both games were decided by a single point. Hancock denied an OCath two-point conversion attempt in the final seconds to win the regular season contest (30-29), before the Aces essentially flipped the script for the district championship rematch (27-26). 

With Owensboro Catholic returning the main cogs of its offensive arsenal and Hancock County getting back 8-9 starters on each side of the ball, expect to see that district hotly contested once again. Though it's unlikely they'll match the drama from last season, a neutral fan can dream, right?

2A football in the west was not for the faint of hearts last year.

It was a nice to see OCath being challenged the last two season after owning the rights to the district for the majority of the last two decades.  Two years ago, McClean Co upset the aces in the playoffs and then, the hornets this past year came up short in the second round to the Aces.  OCath went away from their traditional air raid mid season by putting their best playmaker under center for the remainder of the season.  Will took them to the third round where they were bullied by a solid Murray team 28-7 for the regional crown.  The Aces and Hornets look keep that district close this year.  Can't wait to see who comes out on top.

Not to be out done, the other west district had it's own share of drama. 

First, Mayfield beats Caldwell Co 21-20 on a missed PAT.  Caldwell missed the PAT early and had a chance to tie by going for 2 but decided to kick and brought the score to 21-20 in the 4th Q.  The Tigers took their last possession deep to Cardinal territory before a controversial 4th down play turned the ball over to Mayfield making it game over. 

Second, Murray takes the show to Princeton, KY for the battle of the Tigers.  The game, full of drama and flags!!  Late in the 4th Q, Caldwell had a 4th and forever at mid field.  A hail mary ensued which ended incomplete.  While Murray celebrated, a whistle came to into play for a non-existing pass interference call that gave Caldwell an opportunity to kick a field goal to tie as time expired 34-34.  Murray grabbed first possession in OT and punched its way into the end zone, PAT good 41-34.  Caldwell tried a jet sweep on forth down, the back stretched the play to the sideline and dove for the TD.  The pylon moved forward only to be called short. Ball game, Murray 41-34.

Then, Mayfield goes into Murray for a slug fest...  Turnovers, missed opportunities brought the game to a 14-14 tie at the end of regulation. Mayfield scored on their first play in overtime and PAT was good.  Murray took all four downs to muscle it to the end zone.  They decided to go for the win and Mayfield made a good play to deflect the pass out wide. Game over. Mayfield 21-20.

First round of the playoffs. Rematch between the Tigers.  Back and forth they went for 4 quarters.  The key play at the end of the game: Caldwell trailing 28-21 goes for a fake punt only to be intercepted for a pick six giving Murray a 35-21 lead.  They will hang on to win 35-28.

District championship: Murray @ Mayfield.  Sounds repetitive but this game could go down as the game of the year in 2A.  Won't go into details because it's too much to write, but Murray beat Mayfield in 3OT with an interception at the goal line 28-21.

I hope that 2021 is just as good in this district... But I believe the Cardinals will once again be heavily favored and out for revenge after loosing the grip on the district crown this past year.

 

[gchs_uk9]

Great breakdown @FB Head! I had forgot how close all of the District 1 games were. Legitimate arguments for any of the three that could have made it to the semifinals last year. I hope this season is just as exciting!