6A Ballard makes the long, rare trek for a Louisville team into Western Kentucky to take on 4A Hopkinsville. 
 

Ballard will be led on defense by their stud DE Jadairion Smith who holds numerous college offers & is a matchup nightmare for opposing OL’s. 
 

On offense Ballard will be breaking in quite a few new starters and will be led by first year QB Tristen Hawkins who will be flanked by speedy athletic wideouts. 
 

Hopkinsville will be led by a strong defense that returns 7 starters and on offense by returning Starting QB Treyvon Jefferson, returning starter at RB Jayden Dillard and electric WR/DB Junior Daisjaun Mercer. 

This one on paper has the potential to be a very good football game. There will be plenty of athleticism and speed on display in this one. Can Ballard survive the long road trip and come out with a W or will Hopkinsville get an early statement win? 

Ballard returns 6 starters on defense so should pretty good on that side of ball. I think this will be a competitive game and I'll take Ballard in a close one.

I’ll go with Hoptown. Not really sure other than I’m not ready to buy stock in Bruins just yet, especially after a long bus ride. 

Best game in WKY this week. Ballard will match Hoptown athletes which don’t happen often in regular season. Good measuring stick for both teams. I like the tigers in this one believe this is one of their special teams they have had in some time. Key to the tigers don’t turn the ball over and set Ballard up on a short field. Be a fun game to watch!!

18 hours ago, LongTimeReader said:

I’ll go with Hoptown. Not really sure other than I’m not ready to buy stock in Bruins just yet, especially after a long bus ride. 

I annually have a hard time feeling comfortable with either Ballard or Hopkinsville. Both are seemingly always good but also seem to have difficulty getting over their respective playoff humps. I have no clue how this turns out - honestly, could see either team winning.

Who knows right?  But I’ll take hoptown at home after a solid scrimmage vs McCracken.

8 hours ago, gchs_uk9 said:

I annually have a hard time feeling comfortable with either Ballard or Hopkinsville. Both are seemingly always good but also seem to have difficulty getting over their respective playoff humps. I have no clue how this turns out - honestly, could see either team winning.

What hump for the Tigers? In Coach Clayton’s 4 years back in Tiger Land

2017 Lost to 4A State Champion Franklin Simpson 35-20 in the State Quarters

2018 & 2019 Lost to Madisonville in 2nd Round

2020 Lost to 4A State Champion Boyle County 55-0 in the Semi-Finals
 

A lot of teams would take that hump I believe. The Tigers are in a tough spot in 4A having to beat either Boyle or JC in the semi-finals. Won’t happen very often. 

8 hours ago, WKY_Football said:

What hump for the Tigers? In Coach Clayton’s 4 years back in Tiger Land

2017 Lost to 4A State Champion Franklin Simpson 35-20 in the State Quarters

2018 & 2019 Lost to Madisonville in 2nd Round

2020 Lost to 4A State Champion Boyle County 55-0 in the Semi-Finals
 

A lot of teams would take that hump I believe. The Tigers are in a tough spot in 4A having to beat either Boyle or JC in the semi-finals. Won’t happen very often. 

You just made my point. Hopkinsville is annually a top-8 team, but not a top-4 team. That is the hump. It wasn't so much a criticism as it was my reason for not feeling comfortable picking them to beat Ballard.

Courier Journal District Coaches poll:

Class 6A, District Five 

1. Ballard (2)  4

2. Trinity (1)    3

3. Eastern       2
 

If the coaches are right then Hopkinsville better look out. Lol.

2 hours ago, Tigerpride94 said:

 

Courier Journal District Coaches poll:

Class 6A, District Five 

1. Ballard (2)  4

2. Trinity (1)    3

3. Eastern       2
 

If the coaches are right then Hopkinsville better look out. Lol.

Well then lol. Trinity is going to be down a tad but this is surprising.