Cardinals venture into Louisville's bear den seeking a jump start

Records: Ballard (5-3), Scott County (5-3)

BGP Ranking: Ballard (#6 in 6A), Scott County (#10 in 5A)

Series History: Scott County leads 2-0 all-time

Table Setter: If the Bruins and Cardinals can come anywhere near matching their last meeting in 2019, this could be the runaway pick for game of the week. The lead changed hands half a dozen times that night in Georgetown before Scott County denied a two point conversion by Ballard in overtime, to win 46-45. 

If the Bruins' front seven has anything to say about it, this game will never reach those numbers. Ballard has spent what feels like half the season in its opponent's backfield, with Jadairion Smith and Co. recording 42.5 sacks and 76 tackles for loss. There's no indication that Smith played last week after suffering an injury versus Trinity, so his status is currently up in the air. If he's unable to go, a little more pressure falls on the offense, which features the big play pitch and catch combo of quarterback Tristen Hawkins and receiver Chaunte Marrero (36 catches/746 yards/9 touchdowns).

There's a vulnerability this year in Scott County we haven't seen in a while. They were gobsmacked by Franklin County, caught from behind by Bryan Station, and dominated by Frederick Douglass. This was all before they narrowly edged out a Great Crossing program still in its infancy. This game could either serve as a statement that the Cardinals are ready to mount a postseason charge, or another indicator that the program has slipped.

One common opponent between the two teams: Scott County lost to Franklin County 43-14, while the Bruins handled the Flyers 31-13.

I'll take Ballard in a close one.

Ballard is rabid for a win against the Cardinals! As long as the Bruins have been properly coached on reading TTUN's offensive keys, the front line will annihilate TTUN.

Jadairion Smith may be controlled in the first half only because you can't rush upfield on the Cards, but once Ballard is up two scores and TTUN starts passing, he is gonna get at least 3 sacks, easy.

 

Also, I don't think TTUN has a defensive answer for Marrero. That guy may have a career day tomorrow.

 

 

15 hours ago, Hungover_in_Andover said:

Ballard is rabid for a win against the Cardinals! As long as the Bruins have been properly coached on reading TTUN's offensive keys, the front line will annihilate TTUN.

Jadairion Smith may be controlled in the first half only because you can't rush upfield on the Cards, but once Ballard is up two scores and TTUN starts passing, he is gonna get at least 3 sacks, easy.

Also, I don't think TTUN has a defensive answer for Marrero. That guy may have a career day tomorrow.

Stop with this nonsense ?

I'll take Ballard by double digits.

Cards and Bruins are knotted at 7 with 2:00 left in 2Q.

Ballard goes to the locker room on a field goal as time expired in the 1st half.

Halftime 

Ballard 10

Scott County 7

Jeremy Hamilton pulls Scott County within four with a 6 yard touchdown run. 

17-13 Ballard 

4:39 in 3Q

Ballard makes quick work of its next drive.

24-13 Bruins

2:53 in 3Q

Ballard clings to a 24-21 lead after turning Scott County over on downs. Inside of 2:00 remaining. 

Ballgame. Ballard runs out the clock to win, 24-21.