North Oldham at Franklin County Predictions/Updates

[ColonelMike]

Who:  North Oldham Mustangs (4-6) at Franklin County (7-3)   Class 4A Round 1 Playoffs

When:  Friday, 11/5/21   kickoff 7:30 pm

Where:  Franklin County HS, Frankfort, KY

Last Meeting:   Franklin County 41-7,   10/1/21 at FCHS

Broadcast:   Free live HD video coverage begins at 7 pm ET on www.pegasussportsky.com

North Oldham has shown a lot of improvement this year under first-year coach Jamie Brown.   The Mustangs have fielded a quality defensive squad, but have struggled offensively.   Injuries have taken a huge toll on the team this year, but a 4-win season was a definite step up, and a return to the playoffs was a reward for the patient Mustang faithful.

At one time, the Mustangs were playing their third string QB this year, and injuries to defensive studs Michael Davis (state's #1 tackler at the time he went out for the season two games ago), Bryce Grady, and others has really dealt a blow to North.    Still, Davis finished way up the state list of top tacklers, Tyler Vance is up on the leader board for most sacks, and DB Liam Hutson leads 4A in interceptions with 7 - three of which he has returned for a TD.

The North defense held three teams under 10 points, and stymied Nelson County's young offense last week, giving up just 12 points.   Not surprisingly, the Mustangs won all four of those games.    But with a running game that has struggled all year, losing starting QB Jace Bullock early in the season, and briefly losing backup Nick Freeland, the Mustangs have found scoring to be difficult.   The young offensive unit has been held under 10 points in five games and scored just 13 against top 10 Central.   (not surprisingly, they lost those six games)

Still, there have been moments.   One of the most encouraging came midway through the second period against Central, when the Mustangs - featuring their #3 QB and a starting WR at RB, found themselves leading the Yellowjackets, 13-6.    And the annual battle against powerful 5A rival South Oldham was a one touchdown game last in the second half before North wore out against the bigger, deeper, Dragons.

Backup QB Nick Freeland only connected on 9 of 19 passes last week - but he threw for 163 yards and two scores without a turnover, and he tossed about a 30 yard TD to Liam Hutson with about 2 1/12 minutes to play to claim the road win, 14-12, over Nelson County.

Unfortunately for North, their district is brutal.   Not one, but two top 10 teams reside in the district, and FRANKLIN COUNTY has been the top dog all season.    The Flyers struggled a bit early, but a change in QB lit a fire under the offense, and the Flyers haven't looked back since.

After losing three straight to three of the top teams in the state - Corbin, Ballard, and Woodford County (by 3), the Flyers ripped off five straight wins to end the season at 7-3.   They scored 31 points or more in each of those games, as sophomore Gavin Hurst settled into his role at QB, perfectly complimenting star running back Kaden Moorman (1,037 yards rushing, 19 TDs).   Hurst wound up completing 67% of his passes for 775 yards, 8 TDs, and only 4 picks.   

Especially impressive was the Flyers' final district game.   Facing fellow top 10 team Central, in a battle of district unbeatens, Franklin made sure the outcome was never in doubt as they rolled to a 35-6 victory behind Moorman's 153 yards and two scores.

Brenton Sears leads the way on defense with 90 tackles, but Peyton Ledford is the great disruptor, with 11.5 TFL.

Free, live HD video coverage begins at 7 pm ET on www.pegasussportsky.com.    Andy Kerrick and Matt Hill have the call.

 

[FLYGUY]

Flyers with a sound win… I’m hoping to see the starters out early preparing for a round 2 war with central. I do agree North is improved. 

[jvdfc]

The Flyers will take care of business in the 1st round home game vs N. Oldham.  I agree with FLYGUY. The Flyers need to be ready for a hard fought game with Central next round.  Go Flyers!