Male(1-1) will host Saint Xavier (2-0) at 7:00 and are coming off a 12-7 loss to Ballard. St. X is coming of a 44-8 win over 4A Central.

Male had a good defensive effort against Ballard but special teams and lack of offense cost them the game. Male took a safety when punting from end-zone and had field goal blocked that was returned for a touchdown by Ballard. RB Daniel Swinney scored Male's lone touchdown in the first quarter. 
 

St. X comes into this game after a dominating defensive effort along with a aerial assault against Central. St. X threw 5 touchdown passes with QB Trevor Havill having 3 of them plus he ran for the lone rushing touchdown. The starting St. X defense forced a safety on Central's punt snap that went out of the end-zone and held Central score less.

Last meeting: St. X 31-21 in 6A Championship.

This looks to be a low scoring game as both teams have good defenses. The Male offense will have to improve on their Ballard performance to win this game against a very strong St. X starting defense who has only gave up one touchdown in the last 8 quarters.

The St. X offense will have a stiffer challenge than against Central as Male returned most all their secondary from last year and will need to avoid interceptions like the pick 6 given up to Owensboro. In a close game, It could come down to special teams and turnovers. Does Male right the ship and avenge their 6A Championship loss or does St. X make it two in a row?

 

 

I’m going with X.

I think last week showed on offense Male is missing that big playmaker that they've been accustomed to the last few years. I don't know if they'll be able to put together consistent drives against the X defense. I also think X has the advantage at the LOS.

St. X's #3 WR from last year, Jackson Campisano, who hasn't played in first two games due to injury has returned to practice and may be available for Male game.
 

4 minutes ago, TheDeuce said:

I’m going with X.

Same. I think Male comes out fired up and keeps it competitive early before X's advantage on both lines takes over and the Tigers pull away.

Just now, LongTimeReader said:

I think last week showed on offense Male is missing that big playmaker that they've been accustomed to the last few years. I don't know if they'll be able to put together consistent drives against the X defense. I also think X has the advantage at the LOS.

Male O-Line is 4 new faces from last year and St. X has mostly same d-line that played in championship game last year. Also, Male has all new D-Line and St. X returned two starters on O-Line from last year, so I agree St. X has advantage in trenches.

X has been shuffling some OL around trying to find the right combination. 

Calpreps projection is St. X 28 Male 17. 

If Male scores 17 offensive points against this Tiger defense I don't think it will be a good night for the Tigers overall. 

 

X's win streak: 

Elder, Trinity, Ryle, Manual x2, Butler x2, PRP, Bowling Green, Daviess County, Madison Central, Male, Owensboro, Central. 

I think St. X solidifies their #1 ranking this week, and spanks Male. If the Dawgs could only muster 7 against Ballard, they might be lucky to even score. But I'll give the benefit of doubt.

X- 34

H- 7

https://scoreboard.12dt.com/scoreboard/khsaa/kyfb22/stats_87876_8084

St. X stat report from Central game.

Male leads the all-time series, 61-46-2.

This has been a streaky series over the last 20+ years. They don't alternate wins. One side wins a few in a row, then the other wins a few.

I think this will be a pretty tough, hard-fought game.  I give the nod to X, but I think it may be closer than most think. No inside information, just a hunch. 

I like this X team!! 

Massey Ratings has the game at 50% but give the Bulldogs a one point advantage with the score being 22-21.