Louisville's Middleweight Kings Clash With Strong Championship Implications

Records: Central (3-3) | CAL (6-1)

BGP Rankings: Central (#3 in 3A) | CAL (#1 in 3A)

Week 8 Results: Both had a bye week 

Series History: Tied at 1-1

Preview: Two of Kentucky's powerhouse programs of the last fifteen years were thrust together by realignment. CAL and Central have combined to win nine state titles since 2007, plus a handful of state runner-ups.

The stakes this week are capped with a district championship, but the outcome may foreshadow what's to come for Class 3A. 

Central's strength of schedule and championship pedigree have earned them the benefit of the doubt, despite owning no standout wins. The losses to Manual, St. X, LaSalle (OH), and Bullitt East were void of offense for the Yellow Jackets, but CAL had no trouble pouring it on Manual two weeks ago, hanging 54 on the Crimsons. 

A convincing win over the #3 team in the class would further strengthen the Centurions' position as favorite for back to back crowns and dampen hopes for the rest of the field. 

From a player perspective, the top quarterback and running back in Louisville will be brought together this week. Cole Hodge is in the thick of the Mr. Football race, a place Cortez Stone expects to be next year. Hard to see Central taking down CAL without Stone going off.

I'll go with CAL by 21.

CAL wins this matchup, but I believe Central has a good chance of being in the semi finals this year.  CAL has to be a strong favorite to repeat.  

I think Cal by at least 3 scores.  

Bump.

CAL up 7-0. Halftime.

CAL 13-6. 5:44 4Q.

High snap on fourth down ends the Central drive. CAL has first down at the Central 12 with 3:00 left, leading 13-6. 
 

Per Jason Frakes on twitter.

13-6 CAL 

Final