Raiders Have Their Hart Set On State Final, Must First Answer The Bell

Records: Bell (12-1) | Hart (13-0)

BGP 3A Rankings: Bell (#9) | Hart (#4)

Round 3 Results: Bell beat East Carter | Hart beat Union County 

Series History: First ever meeting 

Teaser Preview: This is not just a semifinal. It's more than two teams playing for a trip to Lexington. The narratives run deep here. The air feels different. 

Cinderella is racing against the clock: Hart County is now neck deep in uncharted waters. For the first time, they're facing a program and coach with a long track record of playoff success. 

An EKY power traveling into the heartland of the Bluegrass state: Bell County seldom strays far from the familiar terrain of the mountains. This may be the furthest west they've ever been.

Can Hart County slow Daniel Thomas, the newly minted single season rushing king? He's seemingly gotten stronger as the season has progressed, running for 200+ in seven straight games. 

If this one goes to the wire, can the Raiders continue to come down on the right side of the razor's edge? Hart County is 6-0 against ranked teams this season, but the last five have been decided by a touchdown or less.

What will the winner have left in the tank for the state finals? This promises to be a bruising affair between two teams that like to go mano a mano. 

The gravitational pull of the Raiders and their dream season versus the record breaking Thomas should make for gripping theatre. There will be no place quite like Munfordville this week.

I like Harts Strength of Schedule more than Bell. I think they’ve been battle tested and although they’ve had several close games they seem to find a way.

I’ll take Hart 28-24.

Destiny says Hart wins this game.

I'm taking Hart. For no real reason other than I want the little ole town of Munfordville to be shut down for these kids and the state finals. 

I have no earthly idea who will win, but I'm rooting for Hart County to keep it going!!   

I have nothing against Bell County.

But Let's Go Raiders!  Really pulling for Hart County to pull it out.  Just a Great story this season!

I expect a close game.  

22 hours ago, JellyRoll said:

I like Harts Strength of Schedule more than Bell. I think they’ve been battle tested and although they’ve had several close games they seem to find a way.

I’ll take Hart 28-24.

Curious to know who on Hart’s schedule you believe to be better than Belfry or Rockcastle County.

3 hours ago, TheBallCoach said:

Curious to know who on Hart’s schedule you believe to be better than Belfry or Rockcastle County.

I'll take the bait, this Belfry team is not one that we are accustomed to seeing. Belfry lost to a Single A power in Pikeville, while Hart beat a Single A power this year in Campbellsville. I think Glasgow and Franklin-Simpson and Union County, were just as good as Rockcastle County. Finally Bell's opponent's record is 77-72, while Hart's opponent's is 80-61. Bottom line, that's comparing Apple's to Orange's. One thing is for sure, this should be a great game in Munfordville, Friday Night!

This should be an absolute dandy!

There is no place in Kentucky that will personify what HS Football is about better than what will be taking place in Munfordville.

I have a lot of respect for Bell County and Daniel Thomas and my head says I think they will win this game led by a legendary Head Coach who has been here several times before.... but with that respect I have to admit I am cheering for Hart County to continue their dream season.

This great game will be streamed for free from our good friends at the Sporting Times::

- Sporting Times (stfanclub.com)

Thank you Sporting Times!

@Big East Zebra I don’t believe any of the 3 teams in Hart’s district could hold a torch to Belfry or Rockcastle this year, however I do agree it should be a great game in ol Munfordville. Love the fact that both teams play the same brand of football and this is definitely the most favorable matchup for the Raiders of the other 3 team’s remaining in 3A.

2 hours ago, Big East Zebra said:

I'll take the bait, this Belfry team is not one that we are accustomed to seeing. Belfry lost to a Single A power in Pikeville, while Hart beat a Single A power this year in Campbellsville. I think Glasgow and Franklin-Simpson and Union County, were just as good as Rockcastle County. Finally Bell's opponent's record is 77-72, while Hart's opponent's is 80-61. Bottom line, that's comparing Apple's to Orange's. One thing is for sure, this should be a great game in Munfordville, Friday Night!

 

24 minutes ago, TheBallCoach said:

@Big East Zebra I don’t believe any of the 3 teams in Hart’s district could hold a torch to Belfry or Rockcastle this year, however I do agree it should be a great game in ol Munfordville. Love the fact that both teams play the same brand of football and this is definitely the most favorable matchup for the Raiders of the other 3 team’s remaining in 3A.

According to Calpreps,

In 3A, Hart County is ranked 3rd; Glasgow 7th; Union County 6th; Franklin Simpson 9th

Bell County is 5th; Belfry is 8th and Rockcastle is 10th.

calpreps.com

Great to spin it; but it's going to be a great battle any number up above IMO.

4 hours ago, TheBallCoach said:

@Big East Zebra I don’t believe any of the 3 teams in Hart’s district could hold a torch to Belfry or Rockcastle this year, however I do agree it should be a great game in ol Munfordville. Love the fact that both teams play the same brand of football and this is definitely the most favorable matchup for the Raiders of the other 3 team’s remaining in 3A.

I don’t really believe in comparing scores like this, but Hart beat Campbellsville, who beat somerset, who beat Shelby Valley like a drum, who beat Lawrence County, who just took Rock to the brink of a loss just two weeks ago.

If we are to compare scores like that, I’d say Hart Is a better team than Rock. 

With all that said, I don’t think comparing scores like that works out at all, as I think every game involves individual matchups, and I think this one should be a dandy.

Here’s to hoping Hart keeps it going all the way to the title game. What an awesome story that would be. 

How can you not like what Hart County done? Almost everyone loves a Cinderella  story. I watched some of their game earlier in the year with Campbellsville. Quarterback was cool calm and collective back there in the pocket and was accurate hitting his receivers. I would love to see these guys win it all.

Would love to see HART win this game!