For the second year in a row, Martin County has earned the 3 hour drive from the West Virginia border to play Beechwood in round 3 of the 2A tournament, game time 7:30. Last year the Tigers won this playoff matchup 55-0. Martin County has posted a better record this year than last, standing 9-3 entering this game. Their toughest loss of the year came against Prestonsburg, losing 22-21 six weeks ago. The Cardinals have run off five straight wins since that loss. Beechwood is 11-1 on the year and has been ranked in the top 3 in 2A all season long. 

Martin County is led on offense by dual threat Jr. QB Devan Maynard. Maynard has generated over 2,000 yards this season, with almost 1,200 yards on the ground. Like last year, the Cardinals are a run dominated team. They have 2,892 yards on the ground and just 903 yards in the air. Helping Maynard produce those rushing total are RB's Parker Watts and Julian Stafford who are both over 500 yards rushing. Stafford is also the Cardinals top receiving threat. 

Beechwood has worked hard to add more running to their offense this year and it showed up big in their win in round 2 over Breathitt County. Sr. RB Chase Flaherty scored 5 TD's rushing last week and added another one through the air. Sr. QB Clay Hayden enjoyed the return of sophomore WR Tyler Fryman last week, connecting on a 50 TD pass to Fryman. Hayden was 19/24, 324 yards and 3 TD passes in last week's win.

Can Martin County close the gap from last year's loss and challenge the Tigers? 

Potential for running clock lessened by Cardinals strong ground game which should consume clock and offensive chances for Tigers.  Suspecting something like 35-7 Beechwood advancing.

4 hours ago, Oldercoach said:

Potential for running clock lessened by Cardinals strong ground game which should consume clock and offensive chances for Tigers.  Suspecting something like 35-7 Beechwood advancing.

Martin County had better rushing stats last year and they lost 55-0. Why would it be different this year?

Owensboro Catholic         91.17
Lexington Christian Academy         86.24
Beechwood         72.37
Mayfield              66.54
Somerset              51.78
Murray              49.85
Bracken County         49.53
Breathitt County         44.15
Monroe County         41.29
Caldwell County         40.13
Martin County         33.39
Prestonsburg         33.34
Washington County         25.46
Shelby Valley         24.09
WEB. Dubois         23.53
Betsy Lane         23.47

Last year everyone:

Beechwood, running clock!

12 hours ago, Oldercoach said:

Potential for running clock lessened by Cardinals strong ground game which should consume clock and offensive chances for Tigers.  Suspecting something like 35-7 Beechwood advancing.

You would remember far better than me, but those 4 Beechwood interceptions sure played a role, plus Hayden’s near perfect game 17 for 18 for over 300+ yards and 6 TDs all added up to give the quick strike Tigers an avalanche win.  Same thing could happen this year, but I am just thinking a less than perfection solid win.

34 minutes ago, Oldercoach said:

You would remember far better than me, but those 4 Beechwood interceptions sure played a role, plus Hayden’s near perfect game 17 for 18 for over 300+ yards and 6 TDs all added up to give the quick strike Tigers an avalanche win.  Same thing could happen this year, but I am just thinking a less than perfection solid win.

You make a good point there. The Martin County passing game looks to be better this year. In last year's game, Martin County threw 8 passes. They completed one and Beechwood intercepted four. If they can avoid turnovers, that definitely will help. More time of possession for Martin County. Better field position game if they don't give Beechwood short fields (need a decent punter). That could make for a closer more competitive game.

Side note: Their QB Maynard was their best receiver last year. He is the receiver who caught the only completed pass for Martin County in the game. He also threw one pass in last year's game - it was intercepted by Beechwood.

8 hours ago, Voice of Reason said:

Side note: Their QB Maynard was their best receiver last year. He is the receiver who caught the only completed pass for Martin County in the game. He also threw one pass in last year's game - it was intercepted by Beechwood.

Maynard must be a great athlete although his passing numbers might be a little wanting.  Goes both ways and leads in rushing (over 1,100 yds), TDs, total scoring 154 pts, 8 interceptions, 2 pick-6s, 5 TFL, and 4th with 74 tackles.  Young man might have an “S” tattoo on his chest.

Did Martin County used to be Sheldon Clark high school?

2 minutes ago, colonel-fan said:

Did Martin County used to be Sheldon Clark high school?

Yes.

Bump.

Kickoff has been moved up to 7 pm to help Martin County with travel.

No contest, running clock early.

2 hours ago, Voice of Reason said:

Kickoff has been moved up to 7 pm to help Martin County with travel.

 

55 minutes ago, nikeman49 said:

No contest, running clock early.

Best combo of early start and running clock could be very hospitable and accommodating to travel demands.