?Class 6A State Championship?

Trinity Shamrocks ☘️ (12-2, #1)
vs.
Ryle Raiders ?‍☠️ (12-2, #5)

Kickoff: 4:00pm on Saturday, December 7th at Kroger Field in Lexington 

? In a whirlwind of a season for the big boys, the gold standard of Kentucky high school football is back to defend a title, both in reputation and hardware.

Trinity has run another gauntlet of a schedule, including wins over Frederick Douglass (×2), Male, Carmel (IN), St. Xavier (OH), and Bryan Station. Losses to Center Grove (IN) and the archival Tigers of St. X kept the Shamrocks tethered to the parity that permeated 6A this season.

And yet, here they are, four quarters away from state title #29. 

Sophomore quarterback Zane Johnson may be the face of the program, but the backbone is a defense allowing just 9 points per game, tops in 6A and #3 statewide. They just choked the life out of Douglass. That's why they're here.

Standing in their way is an old familiar face, with sights set on making history. Ryle is searching for title #1, not just in the program's three decade existence, but also the first ever won by a NKY “Big School”. Boone County, Dixie Heights, and Simon Kenton have all swung and missed over the years. 

They're also searching for their first win over the Shamrocks in eight tries.

Ryle got an up close look at the winner's circle eighteen years ago, but was rebuffed by the same dynasty that blocks their path now.

A running clock demolition of St. X in the region final catapulted the Raiders into the role of trendy pick to end NKY's futility in the largest class. 

Jacob Savage leads a fearsome defensive front, one that also includes ends Dillon Smith (UofL commit) and Bo Gay.

When the lights come on at Kroger Field, there will be nowhere to hide. The moment has proven too much for many a contender over the years, but there is no greater proving ground than a state championship game versus the Trinity Shamrocks. 

Can Ryle rise to the occasion and join Bullitt East to strike another one for the rebellion, or does the Evil Empire further distance itself from the pack?

Series History ?: Trinity leads 7-0 all-time | The two met for the 2006 4A championship, with the Rocks rolling, 41-7

I could see this game going either way.  I would like Ryle to win for several reasons but I voted for Trinity. 

I really like Ryles chances understanding that it's a tall order to bring down Trinity. 

It’s going to be hard but I’m keeping my pick as it’s been since the end of the regular season. I’m taking the Raiders.

27 minutes ago, theguru said:

I could see this game going either way.  I would like Ryle to win for several reasons but I voted for Trinity. 

Trinity's strength is their D-line. One of Ryles is their O-line. So it's best on best. 

I hope History repeats itself.

?

Hard to pick against the Shamrocks in state championship games so I'll go with Trinity in a close one. I also wouldn't be surprised if Ryle won though because they are great team. Trinity kicker could be the difference. He hit a 48 yard FG against Frederick Douglass. 

Trinity's defense was awesome tonight for the Shamrocks in their shutout of Douglass, but their offense was not impressive they had the one 37-yard pass play for a touchdown after Douglass fumbled the kickoff their other touchdown started at the Douglass 8-yard line after a blocked punt. They kicked a 48-yard FG. As I think back on the game the only time the whole game their offense was in the redzone was after the blocked punt. They probably only had 3 or 4 first downs the entire 2nd half, but that was all they needed tonight as their defense kept the Broncos running game in check, they only had 3 or 4 runs of over 7 or 8 yards all night and they gave Strautman no time whatsoever to drop back and throw. It should be a good game, but the Trinity offense will have to be better than they were tonight to get #29 imo.

Gut says Ryle for some reason, but it’s Trinity in the finals… I’ll have to think on this one.

1 minute ago, TheDeuce said:

Gut says Ryle for some reason, but it’s Trinity in the finals… I’ll have to think on this one.

I have been thinking about it ever since Ryle beat X in the 2nd round. 

As a Trinity man, I must roll with the Shamrocks. But should be a close and fun game between these two programs. I think the battle to watch is in the trenches as Trinity's D-line has been strong all year and dominated vs Fredrick Douglass in the semifinals. If the Rocks can win that matchup I think they have a good chance at winning the game. 

Trinity is 7-0 versus Ryle with the last meeting coming in the 2021 semifinals which were played in Union. These two also met in 2010 semifinals and the 2006 4A title game.

Trinity is 49-2 versus NKY teams. Only Highlands and Dixie Heights have wins over the Rocks.

I voted for Trinity on accident. Ryle sails to victory! 

Don’t be intimidated by that name on the jersey. Take care of business Ryle. You got all the pieces in place to win your 1st state title. Make it happen. 

I believe Ryle playing so many on both sides of the ball will contribute yo their downfall in this one. Savage will be one tired individual when this one is in the books. $17.00 cover charge for the KHSAA. 

22 minutes ago, thsrocks said:

I believe Ryle playing so many on both sides of the ball will contribute yo their downfall in this one. Savage will be one tired individual when this one is in the books. $17.00 cover charge for the KHSAA. 

As an athlete that played both ways for three years, I can tell you by this time in the season playing you are a well conditioned machine. Fatigue will not be a factor at all. He gets a breather here and there. I have not seen his production drop late in games. In fact it's been the opposite. He's him, he's different.