North Hardin at Lexington Christian Academy (eCampus.com Bowl)
Kickoff: Approximately 8:30 p.m., following the Bryan Station vs. South Warren game.

North Hardin (6A, 8-4 in 2024):
The Trojans' offense is led by senior QB Jakylin Kirkland, who threw for 1,115 passing yards last season while splitting time with transferred QB Durelle Loggins. Senior Ronald Lunz returns as the leading receiver with 681 yards. Senior LhaMoriya Beard is back as the leading rusher, having finished with 195 yards on 32 carries and two touchdowns, along with three receptions for 44 yards. On defense, North Hardin returns its top four tacklers from 2024: Cohen Campbell (85 tackles, 1 sack), Josiah Hope (61 tackles, 7 sacks), Ty Davis (59 tackles), and Joseph Whaley (55 tackles).

 

Lexington Christian Academy (2A, 11-3 in 2024)
The Eagles' offense is replacing key players, with the starting QB uncertain after multiple options played in the first two scrimmages; senior Carter Penix had limited action last year with 161 passing yards. LCA also lost most of its offensive line and its top rushers, Edwards and Howard, who combined for over 2,300 yards, while returning rushers include senior Mac Darland (331 yards) and junior Daven Hood (286 yards). The team returns its full WR group, featuring Sam Pearson (495 yards), Tyler King (405 yards), Daven Hood (180 yards), and Paxton Gray (138 yards). On defense, LCA lost top tackler Hunter Adams but returns the next eight, led by MLBs Mac Darland (79 tackles, 1 sack) and Thomas Sizemore (67 tackles, 1 sack); top interception returners are Sam Pearson (3), Brady Couch (3), and Thomas Sizemore (3).

 

• Can LCA replace its lost offensive production in 2025, especially with an uncertain QB and depleted rushing attack?
• North Hardin looks explosive on offense—can LCA's defense match that speed and firepower?
• Will North Hardin's new full-time QB, Jakylin Kirkland, lead them to a strong start against a tough LCA squad?
• How might LCA's returning WR core exploit North Hardin's defense?

Predictions on the final score or key players to watch? Share your thoughts!

 

North Hardin returned a lot of production from last year plus have two D1 guys with Lunz and Hope. I think North Hardin is better than last year and gets the win in a close one.

LCA 27-25.

North Hardin took a hit when QB Durelle Loggins transferred to Meade County during the offseason. He threw for 1,433 last season for the Trojans. North Hardin will rely on Senior QB Jakylin Kirkland to run the offense. He threw for 1,115 yards last season while splitting time with Loggins. Kirkland didn't look very accurate at the John Hardin scrimmage last week but it is early in the season and North Hardin clearly has some athletes at the receiver position. 

Ronald Lunz returns as the leading receiver with 681 yards last season. 

North Hardin returns its leading rusher in senior LhaMoriya Beard, who finished with 195 yards on 32 carries with two touchdowns. He also caught three passes for 44 yards. Also back are senior Zylan Johnson and junior Zayden Winfield, freshman C.J. Rogers is also pushing the returning RBs for a starting position. 

Josiah Hope (6'3"/300) decommitted from Louisville on June 15th before pledging his services to the Purdue Boilermakers and recommitting back to Louisville.

Hope (DL) is the #4 prospect in KY and a Top 100 recruit at his position, nationally.

As usual, North Hardin will have the best athletes in Hardin County on their team. The question is, can they finally cut down on penalties, interceptions, unsportsmanlike penalties, blocked punts, multiple false starts? You get the picture. Under Thompson, they have also been a turnover machine. With only one experienced QB on the roster, the offensive line will need to keep him upright to cut down on the sacks and the potential for injuries. 

North Hardin's game this week vs. Lexington Christian will give us a good indication of how good this 2025 version of the Trojans really is. 

Lexington Christian started off 0-2 last season with losses to Boyle County and Franklin County before running off 11 straight wins, including wins over Pikeville, CAL, and a win over Mayfield at War Memorial before losing in the State semifinals to 2A State Champ Beechwood. 

They will have to replace a lot as they lose Hunter Adams LB, Jake Darby OL, Leland Edwards RB, Saxton Howard QB, Brooks Kerwin OL, Hayes Preston OL, and Trefor Thomas OL. LCA had a dominant run game behind a huge offensive line and QB Saxton Howard who threw for 1,411 yards last season.  

They do return Brody Adams, Jeremiah Burbage, Mac Darland, and their top 3 WRs in Sam Person, Daven Hood, and Tyler King. 

My Prediction: Lexington Christian 24 North Hardin 21

Paid video from Prepspin.com

https://go.prepspin.com/lca-vs-north-hardin-e-campus-com-bowl-at-lca-friday-august-22nd-at-830pm-est/

Both eCampus Bowl games will also be broadcast live on Fox 56. So if you get Fox 56 you should be able to watch with out paying. If I get any additional details I'll be sure to post them. 

Just now, Cobraxx said:

Both eCampus Bowl games will also be broadcast live on Fox 56. So if you get Fox 56 you should be able to watch with out paying. If I get any additional details I'll be sure to post them. 

Thank you and hopefully the link to the broadcasts when it is available. 

In a couple of developments with the North Hardin Trojans, I have been told by someone with close ties to the program that Josiah Hope (6'3"/300), commit to Louisville, has been suspended for the first 2 games of the season by the school's principal due to an altercation that happened last year in a game. I am also being told that there is also a sophomore DB that has transferred from North Hardin to Meade County. More to follow on these developing stories. 

4 hours ago, Hardin County Preps said:

In a couple of developments with the North Hardin Trojans, I have been told by someone with close ties to the program that Josiah Hope (6'3"/300), commit to Louisville, has been suspended for the first 2 games of the season by the school's principal due to an altercation that happened last year in a game. I am also being told that there is also a sophomore DB that has transferred from North Hardin to Meade County. More to follow on these developing stories. 

Oof. Hope is a gamer wrecker. He massively changes things if he’s not on the field.

Still no information on if you can stream the fox 56 coverage. 

21-14 LCA. Start of the 2nd half.

LCA 34 North Hardin 14

Nearing the end of the third.

41-21 LCA. Final