5A Warren Central (3-3) at 5A Bowling Green (1-5)

THURSDAY NIGHT GAME – 10/2/25!

The Old Rivalry continues.  I show my age in this thread, as this was “THE Rivalry” I experienced growing up – Bowling Green vs Warren Central.  It was “The Game” and meant everything in town at that time.  And now that I have more grey hair than I want to admit, I have a respectful place in my mind for the Dragons and also my heart as I also feel they were mistreated through things like hiring and firing mishaps of Head Coaches after Mike Rodger left after the 2013 Season and the inner workings of the Warren County School Board, whose decisions let’s just say were not kind to Warren Central.  Onward!

They started playing in 1974 and continued to play every single year until their last game in 2019 when Central, then in 4A (Dragons in 4A since the 2015 Season) and reeling a bit from the issues alluded to above.  It was a good move for the Dragons to stop playing BG even though I liked the game as I’m still back in the 80s and 90s in my mind with these 2 teams.  The Purples lead the all-time series 40-12.  They have played 46 regular season games and 6 playoff games.  Warren Central’s last wins in the series were back-to-back in 2009 (18-10 at BG) and 2010 (17-14 at WC) in terrific games.

After the 2021 Season, Warren Central was slated to be realigned back in 5A due to a growing student population.  So, they chose to request to “play up” in 6A.  This was a great move for Central to get in a more favorable district competitive wise and from that point have started to reclimb the ladder going 5-6 in 2022, 1-10 in 2023 and 3-8 in 2024.  And now in 2025 back to 5A with mandatory “no playing up” anymore and back in the same district with the Purples.  But outside of BG, I think the Dragons can compete with the rest of the 5A District 2 teams right now (even after last week) and earn a home playoff game which would surely be a great accomplishment to shoot for in the here and now.

Warren Central Dragons Information (TP94 Rating: 29.02)

The Dragons have some talented players and that starts with their JR QB LaTavyon Dunn who is 72 for 116 attempts on the year with 1,114 yards with 12 TDs vs only 2 INT (No Greenwood stats included here or below).  The Dragons are led in rushing by SR RB Walter Moore who has 38 attempts for 224 yards and 2 TDs.  The top pass receiver is JR RaMaun North with 33 receptions on the year for 546 yards and 6 TDs.

Defensively, Central is led by SR Nshimirimana Nicolausi (who has moved to the top of the All Name Team list this season) with 29 tackles on the year.

Bowling Green Purples Information (TP94 Rating: 64.24)

The Purples are in unfamiliar waters this season with a 1-6 record.  They have played a strong schedule and incurred a strong injury sheet this season as well.  They went to CAL last night and battled their hearts out and came up 3 point short to what believe is a Top 3 team in the entire state.  Lot to like and lot to work on.  But at the end of the day BG is 1-5 so the margin for error is now laser focused on taking care of business in District play, prior to a very interesting matchup at a very good Franklin County squad to end the regular season.

Bowling Green continues to be led by a FR at QB for only the second time ever.  QB Anthony Davis continues to improve and has a big upside.  Through 4 games for Davis (he didn’t start in the opener vs OCath), he is 42 for 68 for 614 yards with 8 TD vs 2 INTs (both thrown during the Scott County game – his first varsity start ever).  Looking forward to seeing his play continue here in the second district battle of the year!  BG is led in rushing by JR RB Nick Graham who has 265 yards and 2 TDs on the year.  BG’s injury-riddled WR core is led by SR Jaxen Smith with 18 catches for 246 yards and 3 TD. 

SRs Trey Graham and Jaxen Smith both played awfully well during this injury period without Travey Barber.  They started contributing as Sos and have done a super job this season.

Defensively, the Purples are led by SR Montez Trussell, who has 54 tackles on the year with 5 tackles for loss and 1 sack.  But he is now playing with an injured hand.  But my goodness he has been a wrecking crew for BG.  Really impressed with his toughness to play through injury.  Also, Dru Jones has played really well for BG in the secondary and how big was that opening Kickoff to the house for BG last night! 

Game Preview

Warren Central has played some pretty good teams this season in Monroe County, Franklin-Simpson and Greenwood, but have lost to all three of them.  So, it would seem this game fits in this category too.  But BG will have to continue to play better to make that happen.

On the season, Central has gained roughly 400 yards rushing and 1,100 passing so you’d expect the Dragons to come out throwing the ball a lot this game.  BG will have to prepare for that.

I look for BG to try to run the ball early and then get Davis more passes a few series into the game, but we’ll see.

Going to be a fun Thursday Night game prior to Fall Break for both teams!

Who wins this old rivalry and why?

Give me Bowling Green with a running clock. What bg did last night should send a message to the rest of 5A.

Edited September 27, 2025Sep 27 by theguru

I will pretend this game is not happening. 

Fire in the Belly of the Jungle D purples now.  Huge confidence boost against CAL. That was turning he corner, now it’s time to hammer the throttle. All purps as they march toward district play and should own their district with maybe a decent game with the Gators awaiting in a couple of weeks.

BG 49-0

Purples roll in this one.

The Dragons will try to throw it, and I do like their QB and their WR North is pretty special too. Unfortunately that Dragons OL will get slaughtered, similar to last week when they hosted Greenwood.

We’re halfway through the season now and I’m curious, would the BG faithful rather of had Isable who transferred to Warren East this offseason rather than the Freshman Davis? Not to rain on the Davis parade and to be clear he is far from the reason why these Purples walk into this week with a 1-5 record but a valid question. I’ve personally been impressed with Isable and Davis both, but I do think I’d lean Isable today if I had to choose. 

12 hours ago, TheBallCoach said:

We’re halfway through the season now and I’m curious, would the BG faithful rather of had Isable who transferred to Warren East this offseason rather than the Freshman Davis? Not to rain on the Davis parade and to be clear he is far from the reason why these Purples walk into this week with a 1-5 record but a valid question. I’ve personally been impressed with Isable and Davis both, but I do think I’d lean Isable today if I had to choose. 

Interesting question.  It is valid, but also in a vacuum.  Why?  Mr. Isable chose to transfer.  And he has a right to do so.  And I wish him very much success and the Raider too for that matter.  I know it's been a tough year on Louisville Road.

At the same time, why not stay and compete for the job at BG?  That's also valid, but also water under the bridge.

Through 5 games (no Franklin Simpson stats) Isable is 100 for 178 earning 1,069 yards with 11 TDs and 6 INTs.

Through 5 games (AD didn't play in the OCath game and only played a half vs X so really 4.5 games), Davis is 60 for 103 for nearly 800 yards and 8 TD passes vs 3 INTs.

The Raiders are 1 and 5 and so are the Purples.  I guess the schedules are relative to the teams.

Isable is a SO.  Davis is a FR.  Why mention that?  Well, last season at BG, Isable got to be in the same QB room as Deuce Bailey.  BIG advantage even if you're just along for the ride playing FR games.  He got to experience that and see how a QB1 was supposed to prepare, warmup, play, and etc.  Davis didn't get to do that.  So, in my eyes, Isable "should" be ahead of the game in this respect at this time.

At the same time, when a FR gets inserted in a game at halftime against a Top 2 Team in the state with a very very good defense and that FR takes them down and scores a TD (yes it was a short field thanks to Dru Jones return, but BG was dead in the water at that point in the game) man that is special to have that poise and ability to do that.  Remember, after being down 17-0 at half to X, BG was down 17-10 after the 3Q and that was mostly thanks to Davis in my book.  Could Isable have done that?  Maybe, BUT Davis DID do it.  And only 3 INTs vs X, at Scott County, at South Warren, Barren County and at CAL.  That's very impressive to me.

They are both good players.  I'm fine with how things have turned out.  I don't want to trade, if that is ultimately what you're asking.

1 hour ago, Purple88 said:

Interesting question.  It is valid, but also in a vacuum.  Why?  Mr. Isable chose to transfer.  And he has a right to do so.  And I wish him very much success and the Raider too for that matter.  I know it's been a tough year on Louisville Road.

At the same time, why not stay and compete for the job at BG?  That's also valid, but also water under the bridge.

Through 5 games (no Franklin Simpson stats) Isable is 100 for 178 earning 1,069 yards with 11 TDs and 6 INTs.

Through 5 games (AD didn't play in the OCath game and only played a half vs X so really 4.5 games), Davis is 60 for 103 for nearly 800 yards and 8 TD passes vs 3 INTs.

The Raiders are 1 and 5 and so are the Purples.  I guess the schedules are relative to the teams.

Isable is a SO.  Davis is a FR.  Why mention that?  Well, last season at BG, Isable got to be in the same QB room as Deuce Bailey.  BIG advantage even if you're just along for the ride playing FR games.  He got to experience that and see how a QB1 was supposed to prepare, warmup, play, and etc.  Davis didn't get to do that.  So, in my eyes, Isable "should" be ahead of the game in this respect at this time.

At the same time, when a FR gets inserted in a game at halftime against a Top 2 Team in the state with a very very good defense and that FR takes them down and scores a TD (yes it was a short field thanks to Dru Jones return, but BG was dead in the water at that point in the game) man that is special to have that poise and ability to do that.  Remember, after being down 17-0 at half to X, BG was down 17-10 after the 3Q and that was mostly thanks to Davis in my book.  Could Isable have done that?  Maybe, BUT Davis DID do it.  And only 3 INTs vs X, at Scott County, at South Warren, Barren County and at CAL.  That's very impressive to me.

They are both good players.  I'm fine with how things have turned out.  I don't want to trade, if that is ultimately what you're asking.

I guess I have two questions really, did Isable leave because the transfer coming in or because Davis is behind him?I know it’s hard to properly evaluate Freshman especially when you’re playing the sort of competition the Purples do, and like I mentioned I’ve been fine with his play but that leads to the 2nd question. Would Isable have gave these Purples a better chance to win a couple of those early games? Had a year in the system already, and like I stated earlier in my opinion he comes off to me as the better one as of 9/29, Davis just seems to be a little erratic at times like most kids who are asked to play the role he is in right now.

13 hours ago, TheBallCoach said:

The Dragons will try to throw it, and I do like their QB and their WR North is pretty special too. Unfortunately that Dragons OL will get slaughtered, similar to last week when they hosted Greenwood.

We’re halfway through the season now and I’m curious, would the BG faithful rather of had Isable who transferred to Warren East this offseason rather than the Freshman Davis? Not to rain on the Davis parade and to be clear he is far from the reason why these Purples walk into this week with a 1-5 record but a valid question. I’ve personally been impressed with Isable and Davis both, but I do think I’d lean Isable today if I had to choose. 

Funny you ask this.  I heard a rumor that the main reason he transferred was he knew Davis was coming up behind him and he did not think he would win the job over him in the future.  I do not think either Davis or Isable thought the job would have opened this season, but we all know how that went.  

24 minutes ago, TheBallCoach said:

I guess I have two questions really, did Isable leave because the transfer coming in or because Davis is behind him?I know it’s hard to properly evaluate Freshman especially when you’re playing the sort of competition the Purples do, and like I mentioned I’ve been fine with his play but that leads to the 2nd question. Would Isable have gave these Purples a better chance to win a couple of those early games? Had a year in the system already, and like I stated earlier in my opinion he comes off to me as the better one as of 9/29, Davis just seems to be a little erratic at times like most kids who are asked to play the role he is in right now.

On the first question, I simply don't know.  I'd like to know, and I have a strong suspicion, but don't feel it's fair to type that out here.  And at the end of the day the young man transferred.

On the second question (and it's a great question) of 'Would Isable have given the Purples a better chance to win a couple of the early games'?

Here are a couple of my assumptions:  I'm taking the OCath and South Warren games out of this discussion.  Why?  Because I think Davis helps BG as much as Isable against OCath.  And I don't think Joe Namath would have mattered vs South this season.

So, the games left are: vs St X (27-10), at Scott County (35-28) and at CAL (27-24)  - My opinions on these games:

1. vs X - No Isable wouldn't have given BG a better chance to win because Davis was the only reason they were in the game IMO leading them on their only two scoring drives of the game.  St X's defense stiffened in the 4th Quarter.

1. vs X - Yes Isable would have given BG a better chance to win because he could have kept that momentum going into the 4th quarter, BG doesn't fumble deep in their territory and pulled it out.

2. at Scott County - No Isable wouldn't have given BG a better chance.  Davis played incredible for a first varsity game ever on the road.  Come on man!

2. at Scott County - Yes Isable would have given BG a better chance.  The only thing I can say here is perhaps don't throw the 1st half INT, but I don't think that caused Scott County to gain points.  So, I don't see it.

3. at CAL - No Isable wouldn't have given BG a better chance.  Davis played really really well IMO.  Hung in there and made good throws in tough spots and even had a nice run or two.  And this is at CAL; not at Calloway County.

3.  at CAL - Yes Isable would have given BG a better chance.  It is also true there were a few open passes that were not completed.  Could those passes have helped BG win?  100%  

ALL THAT to say, yes you can have an argument to say Isable could have given BG a chance to win a few of their games, but I wouldn't take that away from the Freshman at this point.  He is getting better against very tough defenses.  And I personally think he is continuing to get better every practice and every game.  Yes, improvement is needed, but isn't it with all Freshman?

To me, when you transfer:  Congrats on the move; but we are moving on, and BG has. 

Go AD and Go Purples!

10 minutes ago, Purple88 said:

On the first question, I simply don't know.  I'd like to know, and I have a strong suspicion, but don't feel it's fair to type that out here.  And at the end of the day the young man transferred.

On the second question (and it's a great question) of 'Would Isable have given the Purples a better chance to win a couple of the early games'?

Here are a couple of my assumptions:  I'm taking the OCath and South Warren games out of this discussion.  Why?  Because I think Davis helps BG as much as Isable against OCath.  And I don't think Joe Namath would have mattered vs South this season.

So, the games left are: vs St X (27-10), at Scott County (35-28) and at CAL (27-24)  - My opinions on these games:

1. vs X - No Isable wouldn't have given BG a better chance to win because Davis was the only reason they were in the game IMO leading them on their only two scoring drives of the game.  St X's defense stiffened in the 4th Quarter.

1. vs X - Yes Isable would have given BG a better chance to win because he could have kept that momentum going into the 4th quarter, BG doesn't fumble deep in their territory and pulled it out.

2. at Scott County - No Isable wouldn't have given BG a better chance.  Davis played incredible for a first varsity game ever on the road.  Come on man!

2. at Scott County - Yes Isable would have given BG a better chance.  The only thing I can say here is perhaps don't throw the 1st half INT, but I don't think that caused Scott County to gain points.  So, I don't see it.

3. at CAL - No Isable wouldn't have given BG a better chance.  Davis played really really well IMO.  Hung in there and made good throws in tough spots and even had a nice run or two.  And this is at CAL; not at Calloway County.

3.  at CAL - Yes Isable would have given BG a better chance.  It is also true there were a few open passes that were not completed.  Could those passes have helped BG win?  100%  

ALL THAT to say, yes you can have an argument to say Isable could have given BG a chance to win a few of their games, but I wouldn't take that away from the Freshman at this point.  He is getting better against very tough defenses.  And I personally think he is continuing to get better every practice and every game.  Yes, improvement is needed, but isn't it with all Freshman?

To me, when you transfer:  Congrats on the move; but we are moving on, and BG has. 

Go AD and Go Purples!

Well said @Purple88.  I could not agree more. They both are good in there on right.  AD is getting better each game and adding pieces back from injury such as Nottmeier proved to be huge against CAL.  I can not help but wonder what a healthy Barber would have done in a few of these games.  I think the whole state would say Barber may would have helped BG win 3 of their games in OCath, Scott County, and CAL.  Not sure he would have made much of a difference in that SW game and I would say X would be a toss up on whether or not BG comes away with the win. All I know is BG is finding their pieces on both sides of the ball and if they can get a healthy Barber back to get a few games under his belt before the playoffs, 5A is wide open!

I like that assessment @Purple88 felt like the right time to bring upon a discussion with not much to talk about in this matchup.

I finally got the articles for this game.  Sorry so late in the week.

This first article is from the first game these 2 ever played back in October of 1974.

Purple running backs David Moore and Jerry Taylor combined to earn 309 yards rushing for BG while Billy DiGiorgio earned 61 yards rushing for the Dragons.

The game was scoreless at halftime, but BG overwhelmed the Dragons in this first game 41-0.

 

 

BG First Win over WC 74.pdf

This one is for @DragonFire and @BIG BLACK JACK!

The last article is from November 1978, when Central came to El Donaldson Stadium and upset "heavily" favored BG 17-14 to finish the year 7-3 under Coach Dale Lindsey!

BG, who finished 8-2 that year, led 7-3 at the half, but SR RB Rusty Dyer scored 2 second half TDs, the clincher with about a minute to play.

Congrats Dragons!

 

WC First Win over BGb.pdf

NFHS Video:

https://www.nfhsnetwork.com/events/bowling-green-high-school-ky-bowling-green-ky/gam773d1cfac7