A regular season district title hangs in the balance as Ashland travels to Johnson Central this week. Ashland is coming off a bye while Johnson Central is coming off a blowout win over Greenup County. Both teams undefeated in the district. Johnson Central is undefeated overall and both of Ashland's losses came early in the year and each by 3.

This is also a battle of two rushing juggernauts, though they do it a little differently. Johnson Central averages below 40 yards passing per game, almost exclusively relying on the rush. Braxton Perry, Logan Music, and Collin Cantrell have been the main rushing threats throughout the year, all having standout performances while consistently contributing each week. But the threats have not been limited to just those 3 as over a dozen players have attempted a rush for Johnson Central this season. Ashland, on the other hand, has a primary engine in Cam Davis. Davis Is averaging nearly 115 rushing yards per game and has 18 rushing touchdowns on the year. The Ashland passing game is slightly more advanced than Johnson Central, averaging 80 yards per game and totaling 7 touchdowns. 

Johnson Central had a blowout win with Greenup; Ashland struggled more in their matchup with Greenup. Ashland throttled Boyd County; Johnson Central only escaped with a one score win against Boyd. This one could truly go either way and should be fun to watch.

Force either team to throw the ball and you win the game. JC will win the battle upfront which will force the Tomcats to pass more than they are comfortable with. JC rolls. 

NFHS Video:

https://www.nfhsnetwork.com/events/johnson-central-high-school-paintsville-ky/gam9f19914523

On 10/18/2025 at 7:00 PM, rerun said:

Force either team to throw the ball and you win the game. JC will win the battle upfront which will force the Tomcats to pass more than they are comfortable with. JC rolls. 

I like the honesty and I agree. JC is always good up front, but they're probably better this season than they have been in at least a few years.

But.... Ashland looked ruthless in its annihilation of Boyd County two weeks ago, and they've had an extra week of prep to cook something up for JC. I have faith in Ashland's staff to put their best foot forward. I just think - man for man - the Golden Eagles are built all wrong for this year's Tomcats. Ashland needs a turnover fest to unfold.

Ashland has speed and size on defense.

This usually gives JC's offense problems when you have both. Belfry had speed but they didn't have size. Pulaski had size but they didn't have speed. Madison Central gave the JC offense fits because they have a good mix.

Ultimately it comes down to can JC win the initial LOS surge and get their guards to the second level. When JC is "good" on the line then this is tough... when JC is "excellent" on the line then it gives them the upper hand.

I am leaning that this JC team is closer to excellent than good.

I'll take the Golden Eagles by 2-3 TD's but stranger things have happened when these two get together.

JC by 2 scores! 

Is this game on Youtube?  Someone told me maybe 97.9, The River on YouTube.  Anyone?

7-0 JC and JC driving again.

And Johnson Central is playing Mario Brothers music shorts, lol.

14-0 JC.

Banjo music now!  Won't say which song, poor Ned Beatty...

21-0 JC. 444 left in the half. 

These two teams are not on the same level. 

We got something.

JC isn't the only thing running in Paintsville. ?⏰️

35-0 ?

Early 4Q

 

I saw a JC win, but nothing like this.