McCreary Central(3-5) travels to Somerset to take on the Briar Jumpers (7-1 2A #6) in the first ever varsity meeting between the two programs.  The Raiders, in their 2nd year under Sam Marple, continue to improve.  Had they been able to stop a 2 point conversion in their opener against Scott County (TN), they would have a great shot at a 5-5 regular season.  They have lost 4 out of their last 5, but the lone win, 42-18 over Clay County should put them in the playoffs.  Somerset, meanwhile is coming off of 35-14 dismantling of Monroe County.  The win not only gave the Briar Jumpers the district championship, but it was also the program's 750th.  This game has the looks of a mismatch, but McCreary has shown the ability to put up some points this season.  Can they keep this one competitive, or even knock off the Jumpers?  

Somerset 58-13.

Bump.

Somerset big.

Picking Somerset.  Clevenger continues to build solid teams there.  Unfortunately, they keep running into a ceiling of the elite teams later in the playoff bracket and can't get over the hump yet.

45-0 halftime

On 10/19/2025 at 6:45 PM, SLINK said:

Somerset 58-13.

You almost nailed the score!

9 hours ago, Jumper_Dad said:

You almost nailed the score!

Figured a blowout. Clay resting starters 2nd half. McCreary scores makes it look closer. Keep them rested and get ready for Hazard.

46 minutes ago, SLINK said:

Figured a blowout. Clay resting starters 2nd half. McCreary scores makes it look closer. Keep them rested and get ready for Hazard.

I know the margin was wide but I don't hate this game being played by McCreary. They've really taken some positive steps at the middle school level, made the playoffs in high school this year, and Marple has always been a solid coach. The Raiders aren't at Somerset level but there are some long-term benefits for a program to put a game like this on the schedule.

Somerset is a team I would be scared to play in 2A playoffs...size and physicality is first thing that jumps off then nice QB, couple good running backs then the freshman number 4 who does a little everything.. this makes this year playoffs exciting...just keep going under the radar..

On 10/25/2025 at 11:06 AM, gchs_uk9 said:

I know the margin was wide but I don't hate this game being played by McCreary. They've really taken some positive steps at the middle school level, made the playoffs in high school this year, and Marple has always been a solid coach. The Raiders aren't at Somerset level but there are some long-term benefits for a program to put a game like this on the schedule.

A step up for McCreary in competition definitely.

On 10/25/2025 at 11:06 AM, gchs_uk9 said:

I know the margin was wide but I don't hate this game being played by McCreary. They've really taken some positive steps at the middle school level, made the playoffs in high school this year, and Marple has always been a solid coach. The Raiders aren't at Somerset level but there are some long-term benefits for a program to put a game like this on the schedule.

McCreary Central and Somerset (Meece Middle) 7th grade teams met on Thursday in a rematch of last year's 6th grade state championship game.  McCreary was undefeated and the #1 seed.  Somerset was underseeded at #5 due to not accumulating a lot of seeding points due to teams cancelling on them.  The Briar Jumpers scored on 3 of their first 4 plays and won going away 49-0.  The Raiders overall have had solid seasons at all 3 grade levels in middle school.  Hopefully this can develop into a competitive rivalry.  I'd much rather see Somerset play teams from neighboring counties like McCreary, Rockcastle, Laurel, Russell and Lincoln--or even renew their series with Garrard, than play Hazard and Paris.  The Hazard game is usually a good matchup, but that's a long road trip the last week of the season every other year, and for RPI playing any of the schools nearby is a better matchup.