John Hardin comes into this matchup playing its best football of the season. This will be for the District championship. On Friday night vs Taylor County, the Bulldogs were able to establish an effective passing game that was key to this victory. QB Richardson was accurate on his short and medium range passes on a night when the running game was slowed down by the Taylor County defensive front. Keeping the defense off balance with their passing game was key to this victory. On their final drive, down 28-27, Richardson completed a key pass on 3rd down good for a 35- yard gain to the Cardinals 34. 

John Hardin faces an Elizabethtown team coming off of a 39-6 win vs Metcalf County. John Hardin must do a better job stopping the run vs a team that is very balanced on offense and it all starts with QB Ethan Shelton. 

It will be a great atmosphere at Bulldog stadium on Friday night. Elizabethtown has given up over 1,000 yards on the ground this season and must slow down Pittman to have a chance in this one. 

My Prediction: 

John Hardin 34

Elizabethtown 31

This is a very competitive district. I really don’t think there’s much separation in any of the teams in this district. 
 

What are the implications here? If John Hardin wins, I presume they secure the one seed. If Etown wins, a potential 3 way tie with Taylor and John Hardin. Of course, Taylor would have to beat Marion Co and in their current depleted state, that is far from a sure thing. 

 

If JH wins this game they get the #1 seed in district. If JH loses JH gets the 3 seed with 2 district loses and tiebreaker over Marion County. Taylor would have tiebreaker over Etown and get the 1 seed.

Rooting for Coach Preston and those Bulldogs, what a great win on the road against an undefeated Taylor.
 

Really big game here, don’t think I’d want to play on the road at Logan to open the playoffs, would much rather get Calloway at home and then host the Cougars in round 2.

JH has finally opened up the playbook and trusted some of their seniors to make big plays when needed. Offensively, JH has really turned the corner led by star RB Cavalli Pittman and senior quarterback Austin Richardson. Defensively, JH has improved tremendously since the beginning of the season. The Dawgs play real hard for 4 quarters. Real test will be JHs secondary vs Etowns star sophomore receiver Jace Hagy. This will likely be a really good game and should have a really good crowd at the Dawg Pound as JH and Etown haven't played since 2022.

I think John Hardin rides the momentum from the big win at Taylor Co. to win the district championship this Friday. 

NFHS Video:

https://www.nfhsnetwork.com/events/hardin-county-schools/gamb3f3b43ff5

Elizabethtown won the toss and deferred to the 2nd half. 

John Hardin will receive. 

JH takes the ball out to the 36.

Fumble by JH. Panthers take over at the 36 of JH

Etown on a screen down to the JH 14

Run down to the 6

TD run 

xtra point good. 
9:07 left in the 1st qtr. 

Elizabethtown 7

JH 0

JH starts this drive at their ownn38