Boyle County 49 Covington Catholic 14

[DragonFire]

Gather round everyone, there's a good chance this is the best game in the entire state this week....

Covington Catholic reached the region final round for the third straight year - having not failed to reach it in all their years since dropping to 4A following the 2022 season - in dramatic fashion.  They traveled to undefeated Johnson Central, fell behind 14-0 early, 29-28 late, but pulled ahead for a 36-29 win that was in doubt until knocking down a JC pass on 4th down from the just outside the Covington Catholic 10 as time expired.  It was the fifth straight win for Covington Catholic, with their only loss to a 4A opponent coming in late game heroics to Highlands at the start of October.  They'll meet Boyle County, the top RPI team in 4A, who advanced with considerably less difficulty in a 42-0 decision over Wayne County on Thursday.  It was the second shutout of the season for the Rebels, who have not allowed more than 14 points since September 12th (eight straight games).  That September 12th win over Highlands was the first game of what is now a nine game winning streak.

This is the third straight year these two have met in the playoffs, the only meetings between the squads in the Riherds era.  The 2023 meeting came in the state finals, a dud of a game where Boyle County romped to a 41-0 win.  Last year's meeting was an incredible classic, as Covington Catholic ended a 30 game Rebel winning streak in a 31-28 decision that put out the presumptive champions. This is a highly anticipated rematch.

Boyle County enters as the #1 team in 4A while Covington Catholic is #3.  Boyle County is a monster at home - that playoff loss last year to Covington Catholic is one of only two losses they've suffered at home since late August of 2021.  Can Covington Catholic pull it off again, and continue a march to a potential dream Highlands-Covington Catholic final? Or will the Rebels strike back, and march on the road to their fifth state title in six years?

[TilghmanPride]

This is a game that most everyone, regardless of what class their team is in, will be keeping an eye on. It's always fun to watch two heavyweights go to battle. 

[Hungover_in_Andover]

How does CovCath stop the 6'7 kid? I don't see it.

[colonel-fan]

15 minutes ago, DragonFire said:

Gather round everyone, there's a good chance this is the best game in the entire state this week....

Out of the frying pan, into the fire...

[charlesw88]

There isn’t much separating these two teams. It’s a truly winnable matchup on both sides, featuring two of the best programs in 4A, and in the entire state. The magnitude of this game can’t be overstated. Wishing both teams the best of luck, and safe travels for Covington Catholic. In the rematch, I’m rolling with the Rebels.

[Statsdontlie]

I don't think Boyle will let Cash Harney beat them this time around, he will be there main focus. Boyle has a better Defensive line and overall better Defense this year. I'm going with Boyle 28-10. 

[Tigerpride94]

This is a great matchup and a state championship caliber game. I think either team could win so I'll go with Boyle County in a close one because they are playing at home.

[Voice of Reason]

How do you keep Cash Harney from getting into space at the second level? That is it. That's the game. You have to look at CCH with Harney as they are in the wildcat offense every play. Think Lamar Jackson. How do you stop him running the ball?

[Statsdontlie]

6 minutes ago, Voice of Reason said:

How do you keep Cash Harney from getting into space at the second level? That is it. That's the game. You have to look at CCH with Harney as they are in the wildcat offense every play. Think Lamar Jackson. How do you stop him running the ball?

Boyle's D line has to dominate. 

[jeff jackson]

I like Boyle in this one. CC got them last year, which has rarely happened and the Rebels will come into this game highly focused and motivated. CC is coming into this one off of a tight, hard hitting battle with previously unbeaten JC while Boyle cruised to a one-sided victory over Wayne Co. and played alot of JV players in the 2nd half. I think the Colonels will put together a few good drives and score 2-3 TDs, but, I don't see them being able to stop the Rebels offense enough to pull this one out. BC 35 CC 21 

[Paul Dean]

13 minutes ago, Voice of Reason said:

How do you keep Cash Harney from getting into space at the second level? That is it. That's the game. You have to look at CCH with Harney as they are in the wildcat offense every play. Think Lamar Jackson. How do you stop him running the ball?

Exactly.  And that speed option to # 9 killed Johnson Central.  Tough to defend when they spread you out so much.

[snakesnot_2000]

Boyle will be extra motivated. I see this as a 35-14 game  Boyles way. 

[Voice of Reason]

24 minutes ago, Statsdontlie said:

Boyle's D line has to dominate. 

 

17 minutes ago, Paul Dean said:

Exactly.  And that speed option to # 9 killed Johnson Central.  Tough to defend when they spread you out so much.

It isn't between the tackles. You have to defend sideline to sideline against CCH. Eviston likes to use the width of the field to create space. Then when Harney or Gaiser get that gap, they have the speed to score.

[The_Bull44]

IMO…….CCH has got this, Highlands should have won against Boyle a while back, but coaching decisions hurt them, CCH coaching will be on point!

[The_Bull44]

9 hours ago, Hungover_in_Andover said:

How does CovCath stop the 6'7 kid? I don't see it.

CCH’s edge men will creat havoc on Boyle’s QB before he has time to pass to the big tightend.  CCH’s Pitzer and the secondary will collapse quickly with solid passing coverage, I see a big turnover or two where Harney makes a pick six!