Paducah Tilghman has at times not looked quite like the defending state champion that they are.  Their loss to Madisonville back in September is the most clear cut example, but they appeared lackluster in an opening round win against Taylor County, and their win over Logan County in the region final was another example.  Really, we saw that and also what they can be in the same game.  Logan County came out and popped them in the mouth right away, jumping out to a 17-0 lead in the second quarter.  Paducah woke up, and outscored the Cougars 34-3 until just shy of the end of the third.  But Logan County answered with a touchdown and then a long drive before turning it over on downs at the half yard line to maintain the 34-27 lead. They followed with a backbreaking 99 yard touchdown drive, and Paducah would ultimately go on to win 48-27. Their opponent Franklin County had an easy go of it in their matchup with North Oldham, winning 42-25.  They have scored 42 points or more in all three of their postseason games, and five of the past six games.  The win put them through to their sixth straight state semifinals, and they'll try to reach their second straight state final.

This is a rematch of last year's state final, a Paducah Tilghman 27-20 victory, the only meeting during the Riherds era.  That game ended in heartbreak for the Flyers when they turned it over on downs just outside the red zone with 2:07 remaining in the game and driving for the tie.  The loss is their only one in the last 27 games. 

A loss in the state semifinals to Boyle County in 2023 is the only home playoff loss for Franklin County since 2017.  Will they be able to leverage that homefield advantage to gain a measure of revenge against the Blue Tornado? Or will Tilghman find their form and continue their march to a chance for a back to back title?

 

Looking game by game at the season of both teams, they are about as even as even can be. We may be in for a treat. 

It's over 250 miles from Tilghman, so I would guess they may stay Thursday night kind of like Corbin did when they traveled to Tilghman last season. You combine the drive, the time change, food, pregame things and all involved, that makes for a long day before you ever play the first snap. 

I was so impressed with Franklin's qb Knox Barrett a year ago as a Freshman and he's as expected, much better this year. With 34 td passes and only 4 interceptions (last night not included), PT's secondary will have it's work cut out for them. They will have to bring pressure like they did against Logan to try and throw his timing off some.

The Franklin defense is allowing just over 160 total yards a game, only 60 of that passing yards. That's outstanding.

PT allows just a hair under 190 total yards a game and is barely more than a 50/50 split between passing and rushing yards. 

On offense, PT is at 401 yards a game, Franklin at 359. 

Lot of similarities to be had. 

Does anyone have any info this early on a streaming option? I'm sure a lot of people in Paducah will be asking about it who won't be able to make the drive. 

 

2 hours ago, TilghmanPride said:

Looking game by game at the season of both teams, they are about as even as even can be. We may be in for a treat. 

It's over 250 miles from Tilghman, so I would guess they may stay Thursday night kind of like Corbin did when they traveled to Tilghman last season. You combine the drive, the time change, food, pregame things and all involved, that makes for a long day before you ever play the first snap. 

I was so impressed with Franklin's qb Knox Barrett a year ago as a Freshman and he's as expected, much better this year. With 34 td passes and only 4 interceptions (last night not included), PT's secondary will have it's work cut out for them. They will have to bring pressure like they did against Logan to try and throw his timing off some.

The Franklin defense is allowing just over 160 total yards a game, only 60 of that passing yards. That's outstanding.

PT allows just a hair under 190 total yards a game and is barely more than a 50/50 split between passing and rushing yards. 

On offense, PT is at 401 yards a game, Franklin at 359. 

Lot of similarities to be had. 

Does anyone have any info this early on a streaming option? I'm sure a lot of people in Paducah will be asking about it who won't be able to make the drive. 

 

Looks like Cable 10 (Community TV) on YouTube airs Franklin county’s games.

11 hours ago, TilghmanPride said:

Looking game by game at the season of both teams, they are about as even as even can be. We may be in for a treat. 

It's over 250 miles from Tilghman, so I would guess they may stay Thursday night kind of like Corbin did when they traveled to Tilghman last season. You combine the drive, the time change, food, pregame things and all involved, that makes for a long day before you ever play the first snap. 

I was so impressed with Franklin's qb Knox Barrett a year ago as a Freshman and he's as expected, much better this year. With 34 td passes and only 4 interceptions (last night not included), PT's secondary will have it's work cut out for them. They will have to bring pressure like they did against Logan to try and throw his timing off some.

The Franklin defense is allowing just over 160 total yards a game, only 60 of that passing yards. That's outstanding.

PT allows just a hair under 190 total yards a game and is barely more than a 50/50 split between passing and rushing yards. 

On offense, PT is at 401 yards a game, Franklin at 359. 

Lot of similarities to be had. 

Does anyone have any info this early on a streaming option? I'm sure a lot of people in Paducah will be asking about it who won't be able to make the drive. 

 

Also on YouTube ApexMediaMusic has been streaming with Kyle Thompson and Co!! Should be a good one!!! Looking forward to it.

Paducah all day long, let's do this BIG BLUE, continue to represent far west kentucky on into the state championship game.

Martels Carter was the clear cut difference in the championship game last year. If FC can maintain the PT pressure I’m goin with a close FC win. 

Franklin Co. 28-24.

I fully expect Franklin will come out of the gate strong and build an early lead. The Tornados have been prone to a slow start this year and then eventually find their footing. Can they keep the score respectable until they get it going. That's my biggest question. Both teams have given up points on a higher rate than they should and both these teams are better offensively than defensively. This will likely be a high scoring affair. I like PT in this game if they minimize the penalties and mistakes that have plagued them this year. If not, Franklin will prevail. I think PT wins a close one 37-35, but, I wouldn't be surprised to see it go either way. 

NFHS Video:

https://www.nfhsnetwork.com/events/franklin-county-high-school-frankfort-ky/gam30ac5c10e2

Paducah HAS to start fast. PT cannot afford a start like last week vs Logan County or it will be lights out. 
 

I still feel like this PT team still has another gear or two they can get to that Franklin County can’t. By saying this I mean if the PT that boat raced mayfield shows up then PT will be back in Kroger Field defending their title.
 

It’s just hard to trust PT right now. 

FC 36-35

GRIT over flash all day! 

Gonna be a great game just like the State Championship a year ago looking forward to this game both teams have done great things all year exciting to see how this one plays out Tilghman is explosive and physical Franklin county is scrappy and physical it’s gonna be a great one here can’t wait for it!! 

TP94 Power Ratings (11/26)

Boyle County 84.67
Paducah Tilghman 75.13
Corbin 72.21
Franklin County 62.93