5A Scott County (2-0) at 5A Bowling Green (1-1)

These two historically strong programs have only met twice on the gridiron even though they scrimmaged each other in the 2021-2024 timeframe.  But we will not be scrimmaging this coming Friday Night in Bowling Green's Home Opener as the Cardinals bus down from Georgetown for the roughly 2.5-hour trip.

The very first meeting was the 2000 New Image Grid-Iron Bowl at Scott County with the Purples coming away with a narrow 7-3 win.  I don't have much information on that game with the exception that Scott County Coach Jim McKee was the coach for the Cardinals back in 2000 and he's still the Head Coach now!  That is remarkable and let me say Coach McKee is an asset to KY High School Football.  Another great interview from @Big Things Kentucky with Coach McKee here Big Things Kentucky 2026 - KY Football (High School) - BluegrassPreps.com.  And I found out that Coach McKee is from Harrison County and went to school there.  Interesting.  One thing I've always noticed about Coach McKee is that he wears a tie more than just about any coach (except maybe the late Coach Haywood did) I've seen in the last 10 years at least.  Why?  I think it's one of the ways he shows respect for the game.  And I appreciate that old school mentality.

The second matchup occurred last season, as BG made the trip up to Georgetown in their very nice new turf field and stadium at their new school campus.    This was a better game than I remembered as I had to go back and look it up.  BG's defense was completely befuddled in the first half and couldn't stop Scott County at all.  This was also then FR QB Anthony Davis' first varsity start ever and the young man played awfully well.  BG was down 21-14 at the half.  A long TD pass to Emingo put Scott up 28-21 in the 4^th Quarter, but BG would fight to tie it up with about 2 minutes to play.  But another Emingo long pass would put Scott County up for good even though BG worked their way down into Cardinal territory near the end of the game; it just was not meant to be for the Purples and Scott County prevailed 35-28 in a great game. 

Scott County Cardinals Information

Scott County, at least under Coach McKee, is known for running their version of the Wing T offense.  And they run it extremely well.  But Scott County can also throw the ball even though that isn't what they are known for.  And they have very good pieces to work with in that regard. 

The Cardinals return underrated Cardinals QB JR Charlie Ellison.  Super talented SR RB/DB Timmy Emongo returns and does a little bit of everything for the Cardinals.  He is a D1 talent for sure.  Scott County typically has strong lines and pursues the ball well defensively. 

The Cardinals overran 4A standout Franklin County in Week 1 55-24 and didn't have to punt one time.  In Week 2 they ran over arch-rival Great Crossings 42 to 21. 

The Cardinals are ranked #3 in the BGP 5A Polls.  So, I think it's fair to say the Cardinals are looking to have a great 2026 campaign.

Bowling Green Purples Information

The Purples come into this game with a mixed bag to date. A solid, convincing performance in the Rafferty's Bowl defeating 6A Bullitt East 34-7 (who defeated a very solid Franklin County squad last night) and yesterday as underwhelming a performance as I can recall falling 39-10 at 6A St Xavier.

Bowling Green has a young team and they rode sustained confidence in Week 1s win. But none of that confidence seemed packed on the charter bus yesterday. BG gave St X between 14-21 points with a blocked punt in the end zone, a fumble in the endzone and a failed fake punt in BG territory. Take those free points off the board and it's a different game for sure. But BG is going to remain a work in progress going forward as BG will be the clear underdog in 4 of the first 6 games of the year.

Truth be told, St. X played with desperation at home on Friday in Coach Landis' home opener. They "needed" that game and came out with great effort. I am hoping BG can follow X's example here and come out this Friday in BGs home opener vs a strong Scott County team with the type of hype and effort needed to stay in and have a chance to win this game. Plain and simple. In order to do that, BG's defense will have to have their best game of the season. Plain and simple.

Game Preview

For Scott County, they just do what you do.  This isn't Coach McKee's first rodeo.  They will be prepared and I expect a great game on Friday Night!  I do want to shout out SR Athlete Timmy Emingo, as I feel he doesn't get as much of the State's spotlight as he likely deserves.  Tremendous athlete and after Friday, I hope he continues to light up the scoreboard!

The first two things that comes to mind for this game for the Purples both have to do with Bowling Green's defense.  Playing the Wing T offense, which Scott County does better than anyone else in the state, presents a challenge that they have not likely seen since the last time they played Scott County about a year ago.  But it took BG a whole half to get any traction at all against the Scott County offense.  Will it take that long again in 2026?  And secondly, the lull you to sleep then throw over the top philosophy/strategy - BG safety's simply have to be better than last season.    

For the Purples offense, a continued pursuit to get their athletes in space is needed here again.  But in a game like this, it would simply seem like the team that makes the least mistakes and turnovers will likely win.  We shall see. 

Who wins this game and why?

I'm going with Scott Co. by 3.

Great preview!

I expect SC to score quick and early but they'll be slowed down similarly to last season in the second half.

With some issues arising within the program on the defensive side of the ball BG may put up some points. We'll see SC will look with some new faces in their second game as a unit. I think thought overall they meshed well vs GC.

SC 42

BG 28

I think Scott County generates a little more offense and wins by 7. Probably high scoring game.

Great preview! Though I have to say, your analysis has some serious Coach Truck undertones-is that you, Coach? 😂 Keep up the great work and keep doing #BigThings!

I think Bowling Green bounces back after a frustrating loss. I'll take BG by 7.

Bowling Green 28-21.

I'll be interested to see how much offense is going to take place. Head is leaning SC for now strictly on the Emongo factor. BGHS needs a solid bounce back week and they'll have their chance to show where they land in the early 5A picture.

BG too proud a program..it snowballed last week but I expect the purples to bounce back with some fight. QB has a great game. Last year was a tight game. Purples 35-28 in payback.

I think McKee's biggest challenge for this one is being able to keep his team from being overconfident. You know BG is going to be hungry.

SC got sloppy in the second half vs Great Crossing and had mistakes and penalties that will cost them against a good team if they don't clean it up.

However, when all the top guys were in the game, the Scott Co talent was very impressive in each of their first two games If you focus on Emongo, then Skyler Way and Red Owens and Ellison and JT Wells will all eat you up. Lots of weapons. And the defense looked better. Lucas Fint back from injury helped up front.

I'll take the Cards on the road. 31-21.

2 hours ago, Plato said:

I think McKee's biggest challenge for this one is being able to keep his team from being overconfident. You know BG is going to be hungry.

SC got sloppy in the second half vs Great Crossing and had mistakes and penalties that will cost them against a good team if they don't clean it up.

However, when all the top guys were in the game, the Scott Co talent was very impressive in each of their first two games If you focus on Emongo, then Skyler Way and Red Owens and Ellison and JT Wells will all eat you up. Lots of weapons. And the defense looked better. Lucas Fint back from injury helped up front.

I'll take the Cards on the road. 31-21.

SC in the second half was missing Emongo and filtered out starters very early. Depth is a definite issue with what sounds like the departure of Asher Brewer, and the JV team being down this year.

Honestly I think SC has the talent to score nearly every drive but BG isn't a push over it'll be a good football game.

Tough one here for the Purples and you host the crosstown rival Spartans at home next week. Emongo is the best player on the field. He caused a lot of problems for BG in last year's matchup with 225+ yards on offense and 3 scores. The offensive woes for BG will take time but luckily the young faces take on the bulk of the load so the reps are coming in abundance and it should work itself out as the season progresses just not at the beginning of September.

Scott County 35-21

Scott County grad Bryan Hudson make the New York Giants roster he plays OL mainly center.

10 minutes ago, MaddenCurse44 said:

Scott County grad Bryan Hudson make the New York Giants roster he plays OL mainly center.

Great player! Wing T can translate to the next levels!

1 hour ago, Scottcountyred said:

Depth is a definite issue with what sounds like the departure of Asher Brewer

Disregard this statement I made earlier. While he missed the battle of the birds, all signs point to Brewer returning Friday night. Game changer for this defense when he's on the field.