Garrard County and Rowan County will each hit the field for their second game of the season on Friday night in the Death Valley Bowl at Lincoln County High School. This will mark the fourth appearance for Garrard County in the Death Valley Bowl, while it will be Rowan County's first trip. It will also be the first ever matchup between the two schools.

 

Rowan County seems to be making big strides toward a competitive 4A program. The Vikings finished last season 4-7, with a playoff loss to Knox Central. But they shot out of the gate this past weekend, defeating Morgan County 60-6 in their opener. The Vikings are led by Darrell Cross, who was considered the preseason district player of the year by the Cats Pause magazine.

 

Garrard County was not as successful in their season opener with 5A power Anderson County. The Lions were able to move the ball on the ground, but struggled to finish drives in a 47-10 loss. Tyler Ray did have 66 yards rushing and 58 receiving to lead Garrard and freshman quarterback Billy Abney had a promising debut under center. But the offense will have to be more consistent and the defense will have to tackle better if the Lions are to beat Rowan County on Friday night.

 

This year's Death Valley Bowl has moved to the second week of the season and I think both teams will benefit from it. Rowan County will be stepping up in competition from last week's matchup with 2A Morgan County and Garrard County will likely meet a team more closely aligned with them than 5A Anderson County. It should be a fantastic matchup that could come down to the final snap.

 

Historical Preview

*Not much history here as this is the first ever meeting between the schools

*Garrard did defeat Rowan in basketball three season ago!

*This will mark the fourth appearance for Garrard County in the Death Valley Bowl and the 17th game played at Lincoln County High School (12 against Lincoln, 3 in bowl, 1 against Harrodsburg)

 

Death Valley Bowl History for Garrard County

1998 - Garrard County 24, Newport Central Catholic 14

2007 - Washington County 33, Garrard County 28

2008 - Bell County 50, Garrard County 6

Rowan County should be a formidable offensive test for Garrard County. Darryl Cross is the real deal. 4.45 (40 dash) speed and what is more impressive is his ability to make defenders miss. One on one in the open field, Garrard Co. will have some trouble.

 

Rowan is really not a one trick pony either...QB Adam Weng can throw it and he has some quality targets at the WR position.

I think that this will be a great matchup. I will pick GC in this one.

I pick GC by 1 td

Garrard Co. 28-20.

Roawn Co. 30-28.

Rowan is really not a one trick pony either...QB Adam Weng can throw it and he has some quality targets at the WR position.

 

The passing isn't a huge concern for me. Garrard is fairly solid in the defensive backfield. The biggest problem the Lions had against Anderson County was stopping the running game. The Bearcats seemed to get five yards every time and they were always falling forward.

I'm going with GC in this one. If Rowan does win, I'll probably start giving them a little more faith. The Vikings have what it takes to become a winning program, but they have to start goining into games believing they can win, when they do that they'll start winning district titles.

I am going with Rowan County by 2 touchdowns.

I am going with Rowan in this one 35-28.

Rowan 34-14