West Jessamine will make the twenty mile trip down U.S. 27 to Lancaster to meet Garrard County this Friday night. This will be the 5th meeting between ths two schools and first since 2002. West last came to Lancaster in 2001, a game the Colts won 41-10.

 

Both teams appear to be improved from last season. A year after finishing 3-8 and losing the playoff opener to Harrison County, West Jessamine has started this season 2-0 with wins over Madison Southern and Iroquois. The Colts are also averaging 38.5 points per game while only allowing 13.5. Under coach Randy Wood, West Jessamine should continue to make strides toward a quality program. The district bar is high with Boyle County and Lexington Catholic, but it appears that gap might have closed a bit this year.

 

Garrard responded from their season opening loss to Anderson County by defeating a solid club from Rowan County in the Death Valley Bowl. The defense was much improved in week two, but still struggled with the speed of Rowan's backfield. The Lions defenders were able to force the Vikings into six turnovers, one of which was an interception return by Bret Dowell.

 

The Lions offense is led by Tyler Ray who has 180 yards rushing and 89 yards receiving thus far. Sophomore tailback Cory Wilson has ran for 161 yards and two scores. Freshman quarterback Billy Abney has thrown for 170 yards and a touchdown, but also has two interceptions. Abney has done a really nice job managing the offense in his first two career starts.

 

I believe West Jessamine has a much improved club and will give Garrard a really strong challenge on Friday night. I'm not sure if the Colts have enough speed to contend with the Lions. But I suspect a good ballgame that could come down to the wire, much like this past Friday night.

 

Historical Preview

*This marks the 5th meeting between the schools

*West Jessamine leads the all-time series 3-1

*This will be the 3rd matchup in Lancaster; West has won both previous meetings

*Prior to splitting, Jessamine County and Garrard County played 18 times with each team winning nine. Their last meeting was in 1987. Garrard County has never played East Jessamine

 

Series Scores

1999 - Garrard County 38, @West Jessamine 22

2000 - West Jessamine 17, @Garrard County 14

2001 - West Jessamine 41, @Garrard County 10

2002 - @West Jessamine 30, Garrard County 8

I will take GC in this one. I don't think that WJ has played anyone this season.

 

GC 28

WJ 14

Any other thoughts on this game? This thread seemed to get lost in the shuffle this week.

Coach Randy Wood is one of the best coaches anywhere and what he has done at West Jessamine is nothing short of outstanding. He took over a horrible program and made them winners in a very short while.

 

Hope the Colts can make it to 3-0.

Coach Randy Wood is one of the best coaches anywhere and what he has done at West Jessamine is nothing short of outstanding. He took over a horrible program and made them winners in a very short while.

 

Hope the Colts can make it to 3-0.

 

I agree with you. I'm not quite sure if West is there yet (and their district is really tough), but I wouldn't be surprised to see him build them into a top-10 program on an annual basis.

Garrard Co. 28-22.

West by a TD in this one

I'll say W. Jessamine in a close one.