Garrard County and East Jessamine will be facing each other for the first time in history this Friday night in the second game of the Death Valley Bowl at Lincoln County. Neither team is a stranger to the Death Valley Bowl, however, as Garrard County will be making their fifth appearance in the event and East Jessamine will be making their sixth appearance.

 

East Jessamine will look to continue their solid start after opening the season with a 45-20 win over Spencer County last weekend. Expectations for East Jessamine are high this season, and while most don't expect the Jaguars to knock off Boyle County and Lexington Catholic in their district, many do believe this is a team capable of a winning record.

 

Garrard County will look to rebound after opening the season with a loss on the road to 5A Anderson County last Friday night, 46-18. Garrard's offense rolled up 356 yards of total offense and blew a couple scoring opportunities during the game that might have tightened the score. The defense for the Lions, however, must play better if they hope to gain a victory over East Jessamine.

 

The Lions offense was led by quarterback Billy Abney who threw for 201 yards and two scores, both to Tyler McCoy. They were led in rushing by J.D. Brown who had 75 yards and a score, along with Cory Wilson who rushed for 65 yards.

 

Historical Preview

*This marks the first meeting between the two schools

*Garrard County did play Jessamine County, which ultimately split into East and West, 18 times between 1964 and 1987. The series between those two ended tied at 9 apiece.

 

Death Valley Bowl Records

East Jessamine

2003 - East Jessamine 40, Lincoln County 8

2004 - East Jessamine 45, Casey County 6

2005 - Pleasure Ridge Park 42, East Jessamine 28

2006 - East Jessamine 48, Pulaski County 8

2009 - East Jessamine 34, Lincoln County 12

 

Garrard County

1998 - Garrard County 24, Newport Central Catholic 14

2007 - Washington County 33, Garrard County 28

2008 - Bell County 50, Garrard County 6

2009 - Garrard County 41, Rowan County 35

Somerset scrimmaged East Jessamine as part of The Grid at Frankfort. They have a big front. In the 3 series of 10 plays Somerset scored 3 touchdowns and shut the Jags out. East Jessamine appeared vunerable to the pass and they relied heavily on the run on offense. Somerset's quickness gave them problems on both fronts. Of course it was just a scrimmage and I'm sure both coaches were using it to work on things. I think the Golden Lions will put up some points but I dont' think they'll score enough. I'll take East Jessamine 41-21.

It sounds like East Jessamine has an experienced team that is capable of running the ball. The question is whether Garrard can match-up physically with them.

East Jessamine 35-14.

East Jessamine 42 - 14

No offense to GC, I can't see EJ losing this one.....EJ 34-12.