Hopkinsville takes on Franklin, TN and former Hoptown coach Craig Clayton on August 28 in the first game of the Jerry Claiborne Bowl at the Stadium of Champions. Thoughts?

Just a little perspective on Franklin for those who don't follow Tennessee schools. They are ranked 7th in the state behind the likes of Alcoa, MUS, Maryville, and Brentwood Academy. There were 10-3 last year and are picked to contend for the 6A title this year again.

 

Hopkinsville, while improved from last year, will have to play a near perfect game to pull this one out. I think Franklin wins this one by a couple of TDs.

Franklin lost to Battle Ground Academy 7-6 Saturday in the Clinic Bowl

Why must you interject factual statistics in my argument? JK.

 

I guess to support my argument I might add that Battle Ground Academy, while ranked 50th, is well underrated this year.

 

In all seriousness, I'm sticking by my opinion that Franklin is going to be tough to beat. I know Hoptown is much better than last year, but I still believe Franklin is better.

Franklin wins going away. Coach Clayton gets to take out all his frustration on his former school that did his top assistant, Steve Lovelace (Head Coach at Christian County who has a state finals appearance and a statewide Coach of the Year to his credit), wrong. I would predict at 30+ point victory for Franklin with Coach Clayton trying to get as many as he can!

Mayfield has been a recent friend to the Franklin program sending them some players who made big contributions in recent years

I am taking Franklin in this one by at least 2 TDs. Franklin, TN will be an opponent on a different level compared to Hoptown's opener against Paducah Tilghman.