After three straight losses on road or neutral fields, Garrard County will open the 2010 home slate this Friday night against Estill County hoping to pick up their first victory. Garrard County has struggled mightily on defense in their first three games, allowing overing 1,500 yards in 48.7 points per game. They will look to right the ship against an Estill County club considered by most among the top 10 in Class 3A.

 

While mentioning the struggles of the Golden Lions defense, it's important to also mention the solid play of the offense through three games. Garrard is averaging 23 points per game, nearly 5.5 yards per carry, and have thrown for an average of 150 yards per game. Quarterback Billy Abney has thrown for 450 yards and five scores against only two interceptions.

 

Estill County has had a great deal of success in recent years, advancing past the first round of the playoffs three consecutive times. This season has seen the Engineers open the season with a 28-14 win over Bourbon County before losing 28-17 to Rowan County last weekend. If there is anything you can expect from Estill County, it is a whole lot of running the football.

 

As has been mentioned almost weekly, if Garrard County expects to win their first game of the season they must stop the run. Allowing nearly 9 yards per carry just will not get it done. But if the defense can even slow down Estill County, then perhaps the offense can put enough points on the board to win the game.

 

Historical Preview

*This marks the 10th meeting between the schools

*Garrard County leads the all-time series 7-2

*This will be the 5th matchup in Lancaster, where Garrard leads 3-1

*Estill County's last win at Garrard County was a 6-0 overtime victory in 1976

*Garrard County will be looking to improve on their four consecutive home victories. A win over Estill County would put the Lions into a tie for 5th longest home winning streak in school history

 

Series Scores

1975 - Garrard County 26, @Estill County 6

1976 - Estill County 6, @Garrard County 0 (OT)

1977 - Garrard County 46, @Estill County 6

1978 - @Garrard County 28, Estill County 0

1993 - @Garrard County 33, Estill County 0

1994 - Garrard County 29, @Estill County 7

2001 - Garrard County 50, @Estill County 20

2002 - @Garrard County 47, Estill County 0

2009 - @Estill County 42, Garrard County 41

Garrard county's defense has just been awful. Estill should roll 42-20.

Estill will win easily 36 - 16