Ratings for the Championship teams.

Class 6A:
Trinity 97.24
Bryan Station 83.47

Class 5A:
Bowling Green 78.01
Cooper 71.39

Class 4A:
Boyle County 93.82
Covington Catholic 77.92

Class 3A:
Christian Academy-Louisville 82.08
Bell County 48.4

Class 2A:
Mayfield 70.93
Owensboro Catholic 70.88

Class 1A:
Pikeville 59.14
Raceland 55.38

Players Featured This Week

Daniel Thomas (RB/LB, Bell County)
Season to date: 361 carries for 3,682 yards and 53 touchdowns | 89 tackles | 1 sack | 1 scoop and score

Cole Hodge (QB, Christian Academy of Louisville)
Season to date: 265/360 for 3,870 yards and 55 touchdowns with 7 interceptions | 587 rushing yards and 7 touchdown

Jutarious "Juju" Starks (RB/DE, Mayfield)
Season to date: 174 carries for 1,533 yards and 29 touchdowns

Avery Bodner (RB/LB, Boyle County)
Season to date: 135 carries for 1,195 yards and 20 touchdowns | 334 receiving yards and 4 touchdowns | 80 tackles | 12.5 TFL | 5 sacks | 1 interception | 2 fumbles forced and 2 recovered, including a scoop and score

William 'Tutt' Carrico (WR/DB, Owensboro Catholic)
Season to date: 84 receptions for 1,587 yards and 27 touchdowns | 2 rushing touchdowns | 98 tackles with 12 TFL | 12 turnovers created, including 6 interceptions

Evan Pitzer (QB, Covington Catholic)
Season to date: 163/226 for 2,556 yards and 32 touchdowns with 4 interceptions | 636 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns

Trinity (11-3) will play in the Class 6A State Championship after defeating Frederick Douglass 14-7 in overtime. Bryan Station (11-3) will play in the Class 6A State Championship after defeating Ballard 24-21.

Trinity beat Bryan Station 36-3 in the 1st game of the season.

Trinity's last championship appearance was in 2020.

Bryan Station's last championship appearance was in 1999.

 

Road to the championship:

Trinity 52 Meade County 14

Trinity 38 Saint Xavier 14

Trinity 45 McCracken County 0

Trinity 14 Frederick Douglass 7

 

Bryan Station 43 Lafayette 0

Bryan Station 43 Tates Creek 10

Bryan Station 49 Ryle 12

Bryan Station 24 Ballard 21

 

Trinity used a dominant defense to hold Frederick Douglass to 7 points along with great play by QB Zane Johnson who threw  two touchdown passes to get the win. The recipients of those touchdown passes were WR Jeremiah Lynn and TE Jacob Castelluzzo.  Bryan Station was down to Ballard 14-3 at halftime but rallied in the second half behind the play of QB Trenton Cutwright who rushed for a touchdown and passed for a touchdown. RB Kalen Washington also had a rushing TD while WR JT Haskins had touchdown reception.

Bryan Station will have to make up a lot of ground from the first meeting to beat Trinity whose defense has dominated the playoffs and held Bryan Station to a FG in the first matchup. Can Bryan Station pull the upset or does Trinity capture their 28th state championship?

5A STATE CHAMPIONSHIP GAME

Cooper (12-2) vs Bowling Green (11-3)

Is it 2012 all over again?

Only 2 teams in 5A will be fortunate enough to play their 15th game of the season and it will be 2 programs clearly peaking at the right time that got them to that 15th game in the Cooper Jaguars and the Bowling Green Purples. Cooper returns to the Championship Round for the second time in program history. The Jaguars first made their 15th game season in 2012 when they traveled to WKU to meet the Bowling Green Purples. It was a hard-fought game that BG was fortunate to win 34-20. Cooper also made a terrific run in the 2014 season falling at eventual State Champion Pulaski County in the Semi-Finals.

Bowling Green has won 7 State Championships and is 8th in Kentucky in all time wins at 748.  Bowling Green will return to the Championship round on back-to-back years having earned the right to play their 15th game last season but falling to a very strong Fredrick Douglas squad 28-7.  It will also be their 8th trip to the Championship game in the last 13 seasons.

These two have only met in 2012 in the Championship game. That Cooper team was led by QB Tyler Morris, leading rusher A.J. Collins who had over 1,600 yards on the season and leading WR Aaron Morgan who had over 700 yards on the year. Their top defenders were Dustin Mitchell and Avery Bricking. Bowling Green was led by QB Devin Hayes, RB Blue Tisdale and WR Nacarius Fant (now BGs WR Coach).  Defensively, Allen Gonsalves and LB Lincoln Quick were top players for the Purples Jungle D.

This State Championship game will be the last game of the 2023 season and will be played at the University of Kentucky’s Kroger Field at 8pm.

KEY QUESTIONS? Which high powered offense will be the most effective? Which defense can make the big stops when it counts? Which QB will have his best game of the year? Can BG contain the D1 WRs? Can Cooper slow down BGs balanced offense? Going to be one of the best of the Championship Games IMO!

With a combined 118 seasons of football, 22 state finals appearances, and 19 state titles between the two programs, it comes as a bit of a surprise that Boyle County and Covington Catholic have never faced one another on the gridiron. This Friday that comes to an end when the 14-0 Rebels and the 14-0 Colonels will face off in the 4A championship game at Kroger Field in Lexington.

For Boyle, this will make their fourth-straight trip to Kroger Field, with the Rebels fighting to defend their back-to-back-to-back 4A titles. Led by senior quarterback Sage Dawson, an Air Force commit, and the Rebels duo of utility-men, junior Montavin Quisenberry (1300+ yards offense, 45+ tackles) and senior Avery Bodner (1300+ yards offense, 75+ tackles), Boyle County has been favored for the 4A title in rankings from the very beginning of the season. Their road to the finals was paved with two-straight wins over undefeated 4A opponents, with a 21-14 win over 12-0 Corbin in the quarterfinals, and a 41-14 win over 13-0 Franklin County on Friday night.

For Cov Cath, this will mark the Colonels return to Kroger Field after a three year absence. The Colonels last trip to the finals came in 2019, when they made their third-straight trip to the 5A finals and brought home their program's eighth state championship with a 14-7 win over Frederick Douglass. The Colonels are led by senior quarterback Evan Pitzer, senior TE/LB Willie Rodriguez, a Kentucky commit (485 yards offense, 12 touchdowns, 40 tackles), senior RB Owen Leen (800+ yards offense, 13 TDs), senior WR/DB Braylon Miller (1000+ yards offense, 10 touchdowns), and junior LB Tate Kruer (109 tackles, 2 sacks). Covington Catholic's road to the finals was paved with a 31-0 shutout of 9-3 Johnson Central and a 22-14 win over 13-0 Paducah-Tilghman on Friday night.

Who wins this battle for the 4A title on Friday night in Lexington?

BGP 3A Rankings: CAL (#1) | Bell County (#9)

Week  Results: CAL beat Lexington Catholic | Bell County beat Hart County 

Kickoff: Saturday, December 2nd at 12:00pm

Teaser Preview: It's a little ironic that the two teams in 3A most reliant on a singular player will meet for a championship in the ultimate team sport. 

Cole Hodge has been the most productive quarterback in the state over the last two years, accounting for roughly 8,000 yards and well over 100 touchdowns. He's got a 39-3 career record as a starter. 

Daniel Thomas has packed a great career into the last fourteen games. He holds single season state records for rushing yards, touchdowns, and points scored. Thomas will be running at a CAL defense that has thoroughly shut down the #2 and #3 teams in the class over the last two weeks. 

There will be 22 players on the field at a given time, but the names Hodge and Thomas will permeate the air around Kroger Field on Saturday afternoon. 

Mountain football has a long, rich history of winning championships. Pikeville, Belfry, and Johnson Central have dominated the headlines east of I-75 over the last ten years. Bell County is hungry for the front page again. Dudley Hilton cemented his place as an all-time great long ago, but hasn't lifted the big trophy in fifteen years. This would be title #4 for the state's second winningest coach, joining 1991 and 2008 at Bell, plus his Cinderella run at Bourbon County in 1997.

CAL is looking for the fourth crown in its program's history, after wins in 2016, 2018, and last year. There will probably never be a ’Big 4’ in Louisville,  but the Centurions are establishing themselves as the most successful program in town over the last several years.

You can never count out a Hilton coached team, but given what we've witnessed in the quarter and semi-final rounds, this has a David vs. Goliath feel to it. You can believe Bell County will bring the stones with them straight from Log Mountain. 

A Thirteenth Title In The Cards For Mayfield? O-Cath May Have An Ace Up Its Sleeve...

Records: Mayfield (12-1) | O-Cath (14-0)

BGP Rankings: Mayfield (#4) | O-Cath (#3)

Semifinal Results: Mayfield beat Beechwood | O-Cath beat Somerset 

Series History: Mayfield leads 3-0 dating back to 1998

Kickoff: Friday, December 1st at 4:00pm

Teaser Preview: Do you believe in omens? Owensboro Catholic is currently in contention for the title of ”best program without a championship”. The Aces have swung and missed at the state finals four times, in 1997, 2004, 2005, and 2010.

The previous holder of that distinction was Somerset, the very team the Aces just destroyed in the semifinals. The Jumpers shed that dubious moniker in 2019 after beating….. Mayfield. 

Owensboro Catholic may not have to rely on the divine practices of the cosmos when they have Brady Atwell on their side. He's accounted for an astounding 78 touchdowns this season, while piloting an offense averaging 48 points per game. The Atwell to ‘Tutt’ Carrico connection has been one of the state's most prolific this season. The Aces have been ruthless in their efficiency, handing out running clocks to all but a few opponents. 

To deliver a title to Owensboro, they'll have to beat back the Cards, Kentucky's small school war horse competing in their 26th championship game. O-Cath isn't actually the highest scoring team here. Mayfield does them a point better, averaging 49 per contest. Zane Cartwright and 'Juju' Starks provide the counter to the Aces duo. 

Mayfield's path to Lexington has been decidedly more treacherous. The Cards have welcomed 2A's #1 and #2 ranked teams to town and buried them in the hallowed graveyard of War Memorial. It's a fate the Aces will not have to suffer, as the championship will be decided on the turf at Kroger Field. Mayfield will bring a shovel anyway, just in case.

The Class 1A stars have aligned and we are set for a rematch from last years Class 1A title game and this years regular season matchup between Pikeville and Raceland.

These two teams have been the best two teams in the class this year and no one else expected anything else less than these two teams to meet again.

Pikeville will bring its power running game in this one with big Brendan Anthony leading the way. You add several other playmakers in Tayvian Boykins and Jeb Wilkerson. The Pikeville defense is led by freshman linebacker Jeremiah Anderson and Junior Brendan Anthony who have accounted for over 200 tackles on the season.

Raceland will also bring its ground and pound running game lead by Noah Wallace, Jaxon Heighton, and Quarterback Logan Lundy. Lundy will have two stud Parker’s to throw too in Parker Fannin and Parker Ison. 
The Raceland defense will also be lead by Noah Wallace, Jaxon Heighton, and Cameron Bell who have accounted for over 200 tackles as well. 
 

The 11-2 Pikeville Panthers offenses comes into this game averaging just over 30 points per game, and defensively giving up close to 12 points per game.

The 11-3 Raceland Rams offenses comes into this game averaging just over 34 points per game, and defensively giving up just over 16 points per game.

Who wins the Class 1A State Championship? Does Pikeville get revenge from the regular season loss and get that 3 peat? Does Raceland beat Pikeville again with Brendan Anthony and prove it didn’t matter if he played or not?

Players Featured This Week

Daniel Thomas (RB/LB, Bell County)
Season to date: 320 carries for 3,446 yards and 49 touchdowns | 82 tackles | 1 sack | 1 scoop and score

Brady Hensley (RB, Lexington Christian Academy)
Season to date: 235 carries for 2,408 yards and 43 touchdowns | 213 receiving yards and 4 touchdowns

Cutter Boley (QB, Lexington Christian Academy)
Season to date: 172/268 for 2,187 yards and 24 touchdowns with 9 interceptions | 5 rushing touchdowns

Cole Hodge (QB, Christian Academy of Louisville)
Season to date: 239/329 for 3,542 yards and 52 touchdowns with 7 interceptions | 505 rushing yards and 5 touchdown

Jackson Wasik (QB, Lexington Catholic)
Season to date: 173/262 for 2,698 yards and 30 touchdowns with 2 interceptions | 264 rushing yards and 7 touchdowns

Brody Benke (QB, Highlands)
Season to date: 109/167 for 1,773 yards and 26 touchdowns with 4 interceptions | 1,128 rushing yards and 22 touchdowns | 208 receiving yards and 6 touchdowns

Evan Pitzer (QB, Covington Catholic)
Season to date: 155/213 for 2,508 yards and 32 touchdowns with 4 interceptions | 513 rushing yards and 9 touchdowns

Jutarious "Juju" Starks (RB/DE, Mayfield)
Season to date: 147 carries for 1,313 yards and 26 touchdowns ne Cartwright (QB, Mayfield)

Season to date: 126/174 for 2,130 yards and 31 touchdowns with 2 interceptions | 158 rushing yards and 2 touchdowns

Class 6A:
Trinity 97.00
Frederick Douglass 87.14
Bryan Station 83.27
Ballard 71.71

Class 5A:
Highlands 81.94
Bowling Green 76.28
Cooper 69.98
Owensboro 66.75

Class 4A:
Boyle County 93.42
Covington Catholic 77.55
Paducah Tilghman 70.97
Franklin County 68.70

Class 3A:
Christian Academy-Lou. 79.75
Lexington Catholic 69.38
Bell County 48.42
Hart County 46.81

Class 2A:
Mayfield 70.80
Owensboro Catholic 70.51
Beechwood 67.12
Somerset 44.82

Class 1A:
Pikeville 59.38
Raceland 53.71
Campbellsville 48.28
KY Country Day 40.10

Campbellsville (11-1) comes into the semifinals with one of the top 10 rushers in 1A, Daniel Forbis, with his 990 yards and 15 rushing touchdowns in 10 games played, for an average of 9.9 yards per carry. They also have one of the top 10 passers in QB Kace Eastridge, who has gone 75 for 133 (56.4%) passing for 1493 yards and 16 touchdowns, and a top 10 scorer in Forbis, who has 15 touchdowns rushing and 2 receiving. The Eagles' offense have tallied 1882 yards passing and 2287 yards rushing in their 12 games this season, with an average of 350 yards of offense per game.  Linebacker Deondre Weathers is tied for 9th place, statewide, for sacks with 11, and Daniel Forbis also tallies 5 sacks of his own at linebacker.

Pikeville (10-2) comes into the semifinals with a QB Isaac Duty behind center. Duty has averaged just over 100 yards passing per game, going 92 for 136 passing for 1088 yards and 12 touchdowns. Their offense is somewhat run-oriented, with 1816 yards gained on the ground this season to 1290 yards gained by air, and RB Brenden Anthony has done the largest share of the work on the ground, with 637 yards rushing for 10 touchdowns in 9 games played. Jeb Wilkerson is the top receiver this season for the Panthers, with 354 yards and 3 touchdowns receiving, while utility man Tayvian Boykins has over 200 receiving yards and 450 rushing yards for 6 touchdowns this year. On defense, freshman Jeremiah Anderson leads the team and is the top tackler among the remaining four 1A teams with his 9.4 tackles per game and 94 total tackles. Deonte Stevens and Brendan Anthony are second and third in tackles, with 78 and 76 tackles, respectively.

Will Campbellsville keep things rolling for a first-ever trip to the state finals, or will Pikeville be heading home from Campbellsville to prepare for an eleventh appearance in the championship game?

After two rounds against one another in the 1987 & 1988 AAA Finals, the Blue Tornado and the Colonels definitely needed a cooling-off period before taking on one another on the football field again. It was unclear at the time how long that cooling-off period would need to be, but apparently 35 years is the answer. After 35 years - 12,774 days, to be exact - Paducah Tilghman and Covington Catholic will once again meet on the gridiron for a third time in Park Hills on Friday night.

With all four semifinalist teams in 4A football heading into Friday's games with an undefeated record, this is all you could hope for out of a semifinal matchup. Junior quarterback Jack James leads the Blue Tornado's air-assault offense with a phenomenal 3,951 yards passing this season. The Blue Tornado competition has blown away their opponents this season with 5,873 yards of total offense this season, while their defense has allowed a mere 2,414 yards to their opponents.

Covington Catholic also heads into the semifinal matchup on Friday with an undefeated 13-0 record. The Colonel offense continues to bring their balanced attack, almost exactly 50/50 run-to-pass. Senior quarterback Evan Pitzer has thrown for 2,508 yards and 32 touchdowns this season. Up front, the Colonels' offensive line is anchored by junior Andrew Huber, senior JP Sullivan, senior Ben Reeves, junior Mason Dietz, and senior Seth Jones who have paved the way for Cov Cath's 2,474 rushing yards this season.

Marquee wins for each team this season:
Paducah Tilghman's 35-28 win over 2A Mayfield at home on September 1st.
Covington Catholic's 35-21 win over 5A Highlands in Fort Thomas on August 25th.

Who wins this battle on Friday night and punches their ticket to Kroger Field on December 1st?

Knights and Centurions Cross Swords In Crusade For 3A Crown

Records: LexCath (9-4) | CAL (12-1)

BGP 3A Rankings: LexCath (#2) | CAL (#1)

Round 3 Results: LexCath beat Rockcastle County | CAL beat Central

Series History: First ever meeting 

Teaser Preview: Quarterback is a constant of any championship equation. In that regard, CAL and Lexington Catholic are a cut above the rest of 3A.

Cole Hodge and Jackson Wasik have hovered around the Mr. Football conversation to varying degrees. The numbers are beginning to pile up for both. They've combined for over 7,000 yards of total offense and 94 touchdowns.

A CAL offense that already relies heavily on Hodge, may be even more dependent upon him if leading rusher Jeffrey Vazzana is unable to go. Vazzana exited the Central game and finished the night on crutches.

The optics around the Centurions and Knights couldn't be better after demolishing Central and Rockcastle County, respectively. Their bodies of work install CAL as the clear favorite at home, but Lexington Catholic's confidence has steadily built to a season high over the last seven weeks. They're peaking at the right time.

All due respect to the counties of Hart and Bell… on paper, this is the championship game. 

The Jaguars and Birds face off for the second time this year; this time with a lot more at stake. In the first matchup we saw a dominating performance by the Birds to start but then it turned into a shootout with the Birds holding on for the win. It will be interesting to see the adjustments the Birds make defensively to combat the Jags passing attack. 

It's awesome to be practicing on Thanksgiving again!

Some of this may sound familiar, because it is. Many of the comments below were made just last year when the Tigers and Cardinals faced each other in the state title game. Beechwood won that one 14-13 to build on the previous year's 38-7 win over Mayfield in the 2A semifinals. Beechwood has one more notch they need to add to their belt - a win at War Memorial over the Cardinals. The Tigers will give that one another try on the day after Thanksgiving in the 2023 2A semifinals. So let's talk....

They're baaack. Yes, here we go again - but we all love it. Two great programs face off as they march on toward another hoped for state title. The Beechwood Tigers and Mayfield Cardinals are no strangers to state title games and they are no strangers to each other. Despite their many playoff battles, last year was the first time in 20 years these two met in a championship game. These two teams are at the top of class 2A in team defense with the Tigers. More impressive though is their ranking in scoring margin in the entire state all classes with the Tigers ranked #4 outscoring opponents by 35.8 per game and the Cardinals ranked #3 outscoring opponents by 36.3 points per game. This game looks like another classic matchup. Despite the emotion and playoff rivalry between these two teams, there is mutual respect for each other. It should be another classic playoff battle but this year's game looks different to me.

Class 6A Semifinals

Trinity (10-3) will host Frederick Douglass(8-4) after defeating McCracken County 45-0. Frederick Douglass travels to Trinity after defeating Male 21-20.

Previous meeting: Frederick Douglass 17-14

Calpreps ratings:

Trinity 50.9

Frederick Douglass 44.0

In the first matchup where Frederick Douglass won 17-14, it was on a hot Saturday afternoon due to being moved because of Friday night storms. Frederick Douglass dominated on defense for 3 quarters getting a pick 6 and shutting out the Shamrock offense leading 17-0. Trinity changed to freshman QB Zane Johnson and mounted a comeback scoring 14 in the 4th quarter but Frederick Douglass held on for the win.

In the first matchup Frederick Douglass had several penalties and last night had several penalties against Male but still were able to get the win.

A lot has changed since the first matchup especially the weather. This looks to be another competitive game and I expect another low scoring game as both teams have great defenses. Who wins this and gets to Kroger field to play for a championship against either Bryan Station or Ballard?

A season that began with a slow orbit around the sun of Cutter Boley has evolved into a revelation of superior depth and substance at the quarterback position in the junior class.

There are more than six great quarterbacks in the ‘25 class, but the half dozen highlighted here were chosen for their exemplary play this season coupled with the fact that they're still pursuing championships.

I don't know that I've ever seen a season with this much quality and production coming from quarterbacks not yet eligible for Mr. Football.

They've set the bar incredibly high. So high, in fact, they could be special again next year and still not reach the heights of 2023.

Players Featured This Week

Daniel Thomas (RB/LB, Bell County)
Season to date: 295 carries for 3,159 yards and 45 touchdowns | 68 tackles | 1 sack | 1 scoop and score

Jackson Wasik (QB, Lexington Catholic)
Season to date: 160/239 for 2,436 yards and 27 touchdowns with 2 interceptions | 246 rushing yards and 6 touchdowns

Tucker Warren (QB/DB, Rockcastle County)
Season to date: 126/190 for 2,111 yards and 29 touchdowns with 4 interceptions | 1,062 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns | 57 tackles | 4 interceptions including a pick-six

Cole Hodge (QB, Christian Academy of Louisville)
Season to date: 228/315 for 3,317 yards and 48 touchdowns with 7 interceptions | 430 rushing yards and 3 touchdowns

Brody Benke (QB, Highlands)
Season to date: 95/149 for 1,619 yards and 25 touchdowns with 4 interceptions | 1,079 rushing yards and 20 touchdowns | 208 receiving yards and 6 touchdowns

Evan Pitzer (QB, Covington Catholic)
Season to date: 141/192 for 2,321 yards and 29 touchdowns with 4 interceptions | 500 rushing yards and 9 touchdowns

Willie Rodriguez (TE/LB, Covington Catholic)
Season to date: 24 receptions for 434 yards and 11 touchdowns | 31 tackles | 3 sacks | 1 fumble forced and 1 recovered

Ratings for teams left in the playoffs.

Class 6A:
Trinity 96.59
Frederick Douglass 86.52
Male 85.15
Bryan Station 81.02

Class 5A:
Highlands 82.34
Bowling Green 76.54
Cooper 69.02
Southwestern 65.90

Class 4A:
Boyle County 93.51
Corbin 84.03
Covington Catholic 76.93
Paducah Tilghman 70.88

Class 3A:
Christian Academy - Lou. 78.73
Lexington Catholic 68.86
Central 60.72
Bell County 49.69

Class 2A:
Lexington Christian Academy 78.50
Owensboro Catholic 70.31
Mayfield 68.54
Beechwood 66.85

Class 1A:
Pikeville 61.09
Raceland 54.34
Campbellsville 49.12
KY Country Day 40.90

"Air Raid"-ers Meet Balanced Defenders For Semifinal Berth

Records: Ryle (8-4) | Station (9-3)

BGP 6A Rankings: Ryle (#10) | Station (#6)

Round 2 Results: Ryle beat Bullitt East | Station beat Tates Creek 

Series History: Ryle leads 3-1 all-time 

Teaser Preview: We'll crown a new 'big school' champion after Ryle knocked off Bullitt East in the second round. Logan Verax went over 3,000 yards for the year to build on what's already one of the great quarterbacking seasons in program history. 

Ryle has leaned into the passing game this year, making for a compelling subplot this week against a Station secondary - led by JT Haskins Jr's six interceptions - that's been locking people down lately.

Conversely, the Defenders have struck a nice balance between the run and pass. Trenton Cutright has thrown and run for 2,400 yards and 28 touchdowns, while Kaden Washington is approaching a thousand yards rushing. 

Both sides have been well prepared for these latter stages of the season. Rigorous scheduling has included the likes of Trinity, St. X, Douglass, Bowling Green, Highlands, CovCath, and CAL. 

The winner here earns a spot in the semifinals. It would be Station's second straight and Ryle's first since 2010.

Two undefeated 4A teams go head to head in Danville. The Corbin Redhounds have looked good all season beating Fredrick Douglass early on in the season 6-0 at home. On the other hand you've got Boyle County who looks just as good if not better beating Fredrick Douglass more recently 28-7 also beating Lexington Catholic and Lexington Christian. We should be in for a good one in Danville.

The Broncos entered the 2023 season as the top-touted squad in 6A football, with many expecting Douglass to run away with the 6A title in their first season in the state's largest football class. Their season opener tempered many, with Douglass being shellacked 45-6 by Archbishop Hoban (OH). But Douglass rebounded to beat Trinity 17-14 the following week, as well as 6A power Bryan Station on October 14th. They lost three more games this season, to 4A Corbin, 4A Boyle County, and Indiana powerhouse Indy Cathedral. QB Jaxon Strautman has found his stride, with 1300 yards and 15 touchdowns passing this season, and running by committee by Derion Talbert, Pharo Watts, TayTay Allen, Strautman, and Dakari Talbert, Derion Talbert leads the receiving corps for Douglass with Aveion Chenualt and Cooper Ranvier also racking up receiving yards for Douglass. On defense, Darion Neal, Kayden Clay, Logan Busson, JaQuan Rufus and EJ Clinkscale all have tallied more than 20 solo tackles each.

Male's QB, Kolter Smith, has racked up over 2100 passing yards this season, bringing a major air assault with the Bulldog offense. Max Gainey and Antonio Harris are his favorite receiving targets with over 1500 yards and 30 touchdowns between the two. And Male has a duo of dangerous running backs in Chayce Burton and Shammai Gates, who combine for over 1300 rushing yards and 20 touchdowns between the pair. On defense, junior linebacker Solomon Conley leads the team with 38 solo tackles and senior linebacker Kevin Wilson has 29 solo tackles of his own. Senior DB Brenden Bates also leads the team with 4 interceptions and 2 pick-sixes in his 7 games played this season. Male's one loss this season came at the hands of St. Xavier back on September 1st.

Who wins and advances to the semifinals in this first-ever meeting between Male and Douglass?

The Golden Eagles' marquee win for the season was a 36-33 win over Ashland on October 20th, giving the Tomcats their only loss of the season leading up to their 35-28 defeat in last night's second round playoff match with Cov Cath. Leading up to their game last night, Johnson Central's offense has gained a stout 87% of their offensive yards on the ground, with 3,577 rushing yards compared to 549 passing yards this season. Senior QB Jacob Grimm averages about 4 pass attempts per game this season, compared to an avg 16 pass attempts per game by Cov Cath's QB Evan Pitzer. Johnson Central has an impressive FOUR players who have rushed for 500+ yards this season, with Conley Carter toting a 1000 yard season rushing, and Christian Barnes nipping at his heels, just shy of 1000 yards. Headed into their game last night, junior LB Seth Davis leads the Golden Eagles' defense with 19 solo tackles, junior LB Logan Castle had 17 tackles, and senior LB Ryan Rice had 15.

Covington Catholic's offense looks to be firing on all cylinders, with an average of 391 yards per game this season, split almost perfectly evenly between rushing (49.8%) and passing (50.2%). It's been that balance that has provided fits for their opponents this season, and is perhaps one of the major reasons for their 12-0 undefeated season headed into the game this upcoming Friday. Senior quarterback Evan Pitzer is touting a 73.4% passing record this season - currently a program record - and has only been intercepted 4 times in his 192 pass attempts. The Colonels' ability to move the ball down the field quickly has been an effective weapon for them this year, with the hands of TE Willie Rodriguez, and WRs Braylon Miller, Oliver Link and Noah Johnson always ready and waiting. And when rushing yardage is what's needed, RB Owen Leen and QB Evan Pitzer are always ready to pick em up and put em down, with Leen's 706 rushing yards and Pitzer's 500 rushing yards this season.

Who wins the battle of the C-helmets?

This game has the makings of an instant-classic. 11-1 Lexington Christian Eagles make the four hour trip to Mayfield to take on the 10-1 Cardinals in the 2A quarterfinals. Led by Cutter Boley, Lexington Christian has averaged almost 400 yards of offense each game this season compared to 350 yards per game by Zane Cartwright and the Mayfield offense. Both defenses have been more successful shutting down opponents' rushing games this season, but the Cardinals have held opponents to fewer total yards per game (181) than the Eagles have (225).

Who wins?

Class 6A:
Trinity 94.76
Male 86.10
Frederick Douglass 85.36
St. Xavier 80.61
Bryan Station 72.04
Manual 71.86
Ballard 69.68
Ryle 62.93
Bullitt East 56.54

Class 5A:
Highlands 80.89
South Warren 75.53
Bowling Green 74.95
Scott County 70.95
Cooper 66.00
Southwestern 65.93

Class 4A:
Boyle County 93.58
Corbin 83.26
Covington Catholic 77.33
Paducah Tilghman 71.38
Franklin County 67.61
Ashland Blazer 61.93

Class 3A:
Christian Academy-Lou. 77.60
Lexington Catholic 68.82
Central 58.22
Belfry 51.90
Union County 49.20
Bell County 49.10

Class 2A:
Lexington Christian Academy 78.37
Mayfield 70.84
Owensboro Catholic 70.02
Beechwood 67.63
Somerset 42.49

Class 1A:
Pikeville 61.25
Raceland 54.26
Campbellsville 47.84
KY Country Day 40.17