article Central Kentucky Power Rankings - September 5, 2019

The second week of High School Football has past us. In Central Kentucky the top 10 fared about as expected with 8 of the 10 coming out of the week victorious although some victories were much closer than anticipated. The 11-15 group on the other hand wasn’t so lucky, with 4 of the 5 putting a number into the loss column.

The Top 10

1. Frederick Douglass (5A, 2-0)

Last week: Frederick Douglass had no problem with Intracity opponent, Tates Creek, winning 62-14. The Defense led the way with 5 turnovers and 5 sacks. QB Josh McClurg put together a nice stat line compiling 141 yards passing for 2 TD while getting another 119 yards on the ground with an additional 2 TDs. Jesse Robinson was the leading receiver with 102 yards on 3 receptions and a score.

This week: The Broncos make the trip across the city to face Lafayette (6A, 0-2). Lafayette gave Scott County all it wanted last week and will be looking to get its first win of the season.

As a side note: Frederick Douglass Sophomore WR Dane Key picked up a scholarship offer from UK on his visit this past weekend.

2. Boyle County (4A, 2-0)

Last week: We got a longer look at the Boyle starters in this contest and they made sure to show that the fast start in game 1 was no fluke. The Rebels jumped all over Bullitt Central scoring 49 first half points in their 56-7 win. Senior signal caller Reed Lanter was 11/14 for 191 yards and 3 TD. Landen Bartleson tacked on 102 yards and 4 TD on just 6 carries, giving him 5 TD on 7 carries so far this season. Equally impressive was Reese Smith with 2 TD, 97 yards on just 3 receptions. Reese also had an INT on the defensive side of the ball.

This week: Boyle makes the 2.5 mile trip across town to Admiral stadium to face Danville (2A, 1-1) in, my biased opinion, the best rivalry in Central Kentucky and one of the top rivalries in the state. The two schools have 18 State titles between them in a county with a population of just 26,000. A name I’ve seen thrown around and I like for this game is the “Titletown Showdown”.

3. Scott County (5A, 2-0)

Last week: The Cardinals came out with a victory vs Lafayette but the 28-19 margin left many around the area scratching their heads. That head scratch is what cost Scott County their #2 ranking. Lafayette was soundly beaten by 4A Johnson Central a week prior and expected the same if not more from this SC squad. The question of “Did the addition of Great Crossing take some of the firepower away from Scott County?” is in the back of our minds. Luckily for the Cards the RPI doesn’t account for margin of victory and a win is a win. The Scott County offense was led by RB Philip Garner who had 168 yards and 2 TD on 32 carries. Bronson Brown added another 70 yards and a touchdown.

This week: 6A #5 Manual (2-0) comes to Georgetown and provides a great opportunity for Scott County to erase the questions that arose after the Lafayette game. This should provide good entertainment for those in the area looking for a game to watch.

4. Lexington Catholic (4A, 2-0)

Last week: The Knights were able to impose their will against out of state TC Howe of Indianapolis. Beau Allen had an efficient night completing 14 of 17 passes for 242 yards and 5 Touchdowns. Leading target for Allen was Jackson Corbett who hauled in 6 of Allen’s passes for 115 yards and 2 TDs.

This week: The competition gets much tougher as Lexington Catholic takes on 5A #2 Covington Catholic (2-0). Lexington Catholic will have to find a way to defend the #1 TE in the nation in Michael Mayer. On the season Mayer has had 3 touches and all 3 have resulted in a Cov Cath touchdown. Offensively Lexington Catholic will face a defense that has given up a total of -47 yards. You read that correctly, Negative 47 yards.

5. Anderson County (4A, 2-0)

Last week: Anderson County barely hangs on to the 5 spot after a much closer than anticipated 23-21 victory over Madison Central. Anderson has not reported stats so far this season but as a team Anderson had 172 yards on the ground and 34 through the air.

This week: the Titans of Mercer County (3A, 2-0) come to Lawrenceburg for a rivalry matchup between undefeated teams. Mercer will bring a physical defense and a sound running game that will test the Bearcats discipline and physicality.

6. Taylor County (3A, 2-0)

Last Week: Taylor County was able to come away with a convincing 34-13 win over fellow 3A central Kentucky foe, Larue County. Wes Oliver led the Cardinals in rushing for the second consecutive week with 133 yards on 22 carries and 3 TDs. EKU commit Tre Goodin added another 2 TDs and 44 yards on 8 carries.

This week: County seat and 1A #2 Campbellsville (2-0) host Taylor County for what should be a good rivalry matchup. Campbellsville handed Taylor County their only regular season defeat (40-20) a season ago. The key will be Taylor County’s ability to contain The Eagles star, player Malachi Corley.

7. Franklin County (4A, 2-0)

Last Week: The Flyers offense was in high gear and seemingly unstoppable in the 55-6 victory over Western Hills. The offense accumulated 504 yards led by Junior QB Nick Broyles 291 yards passing and 3 TD. Cameron Phelps had 191 yards receiving and 2 TD on just 4 receptions for a 47 yard per catch average.

This week: Franklin County hits the road to take on Collins (5A, 0-2). The Flyers shouldn’t have too much trouble against a rebuilding Collins program. It will be a good tuneup before a matchup with previously mentioned CKY #5 Anderson County.

8. Campbellsville (A, 2-0)

Last week: Campbellsville had little resistance from 3A Adair County, coming out victorious 47-12. Malachi Corley had himself a game accumulating 268 total yards and 5 TDs. The Eagles have had back to back good showings against class 3A opponents.

This week: Another 3A matchup is in store for the Eagles. This time it’s by way of County rival, Taylor County (2-0). Wes Oliver and Tre Goodin bring the Cardinal rushing attack in hopes of avenging last years defeat.

9. Lexington Christian Academy (2A, 1-1)

Last week: LCA went toe to toe with 3A powerhouse, Belfry, for 3 quarters before running out of gas in the 4th. Dearious Smith has a quality outing with 4 receptions for 136 yards and a couple of scores while Xavier Brown contributed 102 yards and a TD.

This week: LCA travels out of state to take on Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy. From what information that could be obtained about CHCA this should be an evenly matched game.

10. Henry Clay (6A, 0-2)

Last Week: Nobody in Central Kentucky has started their season with a tougher slate than Henry Clay. They were no match for 6A #3 Louisville St. X falling 48-7. The lone bright spot in the game for the Blue Devils came on Chris Dabney’s 32 yard interception return for a TD. Other than that it will be a game to forget for Henry Clay.

This week: Henry Clay will have a Bye this week and will return to action next week against 5A Pulaski County.

Teams ranked 11-15

11. Mercer County (3A, 2-0)

Last week: The Titans took over the second half and turned a 13-12 lead into a 32-19 victory over Allen County-Scottsville in the Rebel Bowl at Boyle County. Malachi Yulee won game MVP honors while rushing for 207 yards and a TD on 13 carries. QB Kaelin Drakeford was 3/6 for 53 yards and a TD. He also returned a punt for a score. Mercer won’t wow you at first but their physical play will wear opponents down allowing the offense to score more later in the game.

Next Week: Mercer travels up US 127 to take on neighbor and rival Anderson County (4A, 2-0). Mercer is on the cusp of a top 10 ranking in the region and a victory over Anderson will most assuredly propel them into that position.

12. East Jessamine (5A, 1-1)

Last week: East came out victorious in a 42-35 OT thriller vs Lincoln County. QB Turner McHolan led the scoring with 4 TDs, all of them rushing. Running backs Valdon Miles and Dylan Moore combined for 291 yards and a TD.

This week: East Jessamine will take on a Dunbar (6A, 1-1) squad coming off a close loss to Boone County. Dunbar presents a challenge in trying to slow down QB, WR combo, Jake Smith and Jamarcus Robinson who have connected 12 times for 325 yards and 4 scores.

13. Tates Creek (6A, 1-1)

Last Week: Creek was unable to compete with Frederick Douglass suffering a 62-14 defeat. There were thoughts that Creek would have put up a decent game and have a little success against the Douglass defense but that was proven to be futile. Tates Creek has not posted stats for this week but according to the FD stats, Creek was able to get 262 yards through the air but also threw 3 INTs and fumbled twice.

Next Week: Creek travels to neighboring Clark County to take on George Rogers Clark (6A, 0-1). GRC is coming off of a 35-12 defeat to Dixie Heights. Creek needs a good outing to regain some confidence moving forward as their schedule still has several quality opponents ahead.

14. Lincoln County (4A, 1-1)

Last Week: Lincoln gave East Jessamine all they wanted in their 42-35 OT defeat. QB Nick Harris was 12/17 for 203 yards and a TD. His leading receiver was Clayton Davis who had 5 receptions for 127 yards and a score.

This week: The Patriots travel north to take on West Jessamine (5A, 0-2). This is the first of what should be 3 consecutive winnable games for Lincoln before their schedule gets considerably tougher.

15. Danville (2A, 1-1)

Last Week: After week 1 Danville looked to be better than expected but a humbling 28-7 loss to Bardstown in Week 2 has shown us Danville will experience some growing pains this year. The Ads were hanging tight with a very athletic Bardstown squad with a 7-7 tie game well into the second half before the wheels fell off in the 4th quarter leading to 3 quick Bardstown scores giving us the 28-7 final.

Next week: As mentioned earlier Danville will host crosstown rival and 4A #1 Boyle County (2-0) in the “Titletown Showdown”. Boyle brings experience, speed and talent to Admiral Stadium and will be the heavy favorite in this one BUT in a rivalry game such as this what is supposed to happen isn’t necessarily what will happen.

Rest of the top 20

16. Washington County (2A, 2-0) Last Week, W 48-0 over Atherton. Next week, vs 1A Kentucky Country Day.

17. Larue County (3A, 0-2) Last week, L 34-13 vs Taylor County. Next week at 3A Casey County.

18. Russell County (4A, 2-0) Last week, W 47-14 vs Green County. Next week, vs 2A Metcalfe County

19. Madison Central (6A, 0-2) Last week, L 23-21 vs Anderson County. Next week, vs 5A Madison Southern.

20. Paul Laurence Dunbar (6A, 1-1) Last Week, L 34-28 vs Boone County. Next Week at 5A East Jessamine.

Teams on the Rise

1. Mercer County- The Titans have opened the season with consecutive victories and have relied on a solid defense. The offense showed great improvement from game 1 to game 2.

2. Washington County- The Commanders have gotten off to a hot start outscoring their opponents by a combined score of 104-0. QB Jatavian Churchill has 448 total yards and accounted for 7 TDs so far on the season.

Teams on the decline

1. Casey County- after a several consecutive winning seasons the Rebels are in danger of ending that streak with an 0-2 start.

2. Henry Clay- back to back losses vs Simon Kenton and St. X are understandable but in the loss to St. X, Henry Clay was out played in every facet of the game. The next 2 games may not go in the Devils favor as well.

Players of the week

1. RB Malachi Corley, Campbellsville- 9 carries 197 yards 4 TD and 4 receptions for 71 yards.

2. QB Beau Allen, Lexington Catholic- 14/17 242 yards 5 TD

3. WR Jamarcus Robinson, Dunbar- 9 receptions 194 yards 2 TD

4. RB Landen Bartleson, Boyle County- 6 carries 102 yards 4 TD

5. RB Collin Darnell, Russell County- 22 carries 246 yards 3 TD.

6. Cameron Phelps, Franklin County- 4 Receptions 191 yards 2 TD.

Last Weeks Game of the week

So far I am 2/2 in picking a quality game of the week! Lincoln vs East Jessamine did not disappoint. East outlasted Lincoln in a 42-35 OT victory.

This Weeks Game of the week

1A Campbellsville vs 3A Taylor County.

You have to love a small town rivalry game! This one pits the #6 and #8 teams in the CKY rankings . This game will feature 3 quality RBs in Campbellsville’s Malachi Corley and Taylor County’s Wes Oliver and Tre Goodin. Last year Campbellsville gave Taylor County it’s only regular season loss 40-20. Taylor County will be looking to return the favor this go around.

Well Done West...

Boyle/Danville and Taylor/Campbellsville will garner more attention, but people should keep an eye on that Anderson/Mercer game. It's a game between teams we think might be pretty good, but don't really have a handle on yet. This is a slightly off the radar opportunity to find out something about one or both of these teams.

Boyle/Danville and Taylor/Campbellsville will garner more attention, but people should keep an eye on that Anderson/Mercer game. It's a game between teams we think might be pretty good, but don't really have a handle on yet. This is a slightly off the radar opportunity to find out something about one or both of these teams.

I agree 110%. I was was on the fence between the Campbellsville/Taylor and the Mercer/Anderson game for game of the week. I hope someone provides updates for the Mercer/Anderson game.

Boyle/Danville and Taylor/Campbellsville will garner more attention, but people should keep an eye on that Anderson/Mercer game. It's a game between teams we think might be pretty good, but don't really have a handle on yet. This is a slightly off the radar opportunity to find out something about one or both of these teams.

Well the Mercer Anderson game was a heck of a game. The problem is we didn’t learn anything about either team except that tonight they were pretty even.

Well the Mercer Anderson game was a heck of a game. The problem is we didn’t learn anything about either team except that tonight they were pretty even.

Yeah, I was hoping to see someone make a statement here, but we're pretty much standing right where we were a few hours ago.

Well the Mercer Anderson game was a heck of a game. The problem is we didn’t learn anything about either team except that tonight they were pretty even.

I agree we didn’t learn a lot, but both these teams really get after it on defense! Both teams have weapons, but the defense played tonight was what impressed me the most!