ColonelMike

I think it's hard to call....South lost to a team that was significantly better.....Nelson beat a team that was significantly worse.     Both teams had solid seasons last year but graduated a lot of the key players from those teams.

South is terribly green (forgive the pun) on defense, but it will be interesting to see how they do against a more conventional team in terms of the run-pass ratio.   South moved the ball relatively well against Anderson on the ground; we'll see if Nick Hamilton and company air it out more against the Cardinals.

Lots of questions.   I think this one could go either way.

CM

3 hours ago, newarkcatholicfan said:

Is this the Mike Jackson that was at Pikeville years ago?

 

And before that, he had a really good run at Oldham County, repeatedly taking the Colonels into the Top 10.

I've been corrected....apparently Mike Jackson is in his SECOND year at DeSales.    Sorry for the error - the KHSAA website shows him as having been in the position in 2021 and 2022..... my mistake!

CM

NO

My simple thought is this....let's give both teams playing the opportunity to use their available players and skillsets to the very best of their abilities, in hopes of earning a victory.    Whether the best team or the worst team, everyone has a chance - until we start monkeying around with the rules to try and take some of that opportunity away from them, which is EXACTLY what happens with the shot clock.   You make the favorites even MORE likely to win by forcing the lesser team to jack up shots more quickly, increasing the likelihood that they will put up poor shots.   And you take the better team off the hook to play basketball - so long as they can play defense for "X" number of seconds, the clock will do the rest for them.

I agree 100% with the posters who have stated, one way or another, that "if you don't like how the other team is playing, use your talent to take them out of it."    Every great coach I know has always said that it's his/her team's first priority to "take the other team out of what they do best."   Yup.

Some of the other reasons stated here are every bit as valid.    The cost would be prohibitive for many HS athletic departments.....and getting consistent, competent shot clock operators will open an entirely new can of worms.

For the record, I watch approximately 60-75 high school games each year, boys and girls, including 18 district and regional tournament games, and typically some of the Sweet 16.   I've been enthralled by games played in the thirties - and bored by games in the 80s.    The excitement of the game comes from much more than the actual score.

Why are we trying to make the HS game more entertaining for the folks in the stands, anyway?   Why is that even a reasonable objective here?  It's supposed to be an extracurricular opportunity for the players first and foremost - not a big-time money-maker like the college game or the NBA....

Just one man's thoughts.....

On 3/20/2023 at 8:28 AM, Brown said:

No shot clock is extremely outdated.  It is not practical at getting young men and women ready for the next level.

I equate it to little league baseball.  Mound is too close at 46 feet.  Base paths at 60 feet.  No playing off.  After a kid turns 13 he goes to a mound of 60 feet 6 inches and base paths of 90 feet.  Little league has failed to look at what is needed for the next level and is stubborn.  Travel baseball is typically 50 feet mound for 12U and 70 foot base paths.

Holding onto something because it's the way it's always been done....

Little League actually recognized that issue about 10 years or so ago when they created the "Intermediate" division (50 foot mound, 70 foot basepaths, HS-level rules, including leadoffs, etc.)    But many leagues don't take advantage of that option, which is too bad, because the kids LOVE Intermediate much more than Major ball......

Best of luck to Coach Koebel!   Valley got a good one.

Looks like the preps school route is the road chosen.    Best of luck to JJ at the Link Academy in Branson, MO.

Very impressive!    After all these years of broadcasting KY HS Football, I thought I might be able to top that - but I tapped out at 79 Kentucky High Schools.....whew!  

WHO:   North Oldham (1-0) at DeSales (1-0)

WHERE:  DeSales HS, Louisville, KY

WHEN:  Friday, 8/25/23   Kickoff 7:30 pm ET

Two teams trying to build on the momentum from a week 1 victory clash in Louisville as the North Oldham Mustangs travel to face the DeSales Colts for the first-ever meeting between the two schools.

First year North coach Brock Roberts got his icebreaker win at NOHS week one, with a 21-7 victory over the Fern Creek Tigers, with the Mustangs showcasing a new passing attack led by third year starting QB Jace Bullock.    Bullock was almost automatic throwing the ball in the second half Saturday, connecting on 10 of 13 through the air with one TD and no picks.    For the game, he finished 17 of 26 with 163 yards passing, 2 TDs, and no INT.     The Mustangs struggled to run the ball (only 71 yards on 35 carries), but it didn't really matter, as they were efficient through the air, gaining 14 first downs to FC's 6, and coughing up the ball only once, on a third quarter fumble.    Mack Pyle (8 catches, 79 yards, 2 TDs) and Gray Schmittel (6 catches, 59 yards, including a spectacular one-handed grab in the second half), starred for North.

DeSales, under third-year coach Mike Jackson, opened its season with a 27-19 victory over Seneca.   It was the Colts' first opening day victory since beating St. Xavier, 19-16, in 2018.    The win also ended a 12-game losing streak for DeSales.   Jackson, who has been trying to rebuild the program, has seen the Colts struggle to a 2-19 record his first two seasons, but considering that the third year is generally when you start to see results in rebuilding campaigns - and considering that Jackson has been a winner everywhere he's coached - it's reasonable to expect that this year's Colts team may be ready to experience a breakout season.   

WHO:   Nelson County (1-0) at South Oldham (0-1)

WHEN:  Friday 8/25/23   Kickoff 7:30 pm ET

WHERE:  South Oldham HS, Cy Tucker Field at Mitchell Irvin Stadium, Crestwood

Nelson County travels to South Oldham for the two schools' first meeting since 2018, when South Oldham hammered the Cardinals, 48-6.    Since 1999, the two schools have met 10 times, with South winning six of the ten matchups, including the last four over the 2015-16-17-18 seasons, when the Dragons outscored the Cardinals, 209-20.

The 2023 version of the Cardinals is a much-improved version, however.   Coach Phillip Stockdale, in his fourth year at the Bardstown school, has steadily improved the team.    After going 0-7 in his inaugural season - the COVID-marred 2020 season - the Cardinals have steadily improved, finishing 3-7 in 2021 and 89-4 last season.    This year's squad started the year with a convincing 37-6 win over Bullitt Central in week 1, and they will come to Crestwood hungry to show that they're a team to be reckoned with.      

South Oldham will try to rebound after a disappointing week one loss to Ohio powerhouse Anderson, 44-15.    The (very) young and (very) inexperienced Dragon defense had its hands full against perhaps the most prolific passing attack they will see this season.   Still, South managed to move the ball well with its powerful running game, gaining over 220 yards on the ground, led by fullback Cole Greenwell, who had (unofficially) 82 yards.    QB Nick Hamilton add 54 yards on 12 carries; both Greenwell and Hamilton scored rushing TDs.     First year head coach Cain Sams, who came back to South after a one-year stint at North Bullitt, will look for his first win as the Dragons' head man this week.

Nelson County at South Oldham this week....

If you can't make it to the newly-renovated field for the big dedication and the game (due to the heat, perhaps??), catch the game on www.pegasussportsky.com, the official broadcast voice of HS sports in Oldham County.

FREE live HD video coverage begins 30 minutes prior to kickoff.

Oldham County for the rivalry game against Shelby County.   Two 1-0 teams.

Big night as Oldham dedicates its new artificial turf field and names it in honor of the late Kris Landers, OCHS "superfan".    (Bell Field at Kris Landers Stadium).    

Catch the game on www.pegasussportsky.com.    FREE live HD video coverage.

6 minutes ago, snakesnot_2000 said:

I wish Mayfield could play them.

Back when I went there we were 1-9 my Senior season [76]. We had lots of athletes in the school but most didn't play. Seems they'd turned it around , winning a State Title and all. Strong Academic school and the Arts. At least it was back in my day.

they're fun to watch.   

You're about my age (Oldham County Class of 80)    

13 minutes ago, snakesnot_2000 said:

Anderson.....my alma mater.

Very impressive offense.    For a HS team, very sophisticated and run by an experienced, savvy QB who is adept at looking off the defenders.    Very good skill players, and good sized line protects the QB well.

They will have to score a lot though; the defense looks very porous (even though they held South to 15 points).   South gouged them for over 220 yards rushing mostly on simple dive plays, and the Dragons didn't even challenge their secondary, throwing just 3 passes.

It will be a big night at OCHS....they will dedicate the stadium to the late Kris Landers, a young man who was the ultimate "superfan" of OCHS sports for many years, even after his graduation.    Despite some handicaps, Kris was at every game patrolling the sidelines.    He would look me up before every game when I was there broadcasting, asking me for a prediction.....he rode with the team bus to every away game, and was the "consummate Colonel."    He passed far too young, and the Colonel faithful will honor him with a nice new entrance to the stadium (not yet built) and by re-naming the stadium.   It will be known as "Bell Field at Kris Landers Stadium."

There will be a pre-game ceremony.

30 minutes ago, 111 said:

Is the turf installed yet for OC? 

Yes; this will be the first game played on the new turf.

Another reason why I think the kickoff will change....that turf amplifies the heat on the field.

With the heat coming in, I would be shocked if there aren't a number of changes by Friday.....in terms of the kickoff time, etc.

16 minutes ago, theguru said:

What did the hail sound like when it hit your trumpet?

LOL.....

....like hail hitting a trumpet....  😄

(fortunately, SMALL hail....and that's why you take an old horn to band camp, which was where we were....didn't take the expensive, silver horn.....)

Bethlehem has played very good football over the last 4 years, with 8 wins, 6 wins, 11 wins, and 8 wins last year.   (the 6 win season was the COVID year - 2020 - when they went 6-3).    They've beat 6A, 4A, and 3A teams during that span.   Albeit no powerhouses, they defeated teams with much more resources than they have.

...and their success is reflected in their football participation.....according to the KHSAA, the school has 296 students in the total 9-12 enrollment....guessing about 150 boys....and about 41 of the boys are on the football team)   So, it would appear that just over 1 in 4 boys in the school put on the football uniform....there are 6A schools with less participation....

Wow!   Too cool!

Who:   Oldham County (1-0) vs. Shelby County (1-0)

Where:  Oldham County HS, Buckner, KY

When:   Friday, 8/25/23   kickoff 7:30 pm

Broadcast:   FREE live HD video coverage begins at 7:00 pm ET on www.pegasussportsky.com

One of the longest-running football rivalries in northcentral KY is re-visited on Friday when the Shelby County Rockets travel to play the Oldham County Colonels in Buckner.

The teams have played nearly every year since at least the mid-1970s, with neither team establishing clear dominance.    Over the last 20 games, Oldham holds a slight 11-9 advantage over the Rockets, but Shelby won last year's game big over a young and inexperienced Oldham squad, 28-8.....Oldham County had won the previous two matchups, 56-13 (2021) and 31-28 (2019).

The two teams played one of the all-time Kentucky football classics in Shelbyville in 1984, when #2 ranked Oldham County (10-0) faced off with #1-ranked Shelby County (10-0) for the district championship.    Ironically, due to a 3-team district, the loser of the game would miss the playoffs.....   Shelby, running a triple-option attack with Lee Tinsley at QB and coached by Tom Becherer, came into the game averaging over 30 points per game... Oldham County, coached by Terry Bean and running a stingy 6-2 defense that shut out 6 teams that year, was allowing less than 4 points per game.    In a game where there were so many storylines - district championship.....rivalry game....two undefeated teams.....#1 vs. #2..."unstoppable force vs. the immovable object"....they had to bring in extra bleachers for each end zone (creating a "bowl" look) to accommodate the over 10,000 fans that attended.   Oldham County won that game, 10-7, in an all-time classic....

There have been many more great Oldham v Shelby games since, and this one could be very interesting as two teams try to prove that they've come back from disappointing 2022 campaigns.

Oldham went on the road and pulled away late to win 35-14 over Lexington Lafayette, thanks in large part to four interceptions, including two by up-and-coming Miller Brown, the son of former Oldham County head coach Matt Brown (who currently is an assistant coach).   The Colonels defense held Lafayette to minus 13 yards rushing and 119 yards of total offense on the night.   Meanwhile, OC rushed for 353 yards in the game, led by Caden Sheppard's 162 yards and 2 TDs and Derek Dees' 112 yards and 1 TD.   Kayden Osbourn added 79 yards and two more rushing scores for OC.   Through the air, Dees was an efficient 11 of 15 passing for 81 yards.   Defensively, besides the picks, Brendan Hasken starred with three sacks.

The win was nice opening day present to first-year Oldham County head man Sean Little, who took over the reins this year after serving as an assistant at Ballard.   

Shelby County is coming off another rivalry game, beating cross-town rival Collins, 33-24, on Friday.    I'll have more info on the Rockets as the game grows closer.

CM

North Oldham opens the Brock Roberts era with a solid win over Fern Creek on a "neutral" field at South Oldham HS.

The Mustangs unveiled the uptempo, pass first offense of Roberts, though the Mustangs surprisingly ran the ball on 58% of their offensive snaps.   Despite the 58-42 run-pass split, North was far more successful in the passing game, as third-year starter Jace Bullock exploded after half time with a 10 for 13 second half performance.    For the game, Bullock was a respectable 17 for 26 for 163 passing yards, 2 TDs, and no picks.

North opened the game with an impressive drive after taking the opening kickoff, mixing the running game and passing game well, and wrapping it all up with a 10 yard pass from Bullock to Mack Pyle for the score with 9:10 to play in the first.    The snap was bad on the conversion, but North had a statement score on the board, leading 6-0.

Amazingly, it was still 6-0 at the half.    Amazing because FC missed a FG that was plenty long enough, but just wide right....amazing, because the Mustangs picked FC quarterback Kaleb Passmore (what a GREAT name for a quarterback!) deep in FC territory but came up with no points.....amazing because the Tigers had a promising drive inside the North ten come up short when Charles Bradley came up with a fumble by Passmore at the five....amazing because, well, both teams had multiple chances and couldn't come up with more points.     Both defenses went into the locker room having come up with a host of big plays in tough situations.

Kudos to the Tigers for a great job of stuffing the run....North (unofficially) finished with just 71 yards on the ground on 35 carries....leading rusher Noah Leber finished with just 41 yards on 21 carries, with a 4 yard TD run.

Fern Creek, known for almost exclusively running the ball last year, made a concerted effort to create a passing game.   Passmore, a second year starter who almost never had double-digit pass attempts last season, threw the ball 22 times.   It wasn't as if the Tigers went to the air after they fell behind, either; Creek was passing from the get-go.    Passmore, however, was erratic all night, and was often under pressure - though North had only one official sack (Wyatt Drury).  Passmore finished 6 of 22 for 73 yards with 2 INT    (Dawson Nagle and Mack Pyle for NO)

Interestingly, it almost seemed as if FC was de-emphasizing their star running back, Mykel Malone, who had 1,059 yards rushing and 14 TDs last year.    If you believe in omens, you may have predicted a Creek victory - at the half, Malone, despite limited carries, had 81 yards on only 8 carries.....last year, FC was undefeated when Malone reached the century mark in yards rushing, and he certainly appeared headed that way.    But - curiously - Malone only got four carries in the second half, North stuffed those, and Malone finished with "just" 85 yards.    

North kicked off to start the second half, and they came up with perhaps the play of the night on special teams, pooching a kick to the right and over the heads of the FC front line, where it was recovered by the Mustangs.    With a short field, Bullock quickly moved his team into the end zone, with Leber darting, untouched, around the right end from four yards out.   Bullock threw to Mack Pyle for the two point conversion to make it 14-0 with 9:02 left in the third.

Later in the quarter, North rolled the dice and went for it on fourth down deep in their own territory, and Fern Creek held.    Malone finallly got the Tigers on the board with 2:45 to play in the third after an 11 yard run around left end.   14-7 North.

North made it a two score again with Bullock's second TD toss of the night - and Mack Pyle's second TD reception - when Bullock hit Pyle from 8 yards out with 9:50 to play to account for the final 21-7 score.

Pyle finished with 8 catches for 79 yards for North, with two TD grabs.    The "style" award has to go to Gray Schmittel, though, who had a one-hand grab of a pass over the middle from Bullock.  Schmittel, doing his best OBJ imitation, almost had TWO other one-handers; he finished with 6 catches for 59 yards.

Neither offense set the world on fire, but North was more prolific when they needed to be; North finished (unofficially) with 234 yards of offense, the Tigers with 158 yards.

Turnovers were key; North lost a fumble, but Fern Creek finished with a very "first-game-of-the-season-like" game with two lost fumbles and two interceptions.

Sammarco was a factor all night, but the Raptors really spread the ball around, connecting with 7 receivers.   Trace Jallick was really the "money man" all night, and he had two scores along with 5 total catches.   I thought Sammarco and one of the backs - Berg - kind of got forgotten a little in the passing game, and I think those two will be explosive contributors all year for Anderson.     They just have a lot of guys who can catch the ball and run after the catch - would hate to be HS defensive coordinator trying to take away all of those weapons.     Take away a Sammarco, and Jallick steps up....