thsrocks

Round 2 predictions: McCracken County 21 vs. Daviess County 14 Central Hardin 28 vs. Henderson County 14 Trinity 49 vs. Campbell County 0 Simon Kenton 35 at Ballard 21 St. Xavier 35 vs. Pleasure Ridge Park 14 Ryle 28 at Male 24 Scott County 49 vs. Henry Clay 14 Frederick Douglass 35 at Tates Creek 21 Regional Final predictions (Round 3) Region 1 McCracken County 28 vs. Central Hardin 21 Region 2 Trinity 49 vs. Simon Kenton 0 Region 3 St. Xavier 42 vs. Ryle 21 Region 4 Scott County 49 vs. Frederick Douglass 28 Semi-State 1: Scott County 42 at St. Xavier 35 Semi-State 2: Trinity 42 at McCracken County 0 State Championship Trinity 49 vs. Scott County 14

The TOP GUY at Trinity explained to me in person last week there is no "official" 4 hour limit by bus. The administration is concerned about students missing class time. The KHSAA apparently frowns on this practice. An overnight trip for football is not to be expected. There is a good possibility some of the Cincinnati schools (Colerain, Elder, St. Xavier) and a Northern Kentucky team (CovCath, Simon Kenton) or two will decide to play home and home in 2019-2020.

Carmel is still alive in Indiana. Warren Central is still alive in Indiana. Moeller lost their starting QB against Cincy St. X (after they played Scott County) Champagnat lost one game since losing to Trinity.

Class 6A First Region District 1 vs. District 2: McCracken County (6-4) won the first district with a perfect 4-0 slate. The Eagles earned the right to host District 1 #5 seed Muhlenberg County (3-7). Muhlenberg County’s Mustangs (0-4 in district) averaged 19.8 points per contest while allowing 36.6 points per game. McCracken County’s Mustangs fared much better this season, averaging 32.6 points for versus 28.1 points against. The worst news for Muhlenberg County was allowing 49 points while being shutout by this McCracken County squad on October 20. The Greenville group picked up 43 yards rushing and 44 yards passing versus the Paducah team. McCracken County picked up 280 yards on the ground while passing for 192 yards. McCracken County’s TaeShawn Allen was their rushing leader with 1120 yards. Quarterback Elijah Wheat passed for 1457 yards and picked up 96 yards on the ground. Four receivers recorded more than 270 yards in receptions for these Mustangs. Skyler Mayes, Landon Scheer, Lawson Parrish, and Franklin Hayes were the leading pass catchers for McCracken County. Muhlenberg’s Joseph Grubbs passed for 586 yards and ran for another 419 yards this season.. His favorite receiving target was Karsen Steele. Steele recorded 23 catches for 478 yards. Bronzyn Healy (668 yards) was the leading rusher for Muhlenberg County. I believe this game will mark the end of the season for Muhlenberg County’s 12 seniors. Daviess County (5-5) plays at North Hardin (3-7). The Trojans went 1-1 in District 2 to earn the runner-up spot. The Panthers went 2-2 in District 1 play and are a number 3 seed. These teams shared a common foe, 4A John Hardin, in 2017. Daviess County lost to the Bulldogs 28-26 while North Hardin beat the same team 28-14. North Hardin averaged 16.2 points per game while allowing 30.2. Daviess County tallied 38.7 points per contest and gave up an average of 29.7. The young men from Owensboro rushed for 770 yards and passed for 3347 yards. Defensively, the Panthers gave up 1965 rushing yards and allowed 1501 passing yards. The Radcliff based team ran for 605 yards and passed for 1591 yards. The Trojans gave up 1622 yards on the ground and 1389 yards through the air. These stats do not include the Doss game. North Hardin’s Eric Moore is the only player to attempt a pass prior to the Doss loss. He threw for 1589 yards. Jeremiah Bankhead was the leading receiver. Lavell Wright and Tavian Starks shared the running duties for the Trojans. Daviess County leading receivers were Marquel Tinsley (1294 yards) and Blake Baker (822 yards). Quarterback Joseph Cambron passed for 3279 yards. Landon Newman was the leading ground gainer with 549 yards. Despite the John Hardin outcomes, Daviess County will be favored to end the high school careers of 19 North Hardin seniors. Henderson County (4-6) hosts Meade County (5-5). The Colonels (3-1) are the number 2 seed from District 1. The Green Wave (0-2) represents District 2 as the number three seed. The Colonels scored an average 24.8 points per contest while allowing 25.5 points per game. Team stats through nine games included 1869 rushing yards and 867 passing yards. The opposition recorded 1152 yards on the ground and 1424 yards through the air. Individual statistics for Henderson County are through nine games: Skip Patterson (642 yards), Dajuan Simpson (459 yards), and Shane Welshans (386 yards) were the leading ground gainers. Patterson, the quarterback, passed for 645 yards. Isaac Anglin (255 yards), Max Hargis (171 yards), and Ian Pitt (162 yards) represent the leading receivers. 16 seniors appear on the Colonels’ roster. Meade County averaged 31.7 points per game and gave up 22.3 points per game. Team stats through nine games show 2309 rushing yards and 626 passing yards. The defense allowed 1257 rushing yards and 933 yards through the air. Individual statistics for Meade County are through 9 games as well. Zach Bibb rushed for 1174 yards, Zane Powers passed for 542 yards, and C J Hylander recorded 274 receiving yards for the Green Wave. 21 seniors are listed on the Meade County roster. I expect Henderson County to survive this first round game. Central Hardin (7-3) hosts Ohio County (7-3). The Bruins (2-0) are the District 2 #1 seed and the Eagles (1-3) are the #4 seed from District 1. Central Hardin scored an average of 26.6 points per game while giving up 15.6 points per contest. Their statistical leaders included Jacob Hobbs passing for 520 yards and rushing for 602 yards. Josh Volentine gained 552 yards on the ground and Gavin George was the leading receiver with 144 yards. As a unit, Central Hardin rushed for 2211 yards and passed for 585 yards. The defense allowed 1269 yards on the ground and 1130 passing yards. 18 seniors led the Bruins in 2017. Ohio County scored 34.8 points per game and allowed 25.6 points. The Eagles defense allowed 734 yards on the ground and only 265 yards through the air. Ohio County gained 1716 yards running the ball and 2283 yards passing the ball. The Eagles individual leaders included Nick Morris (825 yards) at receiver, Heath Simmons (2234 passing yards) at quarterback, with Daryius McHenry (824 yards) and Caden Brown (806 yards) the leading rushers. Based on strength of schedule, I expect Central Hardin to put this one away early and march into the second round. Round 2 predictions: McCracken County versus Daviess County Central Hardin vs. Henderson County Regional Final: McCracken County vs. Central Hardin with McCracken County moving on to a semi-state match hosting Trinity. 6A Playoffs: Region 2 District 4 vs. District 6 Simon Kenton (9-1) vs. Jeffersontown (3-7). The Pioneers are the number 1 seed from District 6 and the Chargers are the Number four seed from District 4. Simon Kenton averaged 45.7 points per game while allowing 21.4 per contest. The Pioneers rushed for 2128 yards and passed for 2186 in 2017. The Simon Kenton defense allowed 1753 yards on the ground and 1077 yards through the air. The offensive stat leaders included RB Austin Hammack (760 yards) and QB Matt Shearer (511 yards). Shearer passed for 2101 yards. The top receivers included Fisher Hayden (697 yards) and Sam Murray (586 yards). Seventeen seniors are listed on Simon Kenton’s roster. Jeffersontown averaged 9.1 points per contest and allowed 29.9 points per game. The defense allowed 1304 yards on the ground and 1204 yards via the pass. The offense rushed for 1153 yards and passed for 494 yards in 2017. Andrae Johnson (561 yards) and Kristian Mayes (463) contributed the majority of rushing yards. Michael Frank passed for 345 yards. Frank’s main target was receiver Jimel Robison (159 yards). Thirteen seniors are listed on the Jeffersontown roster. Simon Kenton is the overwhelming favorite in this contest. I expect a running clock before this game is concluded. Ballard (5-5) vs. Boone County (1-9). The Bruins (3-1) were the District 4 runner-up and Boone County (0-2) was the third place team in District 6. Ballard scored an average of 23.2 points per game and allowed 22.4 points per contest. The Rebels scored 7.3 points per game and gave up an average of 40.4 points. Ballard rushed for 759 yards and passed for 1967 yards. The Bruins allowed 917 yards on the ground and 1012 passing yards. Boone County gained 690 yards on the ground and passed for 470 yards. The defense yielded 1510 rushing yards and 877 passing yards in 2017. The stat leaders for Ballard included QB Terrance May who passed for 2018 yards. His top three receivers included Elijah Downing (605 yards), Marshon Ford (537 yards), and Christian Horton (443 yards). Jerald Smith led the Bruins in rushing yards with 284. A total of 13 seniors are listed for Ballard. The leaders for Boone County included QB Zach Grau who passed for 391 yards. Grau’s favorite receivers included R J Summers (150 yards) and Jante Wingo (112 yards). John Mark Shutt was the leading ground gainer with 210 yards. The seniors numbered 16 for the Rebels. I look for Ballard to bounce back from last week’s shutout loss to Central Hardin and move on to the second round. Campbell County (6-4) vs. Eastern (5-5). The Camels (1-1) are the number 2 seed for District 6. The Eagles (2-2) are the number 3 seed from District 4. Campbell County scored 35.2 points per contest while they allowed 26.7 points per game. The Eagles tallied 20.6 points per contest and allowed 18.0 points per game. Campbell County gained 2154 yards on the ground and 2023 yards through the air. The Camels allowed 1662 rushing yards and 1277 passing yards. Eastern ran for 953 yards and passed for 1122 yards. The Eagles defense allowed 862 rushing yards and 1277 passing yards. The Campbell County stat leaders included Jack Comer at wide receiver. Comer recorded 731 receiving yards. Austin Hoeh passed for 1972 yards and running back Alex Dowds gained 1585 rushing yards. The Eastern stat leaders included Christian Kessler at quarterback who passed for 895 yards. Riley Hall was the lead rusher with 376 yards gained. Bryce Williams (313 yards) and Nicholas Marshall (281 yards) were the featured receivers. The Eagles boasted 29 seniors. 19 seniors are included on the Campbell County roster. I expect the home team to advance to the second round. Dowds is the type of back that can control a game with the help of his offensive line. Trinity (10-0) vs. Seneca (0-10). The Redhawks (0-4) are the number 5 seed from District 4 and earned the rematch with the District 4 #1 seed Shamrocks (4-0). The Redhawks scored the fewest points in 6A with 28 for the season. Seneca allowed 36.9 points per game in 2017. Eighteen seniors appeared on the Seneca roster. Seneca opted not to post any statistics with the Kentucky High School Athletic Association. The Redhawks were shutout victims in 7 of their ten regular season games. This included a 42-0 loss to Trinity on October 13. Trinity looks to raise their all-time record versus Seneca to 17-2. The Shamrocks averaged 36.5 points per contest and allowed an average of 8.7 points per game during the regular season. Trinity allowed 6 points in 6 games versus Kentucky schools. The offense is led by quarterback Nick Bohn. Bohn passed for 2601 yards. The top receivers for Trinity included Rondale Moore (1003 yards) in 8 games, Ryan Miller (443 yards), and Nick Strothman (427 yards). Moore picked up 193 more yards running the ball. Luke McGuire (378 yards) and Geremiah Smith (247 yards) were the stalwarts at running back. The Trinity offensive team stats included 970 yards rushing and 3016 yards passing. The defense allowed 463 rushing yards and 1360 passing yards. Trinity has 19 seniors on their posted roster. This game should see the mercy rule invoked early in the third quarter as the Shamrocks take the next step towards their 25th state football title. Round 2 predictions: Trinity vs. Campbell County Ballard vs. Simon Kenton Region 2 Championship: Trinity vs. Simon Kenton with Trinity travelling to McCracken County for the semi-state. 6A Playoffs: Region 3 District 3 vs. District 5 St. Xavier (8-2) vs. Manual (3-7). The Tigers are the number one seed from District 3. The Crimsons are the fifth place team from District 3 and earned the rematch with St. Xavier. The Tigers averaged 33.2 points per game in the regular season and allowed an average of 16.7. St. Xavier’s defense allowed just over 1100 yards rushing and nearly 1400 yards passing in 2017. The offense gained 2100 yards on the ground and 1400 yards through the air. Quarterback Jack Albers passed for more than 1200 yards and rushed for more than 400 yards. Albers favorite targets included William Crum (500+ yards) and Benjamin Mueller (250+ yards). Anthony Moretti rushed for 600 yards after replacing the injured Brett Metzmeier. St. Xavier has a roster posted with 55 seniors. Manual averaged 16.1 points scored and allowed 17.8 points per contest. Manual gave up 1399 rushing yards and 1313 passing yards in the regular season. The Crimsons gained more than 1000 yards on the ground and almost an equal amount was picked up through the air. The Manual quarterback is Zach Rectenwald who threw for 742 yards. Marcis Floyd tppoed the receivers with 488 yards and Aidan Robbins rushed for more than 600 yards. Seventeen members of the Class of 2018 are included on the Crimsons roster. These long-time foes played October 6. St. Xavier won that battle 56-34. The Tigers defensive effort has improved and the margin of victory should be slightly greater in this contest. Pleasure Ridge Park (6-4) at Cooper (2-8). The Panthers (2-2) are the number three seed for District 3 and the Jaguars (1-1) earned the number 2 seed in District 5. The Panthers averaged 24.4 points and allowed 20.3 points per game in the regular season. Cooper scored an average 16.0 points and allowed 35.6 points per game. Anthony Witchey led the Cooper rushing attack with 617 yards. Jeremiah Lee was the quarterback who gained 407 yards on the ground and 553 yards through the air. Mikey Armour and Justin Schlarman were the two receivers targeted the most with more than 200 yards each. As a team, the Jaguars allowed more than 2100 yards rushing and nearly 1300 yards via the pass. Offensively, Cooper picked up nearly 1300 yards on the ground and over 900 yards in the air. Thirteen seniors are included on the Cooper roster. The Panthers were led by quarterback Bryant Robinson. Dewayne Hall was the leading running back. Michael Hopper and Shannon Bishop were the top pass catchers for Pleasure Ridge Park. 28 seniors are included on the Panthers roster. Look for the Panthers to bring home a road victory in a tightly contested game. Male (8-2) vs. Conner (4-6). The Bulldogs (3-1) are the number 2 seed from District 3. Conner (0-2) is the number three team from District 5. Male scored an average of 30.4 points per contest and gave up 13.7 points during the regular season. The Bulldogs gained 1810 yards on the ground and 1637 yards through the air. Defensively, Male allowed 1208 rushing yards and 1064 passing yards. Individual stats reflected quarterback Cam Chesher passed for 1317 yards. Henry Vestal gained 935 yards on the ground and Ethan Bibb picked up 759 yards receiving for the Bulldogs. Male has 16 seniors listed on their roster. Conner scored an average of 24.9 points and allowed 29.3 points in 2017. The Cougars ran the ball for 1163 yards and allowed 2431 rushing this regular season. Conner passed for 1530 yards and yielded 981 yards in the air. Trevor Courts and Christian Webster were the leading ground gainers. Cooper Gullion quarterbacked the Cougars and passed for 1386 yards. Gullion’s favorite receivers were Jaylen Watkins (594 yards) and Matt Simpson (415 yards). 18 seniors are included in the Cougars roster. Male is expected to advance to round 2 based on their successes during the regular season. Ryle (8-2) vs. Butler (6-4). The Raiders (2-0) are the number one seed in District 5 and the Bears (1-3) finished #4 in the always tough District 3. Ryle scored an average of 38 points per game and allowed 24.6 points per contest. Team stats included 3274 yards rushing and 1046 yards passing. The Raiders defense allowed 1113 yards on the ground and 1681 yards through the air. Jake Chisolm rushed for 2159 yards. QB Easton Pilyer passed for 807 yards and ran for another 344 yards. Stefan Clarkson was Pilyer’s most targeted receiver with 279 receiving yards. Chisolm pitched in with 219 receiving yards . Much of the Raiders success may be tied to the 25 members of the Class of 2018 on this squad. Butler put up 25.5 points per game on average and permitted 18.7 points per contest. Statistically, the Bears allowed 1365 rushing yards and recorded 1346 rushing yards. Butler passed for 1529 yards and allowed 1026 yards through the air. Chaz Burks quarterbacked the Bears and threw for 1526 yards. Burks’ favorite receivers included Demontae Crumes (638 yards), Frank Bentley (346 yards), and Frank Caldwell (306 yards). Eric Jackson (647 yards) and Jalan Ward (485 yards) gained the majority of rushing yardage. In what many feel is the best first round match-up in 6A, look for the Raiders to play ball control by running Chisolm repeatedly behind his big and talented offensive line. Round 2 predictions: St. Xavier vs. Pleasure Ridge Park Male vs. Ryle Region 3 Championship: Ryle at St. Xavier with St. Xavier moving on to the semi-state versus Scott County. Class 6A: Fourth Region District 7 versus District 8 Tates Creek (8-2) vs. Bryan Station (1-9). The Commodores won district 8 with a 3-0 record. Bryan Station earned the number 4 seed representing District 7. Tates Creek averaged 28 points per game while allowing 12.8. Their offensive leaders included Laron Warner and Teonte White who combined for more than 1,000 rushing yards. Myles Thomas and Darryl Bell were among the leading receivers and Cameron Workman passed for more than 1,000 yards as the quarterback. As a team, Tates Creek gained more than 2,500 yards in offense, with more than half coming through the air. 19 Commodores are listed as seniors. The Defenders scored an average 11.2 points per game and gave up 33.4 per contest. Bryan Station recorded more than 1200 rushing yards and more than 1200 yards through the air. Their defense gave up more than 1000 yards passing and more than 2500 yards rushing. Their leaders included Jalen Burbage at quarterback. Burbage passed for more than 1100 yards and rushed for more than 650 yards. He was the Defenders leader in running the ball. Three Bryan Station players shared the load as receivers: Kendrick Curry, Shemar Ritch, and Terrance Clayton-Murphy each recorded more than 200 yards. There are 15 Defenders in this team’s senior class. Tates Creek won the previous game played between these two on September 15 by the score of 38-8. Look for a similar result this time around. Frederick Douglass (8-2) vs. Lafayette (3-7). The Broncos (3-1) earned the number 2 seed in District 7 in their first year of competition. The Generals are the 6A defending state runner-up. Lafayette qualified as the number three seed from District 8. Frederick Douglass tallied an average of 29.3 points per contest while they allowed 15.8 points per game. The Broncos offensive leaders included Montaveon Bean at quarterback who passed for more than 1200 yards and rushed for another 500 yards. Jefferson Harkless was the Broncos leader at running back and rushed for more than 700 yards. Bean’s favorite receivers included Haiden Hunt, Micah Lowe, Dekel Crowdus, and Brion Thomas. As a team, the Broncos rushed for more than 1500 yards and passed for more than 1300 yards. They allowed 1200 passing yards and greater than 1000 yards on the ground. Lafayette scored an average of 17.5 points per game and allowed 21.7 points per game. Their leaders Dekwan Edwards with more than 300 yards passing; Cameron Morgan with more than 800 yards rushing; and Matthew Guilfoil with approximately 300 yards receiving for 2017. Team stats show the Generals giving up more than 1300 yards on the ground and more than 800 yards through the air. On offense, the Generals have more than 1000 passing yards and more than 1400 rushing yards. Frederick Douglass defeated the Generals 29-14 on September 8. I expect the Broncos to win by a wider margin in this playoff game. Henry Clay (5-5) at Madison Central (6-4). Henry Clay is the third place team from District 7 and the Indians are the #2 seed from District 8. The Blue Devils enter the playoffs having scored nearly 28 points per game and they allowed almost 25 points per contest. Madison Central scored just over 27 points each time out and gave up just under 15 points per game. The Blue Devils offense was lead by QB Darrin Van Horn. Van Horn passed for more than 800 yards. Tyree Clarke was the team’s leader at running back. Clarke gained almost 900 yards on the ground. Michael McMullen is the leader at receiver with nearly 230 yards on 13 receptions. Fourteen members of the Class of 2018 appeared on the Henry Clay roster. The Indians have 18 seniors listed. Their offensive leaders included Derrick Miller at quarterback. Miller threw for more than 800 yards. Gavin Hulberg rushed for more than 800 yards. Ethan Hahn had 20 receptions for 550 yards and ran for another 590 yards. I look for Henry Clay to take this one and move on to round 2. Scott County (8-2) vs. George Rogers Clark (5-5). Scott County are the #1 seed from District 7 and George Rogers Clark is the #4 seed from District 8. The team from Georgetown scored more than 45 points per game while they allowed less than 22 points per contest. Seventeen Scott County players are listed as seniors. As a team, Scott County gained more than 3000 yards rushing and nearly 1200 yards passing in 2017. The defense permitted nearly 1600 yards on the ground and nearly 1500 yards through the air. Quarterback Josh Davis has thrown for nearly all of the yardage shown and Brice Fryman rushed for more than 1100 yards. Glenn Covington is responsible for the most reception yards with nearly 600 for Scott County. George Rogers Clark tallied 29 points per contest and allowed just over 22 points per contest. The young men from the Winchester area gave up just over 800 rushing yards and a little more than 700 yards though the air. These Cardinals gained more than 1700 yards on the ground and more than 850 yards passing this season. Jadan Farris was the GRC receiving leader with 425 yards. Pierce Nesbitt has thrown for nearly 800 yards and Nitavius Thomas picked up almost 1200 yards on the ground. Scott County is the heavy favorite in this contest. Round 2 predictions: Scott County vs. Henry Clay Frederick Douglass at Tates Creek Regional Championship: Scott County vs. Frederick Douglass with Scott County moving on to face St. Xavier in Louisville in the semi-state. Semi-State 1: Scott County at St. Xavier Semi-State 2: Trinity at McCracken County State Championship: Trinity vs. Scott County at Kroger Field with Trinity winning State Football Championship #25.

The BluegrassPreps voters were on not on top of their game this past week. In 6A Poll threads last week, the voters were a season’s worst 3 out of 6. The season total for winners picked in 6A threads with polls is 62 of 70 for 88.5% accuracy. #3 St. Xavier (8-2) lost to St. Xavier (OH) (9-1) 16-14 #5 Ryle (8-2) beat 5A Dixie Heights (3-7) 43-8 #6 Pleasure Ridge Park (6-4) lost at 3A #5 Central (8-2) 24-13 #9 Frederick Douglass (8-2) beat Conner (4-6) 28-3 #10 Manual (3-7) lost to Eastern (5-5) 16-8 #12 Ballard (6-4) lost to #14 Central Hardin (6-4) 21-0 Others to watch in 6A: #11 Tates Creek (8-2) beat 4A Franklin County (5-5) 14-9 #13 Campbell County (6-4) lost to 5A #1 Covington Catholic (10-0) 49-13 #15 Henry Clay (5-5) beat Cooper (2-8) 35-7 There are threads with polls for all 16 6A first round playoff games. Here is the list of district winners and runners-up in Class 6A: 1. McCracken County (4-0); Henderson County (3-1) 2. Central Hardin (2-0); North Hardin (1-1) 3. St. Xavier (4-0); Male (3-1) 4. Trinity (4-0); Ballard (3-1) 5. Ryle (2-0); Cooper (1-1) 6. Simon Kenton (2-0); Campbell County (1-1) 7. Scott County (4-0); Frederick Douglass (3-1) 8. Tates Creek (3-0); Madison Central (2-1) A revisit of the pre-season Top Ten: 1. Trinity #1 throughout season 2. St. Xavier now #3 3. Male now #4 4. Scott County now #2 5. Lafayette unranked 6. Simon Kenton now #7 7. Pleasure Ridge Park now #6 8. Manual now #10 9. Ryle now #5 10. Ballard now #12 11. Tates Creek now #11 12. McCracken County unranked (district champs) 13. Conner unranked 14. Butler now #8 15. Central Hardin now #14 The preseason rankings over-estimated three 6A teams. Lafayette, Conner, and McCracken County. The three surprises include Frederick Douglass, Campbell County, and Henry Clay. Last week’s results: 1. Trinity (10-0) -- OPEN 2. Scott County (8-2) -- OPEN 3. St. Xavier (8-2) lost to St. Xavier (OH) (9-1) 16-14 4. Male (8-2) -- OPEN 5. Ryle (8-2) beat at 5A Dixie Heights (3-7) 43-8 6. Pleasure Ridge Park (6-4) lost at 3A #5 Central (8-2) 7. Simon Kenton (9-1) -- OPEN 8. Butler (6-4) -- OPEN 9. Frederick Douglass (8-2) beat Conner (4-6) 28-3 10. Manual (3-7) lost at Eastern (5-5) 16-8 11. Tates Creek (8-2) beat at 4A Franklin County (5-5) 14-9 12. Ballard (5-5) lost to#14 Central Hardin (5-5) 21-0 13. Campbell County (6-4) lost to 5A #1 Covington Catholic (10-0) 49-13 14. Central Hardin (7-3) beat at #11 Ballard (5-5) 21-0 15. Henry Clay (5-5) beat Cooper (2-8) 35-7 The FINAL BluegrassPreps 6A Rankings for 2017: 1. Trinity 2. Scott County 3. St. Xavier 4. Male 5. Ryle 6. Simon Kenton 7. Frederick Douglass 8. Pleasure Ridge Park 9. Butler 10. Tates Creek 11. Central Hardin 12. Campbell County 13. Henry Clay 14. Ballard 15. Manual First Round Playoff Games: #1 Trinity (10-0) vs. Seneca (0-10) #2 Scott County (8-2) vs. George Rogers Clark (5-5) #3 St. Xavier (8-2) vs. #15 Manual (3-7) #4 Male (8-2) vs. Conner (4-6) #5 Ryle (8-2) vs. #9 Butler (6-4) #6 Simon Kenton (9-1) vs. Jeffersontown (3-7) #7 Frederick Douglass (8-2) vs. Lafayette (3-7) #8 Pleasure Ridge Park (6-4) at Cooper (2-8) #9 Butler (6-4) at #5 Ryle (8-2) #10 Tates Creek (8-2) vs. Bryan Station (1-9) #11 Central Hardin (7-3) vs. Ohio County (7-3) #12 Campbell County (6-4) vs. Eastern (5-5) #13 Henry Clay (5-5) at Madison Central (6-4) #14 Ballard (5-5) vs. Boone County (1-9) #15 Manual (3-7) at #3 St. Xavier (8-2) other games: Meade County (5-5) at Henderson County (4-6) Daviess County (4-5) at North Hardin (3-7) Muhlenberg County (3-7) at McCracken County (6-4) The only team eliminated from 6A playoffs was Paul Laurence Dunbar (0-10)

I have noticed Male High usually goes for two in this situation. I prefer to see game extended so second/third team can play more. I can see it either way.

Coach Bob Beatty's Trinity (10-0) squad enters this playoff contest as overwelming favorites. The Rocks are well rested as they were off this past Friday. Coach Preston Smith's Seneca (0-10) team lost to the Shamrocks on October 13 42-0. The Redhawks dropped a 16-0 decision at 5A Iroquois (4-6) this past Friday. The Redhawks have scored 28 points in 10 games and were shutout victims in 6 of their past 7 contests. Trinity looks to raise their all-time series record to 17-2 versus Seneca.

Coach James Brannon's Daviess County (4-5) squad is playing 5A #9 Apollo this evening to complete their regular season. The Panthers are 2-2 in 6A games this season. Coach Brent Thompson's North Hardin (3-7) team has dropped four of their past five games including a 14-9 loss versus 5A #8 Doss. The Trojans have faced three 6A squads, going 1-2. Look for the Owensboro squad to come into Radcliff and take home a hard fought and close game.

Henry Clay (5-5) has won three of their past four games. They defeated Cooper 35-7 this past Friday. Coach Sam Simpson's Blue Devils went 4-4 versus 6A competition. Madison Central (6-4) comes into this playoff game on a three game winning streak. The Indians defeated Bryan Station (1-9) 12-8 this past Friday. Madison Central went 3-2 versus 6A competition and the current win streak reflects the three 6A victories. Coach Mark Scenters' Indians are slight favorites due to the game being held in Richmond. Otherwise, I see this game as a toss-up.

Central Hardin (7-3) won a 21-0 decision over then #12 Ballard (5-5). Coach Tim Mattingly's Bruins are on a three game winning streak. DaMarcus Ganaway, Sr.'s Eagles come in having dropped three of their past 5 games. Ohio County (7-3) did defeat 2A Butler County 39-0 to complete the regular season. The Eagles are 1-3 versus 6A competition. Central Hardin current win streak came at the expense of only 6A teams. Look for Central Hardin to win this one by three scores.

Campbell County (6-4) was defeated by 5A #1 Covington Catholic (10-0) 49-13 this past Friday. Coach Lickert's Camels have won three of their past five games and are 3-2 versus 6A schools. Eastern (5-5) took a somewhat surprising 16-8 decision over #10 Manual (3-7). Coach Blandford's Eagles are on a two game winning streak and are 3-4 versus 6A competiton. This is Eastern's first trip outside Jefferson County and that could pose an issue. This game is a toss-up and the home team may hold a slight edge due to this playoff game being held in Alexandria.

Ballard (5-5) hosts Boone County (1-9) in playoff action. The Bruins were shutout by previously ranked #14 Central Hardin (7-3) 21-0 this past Friday. Boone County dropped a 36-12 game to 5A #11 Highlands (5-5). The Bruins are on a two game losing streak and suffered shutouts in each of these contests. The Rebels are on a seven game losing streak and the 12 points scored versus Highlands were their highest total since a 27-6 win over Holmes (3-7) on September 8. I have to believe Coach Adrian Morton's staff at Ballard can find the answers needed to put some points on the board versus Coach Marty Steele's Boone County squad. I was surprisewd by the Bruins lack of offense versus Central Hardin and if they don't come to play this week, the Rebels are capable of pulling the upset.

In this Lexington tussle, Tates Creek (8-2) is the clear favorite over Bryan Station (1-9). The Commodores are on a four game winning streak after defeating 4A Franklin County (5-5). Coach Antoine Sims' squad's two losses have come versus #15 Henry Clay (5-5) and 2A #1 Danville (10-0). The Frank Sparks, Jr led Defenders have managed one victory this season. This was a 20-18 victory over the only 6A playoff non-qualifier Paul Laurence Dunbar (0-10). Tates Creek owns a 38-8 win over the Defenders and I expect a similar outcome this time around.

Muhlenberg County (3-7) travels to Paducah to face McCracken County (6-4). This is a Mustangs vs. Mustangs matchup. McCracken County is on a five game winning streak after dispatching the same Muhlenberg County 49-0 on Friday, October 20. McCracken County is averaging 47 points per game during this 5 game stretch. Muhlenberg County defeated 5A Grayson County (1-9) 26-7 to snap a four game losing streak. I believe all evidence points to a McCracken County victory in the rematch.

The Green Wave (5-5) travel to Henderson County (4-6) in this first round game. Meade County snapped a four game losing streak by defeating 4A Warren Central (0-10) 44-6 on Friday. The Colonels finished their regular season on a low note by dropping a 39-20 decision at 5A Owensboro (4-6). Henderson County played four 6A teams this year, going 3-1. Meade County played only three 6A squads, going 0-3! There were no common opponents. I am going with the District 1 second place team due to their home field advantage.

The Raiders will need all weapons versus Male. If Chisolm is out, it will be one win and out. With Chisolm, a third round exit is likely.

Jeffersontown does have the only score by a Kentucky school against #1 Trinity. The touchdown was on the Rocks' third string. The 14-12 loss last night to Oldham County should provide all the insight needed by the Pioneer Nation.

In 6A, Paul Laurence Dunbar (0-10) has the distinction of being the only school not in the playoffs. This is due to the addition of Frederick Douglass and the Broncos successful inaugural season. The Bulldogs season-long ten game losing streak is also to blame!

Frederick Douglass (8-2) hosts their first ever playoff game versus defending State Runner-Up Lafayette (3-7). The Generals dropped a 29-14 decision to the Broncos on September 8. Lafayette lost their past two games; scoring a total of 7 points. Frederick Douglass is on a three game winning streak. Look for the Broncos to win this rematch by three scores.

Cooper (2-8) earned the right to host a first round playoff game with their 21-20 victory over Conner and the runner-up finish in District 5. Pleasure Ridge Park (6-4) comes into this game with a two game losing streak and losers in 4 of their previous 6 contests. The longest trip away from home for the Panthers was a win at Eastern (5-5) earlier this season. The trip to Union may take Pleasure Ridge Park out of their comfort zone. The Jaguars will keep this close before dropping a 28-14 decision.

The Pioneers are heavy favorites in this first round game. Jeffersontown lost to Oldham County 14-12 on Friday and have lost 6 of their past 7 games. #7 Simon Kenton (9-1) was off Friday and their most recent contest was a 56-38 loss to #5 Ryle on October 20. The Chargers offense is not as explosive as Campbell County (6-4) or Bryan Station (1-9). This should be another "mercy rule" contest.

This is one of the better first round contests. The Raiders feature a stout running attack with Jake Chisolm leading the way. Butler (6-4) comes in off an open week. The Bears most recent game was a 37-0 drubbing by #3 St. Xavier. Ryle (8-2) is on a four game winning streak. This includes the 43-18 win over Dixie Heights. Look for the Raiders to run the ball behind their talented offensive line, controlling the clock, and ultimately winning by 21.

Male (8-2) comes into this game off a open week. The Bulldogs defeated #10 Manual (3-7) most recently. Male's two losses were to #1 Trinity (10-0) and #3 St. Xavier (8-2). Conner (4-6) is on a four game losing streak. Look for Male's defense to shut down the Cougards attack. The Bulldogs will take this one by 28.

The Tigers fell to St. Xavier (OH)(9-1) 16-14 for their second loss of the season. Manual (3-7) fell 16-8 to Eastern (5-5). St. Xavier (8-2) beat the Crimsons 56-34 on October 6. Manual is on a five game losing streak and the Tigers will be heavy favorites to advance to the second round. This game could easily see the Tigers get up by 36 to start the running clock scenario.

Dr. Oliver Lucas brings his George Rogers Clark (5-5) squad to Georgetown to tangle with Jim McKee's #2 ranked Scott County (8-2) team. Cardinals vs. Cardinals in this first round playoff match. The Winchester team went 2-3 versus 6A opponents with their wins coming versus Boone County (1-9) and Paul Laurence Dunbar (0-10). Coach McKee's squad did not lose to a Kentucky foe. Scott County only dropped games to Moeller (OH) and LaSalle (OH). Look for the Georgetown team to defeat GRC with the running clock rules.