generaldowns

I know that a number of the Beechwood household names are moving on (Slusher, Fieger, Stringer, Way)...but I'd be shocked if a program like this one isn't a top 10 team again next year. The NKY crew ought to have more insight here.

Saw Blackburn in person and although he's listed in the program as a QB, glad to see he's in the discussion as a RB....because really that's how Ludlow used him, whether on set plays or tuck and go from the pocket. The kid is tiny, but all man. His stats have already been listed, but it's what you see on the field that speaks volumes. Great football sense, tough and relentless. Is he as talented as some of the others here, probably not. But he really epitomizes what a high school stud is all about. And just a sophomore this year.

1.Pikeville 2.Paintsville 3.Beechwood 4.Raceland 5.Paris 6.Fairview 7.Lou Holy Cross 8.KCD 9.Russellville 10.Bethlehem

Number is 10...thats not Dials

Lexington Christian skill players returning look pretty formidable....most are Sophomores including RB Wheatley, who's a big, strong north and south kind of young man. Receivers return as well except for the tight end. QBs are both Sophs as well. Well coached team that surprised me with a little bit of a late season swoon. Liked what I saw early on with this bunch.

There was a kid from KCD who made a circus TD catch against LCA and a seasoned senior DB... named Josh Lifson 6 3 200. He's just a soph this year. He has another soph QB Jackson Diaz who saw some time throughout the season along with the junior starter QB Frank. If KCD features more of a passing game these younguns will be heard from.

When they were at full strength running their wide open offense, this was a lethal group. They were middle school state champs if I remember and look to be loaded next year and the year after.

Could not agree more. Have seen both young men..very impressed!

I've seen HC up close two times this year, both against KCD. I've watched a bunch of Beechwood video. Holy Cross escaped last week after a masterful game plan by its coaching staff and last minute heroics by a group of tough kids. Make no mistake, though, KCD hung with em both times and KCD would be three or four TD dogs to what looks like a machine in BW. The Tigers in my objective opinion are anything but a one trick pony...they are a complete football team. So with or without Stringer, I think HC has a tough road here, despite being at home. For Beechwood fans who are heading to the Ville and down Dixie Highway for the game...remember that HC has a dude shooting off a cannon any time the Cougars score. It's close to the visitor's sidelines, it's not very large(so you forget it is there) and it is deafening as well as a shock to the system if you're not expecting it.

What looked like a blowout early turned into a nail biter. A last second interception in the end zone by HC preserved the win...great scheme and execution by HC for three quarters, admirable heart and resilience by KCD late in the game. It was a terrific contest. Best of luck to the Cougars against Beechwood. Major props especially to QB Jared Frank and a number of the seniors for KCD with a "refuse to fold" comeback that nearly worked.

I have been back and forth all week on the Holy Cross v KCD matchup. I agree with VOR that it wouldn't be a super huge upset if KCD squeeked it out. The keys continue to be: 1) Evan Perry's ability to make the corner on what seems to be an improved KCD defense. 2)Alec Greenwell's ability to scramble and/or run to open up the passing game Dry field, but pretty chewed up Friday night, footing could be an issue for both sides. Leaning HC due to home field, but KCD capable of handling the hostile environment.

Schedule strength alone certainly favors CC here. They've tackled their share of monster higher classification teams.

They were really impressive, and just as young as KCD. They are going to be a real force in 2A over the next several years. Schedule them with caution.

I was really blown away by LCA's athleticism and offensive scheme in the game with KCD. And LCA did beat KCD by 19 when they played in September. Not being picky myself, KCD spotted LCA and their terrific offense 21 points in the first quarter, but overall ran for nearly 300 yards and passed for more than 200...and outscored LCA in the second half. No doubt who was the better team, no doubt. But KCD did run the ball well against LCA....and threw the ball pretty well too. Defense....well that was another story. LCA lit it up. And I give full credit to an amazing back in Wheatley, a moose TE in Stuckey and a very cool customer QB in Miller. Very impressive.

I've followed this district and district 2 pretty closely this year in 1A. I've been really impressed with Holy Cross's late season finish. They stuffed their early schedule with some pretty strong competition and held their own. This team plays very sound, mistake free football and Perry is a legit back. And they look to be playing their best football right now. They'll be home and comfortable and looking to load up the TD cannon. KCD has been more of an in and out team. It makes sense given how young, especially on defense this team is. Thebest wins: a dominating 34-14 against Bethlehem, and a gritty comeback 2nd half shutout of Campbellsville, both of whom are still dancing. Arguably, KCD also hasn't had a "blowout loss" this year--The Bearcats were tied 19-19 with 3A, 9-1 Adair Co at the half, were leading HC going into the 4th quarter, outscored Lexington Christian in the second half of that boat race. The one glaring loss that stands out is a final second gimme on the road to a 5-6 Washington Co. Bottom line, if a well prepped and breathing fire KCD shows up Friday off of Dixie Highway, these are the most likely scenarios in my mind: 1)HC by a narrow margin(Home field, mistake free football and knowing KCD's offense well helps HC get it done) 2)KCD by a narrow margin (The Bearcats improved D keeps Perry and Greenwell in check enough, a more wide open offensive scheme helps keep HC guessing and KCD prevails in a squeeker upset.) 3)HC by a couple of TDs. (KCD gets in a hole early with Perry making the corner a couple of times, Greenwell scrambles and hits a few long ones against the secondary and KCD plays it safe on offense and has too much to do to rally.) Get tied on. Temps in the 30s, but a dry night is expected. Hope it's an exciting game.

Two running backs were missing for KCD that night, both who get regular carries. One out of town on a family matter and the other was sick. It can't hurt KCD to have both back in the lineup Friday. I believe the keys for HC include breaking outside contain with RB Evan Perry and continued running success with QB Alec Greenwell...the more mobile he is, the more he scrambles on pass plays, the tougher it'll get for KCD. The good news for KCD, its defense is better now than earlier in the season, fewer blown assignments, better reads, better tackling. On offense, KCD needs to use all of its weapons, give HC a number of different looks. In the first game, KCD was actually leading going into the 4th quarter and Holy Cross finished stronger. The fourth quarter will be key again in Friday's matchup.

History making game for KCD, first time ever winning a playoff game on the road.

KCD hopped out to quick 13 0 lead.....2nd quarter was all Ludlow, Blackburn was pretty sharp mixing run and pass. 14 13 Ludlow at the half. KCD defense stiffened in second half. History made tonight, first KCD playoff victory on road in school history. Hats off to a hard playing Ludlow team and a brave performance by Justin Blackburn. KCD gets a second shot at Holy Cross.

Hard fought game...Justin Blackburn is one tough hombre. Bearcat D stepped up late in the game and stopped Panther passing game.

I have to agree with 90% of this statement, "snakes." There's one critical offensive tool that will stop KCD from making this a total scoring festival. Wonder if you caught it as you analyzed this game?

Saw Eminence play on tape and in person. Nice group of kids, with a hard working and first class coach. But they really have no shot at slowing Beechwood down.

I agree with The Tiger...Raceland on a good day will be a huge hurdle for a classy, inspirational BB squad. Ludlow, KCD....get your popcorn bought early...defense takes a holiday...lots of weapons on the field for KCD, Blackburn for Ludlow. Could be one of those cliche games where the last team with possession wins.

Just watched the tape of Beechwood v Ludlow....and I think I can answer my own question. The way to slow, but not stop Blackburn is to have 11 studs that swarm and know their assigments, don't make mistakes and tackle well. In short, have the #1 team in the state. And even then, Blackburn had his share of nice runs in the first half...looks like he might have been hurt late in the 1st half as he doesn't return for the rest of the game. But he was back the next week v Bellevue.

I really believe this is a one TD game and favors Ludlow because of the Blackburn X factor....I wanna know how anybody held Ludlow to a TD or so, because that kid is relentless, quick and has a seemingly superior FB IQ.

Most likely top 10 team to fall is BB. The Mustang season has been an inspiration to so many. But Raceland looks tough in that spot, regardless of being on the road.