generaldowns

"It was a much tougher game than the score indicates. Kentucky Country Day is a very good team. The Beechwood defense finally figured out how to stop that offense and shut them down in the second half. A very big night running the ball for Justice and Davis for Beechwood." "This game was very hard fought. Kentucky Country Day was just as good as they looked on the film I saw. Beechwood's defense met the challenge in a serious test in this game." The post game take on this game was very insightful....and much appreciated by the kids from KCD who made this an entertaining game in the first half and finished up a super season. Looking ahead to tonight in BG, the Bearcats will be pulling for the classy, skilled and football smart Tigers from Ft Thomas. KCD brings a lot of kids back as has been pointed out-- nine starters on Defense, and eight on Offense. It would be an honor to face the Tigers again in the regional finals. Good luck to them in BG.

"Beechwood also was the clear favorite in their region and they delivered as well. Their regional title game was not a walk over despite the 42-7 final score. Kentucky Country Day proved their 10-2 record was no fluke as they pushed Beechwood hard in the first half. Ky. Country Day held Beechwood's offense in check and forced their way to a 7-7 tie late in the first half. The backbreaker for Ky. Country Day came almost immediately after their only score late in the first half when Beechwood QB Brayden Burch hit WR Daniel Mescher with a 56 yard pass that put the ball inside the 5. The Tigers scored a couple plays later to go back ahead 14-7 at halftime. In the second half it was all Beechwood." Weighing in now several weeks after the Beechwood/KCD game to say how spot on VOR was in his analysis. Several key factors that I think will be critical tonight against Hazard. Beechwood adjusts beautifully. The 3rd quarter onslaught came with some brilliant halftime moves on Beechwood's coaching staff part and this disciplined, football-savy team's ability to execute. KCD did not adjust, did not feed it's wide receivers enough in the second half despite a significant height advantage and continued to try to play power football with a defense that adjusted beautifully. I have nothing but admiration and respect for Beechwood's special kids and their sharp, sharp coaching staff. All the best of luck tonight.

As I've alluded to before, I think that's understandable. I just sense that a number of folks had never seen them...there aren't a ton of opportunities if you live in NKY or Ashland area, or EKY or BG...and there aren't a lot of 1a followers in Jefferson County and nearby counties. So do I think the talent level for some of these KCD kids has been a little overlooked...maybe so. And it's understandable because most years KCD doesn't belong in the conversation with top 1a programs...this year is already a little different... Does that change the fact that Beechwood is super impressive? Certainly not! Anything less than KCDs best and this could get ugly...But should KCD come out with all pistons firing...might be worth watching

Spotted him did you? Well done! I agree, to make a case early, KCD needs to be physical and mistake free. To make it a game all the way, the Bearcats will need to get the ball to all their weapons, pass block well and stay away from turnovers

Have now watched video of Beechwood v Newport Catholic Central, Eminence and Holy Cross...phew...they are a well oiled machine! Very impressed! Earlier this week, I asked a number of the sharp analysts on this site to play devil's advocate and list any reasons Beechwood had to be wary of KCD. No one did...maybe because there aren't any reasons. Or it may be that few have looked at recent tape of KCD. VOR nails it...The Bearcats have more than one offensive weapon...and the offense is more balanced than the stats might predict. Frank, Diaz and Johnson can all hurt you..Robinson came back last week after four weeks off due to Mono and scored a TD as well. And KCD has an overlooked weapon...check the tape from last week's Frankfort game as well as Holy Cross, Bethlehem, even the losses to Adair County and LCA..if you look close enough...you'll see him. I'm still thinking Beechwood by 3 TDs mind you...because I've watched the tape, and I'm very impressed...But if KCD manages to score early, that might change the game dynamics a whole bunch. For Beechwood this is a game to continue the roll, to live up to its lofty standards...For KCD, its a high profile game that will prove if they belong this year.

As a fairly regular visitor to BGP I have learned so much about what might be termed the "passion pockets" for high school football. While I would love to attend games in Mayfield, NKY(Cinci Suburbs), BG, Ashland Area, I feel so connected to what's going on in those areas because of all the insightful posts from those aforementioned "passion pockets." Thanks to the posts it appears this is a blowout win for Beechwood on Friday. I watched them on tape and they just don't seem to make any mistakes, are quick and bring a lot of hats to the ball on defense. They look disciplined, classy and efficient. Let me play devil's advocate, just for fun...because, as I've found from well informed posts, this game is no contest. My question, is , just for fun...of those who have watched tape or actually seen KCD play, what about them if anything is a threat to Beechwood? Anything?

Final KCD 56 6

Looked like Frankfort threw the ball a ton in the game. KCD's pass defense has been a little suspect all season. Look at the numbers that LCA especially put up against the Bearcats. This is a scary, scary, scary game for KCD. It's so tough to play an opponent a second time, especially if they played you pretty tough earlier in the year. KCD gets back the services of running back Ashton Robinson for this game--he was out with Mono for four weeks, so that's a plus. Frankfort has some serious size advantages on the line and was able to run Tremayne Jones off tackle for some huge gains in October when these two teams met. Keys to the game--KCD needs to get some pressure on Frankfort QB Holt Hammons, he's much more of pocket passer and not nearly as big a run threat as Panther QBs of the past several years. If he has time, look for him to have a big night finding the likes of receivers like James McGraw. On offense for KCD, a balanced attack mixing up the pass and the run and really spreading the field as was so successful with Frankfort the last game is the key there. I look for Frankfort to turn the tables here and win by a TD or two. They are a team on the serious improve and finding team identity and chemistry at the right time.

I think this will be a comfortable win for KCD. The offense is humming both running and passing, and the D is a good bit improved from the early season confusion due to a scheme that didn't match the players available. Dayton lost to both Eminence and Carroll County...KCD handled both those squads pretty easily. Show up, play hard and stay healthy, the keys to a big margin Friday night.

For what it's worth, Calpreps has this game 31-13 Holy Cross, Massey has it 28-6 Holy Cross. That's on a computer program. In real life, Holy Cross's ability to keep Justin Blackburn in check is the whole enchilada. Holy Cross is number 1 in 1A at stopping the run, so there's the unstoppable force versus immovable object match up.

The standout game for Williamsburg is how tough they played Lexington Christian in the first game of the year. They were very much in the game throughout. The close game with Frankfort and the loss to Paintsville don't seem in line with how well Wberg played against LCA. Would love to know what happened in those two games, like missing key players or something out of the ordinary which figured into the final scores.

Campbellsville is a little like Frankfort based on evaluating tape. They've got a strong North South runner in Arick Groves, some dangerous speed and athleticism in QB Tyrion Taylor. They have a strong winning tradition and gave KCD fits last year at KCD. And they seem to be a team that is a break here or there away from a much stronger win/loss record. After clinching the District Title, this is another trap game after a long bus ride for the Bearcats. Keys to game, KCD needs to swarm to Groves when he gets the ball, and protect the edges against a speedier Eagle squad. That's defense. On offense, same story--spread the field and make CHS choose which weapon they want to try to shut down....that opens it up for the others...KCD can hurt you at A Back, H back T/E, QB This promises to be a competitive game early. I loved how Campbellsville fought against a solid Bethlehem squad.

A hard fought win against a stubborn Frankfort squad. KCD played pretty close to the vest, did not open up the passing game much, but was effective enough when they aired it out....Was impressed by Frankfort's top back #22....hard north and south runner.

I think that's a fair way of looking at it. Frankfort is going to be a big challenge to the defensive tweaks taken right before the Holy Cross game. Frankfort's QB John Tillman is an elusive, quick dude....he is quick to run and tough to contain. Tremayne Jones is a strong north/south runner. The key to the defense for KCD against these talented players is in the linebacker corps. KCD LB Ed Johnson especially needs to be disciplined and make the kind of plays he made against Holy Cross. Offensively, KCD is tougher to defend when it spreads the field and uses A back Jarred Frank and H back/TE Josh Lifson. Both are in the top 15 for 1a receivers this year statewide. Any successful offensive game plan would include those kids getting some touches. It's Homecoming, Senior Night and a rare district championship on the line for KCD tonight. That's a lot of emotion involved--it's tough to predict how this team will handle it. Safe, well played game to both sides!

I think Frankfort is plenty talented and played Williamsburg tough, a sign the Panthers have some ability. They just seem young. And some who were there believe turnovers made this game a lot more lopsided than it might have been. Frankfort will be plenty dangerous for KCD this Friday...must be respected big time.

KCD played a little uninspired on offense in this one and had a couple of kids sick going in...not the same level of high intensity as last week versus Holy Cross. Defense had a number of takeaways which kept the score comfortable...really never in doubt, but will need to play much much better with the district on the line next Friday at home versus Frankfort.

Very surprised by this score

KCD is healthy coming into this game and has had a week off from school with its fall break. The team should be rested and otherwise stress free(the academic demands at the school can make for some zombies some weeks with late, late, late night studying) The biggest hurdle for KCD in this game is complacency, an emotional "we got this" lull from last week's monumental win versus Holy Cross. Frankfort and a possible outright district championship battle loom next week...would be no surprise if the Bearcats aren't completely dialed in. And the game is on the road, and Eminence has a ton of motivation to make this a game. If all those factors combine, it'll take a score or two from Eminence to galvanize KCD. If the Bearcat team that played last Friday shows up, however, it'll be a running clock by halftime. Massey has this 49-19 KCD, Calpreps 52-20, I'll defer to the computers on this one.

It's a great first filter at some of the top players in 1a. And as the playoffs progress, many more folks will see kids from programs they don't spend a lot of time examining on a weekly basis. That said, I've got a couple of players to add based on personal observations. Jameson Hinkebein Bethlehem--good hands and size. Very solid young man who's in the mix in most plays....you know you've played against him after the game. Averaging more than 40 yards a game receiving. Jarred Frank KCD--15 Touchdowns in seven games, receiving and rushing. Just shy of 1000 all purpose yards. Josh Lifson KCD-- Surpassed last year's sophomore total receiving yards with three more games in his junior year yet to go. Averaging just shy of 50 yards per game receiving....tight end who's the best blocker on a 5-2 squad.

There's the rub....I don't remember my password...set it up to be remembered on that device as it is on my phone and desk top. Embarrasing....but I don't know it and there isn't a "retrieve your password" prompt

Hi Guru: I had a separate issue. I'm able to get on with my desktop and my phone. But my ipad is suddenly prompting me for username and password when I click on an item to view. It's the first time it has happened to me. I ask my devices to "remember " my user name and password so I don't have to. Have you encountered this at all where several devices work and one doesn't?

The blowout win by KCD Friday is a sparkling example of the confusing kind of club they've been this year, but certainly encouraging for Bearcat faithful. Holy Cross's wins over Western and Providence, In, both looked pretty impressive. They rated a 10 point or better favorite over KCD in Massey and Cal Preps. They were even-steven in Lit Ratings. I sense they are a much better team than they showed Friday. The came can be said for KCD in their two losses to LCA and Adair Co. And let's not forget Frankfort lurking in the weeds for both the above clubs before district play ends. They hung with Williamsburg and solid Estill Co earlier in the season. The Panthers get Holy Cross at home Friday.

Good question VOR....completely new defense installed, went back to 2014 defense that is better suited to a team with athletes but not incredible speed and experience at defensive back. That said, the return of sophomore Blake Caldwell at corner was a difference maker. He had a pick six in the game. On offense, more emphasis on spreading the field. KCD actually lost a key running back, Ashton Robinson, who was sick this week and had to rely even more on receivers Jarred Frank and Josh Lifson to put pressure on the edges and open up the middle. I think HC was confused a little early by the changes and got down two touchdowns quickly. HC's strength is running and grinding it out...made it tough to come back...That said, they have a chance to run the rest of their table..wishing them all the best.

A change in defense and some tweaks on offense combined with a lot of energy and fire contributed to this blow out by KCD. The Bearcats have been a little schizo with blowouts wins and losses, but some believe this was the breakout game that showed a promise of postseason relevance. Massey and Calpreps had this game a 10 point or more win for Holy Cross...just a huge win for KCD

KCD needs to score early, spread the field and throw early...absolutely the key to KCD getting the W tonight....if you look at Massey and Calpreps, this is a 10 point spread for HC...SOS playing a big part...some impressive showings early for HC against Evansville and Providence in Indiana. An intriguing and confusing game to handicap