TnCatFan

I typically do the updates on here for the Mayfield games, but, I'll be at this one, so, someone else will have to do the honors tonight.

After last weeks whitewashing of Belfry, Central seems to be the team to beat in most folks minds, while Boyle Co looks to be a heavy favorite on there side of the bracket.. I'm okay with those teams being the odds on picks, but, I have a hard time seeing either game being much more than a slight favorite.. All 4 remaining teams have had stellar years and all 4 have tested themselves against some of the better teams in the state.. Corbin @ Central ..... While Central appears to be peaking at the right time, I do wonder how they lost to a Ballard team that ended at 6-6 on the year and were blown out in 5 of those 6 losses.. Not that they lost because Ballard is a 6a school with some talent, but, are they 30-7 better than Central? They also struggled in games against Western and Manual, who are just above average teams this year.. While I see that they're on quite a role right now, if the team that showed up in those 3 games show up Friday night, they could be in a bigger dog fight than most expect... From Corbin's perspective, they have yet to be seriously challenged in the playoffs, which could be a good thing or a bad thing. The good thing is they've been able to rest guys who have had some nagging injuries, so, they should come into this one at full strength. The bad thing is, will they be mentally prepared for a team like Central, who've they've not seen since about mid season. Most folks are saying Corbin hasn't seen a team like this all year with all there speed, however, I'd be hard pressed to believe Central is any more athletic than Alcoa, who's always loaded with D1 and D2 talent.. Mayfield has about as much speed and offensive firepower as anyone in the state and Beechwood team showed a very balanced offense and hard nosed defense, so, this Redhound team has seen comparable talent and should have a very good idea of what lies ahead... I'm not a betting man, but, I do feel like either of these teams are capable of winning this game and even winning it all. I'm giving the edge to Central simply because they're at home and play very well there, but, I do see this as a close one: Central 27 Corbin 21 Boyle Co @ E'Town ..... Outside of a heartbreaking last minute loss to crosstown rival Danville, the Rebels of Boyle Co have been nothing short of dominating.. It's hard to find many weaknesses on this team, as they play a very tough, hard-nosed D as well as put up points like a Madden NFL game. If the adage "Defense wins Championships" then I'd be hard pressed to pick anyone else, especially since they have such a good offense to boot... On the other side of the ball, the Rebels need to be on there A game if they expect to roll into E'Town and come away with a win. This team lost a close early season game to CAL, which is no disgrace and otherwise have been about as solid as solid can be.. While PTilghman and Caldwell aren't world beaters, they aren't cupcakes either and E'Town ran through them without breaking a sweat. They also dominated a solid F.Simpson team that's still alive in the 4a playoffs.. So, I could also this game going either way.. While I do feel Boyle Co should be favored, I like the home field advantage and the way E'Town's been playing.. I'm going to go with a slight upset here.... E'Town 35 Boyle Co 31

Myself, I think Johnson Central has a good chance.. 4A lacks the star power of teams that the other classes have and they seem to be a notch or 2 ahead of the pack.. I also think Beechwood has a chance, but, if they get moved to 2a in the next realignment, that run could be short lived.. Cov Catholic would be my 3rd choice, but, I do expect Highlands to be back sooner than later and BGreen will most likely be very strong again in the upcoming years, so, they'll have a tough road to maintain a 4-5 year run..

A lot of dominating runs have recently come to an end.. Here's some examples: Highlands had a 7-8 year run of Titles and Championship appearances that ended a couple years back. Mayfield had a stellar 7 year run from 09 to 15, which ended last year.. Belfry's recent dominating run came to an end last week.. Bowling Green had quite a run these last 6-7 years, as well and also got put out last week.. Trinity continues on it's run and look to be going nowhere anytime soon.. So, outside of Trinity, who does everyone think will be the next team to make a big run like 4-5 straight title appearances like the above teams had.. Will it be someone different or do you think one or more of the above are most likely to get on another run?

CAL fans, there will be lots of tailgating going on before the game, behind the west end zone. A lot of good food and conversation.. You are welcome to come join in the festivities.. Good luck and safe travels.

Both of these teams pride themselves on being physical and imposing there will and most of the time they do that. In this game, Mayfield was able to do it and really controlled the line of scrimmage. In the 2nd half, it became more and more apparent and I'm sure that had to be demoralizing and frustrating to the Aces kids and that's when the cheap shots started and things got chippy. Fortunately, the Mayfield players didn't take the bait and get themselves thrown out and disqualified for next week. At the same time, they aren't going to let a team get away with those tactics and get someone hurt either. It came close to being a disaster, but, thank goodness the Coaching staff gathered there players and got control of things. As far as the fans go, every team has there fair share of loud, obnoxious fans that sometimes feed off what's happening on the field. Throw alcohol in the mix and it can become a dangerous situation. Fortunately, the cops got a handle on it about as quickly as it started and no one got injured or taken to jail..

I like Corbin's chances in this one because of Sizemore.. That kid is a tough runner and very hard to bring down.. I think the Hounds are capable of running the ball right at them between the tackles and have just enough of a passing game to make Central have to respect it.. If they can control the clock and keep Centrals offense off the field as much as possible. I think they can win this thing. Easier said than done, but, very doable..

I'm not shocked that Central won, but, I certainly didn't expect this score.. If you've been paying attention throughout the year though, Central has been playing very, very good football against a very tough schedule, but because they've had a couple of losses along the way and with how well some other teams have been playing, they've kind of been flying under the radar a little.. Well, that cat's out of the bag now.. Wouldn't be surprised if the Jackets are hoisting the trophy when all's said and done..

Final

Cards score again to go up 40-7... Complete domination in the 2nd half...

Cards score again to go up 33-7.. Things getting chippy as there's been a couple of unsportsmanlike calls on the Aces, including one on Coach Edge... The Cardinals have taken control of the game but the refs need to take control of the game.. Even the teams fans are into it as fights are breaking out.. Let the law get control of that, but, the Cards players don't need to get baited into anything and have players have to sit out next week.. Coach Joe makin sure that don't happen..

Mayfield scores again and goes up 26-7 after the PAT.. 3:31 left in 3rd qtr..

Hurt picks up 13 more to the 12 and then takes it in to the end zone on the next play... The Cards go for 2 but come up short, so, with 5:26 left in the 3rd qtr, the Cards extend there lead to 19-7..

Mayfield now moving it down the field with 3 1st downs and a big 30 yard strike giving them the ball at the Aces 25, 1st and 10

1st and 10 Cards at own 26

The Aces were able to pick up 1 1st down after the fumble recovery, but, then went backwards and forced to punt it back to the Cards..

The Cards were driving on opening possession, but, the Aces get a fumble recovery to thwart the Cardinal drive.. 1st and 10 OBC at there own 30..

After an unsuccessful onside kick the Cards will get good field position on opening drive..

The Cards will get the ball 1st to start the 2nd half...

1st half stats RUSH YARDS ..... OBC (37) ..... M 116 PASS YARDS ..... OBC 96 ..... M 102 TOTAL YARDS ..... OBC 59 ..... M 218 1ST DOWNS ..... OBC 1 ..... M 11 FUMBLES ..... OBC 3/0 ..... M 0/0 PENALTIES ..... OBC 1 X 10 ..... M 2 X 15 The Cardinals have moved the ball well throughout the 1st half, but, to the Aces credit, they've bent, but, not broke and have forced a couple of field goals when the Cards had the ball in the red zone. The Aces started out great with a opening kickoff return all the way to the Card 35, but, couldn't capitalize, but, did finally get on the scoreboard with 4:54 in the 2nd qtr. on a 72 yard hookup, but, outside of that, haven't had much positive to speak of..

Mayfield picks up there 2nd field goal of the game with 23 secs left in 2nd quarter to go up 13-7... Halftime score the same..

Long TD pass from Hart to Mills makes it a 10-7 game.. Still 4:00 minutes remaining in 2nd qtr..

The OB Cath. D stiffens after the Cards had it 1st and goal from the 10.. The Cards go for a field goal and make a 28 yarder to go up 10-0

Mayfield 7 OB Cath 0 End of 1st qtr... The Cards have the ball at the Catholic 20 yard line with a 1st and 10 to start the 2nd quarter.

Mayfield puts a nice drive together and strikes 1st, going up 7-0 with just under 5:00 left in 1st quarter..