Carl Spackler

As Bac said Somerset holds a big edge in the all time series, 22-9-3. But, since it was renewed in 2006, it is only 8-5. Hazard is a tough place to play, and the Bulldogs need a win badly. Somerset's defense has been great since they struggled against South Laurel in the opener. The first team has only allowed 5 touchdowns since that game. The running game has been excellent with Hughes at quarterback and Cimala lined up behind him. And they can throw it when they need to, so you can't just put 8 in the box. They become even more dangerous if dynamic freshman Xavier Wooldridge is able to come back this week. I think Hazard will come ready to play and put up a good fight, but Somerset's defense proves to be the difference. Give me the Briar Jumpers 31-14.

McCreary Central and Somerset (Meece Middle) 7th grade teams met on Thursday in a rematch of last year's 6th grade state championship game. McCreary was undefeated and the #1 seed. Somerset was underseeded at #5 due to not accumulating a lot of seeding points due to teams cancelling on them. The Briar Jumpers scored on 3 of their first 4 plays and won going away 49-0. The Raiders overall have had solid seasons at all 3 grade levels in middle school. Hopefully this can develop into a competitive rivalry. I'd much rather see Somerset play teams from neighboring counties like McCreary, Rockcastle, Laurel, Russell and Lincoln--or even renew their series with Garrard, than play Hazard and Paris. The Hazard game is usually a good matchup, but that's a long road trip the last week of the season every other year, and for RPI playing any of the schools nearby is a better matchup.

Didn't they lose to a 4A team, that was playing their backup quarterback?

Thank you.

It would keep the string of playing each other intact, going back to what, 2009?

What is the OOWP? Opponents overall winning percentage?

Rivalry games in general can result in some unexpected scores. This one in particular has had some wild outcomes over the years.

Holy Cross will likely finish 10-0. The only team that they have beaten with a winning record is Bracken County at 6-3. That was a good win. The rest of their opponents have a combined record of 19-56. They have a great chance to run their record to 12-0, before facing Campbellsville or Kentucky Country Day in round 3. Are they a threat to make it to the semi-finals?

It's hard to figure out. They've been outscored 372-6 this season. Once touchdown all year. Glad to see Berea break their losing streak.

Campbellsville East Carter Prestonsburg South Laurel Highlands North Dakota State Tiebreaker 75

McCreary Central(3-5) travels to Somerset to take on the Briar Jumpers (7-1 2A #6) in the first ever varsity meeting between the two programs. The Raiders, in their 2nd year under Sam Marple, continue to improve. Had they been able to stop a 2 point conversion in their opener against Scott County (TN), they would have a great shot at a 5-5 regular season. They have lost 4 out of their last 5, but the lone win, 42-18 over Clay County should put them in the playoffs. Somerset, meanwhile is coming off of 35-14 dismantling of Monroe County. The win not only gave the Briar Jumpers the district championship, but it was also the program's 750th. This game has the looks of a mismatch, but McCreary has shown the ability to put up some points this season. Can they keep this one competitive, or even knock off the Jumpers?

He is related to my Daughter In Law. I hope he's okay.

Did Pulaski lose their starting quarterback in this one? I was told that the Pulaski quarterback was carted off the field with what appeared to be a leg injury, but it wasn't clear if it was the starter, or if it happened when the reserves were in.

If the seeding holds, the #2 team from your district will play the #1 team from Cooper's district.

Somerset looked great up front. They just dominated the line of scrimmage tonight. Not really anything fancy. Pretty much either Hughes taking the snap and picking a hole, or a straight up hand off to Cimala. District Championship goes to Somerset.

I know Danville hasn't really been a threat to win this game. But it sounds like they have competed pretty well. Big step forward.

I didn't see how, but Somerset scored again, 35-7 Jumpers about 7:00 to go in the 3rd quarter.

They scored on every possession except that missed field goal didn't they? They've had issues with the snaps on field goals. Did they get that one off cleanly?

Somerset it just dominating play on the line of scrimmage. Monroe County isn't slowing down the running game at all. Their quarterback throws a nice ball, and it looks like they could get things going. But, if they can't stop Hughes and Cimala, this might already be out of reach.

What is causing the stoppage in play? I can't play audio at work.

It feels like Monroe has to score here, or it might get away from them.

Nothing fancy from Somerset. No fakes, or zone reads. Just 3 power runs. Great start.

Woodford County Ballard Dunbar Logan County Central Vanderbilt Tiebreaker 68

Both teams strengths offensively seem to play to the other team's weak spot on defense. When Somerset has been hurt on defense this season, it has usually been through the air. And Monroe County has struggled to stop the run. So this game might be a little higher scoring that I initially thought. Somerset has shown a pretty good pass rush, with 26.5 sacks so far on the season. In addition to Bartley, isn't the Nuckols kid about 6'3"? That certainly presents a matchup issue. I'm not sure what to predict on this one.

I'm not too sure about that. Except for the wild Campbellsville game, Monroe hasn't given up more than 14 points in a game all season. And since the opener Somerset has only given up 2 touchdowns before the opposition had a running clock on them.