jeff jackson

I like this Madisonville team. Big line and some serious skilled backs behind them. They aren't a big passing team, but, are more than capable of hitting the short, intermediate routes to move the chains when needed. But, make no mistake, they primarily try to pound the ball and control the clock.

I'd say it's most likely they go undefeated as not. I could see them winning 2-3 playoff games with a semi-state appearance as a ceiling. I see them as a 2nd tier level team behind Camp'ville, Raceland, Pikeville and KCD. I think they can compete with M'Boro, Hazard, Sayre, Nicholas Co, Newport, etc.

B'Town's offense showed some positive signs. They've got some speed and athleticism to make some big plays. They have a lot of room for improvement on defense. OBC shredded them all night long. They will compete well with the middle of the road teams, but, aren't yet ready for the elites in there class. I feel they are in the #8 to #12 range in class.

This is a pretty evenly matched game. I'll give the slight advantage to the Aces due to homefield advantage.

Correct. Losing to a powerhouse 3a team and 2 powerhouse 4a teams is nothing to sneeze at, healthy or not. They won't face any 2a team that could have done much better and having to play some backups during this stretch, will only give them more depth that they may not have expected. Absolutely going to be a problem come playoff time and a very tough out.

I still think PT is going to be tough to knock out. I wouldn't put too much stock into the Mad'ville loss. The Tornado's couldn't get out of their own way in that game. Penalties and turnovers in key situations, dropped passes, etc. plus the Maroons are likely better than initially thought. They layed out the perfect blueprint and executed it as well as you could ask for and were helped by a flat Tornado performance. I get the feeling they were reading too much into their own hype and that loss could be the best think that could have happened to bring them back down to earth.

After watching OB Cath this past week, I think they're rated a little too high. Also, that BG win is looking less and less impressive. A healthy Purple's team likely beats them handily. IMO, Mayfield and LCA are both better teams overall.

Collins is playing like a legit Top 10 team in 5a.. Better keep your eye on them..

On a positive note, Mayfield is going into the district part of their schedule that should be blowouts, so, they can afford to allow Josiah to fully recover before bringing him back. Just hoping it's not season ending.

What radio station is covering the game?

Munford has 2 lopsided wins thus far, but, the competition was suspect. They are ranked #5 in 5a and are coming off a solid 9-2 season last year. Woodford should be the favorite, especially at home, but, they'll have to play well or could go home on the wrong end of the scoreboard.

I know that. Was just stating that even if they had started the season at 0-5, that would be very misleading due to the quality of opposition.

LCA could start the season 0-5 and possibly be the best team in the class. Such a brutal and unforgiving schedule. The other contenders play 1 or 2 very good teams, but, nothing like LCA plays. They'll be battle tested. The biggest concern with them is can they stay healthy against that type schedule.

The Mustangs do have some talent on their roster, mainly on the offensive side of the ball and capable of putting points on the board, but, imo, doesn't have enough defense to contain the Cardinals and would have to force some turnovers to have any chance. I think the Mayfield staff will get their kids ready to play and rebound from last weeks Tilghman game. I see a lot of running clock games for them the rest of the season. Cards 49 Stangs 21

Sure, Murray has a couple of things to iron out, but, if they do, they're capable of a long run in 3a. Very talented across the board with stellar line play and very good skill players. Their defense is still a work in progress, but, has continued to improve with each game. They should be 9-1 or 10-0 by seasons end.

Madisonville has a nice team this year and should make a solid run in the playoffs, but, this Tilghman team is at another level and I expect them to pull away in this one.. PT 48 Mvl 14

Has Danville worked there way into Class 2a's Top 10 or is there record a product of playing a weak schedule thus far?

The Cardinals held their own offensively, moving the ball both through the air and on the ground, but, couldn't keep pace with the Tilghman offense. To beat them, you have to somehow manage to get a couple of stops defensively, which PT did and Mayfield didn't. The Cards had numerous chances having PT in 3rd and long or 4th and long but couldn't hold them on key downs. It didn't help that they turned the ball over a couple of times and gave the Tornado short fields to work with. As poorly as Mayfields defense was, they still managed to stay within striking distance, but, PT always had an answer to maintain their cushion and usually within a minute or 2 after the Cards had scored to pull it close. On several pass plays, the Cards DBs were all over the PT wide receivers, but, they still managed to come down with the ball on 50/50 plays, so, give credit to them for making plays in key situations. The most impressive thing about the Tornados is they play loose, aggressive, with confidence & swagger & with sound fundamentals & discipline. That's not always been the case with some past teams. They may not win it all this year cause there's some other really good teams in their class, but, it'll take a huge effort and well executed game plan to knock them off. Mayfield will be fine. It'll still take a great effort and clean game for another 2a team to knock them off.

Personally, Mayfield winning this thing wouldn't be that much of an upset. They have the speed and athleticism to keep up and IMO, have the better passing game and are more fundamentally sound. They'll be outsized in the trenches and will have to swarm to the ball using there quickness advantage and not make too many costly mistakes, but, I like there chances.

These 2 teams are without a doubt the best the purchase area has to offer regardless of size. Both are top 3 or 4 in their class. Both have speed to burn, are well coached and possess a plethora of ways they can beat you. IMO, the biggest factor for Mayfield is "Can they hold their own in the trenches" and for PT, "Can they hold Mayfield's vaunted air attack in check". Both teams will come into this game playing at a high level and with plenty of confidence. Neither team has much room for error, so, a turnover or 2 and whoever makes the fewest penalties could be the difference. I fully expect this one to come down to the wire regardless.

Murray has a solid team. Several nice athletes and very good in trenches and Robbins makes plays at the QB position. They're likely in Top 4-5 in 3a and may be CALs toughest challenge when all's said and done.

I'd say 4a is the deepest class of quality teams but 2a is pretty strong, as well. Adding Belfry to the mix gives them 5 solid contenders. Throw in Bracken Co, Hancock Co, Breathitt Co, Somerset and possibly Trigg Co and you have a few dark horses that could throw in an upset or 2.

I really liked OCs QB. I figured losing Atwell would be a tough transition, but, this guy is a solid player with a big arm, poise and leadership qualities. Should this put OC at #1 in the 2a rankings? I think you could definately make a case for them.

Mayfield's overall team speed is impressive. They have 6 or 7 legit WRs and defensively, they swarm you. Very active. There were a few times it looked as if Graves had some big holes to run through and then they were closed off quickly for minimal yardage. I thought Robbins looked sharp passing the ball. Kid's got a big arm with some high velocity. This team will continue to improve and should be a legit state title contender.

The difference between this years Mayfield team and last years team is leadership. Last year, they were a Sr dominated team with a lot of games under there belts. This years leaders are primarily sophs and jrs with a lot less playing experience. Talented kids, just needing to find there groove. I do like the depth they have this year. Not many kids playing both ways and very solid against the run. They need to find a go to WR. I think Hoover could be that but they don't utilize him as much as they need too, imo. I'd also get the TE more involved. Will Morris has potential to give them a little more offensive flexability.