Les

Jim Black’s Colonels have a chance to make things interesting if they could pull off the upset in district play against the Cougars. If Whitley County doesn’t win this game, getting a win this season looks bleak with a regular-season finale against Boyle County and then a first round playoff game on the road against Pulaski County looming.

It looks as if the Bobcats are in fine shape of recording their third straight shut out. McCreary Central has only scored 18 points the entire season.

The winner of this game will wrap-up District 4’s No. 3 seed.

Final.

Final.

A win over the struggling Rockets assures the Panthers of wrapping up a home playoff game while setting up a district title match-up with rival Russell County in Week Nine.

The Black Bears will be heavy favorites over the Colonels. At the beginning of the season, many penciled this game to be the one to decide who would win the district.

Berea surprised many by upending Lynn Camp last week, but it will be a tall order to accomplish the same feat against Williamsburg. The winner of this game wraps up at least one home playoff game.

These two rivals will meet on Log Mountain to see who will be able to host a playoff game this season. The Redhounds have established themselves as a top-notch team while the Bobcats have been inconsistent at times this season.

thanks!

Just to let you guys know, I did the 12th Region Preview for The Cats Pause, and I had to have my content in by the end of July. So that's why players such as Kapinga, ect. are listed. Also, the team rankings and player rankings (both boys and girls) are done by head coaches votes that I asked for while compiling the information. Some coaches didn't submit a vote or information on their team.

Final.

The Black Bears have never lost three games in a row, and I don’t see that happening in this district match-up. Harlan County has been outscored 81-14 during its past two games.

The Redhounds should have an easy time getting their first district win of the season Thursday.

There’s no better time to give each team in the Southeastern Six an overall grade than now. Most teams have six or seven games under their belt so far this season, except for Williamsburg, who ahs played five games, so with that said, there is no time better than the present to see where each teams stands heading into the crucial part of the season. I’ll be grading Bell County, Corbin and Harlan County this week, and Knox Central, Whitley County and Williamsburg the following week. Bell County (4-2) — The Bobcats have played pretty good at times this season, but their 41-6 loss to Wayne County put a big damper into their chances of winning the top seed in the district. It took an even bigger hit once Wayne County defeated Corbin this past week. Big win — Bell County’s 34-12 win over Knox Central is by far the Bobcats’ best played game this season. Wayne Mills’ squad played great, scoring 34 unanswered points during a stretch of the game. Toughest loss — They’ve actually got two. The loss to Middlesboro hurt because it marked the first time in 17 years Bell County had lost to their rivals, but the 35-point district loss to Wayne County still stings. Grade — B- — No doubt about it, Bell County’s grade can rise with a win against Corbin next week, but a loss to the Redhounds means the Bobcats will be on the road during first round play of the playoffs, something that hasn’t happened at Log Mountain since traveling to play Rockcastle County in 2006. Corbin (5-1) — I didn’t know what to expect out of Corbin coming into the season, but after seeing the Redhounds play, this team is really, really good. Steve Jewell and his coaching staff has done a fantastic job with this team this season after coming off the program’s first losing season since 1995. Big win — The biggest knock on Corbin so far this season has been its strength of schedule, but the Redhounds are doing what they’re supposed to do — win. Their biggest win so far has to be the 14-0 shut out of Southwestern, who is winless at 0-7, but they’re still a pretty good team. Toughest loss — Corbin held its own on the road against Wayne County, but the 35-28 loss to the Cardinals, basically wrapped up the district for Shawn Thompson’s team. I wouldn’t be surprised to see the two teams play again in the playoffs, and if they do, I believe Corbin just might come away with the win. Grade — A- — The Redhounds have turned in s great season so far despite the loss to Wayne County. But it now boils down to next week’s game against Bell County. A win over the Bobcats assure the Redhounds a home playoff game, a loss will send them on the road. Harlan County (3-3) — Many tagged this season to be the one that the Black Bears make a deep run in the Class 5A playoffs. But three losses have some people wondering if Harlan County is as good as they thought. Are they? Absolutely. The Black Bears have played a very tough schedule, and those losses will help them once postseason play begins. Big win — Harlan County’s 48-13 win over Knox Central showed just how good it is. The Black Bears ran for 494 yards in the win. Toughest loss — The Black Bears’ 36-14 loss to Johnson Central was a very disappointing one for Tom Larkey’s squad. Grade — B+ — Harlan County’s tough slate will have the Black Bears ready come postseason time. If they win their district, which they should, the grade goes to an “A”, but if they don’t, it will drop.

They can go all the way to the state title game, but keep an eye out on Corbin, too. They have a top-notch coaching staff & wouldn't be surprised to see the two teams meet up again in playoffs. Both teams are very good, but Wayne's kicking game (kick-offs) could play a big factor in how far they go, too.

Would have been worse? The game was nip & tuck the entire four quarters. Tied 28 apiece going into the fourth quarter and Corbin was what, 55 yards away from tying or winning the game with 2:38 left in the game. Both teams are very good. Wayne's lack of good kickoffs hurts them.

Final.

Final.

I think Wayne has been battle-tested.

Whoever wins this game will have the inside track to win the district crown.

Obstacle No. 1 is out of the way for Shawn Thompson’s Wayne County Cardinals, and now they have another tough test in Week 6 against unbeaten Corbin. A win over the 5-0 Redhounds would almost assure Wayne County its respective district’s top seed with remaining district games against Casey County and McCreary Central, but if Corbin can pull off the upset, the Redhounds would have the inside track to the district’s top seed. But this we do know — it’s going to be awful hard to beat Wayne County. The Cardinals handed the Bobcats their worst loss of the season with a 41-6 win this past week, and dominated in every fashion of the game. They’re looking to do the same this week at home against a Corbin team that has dominated its competition this season. The Redhounds have outscored their opponents 213-21 so far, but if you look a bit closer, some may question if the Redhounds have been battle-tested this season. Their five opponents’ combined record so far this year is 7-20. But with that said, Steve Jewell’s squad has done what it’s supposed to do — take care of business. Corbin has a 14-0 win over winless Southwestern, which could be its most impressive win of the season along with a 55-7 defeat of a rebuilding Danville squad. Wayne County on the other hand has been an offensive juggernaut. The Cardinals have scored at least 40 points per game in five of their six games this season with their lowest point output (36) coming against South Laurel in a Week One 29-point victory. Wayne County is averaging 40.9 points per game while allowing 12 points per game. The Redhounds’ numbers are just as good. Corbin’s revamped offensive attack is averaging 42 points per contest while its defense has turned in three shut outs, while allowing only four points per game. That’s quite impressive. So who’s going to win the game? Let’s take a closer look. For Corbin to win, the Redhounds must play mistake-free football, and eat up a lot of clock. Corbin has a lot of offensive weapons in players such as Mr. Everything Taylor Waddle, Cai Jackson and the workhorse in the running game, Jake Coppock. Those players have the potential to beat any team, but with that said, the Redhounds have been a quick-strike scoring team on offense so far this season, which could play in Wayne County’s favor. Why? The Cardinals’ offense might just see a lot of opportunities top score again this week. So, it’s key for Jewell’s squad to not turn the ball over and eat up a lot of clock, but that is easier said than done. So what are the keys to victory for Wayne County? The Cardinals must continue to play physical football, which they did last week against Bell County. Thompson’s squad is going to enter the game as a heavy favorite, and if they can jump out on Corbin quickly, Wayne County might run away with the win like it did against Bell County. Look for Thompson to mix things up on offense early, and look for the Cardinal defense to see on both Coppock and Waddle. Those are the two players that stir the drink for Corbin. If Wayne County can bottle up both Coppock and Waddle, and not turn the ball over on offense, it could be a long day for the Redhounds. MY PREDICTION In a battle of two of the remaining six unbeaten football teams left in Class 3A, look for Wayne County to prevail. Wayne County 35, Corbin 14

Wayne County puts an end to Bell County's 31-game district win streak.

5-0 start is best in school history.

The Hazel Green Bullfrogs were a great name. Made plenty of trips to sweet 16 in basketball & even won a state title. It along with Bush, Lily & London consolidated into Laurel County High School. Hazel Green Elementary still exists (the old high school). One of the greatest gums around. Still has the state title banner & trophy.