devils58

Tonight, BG was better in all phases. I don't this score reflects how close these teams are but BG made the plays when it mattered.

Wrong. I saw the replay. Wrong and it wasn't close

Terrible personal call by the ref to extend the drive. OHS qb pushes Wilson out of bounds and holds him up to keep from falling then the ref drops the flag. Unreal . Props to Carothers but it should've been OHS ball

I agree Mountain man. People shouldn't sleep on Fern Creek either. That's an athletic team that can pull a shocker next week if the team that's playing them isn't ready. When I said that this game is for the title, I just mean that I think that the winner of this game wins state. At this point in the playoffs, if you don't bring your "A" game, you go home. Good luck and Go Devils!

It's Friday, you can awake from your coma. Good luck to both teams. It's gonna be a barnburner!

All this South Warren chest thumping is gettin old. Who have the beat, in the 5 year history of their program, that you would consider an elite win? SW is a nice team, but wait until you actually win something before thumping your chest.

The page has officially reached page 10. Billy Bob gives his approval. (Warning language)

I fully respect Mayfield, but I respectfully disagree. And.....I don't want to make this thread about "what if" OHS and Mayfield played. They don't and this thread is about OCath and Mayfield.

I can see your point. Carrothers is so explosive, that good traction and a fast surface will only help that. I do feel as though Owensboro's defense is significantly better than last years. LB Tavian Board has been lights out and OHS' front 3 can cause so much havoc by themselves. BG certainly has the athletes to be make explosive plays, but so does OHS. Again, it's the immoveable object vs the unstoppable force scenario, which is why it'll come down which team makes the fewest mistakes. Rash is a special place, but at no time is it better than deep in the playoffs for big games. I fully expect the place to be standing room only and LOUD. OHS fans really want a football state title. 1986 is too long ago, and they should've had it last year, and blew it. The players are hungry, the fans are in a frenzy, and the joint will be hoppin on Friday. As for the future....there are going to be some battles. BG has some nice talent and a stud in Vito Tisdale. OHS will have many good athletes coming up and of course a playmaker of their own in Imonte Owsley. I fully expect some wars in the future. OMS also has a great 7th grade team. They weren't challenged the entire season, and it's a shame that OMS' football programs don't participate in the middle school state tourney. Owensboro has a nice run of great athletes coming up and if they can keep them all together and develop them, OHS COULD take the next step (ie what BG has accomplished) in the future.

I don't think experience or any of that will matters. Both squads are battle tested, and you could probably even argue that BG is more battle tested from a schedule standpoint. Actually, I'd say BG is, but it'll come down to who makes the fewer mistakes on Friday. When you have two teams that are so evenly matched, it'll come down to which team brings their best game. I do think Rash Stadium will be as electric as ever, and if the fans bring the noise makers, it could be tricky for BG's offense if they audible.

Well, they've played OHS so.........

Haha that's hilarious. I do think there is merit to what Rambo mentioned. Any team that can use their starting defense as a scout team has a built in advantage. As for Mayfield fans, they are supremely confident, as they should be. The reason the program has had the success it has, its because of the support of the fans and community. Losing is not acceptable, and an environment of hard work, dedication, and high expectations feeds into the machine. I don't see them as arrogant at all. Besides, what Mayfield has done is remarkable considering the size of the community. Heck I've never known Mayfield to get a slew of transfers or kids that magically appear in the hallways. They seem to do it the right way, which is something that is a dying way nowadays. Respect.

I think the results of the Murray-OCath games over the past few years have more to do with OCath's mistakes during the game rather than Murray imposing their will on the Aces. Outside of the 2013 game (Murray was dominate), OCath has been it's own worst enemy in those games with dropped passes, penalties, and turnovers that lead to points for the Tigers. Besides 2013, I think OCath had the better team each year. Last year was a great example. OCath pretty much dominated the game, but were undone by dropped passes and turnovers. In the playoffs, those kinds of mistakes will send you home, especially against a team like Murray. In the past OCath's run defense, has been suspect, but this year is more on the side of being a strength. I see two similar teams in a game that will come down to who makes the fewer mistakes.

I would have to disagree. I think we highlighted how much respect not only we have for Mayfield and their tradition, but how much respect they've garnered nation wide for their all time wins. Just because we picked OCath to win, doesn't mean we don't respect Mayfield. Heck, we could be way off base and Mayfield could kill OCath, but predictions are what they are....predictions. Just based on film, I think OCath is better. We'll find out Friday. But make no mistake about it, we highly respect Mayfield, War Memorial, and the football program.

ApolloFan98 is a HUGE Vikings fan. While making his prediction on last night's show, he was sporting his Purple, white, and gold Vikings hoodie? Coincidence? I think not! I actually find no fault in his logic. BG has absolutely owned OHS for quite some time now. While I see no reason that OHS can't win this game, I totally understand people being skeptical of OHS until the Devils can get the job done. Is it Friday yet?

I was actually wondering about Kenemore. I noticed his production really tailed off from mid-season until now. Was he injured or did defenses key on him? You're right, he's a nice player

Turf

This is another great game on the list of regional championships across the state. Mayfield is one on the most tradition rich programs not only in the state of Kentucky but in the nation. Owensboro Catholic has built a brand of "air raid" football that was brought in by Mike Lawson in the 2001 season, and carried on by current coach John Edge. Even Tony Franklin was once an assistant for the Aces (2004?). Mayfield took the step from 1A to 2A this season and the Cardinals have been their usual dominate self, only losing to 6A McCracken County. While watching the Cardinals on Hudl, I was surprised to see how much Mayfield actually threw the ball. QB Landon Arnette is a very capable passer and has nice targets in senior WR's Kevin Caldwell and Micheal Walker. The meat and potatoes of what Mayfield wants to do goes through the run game and that starts with Trajon Bright. He reminds me of Owensboro's Landon Board (even wears the same #22). Defensively, Mayfield runs a 3 man front and uses their athletic ability to get to the ball. Owensboro Catholic is lead by one of the best QB's in the state of Kentucky in Ray Zuberer III (aka RZIII). He's passes for a state best 2,920 yards against only 5 interceptions. If you drop 7 or 8 into coverage, you get to try and tackle the #9 rusher in 2A in Jonathan Garner, who has rushed for 1,136 yards. RZII has reliable targets in Weston Jacob (3rd in 2A) and Shamari Morton (5th in 2A). Morton is one of the most dynamic players in the state of Kentucky. Mayfield SHOULD NOT kick or punt the ball to Morton. Remember Cardinals, you've been warned. On defense the Aces are lead by senior John Mark Boarman who has 1,213,133,133 tackles this year. Just kidding but it's well over 150. The kid is a machine and his LB partner Nick Blair isn't bad either. Watching film, my first impression is that I was expecting more from Mayfield. I was expecting to see freak athletes, and a few big linemen (ie Micah Jones), but was shocked to see what appears to be a regular looking high school team. However, one thing did stand out to me about Mayfield. The Cards are EXTREMELY well coached. I'll even go as far as saying the Cards are more a product of coaching than raw talent. That's not a slight at Mayfield because I feel the same way about OCath. Both of these squads are very well coached. They both execute, take proper angels, and do all the little things you want to see from any high school football team. This game is in Mayfield. That alone is worth 7 points due to the tradition, history, and fan support the Cards get. OCath, in my opinion from looking at film, is more talented than Mayfield. I know that might ruffle some feathers, but it's what I see. Trajon Bright will be the best running back on the field, OCath will boast the best QB, WR, and LB Friday night. Those are positions that matter. Funny things can happen in games like fumbles, dropped passes, or penalties. They say the best team usually wins, so I'm going to throw my chips in the Aces' stack. Owensboro Catholic 35 Mayfield 28

Ok, so it's finally time to do this. All season, this is the showdown that everyone on this side of the state has been waiting to see. Yes, OHS and BG played in the regular season, but that game was a mulligan for both teams. It was ugly, sloppy, and both teams have improved greatly since September 11th. The game wasn't completely useless however. Most rational football fans saw two teams that were basically evenly matched, and extremely talented on both sides of the ball. I believe most people left Donaldson stadium that night fully expecting OHS and BG to meet once again for the regional title. And here we are, just a few days away from the epic matchup. BG enters this game as the favorite, even at Rash Stadium. The Purples are a whopping 8-1 against OHS since 2008 and are also averaging and outstanding 41 ppg, while only giving up 14. BG's offense is lead by super juniors RB Jamelle Carothers and QB Clark Payne. The Purples have the ability to hit big runs, but Payne can it the deep ball if teams load the box. WR's DeAngelo Wilson (also the Purples point guard on the basketball team) and Jacob Yates provide speed and great hands for Payne to throw to. Defensively, BG operates more by committee rather than have one great player. Griffin Cline and Trey Fant have been steady producers for the stout Purple defense. OHS meanwhile has been a work in progress on offense throughout the season. That was expected due to the Devils installing a totally new offense, and breaking in a new starting QB. Junior Zach Gross had his share of struggles early in the season, in particularly, against Bowling Green. In that game (his worst of the year), Gross threw 4 interceptions, with one being returned for a touchdown. Since then, Gross has steadily improved. With the emergence of junior RB Landon Board, and plethora of good wide receivers, Gross' job has been made significantly easier. Seniors WR's Kishaun Walker (ESPN Sportscenter Top 10 play) and Jahlil Barrett give OHS the ability to stretch the field and senior Tavian Board has emerged as a legitimate target for OHS at TE. Right now, OHS is playing as well offensively as they've had all season. Defensively OHS, is just stout all the way around. The biggest strength of the Devils' defense is stopping the run. Seniors Trey Crowe and Vasaad Greer along with junior Quamari Tinsley lead a tremendous from 3 that can get pressure and fill gaps. OHS has been vulnerable to a good passing QB, and a good example of that was what RZIII for OCath did to them early in the season. In short, you better have an explosive offense and a well rounded attack to score on OHS. Bowling Green and OHS match up very well with each other. Fans of both teams will look back to the game on September 11th and come up with multiple examples of how their team could've done better. However, come Friday night, none of that will matter. This game is about which team is playing better and which team will make the fewer mistakes. I honestly believe that this game is for the 5A championship. I don't mean any disrespect to Fern Creek or Pulaski County. Both of those teams could beat OHS or BG, but I think if either OHS or BG plays their "A" game they don't lose to Fern Creek or Pulaski County. With so much on the line, I expect both teams to leave it all out on the field. For the first time in quite a while, I don't feel OHS is at a disadvantage on the sidelines. Kevin Wallace is a tested, championship caliber coach. Jay Fallin is a newcomer, but has shown the ability to find favorable matchups, and make adjustments at halftime. The one factor nobody is mentioning is Rash Stadium. There is no track around the field. There will be 4-5000 fans right on top of you. There will be no where to hide. I fully expect the Red Devil Nation to pack the house and go nuts anytime OHS does anything well. That home field advantage breaks the tie for two evenly matched teams. Owensboro 28 Bowling Green 24

I'm still here! I just want to make sure I have adequate time to make a solid post and explain my prediction.

First off, Greenwood has a fine football team. QB Jackson Adamns runs the triple option about as well as you'll see it ran. #26 for Greenwood played very well defensively, making several tackles. #6 Pillow is a fine back as well. This was a close game for a half. I can see how Greenwood played BG tough for a half. I did notice the Gators start to wear down a little towards the end of the 2nd quarter. After recovering the onside kick to start the second half, the Gators looked to make a move. However, OHS' defense and offense was just getting started. The Devils blocked a Greenwood punt and a few plays later Board found paydirt from 8 yards out to make it 21-7. Although that's still a doable score, the game was all but over. Another Board 10 yard run made it 28-7, but Adams hit a big pass play to set the Gators up in the red zone. On 4th and goal from the 1, Adams was stuffed and two plays later Landon Board takes a dive left and goes untouched from 98 yards out to make it 35-7. Game. Set. Match. Lost in the game was the efficiency of OHS QB Zach Gross who was 6-9 140 yards and 2 touchdowns. When OHS is clicking through the air, it makes the Devils ultra deadly because you can't load up to stop the run. Any doubt that anyone had about Landon Board should've been erased last night with his 288 yards rushing on 18 attempts. OHS also got touchdown receptions from WR Kishaun Walker and TE Tavian Board. This game is another rung in the ladder. OHS got tested early, but stood firm and put the Gators away in the 2nd half. Next up is arch nemesis Bowling Green. I'll do the run down for that one when the thread comes up. It's gonna be a war!

DFire bringing the knowledge! I love the stats, and of course I hope to see your Dragons get back to their rightful position as one of the elites in WKY.

The more I think about this game, the more down the middle I am. There are a lot of variables in 2A football. Murray is a team that went through some injuries midway through the season but the Tigers seem to be healthy now. OCath, is firing on all cylinders, but the Aces haven't faced top notch competition in quite some time. OCath did have a great performance versus North Hardin and I think seeing the athleticism that the Trojans had, has helped prepare the Aces going into this game. I still think OCath wins the game, and if they do Mayfield better be ready to play. OCath does what they do very well, and you don't typically see their level of execution in the passing game at this level. Ray Zuberer III is a senior QB with a cannon arm, and is a deceptively quick runner when needed. OCath-Murray is going to be a battle.

Yeah, that is always a concern. I'd like to see OHS get enough depth to only play guys one way. OHS does have a completely different offensive and defensive line, which is a luxury by itself. Most of the OHS skill guys go two ways, but OHS does have the ability to substitute to give those guys a break. Not perfect, but the staff has done a wonderful job this year of finding breaks when needed.

I think Trevon Green has a ton of upside. He's more shifty than "fast" but the kid has a great work ethic from what I hear. Again, the biggest thing all young kids can do is continue to work out, do skill specific drills in the offseason, run track (i'm a big believer in it), and make the best grades possible in the classroom.