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1) 5A Covington Catholic (7-0) – Friday’s game in Park Hills was the fastest game yet this season for the Colonels, with Cov Cath starting a running clock 9 seconds into the 2Q against 5A Boone County (2-5). The Colonels started off by scoring TD’s on 4 of their first 7 offensive plays, and won the game 45-0 to get them off to a 2-0 start in district competition. QB Caleb Jacob was 7-9 passing for 171yds and 4 TDs. TE Michael Mayer led the team in scoring, with 3 receptions for 71yds and 3 TDs, and WR Andy Molique also had 1 reception for a 51yd TD. On the ground, Ryan Schneider led the team with 51yds and a TD on his 1 carry, and Owen Nally added a TD on 1 of his 2 rushes, good for 11yds. LB Luke Stegman led the team’s defense with 7 tackles, and Michael Thelen, Owen Nally, and Carter Martin each had 4 tackles a piece. Kicker Trey Gronotte was 6-6 on PATs and also had a 29yd field goal. The Colonels will have a major challenge this Friday when they take on OH-DII LaSalle (6-0), currently ranked nationally at #64 by MaxPreps. 2) Conner (6-1) – Sometimes the “who beat who” puzzle just doesn’t seem to work out. That definitely the case this week with the rankings, with Conner jumping from the #6 spot to #2 after beating 5A Highlands 20-17 on a TD scored in the final minute of the game on Friday. QB Jared Hicks had a commanding performance in the game, going 25-40 passing for 244yds and 2TDs, while rushing 19 times for another 69yds. WR Drew Cobble had 9 receptions for 119yds and 1 TD, WR Caleb Ervin had 4 receptions for 68yds, and WR Colton Roy had 7 receptions for 47yds and 1 TD. Kicker Nicholas Keller added 6 points on field goals. Conner’s defense was led by LB Parker Hitzfield with 9 tackles, Timothy Leiprecht had 8 tackles in the game, and DL Chase Kurtz had 7 tackles. Conner plays district competitor 5A Cooper (4-3) tomorrow night. 3) 5A Highlands (4-3) – The Birds had their first home loss since October 2019 on Friday when competitor 5A Conner (6-1) came to Ft. Thomas and pulled off a last-minute upset, beating Highlands 20-17. The loss came despite the Bluebirds starting off with a 14-0 lead, and leading the entire game until the final 44 seconds of the 4Q. QB Collin Hollingsworth was 6-10 passing for 45yds and 1TD, and QB Jake Fahlbusch was 3-8 for 26yds. RB Griffin Richter led the running game with 48yds on 10 carries, and WR Joey Deschler had 42yds and 1 TD on 2 receptions. LB Brycen Huddleston added the remaining Highlands TD on a kickoff return. Huddleston was also tied for the lead with defensive tackles in the game, with 15, and DP Sawyer Depp also had 15 tackles. The two accounted for over half of the teams tackles in the game. Highlands will head to Florence tomorrow to take on 5A Boone County (2-5) in their second district game. 4) 6A Simon Kenton (3-3) – No action this week. The Pioneers return to action tonight at home in their first district game of 2019, playing 6A Dixie Heights (2-4). 5) 6A Ryle (3-4) – The Raiders moved to the wrong side of the .500 mark on Friday with a 57-21 loss to 6A Scott County (6-1). Ryle kept the game interesting early on, keeping things close and tying the Cardinals up at 14 early in the 2Q, but after that, it was basically all Scott County’s game. QB Keegan Stanken was 10-24 passing for 86yds, 1 TD and 2 INTs. WR Johnathan Coker led the receiving corps with 1 reception good for a 23yd TD, and RB Kyle England led the running game with 15 carries for 79yds and 1 TD. Johnathan Coker also scored the remaining Ryle TD on a returned kickoff. On defense, the Raiders were led by DB Mathias Cusick and LB Dillon Talmon who each had 7 tackles. Sophomroe LB Jackson Belk also had 7 tackles in the game. Ryle will head east to Claryville to take on 6A Campbell County (0-6) in their first district game of the season. 6) 2A Beechwood (2-4) – It was a tough game for Beechwood on Friday, but they Tigers pulled of their first win on the road of 2019 and improved their record with a 14-10 win over 6A Dixie Heights (2-4). Beechwood trailed in the game until the halfway-point of the 4th quarter, when they took a 14-0 lead on the second of two TD connections between QB Cam Hergott and WR Brady Moore. Hergott ended up going 21-28 passing for 18yds and 2 TDs in the game, in addition to leading the Tigers’ running attack with 34yds on 16 carries. Moore led the receiving effort with 86yds and 2 TDs on 11 receptions. RB Cole Stammer had 21yds rushing on 8 carries, and 37yds receiving on 3 receptions, in addition to a key interception in the 4Q from his position at DB to stop Dixie’s final chance at scoring in the game. Further defensive stats were not reported for the game. This week brings Beechwood’s first ever 2A district game when they play 2A Covington Holy Cross (2-4) at the Indians’ new home field at Thomas More University. 7) 5A Cooper (4-3) – The Jaguars put their last couple of weeks happily in the rear-view with a 21-14 win on Friday over 6A George Rogers Clark (2-4). Cooper won the contest despite the Cardinals’ offense rolling up a full 123 yards more than the Jags’ offense. QB Drew Warth was 8-14 passing for 64yds, 1 TD and 1 INT, and WR Xavier Smith led the receiving corps with 33yds and 1 TD on 4 receptions. RB Brendon Tye had 11 carries for 45yds, WR/RB Jeremiah Lee ran the ball 7 times for 23yds and 1 TD, and RB Chester Hale had the remaining TD on his 1 run for 9yds. Chester Hale also had a big game at defensive back, leading the defense with 19 tackles. LB Joe Poage also came up big with 13 tackles, a fumble recovery, and an interception with a 27yd return after the interception. Cooper will resume their district competition tomorrow when they head to Hebron to take on 5A Conner (6-1). 8) 1A Newport Central Catholic (4-2) – No action this week. The Thoroughbreds to start off their district competition tonight when they host 1A Ludlow (4-1). 9) 4A Scott (5-2) – Scott improved to 2-0 in district play on Friday with a 33-7 win over the 3A Harrison County Thorobreds (3-3). QB Gus Howlett had another solid night passing, going 9-16 with 161yds and 2 TDs in the air. RB Quincy Perrin may not have topped his breakout performance from last week, but he still put up a solid 161yds and 2 TDs on 16 carries, along with 1 reception for 41yds and another TD. WR Cam Patterson also had 4 receptions for 64yds and 1 TD. On the defensive flipside, LB Nigel Robinson led the team with 9 tackles, including 3 tackles for losses and a sack. LB Robert Pence had 8 tackles, and LB Damond Hacker had 7 tackles. The Eagles have the week off this week, and will head on the road again for their next district matchup against 4A Boyd County (1-5). 10) Lloyd Memorial (4-2) – The Juggernauts returned from their bye week with a commanding 37-7 win over 1A Ludlow (4-2). QB Jacob Davidson had a huge game, going 14-24 in the air for 265yds and 5 TDs, and rushing 12 times for another 48yds. WR Treshawn Cody led the receivers with 4 receptions for 96yds and 3 TDs, Keion Alexander had 2 receptions for 66yds and 1 TD, and Braxton Irwin had 2 receptions for 32yds and 1 TD. On the ground, RB Michael Sassin led with 12 carries for 81yds and 1 TD. On the defensive side of things, LB Isaac Abdon led with 7 tackles, DB Lennon Stolz had 6 tackles, and DL Mike Wallington, DB Keesean Crim, and DL Tyson Maynard each had 5 tackles a piece. Lloyd will take on 2A Newport (6-1) in their first district came on Friday. TRENDING UP 2A Beechwood (2-4) – The Tigers may not have led their game for long on Friday, but they were leading when time ran out in the 4th quarter, and Beechwood got their second win of the season with a 14-10 victory over 6A Dixie Heights. 5A Conner (6-1) – The Cougars showed that they are not about to sit quietly and let other teams run the show in their district. Conner upset 5A Highlands with a big 20-17 win in Ft. Thomas. TRENDING DOWN 1A Bishop Brossart (2-4) – The Mustangs’ losing streak extended from two games to three on Friday when Bishop Brossart lost 28-6 to 1A Nicholas County. 5A Highlands (4-3) – There’s no denying that the Bluebirds were disappointed on Friday, who headed back to the locker room as one of two teams in northern Kentucky who led for the first three quarters of a game, only to be upset in the fourth with a loss. Highlands lost 20-17 to 5A Conner. GAME OF THE WEEK (RESULTS): WEEK 6 2A Beechwood vs. 6A Dixie Heights Dixie was leading for nearly all of the game on Friday, but it just wasn’t enough to hold off the 2A Tigers from finally getting their second win of the season. GAME OF THE WEEK: WEEK 7 5A Conner vs. 5A Cooper This week we’re going to have another look at what 5A District 5 is made of. With questions continuallt being asked about how Cooper adds up against the rest of the competition in northern Kentucky, and after we saw Cooper best Highlands last week, this should tell us a little more about how it all fits together.

1) 5A Covington Catholic (5-0) – Covington Catholic has now won 13 of its last 15 games against Beechwood after a 49-3 win over the Tigers on Friday. Running backs Michael Boydston and Daniel Felix were the go-to rushers again, and combined for 189 total yards of the offensive game and 3 TDs. WR Ethan Reardon also had a solid game receiving, with 3 catches for 95yds and 1 TD. The remaining touchdowns came on a run by QB Caleb Jacob, who had 181yds passing for 3 TDs, and a run by backup QB Adam Holtz. Daniel Felix led the defense from linebacker with 5 tackles, and LB Noah Powers had 4 tackles. The Colonels host 5A Cooper (3-2) tonight in their first 2019 game of district competition . 2) 5A Highlands (4-1) – Highlands is looking more and more like Highlands each week. On Friday the Birds hosted 6A Ryle (3-2) and beat the Raiders 27-0, their second shutout win of the season. The game was a bit of a defensive battle, with Highlands posting 201 total offensive yards and Ryle only posting 76 total offensive yards. QB Collin Hollingsworth was 9-18 passing for 110yds and 3 TDs. Sophomore RB Griffin Richter led the running game with 84yds on 11 carries. WR Hunter Ahlfeld had 35yds and 2 TDs on 3 receptions, and WR Joey Deschler had the remaining TD on an 18yd reception. LB Brycen Huddleston led the defense for yet another week with his 13 tackles and 2 sacks. Highlands plays 4A Boyle County (5-0) tonight on the road. 3) 6A Simon Kenton (3-2) – The Pioneers have continued their “every other” win/loss record for 2019 with a 39-7 win on Friday over 3A Taylor County (4-1). QB Chase Crone was 8-8 passing for 71yds, 1 TD and 1 INT in the game, with the team’s only passing touchdown in the game coming on a connection with WR John Ivey. RB Austin Hammack had a big night on the ground, racking up over half of the team’s total offensive yard with his own 178yds and 3 TDs on 22 carries. The remaining TD came via RB Quincy North. DL Vuk Sajlovic had 8 tackles and a sack, and LB Nate Walker & DB Zack Koenes logged 6 tackles each. Simon Kenton makes the drive to Paintsville this evening to take on 4A Johnson Central (4-0). 4) 6A Ryle (3-2) – Ryle dropped their second game of the season on Friday in Fort Thomas, losing 27-0 to 5A Highlands (4-1). It was the second shutout loss of the season for the Raiders, who also lost 37-0 to 5A Covington Catholic (5-0) on August 23rd. The offense struggled to get started in the game, and only came up with 39 passing yards, with QBs Keegan Stanken and Luke Worley combining to go 7-20, with no TDs and 1 INT. RB Kyle England led the team with his 50 yards rushing. The bright spot in the game was respectably holding the Bluebirds to 201 total yards of offense, with Mathias Cusick leading Ryle’s defense by tallying an impressive 14 tackles including 6 tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks. The Raiders are going to have their work cut out for them tonight, heading over to The Pit in Cincinnati to take on OH-DI Elder (3-1). 5) 2A Beechwood (1-3) – It wasn’t too much of a surprise that Beechwood didn’t get to add any checks in the win column this past week, but it’s more than likely that Coach Rash is a little disappointed in the Tigers’ inability to get into the endzone in their 49-3 loss to 5A Covington Catholic (5-0). Beechwood’s offense managed to scratch their way just north of 100 total yards in the game, finishing with 115 yards. 95 of those came thanks to QB Cam Hergott’s arm, with completed passes, including 8 to WR Mason Williams for a team high 54 yards. Sophomore RB Avery Courtney ran the ball 6 times for 19 yards, and junior RB Cole Stammer totaled for the 1 remaining positive yard on 5 carries. Kicker Colin Graman was the lone scorer in the game with his 38yd field goal in the second quarter. The Tigers host OH-DV Taft (3-1) tonight. 6) 5A Conner (4-1) – Conner improved to 4-1 on Friday with their 28-0 win over 6A Campbell County (0-5), which made for the Cougars second shutout win of the season. QB Jared Hicks was 15-23 passing for 179yds and 2 TDs, and he ran the ball 9 times for an additional 31yds. Their running game was led by RB Roy Colton, who carried the ball 5 times for 60yds, and Colton’s performance was followed closely by RB Douglas Abdon, who carried the ball 11 times for 54yds, and scored Conner’s 2 rushing TDs. Abdon also had 2 receptions good for 25yds and an additional TD, while WR Caleb Ervin scored the team’s remaining TD on one of his 2 pass receptions. The defense was led again by middle linebacker Parker Hitzfield, who tallied up 13 tackles, an Caleb Ervin had 10 tackles from his position as defensive back. Conner takes on 5A Boone County (2-3) tonight in Florence in their first game of district competition. 7) 5A Cooper (3-2) – Cooper was down in Louisville on Friday, and came home with a disappointing 40-7 loss at the hands of 3A DeSales (2-2). QB Drew Warth had a decent night for the Jags, going 8-20 for 124yds and 1 TD, but the Colts managed to get ahold of his thrown balls three separate times in the game. RB Brendon Tye led the team in yardage with his 70yds running the ball on 15 carries, and WR Jeremiah Lee was the receiving leader with his 64yds on 4 receptions, including the team’s lone TD. DB Anthony Witschey led the defense with 15 tackles and an interception, LB Ethan Bosway and DB Chester Hale each had 12 tackles a piece, and LB Bryan Yelton had 10 tackles in the game. Cooper will face their first district opponent of the year when they head to Park Hills this evening to take on 5A Covington Catholic (5-5). 8) 1A Newport Central Catholic (3-2) – New Cath is back in the books with a winning record for the 2019 season at current after a 50-14 win over 2A Covington Holy Cross (1-4) on Friday. QB Paul Kremer had a phenomenal 284yds passing, going 10-11 for 5 TDS…that’s averaging nearly 30yds per pass, and a TD every other reception. The remaining TD came via pass from backup QB Malaki Herndon. Receivers Cody Mueller & Caleb Jefferson each had 2 TDs, and Malaki Herndon & Jahmir Ackerson both had 1 TD a piece. Herndon also had a 49yd pick-six in the game, giving Malaki touchdowns passing, receiving, and on an interception all in the same game. The Breds will play for the right to hoist the Firefighters Bell for a 20th straight year when they take on cross-town rival 2A Newport (5-0) tonight. 9) 4A Scott (3-2) – The Eagles also made their way back to a winning record on Friday when they went to Florence and got a 30-8 win over 5A Boone County (2-3). QB Gus Howlett was a solid 11-18 passing for 168yds and 1 TD. WR Jackson Hardin had a really solid game, with 6 receptions good for 120yds and 1 TD and WR Cam Patterson added 48yds on 5 receptions. RB Quincy Perrin put on a show, running the ball 24 times for 1818yds and scoring the team’s remaining 3 TDs. The Eagles’ defense was led by DL Michael Nicholas and DE Sage Lalley who each had 7 tackles a piece. Scott will be at home tonight when they host 4A Rowan County (3-2) for their first game of district play. 10) Lloyd Memorial (3-2) – Lloyd improved their record to 3-2 as well this past Friday with a 55-27 win over 3A Mason County (2-3). Sophomore QB Jacob Davidson had a VERY big night for the Juggs, going 12-19 passing for 313yds and 2 TDs. That’s an average of 26yds per reception, for the readers at home. WR Keion Alexander had 4 of those receptions, good for 144yds and 1 TD, and WR Treshawn Cody had 4 receptions of his own, food for 136yds and 1 TD. QB Davidson also ran the ball 20 times for 91yds and 1 TD, and the teams two remaining TDs were scored on runs by Michael Sassin and Amari Riley. On defense, Isaac Abdon was the team leader with 8 tackles, 1 sack, and one of the team’s THREE pick-sixes. Keion Alexander and Tayvonne Coleman-Ewell had the two remaining interceptions-for-touchdown. Lloyd is on their bye week this week. TRENDING UP 1A Dayton (3-1) – Not only did the Greendevils add on their 3rd straight win on Friday, but they did so by beating a 3-0 Pendleton County team. Dayton is stepping up when they need to step up, and they head down to Bracken County to take on the 0-5 Polar Bears tonight. 2A Newport (5-0) – It’s been a long time since we saw a 5-0 start for the Wildcats – 20 years, as a matter of fact. The last time was 1999, which is also the last time Newport got to take home the Newport Firefighters Bell, which they’ll be fighting for once again tonight against New Cath. TRENDING DOWN 1A Beechwood (1-3) – It’s been a tall order for the Tigers to beat 5A Covington Catholic in recent years, but it’s never a good week when your offense can’t make it into the endzone, and it’s even less of a good week when the defense is scored on 7 times. Beechwood plays OH-DV Taft (3-1) tonight. 2A Walton-Verona (2-3) – The Bearcats have dropped back to having a losing overall record after dropping two straight games, this time losing to a 3-1 Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy (OH) team. Walton-Verona has 2A Gallatin County (0-5) tonight. GAME OF THE WEEK (RESULTS): WEEK 4 5A Highlands vs. 6A Ryle The Bluebirds didn’t have their greatest of games on Friday, but they proved that they are still one of the best teams in northern Kentucky by beating Ryle, and doing so with an extra little goose-egg exclamation point in the game. Highlands sent the Raiders home with a 27-0 shutout loss. GAME OF THE WEEK: WEEK 5 2A Newport vs. 1A Newport Central Catholic The “Battle For The Bell” in Newport has been pretty lopsided in recent years, with the New Cath Breds hanging onto the Firefighters Bell every year for the past two decades, but things are looking noticeably different for the Newport Wildcats this season, who are 5-0 for the first time since 1999…which also happens to be the last time they got to carry the bell back from Newport Stadium. With Newport Central Catholic entering the game with a 3-2 record, could this be the first time we see the Wildcats win this one in 20 years?

1) 5A Covington Catholic (6-0) – Covington Catholic had another domintating performance over the latest of their northern Kentucky opponents, with a 45-6 win over 5A Cooper (3-3) in their first game against a district opponent. QB Caleb Jacob was 10-13 passing in the game for 177yds and 3 TDs, and junior Jacob Danneman also stepped in for his first varsity appearance at QB, going 1-1 for a 4yd completion, and rushing 3 times for 18yds. The Colonels had 11 different players rush the ball on Friday for a total 239yds on the ground, with Michael Boydston leading with his 82yds on 5 carries. Reid Hummel had 59yds and 1 TD on 8 carries, and Daniel Felix had 39yds and 2 TDs on his 5 carries. TE Michael Mayer led receiving with 83yds and 2 TDs on 4 receptions, and Ethan Reardon had 58yds and 1 TD on 3 receptions. Mayer also led the team in tackles with 4 total tackles from his spot at linebacker. Cov Cath will host 5A Boone County (2-4) on Friday in their second district matchup. 2) 5A Highlands (4-2) – Highlands has taken road trips south twice this season, and both times ended up taking one on the chin. On Friday they made the drive to Danville and took on 4A Boyle County (6-0), ending up with a disappointing 30-0 shutout loss. The Birds offense was shut down by the Rebels, only scratching out 97 total yards. QB Colling Hollingsworth was 5-20 passing for 62yds and was intercepted twice. WR Jacob Welch made Highlands’ biggest single offensive play of the night with a 39yd reception, the only pass he was able to haul in in the game. Their running game was led by RB Griffin Richter who came up with 29yds on 12 carries. Defensively, it came as no surprise to see LB Brycen Huddleston leading things – he had 12 tackles including 1 sack. DL Zach Lewin had 7 tackles including 2 for losses. The Bluebirds will look to bounce back this week in their first district game when they host 5A Conner (5-1). 3) 6A Simon Kenton (3-3) – The streak continues: win, loss, win, loss, win, and unfortunately another loss for the Pioneers, who made the 3 hour trek to Paintsville, only to make that same drive back with a 49-11 loss at the hands of 4A Johnson Central (5-0). Simon Kenton’s offense had an average night with 274 total yards – their 2019 average has been 284 yards per game, but when you let a team roll up 449 yards rushing in any game, things aren’t likely going in your favor. QBs Chase Crone & Marcus Courtney combined for 106yds passing, but no touchdowns by air. RB Austin Hammack ran 23 times for 84yds and the team’s lone TD in the game, and the other points came via WR Trey Little’s 2-pt conversion and a field goal by K Nick Seger. DB Zack Koenes led the team in tackles with 14, and LB Elijah Weaver & DB Isaac Bleier had 10 tackles a piece. Simon Kenton will have the week off before returning to action in a district game against 6A Dixie Heights (2-3). 4) 6A Ryle (3-3) – The Raiders took their lumps for a second straight week, this time in heading over to The Pit in Cincincinnati and losing 49-7 to OH-DI Elder (4-1). It’s not entirely surprising to see the loss playing against the #2 team in the GCL south, but with 507yds offense allowed compared to their 258yds gained in the game, Coach Engler has to be left wishing to have seen a little more out of the team. With sophomore QB Luke Worley out for the game, senior Keegan Stanken got the start and went 11-22 for 159yds passing and 1 INT. His favorite receivers were Will Mason and Jackson McGinnis who had 52yds and 50yds on their catches, respectively. RB Kyle England was the offensive leader again with 82yds and the team’s 1 TD. On the flip-side of the ball, Ryle’s defense was led by LB Luke Bradshaw with 8 tackles and then DB Johnathan Coker with 6 tackles. Ryle will have their work cut out for them again this week when they host 5A Scott County (5-1) who is fresh off of a stunning 36-0 loss to 5A Frederick Douglass (6-0). 5) 2A Beechwood (1-4) – It’s been a rough first half of the season for the Tigers, who are off to a 1-4 start. Their latest game against OH-DV Taft (4-1) was a significant defensive battle, with two teams combining for a paltry 423 total yards. Despite twice finding themselves in 1st and goal situations as well as winning the yardage battle with 224yds to Taft’s 199yds, Beechwood was unable to get the ball in the endzone and lost the game 7-3. QB Cam Hergott was 13-18 passing for 156yds and 2 INTs. RB Cole Stammer was the offensive go-to with his 7 carries for 40yds on the ground, and his 6 receptions for 45yds. Brady Moore led the team in receiving with 63yds on 4 receptions. Kicker Colin Graman was the lone scorer got the Tigers with his 23yd field goad in the 1Q. Defensive stats were not reported for the game. Beechwood will head to Edgewood to take on 6A Dixie Heights (2-3) on Friday. 6) 5A Conner (5-1) – Conner has successfully strung together 4 straight wins with a 39-7 win on the road against district foe 5A Boone County (2-4) on Friday. Quarterback Jared Hicks had a solid night of passing in the game, going 13-15 for 190yds and 1 TD, and then also running the ball 5 times for 41yds and 3 TDs. Running back Douglas Abdon had 13 carries for 64yds and 1 TD in the Cougars’ win, and wide receiver Colton Roy had 8 pass receptions for 135yds and 1 TD. For the Conner defense, sophomore linebacker Clayton Melcher led things with his 10 tackles, followed closely by linebacker Parker Hitzfield with 9 tackles and then safety Stanley Crawley with 5 tackles. Conner will have their second district match up of the season on Friday when they head to Fort Thomas to take on the 5A Highlands Bluebirds (4-2). 7) 5A Cooper (3-3) – The Jags were dropped for a loss in a second straight week after heading to 5A Covington Catholic (6-0) on Friday and losing 45-6. Both Drew Warth and Jeremiah Lee spent time as quarterback in the game, combining to go 8-15 for 41yds. Cooper’s offense struggled significantly in the game, only coming up with 94 total yards, despite being the first NKY team to score a touchdown on Cov Cath in 2019. RB Brendon Tye was the offensive leader with his 56yds and 1 TD on 10 carries. On defense, LB Jake Harmeyer led the team with 9 tackles, DB Chester Hale had 8 tackles, and LB Joe Poage had 6 tackles. The loss puts the Jaguars at 0-1 in district competition. Cooper will face 6A George Rogers Clark (2-3) this Friday on the road. 8) 1A Newport Central Catholic (4-2) – New Cath took on their crosstown rival 2A Newport (5-1) on Friday, and managed to hang on to the Firefighters Bell for a 20th straight year by beating the Wildcats 37-6. QB Paul Kremer was 11-14 passing, good for 101yds and 2 TDs in the air. WR Caleb Jefferson had 4 receptions for 42yds and 1 of the receiving TDs, and WR Tanner Daunt had the other TD on a 7yd reception, his only catch of the game. RB Jahmir Jackson let the running game with 13 carries for 70yds and 1 TD, and RB Luke Runyon had 6 carries for 40yds and a TD. The remaining 7 points came on kicker Sam Lavin’s 4 made PATs out of 5 attempted, plus a field goal. Defensive stats were not reported in the game. The Breds will have the week off as they rest up and prepare for district play to start against 1A Ludlow (4-1) on October 10th. 9) 4A Scott (4-2) – Scott improved on their record last week with a 54-28 win over 4A Rowan County (3-3), getting the Eagles off to a 1-0 start in district competition. QB Gus Howlett had his best passing game of the 2019 season thus far, going 14-20 for 192yds and 3 TDs. Even more impressive was RB Quincy Perrin’s performance with 16 carries for 252yds and 4 TDs, also his personal high water mark for the season. WR Cam Patterson led the receiving corps with 2 receptions for 74yds and 2 TDs, and Jackson Hardin had 1 TD by air, and 1 TD by land, good for 12 points and 113 all purpose yards. LB Nigel Robinson led the Defense with 10 tackles, including a sack, and DE Sage Lalley had 9 tackles. DB Brennan Bowling and LB Damond Hacker each had 7 tackles a piece. Scott will face 4A Harrison County (3-2) in their second district game. 10) Lloyd Memorial (3-2) – There was no action for the Juggs this week. Lloyd will return to action on Friday when they head to 1A Ludlow (4-1) to take on the Panthers. TRENDING UP 1A Dayton (4-1) – The Greendevils are still at it. They improved with their 4th straight win on Friday, beating 1A Bracken County 41-14. 1A Ludlow (4-1) – The Panthers also have shrugged off a Week 0 loss by following it up with 4 straight wins, with their latest victory taking place last Friday with a 54-14 win over Nicholas County. TRENDING DOWN 2A Beechwood (1-4) – The Tigers faced a meat grinder of a first half to their season, and unfortunately they have a record to show for it, with their 4th loss in 5 games coming last Friday at the hands of OH-DV Taft (4-1). Beechwood lost at home 7-3. 5A Grant County (3-3) – The Braves dropped back down to a .500 record with a 48-16 loss to 5A Montgomery County, putting them off to an 0-1 start in district play. GAME OF THE WEEK (RESULTS): WEEK 5 2A Newport vs. 1A Newport Central Catholic Newport may have gotten off to a 5-0 start, but that didn’t stop the Newport Catholic Thoroughbreds from coming home from their annual crosstown grudge match with a 37-6 win. GAME OF THE WEEK: WEEK 6 2A Beechwood vs. 6A Dixie Heights It’s been a handful of years since we last saw Beechwood play Dixie Heights – 5 years, to be exact. The last time these two teams met, 6A Dixie Heights got the first win of their unprecedented 13-2 season in 2014, which included a trip to the 6A state finals in Bowling Green. Since then, Dixie Heights has dropped down to 5A, and is now once again back in 6A, and Beechwood has now found themselves in a new class for the first time ever, moving up to 2A. Both teams have had less than ideal starts to their seasons, so it will be interesting to see who ends up with the win this week in Edgewood.

BluegrassPreps 2019 Western Kentucky Power Rankings – Week 6 Edition The top story line this week is we have passed the halfway point in the season now! Time truly does fly! With that said, how have your top teams done so far? For the majority, I think it’s a mixed bag of uneven performances. A LOT of that can be attributed to new, younger guys asked to step up and be the man and maybe they are ready and maybe they aren’t! But part of the things that make our sport great is that steel sharpens steel! I mean, if you expect to continue to compete successfully as a program over a long period of time, sometimes you will have the best sword (players), but sometimes you won’t. It’s through those uneven seasons that you take lessons learned where you were defeated and strengthen yourself through that and get significantly better later on in the year! That’s what I expect with several of our teams in the West this season! Franklin Simpson is one in particular. Yes, they should have beaten Greenwood. And yes, maybe they should have stayed closer or beaten Meade County, but come the third weekend of the playoffs, I wouldn’t want to draw an experienced (maybe just experienced with guys who were on the sidelines during the past 2 championship seasons), well coached team that most have given up on besides their own fans! Going to be a great window of opportunity for many teams just like this! What about your team… Still A LOT to prove this year no matter if the first part of the season has been good or bad! Week 6 Western Kentucky Games of the Week: 4A Logan County (6-0) 26 at 4A Madisonville North-Hopkins (5-1) 24. WHAT A GAME SPORTS FANS! This is perhaps the best game of the entire football season right here! A top flight District Battle right out of the gate! According to our good friend @Figs, Madisonville Star RB Jeriah Hightower scored on a 5 yard run with 51 seconds to play putting the Maroons ahead 24-20! But the Cougars wouldn’t quit and used a hook and lateral to set up a Hail Mary pass that our good friend @Mayfieldsportsfan reported the Maroons DB tried for the INT but couldn’t get it. The Logan WR caught it at the goal line and fell into the end zone earning the heart-stopping win for Logan County! Congratulations to Cougar Nation on the HUGE win! 3A Paducah Tilghman (5-1) 63 at 3A Trigg County (4-2) 21. As much as the game above was a great game, this one not so much! Trigg County has a fine team, but some critical injuries on the defensive side of the ball have really compromised the Wildcats ability to stay in games against more upper echelon teams. Case in point, the Wildcat defense has given up roughly 700 yards on the ground in the last 2 games. When that happens you typically don’t win. But I do anticipate Trigg competing for the #2 spot in the district. For Tilghman, all signs point up for the Blue Tornados! Coach Smith has his team in a great spot with a game of state-wide interest coming to Paducah next week! Go Blue Tornados! Week 7 Western Kentucky Game of the Week: 5A Bowling Green (3-2) at 5A South Warren (6-0). Well here we are! A game many across the West (and State) now look forward to, especially with South Warren winning the 5A Championship last season! Many, including myself, expected the Spartans to be considerably below their championship form of the 2018 Campaign. However, a mix of young talent including a fine young QB, good RBs, a consistent defense, and arguably the top 1 or 2 OLines in the West, has South Warren saying “Why Not Back To Back”! But a critical season threatening injury to talented QB Caden Veltcamp has tempered those sentiments! The Purples come into this game uneven honestly. Handed their opponent a victory in the Rafferty’s Bowl, blew out teams they should have, but that also included a 6A McCracken County team that took down Mayfield and has been on fire ever since. They took on the #3 team in the State IMO, St Xavier, and played just as I said above – uneven. The first half seemed like they didn’t know the game started early at 6:30. By the time they regularly start, 7:00, they had made adjustments and roughly played the Tigers even. This week lightning struck and BG didn’t even get to play (there must have been only about 5 cities in the Commonwealth with rain and lightning on Friday night, but Corbin drew the short straw I guess. So where are we? Basically in a spot, where South comes in with a new QB and BG looks to make life difficult for the new Spartans signal caller! As for this game, I think anything could happen, but I now think BG is the favorite without Veltcamp on the field. South is the home team and they practice on that field, so that is always an advantage to me, but I don’t see a large point differential in this game. Am I right? You tell me… Honorable Mention: DeSales at Paducah Tilghman (This game is worthy too); Mayfield at Caldwell County; Logan County at Hopkinsville; and Trigg County at Crittenden County. Try to make it out to one of these great games! Week 6 Top 10: 10) Hopkinsville (4A) – Preseason Rank: 6 - 2019 Record 4-2; District Record 1-0] Week 6 Results: Win: 43-0 vs Poor Ole’ Calloway County 4A (0-6). The Lakers just have a tough schedule for their roster this year. It’s that simple. For Hoptown, katty-bar the door, as points fell out of the Tigers pockets like Allied Bombs on the Axis Powers in WWII! The Tigers rolled up over 320 yards on the ground and not 1 Tiger had more than 100 yards. That tells you Coach Clayton got a lot of younger Tigers in the game, which will help them in years to come! Great strategy & shows the other inferior team you have some compassion. Week 7: THURSDAY NIGHT SPECIAL: vs District Rival 4A Logan County (6-0). Another HUGE District Game in the BEST 4A District in the State (Top to Bottom) this year! It seems they are getting the critical games played at the beginning of District Season this year! Should be a terrific battle! During the summer Best of the West 7v7 event, these 2 squared off in one of the best games played, where Hoptown edged Logan County 34-32. That’s excellent offensive execution for those that don’t know much about 7v7 ball. Of course 7v7 isn’t what will take place next Friday night at the Stadium of Champions! I do look for some continued offensive execution and I could see a shootout develop. However, more times than not for teams that see each other regularly, the team with the best defense wins. And it usually is a lower scoring game than you expect because the teams know each other so well! I think that’s likely the case here. But it will be a HECK of a game! Get out to support your team Tiger Fans!!! 9) Glasgow (3A) – Preseason Rank: 12 - 2019 Record 5-1; District Record 0-0] Week 6 Results: Loss 21-20 vs 5A South Warren (6-0). The Scotties were so close in this game and led nearly the entire game! It certainly would have been a feather in their cap to have beaten the defending 5A State Champs, but if Glasgow can learn from this game, they will certainly be much better prepared come late November in games in which they will be challenged. From following the update threads, I would think Coach Garmon would like to have the Scotties last offensive possession back! Up 6 with the ball and 51 seconds to go is a heartbreaking way to lose a game. But the season’s not over by a long shot Scottie Fans! You have a great team and can still go a very long way! Chin up! I don’t have any stats, but QB Tanner Abernathy played a whale of a game for Glasgow! Week 7: at District Mate 3A Adair County (1-5). The Indians were a good story a few seasons back around 2015 and 2016, but in smaller communities, those teams come and go. Right now they just don’t have the braves to be able to take the fort! Scotties name the score!!! 8) Madisonville – North Hopkins (4A) – Preseason Rank: 5 - 2019 Record 5-1; [District Record 0-1] Week 6 Results: Western Kentucky GAME OF THE WEEK - Loss: 26-24 vs 4A District Rival Logan County (6-0). The Maroons stumble out of the District Gate and take a gut-wrenching loss! But Star RB Jeriah Hightower played superbly and you will see him later! This game had a playoff flavor in late September! That’s a credit to both clubs! Chin up Maroons! If Hoptown beats Logan and you beat Hoptown, we’re back to even again! Could happen… Madisonville rolled up nearly 300 yards on the ground and SR QB Hayden Reynolds played awfully well throwing for 125 yards 2 TDs and no INTs! Week 7: at County Rival/District Mate 4A Hopkins County Central (0-6). The Storm has lost every game this season including a setback last week vs poor ole’ 2A McLean County. And the Storm haven’t beaten the Maroons since a 21-7 win way back in 2003. Since then, most of these contests have been routes with only 2 games being what you’d consider close. All that to say, this isn’t the year for the Storm to break that streak! Maroons roll!!! 7) Owensboro (5A) – Preseason Rank: 8 - 2019 Record 5-1; [District Record 2-0] Week 6 Results: Win: 41-0 at Ohio County (2-4). Just the haves and the have nots here again sports fans! The Red Devils are just a couple notches about anybody else in their district and that’s just the plain truth. But I do wonder if the consistent easy games will hurt them in late November. I guess we’ll have to wait to find out because no district team will challenge this Owensboro team. Week 7: vs new District Mate 5A Muhlenberg County (2-4). District game #3 for the Red Devils! And District win #3 for the Red Devils! I could see Graves County and Henderson County giving O problems for a quarter or two maybe, but that’s about it for the rest of their regular season schedule! Red Devils roll with a running clock! What say you… 6) Logan County (4A) – Preseason Rank: 10 - 2019 Record 6-0; District Record 1-0] Week 6 Results: Western Kentucky GAME OF THE WEEK - Win: 26-20 vs 4A District Rival Madisonville – North Hopkins (5-1). Epic win for the Cougars! People will be talking about this game over in Logan County for a long time! When you win in comeback fashion like this, you remember it! SR QB Tyler Ezell is just a star for the Cougars! You’ll see him later! Congratulations Cougars on taking the lead in 4A District 1! Week 7: THURSDAY NIGHT SPECIAL: at 4A District Rival Hopkinsville (4-2). Rough District schedule for the Cougars, as they get both 4A District Rivals right out of the gate and both of them on the road! But I guess every other year you like it! Based on last week’s results, they’re ready to take on anybody you put in front of them! Cougars rolling right now! Can they pull off a sweep of the Top Teams in the District? You tell me… 5) Paducah Tilghman (3A) – Preseason Rank: 7 - 2019 Record 5-1; [District Record 1-0] Week 6 Results: Western Kentucky GAME OF THE WEEK - Win: 63-21 at 3A Trigg County (4-2). Tilghman used a traditionally strong run attack (you’ll see some of those guys later) to overpower Trigg County. The Tilghman defense continued its strong play and that was all she wrote in this one! According to our good friend @TilghmanPride, the Blue Tornados moved some guys around last week and got away from as many going both ways and that seemed to pay off for Tilghman! But will they be able to do that next week in a very big game? You tell me... Week 7: vs 3A DeSales (3-2). Terrific game right here! Great job by both schools to make it happen! This should squarely tell the Blue Tornados where they are on the state-wide 3A Map, as DeSales came in last week as the #1 rated 3A football team! Looking at the DeSales overall stats on the year, they gain 9 yards (roughly 900 on the year) on the ground vs giving up 1 yard (roughly 100 yards on the year) on the ground, while they gain 5 yards on a pass reception vs giving up 9 yards. But they have played St X and LexCath, which are both very fine teams. So it looks like which team can run the ball the best and sprinkle in a few timely passing plays will make the difference in this one! What say you… I’m pulling for the Blue Tornado’s in this one! 4) Mayfield (2A) – Preseason Rank: 1 - 2019 Record 5-1; District Record 0-0] Week 6 Results: Win: 42-0 vs 3A Fort Campbell (0-6). Another hit for the Falcons; this likely sets up two 0-8 teams playing October 25th when Ballard Memorial comes to Fort Campbell. At least 1 of those teams will get a win this year! As for the Cardinals, star QB Jayden Stinson continued his stellar play going near perfect at 9 for 10 for 251 yards and 3 TDs on the night. Mayfield dominated the Falcons gaining 400 yards to 92 for Fort Campbell. Week 7: at Old-turned New District Mate 2A Caldwell County (5-1). These two have played some competitive games over the years, but they have been more of the exception than the rule, as Mayfield has won 8 of the last 11 games and 2 of those Caldwell wins were in 2008 and 2009. The last close game between these 2 was in 2015 where Mayfield eked out a 25-24 win in Princeton. The game being in Princeton surely gives the Tigers more hope, but they are still a decided underdog here. I look for Mayfield to have too many weapons for the Tigers to be able to handle. What say you… 3) McCracken County (6A) – Preseason Rank: 9 - 2019 Record 4-2; District Record 1-0] Week 6 Results: Win: 81-51 at 6A District Mate Apollo (2-4). WHAT A SCORE! No this wasn’t a December round ball affair, but more of a high octane offensive blow-out for both teams! Both teams combined rolled up over 1,300 yards! Spectacular, especially if you love offensive football! If you’re an old wool defensive guy, you left the stadium in the first quarter! According to our good friend @backinblack2000, the Mustangs are on a 4 game road win streak. And our good friend @wrn1979 thinks Apollo has turned a corner even in defeat. I tend to think he’s right, but the proof will be in the district win column. We shall see… Week 7: vs 6A Daviess County (2-4). The Panthers did get a win last week and I’m sure that felt good, but this week driving 2.5 hours over to Paducah for what should be a very difficult matchup for Daviess won’t feel so good on that lonely bus ride back up the old WK Parkway! McCracken County is in a good spot right now with the rest of their season looking for them to be the favorites in every game. Even the likely district showdown at Hendo! Good luck Mustangs! 2) Bowling Green (5A) – Preseason Rank: 2 - 2019 Record 3-2; District Record 0-0] Week 6 Results: Cancelled due to Lightning at 4A Corbin (2-2). The only other lightning cancellation I can recall was during the Great 2013 Campaign where BG drove up to Lexington Catholic and was set to play Bryan Station, but spectacular lightning prevented that game as well. Does this hurt BG? You tell me… Week 7: WESTERN KENTUCKY GAME OF THE WEEK - at 5A District Rival South Warren (6-0). The Rivalry between these two teams has more history before they ever played a single game than since they have been playing games. Fans of either side have said this or that about how their team was better than the other. And such it is with rivals. Since the two started actually playing each other on the field in 2017, they have only met 3 times with easily the most important game being the only playoff game in 2017 where South Warren upset BG 28-21 at El Donaldson Stadium. IMO, BG comes into this game with more weapons than South. With offensive threats TE Jordan Dingle, WR Dez Wilson, RB Javy Bunton to name 3, BG has a lot to keep a defensive coordinator up at night. After the last quarter of the Father Ryan game and the first quarter of the St Xavier game, the BG defense has been very solid. How does this game playout you ask? I will answer your riddle with one of my own: who is playing where for BG? I’m speaking about Vito Tisdale and the QBs of course, as they are certainly key for the Purples chances to win here and beyond! What say you… 1) South Warren (5A) – Preseason Rank: 3 - 2019 Record 6-0; District Record 0-0] Week 6 Results: Win: 21-20 at Gritty 3A Glasgow (5-1). Terrific game here. The Spartans have to feel both resolve in their ability to come back after being down, but also very fortunate to be able to get this win. This was the first game without QB Caden Veltcamp and it appears the Spartans had some difficulty on offense early, but came through when it counted. On to a much bigger game! Week 7: WESTERN KENTUCKY GAME OF THE WEEK – vs 5A District Rival Bowling Green (3-2). I look for South Warren’s defense to play very well in this game and do what they always try to do – Stop the Run at All Costs! And they are good at it. Thru 5 games, they have given up roughly 300 yards on the ground or 60 yards a game. Vs BG I anticipate BG will run for more than 60 but think the high water mark is likely around 100 yards at best. Last year’s game saw South rush for over 225 yards against BG! WOW, but Jacob Lacey ain’t walkin through that door! The South offensive line is at least the 2nd best line in the West, if not the best and Colt Jackson is likely the best OLineman in the West IMO. With that said, I look for them to have some success on the ground, but nowhere near 225 (St X only rushed for 122)! The South RB Kobe Martin is only a SO and has played very well this season and reminds me of a young Jamale Caruthers. Add undervalued WR/DBs Jantzen Dunn, Avrin Bell and Tomi Mustapha and the Spartans have guys who can hurt you on the outside, but without Veltcamp how do they get them the ball? That’s the question… But I know the Spartan Coaches have been planning for this game since the end of last season, as the rest of their games they can likely be ready for in a normal week. Ultimately, I think it’s a close game that could go either way defending on specifics in the game that you can’t know in advance (turnovers, injuries, penalties, use of players, etc.), which is true in any game, but none more so than when the teams are mostly even and particularly in a rivalry game. But this is only the first meeting between these two. And just like 2017, the second one in the playoffs will be much more important! Good luck Spartans! Next 10 – 11 to 20: 11) Owensboro Catholic (2A) (5-1) – Week 6 Results: Win 48-24 at 2A Todd County Central. This is a better win than it might appear as I truly feel that the Rebels have a really good squad this year, but it also shows how OCATH is clearly above their district mates and have been for some time. Team Air Raid continued to put up big numbers and you will see talented QB Drew Hartz later. Next up: at 2A McLean County. District win #2 for the Aces right here, with 2 completely mismatched teams. It would be a good opportunity to groom a younger signal caller as Mr. Hartz will be moving on after this season! And it looks like SO Lincoln Clancy would be that guy, as he is the only other QB listed on the Aces roster. Certainly seems like a good time to get him several varsity series under his belt! Is it just me or do you really need 9 TDs… That’s a shot at last week, I admit, but isn’t it valid? 12) Henderson County (6A) (4-1) - Week 6 Results: BYE WEEK. The Colonels have been a feel good story for sure this season, as they have come out of the Preseason unranked to be a formidable contender to McCracken County in 6A District 1, which McCracken has owned ever since they were combined and the school formed. The final 2 games on the schedule will test the Colonels for sure when McCracken comes to town and they have to roll down the Audubon Parkway to Owensboro for a matchup with a really good team. But the next three weeks will serve to help you ramp up to those difficult games! Week 7: at 5A Marshall County. Should be way too much Colonel Power in this one. QB Sam Elliot and company should have a field day! Good Luck Hendo! 13) Caldwell County (2A) (5-1) – Week 6 Results: Win 57-16 at Poor Ole’ District Mate Ballard Memorial. Not much to see here over in Barlow, but I think the Bombers could have a shot on the 25th when they go to Ft Campbell, if there’s any Bombers left by then. I hope so! For Caldwell, not much of a tune up for one of the toughest games of your regular season! Next up: vs District Mate Mayfield. Caldwell, like so many teams, have not found much success against Mayfield. I think a team’s best shot vs the Cardinals is to be able to run just enough to pass most of the night. Can Caldwell do that? We shall see… Good luck Tigers! 14) Franklin Simpson (4A) (2-4) – Week 6 Results: Win 31-21 at 4A District Mate Allen County-Scottsville. This is more of a rivalry than I probably know, but with Franklin dominating within their district of late, the results of these games don’t seem in question, but a 10 point game speaks to the flavor of rivalry! Next up: at 4A New District Mate Russell County. I’m not sure these teams have ever played before. The Russell County Lakers are 4 and 2 on the year. The 4 wins are against teams you’d likely think they could beat and the 2 losses are against the best 2 teams on their schedule so far Casey County and Warren East. I look for that theme to ring true here as well with the Wildcats enduring the 1.5 hour bus ride each way to handle the Lakers comfortably! Good Luck Wildcats! 15) Murray (2A) (4-1) – Week 6 Results – BYE WEEK. This might be the most undervalued team in the West this year at #15. Why would I say that? Because after losing in demoralizing fashion to open the season (38-35) vs nearby rival 5A Graves County, the luster wore off the shiny new season as quick as a wink and many moved on from the Tigers. But since that game, which they clearly could have/should have won, they have played rock solid football, as evidenced by blowing the doors off Trigg County by 37 points in Cadiz. Does Coach Hodge’s Tigers have anything for Mayfield this year? You tell me… Next up: Vs 3A Fort Campbell. This game should be over early, as I see the Tigers running away with this one! QB Hunter Utley and company will be hard for the Falcons to hold down I’m afraid. Go Tigers! 16) Graves County (5A) (2-3) – Week 6 Results: Win 51-16 vs New District Mate Breckinridge County! I don’t know of any team happier to move into district play than Graves! This week’s district win begins a cupcake soft stretch of games (minus Owensboro) that will take them to likely #2 in the district. But the likelihood of playing beyond week 2 in the playoffs is pretty low IMO. Next week: vs New District Mate Ohio County. While Ohio County has a terrific RB, I just don’t see them making the long bus ride and sneaking out of Mayfield with a win! What say you… 17) Barren County (6A) (5-1) – Week 6 Results: Win 19-16 at 5A Greenwood. Welcome to the Top 20 Trojans! It’s been before the 1998 season since Barren County has been 5 and 1. And according to our good friend @Tkinslow, the Trojans haven’t had a winning season since 2000. Good for them! Do you think they wanted this one? Check out this twitter clip after the game: Twitter SR LB Tyler Bush had a HUGE Pick 6 that helped turn the tide for Barren. Big win for them and big loss for Greenwood! This is the first win for Barren over Greenwood since a 14-10 2013 match. Next up: BYE WEEK. Enjoy it Trojans as the Beasts of your District schedule are coming soon, including stout Central Hardin and highly ranked North Hardin. But enjoy the ride Trojans! 18) Grayson County (5A) (6-0) – Week 6 Results – Win 22-14 at Muhlenberg County! 6 and 0 Cougars! Congratulations! The Cougars haven’t been 6 and 0 since a very strong 9 and 3 2012 team opened that year 7 and 0! If the Cougars can beat Graves County they will tie that mark! We’ll see! Next up: BYE WEEK! The Cougars have to feel great about where they are and good for them! While I could see them beating Graves County in Leitchfield, there’s no way I can come up with a scenario of Grayson going into Rash Stadium and getting a win. But hey Cougar Nation, I like you in every other game! Good luck! 19) Greenwood (5A) (5-1) –Week 6 Results: Loss 19-16 vs 6A Barren County. This is a brutal loss for Greenwood! Mostly because they were up in this game and at home. Now a very challenging District schedule awaits. Next week: at 5A Christian County. The district season opens for Gator Nation is the best and likely only chance for a district win this season is this coming Friday night. Greenwood’s other district mates are BG and South Warren – OOFFF!!! The Gators have played much better than Christian County has this year, but going to Hoptown to play them is always harder than you think. Still, I believe Greenwood has proven thus far to be the better team. I’ll go Gators by 10 points! Go Gators! 20) Fulton County (1A) (5-1) – Week 6 Results: Win 20-14 at previously undefeated Greenfield, TN. First, I realize some other teams have a right to be upset to not be considered for this spot including Warren East, Crittenden County, and Union County to name 3, but I have chosen to go with what truly is a feel good story this year in the Pilots of Fulton County! Most know the Pilots have been down for some time. In fact, it’s been before 1998 since the Pilots have had this good a record. Add special RB SR Caleb Kimble as a once in a generation type back. Through 6 games, Kimble has rushed roughly 100 times for 1,000 yards. That’s pretty good for a 1A school! Next up: At 1A District Foe Russellville. This is a complete role reversal, as Russellville is typically the team in this district that comes in with the winning record and looks to smash Fulton, but it appears to be the other way around this year. In fact, I’m picking the Pilots in this District Opener even at Rhea Stadium! Go Pilots!!! Week 6 Players of the Week: *I don’t have all stats available, so please add as you see fit! 1) Jeriah Hightower – RB – Madisonville-North Hopkins – 43 rushes for 301 yards and 1 TD vs Logan County! 2) Damian Lovinsky – QB – Apollo – 6 for 12 for 224 yards and 2 TDs. Add RB Harold Hogg – 25 rushes for 358 yards and 4 TDs vs McCracken County! 3) Drew Hartz – QB – Owensboro Catholic – 14 for 26 for 352 yards and 5 TDs vs Todd County Central! Add WR Hagan Edge 5 catches for 158 yards and 3 TDs! 4) Hunter Bradley – RB – McCracken County – 19 rushes for 413 yards and 7 TDs vs Apollo! 5) Tyler Ezell - QB – Logan County – 295 passing yards and 3 TDs vs Madisonville-NH! 6) Damien Ford – RB – Paducah Tilghman – 16 carries for 325 yards and 3 TDs; Jayden Freeman – 4 catches for 165 yards and 3 TDs; Tim Watkins – 10 tackles and 1 sack vs Trigg County! GREAT WORK GENTLEMEN!!! Week 6 “Teams Trending Down” Madisonville – North Hopkins (3A) – Down – The Maroons are not here because they played poorly vs Logan County. They played a fine game. They are here because when you have the lead under a minute at home, you expect to win the game when you are the favorite. Madisonville will now need Hopkinsville to win this coming Thursday night vs Logan County. If the Tigers don’t win, then Hopkinsville and Madisonville will be playing in Week 1 of the playoffs regardless of what else happens during the regular season, which is a much tougher road than the District Champ will have! Greenwood (5A) – Down – I’m not here to beat the Gators down relentlessly :deadhorse:, but the loss to Barren County after you had the lead is very demoralizing considering you know your likely ceiling is Week 1 of the Playoffs! Teams “Trending Up” Logan County (4A) – Up – What a win Cougar Nation! Has anyone in the State done a better job at changing culture and getting the most out of their players than @CoachAdler and his staff at Logan County? I don’t think so! Another HUGE game this Thursday in Hopkinsville! But I’m sure Coach Adler won’t have any trouble keeping his players focused! Go Cougars! Barren County (6A) – Up – Coach Jackson Arnett has his team believing and playing with a purpose! That can take you a long way as we saw last Friday Night! Although I fear their district challengers will be too much, I think Barren can still have a winning season this year and that’s atypical for most Barren County clubs! Great effort Trojans!

1. Johnson Central Golden Eagles (4A, 5-0)- The Eagles continued to flex their muscles by laying to smack down on traditionally stout 6A Simon Kenton. They now begin District play with rejuvenated Clay County, but expect Johnson Central to do what #1 teams do. 2. Somerset Briarjumpers (2A, 5-0)- Another week and another clinic put on by Somerset. Not only did the Briarjumpers light the scoreboard up against Russell, they also continue to play sound Defensive football. They finalize their Class 1A stretch with Hazard next. 3. Bell County Bobcats (3A, 5-0)- The Bobcats keep rolling and McCreary Central offered little resistance. Bell now faces Rockcastle County in a rivalry renewed, but this should continue to be all Bobcats. 4. Pikeville Panthers (1A, 6-0)- The Panthers left little doubt by jumping on Lawrence County early and coasting to a win. Pikeville will take the week off before beginning District play. 5. Pulaski County Maroons (5A, 5-1)- Pulaski needed every yard they could get but survived a scare against upset minded Whitley County. South Laurel should prove a lighter test as the Maroons continue to try and stake their claim as a legit threat in 5A. 6. Belfry Pirates (3A, 3-2)- A running clock win over Magoffin County was just what the doctor ordered for Belfry to recover from a loss to Pikeville. District play continue with a trip to Floyd Central as Belfry looks to get a win streak cooking. 7. Ashland Tomcats (3A, 4-1)- The Tomcats needed a week away from playing Overtime football and now set their sights on a massive NEKY showdown. Ashland continues to look like a team with big expectations in 3A but will need a win over Raceland to keep those expectations high. 8. Wayne County Cardinals (4A, 4-1)- We finally found someone capable of slowing down Braedon Sloan.... Mother Nature. The lightning cancelled the Cardinals' game against Danville and with a BYE week on us, it will e a while before we see the Cardinals explosive Offense. 9. Corbin Redhounds (4A, 2-2)- It's off only seeing 4 game results to Corbin's name, but a cancellation against Bowling Green will leave them with only nine games. Lafayette will get a well rested Corbin team and should be a nice 6A win for Haddix's Hounds. 10. Russell Red Devils (3A, 5-1)- You have to like where Russell is as they enter the back half of their schedule. The Red Devils obliterated Fleming County and look to be the real deal. They get a fortuitous week off before gearing up for District play. 11. Breathitt County Bobcats (2A, 6-0)- The blowout tour is in full effect. The latest victim was Middlesboro and Morgan County seems to be destined for a similar fate. Say what you want about Breathitt's S.O.S, they are doing exactly what you would hope they would. 12. Raceland Rams (1A, 3-2)- Raceland may have entered as a .500 team, but they made sure that they left their game with Portsmouth West as a team more fitting of their stature by crushing their foe. Can the 1A Rams jump up and get their larger class rival? 13. Hazard Bulldogs (1A, 4-1)- Now that is exactly the statement you would hope Hazard would make! Te Bulldogs asserted themselves squarely in the 1A Title Picture by defeating Paintsville and now have a chance to make an even bigger statement against 2A's top-ranked team Somerset. 14. Paintsville Tigers (1A, 3-2)- Injuries and depth are causing some issues for the Tigers and Hazard exploited it for a head turning win. The road doesn't get easier as Union, VA is a traditionally very stout foe from across the border. 15. Harlan County Black Bears (4A, 5-1)- Clay County was no push over, but the Bears Defense bounced back to carry them to a victory in a hard fought game. Letcher Central has always played Harlan County tight so expect another tough one this week. Trending Up: West Carter Comets (2A, 3-2)- The Comets took a big step forward by handling Shelby Valley and now are the favorites to win their District. Bath County is a fellow class dropper but does not seem to be faring as well. Martin County Cardinals (2A, 4-1)- The Cardinals are off to their best start in a long time and have nice confidence after handling Bath County. Expect them to clinch a .500 regular season with a win over struggling East Ridge. North Laurel Jaguars (5A, 4-2)- After a disappointing 1-2 start, the Jags have reeled off three straight including a win over hated rival South Laurel. Southwestern is a huge game for them as they try to avoid a potential 3-seed and keep their District hopes alive. Trending Down: Williamsburg Yellowjackets (1A, 3-2)- There is no shame in who Williamsburg has lost to the past two weeks as both Somerset and LCA are capable of hoisting a title. With that said, in the the ridiculously loaded 1A East, it is appearing the Jackets are lagging behind specifically on Defense. Perry Central Commodores (5A, 0-5)- This isn't about piling on a winless team, but with a narrow loss to Letcher Central the Commodores are looking like missing the playoffs may be a distinct possibility. They need a good showing against Lee, VA desperately. Morgan County Cougars (2A, 0-6)- The Cougars lost to Knott County Central and with it cost themselves potentially their most winnable game remaining on their schedule. Morgan County has only scored more than single TD one time and help is not coming soon with Breathitt County next. Player of the Week: Trent Asher, Leslie County- The Junior athlete for the Eagles needed to step up in a "must win" type of game for Leslie County, and that he did! Asher carried the ball 8 times for 157 yards and 3 TD's, he also caught 6 balls for 102 yards and 2 more scores. For the cherry on top he even threw in a critical Interception in the 43-27 win. Game of the Week: #12 Raceland Rams at #7 Ashland Tomcats- This has become one of the most competitive and tightly contested rivalries in Eastern Kentucky over the past decade and expect nothing less than a continuation of that. Both teams need a statement win and more importantly the RPI points that come with it.

1) 5A Covington Catholic (4-0) – Covington Catholic did essentially what was expected of them, they soundly beat a struggling 1-3 team from 6A Dixie Heights with a final score of 45-0. It was the third shut-out the Colonels’ four games played thus far in 2019. Caleb Jacob was 10-17 passing for 201yds, 1 TD and 1 INT. It’s tough to pick a “workhorse” from the offensive backfield, with Daniel Felix, Michael Boydston, and Owen Nally all having regular touches from RB, but the both Felix and Boydston had a pair of touchdowns each. The remaining two touchdowns were scored on a run by RB Adam Holtz and a 24yd reception by WR Ethan Reardon. Despite a quiet offensive game, LB Michael Mayer led the defense with 10 tackles and a half a sack. The Colonels head to Fort Mitchell tonight for the 39th edition of their rivalry game against 2A Beechwood (1-2). 2) 5A Highlands (3-1) – Highlands made it two in a row on Friday; their second straight win of the season, and their second win in row over 6A Simon Kenton (2-2). Highlands was on the road in Independence on Friday, and the Birds put the game away in the second half, scoring 2 unanswered TDs to end the game in a 28-7 win. Collin Hollingsworth was 19-36 passing for 193yds and 2 TDs thrown to receivers Jacob Welch and Hunter Ahlfeld. RB Tyler Brune had 89yds and 1 TD on 15 carries, and Hollingsworth ran it 14 times for another 42yds and a TD. Brycen Huddleston led the defense with 31 tackles including a sack and 3 tackles for loss, while Jacob Brass and Jason Noe each had an interception. Highlands will host 6A Ryle (3-1) tonight. 3) 2A Beechwood (1-2) – Beechwood came out in their Friday home-opener with a chip on their shoulder after dropping their first two 2019 games, and sent the 4A Corbin Redhounds (2-2) back down I-75 with 26-10 loss. It was a big game for the Tigers, who many folks conjectured could face a 0-4 start to their season. QB Cam Hergott came out strong, going 11-20 passing for 206yds and 1 TD and rushing 6 times for another 52yds. RB Cole Stammer carried the ball 13 times for 78yds and 1 TD, and RB Mitchell Corts had 5 carries for 17yds and 1 TD. WR Mason Williams led the receivers for the night with 107yds on 5 receptions, including 1 TD. Kicker Colin Graman added 8 points on 2 FGs and 2 PATs on 3 PAT attempts. Beechwood has their work cut out for them this evening when they host 5A Covington Catholic (4-0). 4) 6A Ryle (3-1) – Ryle has jumped Simon Kenton in the rankings – for now. The Raiders are appearing to show that their week 0 loss appears more and more to have been little more than an early-season stumble after they drummed 5A Boone County (2-2) out of town on Friday with a 46-0 beat-down. Bradyn Lyons was the primary QB again this week, and was 9-13 passing for 161yds and 1 TD thrown to WR Connor Lee. RB Kyle England once again racked up the TDs, with 4 trips to the endzone after 12 carries for 148yds. Connor Lee also had 1 TD rushing in addition to his TD reception. Sophomore LB Dylan Talmon led the Raiders D with 8 tackles and 2.5 sacks. Ryle has a big challenge tonight when they head to Fort Thomas to take on 5A Highlands (3-1). 5) 6A Simon Kenton (2-2) – Win loss, win loss. That’s the record thus far for Simon Kenton in 2019, who had their second home loss of the season on Friday, falling 28-7 to 5A Highlands (3-1). The Pioneers scored late in the 1Q to tie the game at 7, and were still only down by 1 TD going into the 4Q, but late turnovers sealed the deal in the loss. QB Chase Crone was 11-22 passing for 125yds, 1 TD, and 2 INTs, and Simon Kenton’s lone touchdown came on a 19yd connection with WR Evan Mulberry. The ‘Neers defense was led by LB Aric Hoffman and DB Zack Koenes, who had 12 and 10 tackles each, respectively, and the defense was also able to get to Highlands’ quarterback 4 separate times. Simon Kenton hosts 3A Taylor County (4-0) this week. 6) 5A Cooper (3-1) – Friday was a big night for Cooper. After scratching out two hard-fought wins and following that with at tough loss to Ryle, the Jags pulled off a win with their largest margin of victory since November of 2015. Cooper hosted 6A Campbell County (0-4) and sent the Camels home with a 36-0 loss. QB Drew Warth had his biggest passing game of the season thus far, going 10-17 and throwing for 1 TD and 2 INTs. The touchdown came on a connection with WR Xavier Smith, who had 75yds and 1 TD in the game on 5 receptions. Brendon Tye had a big night running the ball, with 167yds and 2 TDs 14 carries. Rushing TDs also cam from Jeremiah Lee and Anthony Witschey. Defensively, the team was led by LB Spencer Handel with 10 tackles, and DL Adam Sand and DB Anthony Witschey each had 8 tackles in the game. Cooper is heading southwest tonight to take on the 3A DeSales Colts in Louisville. DeSales may be 1-2, but their losses include a 31 point loss to 6A St. Xavier and a 3 point loss to 3A Lexington Catholic. This one is going to really test the Jaguars’ mettle. 7) 1A Newport Central Catholic (2-2) – A win is a win is a win. Although it may not have been the biggest win over the most powerful of teams, it was still another game where the Breds finished things on the right side of the scoreboard. New Cath had a 10-7 win over 2A Walton-Verona (2-2) Friday. It was the second time this season that their passing game wasn’t what they had likely hoped it to be, with QB Paul Kremer only connecting with receivers enough for 96yds and 1 TD, with 1 INT. Kremer let the running game, with 79yds on 9 carries, and RB Joey Runyon had 59yds on 16 carries. Runyon also had 3 pass receptions, good for 18 yards and the 1 Thoroughbred TD, and WR Caleb Jefferson had 26yds on 3 receptions. The remaining 3 points were scored on a 34yd Sam Levin field goal in the 3Q to re-gain the lead and take home the win. Defensive stats were not reported for the game. New Cath hosts 2A Covington Holy Cross (1-3) tonight. 8) 5A Conner (3-1) – The Cougars made it two in a row on Friday, this time by beating the 2A Lloyd Memorial Juggernauts (2-2) at home in Hebron with a 24-12 win. QB Jared Hicks came up huge, going 23-39 for 300yds on the nose, 2 TDs, and 1 INT. It was “Hicks and Roy” all night for Conner, with Hicks finding RB/WR Colton Roy 8 times for 126yds and 1 TD, and Roy also led the ground attack with 45yds on 7 carries. RB Douglas Abdon added 11yds and 1 TD on 12 carries, and WR Justin Daniels had 7 receptions for 78yds and scored the team’s remaining TD. On the defensive side of the ball, sophomore middle linebacker Parker Hitzfield had a really big night, racking up 14 total tackles in the game. Conner plays host to 6A Campbell County (0-4) tonight. 9) 4A Scott (2-2) – The Eagles are one of three teams in the NKY top ten that took a loss on Friday. And this one is one of those games that Coach Turner and the Eagles wish they could have back. Scott’s offense put up a respectable 269 total yards in the 38-33 loss, but their problems came on the defensive side of the ball, with the OH-DV Bethel-Tate Tigers (2-1) rolling up either 388 or 416 yards passing on them, depending on whose book you’re looking at. Offensively, QB Gus Howlett was 16-31 passing for 173yds, 4 TDs, and 2 INTs. RB Quincy Perrin led the game on the ground with 87yds and 1 TD on 17 carries, and WR Cameron Patterson had 6 catches for 95yds and 1 TD. WR Jackson Hardin had 3 catches for 51yds and 2 TDs, and WR Carson Craycraft had 3 catches for 28yds and 1 TD. Sophomore LB Damond Hacker led the Eagles defense with 7 tackles, including 1 for a loss. Scott will play 5A Boone County (2-2) tonight in Florence. 10) Lloyd Memorial (2-2) – Lloyd makes the final of the three NKY top ten who dropped one on Friday. The Juggs were on the road in Hebron, and took a 24-12 loss on the chin compliments of the 5A Conner Cougars (3-1). Sophomore QB Jacob Davidson had a decent night passing, despite the loss, connecting with receivers 8 of 24 times attempted, good for 173yds and 1 TD. WR Treshawn Cody was his favorite receiver, with 4 receptions for 101yds and the team’s 1 TD by the air. Their rushing TD came thanks to RB Michael Sassin, who carried the ball 6 times for 12yds. RB Dakota Theil led the team’s rushing attack with 27yds on 14 carries. Defensive stats were not reported for the game. Lloyd will face 3A Mason County (2-2) tonight at home. TRENDING UP 1A Dayton (2-1) – If you wanted to find the last time the Greendevils won two games in a row, you would have to go back the better part of a decade October of 2012. But Dayton put up a second straight win on Friday with a 49-14 victory over 2A Gallatin County (0-4). 2A Beechwood (1-2) – Beechwood managed to get their first win of the season, beating 3A Corbin (2-2) on Friday 26-10. The Tigers set themselves up with a wood-chipper of an early season schedule, but it will undoubtedly have them tough for their first ever run at the 2A playoffs. 2A Newport (4-0) – The Wildcats continued their undefeated season with a 63-8 win over 1A Bracken County (0-4), and Newport’s defense is doing it in lights out style, only having allowed 28 points in their first 3 games. They have outscored their opponents 162-28 so far this season. TRENDING DOWN 1A Bracken County (0-4) – It’s been tough sledding in Brooksville for new head coach Tim Carver thus far in 2019, with the Polar Bears unable to scratch out a win yet. Their loss on Friday was a big one, with 2A Newport (4-0) beating them 63-8. 2A Covington Holy Cross (1-3) – After a win in week 0 to end a 23 game losing streak, the Indians have slipped and now dropped 3 games straight, with the latest 38-20 loss coming at the hands of Cincinnati Country Day (OH). 5A Boone County (2-2) – After starting out 2-0, the Rebels have now dropped to 2-2 after losing two straight. Their loss on Friday was a 46-0 shutout by 6A Ryle (3-1). GAME OF THE WEEK (RESULTS): WEEK 3 5A Highlands vs. 6A Simon Kenton The Bluebirds topped the Pioneers for a second week in a row, but the 28-7 final score doesn’t make it look quite as close a game as it actually was. Highlands came out first to score, and then Simon Kenton tied it at 7-7 just before the end of the 1Q. Highlands scored again in the 2Q, and the score remained 14-7 until midway through the 4Q when Highlands intercepted the ball and returned it deep into the redzone for a go-ahead touchdown. Then the Birds’ fourth TD of the game once again came thanks to an interception. A tough game, and a good win for Highlands. GAME OF THE WEEK: WEEK 4 5A Highlands vs. 6A Ryle You’ve got to like seeing how things pan out when you have two top-five teams playing one another in any region. Most folks will be looking at Highlands as the favorite in this one, but Ryle is going to bring all they have to David Cecil Memorial Stadium to knock out the Birds.

BluegrassPreps 2019 Western Kentucky Power Rankings – Week 5 Edition The top story line this week is ¾ of the Top 20 recorded wins during Week 5! Great Job! And 3 of the 5 losses were to other Top 20 teams. The other 2 were Bowling Green falling to 6A stalwart St Xavier and Henderson County losing a close game at solid Anderson County. Overall, it was another good week for the Western Part of the State! Week 5 PurpleHaze Western Kentucky Game of the Week: Bowling Green 5A (3-2) 14 vs St Xavier 6A (4-1) 28. St Xavier came out very strong in this game and took two opening series drives in for touchdowns. Bowling Green’s defense then seemed to recover and it remained 14-0 at the half! BG made good additional adjustments at halftime and came out strong in the second half and had a chance to tie the game at 14, but the turnovers kept mounting for the Purples and it was ultimately too much to overcome! While disappointing, I think this game can help BG down the road as hopefully mistakes made in this game are identified and corrected. Onward! Week 6 Western Kentucky Games of the Week: This week we spread out focusing on some of the best District Openers around! 4A Logan County (5-0) at 4A Madisonville North-Hopkins (5-0). A dandy right here sports fans!!! Both these teams have played so well thus far! Madisonville is the favorite and playing at home is a clear advantage. But could Logan County Stars QB Tyler Ezell and RB Gary Hardy roll up 431 toward Madisonville and come away with a vital district win right out of the gate? You tell me… 3A Paducah Tilghman (4-1) at 3A Trigg County (4-1). This is a diamond in the rough the highlanders out east would overlook! But this is likely the top District Matchup in 3A District 1 right out of the gate! The stellar skill guys from Tilghman will test ultra-talented Wildcat QB Cam Jordan. Jordan will lead his crew into this matchup hungry to prove they are worthy to be considered in the 3A playoff race! Good Luck! Honorable Mention: South Warren at Glasgow (This game is worthy too); Bowling Green at Corbin; OCATH at Todd County Central; and Crittenden County at Union County. Try to make it out to one of these great games! Week 5 Top 10: 10) Hopkinsville (4A) – Preseason Rank: 6 - 2019 Record 3-2; District Record 0-0] Week 5 Results: Win: 41-13 vs County Rival 5A Christian County (0-5). After a tough road trip last week at Henderson County, Hoptown refocused and regained the “Bragging Rights Trophy” for the first time since 2014. QB Jay Bland had a record setting game! You will see him later. Star WR Reece Jesse was double covered the entire game, which allowed others including Lane Rushing and Tyrell Gray-Lewis to have big games from the WR spot! But the bigger take away from this game was the return of the Tiger rushing attack that gained over 110 yards on the night against a County defense that prides itself for stopping the run! Week 6: vs District Mate 4A Calloway County (0-5). The hits just keep coming for the poor ole’ Lakers! They have had 2 close games and 3 blow outs. Unfortunately for Laker fans this will be another blowout loss. I don’t get any pleasure typing that. I really believe all teams should get a win. Don’t get me wrong; I’m not an “everybody gets a trophy” guy, but want to see all youngsters hard work rewarded. But it won’t be here Lakers! Tigers Roll! 9) Glasgow (3A) – Preseason Rank: 12 - 2019 Record 5-0; District Record 0-0] Week 5 Results: Win 42-0 vs 3A Hart County (3-2). QB Tanner Abernathy and RB Nick Mitchell have big games for the Scotties as they roll to their 4th straight running clock game. But that streak will end next week. Week 6: vs 5A South Warren (5-0). Great game here for the Scotties to find out where you are really are at this point in the season! While you will not be the favorite in this game, you are capable! If you can find a way to neutralize the powerful South OLine, I think the Scotties can hang around. If not, I’m not sure. But regardless, Glasgow needs this game to prepare for the post-season! Good luck Scotties! 8) Logan County (4A) – Preseason Rank: 10 - 2019 Record 5-0; District Record 0-0] Week 5 Results: Win: 43-6 vs 5A Greenwood (4-1). The Cougars good a good win here and seem razor sharp heading into a crucial district matchup next week. QB Tyler Ezell had a great game – you will see him later! And the Cougar Defense was rock solid only giving up 88 yards the entire night! Week 6: WESTERN KENTUCKY GAME OF THE WEEK at 4A District Rival Madisonville North-Hopkins (5-0). Did anyone think just 3 seasons ago that Logan County would ever be a part of anything close to a Game of the Week! Congrats to them on turning their program around! This 2019 season is rolling right along and here were are to the District Schedule and we have a Great Game right out of the Gate! Last year the Cougars were set up in this game outgaining the Maroons by over 140 yards, but 2 big fumbles proved costly and the Maroons snuck out of Russellville with a big district win. This year the Cougars would like to return the favor. While I expect the Cougar offense to play well, I also expect the Cougar defense to be under duress with the rushing arsenal that Madisonville will unleash. And late in the game, will Logan County be able to come up with a big stop if it’s needed? You tell me… 7) Owensboro (5A) – Preseason Rank: 8 - 2019 Record 4-1; [District Record 1-0] Week 5 Results: Win: 55-17 at Daviess County (1-4). Just the haves and the have nots here! The Red Devils have the weapons to control a game like this and that’s basically what they did! I have no stats for this game, but it was a mismatch from the start. Week 6: at 5A Ohio County (2-3). District game #2 for the Red Devils! They will have to pay particular attention to hidden gem RB QDaryius Jennings, but I don’t think I have to tell the O Coaches that! Should be too much Red Devils in this one for sure! Running clock… What say you… 6) Paducah Tilghman (3A) – Preseason Rank: 7 - 2019 Record 4-1; [District Record 0-0] Week 5 Results: Win: 44-21 vs 4A Calloway County (0-5). According to our good friend @TilghmanPride, the Blue Tornados rested several injured players last week, but still managed almost 400 yards on the ground. Star Jayden Freeman had a big game and you’ll see him later. Week 6: WESTERN KENTUCKY GAME OF THE WEEK at 3A Trigg County (4-1). Your district opener is always highlighted on anyone’s schedule, but when it may be at your most difficult district opponent it carries more weight I think. This will be a fascinating strategy game with Tilghman trying to impose their will on the ground while Trigg County can play the shootout game with anyone. So will the Trigg defense carry the majority of the minutes in this game if Tilghman runs the ball and Trigg scores quickly? I’m not sure, but it’s something to pay attention to. What say you… 5) Mayfield (2A) – Preseason Rank: 1 - 2019 Record 4-1; District Record 0-0] Week 5 Results: Win: 48-7 vs 5A Graves County (1-3). No chance of a 2 game slide here, as Mayfield comes out very strong in this one. According to our good friend @Squirrel, Mayfield earned the running clock in the 2nd quarter at 41-0. Mayfield played refocused and Graves did not. Week 6: at 3A Fort Campbell (0-5). I’m not sure if Mayfield has ever lost to Fort Campbell, but I know they won’t next week! The Falcons typically pick up a win against their military counterparts Ft Knox, but the Eagles upended the Falcons to extend their difficult stretch! Mayfield rolls… 4) McCracken County (6A) – Preseason Rank: 9 - 2019 Record 3-2; District Record 0-0] Week 5 Results: Win: 42-6 at 5A Marshall County (2-3). The Mustangs fresh off a memorable win against Mayfield rolled on! I don’t have stats here, but McCracken County now has their sites on starting off their district slate on a positive note! Week 6: at 6A Apollo (2-3). The Mustangs roll into the district schedule welcoming new district mate Owensboro Apollo! The Eagles have played some tough teams and are coming off a very nice win against an uneven Meade County squad. The Mustangs should be in a good spot to get out of town with a win and some fine Old Hickory Barbeque! I already feel cheated since BG didn’t get to play Owensboro this season! Oh well! Good luck to both teams! But I think the Mustangs will be too strong in this one, but it will be interesting to see how Apollo plays after a solid win! 3) Madisonville – North Hopkins (4A) – Preseason Rank: 5 - 2019 Record 5-0; [District Record 0-0] Week 5 Results: Win: 41-7 vs 2A Ballard Memorial (0-4). The Maroons haven’t been 5 and 0 since 1993 according to 14 News out of Evansville. The next most important information for this game was reported by our good friend @Maroonman in that this game was a fill in when other/better teams scheduling didn’t material and Madisonville was left scrambling for a game. So the Poor Ole’ Bombers had to drive 2 hours each way to Madisonville. I really feel for Ballard. They have no wins this season. They have scored a total of 27 points all year. They have 25 kids on their roster and 10 or 40% of those are seniors. What about next year? You saw that Poor Ole’ Jenkins in the far eastern part of the state just packed up the program! I’d hate to see that happen to the Bombers, but it is a problem for the majority of small schools across the state and nation. Sorry to focus on this, but the game isn’t very interesting. We all knew what would happen. Moving on to a MUCH better game! Week 6: WESTERN KENTUCKY GAME OF THE WEEK vs 4A Logan County (5-0). There should be no excuses from Madisonville in this one. They come in hitting on all cylinders! They have arguably the top rushing offense in the State with Jeriah Hightower in the saddle. Add to that a passing offense that really hasn’t been needed this season, but was very evident they had hit another gear when SR QB Hayden Reynolds and company surprised many by leading the opening day at the highly successful Best of the West 7v7 Tournament this July! So Madisonville has the rest of 4A in the West on notice, as I look for them to play awfully strong here. If they can dictate offense with the run and sprinkle in some Hayden Reynolds passes, they will be a very tough out! 2) Bowling Green (5A) – Preseason Rank: 2 - 2019 Record 3-2; District Record 0-0] Week 5 Results: PurpleHaze Western Kentucky Game of the Week - Loss: 28-14 vs 6A St Xavier (4-1). In a word, disappointed. Not in the fact BG lost the game, but more so in the first half of the ball game. I think every Purples offensive series had third down and long every time. So ineffectiveness on first and second downs really cost BG. But not more so than 4 big turnovers. You simply can’t give a very good team that many and expect to win. See some highlights here: VIDEO: Week 5 high school football highlights | Sports | bgdailynews.com Week 6: at 4A Corbin (2-2). The Redhounds were on their BYE WEEK last week, so they should be well rested when the Purples come calling next week! I got to see Corbin in the Best of the West 7v7 Tournament back in July and they had some fine players, but they seemed young as they couldn’t click in that environment, but Friday Night Lights are much different. I look for this to be a competitive game. You tell me… 1) South Warren (5A) – Preseason Rank: 3 - 2019 Record 5-0; District Record 0-0] Week 5 Results: Win: 22-8 at 4A Louisville Central (1-4). The Spartan defense played very well only giving up 88 yards on the night. The Spartan offense played well enough, but the big news out of the Spartan camp is talented SO QB Cade Veltcamp was believed to have broken his wrist and likely out at least 6 weeks. I certainly hate that for the young man if this is confirmed, who was playing well for South! It will be interesting to see who will now step into the QB slot. But the new QB will be tested right out of the gate. Week 6: at 3A Glasgow (5-0). This will be a good game, but it’s a better game for Glasgow than South. I say that because all perspectives say South should win this game. I realize when you get on the field of play that a good team is a good team. The fact is South favors a medium schedule. No problem, but own that. It will not be until October 4th when the Purples come calling that we will really know where the Spartans are. That will continue to be a game most will look forward to. Next 10 – 11 to 20: 11) Henderson County (6A) – Preseason Rank: Not Ranked - 2019 Record 4-1; District Record 0-0] Week 5 Results: Loss: 21-17 vs 4A Anderson County (3-2). I don’t have any stats on this one, but obviously was a good game. It’s tough to drive across the state and play a good team, but was a good pickup on the schedule for Hendo, as Anderson will have to travel to Henderson next year! Week 6: BYE WEEK. The BYE WEEK is undefeated and comes at a good time for the Colonels. Rest up as your near term games area very favorable. Those lead to the likely District Championship game when the Mustangs of McCracken County come calling on October 25th! Mark that one on your calendar sports fans! Good Luck Hendo! 12) Owensboro Catholic (2A) – Week 5 Results: Win 68-14 vs 4A Hopkins County Central (0-5). Team Air Raid continued to put up big numbers handing poor ole’ Hopkins County Central their 5 straight loss. It was a remarkable output for the Aces offense and you will see them later! OCATH is really playing well now as they head into district play! Next up: at scrappy Todd County Central. The District Opener! This will be a terrific test for the Aces. The 2 hour bus trip down 431 should be very entertaining. The Aces rarely get tested in their district. I got a little glimpse at both these teams in the 7v7 earlier in July and I honestly think the Rebels have a punchers chance in this game at least for a while. Yes, Todd County Central is the clear underdog, but beware Aces! 13) Greenwood (5A) –Week 5 Results: Loss 43-6 at 4A Logan County. The Gators have been arguably the best “feel-good” story this season, as they have come out of nowhere to shock most people! But that fairy tale ran out of magic dust in Russellville on Friday night as the Cougars controlled play and the game as well, but chin up Gators! Next week: vs 6A Barren County. I hope the Gators lay the law down next week as the Trojans rubbed me the wrong way last year, but let’s move on! Go Gators! 14) Caldwell County (2A) – Week 5 Results: Win 50-13 vs 3A Union County. This is a good win for the Tigers! Coach McGowan’s Tigers appear to have hit their stride as the Tiger offense is playing really well right now. Too bad they are in Mayfield’s district! Next up: at Poor Ole’ District Mate Ballard Memorial. Not much to see here. Ballard is winless with dwindling numbers and Caldwell is playing good ball right now! This one’s over early! Tigers roll! 15) Franklin Simpson (4A) – Week 5 Results: Win 42-0 vs Old Foe Russellville. Not much of a game here as Russellville is still trying to put the limited pieces together. For Franklin, it has to feel good to get a win. That’s the game you play with a tough schedule and they have played a challenging schedule. Good first step Wildcats! Next up: at 4A District Mate Allen County Scottsville. The Wildcats are favored against all their district mates. That’s why they play the challenging early schedule. Because there are other VERY tough 4A teams awaiting should Franklin seek to advance beyond Week 3 of the Playoffs! Wildcats roll! 16) Murray (2A) – Week 5 Results – Win 64-27 at Trigg County. The Tigers get a very nice road win last Friday going to Cadiz and rolling up over 400 yards on the night! QB Hunter Utley had a big game with 250 passing yards and 5 TDs. RB Charvelle McCallister also had a big game. You will see him later! Next up: Vs 3A Fort Campbell. This game should be over early, as I see the Tigers running away with this one! The new playoff system hurts a team like Murray more than most, as they will be over-tested to get through the Mayfield Forest, but could take down most other 2A squads that will make it through to Week 3 of the Playoffs. Fair? You tell me… 17) Graves County (5A) –Week 5 Results: Loss 48-7 at Mayfield! Talk about walking into a Buzzsaw! Poor ole’ Eagles draw the unenviable task of facing Mayfield after a rare home loss. But they are going to have to forget it as district season is upon us. Next week: vs New District Mate Breckinridge County (3-2). Just what the doctor ordered Eagles fans, as the Fighting Tigers won’t be able to drive 3.5 hours over and put up much of a fight IMO! Eagles roll! 18) Trigg County (3A) – Week 5 Results: Loss 64-27 vs 2A Murray. I don’t have any Trigg stats here, but I think a dose of toughness was given out on Friday Night! It will be up to the Wildcats to take that medicine and get better from it. If they hang their heads, the Blue Tornados won’t let up. A test of character in Cadiz this coming Friday! Next up: WESTERN KENTUCKY GAME OF THE WEEK vs Paducah Tilghman! Great Matchup sports fans! Wildcats QB Cam Jordan will have to play a special game to get this done for Trigg! But he is capable! It’s a big spotlight! Let’s see what the Wildcats have for a very solid Tilghman squad! Go Wildcats! 19) Todd County Central (2A) – Week 5 Results: Win 57-27 vs Poor Ole’ 1A Caverna. The Rebels ambushed the Colonels early and it was over fairly quickly! I don’t have stats for the Rebels, but there was a SUPER Effort by one of the Colonels and you’ll certainly see him next! But now comes a BIG Game Rebel Fans! Next: District Foe vs 2A Owensboro Catholic. Now is your chance Rebels! The Aces are and have been the Top Dog in this District for a long while and I really think you have a punchers chance to compete here! But it will take a GREAT effort! You will need the home fan support in this one! Oh and make sure you call the refs so they show up for sure in this one! Ha! Good luck Rebels! 20) Grayson County (5A) – Week 5 Results – Win 24-12 at Breckinridge County! 5 and 0 Cougars! That has to feel good! Congratulations! The Cougars haven’t been 5 and 0 since a very strong 9 and 3 2012 team opened that year 7 and 0! If the Cougars can beat Graves County they will tie that mark! We’ll see! Next up: At Muhlenberg County. I like Grayson County to pull this one out, but it certainly could be close! Good luck! Week 5 Players of the Week: *I don’t have all stats available, so please add as you see fit! 1) Drew Rhodes – QB/OLB – Caverna – 19 for 39 for 219 yards passing with 2 TDs v 1 INT! He also ran the ball 10 times for 116 yards and 2 TDs! And instead of selling popcorn he had 1 INT as well – OUTSTANDING! Add WR Zyier Yates with 7 catches for 111 and 2 TD vs Todd County Central! Great Job! 2) Jay Bland – QB – Hopkinsville – School Record 6 TD passes (218 yards) vs Christian County! 3) Drew Hartz – QB – Owensboro Catholic – 18 for 21 for 548 yards and 9 TDs vs Hopkins County Central! Add WRs Hagan Edge 6 catches for 167 yards and 3 TDs and Dre Thurston with 5 catches for 147 yards and 3 TDs! WOW! 4) Charvelle McCallister – RB – Murray – 17 rushes for 161 yards and 3 TDs vs Trigg County! 5) Tyler Ezell - QB – Logan County – 21 for 31 for 347 yards and 5 TDs vs Greenwood! GREAT WORK GENTLEMEN!!! Week 5 “Teams Trending Down” Greenwood (5A) – Down – The Gators have had a storybook beginning to the 2019 season! There’s no doubt about that! But from afar Cinderella lost her slipper in Logan County Friday Night! But still a lot to play for Gators! District play is looming in about a week! Rise up Gators!!! Trigg County (3A) – Down – The magic the Wildcats have been hammering people with this year got transferred to the Murray sideline last Friday! Can’t win them all Wildcat fans! But you still have a good chance to control your own destiny with strong District play. Let’s see what you got Wildcats! Teams “Trending Up” Hopkinsville (4A) – Up – Hopkinsville has been all over this part of the article the last few weeks. I’m sure Tiger fans like it down here as opposed to up above any day! And when you punch your rival in the gut for the first time since 2014 has to be that much sweeter! Nice win Tigers! OCATH (2A) – Up – Coach Morris’ club has played very well this season and has dominated pretty much every team not named Owensboro! Drew Hartz is playing as well as anyone right now! It will be interesting to see if any of their typically soft district teams can put up ANY resistance? Can they? You tell me… Caldwell County (2A) – Up - The Tigers continue to play well and dedicating their season to their former Coach David Barnes has produced a talented team heading up as we go into district play! While I don’t think they can take down the Mayfield Cardinals, I do think their likely 2 games with Murray to be very competitive and highly entertaining! Good luck Tigers!

1. Johnson Central Golden Eagles (4A, 4-0)- The Eagles continue to represent Kentucky's good game with yet another out of state victory. Up next is a very intriguing game with 6A Simon Kenton. 2. Somerset Briarjumpers (2A, 4-0)- Somerset vanquished yet another quality team in dominating fashion by destroying Williamsburg. Russellville will actually be a step down in competition. 3. Bell County Bobcats (3A, 4-0)- The Bobcats extend their undefeated dreams for another week by pulling away from Whitley County and should not expect those hopes to falter against McCreary Central. The Bell offense is rolling! 4. Pikeville Panthers (1A, 4-0)- Pikeville secured a huge statement win by coming from behind at Pond Creek to knock off the rival Pirates. They will look to continue to flex their muscle with another 3A team in Lawrence County up next. 5. Pulaski County Maroons (5A, 4-1)- The Maroons win over Madison Southern wasn't exactly eye opening, but they got the job done nonetheless. Whitley County will be a vital District game. 6. Belfry Pirates (3A, 2-2)- The questions abound at Belfry after another lackluster Offensive performance and some critical errors in their loss to Pikeville. Expect Magoffin County to feel the wrath of a rough week of practice. 7. Ashland Tomcats (3A, 4-1)- A week after a tough loss in Overtime to Wheelersburg on the road, Ashland gets off the mat with an impressive overtime win over Ironton at home. The Tomcats get a week of rest before resuming their march in 3A. 8. Wayne County Cardinals (4A, 4-1)- The Cardinals left little doubt in a statement win against Harlan County and now have their 4A path in hand. Danville is reeling and the Cards should be able to keep rolling on. 9. Corbin Redhounds (4A, 2-2)- Corbin took a week off and will look to jump back into action against a mighty foe in 5A Bowling Green. This is a huge opportunity to reverse Corbin's trend, but will they be up to the challenge? 10. Russell Red Devils (3A, 4-1)- The Devils keep impressing and had no stress with Montgomery County. Fleming County is next and will be a good opportunity for a Class 3A statement. 11. Paintsville Tigers (1A, 3-1)- Paintsville returns into action this week with 1A Hazard on the road. The Tigers have to think they can still achieve all their goals and can't afford a slip up. 12. Breathitt County Bobcats (2A, 5-0)- The Bobcats just keep rolling and Powell County was left in their wake. Not many would have penciled Middlesboro to be one of their biggest games, but the Jackets are playing well and this has major District implications. 13. Raceland Rams (1A, 2-2)- The Rams were one of many teams seemingly with off dates and they saw some of their biggest rivals all winning. Raceland gets back into action against a Portsmouth West, Ohio team that they should stand a good chance of taking care of. 14. Williamsburg Yellowjackets (1A, 4-1)- The Yellowjackets fell on hard times against a red hot Somerset squad and now must regroup. Things don't get easier this week as LCA is also a team on a mission in Class 2A. 15. Harlan County Black Bears (4A, 4-1)- Harlan County's roll came to an abrupt halt as Wayne County's Offense was too much to "bear". Clay County is a sneaky team coming in off a nice win. This one may be interesting to follow. Three Much Needed Wins: Fleming County Panthers (3A, 3-1)- The Panthers got the win by a point over East Carter and substantially improved their resume in the process. Old District foe Russell is a monster game for them to earn further validation. Southwestern Warriors (5A, 2-3)- With their season heading the wrong direction after a blowout loss to Wayne County the tough win over 6A GRC was a big moment for the Warriors. Have the Warriors found some continuity? Hazard Bulldogs (1A, 3-1)- It was hard earned, but the Bulldogs narrow win over Danville keeps them in the 1A arms race. The Bulldogs draw Paintsville next with a chance to really cause people to take notice. Three Cringeworthy Losses: Leslie County Eagles (2A, 1-2)- It wasn't necessarily the worst team to lose to as Clay County is much-improved. The problem for Leslie County is allowing 47 points when your Defense is supposed to be your strong suit is not good form. Knox Central Panthers (4A, 1-4)- Playing a brutal schedule, most assume the Panthers may have a losing record. One of those losses was not expected to be a Bourbon County squad that only won three games a year ago. Especially in blowout fashion. Lynn Camp Wildcats (1A, 2-3)- After a promising start and a Top 10 ranking, the Wildcats are now on a three game skid with the latest coming to an Estill County team not expected to make major waves. Player of the Week: QB Kaiya Sheron, Somerset- The Junior signal caller for Somerset is having a breakout year and his dominant play is why the Jumpers are the top ranked 2A team. Sheron was sensational in a big win over Williamsburg completing 17/22 passes for 300 yards and 2 TD's. He also used his feet for another 88 yards on only 6 carries. Game of the Week: 2A Shelby Valley Wildcats at 2A West Carter Comets- It is odd seeing these two teams in the same District, but between realignment and District shakeups, here we are. This is a huge game for District 8 standings and both teams are more than capable of winning. Can the Comets slow down a Wildcat rushing attack that is capable of big yardage?

1. Johnson Central Golden Eagles (4A, 6-0)- The Golden Eagles did what they are accustomed to doing, put up a running clock in a District game. Expect more of the same against floundering Perry Central. 2. Somerset Briarjumpers (2A, 6-0)- The perfect season continues, but the Briarjumpers got a great scare put in them to begin the Halloween month. Hazard gave Somerset all they wanted but the Briarjumpers made the big plays. They now get Danville but will do so without Alex Miller. 3. Bell County Bobcats (3A, 6-0)- Bell chipped away at The Rock and posted a shutout of the Rockets. Bell continues on with a Garrard County team that they should be able to win going away against. 4. Pikeville Panthers (1A, 6-0)- The Perfect Panthers will get some District action against Phelps. The Hornets may very well boast the single longest losing streak to a single team in the State, so expect Pikeville to keep that streak extended. 5. Pulaski County Maroons (5A, 6-1)- South Laurel was no match for the Maroon Monsoon of points. The other Laurel County team will try their hand as Pulaski looks to be a team on a mission. 6. Belfry Pirates (3A, 4-2)- It was a business trip as Belfry went to Floyd Central and left no doubt. The Pirates wish they were playing this week instead of taking their second BYE in the midst of a 9-game schedule. Belfry is starting to get healthy though. 7. Ashland Tomcats (3A, 5-1)- The Tomcats used the explosive play to take down rival Raceland and with it cemented their status as a team firmly in the 3A race. East Carter is next and will be a little bit tougher of a game than the Tomcats are used to from the Raiders. 8. Wayne County Cardinals (4A, 4-1)- The Cardinals will hit the road for Lincoln County as they dig deeper toward earning another District Title. Coach Thompson's group is slowly climbing the 4A rankings and growing in confidence as well. 9. Corbin Redhounds (4A, 3-2)- Corbin looked a little rusty at first after the layoff but found enough points and enough defense to secure the win over 6A Lafayette. Knox Central is a rivalry game but the Hounds should be fine if they stay to task. 10. Russell Red Devils (3A, 5-1)- Rusell seemingly plays a rivalry game every week. It is something that comes with the territory when you are a NEKY powerhouse. Greenup County is next with District implications a plenty. 11. Breathitt County Bobcats (2A, 7-0)- With a running clock pre-determined to start the game, the Bobcats became one of the first 7-0 teams in Kentucky with their win over Morgan County. Breathitt will let the other undefeated teams catch up to them with an OPEN week that might be as tough of competition as the rest of their schedule. 12. Hazard Bulldogs (1A, 4-2)- "Good Losses" are an oxy-moron, but the Somerset defeat had to ,eave Hazard feeling pretty good as they were every bit in the fight and a few self-inflicted wounds from an upset. With a pre-determined Jenkins forfeit, the Bulldogs will get a win and a week off. 13. Paintsville Tigers (1A, 4-2)- The Tigers secured a really nice win over arguably the best team in Southwest Virginia. Fairview has really been on the wrong end of the scoreboard and expect the Tigers to put an effort that should let some younger guys get some minutes. 14. Raceland Rams (1A, 3-3)- The Rams just simply did not have enough Offensive firepower and their best laid plans fell victim to a handful of big yardage plays as Ashland set the Rams back to a .500 win percentage. Raceland will get on the right side with Betsy Layne coming up next. 15. Harlan County Black Bears (4A, 6-1)- The Bears will just a notch above Letcher Central as they kept the Cougars at bay on their way to a convincing enough victory. The Black Bears get a week off before their schedule takes a significant step up in competition. Three of Note: East Carter Raiders (3A, 5-1)- Anytime you dominate a #3 ranked team it is a good night. Granted, Tolsia was the #3 ranked team in West Virginia Class 1A, and may not even be a Top 10 1A team if they were in Kentucky... but it was still a nice confidence booster heading into a big game. Pike Central Hawks (3A, 5-1)- Speaking of 5-1 3A teams with blowout wins over West Virginia foes, Pike Central went full on scoreboard exploding against Tug Valley. They have a massive showdown with Lawrence County as they pursue bigger things. Whitley County Colonels (5A, 3-3)- Whitley ended a two game slide by going all the way to Paris and punishing the host Bourbon County squad. With three losses to ranked teams, the Colonels look to make their move against some more level competition. Three Teams Who Already Hate October: Southwestern Warriors (5A, 2-4)- With a loss to North Laurel where their Offense continues to sputter, the Warriors are now staring at the prospects of a 4-seed if they don't start rallying the troops. Prestonsburg Blackcats (2A, 2-5)- The once proud program just continues to wallow in misery in recent years. A 61-14 score is what they used to put on Shelby Valley in victory, now it is what they are seeing in defeat. Harlan Green Dragons (1A, 1-5)- Thomas Walker, Virginia is one of those schools you schedule win you want to post a win. The Green Dragons are only boasting a forfeit win, otherwise they may be looking up at a potential winless season. Player of the Week: RB Matt Anderson, Pike Central- The Freshman phenom Anderson has had a great season to date with the potential for a 1000-yard season even prior to Friday's game against Tug Valley, WV. Anderson almost single handily elevated himself to that milestone by rushing for 329 yards on 18 carries and 6 TD's in the Hawk's blowout win. Game of the Week: Lynn Camp Wildcats at Pineville Mountain Lions- It is a huge clash in 1A District 8 as these two teams go after it with an all important playoff seed on the line. Any hope of a District Title basically hinges on winning this game, and with Williamsburg still looming on both schedules, a loss most likely means taking to the road for the playoffs.

1) 5A Covington Catholic (10-0) – No action on the field this week. Off the field, however, Cov Cath’s 4-star tight end, Notre Dame commit Michael Mayer received his jersey officially welcoming him onto the roster for the 2020 Army All-American Bowl in San Antonio. The Colonels’ 5A playoff run will start at home on Friday against Cooper (5-5). The Colonels previously beat the Jaguars 45-6 on September 27. In that game, Cov Cath had 420yds of offense (239 rushing/181 passing) to Cooper’s 94yds of offense (53 rushing/41 passing). 2) 6A Simon Kenton (6-4) – The Pioneers finished off their regular season with a loss. It was a hard-fought game by Simon Kenton, who led for the entire first half of the game, but the OH-DII Little Miami Panthers ended up sending the ‘Neers home with a 48-35 loss. QB Chase Crone was 5-19 passing in the game for 168yds, 2 TDs and 2 INTs. WR Caleb Livers led the receivers in yardage with 2 catches for 64yds. WR Evan Mulberry had 1 catch for 18yds and a TD, and RB Austin Hammack also had 1 catch, good for 31yds and a TD. Hammack also had 145yds on the ground rushing, and scored 3 TDs on his 24 carries. LB Nate Walker led the defensive side with 10 tackles, and DL Vuk Sajlovic had 9 tackles. Simon Kenton will start their 6A post-season schedule against Campbell County (1-9). The Pioneers previously beat the Camels 34-7 on October 18. In that game, Simon Kenton had 481yds of offense (188 rushing/293 passing) to Campbell County’s 41yds of offense (21 rushing/20 passing). 3) 5A Highlands (6-4) – No action on the field this week for Highlands. The Bluebirds return to action at on Friday for a rematch in the 1st round of the playoffs against Conner (7-3) who previously beat the Birds 20-17 on October 4. In that game, Highlands had 125yds of offense (54 rushing/71 passing) to Conner’s 307yds of offense (72 rushing/235 passing). 4) 6A Ryle (5-5) – No action on the field this week for Ryle. The Raiders have their first round rematch in the 6A playoffs against Dixie Heights (4-6). Ryle previously beat Dixie 13-8 on October 18. In that game, Ryle had 227yds of offense (76 rushing/151 passing) to Dixie’s 327yds of offense (122 rushing/205 passing). 5) Conner (7-3) – After spending most of the regular season showing folks around northern Kentucky that they were not to be overlooked in 2019, Conner finished their regular season with two losses in a row, with the second coming on Friday at the hands of 6A George Rogers Clark (6-4). The Cardinals beat the Cougars 38-34. QB Jared Hicks had a phenomenal game, going 22-29 passing for 376yds and 4 TDs, and rushing for another TD. But the team’s net -15yds rushing was the nail in the coffin for Conner. WR Caleb Ervin was the team’s leading receiver in the loss, with 121yds and 1 TD on 4 receptions. WR Justin Daniels had 109yds and 1 TD on 5 receptions, and Douglas Abdon and Colton Roy each had a receiving TD. Defensive stats were not reported in the game. Conner’s first round rematch in the 5A playoffs will be against Highlands on Friday in Hebron. The Cougars previously beat the Bluebirds 20-17 on October 18. In that game, the Cougars had 307yds of offense (72 rushing/235 passing) to Highlands’ 125yds of offense (54 rushing/71 passing). 6) 5A Cooper (5-5) – No action on the field this week for Cooper. The Jags will have their start in the 5A playoffs with another game against Covington Catholic (10-0) in Park Hills. The Colonels previously beat the Jaguars 45-6 on September 27. In that game, Cooper had 94yds of offense (53 rushing/41 passing) to Cov Cath’s 420yds of offense (239 rushing/181 passing). 7) 1A Newport Central Catholic (8-2) – The Thoroughbreds finished up their regular season with a big non-district win over rival Beechwood on Friday, upsetting the 2A Tigers (5-5) at home, and winning 17-14. QB Paul Kremer was 12-18 passing for 198yds and 1 TD, and Kremer also led the Breds’ ground attack with 30 yards and 1 TD on 12 carries. RB Cody Mueller led the offense in receiving yards with 3 receptions for 88yds, and the team’s one receiving touchdown was scored by TE Tanner Daunt on one of his two receptions. New Cath’s other score came on a 40yd field goal from kicker Sam Levin. LB’s Luke Landrum & Daniel Craig led the defense with 8.5 tackles each. DB Joe Doeker and LB Daniel Craig each had an INT for the Breds, and LB Landen Davis also recovered a fumble. The Thoroughbreds have their first bout in the 1A playoffs in a rematch against 1A Dayton (4-6). They previously beat the Greendevils 49-0 back on October 18. In that game, New Cath had 463yds of offense (219 rushing/244 passing) to Dayton’s 237yds of offense (215 rushing/22 passing). 8) 2A Beechwood (5-5) – Beechwood had a tough go of things during their regular season, and finished up things on a down note heading into the playoffs after a deflating 17-14 loss on senior night to rival 1A Newport Central Catholic (8-2). QB Cam Hergott was 10-22 in the air for 83yds, 1 TD and 1 INT. Hergott was in on both of the Tigers’ touchdowns, first scoring on a 1 yard punch-in in the second quarter, and then connecting with WR Brady Moore for a 5yd TD in the third quarter. Stats have not yet been reported for the game. Beechwood is going to be starting their program’s first ever run in the 2A playoffs on Friday at home with a rematch against Covington Holy Cross (2-8). The Tigers previously beat the Indians 68-6 on October 11. In that game, Beechwood had 365yds of offense (180 rushing/185 passing) to Holy Cross’ 151yds of offense (29 rushing/122 passing). 9) Dixie Heights (4-6) – No action on the field this week for Dixie Heights. The Colonels will begin things in the 6A playoffs on Friday in Union against Ryle (5-5), who previously beat Dixie 13-8 on October 18. In that game, the Colonels had 327yds of offense (122 rushing/205 passing) to Ryle’s 227yds of offense (76 rushing/151 passing). 10) 4A Holmes (7-3) – The Bulldogs finished off their best regular season in a decade with a 7th win, beating 1 Bellevue (2-8) with a final score of 53-6. The Dawgs battled out the game on the ground, with QB Quantez Calloway only passing once, good for a 10 yard connection with WR Tyelon Tate. RB Miguel Garcia led the team in yardage with 4 carries good for 71yds and 1 TD. Curtez Hill had 3 carries for 63yds and 1 TD, Quantez Calloway ran the ball 4 times for 51yds and 1 TD, and Quantez’s twin brother Tayquan ran the ball 6 times for 47yds and 2 TDs. Tayquan Calloway also scored a touchdown on a punt return, and freshman LB Emauryon Arnold added defensive points on a fumble recovery for a 52yd TD return. Defensive stats were not reported for the game. Holmes will host 4A Harrison County (4-6) in the first round of the playoffs after previously having beaten the Thorobreds 8-7 on October 18. In that game, the Bulldogs had 176yds of offense (113 rushing/63 passing) to Harrison County’s 158yds of offense (120 rushing/38 passing). TRENDING UP 1A Newport Central Catholic (7-3) – The Breds finish their regular season on a high note after beating rival 2A Beechwood 17-14 at Beechwood. 4A Holmes (7-3) – The Bulldogs put an exclamation point on their district-winning regular season with a 53-6 win over 1A Bellevue. TRENDING DOWN 2A Beechwood (5-5) – This is the first time the Tigers haven’t had a winning record in the regular season in well over 20 years. Their 5th loss of the season came on Friday at the hands of rival 1A Newport Central Catholic in a 17-14 heartbreaker for Beechwood. 6A Simon Kenton (6-4) – It’s not a horrible regular season record, but 2019 was the Pioneers’ worst regular season in 8 years, with their latest loss coming on Friday thanks to OH-DII Little Miami, who beat Simon Kenton 48-35. GAME OF THE WEEK (RESULTS): WEEK 10 2A Beechwood vs. 1A Newport Central Catholic In the 43rd meeting between Beechwood and New Cath, the Thoroughbreds managed to notch their 15th win over the Tigers with a 17-14 win in Fort Mitchell. It was somewhat of a defensive battle, with both teams fighting hard to keep the other out of the end zone. Beechwood controlled the first quarter with their offense eating up most of the time on the field. A fumble on the 1 yard line recovered by New Cath ended the Tigers’ best threat to score in the first quarter though. But Beechwood brought the ball right back down the field on their next possession and scored on a 1 yard leap over the scrum by QB Cam Hergott. New Cath would get their first points towards the end of the second quarter with a 40 yard field goal by Sam Levin that came after a controversial pass interference call to set up the kick. The Thoroughbreds were the first team to score out of the half, with QB Paul Kremer capping of a 79 yard drive with a 4 yard touchdown run. Beechwood would answer with their own 63 yard drive that finished with a 6 yard touchdown pass from Hergott to WR Brady Moore. The Tigers had another opportunity to score on a field goal attempt with less than 2 minutes left in the game, but after missing the field goal, the Breds came back with an 80 yard drive that ended with a 6 yard touchdown pass from Kremer to WR Tanner Daunt with 24 seconds remaining. The Tigers were pinned back at their own 16 yard line following the kickoff, and threw up 3 pass attempts to try to come back and win, but were unable to put anything together. 2019 NKY Regular Season Passing Leaders: 2358 – Jared Hicks (Conner) 2034 – Caleb Jacob (Covington Catholic) 1633 – Paul Kremer (Newport Central Catholic) 1571 – Gus Howlett (Scott) 1537 – Chase Crone (Simon Kenton) 2019 NKY Regular Season Rushing Yards Leaders: 1283 – Quincy Perrin (Scott) 1214 – Matthew Young (Owen County) 1153 – Cody Kramer (Ludlow) 1132 – Conner Knipp (Grant County) 1081 – Tayquan Calloway (Holmes) 2019 NKY Regular Season Receiving Yards Leaders: 1078 – Brandon McClendon (Covington Holy Cross) 789 – Gunner Barnes (Bellevue) 746 – Colton Roy (Conner) 721 – Simon Keating (Newport) 691 – Treshawn Cody (Lloyd Memorial) 2019 NKY Regular Season Tackling Leaders: 139 – Cody Kramer (Ludlow) 104 – Devon Carson (Bishop Brossart) 96 – Parker Hitzfield (Conner) 96 – Brycen Huddleston (Highlands) 93 – Nigel Robinson (Scott) 2019 NKY Regular Season Defensive Sack Leaders: 8 – Nathan Anderson (Ludlow) 8 – Chase Kurtz (Conner) 7 – Sage Lalley (Scott) 7 – Nigel Robinson (Scott) 6 – Damond Hacker (Scott) 2019 NKY Regular Season Interception Leaders: 8 – Brandon McClendon (Covington Holy Cross) 6 – Jacob Brass (Highlands) 6 – Tyler Parks (Simon Kenton) 5 – Griffin Henderson (Scott) 5 – Emery Woods (Bracken County)

BluegrassPreps 2019 Western Kentucky Power Rankings – Week 11 & Playoff Preview Edition Concerning the top story line for this week: Defenses across the west took a back seat to offenses this week for the most part! Man, we had some BIG numbers put up this, the final week of the regular season! And you also know what that means right - the third season has arrived: Playoff Time! The time most of us cherish most, as teams prepare for the win or go home drama ahead! Looking back, we have had some terrific football this season! These playoffs seem pretty open (At least initially) with many teams in the West capable of making deep playoff runs! But does the new playoff structure hurt our Western Kentucky Teams loaded into the same district? It certainly does in 4A! But you tell me… Get your honey-do’s out of the way Sports Fans and get out and watch some playoff High School Football! Nothing like it! Week 11 Western Kentucky Game of the Week: I’ve been pretty good at picking solid, hard-hitting, close games this year and am glad I end on a Great One! 2A Mayfield (9-1) 53 at 4A Madisonville-North Hopkins (8-2) 50. It was 50-Burgers all around in Madisonville on Friday night! What a Ball Game! Mayfield was up over 3 TDs at halftime, but after what I’m sure was a stern halftime encouraging speech from Coach Burgett, the Maroons came out with quite a bit of fire in the second half and stormed ahead 50 to 43 in the 4th Quarter! Mayfield then tied it up at 50. Madisonville then throws a big INT! Mayfield then takes it all the way down to the Maroons 1 yard line and chooses to kick the game winning field goal with 9 seconds on the clock! Holy Moly! Great game by both team! I look for Mayfield to play in Lexington in Week 5 of the Playoffs with this win here! No doubt in my mind! For Madisonville, all is not lost, but you did drop from a #1 seed playing a cupcake at home to being a #3 seed and going to tough Logan County. So QUITE a difference there! Rise up Maroons!!! Week 11 Top 10: 10) Tie Glasgow (3A) – PR: 12; 2019 Record (9-1) [District Record 3-0] – RPI – 0.638 : Week 11: Win 28-21 vs 4A Old Rival Franklin Simpson (5-5). GREAT game right here! At the end of 1Q – 0-0; at halftime 14-14; at the end of the 3Q 21-21! On to the 4th Q! Both teams trade TDs and then Glasgow gets a 60 yard end around run to put the ball at the Wildcats 1 yard line prior to RB Nick Mitchell running it in for the winning score! Thanks to our good friend @FSfan for the great updates in this one! I really felt Glasgow belonged in the Top 10 of this ranking at the end of the year! I also didn’t see a need for Tilghman to drop from a close road loss to a top 6 team! So I split the difference here! Playoff Snapshot: This is one of the better Scotties teams I can remember! They are deep for a 3A school, athletic and very physical on the lines! They will be a tough out! Very nice season Scotties! District Rounds: I would consider Glasgow losing in the first 2 rounds of the playoffs to be a major upset and I don’t look for that to happen. But to not prepare for Taylor County would be a mistake. Still, Glasgow with way too many weapons IMO! RPI Rounds: Glasgow’s RPI rating, if the top ranked teams advance that would put the Scotties in the 4 seed and traveling more than 3 hours one way to Paducah to take on the (#10 Tie-Mate) talented Blue Tornado’s! Purple 88 Pick: Scottie Nation will roll this early competition in my book! They will roll over to Paducah and give everything they have! I personally think this game is dead even. With that said, I look at other things, like a 3 hour bus ride, which I counterbalance with Glasgow clearly having better passing abilities. So if Glasgow can contain the Tilghman run game, I like their chances! With all that said, I look back at Glasgow nearly defeating South Warren and I will take that as my deciding factor to pick Glasgow 28-27 in the best 3A 3rd Round game! From there, I’m pulling for Glasgow all the way! Go Scotties! 10. Tie Paducah Tilghman (3A) – Preseason Rank (PR): 7; 2019 Record 7-3 [District Record 3-0] – RPI – 0.665: Week 11: Loss 17-15 vs 4A Hopkinsville (7-3). What a game here! Defenses made some really big plays in this one! It was 15-14 Tilghman after 3 quarters and neither team could get a lot of offense going, but Hoptown managed to get to the 22 yard line of Paducah Tilghman with seconds to play and kicked a 32-yard field goal to win the game! Thanks to our good friend @TilghmanPride who gave great updates on this one! It should be noted that Tilghman started a Freshman at QB in this game, so that will keep your play calling more vanilla than most games. Jayden Freemen for Tilghman starred in this game for Tilghman and talented DE Tim Watkins was one of many who played well for the Tilghman D! Playoff Snapshot: The Blue Tornados have been really solid this year! Think about it; they have only lost to Mayfield, vs the #1 Ranked 3A School (DeSales) and now to a very good Hopkinsville squad on the road with a Freshman QB by a field goal at the buzzer. No shame there! I think Tilghman was making some marked strides in the passing game, but injuries seem to have stalled that. Now, we know they can run the ball, but it feels the highest high for Paducah seems to be known. But if you can stop that run game then it will really hamper Tilghman’s likelihood to win. Plain and simple. But I love their solid scheduling and really feel that it has set the foundation to give the Blue Tornados the chance at a significant playoff run! District Rounds (1st and 2nd Rounds): I just don’t see one of Tilghman’s District Mates coming to Paducah and beating them this year. So if they lose before Round 3, I will be very surprised. With that said, I would say Tilghman’s Floor is Week 3 of the Playoffs. RPI Rounds (3rd & 4th Rounds): Tilghman has a great RPI rating, actually second best in All of 3A! So if they can win, Tilghman will host all the way to the State Championship Game! With that said and like you read above, I think Glasgow comes calling in the 3rd Round! I think that is a razor tight game and could go either way! I picked Glasgow above due to their better passing game and playing a really solid South Warren team to a 1 point loss. Those are better accolades than Tilghman has, but Tilghman is at home and that’s a big deal and do those other things really matter! I could see the Blue Tornado’s winning that game and if they did I could see the DeSales Colts come calling again! Purple88 Pick: The Blue Tornados tomahawk Poor Ole’ Hart County, who needed an extra tank of fuel just to get over to the Purchase! They beat Trigg County to win 3A District 1 again! They play Glasgow really tough, but QB Tanner Abernathy just makes 1 more play! Terrific season though Blue Tornado’s!!! 9. McCracken County (6A) – PR: 9 (2019 Record 6-3; District Record 2-1) – RPI .572 - Week 11 Results – Win 19-14 vs 5A Christian County (0-10). The Mustangs eke out a surprisingly tight game vs winless Christian County (although I’d say Christian County is likely the best 0-10 team I know of – for what that’s worth)! Thanks to our good friend @00Rocket28 who reported star RB Hunter Bradley suffered a bad ankle injury where the game was stopped and Bradley was carted off the field. I am certainly sad to here this news so close to the playoffs, as Mr. Bradley is a VERY talented young man! This led to statements of the Mustangs “lost a lot of wind in their sails”! So it will have to be “next man up” for the Mustangs with more doses of Wheat to Hayes in my book! Playoff Snapshot: The Mustangs had put themselves in position to ramp up for a good playoff run, but I’m not liking this “losing wind” tone here! And don’t look now but Round 1 just got A LOT more interesting in Paducah!!! District Rounds – The Mustangs have owned 6A District 1 since they became a school. But if Bradley can’t go and knowing you’re going to get a double team on Hayes all night, I get more and more concerned all the time as the Apollo Eagles could be the most improved team in the West in the second half of the year! Get through that game and Hendo or Daviess will give you a game as well. Without Bradley, is McCracken still the favorite in this District? You tell me… RPI Rounds – McCracken County’s RPI rating is 7th best in 6A, which is pretty good, if they could get past district foes, you would be on the road if no upsets occur against potentially the Male Bulldogs. That’s not good. Purple88 Pick: Understanding that I have no idea if Bradley can play or not, in making this decision I am going with the upset, as I think Apollo, as long as they can weather the bus ride over (and this ain’t the first rodeo for @coachhawk) I think they have the team that can compete here and pull the upset. It’s that simple. Will they get upset and will Bradley play? I don’t know, but I’m putting this game on Upset Alert Right Now! 8. Henderson County (6A) – PR: Not Ranked (NR) (2019 Record 7-3) [District Record 3-1) – RPI 0.561 - Week 11 Results: Loss 22-16 at 5A Owensboro! Henderson kept battling in this game! Whenever you go to Rash Stadium it will be a tough game, but the Colonels kept coming and were up by 1 point after 3 quarters. But the Red Devil defense is one of the best units around this season and Hendo just couldn’t muster anything in the second half and Owensboro did most of their damage on the ground and ran the final TD in within the 4th quarter! Good effort and good game to prepare you for the playoffs Hendo! Go Colonels! Playoff Snapshot: Of all the teams in the West, I have missed most on Henderson County this season. I didn’t even have them ranked in the Top 20 in the Pre-Season and they have REALLY battled to be where they are now. Truth be told; they should have also beaten Anderson County and Daviess County. So I think they could easily be 9 and 1 and another fortunate bounce or two and dare I say 10 and 0! The holidays are coming, so the Colonel Fans can make wishes too! District Rounds: (Rounds 1 & 2) – These games are going to be a battle. There is no doubt about that. You lost in OT to a rugged and solid Daviess County squad before, but that was in Daviess County. Now with revenge on your side and playing at home, I like Hendo to move on to Round 2. From there, I’ve picked Apollo in the upset. If that were to play out, it would be another good game. And if McCracken ends up winning Round 1, Hendo drives and it would be another battle for sure. RPI Rounds: 6A District 1 is low RPI Man on the Totem Pole this year and whoever makes it out of the 2nd Round of the Playoffs will have to travel and that’s not a good spot IMO. Purple88 Pick: My gut tells me Hendo still has quite a bit left in the tank and I think they take care of both Daviess County and the winner of McCracken County and Apollo. But from there, I don’t like their chances against the likes of Male, Manual/St X, and North Hardin or Central Hardin. But hey, this has been a ground breaking year for Henderson County IMO. They finally beat the McCracken County beasts in the regular season and now have another home playoff game! Those are big building blocks to me. And should you get to Round 3, you have a punchers chance so punch away Colonels! Go Colonels!!! 7. Logan County (4A) – PR: 10 - 2019 Record 8-2; [District Record 3-1] – RPI 0.565 - Week 11 Results: Loss 53-6 at 5A South Warren (9-1). Just wasn’t meant to be Cougar fans! You simply played a better team last Friday night. South’s defense just will not give up rush yards to most teams. They have a very talented secondary and it puts a ton of pressure on your offense. So you tend to gamble and most of the time you lose on those and then add a couple defensive scores/set up scores for South and its 53 to 6. Head up Cougars, as there isn’t anyone that resembles South Warren to face anytime soon! I have just heard that Star QB Tyler Ezell is likely not to play in the game this upcoming Friday! I am truly sorry to hear this! This young man has been a staple in the Cougars return to prominence and an absolute Warrior on the football field! Sincere thoughts go to him as he hopefully recuperates soon! District Rounds – 4A District 1 is one of the toughest districts around! These games are going to be real battles! Madisonville comes to Logan County where a rematch of the best 2-minute drill of the season was conducted by Logan County that allowed them to score basically on the final play to steal this regular season matchup on the road 26-24! Look, this game WAS simply a toss-up. I think Madisonville has the revenge factor going for them and now if Ezell can’t go, I just don’t see how they beat a very good Madisonville team! What say you? RPI Rounds – Logan County’s RPI rating is down around 7, so should the Cougars get through they will be on the road with likely opponents being Franklin Simpson, Franklin County or Shelby County. Purple88 Pick: I really like this Logan County team and Coach Adler! And Star QB Ezell and RB Gary Hart have been generational players for Logan County. I hate to see this run come to an end when they are both not on the field! With that said, I am picking Madisonville in the first round and would pick Hopkinsville in the second. That’s not to say the Cougars can’t win, but for me they won’t be favored! But prove me wrong Cougars and GREAT work again this year! Go Logan County! 6. Hopkinsville (4A) – PR: 6 - 2019 Record 7-3; [District Record 3-1] – RPI 0.602 - Week 11 Result: Win 17-15 vs 3A Paducah Tilghman (7-3). Terrific game for both teams to get them playoff ready! Back when Hoptown was Team Cupcake, they had a better record but I didn’t feel very strongly for them to have the pedigree to move forward against tough teams in the playoffs. That’s not the case this season and this game speaks to that. This is a very sound Tilghman squad and Hoptown had to play sound football to win and they did that! Coach Clayton has done a super job since returning to his hometown! The Tiger defense was the star of this game and they are a formidable unit! Playoff Snapshot: Just a difficult district with 2 other capable, worthy teams to battle yet again! Except Hoptown will only have to battle one thanks to beating Tilghman! The Tigers can easily go a long way, but the journey (after Round 1) will be filled with peril throughout. Should be a heck of a show! The Tiger defense is underrated and their offense has a good balance that they are still working on. Don’t discard this Tigers team! District Rounds: With Hopkinsville’s win and Logan County and Madisonville’s losses, Christmas has come early for the Tigers as they earn the #1 seed and stay away from the other 2 top District teams and can simply wait for week 2 as I’m giving them a pass against poor ole’ Calloway County. They will have to play very well to get that second round win, but they will clearly be the fresher team and play at home, so you have to like their chances! RPI Rounds: Hoptown’s RPI rating is about 6th and they would have a good chance to host the likes of Louisville Moore, Franklin County or Franklin Simpson. I like that opportunity for Hoptown if they can earn it! Purple88 Pick: I think this Hoptown team is sitting in a “preferred” spot. I mean most coaches would select to be in Hoptown’s spot! With that said, the second round will be an absolute battle! I like Hoptown’s chances a lot and think they are the favorite right now in their district, but it’s not by much! From there, I would like the Tigers in the 3rd Round, but it would be hard to pick them against Boyle County or Johnson Central. But we all know what Franklin Simpson was able to do to those perceptions, so go take your best shot Tigers – I’m pulling for you!!! 5) Madisonville – North Hopkins (4A) – PR: 5; 2019 Record 8-2; [District Record 3-1] – RPI 0.598 - Week 11: WESTERN KENTUCKY – GAME OF THE WEEK: Loss 53-50 vs 2A Mayfield (9-1). It’s tough to lose a game when you score 50 points in a football game, but what a shootout! The Maroons’ losses have both been tough, stinging losses against 2 very fine teams by a total of 5 points! While there is not shame there whatsoever, in order to advance deep in the playoffs as I know Madisonville wants to, they are going to have to start making plays in the 4th Quarter to make that happen. But will they? You tell me… Playoff Snapshot: After I saw the Maroons beat my Purples in the Hoptown 7v7 tournament this summer, I have really felt this was their year. I still feel this way, but not nearly as boldly now. To have the top RB (and by association the best OLine) in the State and SR QB Hayden Reynolds is one of the most undervalued QB in the State. And this hidden offensive balance can continue to pay off for the Maroons! But they play in the District of Death so anything can happen, but if I have a gun to my head, Madisonville moves onto Round 2 of the Playoffs, but from there? I’m not sold on that! District Rounds: This matchup with Logan County would have been one of the most competitive games in Rounds 1 in the entire State! But I think without Ezell at QB for Logan County, I look for Madisonville to control this game and move on to Hopkinsville! I am leaning with Hopkinsville due to their Bye and playing at home in Round 2. RPI Rounds: Madisonville’s RPI is 7th in 4A! If they could make it to the 3rd round, I like their chances a lot in that game! That would likely be the end of the road, but I look for this Madisonville team to be a very tough out so keep fighting Maroons! Purple88 Pick: I just think Madisonville will use the revenge angle well and come out with a solid win at Logan County. Travel to Hoptown the next week and just run out of gas in the second half. If you look at the Big 3 and games they have played against each other, all but Madisonville lost the second of back to back games, but that was likely due to consequences associated with being out of the district race. I am going with Hoptown in this 2nd round rematch by a very close margin! Prove me wrong Maroons! 4) Owensboro (5A) – PR: 8; 2019 Record 9-1; [District Record 5-0] – RPI 0.663 - Week 11: Win 22-16 vs Old Rival 6A Henderson County (7-3). Red Devils get a hard fought home win to prepare them for the playoffs! Thanks to our good friend @Brown who gave great reports of this game! QB Gavin Wimsatt was the star on offense with his legs instead of his arm and produce yet another weapon for the Red Devils. But truth be told though, without Imonte Owsley, this team will go as far as their defense takes them. And don’t look now, but Star All-State LB Austin Gough is back in the Red Devils lineup and led the team with 13 tackles last Friday vs Henderson County! That’s significant in my book! Owensboro could go a long way! Let’s take a look below! Playoff Snapshot: Owensboro may have found the Old Nebraska Corn Huskers route to the National Championship/State Championship under Tom Osborne, where they didn’t play any really tough teams and would up at the end every year. I look for Owensboro to dominate their District for at least the next 3 years before potential realignment throws kinks for all back in the mix. And they look as they will stay clear of 5A District 2 for that foreseeable future as well. So if I asked Coach Fallin if he would take a road game at a talented team with a trip to the State Finals on the line every year, what do you think he would say? I know I’d take that in a heartbeat! What say you Red Devil fans!!! District Rounds: NEXT… Really, I think Graves County can hang around for a couple quarters, but that’s it, as that game will be at Rash Stadium this time. To win at Rash Stadium in the playoffs is a VERY difficult task. I’ll go one further… If Owensboro loses in the first 2 rounds of the playoffs this year, I will walk to the winning coach’s office from Louisville to shake his hand! Moving on… RPI Rounds: Owensboro’s RPI Rating is a sterling 4th place! That’s awesome! That means they will likely get Louisville Fairdale in the first round at Rash Stadium and from there – likely a trip to either Frederic Douglass or Covington Catholic. Purple88 Pick: Owensboro blows the doors off 5A District 1! They then HAMMER Fairdale or my sneaky feeling is that Bullitt Central might sneak in there and upset Fairdale, but it won’t matter to the Red Devils as they roll here! They then travel to play a fine team on the road in the State Semi-Finals. At that point, lay it on the line Red Devils you have nothing to lose and I’ll be cheering for you!!! Best of luck! 3) Mayfield (2A) – PR: 1; 2019 Record 9-1; [District Record 3-0] – RPI 0.753 - WESTERN KENTUCKY GAME OF THE WEEK - Week 11: Win 53-50 at 4A Madisonville – North Hopkins (8-2). Not many teams can give up over 500 yards offense to a team 2 classifications above you along with 50 points and still come out with the win on the road no-less! But then you wouldn’t know much about the Mayfield Cardinals that I honestly would like to see play either my Purples or South Warren to get a good feel of where those teams are compared to these Cardinals! Those would be great games for the West! But I am fine pulling for all here! Playoff Snapshot: Some would say here that Mayfield needs to ratchet up the defense and make some adjustments and etc and while there may actually be some truth to that, my first statement above trumps all that! This ain’t Coach Morris’s first rodeo and I am now more convinced than ever that Mayfield is definitely better right now than earlier in the year and will be headed to Lexington to play either Somerset or LCA in what should be a barnburner for the 2A State Championship!!! District Rounds: Mayfield has rolled over their District since Sherman Marched to the Sea! In Week 1, Big Red could use their Freshman Team to get the win. In the 2nd round game, if you come out in business-like fashion at War Memorial, it will be over quick. But don’t let Caldwell County hang around, as they will be playing for their old coach and will play hard. Still shouldn’t be near enough in the end! Cardinals roll!!! RPI Rounds: Mayfield’s RPI rating is a dazzling 2nd place in 2A, which means they will stay at home as long as they win all the way to the Championship Game! Mayfield could play the likes of OCATH or Edmonson County in Round 3 and maybe a Beechwood or Breathitt County in Round 4. Mayfield “may” want to pull for Somerset in their Round 2 rematch with LCA, as if the Briar Jumpers win that game, Mayfield would have the top RPI and likely avoid Beechwood in Round 4, unless you just want to play Beechwood again. Purple88 Pick: I think Mayfield goes to Lexington is the bottom line. I think the first and second round games are running clocks. I think the OCath game will not be a running clock, but I think Mayfield wins decisively! They would then likely either rekindle the old fire with Beechwood or welcome Breathitt County who would max out all Frequent Flyer mileage for the entire Eastern part of the state just to get a few area codes over to the left back of the state (Come on man…)! From there, I think the Cardinals face the Somerset/LCA winner in what should be an outright classic football game! I’ll be pulling for you Cardinals!!! 2) South Warren (5A) – PR: 3; 2019 Record 9-1; [District Record 2-1] – RPI 0.611 - Week 11: Win 53-6 vs 4A Logan County (8-2). Spartans completely control this game with their defense stepping up and putting their offense with great field position when Logan County felt they needed to gamble to try to create scoring opportunities! That doesn’t work well against South. They are too well schooled and disciplined for that to work and pride themselves on making teams one-dimensional and that’s exactly what happened last Friday! South playing better each week now and clearly ramping up to the playoffs after their only loss of the year! As always, South Warren will be a tough out! Playoff Snapshot: What about QB Caden Veltcamp and his potential status to return this year from a throwing hand broken wrist? I simply don’t know, but still feel that is VERY aggressive to try to have him back for the BG game in 2 weeks. We shall see. Even with that, I think young backup QB Mason Willingham has done awfully well to be thrown into the mix with no summer ball or preseason work to run the South offense as he has. Young RB Kobe Martin is a load and there isn’t a more versatile player in the West than Jantzen Dunn! South will be a tough out! District Rounds: South rolls Greenwood! It’s that simple! The Spartans then travel across town to take on the Purples again for the right to move on deeper in the playoffs. It’s a toss-up game honestly as many rivalry games are. While I am biased (so take that into account), I think South will make adjustment from the first game and try to do a better job of locking down the Purples run game, which was a big deal in the regular season game! For South on offense, they will have to do something to get the ball down field more. If they can’t do that, it will put a ton of pressure on the Spartan D to completely keep BG out of the end zone! It will be another great atmosphere at El Donaldson Stadium! Another fine season for the Spartans! RPI Rounds: South Warren’s RPI rating is a respectable 6th place, which means if South makes it to the 3rd Round they will likely travel to a surging South Oldham team. From there it would be to either Frederic Douglass or Covington Catholic, which would both be very tough games for sure! Purple88 Pick: South Warren puts a running clock on Greenwood. They travel to BG and put up a tremendous fight, but just don’t have enough this year to beat BG, but it’s a very close game! And if I’m wrong, I like South in a very close game at South Oldham. But that would be the end of the road for the Spartans at that point! Good luck Spartans!!! 1) Bowling Green (5A) – PR: 2; 2019 Record 6-3; [District Record 3-0] – RPI 0.554 - Week 11 Results: Loss 49-21 vs 6A Powerhouse Trinity (9-1). Nothin like getting crushed your last game before going into the playoffs! I know Trinity is good! I’ve watched them play twice in person this year, but the timing of this game is a problem. I don’t have a problem with playing Trinity, but move it to Week 1 and switch your Week 1 opponent to Week 10. You need to be ramping up for the playoffs now, not picking up the splinters left behind by gettin your doors blown off! Rebound Purples! I kept BG at #1 because no other team in the West could beat Trinity either. Could another team in the West keep it closer than 4 TDs, well that’s debatable, but I don’t see a line forming to sign up for playing the Shamrocks!!! I have to say this: 2019 will be the year I look back on for the Purples and I will recall the year “Without Vito Tisdale” and yes I know he played some offense against Trinity, but the Trinity game in A LOT of ways is like the Warren Central Indiana game last year. Wrong team, but more so wrong spot (right before the South Warren game last season). And for the neighsayers, I know it is difficult for BG to schedule. Let me say clearly again, I am NOT against playing Trinity, but I am against playing them in Week 10. Back to Vito, BG should not have lost against Father Ryan period. Truthfully, what do you think St X thought when they heard Vito would not be playing offense against them this year after he carried BG to their best win of 2018 against X. I’m not aiming to cause problems here, but I am aiming to paint the white elephant pink again! What if Michael Mayer, Covington Catholic’s star, who is going to Notre Dame, only played LB, do you think they would be as good as also having him play Tight End? What about Reece Smith at Boyle County who will play D1 ball? Do you think Boyle County would be as good as they are with Reece Smith only playing DB? I think those answers are clear. And I’m sure there is a reason why Vito isn’t playing offense to an effective measure, but without saying it or communicating it in some way I’m not sure how else to vent! Am I off base, I have been before, but don’t feel so now! Playoff Snapshot: Simply put, the Purples have a good chance to play into the RPI rounds of the playoffs. I think JR RB Javy Bunton has played tremendous football for the Purples along with their offensive line. Take out the Trinity game and I like what QB Conner Cooper has/had been ramping up for (this playoff season). The Purples defense has overall played really well this year with MUCH better line play and a secondary that started poorly but has really come on of late until both corners got hurt last Friday. I don’t look for either to play this Friday, but hopeful for the South game! And here again, it will all come down to the South Warren game. And maybe for both teams, the winner of this playoff game will have a good season, while the other has a really sour taste in their mouth all winter and summer long. Such it is with a rivalry. District Rounds – BG smashes a gritty 0-10 Christian County team that is really young and by this point in the year beat down! On to South Warren! I just think BG is a little better this season than South; mostly because of the backup QB for South. But if BG can continue to run the ball like they did in the first game, that will be bad news for South Warren and I do look for the Purples to move on in a tight, hard fought ball game! RPI Rounds – Bowling Green’s RPI rating is 13th best in 5A. BG clearly didn’t get the RPI is important to pay attention to notice, but that is likely because BG schedules way YONDER higher caliber competition, perhaps to a fault. While I enjoy playing good competition, is playing X & T & a Tennessee team in the same season a winning formula if you value home games in the 3rd and 4th round of the playoffs? Number 13 in 5A says no. But I am very likely not giving light that MANY other teams that BG would schedule won’t schedule them. I’m not going to call out names for detention, but there are many. I’m merely stating now is the time to re-evaluate your scheduling objectives and more so the TIMING of those better opponents to strategically set yourself up in the future for the best position possible for later playoff round success. Purple88 Pick: BG handles Christian County with low problems. They then face a very good South Warren squad with revenge on their mind, as BG gave them their only loss of the season! This will be a tight, hard-hitting matchup, but again I just feel BG comes out on top, as I think they have the better team, but not by much. From there, they travel to a surging South Oldham team. I won’t stop now, I like BG in that game as well, but it will be tight as well (no free lunch in the RPI zone on the road)! But the end draws full circle with a trip to Frederic Douglass or Covington Catholic. I hope I’m wrong! But no shame there! While I’ve presented some tough love above, it is with the intent to improve things strategically instead of simply throwing mud! I’ll allow the politicians to do that! Go Purples!!! Next 10 - 12 Thru 20 – 12) Franklin Simpson (4A) – PR: 5; 2019 Record 5-5; [District Record 3-0] – RPI 0.464 - Week 11 Results: Loss 28-21 at 3A Old Rival Glasgow (9-1). Terrific game here! As Franklin fought the whole way, but Glasgow just made more plays in the 4th Quarter; it’s that simple. In a lot of ways, I think this Franklin team is the product of the aftermath of back to back championship seasons where a few injuries intermixed along with just being a young team took over this trajectory for their season along with a brutal opening 4 game schedule. With all that said, I like where Franklin sits for the future! Good luck Wildcats! Playoff Snapshot: Franklin Simpson is still the top team in the 4A District 2 and will be again next year. This is a young team that should continue to improve over time. But this year getting to the 3rd round of the playoffs and giving it your best shot appears to be the ceiling. What say you? Purple88 Pick: Franklin only beat surprising Russell County by 14 points, but that was over by Lake Cumberland. At Rhea Stadium, I expect a more convincing outcome. In the second round, I ‘m not sure who wins the AC-Scottsville vs Warren East game, as Warren East should have competed better in that first matchup. Regardless, I don’t see either of them winning in Franklin. Then the Wildcats would have to travel to Franklin County or the 4A District 1 Survivor (Hopkinsville, Madisonville, or Logan County). While I don’t like Franklin in any of those matchups, if it’s the 4A District 1 winner they will likely be beat up by the time you get there and if so just give it your best shot! You have nothing to lose Wildcats! Best of luck! 13) Caldwell County (2A) – PR: 16; 2019 Record (8-2) [District Record 2-1] – RPI 0.691: Week 11 Results: Win 56-54 vs 3A Rival Trigg County (6-4). The old 139 Bowl Rivalry certainly did not disappoint this season with the Tigers having just enough to outlast a proud Trigg County squad! Good effort by both teams! Star QB Russ Beshear and Star RB DeEric Hollowell played awfully well for Caldwell and you’ll see them later along with a commendable effort by Star QB Camron Jordan from Trigg County! Caldwell County has played very well this year in light of the tremendous loss of Coach David Barnes! I know they have played their hearts out this season! Playoff Snapshot: The Tigers will start the playoffs from their friendly home field vs a rugged Murray squad they beat barely earlier in the year. With Star QB Hunter Utley likely done for the year, I think Caldwell is set up to go to Mayfield for another try! Give it your best shot Tigers!!! Purple88 Pick: I like Caldwell by 3 TDs vs a wounded Murray squad. I think Caldwell is playing well right now. I see them going to Mayfield and playing as hard as they can, but it’s just not enough. No shame there! Good luck Tigers!!! 14. Daviess County (6A) – PR: 18 - 2019 Record 5-5; [District Record 3-1] – RPI 0.513 - Week 11 Results: Win 28-27 vs 4A Warren East (4-6)! I don’t know much about this game other than the offensive yards was nearly even. It appears the game was settled due to the kicking game/extra points or going for 2 for the win. Regardless, this is a good win for a solid Daviess County squad as I think Warren East is a better team than most give credit to. Very solid season for the Panthers, as their OT win vs Henderson stands out nearly as much as Hendo’s win over McCracken County, so good for the Panthers! Playoff Snapshot: I would think Henderson County has revenge on their mind, as it was losing to Daviess County that dropped them out of first place for the District Championship! I think Daviess is flying below the radar and they have some good players, but I just can’t pick them at Henderson County in the first round! Purple88 Pick: One and done for the Panthers, but you had a solid season Daviess! Good luck Panthers!!! 15. Apollo (6A) – PR: 14 - 2019 Record 4-6; [District Record 3-1] – RPI 0.467- Week 11 Results: Win 56-35 at 2A Owensboro Catholic (8-2). The Eagles just refuse to fold! They have played a difficult schedule this season for sure! They started out pretty uneven as several players just trying to get accustomed to things, but you look at their District performance and they have been in all those games! And now with the “upset” of OCATH come in guns a-blazin! Don’t discount this team! Playoff Snapshot: Well sports fans, Apollo will come out of the Playoff gate and travel to the #1 seed McCracken County Mustangs, whom they haven’t beaten ever to my knowledge. But if Star RB Hunter Bradley can’t go for McCracken County, I really feel that puts Apollo in reach of this win! Star RB Harold Hogg is the most undervalued RB in the West and he will be a BIG factor in this game! Should Apollo move on from Round 1, I see Henderson County at the next stop. I think Apollo would love that chance to get another swing at Hendo and from the regular season score of 20-13 Henderson, I think Apollo has the opportunity to turn the tide here! From there, I don’t see any more 4-leaf clovers floatin down the Western Kentucky Parkway, but hey that would be a HECK of a way to go out Eagles! Purple88 Pick: I’m not backing up now, and I’ll take Apollo in a BIG Round 1 Upset! Write it down! In the second Round, I’d love to pick Apollo, but am afraid it will take a lot out of the tank to get that Round 1 win and will say Hendo trips up the Eagles by a late TD. But prove me wrong Eagles! 16) Owensboro Catholic (2A) – PR: 15; 2019 Record 8-2 [District Record 4-0] – RPI 0.645 : Week 11 Results: Loss 56-35 vs 6A Local Rival Apollo (4-6)! Aces played very well in this game for about 3 Quarters! Thanks to our good friend @chuckit who reported on this game and described the major turning point in the game was a turnover in the 3rd Quarter where OCATH was set to take it into the end zone and tie the game up at 28, but it never materialized and Apollo rolled from there! This will happen from time to time Aces when you play teams 4 classifications above you! But you have to give credit to OCATH for scheduling tough games because that’s the only way you can ramp up if you want to battle Mayfield, which we all know is a tough task. Chin up Aces! Playoff Snapshot: The Aces have competed really well this season and even though they took it on the chin last Friday they are the best team in their district by a mile! From there, it’s likely a road game at Mayfield or the Somerset/LCA winner. That’s tough! Purple88 Pick: Running clock vs 2A District 2. Travel to any one of the 3 I mentioned above and play as hard as you can, but it just isn’t enough. No shame there! Tremendous season for the Aces and QB Drew Hartz will be sorely missed next season! No shame there Aces! Great Season! 17. Graves County (5A) – PR: 11 - 2019 Record 6-4 – RPI - : Week 11 Results: Win 21-28 at 6A Marshall County (3-7). Eagles have had a good year so far and I think they are the second best team in their district! No super impressive with only a 7 point win against lowly Marshall County, but no blood, no foul here! Good luck in the playoffs Eagles!!! Playoff Snapshot: I look for Graves County to hold up their end of the bargain and own the 2nd spot in 5A District 1. I think they are clearly better than Grayson County and will prove that on Friday and head to Owensboro looking to prove something. Purple88 Pick: The Eagles have played a little bit better than I would have thought going into this season. And with that said, I like them rather easily over Grayson County in Round 1. But then you travel to Owensboro and that’s a completely different matchup. I just don’t see how you’ll be able to make enough offensive plays to win that game! And that should be all she wrote for Graves County, but not a bad season at all – above 500 record and winning a playoff home game is a good accomplishment! Go Eagles! 18. Murray (2A) – PR: 13 - (2019 Record 7-3) [District Record 1-2] – RPI 0.626: Week 11 Results: Win 35-0 at 1A Fulton County (6-4). Tigers outgain the Pilots roughly 300 yards to 100 and firmly control this game. But as our good friend @BadaBing has told us before, this scheduling won’t change their playoff makeup in a positive light. But hey, a wins a win! Enjoy it Tigers!!! Playoff Snapshot: A season that started with such promise has turned South pretty quickly with the untimely loss of Star QB Hunter Utley. Without Utley to direct the Tiger attack, I don’t see them getting by a solid Caldwell County team in Princeton. And even if they did, it would be an early exit at War Memorial Stadium if truth be told. Chin up Tigers! Purple88 Pick: It’s one and done this playoff season for the Tigers IMO! Sorry Murray, but better luck next season! 19. Crittenden County (1A) – PR: 20 (2019 Record 8-2) – RPI 0.625 - Week 11 Results: Win: 49-22 vs 3A Todd County Central (6-4). Crittenden shut down a fairly strong Rebel rushing attack with one of their own. RB/DB Xander Tabor had a big night and you’ll see him below. Good win to ramp up for the Rockets!!! Playoff Snapshot: The Rockets are in control of 1A District 1 and that shouldn’t change this playoff season! But don’t discount a dangerous Russellville squad! Purple88 Pick: I like the Rockets to go to the 3rd Round of the playoffs. From there it looks like they would be on the road to either Louisville Holy Cross (who I say play Paducah Tilghman earlier this year) or Kentucky County Day. Those would be difficult games for the Rockets, more so in distance than opponent IMO. Go give it your best shot Rockets! I’m pulling for you! 20. Allen County-Scottsville (4A) – PR: NR - (2019 Record 4-6) – RPI 0.452 - Week 11 Results: Win 49-32 vs 2A Monroe County (5-5). I don’t have any information here, but am happy for the Patriots to still be invited to the Top 20 Party! Good luck going forward! Playoff Snapshot: If ACS could beat Warren East again, that would be a really good season in my book. But I just don’t think they will. But heck, I didn’t think they could in the regular season and the Patriots won pretty easily. Let’s see this time! Purple88 Pick: I just think Warren East is a better team. Prove me wrong again Patriots! WEEK 11 PLAYERS OF THE WEEK*: 1) Harold Hogg – RB – Apollo – rushed for 332 yards and 6 TDs vs OCATH (his former team)!!! That puts Hogg with over 2,000 yards on the season! Outstanding! 2) Xander Tabor – RB/DB – Crittenden County – 198 all-purpose yards with 2 rushing TDs and a 42 yard Pick 6 return vs Todd County Central! 3) Cameron Jordan – QB – Trigg County – 25 – 37 for 423 yards and 4 TDs, plus 19 carries for 60 yards and 3 more TDs vs Rival Caldwell County! Add WR Kion Thompson with 7 catches for 211 yards and 2 TDs! 4) Jeriah Hightower – RB – Madisonville – North Hopkins – 27 carries for 190 yards and 3 TDs vs Mayfield! 5) Russ Beshear – QB/LB – Caldwell County – 11-16 for 181 yards and 2 TDs vs 2 INTs; add 8 carries for 39 yards and 2 more TDs; and finally add 10 tackles on defense with 2 of those tackles for loss and 1 sack (MERCY!) vs Trigg County! Add Star RB DeEric Hollowell with 22 carries for 292 yards and 4 TDs! 6) Gavin Wimsatt – QB – Owensboro – 16 carries for 149 yards and 3 TDs vs Henderson County! * If there are stats I don’t know about, please add them below! Congratulations to all the young men who have had a spot on this list throughout the season! Great Work!!! Week 11 – Teams Trending Down Bowling Green (5A) – Down – No free lunch here! You aren’t ramping up into the playoffs with a 4 TD loss. It’s that simple. I realize its Trinity they played. But if you want the glory that goes with the opportunity to achieve a win, then you have to stomach the anguish of getting your lunch money stripped from you and told to like it! Regroup Purples! Owensboro Catholic (2A) – Down – Maybe the Aces just ran out of gas? I’m not sure, but it’s not a good look for a team that I know would not beat Mayfield to win on your field. It just sets the ceiling at a 3rd round trip to the end of the road! Week 11 – Teams Trending Up Mayfield (2A) – Up – To go on the road and to take the best shot of a Top 10 team 2 classifications above you and still win is VERY impressive! Cardinals rolling… Glasgow (3A) – Up – I’m just really impressed with the job Coach Garmon and company have done with this Scotties team! They can go a long way! 2019 Western Kentucky Regular Season - All West Team QB – Jaden Stinson, Mayfield QB – Drew Hartz, Owensboro Catholic QB – Tyler Ezell, Logan County RB – Jeriah Hightower – Madisonville – North Hopkins RB – Hunter Bradley – McCracken County WR – Franklin Hayes, McCracken County WR – Reece Jesse, Hopkinsville WR – Kade Neely, Mayfield WR – Jayden Freeman, Paducah Tilghman OL – Colt Jackson, South Warren OL – Logan Weedman, Apollo DL – Blake Moody, Madisonville – North Hopkins DL – Joseph Henry, Daviess County DL – Terrion Thompson, Bowling Green DL – Yovani Sales, Owensboro LB – Gary Hardy, Logan County LB – Erik Grubbs, Hoptown LB – Cody Goatley, Graves County DB – Dejaun Mercer, Hopkinsville DB – Jaiden Jackson, Murray S – Jantzen Dunn, South Warren S – Vito Tisdale, Bowling Green K – Cole Hollingsworth, Franklin Simpson P – Eli Burwash, Bowling Green Coach – Josh Boston, Henderson County Honorary Coach – David Barnes, Caldwell County Farewell: End of the Road! It’s been a Long Road, but I hope you have found it as fun as I have! Even if you don’t agree with my rankings, I hope you’ve enjoyed reading about our teams out West! We have A LOT to be thankful for in having good football teams in the West! Now get out there and support your team(s) in person! It’s a great time of year! Good luck to your teams this playoff season and hope to see ya next year!

It has became customary that any time our regular season ends, so too will the Eastern Kentucky Power Rankings. At this time we do a FULL ranking of all the teams covered in Eastern Kentucky and also hand out some superlatives. 1. Johnson Central Golden Eagles (4A, 10-0)- If there was any doubt, let it be gone. Johnson Central handed Belfry the worst loss they ever sustained at CAM Stadium and made a statement that they are the class of EKY. 2. Pikeville Panthers (1A, 10-0)- The Panthers take the title as the top small school team after obliterating a team ranked as high as #1 in Virginia Class 2A. 3. Bell County Bobcats (3A, 10-0)- The Bobcats polish off a perfect regular season and set their sights on going after a 3A Title. Simply put, despite the perfect season so far their schedule simply is not near where the top two teams are. 4. Belfry Pirates (3A, 6-3)- The Pirates were humbled in their season finale but great things are still possible in Class 3A with a mediocre field at best competing for the crown. The Pirates need to regroup and hope for some favorable playoff match-ups. 5. Ashland Tomcats (3A, 8-2)- Ashland had a chance to make a big statement against Spring Valley heading into November and instead had the statement made against them. The Tomcats need to calibrate and hope the RPI hit doesn't come back to haunt them. 6. Somerset Briarjumpers (2A, 9-1)- Somerset squeaked past Corbin and can lay claim to being the best team in the Southern Kentucky/Lake Cumberland region. The Briarjumpers need to focus on Danville and Round 1, but the huge rematch with LCA looms in Round 2. 7. Wayne County Cardinals (4A, 8-1)-Wayne County has had a monster season, especially on the offensive side. This trend continued against North Laurel and now they enter the post-season red hot and ready to make a run. 8. Breathitt County Bobcats (2A, 10-0)- Breathitt polished off the perfect regular season with a beneficial win against Pike Central. Between the victory and a Beechwood loss, the Bobcats now will have a favorable path to the Semi-Finals. 9. Corbin Redhounds (4A, 5-4)- Corbin has had some rotten luck. The Redhounds have lost three of their four games by a combined 4 points, as Somerset handed them their latest defeat. Corbin still has the ability to go deep into November, but they need to do it all on the road starting in Round 2. 10. Russell Red Devils (3A, 8-2)- Russell wasn't exactly in Championship form, but they were able to fend off upset-minded West Carter to lock up the regular season and potentially a Third Round home game if they can beat Ashland in Round 2. 11. Paintsville Tigers (1A, 7-3)- The Tigers had a tough schedule and emerged from it in decent shape, although they took one on the chin in the finale versus the top ranked 2A team. Paintsville's motive is simple, but can anyone catch Pikeville? 12. Raceland Rams (1A, 6-4)- Raceland put a hurting on Lawrence County and now head into November looking to create some chaos. The Rams are a tough team, but have an uphill battle with plenty of road games ahead. 13. Whitley County Colonels (5A, 7-3)- Whitley County won a battle of defense to jump Hazard and improve their standing. The Colonels are playing very good football and have won five straight after their 2-3 start. 14. Pulaski County Maroons (5A, 7-3)- Pulaski is in a tough spot and after back to back losses and a key injury they will need to circle the wagons in a hurry or else Round 2 may be their last. 15. Hazard Bulldogs (1A, 6-4)- The schedule has finally caught up to Hazard as the Bulldogs have dropped three of their last five with the latest being Whitley County. Hazard suddenly has went from one of the most trendy teams in EKY to a team who will be be a surprise to see make a deep run. The Top 25 Remainder: 16. Harlan County Black Bears (4A, 7-3) 17. Williamsburg Yellowjackets (1A, 8-2) 18. Fleming County Panthers (3A, 8-2) 19. East Carter Raiders (3A, 7-3) 20. West Carter Comets (2A, 7-3) 21. North Laurel Jaguars (5A, 5-5) 22. Southwestern Warriors (5A, 5-5) 23. Rockcastle County Rockets (3A, 7-3) 24. Rowan County Vikings (4A, 6-4) 25. Knox Central Panthers (4A, 3-7) The Rest: 26. Shelby Valley Wildcats (2A, 8-2) 27. Pike Central Hawks (3A, 7-3) 28. Greenup County Musketeers (3A, 4-6) 29. Mason County Royals (3A, 5-5) 30. Clay County Tigers (4A, 7-3) 31. Martin County Cardinals (2A, 7-3) 32. Middlesboro Yellowjackets (2A, 7-3) 33. Pineville Mountain Lions (1A, 8-2) 34. Casey County Rebels (3A, 5-5) 35. Nicholas County Blue Jackets (1A, 7-3) 36. Leslie County Eagles (2A, 5-4) 37. Letcher Central Cougars (4A, 4-6) 38. Estill County Engineers (3A, 5-5) 39. Montgomery County Indians (5A, 3-7) 40. Lynn Camp Wildcats (1A, 4-5) 41. Boyd County Lions (4A, 1-9) 42. Bath County Wildcats (2A, 4-6) 43. Lawrence County Bulldogs (3A, 4-6) 44. Floyd Central Jaguars (3A, 3-7) 45. Magoffin County Hornets (3A, 3-7) 46. Phelps Hornets (1A, 4-6) 47. South Laurel Cardinals (5A, 2-8) 48. Prestonsburg Blackcats (2A, 2-8) 49. Powell County Pirates (3A, 3-7) 50. Perry Central Commodores (4A, 1-9) 51. Betsy Layne Bobcats (1A, 4-6) 52. Fairview Eagles (1A, 3-6) 53. East Ridge Warriors (2A, 1-9) 54. Knott County Central Patriots (2A, 2-8) 55. McCreary Central Raiders (3A, 1-9) 56. Jackson County Generals (3A, 2-8) 57. Harlan Green Dragons (1A, 1-9) 58. Morgan County Cougars (2A, 0-10) 59. Lewis County Lions (3A, 0-10) Small School Superlatives (Classes 1A-3A) Small School Coach of the Year Larry French, Middlesboro Small School Offensive Player of the Year RB C.A. Collins, Breathitt County Small School Defensive Player of the Year DB Gunnur Lewis, Raceland Small School MVP QB Dalton Ponder, Williamsburg Large School Superlatives (Classes 4A & 5A) Large School Coach of the Year: Michael Sizemore, Clay County Large School Offensive Player of the Year: RB Braedon Sloan, Wayne County Large School Defensive Player of the Year: LB Devin Johnson, Johnson Central Large School MVP: QB/DB Riley Preece, Johnson Central

1) 5A Covington Catholic (10-0) – 1992, 2017, 2018, 2019. Those are the four times the Colonels’ football program has chalked up “10-0”. Cov Cath finished out their third straight undefeated regular season on Friday by beating 5A Conner 45-7 to take first place in 5A district 5. The Colonels came out and scored quickly, but things escalated quickly late in the 2Q after Conner’s lone TD brought the score to 24-7 with 2:18 to go in the half, only to have Cov Cath change that to a 45-7 running clock with less than 10 seconds left in the half. QB Caleb Jacob was 13-21 passing for 305yds and 4 TDs. RB Michael Boydston ran 6 times for 40yds and 2 TDs. WR Ethan Reardon had 4 receptions for 119yds and 2 TDs, and TE Michael Mayer had 5 receptions for 148yds and 2 TDs. Mayer also had 4 tackles, a forced fumble, and an interception on the defensive side of the ball, and Owen Nally & David Brunson both led the defense with 5 tackles a piece. Cov Cath has their bye week this week before starting their 5A playoff run at home on Friday against Cooper (5-5). The Colonels previously beat the Jaguars 45-6 on September 27. 2) 6A Simon Kenton (6-3) – The Pioneers have won three straight, with their latest win coming in last Friday in a 44-14 victory over 6A Ryle (5-5), giving Simon Kenton the undisputed 6A district 6 title. Freshman QB Chase Crone had his biggest passing game yet, going 17-29 for 279yds, 3 TDs, and 1 INT. He was also the teams #2 rusher in the game, with 11 carries for 91yds and 2 TDs. RB Austin Hammack had 129yds on 20 carries, good for the team’s remaining TD. The defense also provided 2 points in the game on a sack by DL Jack Milton, good for a safety. LB Nate Walker and LB Aric Hoffman both had 9 tackles a piece to lead the defensive effort, and LB Luke Huesman had 8 tackles in the game. Simon Kenton will be wrapping up their regular season in Morrow, OH on Friday against the OH-DII Little Miami Panthers (7-2). 3) 5A Highlands (6-4) – The Birds wrapped up their regular season on Friday with their 4th and final district matchup, beating 5A Cooper (5-5) in Union. Highlands’ offense may have been outgained by Cooper’s, but they were tops on the scoreboard, winning the game 14-7. Their passing was minimal in the game, with QB Collin Hollingsworth going 2-8 in the air for 6yds. Both of the Bluebird touchdowns came via RB Sawyer Depp, who rushed 12 times for 128yds and 2 TDs. RB Joe Buten also provided 76yds on his 16 carries. Defensive stats have not been reported for the game. Highlands will have this week off before returning to action next Friday for a rematch in the 1st round of the playoffs against Conner (7-2) who previously beat the Birds 20-17 on October 4. 4) Conner (7-2) – Things didn’t go how the Cougars would have liked them to on Friday. After showing some fight and resolve early in the 2nd quarter against Covington Catholic (10-0), things came apart for Conner, with the final score ending up at 45-7 in the Colonels’ favor. QB Jared Hicks had a solid game, despite the loss, going 18-25 passing for 170yds, and rushing 6 times for 24yds and 1 TD. WR Colton Roy led the offense in yardage with 67yds on 6 receptions, and WR Caleb Ervin was second with 5 receptions good for 56yds. Parker Hitzfield led the defense with 9 tackles, and Drew Cobble, Caleb Ervin, Frankie Salzarulo and Clayton Melcher each had 4 tackles a piece. The Cougars will be wrapping up their regular season at home on senior night against 6A George Rogers Clark (5-4). 5) 6A Ryle (5-5) – Ryle finished up their regular season on Friday with a 44-14 loss to 6A Simon Kenton (6-3), giving the Raiders the #2 spot in 6A district 6. QB Keegan Stanken was 16-28 by air in the game, good for 157yds and 1 INT. RB Kyle England led the offense with 137yds on his 17 carries, good for both of Ryle’s touchdowns. WR Ryan Planck had 4 receptions good for 40yds, WR Will Watkins had 37yds on 2 receptions, and WR Leonel Galan had 4 receptions for 36yds. DB Mathias Cusick and DB Johnathan Coker each tallies 13 tackles a piece, LB Max Hungler had 8 tackles, and DE Noah Duke had 7 tackles and a fumble recovery. The Raiders will also be taking a week off from football action before returning for their first round playoff rematch against Dixie Heights (3-6). Ryle previously beat Dixie 13-8 on October 18. 6) 2A Beechwood (5-4) – Things are finally looking solid for Beechwood, with the team improving to a winning record on Friday thanks to a 38-0 shutout over 2A Newport (7-3). The Tigers were 3-0 against their competition in 2A district 6, and beat the district opposition by a total combined score of 143-6. It was a relatively quiet passing game on Friday, with QB Cam Hergott going 12-18 in the air good for 90yds. Hergott also led the team rushing with 58yds on 10 carries, good for 2 TDs. RB Avery Courtney also rushed 9 times for 31yds and 1 TD, and RB Cole Stammer rushed 8 times for 28yds and 2 TDs. The top receiving performances came from WR Brady Moore and WR Mason Williams, who had 5 receptions for 41yds and 4 receptions for 25yds, respectively. DE Gage Dollenmeyer logged 2 fumble recoveries and sack in the game, DL Carter Noah had a sack, and DL Xavier Campbell also scooped up a fumble. Beehcwood will wrap up their regular season at home on senior night against 1A Newport Central Catholic (7-2). 7) 5A Cooper (5-5) – Cooper finished their regular season in frustrating fashion on Friday, losing 14-7 to district competitor Highlands (6-4), and doing so despite outgaining the Birds’ offense 264-204. QB Drew Warth was 20-38 passing on the night, good for 165yds. Unfortunately it was the field possession achieved by 3 interceptions that game Highlands the offensive advantage to win the game. RB Anthony Witschey rushed 20 times for 76yds, and WR/RB Jeremiah Lee rushed 9 times for 25yds and a TD in addition to his 7 receptions good for 53yds. Freshman WR Zion Mason had 64yds on his 6 receptions, and also had an interception for the Jaguars from his spot in the defensive backfield. LB Joe Poage led the defense with 12 tackles, DB Chester Hale had 8 tackles, and LB Ethan Bosway had 7 tackles. Cooper is one of several teams around NKY with a bye week this week, and the Jags will be back on the game field in Park Hills for the first round of 5A playoffs taking on the Covington Catholic Colonels (10-0) again. Cooper previously lost to Cov Cath 45-6 back on September 27. 8) 1A Newport Central Catholic (7-2) – The Thoroughbreds finished up their district run on Friday by beating 1A Bellevue (2-7) with a 50-7 final score. Much like Beechwood, New Cath was 3-0 over their district opponents, thumping the rest of 1A district 4 with a combined score of 148-17. QB Paul Kremer was 15-18 passing for 201yds and 1 TD, and backup QB Dom Morgan was 2-2 passing for 55yds and 1 TD. WR Caleb Jefferson had 6 receptions for 110yds, while WR Preston Baggett had 55yds and 1 TD on his 2 receptions, and WR Cody Mueller had 40yds and 1 TD on his 3 receptions. RB Jahmir Ackerson led the running game with 6 carries for 85yds and 1 TD, and rushing TDs were also scored by Joey Runyon, Joe Doeker, Landen Davis, and Luke Landrum. Daniel Craig had 5 tackles from his spot at linebacker, and defensive backs Joe Doeker & Justin Schneider each had 4 tackles. New Cath will wrap up their regular season on Friday in Fort Mitchell against 1A Beechwood (5-4). 9) Dixie Heights (3-6) – The Colonels notched their third win of the season on Friday, beating 6A Campbell County (0-9) to claim the #3 spot in 6A district 6. QB Logan Landers was 12-21 passing in the game, for 133yds and 1 TD, and also led the team in rushing with 91yds on his 7 carries. RB Leon Marshall tallied 82yds and 3 TDs on his 16 carries, and the remaining touchdown on the ground came thanks to a 4yd carry by FB Cayden Anderson. WR Kel Hawkins had 4 receptions for 49yds and 1 TD, and WR Jacob Iames had 4 receptions for 44yds. LB Colin Smith, S Pierce Rohlman, DE Zach Ernst, LB Cayden Anderson, and Dl Rhys Brown each had 5 tackles a piece, and LB Bradyen Wulfeck had 4 tackles. Rohlman also had an interception, while Wulfeck picked off another pass and returned it 65yds for Dixie’s remaining touchdown in the game. The Colonels will finish off their regular season at home on Friday against 4A Scott (6-3). 10) 4A Holmes (6-3) – The Bulldogs pulled of one of the biggest wins in recent memory on Friday, upsetting 4A Scott (6-3) 58-38 to win 4A district 6. It’s the first district championship for Holmes since 2010, and their first win over the Eagles since 2012. QB Quantez Calloway was 6-10 passing in the game for 123yds, 1 TD and 1 INT, and he also ran the ball 15 times for 78yds and 1 TD. Caloway’s twin brother Tayquan led the offense with 203yds on 14 carries, good for 3 more TDs. WR Tyelon Tate had 4 receptions in the game, good for 110 of their 123 yards through the air, as well as the team’s one touchdown passing. DL Damarcus Winn and DB Daylan Griffin both recovered fumbles in the game, while DL Damario Foster and DB Tayquan Calloway both had pick-six interceptions. The Dawgs will wrap up their regular season in Bellevue on Friday against the 1A Tigers (2-7). TRENDING UP 2A Walton-Verona (6-3) – The Bearcats got off to a rocky 2-3 start this season, but they’ve managed to put together 4 straight wins in recent weeks to finish 4-0 in district competition. Their latest win was a 42-0 victory over 2A Shawnee (0-8). 4A Holmes (6-3) – The Bulldogs are currently enjoying season under Ben Nevels who is in his 7th season as head coach. And they have reason to celebrate, after pulling off a 58-38 upset of 4A Scott (6-3) on Friday to win the district 5A Covington Catholic (10-0) – I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention the Colonels' roll through a third straight 10-0 regular season. Cov Cath's latest win came in the style of a 45-7 first-half running clock victory over 5A Conner (7-2) on Friday to clinch the district title. TRENDING DOWN 1A Dayton (4-5) – The Greendevils continued a backward slide on Friday with a disappointing loss to district competitor 1A Ludlow (6-3). Despite fighting back in the 3Q to briefly take a lead in the game, Dayton lost 54-46. It’s been good to see some real fight out of the Greendevils this season, though. 2A Gallatin County (1-8) – It hasn’t been very pretty for the Wildcats this season. Despite coming off a big win over 2A Shawnee (0-8), Gallatin County lost big on Friday in a 54-0 shellacking at the hands of 2A Carroll County (6-3). 5A Cooper (5-5) – The Jaguars ended their regular at the .500 mark on Friday with a disappointing loss to 5A Highlands (6-4) to finish off things at the bottom of their 5A district. GAME OF THE WEEK (RESULTS): WEEK 9 5A Covington Catholic vs. 5A Conner 2019 has seen Conner enjoying one of their better seasons in recent years, heading into their Week 9 match-up with Cov Cath with a 7-1 record and a shot at the district title. The Colonels had other things in mind though, heading into Hebron and quickly going up 21-0 in the 1Q. Conner cut the Cov Cath lead to 17 with a late 2Q touchdown, bringing the score to 24-7 with 2:18 left in the half, only to have the Colonels score a TD 7 plays later, followed by a Conner fumble on the first play after the kickoff leading to a 1-play TD for Cov Cath, a quick 3-and-out for Conner, and yet another Colonel TD with seconds left to make the score 45-7 going into the half. That would stand as the final score in the contest, with Cov Cath heading home with the #1 spot in the district and Conner claiming #2. GAME OF THE WEEK: WEEK 10 1A Beechwood vs. 2A Newport Central Catholic With both schools’ standing among the “old guard” of northern Kentucky football programs, it’s somewhat surprising that they’ve only met on the football field 42 times in as many years. The record between the two stands at 28 wins to 14 in the favor of Beechwood, and in the last 10 years, the record has similarly stood at 7 wins to 3 in the favor of the Tigers. This year is primed as well as any for New Cath to notch their next win over Beechwood.

1) 5A Covington Catholic (8-0) – The Colonels accomplished quite a few tasks on Friday with their 27-7 victory over OH-DII LaSalle (6-1). First, they managed to maintain a now 28-game regular season win streak by beating a team ranked nationally in the top 100 teams by most national polls. Second, they ticked off their 4th ever win against a GCL South team in one of their most marquee regular season wins in program history. And third, they successfully completed a third-straight regular season of being undefeated at home. QB Caleb Jacob was 12-24 passing for 199yds in the game against a LaSalle defense, stacked with D1 college talent. TE Michael Mayer led the receiving corps with 6 receptions for 97yds, and RB Daniel Felix led the rushing attack with 15 carries for 80yds and 2 TDs. The remaining offensive TD was on a 2yd punch-in by Caleb Jacob. Mayer also led the defense from his position at linebacker, with 12 tackles including 2 for losses, a forced fumble, and a 45yd pick-6. The Colonels will take on their biggest rival, 5A Highlands (5-3) in their third district contest tonight in Ft. Thomas. 2) Conner (7-1) – The Cougars continued an undefeated streak in district competition on Friday with a 35-29 win over 5A Cooper (4-4). Conner eclipsed the Jags in offensive yards 424 to 244 despite the 6pt win margin. QB Jared Hicks was stellar, going 14-24 passing for 303yds and 2 TDs, and rushing 13 times for 52yds and 2 more TDs. RB Douglas Abdon didn’t have any TDs in the game, but led the offense in rushing with 62yds on 13 carries. WR Justin Daniels led the receiving corps with 145yds on 6 receptions, WR Colton Roy had 3 catches for 92yds and 1 TD, and WR Caleb Ervin had 4 receptions for 60yds and 1 TD. The remaining TD was scored defensively by Cody Crawford who scooped up a fumble for an 18yd TD. DL Matthew Kerr led the defense with an incredible 24 tackles, and LB Parker Hitzfield had 13 tackles in the game. The Cougars have this week off before returning to action on October 25th against 5A Covington Catholic (8-0). 3) 5A Highlands (5-3) – For a second time this season, the Birds rebounded from a frustrating loss by taking out those frustrations on the next week’s team. Highlands hung a 49-0 shutout loss on district competitor 5A Boone County (2-6). QB Collin Hollingsworth was 7-10 passing for 103yds and 3 TDs, and rushed for another 8yds. WR Adam Weyer led the receivers with 47yds on 2 receptions, WRs Hunter Ahlfeld, Jacob Brass, and Brycen Huddleston all hauled in TD receptions. And yes, you heard that right, Brycen Huddleston was on offense – and he scored. RB Sawyer Depp had 6 carries in the game for 136yds and 2 TDs, RB Griffin Richter had 14 carries for 103yds and 1 TD, and QB Jake Falhbusch had 3 rushes for 14yds and 1 TD. LB Brennan Haigis, DB Max Guetle, and DL Zach Lewin each had 4 tackles a piece to lead the team’s defensive front. The Birds will host their big regular season rivalry game tonight against 5A Covington Catholic (8-0). 4) 6A Simon Kenton (4-3) –The Pioneers continue to win every-other game, and finished their first district battle on Friday with a 43-27 win over 6A Dixie Heights (2-5). QB Chase Crone was 19-33 passing in the game for 241yds, 3 TDs and 1 INT. WR Erik Brown led in receiving with 8 receptions for 105yds, Caleb Livers had 4 receptions for 46yds and 1 TD, Trey Little had 2 receptions for 20yds and 1 TD, and RB Austin Hammack had 1 catch for a 34yd TD. Hammack also led the team in rushing with 15 carries fir 90yds and 1 TD. QB Crone rushed 13 times for 88yds and a TD, and RB Quincy North had 11 carries for 59yds and 1 TD. DB Zack Koenes led the defense with 9 tackles, while DL Vuk Sajlovic and LB Aric Hoffman each had 7 tackles. DB Isaac Bleier ha 2 interceptions in the game in addition to his 4 tackles. Simon Kenton hosts their second district match-up against 6A Campbell County (0-7) tonight in Independence. 5) 6A Ryle (4-4) – The Raiders are back at the .500 mark after a 41-0 win over 6A Campbell County (0-7). Senior Keegan Stanken spent most of the game at QB, going 9-17 for 103yds and 1 TD. WR Lee Conner was the top receiver in yardage with 4 receptions for 37yds, and Will Watkins was 1yd behind him with 36yds on 2 receptions, good for 1 TD. RB Kyle England was a scoring machine, with 18 carries for 110yds and 4 TDs. The defense was able to capitalize on 4 fumbles, including 1 that was picked up by DB Max Hungler and returned 32yds for a Ryle TD. DB Luke Bradshaw led the defense with 7 tackles, while LB Dillon Talmon had 5 tackles, and DB Johnathan Coker and LB Jackson Belk each had 4 tackles. Ryle will face 6A Dixie Heights tonight in Edgewood in their second district game. 6) 2A Beechwood (3-4) – Beechwood finally seems to have exorcised some demons with the big win they’ve been looking for thus far in 2019. They did so with a huge 68-6 win over 2A district foe Holy Cross (2-5). QB Cam Hergott was 9-12 passing in the game for 174yds and 2 TDs, and he also rushed 5 times for 25yds and 1 TD. QB Jenson Linder also saw some time in the game and was 1-1 passing good for an 11yd TD. WR Mason Williams was the top receiver in the game with 2 receptions for 72yds and 1 TD. Nick Parton also had 2 receptions for 56yds and 1 TD, and Brady Moore had 2 receptions for 23yds and 1 TD. RB Avery Courtney led in rushing with 74yds on 7 carries for 1 TD, and RB Cole Stammer had 5 rushes for 25yds and 2 TDs. Stammer also added an interception on the defensive side of the ball, and Mason Williams had an interception that he returned 20yds for a Tigers touchdown. Beechwood will have their second district game tonight in Erlanger against 2A Lloyd Memorial (5-2). 7) 5A Cooper (4-3) – Cooper fought hard on Friday, but the Jags are back on the wrong side of .500 following a 35-29 district loss to 5A Conner. QB Drew Warth was 10-18 passing in the game, good for 122yds in the air and 1 TD. He also rushed 5 times for 13yds. RB Anthony Witschey led the team in offensive yardage and scored all of their offensive touchdowns, with 10 carries for 62yds and 2 TDs, and also led in receiving with his 1 catch for a 44yd touchdown. WR Jeremiah Lee scored the remaining touchdown for the Jags on a returned kickoff. Lee also forced a fumble on the defensive side of things, in addition to his 2 tackles, and the defense was led by DB Chester Hale with 9 tackles and LB Ethan Bosway with 8 tackles and 1 sack. 8) 1A Newport Central Catholic (4-2) – The Thoroughbreds had their first district game back in 1A on Friday, and started things off with a big 49-10 win over 1A Ludlow (4-3). QB Paul Kremer was nearly flawless going 11-12 passing for 137yds and 5 TDS, and backup QB Dom Morgan was 3-4 passing for 41yds and 1 TD. RB Jahmir Ackerson led the offense with 88yds on 9 carries, and the lone rushing touchdown was scored by RB Joe Doeker on a 1yd run. Doeker also had 2 pass receptions for 16yds and 1 TD, while WR Cody Mueller led in yardage with 46yds on 2 receptions and 1 TD, Tanner Daunt had 3 receptions for 42yds and 1 TD, Coy Hunt had 1 catch for a 32yd TD, and Caleb Jefferson had 3 receptions for 21yds and 2 TDs. Freshman DB Matthew Landrum and DB Justin Schneider each tallied an interception on defense. New Cath faces 1A Dayton (4-3) tonight in their second district match of the season. 9) 4A Scott (5-2) – No action for Scott this past week. The Eagles are on the road tonight for their 3rd district match-up of the season, this time against 4A Boyd County (1-6). 10) Lloyd Memorial (5-2) – The Juggernauts came back from their bye week last Friday and put another W in the books with a 26-7 win over 2A Newport (6-2) in their first district game of the season. QB Jacob Davidson was 8-13 passing on the night for 83yds, and rushed 20 times for 111yds and 3 TDs. RB Dakota Theil carried the ball 11 times, good for 74yds and the team’s remaining TD. WR Keesean Crim had 4 catches for 53yds, Trshawn Cody had 1 catch for 18yds, Dakota Theil had 1 catch for 10yds and Keion Alexander had 1 catch for 2yds. LB Isaac Abdon led the defense again in tackles with 8, and DB Tayvonne Coleman-Ewell had 5 tackles. Keesean Crim had 4 tackles and 2 INTs from his position at defensive back. Lloyd will have their big district game of the 2019 season against 2A Beechwood (3-4) tonight at home. TRENDING UP 2A Beechwood (3-4) – The Tigers got their second straight win on Friday with a 68-6 romp over 2A Holy Cross (2-5). 1A Bellevue (2-5) – The Tigers tallied their second win in three weeks, this time with a rivalry win on the road against 1A Dayton (4-3). TRENDING DOWN 5A Grant County (3-5) – The Braves dropped their third straight game on Friday and their second straight district game of the year, losing 56-0 to 5A Scott County (7-1). 6A Dixie Heights (2-5) – Friday sealed the deal, guaranteeing that the Colonels will have to go without a winning regular season for a 5th straight season after losing 43-27 to 6A Simon Kenton (4-3). GAME OF THE WEEK (RESULTS): WEEK 7 5A Conner vs. 5A Cooper The Cougars should have won this one big, by looking at the offensive yards in the game – nearly doubling the Jaguars in offensive yards. But a special teams touchdown kept Cooper in this one. Conner held on for a 35-29 win to keep their undefeated district record intact though. GAME OF THE WEEK: WEEK 8 5A Covington Catholic vs. 5A Highlands If this isn’t the game of the week in northern Kentucky, then what in the world is a “game of the week”? These two teams meet for a 52nd consecutive year as district competitors. The rivalry record heavily favors Highlands at 49 wins to 21 for Cov Cath, but the Colonels have won the last 4 games straight, with Colonels head coach Eddie Eviston currently holding a 4-2 record against Highlands. It’s a big night in Fort Thomas tonight.

1) 5A Covington Catholic (9-0) – The Colonels are one win away from 3-straight undefeated regular seasons after their 13-0 shutout over district rival 5A Highlands (5-4). The scoring margin might be a little different from what some were expecting, but that all depends on who you were talking to. The Colonels are now 3-0 in district competition. QB Caleb Jacob was 12-25 passin for 215yds, 1 TD and 1 INT in the game, with WR Ethan Reardon leading the offense with 174yds and 1 TD on 9 receptions. TE Michael Mayer had 23yds on 1 reception, and WR Andy Molique had 18yds on 2 receptions. Daniel Felix led the rushing attack with 15 carries for 59yds, and Michael Boydston returned to the active roster with 23yds on 5 carries. Kicker Trey Gronotte had two field goals and an extra point to give the Colonels their remaining 7 points in the game. Michael Mayer led the defense in tackles with 14, an Daniel Felix had 10 tackles, including a sack. The Colonels will play to go undefeated in both district competition and in their regular season when they head to Hebron to take on 5A Conner (8-1) tomorrow night. 2) Conner (7-1) – No action this past Friday. The Cougars return to action tomorrow against 5A Covington Catholic (8-0) in a battle for the District 5 champion. 3) 5A Highlands (5-4) – The Birds were shut out for a second time this week, this time at the hands of 5A Covington Catholic (9-0) in a 13-0 home loss. Highlands offense was stymied by the Colonels defense, coming up short with only 135yds total offense. QB Collin Hollingsworth was 4-11 passing for 45yds and 1 INT, and he ran the ball 11 times for 24yds. WR Hunter Ahlfeld has 2 receptions for 36yds, and RB Joe Buten pulled in the two remaining receptions, good for 10yds. RB Sawyer Depp led the offensive ground game with 25yds on 9 carries, and RB Buten had 22yds on 12 carries. Brycen Huddleston was the defensive leader in tackling, with 13 tackles and 1 tackle for a loss from is position at linebacker. DL Zach Lewin also logged 7 tackles in the game, including 2 tackles for loss. The Bluebirds will finish off their regular season tomorrow with a district match-up against 5A Cooper (5-4). 4) 6A Simon Kenton (5-3) –The Pioneers managed to string together two straight wins for the first time this season by beating 6A Campbell County (0-8) in a 34-7 senior night victory. Simon Kenton is now 2-0 in district competition. QB Chase Crone had a strong night going 9-14 passing for 197yds, 1 TD and 1 INT. Junior QB Marcus Courtney also spent time behind center, going 10-14 passing for 96yds in addition to leading the rushing attack with 87yds and 1 TD on 8 carries. RB Austin Hammack rushed 18 times for 69yds and 1 TD, and RB Quincy North carried the ball 14 times for 41yds and 1 TD. WRs John Ivey and Caleb Livers both had 53yds each receiving, and WR Landon Scott had the team’s 1 touchdown by air on his lone 31yd reception. Isaac Bleier also scored for the ‘Neers on a returned kickoff. LB Nate Walker led the Simon Kenton D with 11 tackles, and DB Zack Koenes had 9 tackles. The Pioneers will conclude their district schedule in Union on Friday against 6A Ryle (5-4). 5) 6A Ryle (5-4) – Ryle notched their second district win on Friday, beating 6A Dixie Heights (2-6) on the road with a final score of 13-8. The Raiders offense was held to fewer offensive yards than their opponent, but managed to get the win. QB Keegan Stanken was 11-16 passing for 151yds and 2 TDs, and added 11yds rushing. RB Kyle England ran the ball 15 times for 47yds, and RB Mathias Cusick ran 5 times for 20yds. WR Johnathan Coker led the offense with 108yds and 1 TD on his 4 receptions, and RB Will Watkins also had 4 receptions, good for 24yds and 1 TD. DB Luke Bradshaw was the Raiders’ leading tackler, with 11 total tackles. DB Mathias Cusick and LB Gabe Savage each had 8 tackles a piece, and LB Dillon Talmon tallied 7 tackles. Ryle will conclude their regular season tomorrow night with a senior night game against district rival 6A Simon Kenton (5-3). 6) 5A Cooper (5-4) – Cooper had their biggest offensive game of the season by nearly 100yds, finishing their 54-0 win over 5A Boone County (2-7) with 500 offensive yards even. QB Drew Warth had a huge night, going 12-17 passing for 257yds and 3 TDs, and rushing 3 times for 49yds. RB Anthony Witschey rushed 9 times for 84yds and 1 TD, and had 3 receptions for 45 more yards and a TD. RBs Brendon Tye and Eli White also had rushing TDs. WR Jeremiah Lee had 5 catches for 113yds and 1 TD, and ran twice for 21yds and 1 TD. The remaining touchdowns were scored by WR Bryan Yelton on a 59yds TD reception, and on a fumble pickup for a 9yd defensive TD by Brady Bond. LB Ethan Bosway was the leading tackler for the Jags’ defense with 12 tackles including 1 tackle for a loss, and LB Jake Harmeyer had 7 tackles. Cooper will finish up their regular season tomorrow night with their fight for 3rd place in District 5 against 5A Highlands (5-4). 7) 2A Beechwood (4-4) – Beechwood finally made it to the .500 mark in their regular season on Friday with a solid 37-0 shutout over 2A district rival Lloyd Memorial (5-3), giving the Tigers a 2-0 start in their district run. QB Cam Hergott put on a show, going 20-24 passing for 225yds and 2 TDs, and leading the team’s rushing attack with 55yds on 7 carries. RB Avery Courtney had 46yds and 1 TD on 6 carries, and RB Cole Stammer had 30yds and 1 TD on 9 carries. WR Mason Williams led the receivers with 85yds on 9 receptions, WR Gage Dollenmeyer had 2 receptions for 41yds and 1 TD, WR Keaton Durrett had 3 receptions for 28yds, and WR Brady Moore had 2 receptions for 28yds and 1 TD. Mason Williams also had a 42yd pick-six on defense. Beechwood will finish out their district run tomorrow night, hosting 2A Newport (7-2). 8) 1A Newport Central Catholic (6-2) – The Thoroughbreds continued their romp over their 1A district last week with a 49-0 win over 1A Dayton (4-4). New Cath has now tallied four straight games with 5 or more touchdowns. QB Paul Kremer was 13-21 passing for 199yds and 3 TDs, and backup QB Dom Morgan went 3-3 passing for 45yds and 1 TD. RB Jahmir Ackerson led the rushing game with 8 carries for 99yds and 1 TD, and FB Isaac Freppon had his first TD of the season on a 2yds goal line punch-in. WR Caleb Jefferson was the leading receiver with 4 receptions for 79yds and 2 TDs, WR Quentin Meyer had 3 receptions for 45yds and 1 TD, and RB Joe Doeker had a 9yd TD reception. DB Justin Schneider added a defensive TD on a 45yd scoop-and-score. The Breds will finish up their district schedule Friday night against 1A Bellevue (2-6) in Bellevue. 9) 4A Scott (6-2) – The Eagles took the drive down to Ashland on Friday and took on 4A Boyd County (1-7) in their 3rd district game, and came home with a 54-26 win over the Lions. QB Gus Howlett was 8-13 passing for 131yds, 2 TDs, and 1 INT, and ran twice for 4yds and a TD. RB Quincy Perring ran 16 times for 201yds and 2 TDs, and passed once, good for a 1yd TD connection to FB Nigel Robinson. RB Robert Pence ran 4 times for 28yds and 1 TD, and Jackson Hardin had a 6yd TD run. WR Cam Patterson was the top receiver with 4 catches for 86yds and 2 TDs. LB Nigel Robinson led the defense with 11 tackles, LB Zach Scheper had 9 tackles, and DE Sage Lalley had 8 tackles. Scott will finish up their district schedule on senior night tomorrow night against 4A Holmes (5-3). 10) Dixie Heights (2-6) – The Colonels make their first appearance in the NKY Power Rankings Top 10 this week despite a 7 point district loss to 6A Ryle (5-4). Dixie’s offense has struggled to find their groove this season, but they managed to best the Raiders in total offensive yards on Friday, 315 yards to 227. The defense has showed major resolve, keeping the team in numerous games this season, including their this latest loss. QB Logan Landers was 13-25 passing for 205yds and 1 INT. RB Leon Marshall led the running game with 17 carries for 77yds and the team’s lone touchdown. WR Jacob Iames had 7 receptions good for 162yds. LB Cayden Anderson led the defense with 8 tackles and CB Brayden Wulfeck had 6 tackles. Dixie will be concluding their district schedule in Alexandria tomorrow against 6A Campbell County (0-8). TRENDING UP 2A Walton-Verona (6-3) – The Bearcats have strung together a 4 game winning streak in the second half of their regular season, with their latest 42-0 shutout win coming over 2A Shawnee (0-7). 5A Cooper (4-3) – The Jaguars tallied their 5th of the season to improve themselves to a winning record for the first time this season with a 54-0 shutout win over 5A Boone County (2-7). TRENDING DOWN 5A Highlands (5-4) – The Bluebirds were handed their 5th straight loss and 3rd shutout in as many games at the hands of 5A Covington Catholic (9-0), losing 13-0 on Friday. 6A Campbell County (0-8) – The Camels are struggling badly in 2019, remaining winless after 8 straight games and having scored only 27 points to their competitors’ 285 points. Campbell County’s latest game was a 34-7 loss to 6A Simon Kenton (5-3). GAME OF THE WEEK (RESULTS): WEEK 8 5A Covington Catholic vs. 5A Highlands Covington Catholic may have continued their recent streak of wins over Highlands on Friday with a 13-0 shut-out in Fort Thomas on Friday, but Highlands managed to hold the Colonels to the least points scored since Week 1 of the 2016 football season. Covington Catholic will be battling with Conner this week for the #1 and #2 spots in 5A District 5, and Highlands will be battling with Cooper for the #3 and #4 spots in the District. GAME OF THE WEEK: WEEK 9 5A Covington Catholic vs. 5A Conner For the second week in a row, the NKY Power Rankings Game Of The Week will feature two of the top three teams in the Power Rankings. The Cougars will be welcoming Cov Cath to Hebron tomorrow night in hopes of sending the Colonels home with a loss and earning the #1 spot in their district. Conner comes into the game on the back of a 5-game win streak, and Cov Cath is coming into the game undefeated, with 9 straight wins.

BluegrassPreps 2019 Western Kentucky Power Rankings – Week 9 Edition The top story line this week reflects the stellar play of our Top 11 squads in the West! All 11 (save the Hopkinsville BYE) won in very convincing fashion (save Glasgow, who played a very worthy District Foe)! But for Spots 12 through 20, most found unfavorable results with 6 of those 9 taking losses, albeit against very sound competition! But some great games and surprise results for us to discuss for sure! So let’s get to it… Week 9 Western Kentucky Game of the Week: 2A Caldwell County (7-2) 42 at 2A Murray (6-2) 40. One of the best games of the year right here in terms of competitiveness and never giving up! Which describes Former Caldwell County Coach David Barnes to a Tee! Murray came out fired up for Homecoming Night at Ty Holland Stadium and led Caldwell 17-0. But Caldwell rallied and led 35-34 in the 4th Quarter. Caldwell scored again to take a 42-34 lead. But Murray wouldn’t fold either and staged a terrific final drive and scored late in the 4th Quarter. They set up for the 2-point conversion, but Star QB Hunter Utley’s pass was batted down in the end zone ending a whale of ball game! Great effort by both teams! Also, WPSD Local 6 out of Paducah does an awesome job of providing highlights for all things Purchase Area Football and provides highlights for this game and many other WKY games this week. The following is a link to that telecast: 1

BluegrassPreps 2019 Western Kentucky Power Rankings – Week 8 Edition The top story line this week continues to be the impact of the BYE Week with only 1 game impacting 2 Top 10 teams was played this week! And only 6 teams and 5 games were played in spots 11 through 20, so let’s just say it was a light week overall! But this is a clear indicator that the push to finish the year strong is now upon us! Most teams have big district games still to go! So let’s get ready… Week 8 Western Kentucky Games of the Week: 4A Hopkinsville (5-3) 18 at 4A Madisonville North-Hopkins (7-1) 20. The last big battle between the Big 3 within 4A District 1 did not disappoint! Madisonville dominated the first half leading 14-0 behind stellar running from Star RB Jeriah Hightower! And into the first part of the 3rd Quarter, the Maroons added 6 more points on with a punt returned for a TD by Gunner Dameron! But Hoptown would not quit, as we have seen this entire year! The Tigers started to make plays mostly in their passing game where they rolled up 200 yards on the night! Additionally JR WR Lane Rushing really broke out in this game to give the Tigers very formidable WRs on both sides of the field joining Star Reece Jesse! Hoptown would come all the way back to get to 18-20 with a 2 point conversion try. But that attempt was unsuccessful and the Maroons escaped with a critical win to set up a 3 way tie atop the best 4A District Top to Bottom! Week 9 Western Kentucky Game of the Week: 2A Caldwell County (6-2) at 2A Murray (6-1). Terrific game over on the left bank of the state! The winner of this game pretty much wraps up the 2 seed in the district, while Murray still gets to take their shot against Mayfield, and even if Murray loses at Mayfield it’s the winner of this game that will determine home field for that critical first round game of the playoffs! In this battle of Tigers, Caldwell County QB Russ Beshear has played well throwing for over 800 yards on the season with 12 TDs vs 6 INTs and RB DeEric Hollowell has rushed for over 700 yards and 12 TDs on the year! For Murray, QB Hunter Utley has passed for nearly 2,000 yards and 27 TDs vs 3 INTs and WR Tommy Waldrop has 43 catches for over 700 yards and 11 TDs on the year! So this should be a terrific game! Good luck to both teams! Honorable Mention: Dyer Co TN at McCracken County, Owensboro at Graves County, Taylor County at Glasgow, Crittenden County at Fulton County, Henderson County at Daviess County, Hancock County at OCATH, Union County at Paducah Tilghman, and Allen County-Scottsville at Warren East. Try to make it out to one of these great games! Week 8 Top 10: 10) Glasgow (3A) – Preseason Rank: 12 - 2019 Record 6-1; District Record 1-0] Week 8 Results: BYE Week. The Scotties headed into the Bye Week in great shape and were a whisker from being undefeated. Still very promising season ahead for Glasgow. As you take a look at their schedule, all 3 are games Glasgow will compete in and likely should win at least the first 2. The last game of the year vs Franklin Simpson is a terrific game we’ll keep our sights on! Week 9: vs 3A District Mate Taylor County (6-1). These teams have equal records coming into the break. Looking at the teams they have lost to, South Warren barely beat Glasgow 21-20 and 6A Simon Kenton beat Taylor up in NKY 39-7. I think South is stronger than Simon Kenton IMO and I like the Scotties in this game, but not by more than 2 TDs. And it could be much closer. What say you… 9) Paducah Tilghman (3A) – Preseason Rank: 7 - 2019 Record 5-2; [District Record 1-0] Week 8 Results: BYE WEEK. Tilghman can certainly use this down time to prepare for the final push of the season. Focus on the District Championship is now paramount! Good luck Blue Tornados! Week 9: vs 3A District mate Union County (4-2). With a win here, Tilghman is almost assured a District Title with only one remaining District game at Poor Ole’ Webster County! So this is a Big Game! I look for Tilghman to try to get back on their rushing game and try to wear down the Braves to get that job done! While I like Tilghman by 3 TDs, I would not overlook an always scrappy Union County team, as they remind me of a Graves County Roman candle kinda team that seems to have one good spark left in them but you don’t know when it’s coming out! But I still have confidence in Tilghman in this one! 8) Logan County (4A) – Preseason Rank: 10 - 2019 Record 6-1; District Record 1-1] Week 8 Results: BYE WEEK! The Cougars are banged up! With very physical tough games back to back to Madisonville and Hoptown, the Bye Week came at just the right time. Now with the vastly easier part of their district schedule to complete, they should be able to play some younger Cougars while continuing to heal some critical starters. I still don’t know the status of star RB/LB Gary Hardy. Could someone provide an update? It would be appreciated! Rest/Heal up Cougars! Week 9: vs 4A District Mate Hopkins County Central (0-8)! After losing the Basement Bowl this week to Calloway County, the Storm now face an almost assured winless season. I get no pleasure typing that, as I have compassion for the Storm players just like anyone else’s team. Better luck next year Storm! With that said, Cougars roll!!! 7) Hopkinsville (4A) – Preseason Rank: 6 - 2019 Record 5-3; District Record 2-1] Week 8 Results: Western Kentucky GAME OF THE WEEK - Loss: 20-18 at District Rival 4A Madisonville-North Hopkins (7-1). Great effort Tigers! Yes, I know you wanted to win this game, but when your starting kick got injured that put you on a much more unstable course and it turned out to be critical because Hoptown had to go for the 2 point conversion after all 3 TDs. They did not convert on any of those 3 and that turned out to be the difference! Still Star QB Jay Bland, RB Jayden Dillard and WR Reece Jesse all played really well. But to me the emergence of WR Lane Rushing on the other side of the field when Jesse was getting double teams all night that propelled Hoptown back into this game! Great effort and you’ll see them later! Week 9: BYE WEEK! Bye Weeks can be awesome tools for a football team when combined with a proper timing element. Well that’s certainly the case for the Tigers! After 2 drop down – drag out cage matches against Logan County and now Madisonville, the Tigers have certainly earned the off week! And great scheduling to put the BYE here as well! It should set the Tigers up well to ramp up into Week 1 of the playoffs! As District Champs? You tell me… 6) Madisonville – North Hopkins (4A) – Preseason Rank: 5 - 2019 Record 7-1; [District Record 2-1] Week 8 Results: Western Kentucky GAME OF THE WEEK - Win: 20-18 vs District Rival 4A Hopkinsville (5-3). Great Win Maroons! You controlled the first 2.5 Quarter of this game with another fine effort from Star RB Jeriah Hightower! You will see him later. I should point out that Mr. Hightower is the State’s Leading Rusher and ranked 3rd in the country with 1,723 yards coming into this game! Outstanding! But the Maroons D played tough when they had to, especially on all 3 2 point conversion attempts! BIG, BIG Win for Madisonville! Now with a 3 way tie at the top, it will come down to the tie-breaker system that might not be settled until the last week of the season! Week 9: at 4A District Mate Calloway County (1-6). The Lakers are ridin high with their first win of the year over fellow district basement dweller Hopkins County Central. Good for Calloway County! Plus, it is a long bus ride from Madisonville to Calloway County, but when it’s all said and done, Madisonville is a very good team this year and Calloway County is not and that will ultimately describe the final score in this one somewhere in the vicinity of 46-8 Maroons. 5) Owensboro (5A) – Preseason Rank: 8 - 2019 Record 6-1; [District Record 3-0] Week 8 Results: BYE WEEK! The Red Devils cruised into the Bye Week as smooth as Kentucky Lake on a fine crisp Fall Morning! No worries here! The Red Devils seem to have gotten most of their injuries (albeit important ones) out of the way early this year! The remaining Owensboro schedule displays an always gritty Graves County team, upstart Grayson County, along with old foe Hendo, who has played really well this season. But I’d honestly be shocked if Owensboro had a lot of problems against any of these teams, but you just never know and that’s why you play the game! Good luck Red Devils! Week 9: at 5A District Mate Graves County (3-4). Maybe an interesting game for a while! It’s a 2.5 hour drive over to Mayfield from Owensboro, so that could definitely have an effect early. But I just think the Red Devils have too many weapons that Graves just won’t be able to account for. But I am looking forward to seeing how QB Gavin Wimsatt performs in this game. Will be interesting to note. Good luck Red Devils! 4) Mayfield (2A) – Preseason Rank: 1 - 2019 Record 6-1; District Record 1-0] Week 8 Results: BYE WEEK. Mayfield strolls into the Bye Week in really good shape. They have 2 district games left. One is a walk in the park (against poor ole’ Ballard Memorial) and one will be challenging IMO (vs Murray). Then a final trip east to a big, physical Madisonville team that will certainly test the Cardinal’s metal, especially on defense as the Madisonville rushing attack may be the best in the West, if not the State! With all that said, you have IMO the most experienced Coaching Staff in the West and that will surely guide you through this stretch of games. This should set the Cardinals up looking to host games at War Memorial Stadium deep into the playoffs! Your enemy will almost certainly be injuries as you will have to give your all in the Murray and Madisonville games! Week 9: vs 2A District Mate Ballard Memorial (1-6). I’d certainly dress all the Freshman team for this game. As they could certainly perform in this game. Also, who will take over when QB Jayden Stinson graduates? This is the game to get him a few series of Friday Night Lights! Rest up Cardinals! 3) McCracken County (6A) – Preseason Rank: 9 - 2019 Record 5-2; District Record 2-0] Week 8 Results: BYE WEEK! Similar to their Purchase Area rivals above, the Mustangs stroll into the Bye Week playing really well and already have 2 district wins under their belt! McCracken seems to have limited injuries at this time, but I’m sure some nagging injuries persist. Great week to get back to full health! The Mustangs final 3 games include the likely District Championship at Henderson County on October 25th. That one should be a great game as both these teams have played well this season. The last game of the year sees a beleaguered Christian County team come to town winless. So the Mustangs could see a desperate team November 1, but still McCracken is clearly the class of that game. Onward to an interesting game! Week 9: vs Dyer County (Newburn), TN (6-1). The Choctaws will roll into Paducah with confidence, as they have won every game this season with ease (save a 27-24 win against Clarksville, TN). Their lone loss was to Henry County, TN who checks into MaxPreps National Ranking around 1,000. They are somewhat closely graded to North Hardin at 860. So this should be a good game to see where the Mustangs are at in this latter part of the season! This game also sets the stage for their huge district showdown in Henderson the week after. Good Luck Mustangs! I’ll be pulling for you against the Choctaws!!! 2) South Warren (5A) – Preseason Rank: 3 - 2019 Record 6-1; District Record 0-1] Week 8 Results: BYE WEEK! The Spartans were dealt their first loss of the season in Week 7. So, in many ways the BYE Week has come at a good time for South so they can refocus for the final 3 games of the season and hopefully get some valued Spartans healthy! With that said, the Final 3 games of the season (at Greenwood and at Christian County and home vs Logan County) should line up in your favor, especially the first 2 games. The Logan County game in the final week of the season is interesting, as do you manage some of your ailing personnel that week, as you likely won’t need that game going into the playoffs. We shall see how Coach Smith handles it! Week 9: at 5A District Mate Greenwood (5-2)! The Gators have only beaten the Spartans once. A 17-16 OT Thriller at Greenwood back in 2016. If memory serves me correctly, the Spartans had some injury issues in that one as well! Does this game have a chance to be the Gators second win in this series? I don’t know, but the longer the Gators hang around, the longer they will believe they can win! The Spartans need to shake off Week 7 and come out strong here to prevent a closer than comfortable game; it’s as simple as that! Good luck Spartans! 1) Bowling Green (5A) – Preseason Rank: 2 - 2019 Record 4-2; District Record 1-0] Week 8 Results: BYE WEEK! The Purples had to have a good Bye Week after getting the Spartan Monkey off their backs! Yes, it’s just one game, but it means a lot toward district play and it means a lot in the community. The Purples remaining games represents 2 valleys and 1 peak! BG will face district foes Christian County (winless) and Greenwood (have never beaten BG in more than 25 tries) and represent the valleys, while the final game of the season sees the vaunted Trinity Shamrocks drive down I-65 to battle the Purples and they clearly represent the peak! BG should handle their district foes with no problem. But the Shamrocks are a completely different animal. If BG couldn’t beat St X, how can BG beat a team St X lost to 35-3? You tell me… Week 9: vs 5A District Mate Christian County (0-7). This matchup has been a really big one in Western Kentucky in the near recent past! But Kolbi Langhi and Cory Trice ain’t walkin through that door! The Colonels are simply young this year and have competed well in several games, but just couldn’t close the deal. I certainly don’t think they close it at El Donaldson Stadium either! Purples roll!!! Next 10 – 11 to 20: 11) Owensboro Catholic (2A) (6-1) – Week 8 Results: BYE WEEK! The Aces are playing awfully well pulling into their Bye Week! Star QB Drew Hartz is playing as well as anyone in the State IMO. It doesn’t hurt to be playing a soft district schedule, but that’s not the Aces fault. You play who remains on your schedule! For the Aces, they finish up district play with homes games vs a decent Hancock County team and a struggling Butler County team. They finish the year at home vs nearby rival 6A Apollo, who has clearly been improving of late. The district games likely get out of hand quickly, but the game with Apollo could see it closer for a while. But I still think the Aces pull away from the Eagles late in that game! Good luck Aces! Next up: vs 2A Hancock County. I think the Hornets are a decent 2A team that have improved come District play. The problem is the Aces are destroying their district and ultimately think the Hornets get swatted in this one! Go Aces! 12) Henderson County (6A) (5-1) - Week 8 Results: Win 20-13 vs 6A Apollo. Thanks to our good friends @wrn1979 and @Brown for bringing us the updates in this District battle! Apollo led 7-0 at the half while just missing a FG attempt close to the end of the first half. Henderson County tied it up about mid-way through the 3rd Quarter, but then word started trickling in for some unscrupulous play suggesting late hits and ripping Apollo helmets off committed by the Colonels players! I assume this to be the case unless someone saw it differently. That is definitely troubling to hear. Is there some bad blood between Apollo and Hendo or just a hard hitting District Game that got a little out of hand? You tell me… Week 9: at 6A District Mate Daviess County. News Flash Colonels! You better get more than 1 guy on Panther Star RB Shane Riley! This young man is a force on the football field, but he’s been hurt of late. But he is a game changer. If Hendo can control Mr. Riley, I like them in this game by about 14 points! Good Luck Hendo! 13) Franklin Simpson (4A) (3-4) – Week 8 Results: BYE WEEK. Well, I’m sure you’d like more wins in this first half of the year Wildcat Fans, but as we’ve discussed injuries and younger Wildcats need time to get their footing on the varsity field. The good news is it sounds like that is the case, especially along the line of scrimmage. Looking at the final 3 games of the Wildcats season show Warren Central and Warren East at home and then a very interesting road trip on the final week of the season at surging old rival Glasgow. I think the Wildcats will be too much in their District games, but to overlook Warren East would be a mistake! The Glasgow game is intriguing on a number of levels and we’ll discuss those later! Next up: vs 4A District Mate Warren Central! The Dragons haven’t won a game in a long time and the bottom line is that they won’t win here either. But their final 2 games, I do give Central a chance in both! Good Luck Dragons! For Franklin, this game would be great to make sure any younger Wildcats you want to bring up for a shot at varsity ball this year and next are ready to play on the 18th! Good luck Wildcats!!! 14) Murray (2A) (6-1) – Week 8 Results – Win 54-6 vs 2A District Mate and Poor Ole’ Ballard Memorial. Just 2 teams at different levels, but hey Bombers, you did beat Fulton City last week! Murray in a really big way! I hope the Tigers got some cubs in this game. Star QB Hunter Utley and undervalued WR Tommy Waldrop were huge in this game and you’ll see them later! Not much else to see really. Next up: WESTERN KENTUCKY GAME OF THE WEEK vs 2A District Mate Caldwell County. This should be a really entertaining game! I respect Caldwell’s program quite a bit but just feel Murray is the better team this year with likely the better lines. Plus playing at home will be an advantage IMO. Am I wrong? You tell me… Go Tigers! 15) Caldwell County (2A) (6-2) – Week 8 Results: Win 40-0 vs District Mate 2A Fort Campbell. Cheer up Falcons! You are finally on the BYE Week with Ballard Memorial coming to call on the 25th! This is your shot! Don’t miss! For Caldwell County, they were razor sharp as one should be against a lesser opponent! I don’t have any stats for this one, but a good team beats a really struggling team is the theme here! A Big game is upon you now! Rise up Tigers! Next up: WESTERN KENTUCKY GAME OF THE WEEK - at District Mate Murray. Important game right here Tigers Fans! This game will likely determine who hosts the Round 1 playoff rematch between these 2. So, if you’d like to host a playoff game, and I’m sure you would, give it all you got at Murray! You’re going to have to stop/neutralize stellar QB Hunter Utley, who can be a dual threat QB. It won’t be easy. Good luck Tigers! 16) Graves County (5A) (4-3) – Week 8 Results: Win 21-10 at New District Mate Grayson County! Graves with a big District Statement win here as they knock Grayson County from the unbeaten ranks! The Eagles rushing attack was in full swing and really dictated this game as Graves County rolled up almost 290 yards on the ground! 2 Eagles RBs each had over 100 yards rushing and you’ll see them later! Also the Eagles defense came to play by limiting Grayson County to only 59 yards total offense on the night! That’s stout work there! Nice win and it sheds quite a bit of light on where Grayson County really is as well. Next week: vs District Mate Owensboro. Graves County is playing well right now and they will host this game, which I do think is an advantage. This game has a chance to be close early as Owensboro will be driving 2.5 hours over into the Purchase Area. But I just think Owensboro has better athletes across the board and especially on defense. The Red Devil D has been terrific of late. QB John Brown has his work cut out for him! Good luck Eagles! 17) Greenwood (5A) (5-2) –Week 8 Results: BYE WEEK! The Gators got to rest up after a strong opening 7 games to the 2019 season! Their opening win vs Franklin Simpson is still one of the more surprising of the entire season to date. Yes, you likely should have held on to beat Barren County. But still much promise in the Gator camp! Onward! Next week: vs 5A District Mate South Warren! The Gators upset South back in the 2016 campaign for their only win vs the Spartans! Could this be the second? In order for that to happened, you’d think star Reed Sloan would have to be involved to some degree, as he pulled Greenwood through last week vs Christian County. Also, can the Gator D Line hold up against a fine South OLine? That may be the difference in the game right there! It’ll be a tough game for sure, but at least South won’t be coming into it flying high and missing a couple key pieces of their team. Good luck Gators! 18) Warren East (4A) (4-3) – Week 8 Results: BYE WEEK! Raider Nation has done pretty well this year! Their only losses are to South Warren, Logan County and a 22-13 setback to Greenwood. Those are all teams above you in these rankings! What about from here on out? Only 1 of 3 remaining opponents are above you in these rankings (Franklin Simpson). While I don’t think you’ll beat Franklin, especially away, I can see you beating Allen County-Scottsville and even a physical Daviess County team on the road. But you will need to shore up your defense prior to that last one, as you gave up over 300 yards rushing to Greenwood! Good Luck Raiders! 19) Barren County (6A) (5-2) – Week 8 Results: Loss 38-0 vs New District Mate 6A Central Hardin. This loss doesn’t surprise me and shouldn’t any Trojan fan that knows it’s going to take time to compete near the top of 6A District 2! Also know Trojan Fans that this year is one of the absolute top years for both Central Hardin and North Hardin so maybe you’ll have a shot not so far down the road! Best of Luck! Next up: vs New District Mate 6A North Hardin. Well Trojan fans, at least you get the 2 toughest district teams at home this year! Problem is they are both way too tough for you this season. But chin up, as you are headed up overall and if you can compete with Meade County things would definitely be rosier going into the 2020 season! Good Luck Trojans! 20) Crittenden County (1A) (5-2) – Week 8 Results – Win 54-0 vs. Poor Ole’ Caverna! Trying to find clarity with this #20 spot is like trying to get free HBO back in the day with the wavy lines rollin across your screen from time to time! But it makes it fun too, as we get to highlight a number of very solid team across our Great Region of the State! I feel bad for Caverna to ride 3 hours over to Marion to get crushed! Sorry, I just do. Not taking anything away from a fine Rockets club here, as they did what they were supposed to do! Many Rockets play well and you’ll see some of them below! Next up: at 1A District Mate Fulton County! This could be a very interesting game. While I fully expect Crittenden to win, this is one of the best Fulton County teams I can recall and Caleb Kimble is a very fine runner. Problem is Crittenden knows this and will load the box and make it very tough on the Pilots! Still hoping for a good one here! Good luck Rockets! Week 8 Players of the Week: *I don’t have all stats available, so please add as you see fit! 1) Jeriah Hightower – RB – Madisonville – 27 carries for 132 yards and 1 TD vs Hopkinsville! 2) Jay Bland – QB – Hopkinsville – 21-44 for 200 yards and 3 TDs vs 1 INT vs Madisonville! Add WR Lane Rushing with 7 catches for 97 yards and 1 TD and WR Reece Jesse with 6 catches for 58 yards and 2 TDs! 3) Hunter Utley – QB – Murray – 10 for 15 for 312 yards and 6 TDs! Add star WR Tommy Waldrop with 5 catches for 241 yards and 4 TDs vs Ballard Memorial! 4) Clint McKee – RB – Graves County – 27 carries for 167 yards and 1 TD! And Cody Goatley – RB – 15 carries for 114 yards and 1 TD at Grayson County! 5) Hunter Jones – QB – Crittenden County – 10 for 13 for 201 yards and 2 TDs! Add star RB Xander Tabor who rushed only 5 times for 117 yards and 2 TDs vs Caverna! 6) Trenton Brown – RB – Breckinridge County – 6 rushes for 86 yards and 3 TDs vs Nelson County! 7) John Foster – QB – Calloway County – 10 for 17 for 176 yards and 4 TDs vs 1 INT! Add RB Jacob Watters with 15 carries for 238 yards and 4 TDs vs Hopkins County Central! 8) Adrian Stringer – QB – Hopkins County Central – 33 for 60 for 487 yards passing and 3 TDs vs 2 INTs! Add WR Blaisin Moore who caught 14 passes for 247 yards. He didn’t have any TDs, but he did make an INT playing defense! Outstanding effort vs Calloway County! GREAT WORK GENTLEMEN!!! Week 8 “Teams Trending Down” Hopkinsville (4A) – Down – When you play in a great district, you can easily be up one minute and down the next! Such is the case with Hopkinsville. Let me be clear that Hoptown isn’t here because they played poorly. To the contrary, they are here because they had a ticket to basically a first round bye if they could have harnessed this game. But it wasn’t meant to be. But Hoptown’s effort was commendable! Sometimes players get hurt and you have to adjust and play with those you have. And such was the case with the Tigers last Friday Night! Still a lot to play for! Good Luck Tigers! Grayson County (4A) – Down – I’m not here to pile on the Cougars! But I will point out the obvious that we all knew your schedule was suspect. And I think that showed on Friday Night. I’m not sure they beat Graves County if they had a more difficult schedule or not. But when the first time you are really tested all year is 3 games into your District Slate, maybe you need to reconsider this scheduling thing… Am I right? You tell me… But good luck the rest of the way Cougars! Teams “Trending Up” Madisonville (4A) – Up – HUGE Win Maroons! You rode your stud RB in the first half and held on in the second half against a worthy opponent! The breaks seemed to finally go your way at the end of a game for once and I’m sure you’re pleased with that! Still a lot to play for if you expect to go beyond the second round of the playoffs! Very nice work Maroons! Graves County (5A) – Up – Coach Kemp has to be extremely proud of his team! They could have easily come in soft in this game and let Grayson County hang around and keep it closer than the score turned out to be. But when you only give up 60 yards on the night, you are playing sound defensive football! That has to be very encouraging if you’re a Graves County fan! But do they have anything for the Red Devils? You tell me… Good luck Eagles! “Broke Their Maiden” – In horse racing, when you break your maiden, you win your first race. Well this category is for teams that don’t get as much love, but did get their first victory of the season here and I think that’s significant: Basement Bowl - 4A Calloway County (1-6) defeats 4A District Mate Hopkins County Central (0-7) 69-35 – What an epic battle; as both teams laid it on the line! You have to admire young kids desire to get the win in a game like this one! As you can see some of the fine efforts highlighted in the Players of the Week category above, you know this game was played with great passion and great determination and makes high school football the great game it is! Congratulations to Coach Champion and Laker Nation!

BluegrassPreps' 2019 Western Kentucky Power Rankings – Week 10 Edition The top story line this week reflects the peaks and valleys of the regular season games! And then there are games that you tend to remember and reference at different times over the year! We had one of them this week! We also had demonstrated what our good friend @Brown reported a couple weeks ago, in that the depth of good teams in the West this year is deeper than it has been in some time IMO. We will expand on that further below! And we’re off… Week 10 Western Kentucky Games of the Week: DISTRICT BUSTERS! 6A McCracken County (6-3) 28 at 6A Henderson County (7-2) 33! 6A District 1 was given a seismic jolt last Friday night with Henderson, Kentucky at its epicenter! This was another terrific game in the West between 2 very solid teams, both well prepared and both played very hard with talented players making big plays for both. The interesting piece for me, is that McCracken County has to make the drive over the WKY Parkway and up the Pennyrile and basically came out flat. Did that have to do with the bus ride… You tell me! The teams played on the same field with the same weather conditions, but it clearly took the Mustangs a couple quarters to get going! But give McCracken County credit for not quitting as they came back and led late in this game. But on this night the Colonels would not be denied, even as a go ahead field goal was blocked with 3 minutes to go in the game. And the Colonels defense rose up and stopped the Mustangs on 4th and 1 with about a minute to go in the game. HUGE! Then on 4th and 10 they connect on a HUGE pass play to get to the 9 yard line, which set up the go ahead pass completion for the go-ahead TD and I’m sure pandemonium in Henderson, KY! Awesome Win Colonels! The first EVER district loss for McCracken County! This sets up a 3 way tie at the top of 6A District 1, which won’t be settled until after next Friday! Heck of a game!!! One I will reference for a long time… 2A Murray (6-3) 6 at 2A Mayfield (8-1) 41. 2A District 1 still comes through War Memorial Stadium and it’s not really close right now! Mayfield got 2 defensive scores and Star QB Stinson hit one of his favorite receiver Neely a couple times for Bomb TDs and that was really all she wrote!!! Also, our good friend @Mayfieldsportsfan reported Star Murray QB Hunter Utley was injured in the first half and never returned. I certainly hope the young man is ok and can return this season! Mayfield is just on another level than their nearby 2A competition, but what about their nearby 4A competition? We shall talk about it below! Cardinals roll!!! Week 11 Western Kentucky Game of the Week: 2A Mayfield (8-1) at 4A Madisonville-North Hopkins (8-1). I had a ton of great games to choose from this week, but ultimately decided to highlight this one as it promises to be an out-right classic! A disciplined Mayfield squad travels east to a rough and powerful Madisonville squad, who still needs some RPI points! Who will come out on top of this great end of season game? Mayfield’s defensive unit will be significantly tested in this game, as Madisonville can throw it and also has the top RB in the State! For Madisonville, their defense will have to come to play as well, as Mayfield isn’t like any other team. They beat Hopkinsville earlier in the year and Hoptown played Madisonville extremely close at Madisonville. So there you go for teams that have played similar opponents! More below! Honorable Mention: Trinity at Bowling Green; Logan County at South Warren; Franklin Simpson at Glasgow; Paducah Tilghman at Hopkinsville; Henderson County at Owensboro; Apollo at OCATH; Warren East at Daviess County and Todd County Central at Crittenden County! Great games here! If you stay at home on this Friday Night – it’s on you! Try to make it out to one of these great games! Week 10 Top 10: 10) Paducah Tilghman (3A) – Preseason Rank: 7 - 2019 Record 7-2; [District Record 3-0] Week 10 Results: Win 52-0 vs 3A District mate & Poor Ole’ Webster County (3-6). Tilghman’s drop is simply the casualty of high power ranking game causing ripples around the Top 10 and the fact that sometimes those hit when you’re playing poor ole’ Webster County and you just have nothing to push back with this week! Still nothing wrong in Blue Tornado land! And they appear from afar to be ramping up and storming into Round 3 of the playoffs! Go Blue Tornados! Week 11: at 4A Hopkinsville (6-3). I really like Tilghman’s schedule this year! This is a terrific matchup to end the regular season and ramp you up into the playoffs win or lose. Tilghman controls their district and allows them to have the freedom to schedule Hoptown and a team like Desales, who gave Tilghman plenty to work on since early October! This should be a terrific game! Hoptown has a fine defense and it will be tested with the Tilghman’s speed. But can Tilghman cover the Hoptown receivers? I think that’s my biggest question mark in this game and the answer to it will go a long way in determining the outcome of this one! Good Luck Tilghman!!! 9) McCracken County (6A) – Preseason Rank: 9 - 2019 Record 6-3; District Record 2-1] Week 10 Results: WESTERN KENTUCKY GAME OF THE WEEK - Loss 33-28 at Henderson County (7-2)! This loss is like a coin flip! Heads says we traveled a significant route on a crappy weather night and played a fired up team where we didn’t play well early; never quit and came back to take the lead only to have it slip away in the end. Hey it happens when you play a good district team on the road! Tis true… Tails says this is a HUGE loss from the standpoint you went in with a firm command on the District Title as always and now you are in the washing machine still awaiting to see how the spin cycle (tiebreaker) plays out! Not to mention the mental side of things, which is undervalued here. Let me say this clearly: McCracken County has NEVER lost to a district opponent EVER! Let that sink in. Now that’s gone and maybe the District Title too! This is also true! But keep fighting Mustangs as I still think you are the best team in this District! Prove me right… Week 11: vs 5A Christian County (0-9)! A couple years ago this would have been a great matchup, but County is really down right now and will go winless for the first time since before 1998! Wow! I’m hoping Coach Clark can continue to develop depth he might be able to go to sooner or later! Good Luck Mustangs! 8) Henderson County (6A) (7-2) - Week 10 Results: WESTERN KENTUCKY GAME OF THE WEEK - Win 33-28 vs 6A District Rival McCracken County! Keep the Pony Keg’s comin!!! Life is good at Henderson County! As our good friend @Brown rightfully said: this Hendo team could easily be 9 and O! Let that sink in!!! They landed at a clearly uneven Anderson County team and lost by 4 and just couldn’t make the plays late at Daviess County, but make no mistake that Coach Josh Boston has done an OUTSTANDING Job resurrecting the ship over in Henderson! They are knocking on the door of their first District Title since 2012 and possibly hosting at least 2 playoff games! BIG DEAL! Great Work Colonels! Week 11: at 5A Old Foe Owensboro. The Colonels travel across the Audubon Parkway for another battle with the Owensboro Red Devils! These 2 have been playing for a long time! I like that they both fit this game in as I know it helps both teams! And with Hendo losing their Indiana games next season they need these games more than ever! While I think Henderson can stay in this game a while; I look for Owensboro to break it open in the second half with the defense setting the tone and the Red Devil offense up in good shape to control this game. What say you… 7) Logan County (4A) – Preseason Rank: 10 - 2019 Record 8-1; District Record 3-1] Week 10 Results: Win 46-7 vs 4A District Mate Calloway County (1-8)! Just a really good team overwhelming a very medium team. The Cougars rolled up over 500 yards offense! Many Cougars play well and you will see a bunch of them later! Cougars roll! Week 11: at 5A South Warren (8-1)! Terrific game right here! This game doesn’t mean a lot to South as they already have the #2 District Seed wrapped up, but the Cougars could sure use the RPI points from a big win here! Do I think Logan County can win this game? Sure, but it will be very difficult, as the South Defense is always good. But IMO, Logan sets up nicely in its pass first schemes that will give South fits. But expect a 4th Quarter game when you travel to South Warren! Good luck Cougars!!! 6) Hopkinsville (4A) – Preseason Rank: 6 - 2019 Record 6-3; District Record 3-1] Week 10 Results: Win 53-13 at District Mate 4A Poor Ole’ Hopkins County Central (0-10). Farewell Storm! I hope you have a good off season and get a win in 2020! For the Tigers, they put a 50 Burger on the Storm in what was more like a glorified scrimmage that pressure packed District Tilt! Onward to a Good One! Week 11: vs 3A Paducah Tilghman! Terrific game here! Tilghman is a running team; Hoptown is primarily a passing team with Jay Bland at QB. So who wins? I’d say the defenses will dictate how this one goes! Get out to the Stadium of Champions Sports Fans and cheer on your home team!!! 5) Madisonville – North Hopkins (4A) – Preseason Rank: 5 - 2019 Record 8-1; [District Record 3-1] Week 10 Results: BYE WEEK! The Maroons are a 2-minute drill away from a perfect season now pulling into the Bye Week. It’s been a grind to get here, so I’m sure the down time will prove advantageous and allow Madisonville to recharge their batteries and come out hard and fast! Good luck Maroons and Onward! Week 11: vs Western Kentucky GAME OF THE WEEK vs Stalwart 2A Mayfield (8-1)! I couldn’t easily find if these 2 have ever played against each other before. If I were to guess, I would guess it would have had to have been back in the day due to the difference in current classifications! But let me know if you have info on this! As for the game, I look for a very tough hard hitting game in the land along the Pennyrile! I look for Madisonville to try to establish the run. If they can, it will put Mayfield in a tough spot on that side of the ball. If you are the Madisonville defense, think Hopkinsville with Hot Sauce because Mayfield will come at you with a lot of different weapons on offense! I think this will be a Dandy! Good luck to both teams and no injuries, as I expect both these teams to go deep in the playoffs this year! Good luck Maroons! 4) Owensboro (5A) – Preseason Rank: 8 - 2019 Record 8-1; [District Record 5-0] Week 10 Results: Win 51-9 vs 5A District Mate Grayson County (6-3)! Red Devils roll up over 350 yards on the night and the stellar O Defense held Grayson County to only 85 yards on the night! Impressive! Red Devils playing very well. Playing a light schedule does instill confidence, which I see in this Red Devil group, but what happens the first time the get punched in the mouth early (which hasn’t happened since August)! You tell me... Week 11: vs 6A Old Foe Henderson County (6-3). I could see this game close for a while and even a half, but in the end Owensboro just has too many weapons for the Colonels to account for. It’s that simple! But this game doesn’t mean very much for the Red Devils, so I look for Coach Fallin to continue to build depth and get some younger Red Devils some more snaps! Would be a good idea because the Red Devils know more than most about injuries and next man up! Good Luck Red Devils!!! 3) Mayfield (2A) – Preseason Rank: 1 - 2019 Record 8-1; District Record 3-0] Week 10 Results: WESTERN KENTUCKY GAME OF THE WEEK - Win 63-6 vs 2A District Mate Murray (6-3). Another game at War Memorial Stadium and another win at War Memorial Stadium! The supposed weaker than normal Cardinal defense was spurred on by Eddie Rabbit’s “I Love a Rainy Night”! Stud QB Jaden Stinson and crew were very sharp on this night and send notice to every 2A team this side of I-75 that you have to come to Mayfield if you want to advance to Round 4 of the playoffs! Onward! Week 11: WESTERN KENTUCKY - GAME OF THE WEEK at 4A Madisonville-North Hopkins (8-1). Terrific game here! This is the first time since 2006 that Mayfield hasn’t played Caldwell County the last game of the regular season! Wow! Talk about consistency! But this is a clear step up for Mayfield, no offense to our Caldwell County faithful! Madisonville will really test Mayfield at the line of scrimmage and their depth. I look for this game to be very physical and hard fought! About an hour and a half ride east for Big Red Nation to come support their team! And I look for a big Mayfield presence here! Why? That’s what they do! Good luck Cardinals – this one will be tough!!! 2) South Warren (5A) – Preseason Rank: 3 - 2019 Record 8-1; District Record 2-1] Week 10 Results: Win 36-0 at 5A District Mate Christian County (0-9)! Stellar SO RB Kobe Martin rushes for 110 yards and the South Warren defense playing really well holding County to less than 100 yards offense on the night! Great effort on a crappy night! Week 11: vs 4A Logan County (8-1)! This is a fascinating game here! South doesn’t need this game, but they play to win and don’t necessarily want to take another loss going into the playoffs. Logan County could really use the RPI points a won would give them. They are set up IMO just right with their throw first mentality with Star QB Tyler Ezell to make hay against a good South defense! How would you plan for this one if you were the Coach? I think it will be a really interesting one to follow. South is the favorite IMO, but not by as much as you might think with QB Veltcamp still out! So what’s your take on this one? You tell me… 1) Bowling Green (5A) – Preseason Rank: 2 - 2019 Record 6-2; District Record 3-0] Week 10 Results: Win 39-0 vs 5A District Mate Greenwood (5-4)! As our good friend @bernies said, Conner Cooper starting at QB just opens things up for the Purples! And open things up he certainly did, leading BG to a 25-0 lead at half and 39-0 lead at the end of the 3rd Quarter! Purples playing well and they need to be to have any shot at keeping it close next week, but I look for BG to play hard and to the end and take their best shot! Go BG! Week 11: vs 6A Juggernaut Trinity (7-2)! The Rocks come to BG for the first time since a 14-12 Trinity win back in 2010! Great showing by the Purples considering BG has never beaten Trinity! And if I’m honest, I just don’t think they will this year either, although I’m still pulling for them to do so! I’m honestly hoping to keep playing Trinity after next year because I honestly believe BG can play with Trinity after next season! Between then and now… Well, let’s just say the Purples will need to play their absolute best to have a shot in the game! Never say die Purples! Go BG! Next 10 – 11 to 20: 11) Glasgow (3A) – Preseason Rank: 12 - 2019 Record 8-1; District Record 3-0] Week 10 Results: Win 21-14 at 3A District Mate Casey County (4-5). Don’t look now but the Scotties are 8 and 1 – that’s a heck of a record! Scotties have played awfully well this year! The Scotties rushing attack played well and that controlled the clock for Glasgow who likely got a better game from Casey due to the rain. Week 11: vs Old Foe 4A Franklin Simpson. These 2 have played many times back in the day, but the Scotties have lost the last 5 games to Franklin dating back to a Glasgow win in 2007! Since this game is in Glasgow, I think they have a real chance to break that streak! In fact, I’m picking the Scotties in a really tight game! From there, Glasgow gets to sit at home for the first 2 weeks of the playoffs in games I like their chances in. But beware because an unfocused effort vs Taylor County would be bad news! Go Scotties!!! 12) Owensboro Catholic (2A) (8-1) – Week 10 Results: Win 63-24 vs 2A Butler County (1-8)! The Aces are just way yonder too much for Poor Ole’ Butler County! Drew Hartz is simply amazing and his stat line this week could be his most impressive considering the wet night! Aces Roll! Next up: vs 6A County Rival Apollo. This should be a terrific game! Just when you think Apollo should take a downward turn, they play their hearts out and take Daviess to the wire and likely shoulda/coulda won their game last week! While the Aces are pretty much hitting on all cylinders and have been since they left Rash Stadium back in September! It would be a Major Upset for OCATH not to make it to at least the 3rd round of the playoffs. From there, well we shall see… Carry on Aces!!! 13) Franklin Simpson (4A) (5-4) – Week 10 Results: Win 48-21 vs 4A District Mate Warren East. This was a much tougher game than the score implies, but such is a good hard fought district game! I have no stats for this one, but the Wildcats played much better in the second half. They will need a more focused effort next week against a much better opponent. Onward Wildcats! Next up: at 3A Old Foe Glasgow! Just a dandy of a game right here! Both teams playing really well! This game will really test the Franklin defense as it hasn’t been in quite a while (probably the 4th game of the season). Tanner Abernathy and company will present quite a challenge for Franklin. But this is what you need Wildcat fans, as the 3rd round of the playoffs could very likely be a team of Glasgow or better. Ramp up Wildcats!!! 14) Caldwell County (2A) (7-2) – Week 10 Results: BYE WEEK! The Tigers have to be sky high with this Bye Week getting some guys some needed rest/healing time, while sewing up the #2 spot in the District and a well-earned home playoff game!!! That’s always a big deal in my book! But the next game is the one you want to keep bragging rights when you walk into Hancock’s Neighborhood Market over off Commerce Street in Cadiz!!! Tell me that’s not a Big Deal!!! Next up: 139 Bowl at Nearby Rival 3A Trigg! This will be a hard hitting game as both teams want to win this game that means more than you know over in this part of the state! Trigg County started like a house-a-fire starting off the season. They were hit by the injury bug and really haven’t been able to get back to where they were earlier in the year! Caldwell is coming in HOT with a huge District win at Murray! I look for the Tigers to win this one, but don’t think Trigg won’t be playing hard all the way to the end! Good luck Tigers! 15) Daviess County (6A) (4-5) - Week 10 Results: Win 49-45 at 6A District Mate Apollo! This was a great game that Apollo led for most of the night! But Daviess just kept coming and never quit. Both teams combined had over 800 yards rushing! Neither team really stopped the other most of the night on the ground. You will see some Panthers later! Week 11: vs 4A Warren East. The Panthers are sitting in a good spot right now. The Ra-Ra-Raiders come into this one after a solid effort down in Franklin last week. I look for the Raiders to play tough, but Daviess County has a better weapon IMO in Star RB Shane Riley! But don’t underestimate East as they have some athletes who I think can give Daviess problems, but probably not enough to win. Prove me right Panthers!!! 16) Murray (2A) (6-3) – Week 10 Results – WESTERN KENTUCKY GAME OF THE WEEK – Loss 41-6 vs 2A District Rival Mayfield. More than the District loss is the likely loss of Star QB Hunter Utley to what may be a season ending wrist/hand injury! I hate that for the Tigers. But Murray just couldn’t get anything going in this one as evidence by Utley’s 4 for 14 line before he left the game and it was downhill from there! Next up: at 1A Fulton County. Great timing for Murray, but just like our good friend @BadaBing said, Murray needs to schedule some stronger competition before most are going to really take them seriously. Hey, I’m a big fan of Star RB Caleb Kimble and a revamped Pilots squad, but is this game really going to get Murray prepared for the first 2 games of the playoffs if they make it that far? You tell me… It just feels like the writing is on the wall for the Tigers this year! Ramp up Tigers! 17) Graves County (5A) (5-4) – Week 10 Results: Win 49-8 at 5A District Mate Muhlenberg County! Route! About 350 yards vs 130 yards for the Mustangs! QB John Brown and RB Clint McKee both play well for the Eagles who are playing well right now! On to the next victim… Next week: at 6A Marshall County. Is it round ball season yet Marshall Fans! Don’t worry; it soon will be! But can’t wait to watch my man Zion Harmon! Go Marshalls! Back to the business at hand; Eagles roll… 18) Greenwood (5A) (5-4) –Week 10 Results: Loss 36-0 vs 5A District Mate Bowling Green! You could see this one coming Gators fans! Purples playing really well right now. No shame there. Greenwood continues to play really hard, but with 2 stalwart programs in their district are the Gators looking at realignment and 2023 for change for them to be able to compete again in the playoffs? You tell me… Next week: at 4A John Hardin! Awe yes, the Bulldogs! Many old battles reverberate through my mind (2012 Playoffs is tops!!! BG wins on a hook and lateral when it wasn't a common thing and Nacarius Fant caught the 2 point conversion to steal one from the Bulldogs!) whenever I think about playing John Hardin! John Hardin just lost at home vs a 4-5 Spencer County club. I like the Gators in this one! Good luck Gators! 19) Crittenden County (1A) (7-2) – Week 10 Results – Win 21-14 vs. 1A District Mate Russellville! Good hard fought game here! The Rockets used a steady diet of Xander Tabor and Caden McAllister to keep control of the game, but Russellville has improved since the start of the season and they came to play and kept fighting to the end! But give the Rocket defense credit as they held when they needed it most! Nice work Rockets! Next up: vs 2A Todd County Central! A lot earlier in the year I would have felt this would be a tight game, but not now. The Rebels just look as lost as General George McClelland for the Union Army. I say the Rockets blast off in a big way in this one and really ramp up for the playoffs! Don’t look now but the Rockets seem a lock to make it to the 3rd Round of the playoffs! Do they have anything beyond Round 2? You tell me… Good luck Rockets! 20) Allen County-Scottsville (4A) (3-6) – Week 10 Results: Win 34-28 vs 4A District Mate Russell County! Sorry I don’t have any stats for this one. Maybe our good friend @DragonFire can fill us in, but no worries if you don’t know either! But the Patriots ensured a home playoff game! Congrats to them! That’s a big achievement with a 3 and 6 record! Next up: vs 2A Monroe County. This game feels a little like the old Rock-em’ – Sock-em’ fighters, where Allen County is the Red guy and Monroe is the Blue guy. Take your best shot guys! I got next!!! Good Luck Patriots! Week 10 Players of the Week: *I don’t have all stats available, so please add as you see fit! 1) Drew Hartz – QB – Owensboro Catholic – 13 for 13 (YES, that is PERFECTION!) for 225 yards and 5 TDs vs Hancock County. Add WR Hagan Edge with 5 catches for 1145 and 3 TDs! 2) Tyler Ezell – QB – Logan County – 13-30 for 193 yards and 6 TDs vs 2 INT vs Calloway County! Add RB Gary Hardy with 9 carries for 151 yards. Add WR Anthony Woodard with 6 catches for 152 yards and 5 TDs (WOW) and DB Brayton Baptiste with 2 INTs with one a 99 yard pick 6! Outstanding! 3) Jaden Stinson – QB – Mayfield – 11 for 19 for 245 yards and 3 TDs vs Murray! Add Star WR Kade Neely with 5 catches for 179 yards and all 3 Stinson TDs! 4) Gavin Wimsatt – QB – Owensboro – 9 for 17 for 236 yards and 3 TDs vs 1 INT vs Grayson County! 5) Shane Riley – RB – Daviess County – 26 carries for 257 yards and 2 TDs vs Apollo! Add RB Bryan Parm with 9 carries for 168 yards and 3 TDs! 6) Xander Tabor – RB – Crittenden County – 218 yards rushing vs Russellville! 7) Nolan Ford – QB – Warren East – 11 carries for 100 yard and 3 TDs vs Franklin-Simpson! GREAT WORK GENTLEMEN!!! Week 10 “Teams Trending Down” McCracken County (6A) – Down – Everybody will take a loss now and again – right! It’s just that after a 25 game regular season district streak – when you do lose it is shocking! I felt the Mustangs were a comfortable 14 point favorite on the road. You easily had the 3 best players on the field from afar, yet Hendo just came out harder in the beginning of the game and took you a long time get going. You did get going, but I’m sure the power that be would really like that 4th and 1 back late in the game when the ball didn’t go to Star RB Bradley. But if you learn for that mistake (in my eyes anyway) and you use it to regroup and win in Week 2 of the playoff and get deep in that 3rd round game and know who to give the ball to in that game and win it… Then that is paying your dues right there Mustang fans! It’s a long road and sometimes you have to pay the toll! You paid it Friday night Mustangs! Onward! Murray (2A) – Down – The Tigers follow up a disappointing home loss to Caldwell County on Homecoming with a disappointing showing at War Memorial Stadium against stalwart Mayfield. But more so troubling is the fact that Star QB and Senior QB Hunter Utley is likely out for the season with a hand injury. Certainly hate that the young man was hurt and best wishes on his recovery. But what now Tigers? You have a winnable game vs Fulton County this week and then have to travel to Caldwell County again without your star QB. Are you done this year? Show me what you got Tigers!!! Teams “Trending Up” Henderson County (4A) – Up – The Colonels pulled out one of the most memorable wins of the season! And even though they lost their lead late in the game and were on the heels of stumbling last week at Daviess County, they came through and made some HUGE plays (4th and 10 inside a minute and converted the final TD from the 9 yard line!)! I am very happy for Coach Boston and company has they have worked very hard for this and it’s paying off for them. Onward Colonels! Daviess County (6A) – Up – Another Big Win for the Panthers! Even though Apollo played really, really well for the most of the game, the Panthers just would not give up and kept coming and finally overtook the Eagles with a late TD and really solidified their playoff chances (at least for the first 2 rounds). Very nice work Panthers! WESTERN KENTUCKY BULLETS: - Fort Campbell 28-0 over Ballard Memorial – Great Job Falcons! Congratulations on getting your first win of the season! - Edmonson County 13-0 over Clinton County – The Wildcats wouldn’t be denied and pulled out the shutout win and secured the District Title! Congratulations!!! - McLean County 34-13 over Hancock County – McLean County earns the First Round of the Playoffs Home Game! Great achievement! - Monroe County 35-12 over Warren Central – Congrats Monroe! Dragons, it’s getting late in the game! Only 1 more chance for a win this season and it’s against a Russellville Panthers squad that is playing their best ball right now! Good Luck Dragons! Disclaimer: My last Edition of the Year: Week 11 and Playoff Preview will likely be a day later than I typically post due to going to a lacrosse tournament with my daughter next weekend in Chicago! I hope I don’t get snowed in! Have a Great Week!

1. Johnson Central Golden Eagles (4A, 9-0)- The Eagles are flying high and flying far. They polished off Letcher Central in another running clock performance and now set their sights on fellow EKY titan Belfry. 2. Bell County Bobcats (3A, 9-0)- The Bobcats continue their dominance by crushing Estill County and now just need to defeat Harlan County and hope their RPI holds up as the 1-seed in the East. 3. Pikeville Panthers (1A, 9-0)- The Panthers get the win via forfeit over Jenkins and now stand only a win against stout Ridgeview, Virginia away from a flawless regular season. 4. Belfry Pirates (3A, 6-2)- Belfry flexed their muscles against Pike Central to lock up the 1-seed in their District and now set their sights on Johnson Central. The Pirates need a big win as they still lag behind in the RPI after two losses. 5. Ashland Tomcats (3A, 8-1)- Ashland put a hurting on nose-diving Greenup County and know the first two rounds at least will be at Putnam. Spring Valley may be a must-win due to the RPI's weight on out of state teams, but it won't be easy. 6. Somerset Briarjumpers (2A, 8-1)- Somerset bounced back against Washington County and now have only a big showdown for Southern Kentucky bragging rights remaining. A win against Corbin and the Briarjumpers will certainly be viewed as the cream of the crop in the Lake Cumberland area. 7. Wayne County Cardinals (4A, 7-1)- The Cardinals pulled out a thriller by stunning Corbin late and with it claimed the District's top seed. North Laurel is all that is standing in their way as Wayne County hopes to make big noise in Class 4A. 8. Corbin Redhounds (4A, 5-3)- Corbin certainly thought they had it safe and secure but Wayne County's late kick recover and clutch conversion brought the Hounds down. Somerset will be a tough game to rebound in. 9. Breathitt County Bobcats (2A, 9-0)- Another week, another romp. Breathitt is tearing through their District like a hurricane and now need to maintain form against a Pike Central team smarting from a tough loss. 10. Russell Red Devils (3A, 7-2)- Russell didn't let the hangover of their loss to Ashland stop them as they took care of business against East Carter. They stick with their carter County theme as they look to take down red-hot West Carter next. 11. Paintsville Tigers (1A, 7-2)- Paintsville got the big win over a tough Raceland team and now look for an RPI statement with top-ranked 2A Lexington Christian up next. Trying to avoid Pikeville until the State Finals could be vital. 12. Pulaski County Maroons (5A, 8-1)- It was a tough loss in more than one way as Pulaski fell to rival Southwestern. Not only does losing to your rival smart, but losing their QB to injury may have hurt the most big picture. Can they rally against Tates Creek. 13. Raceland Rams (1A, 5-4)- It's been a tough schedule and a tough go for the Rams with four losses all to teams already featured in these rankings. The Rams should be able to end on a high note against hard-luck Lawrence County. 14. Hazard Bulldogs (1A, 6-3)- Hazard got back on track after losing to Pikeville to pummel Phelps. The Bulldogs look to pick up momentum heading into November against Whitley County. 15. Whitley County Colonels (5A, 6-3)- Whitley County didn't exactly make a statement with a two score victory over South Laurel, but they do keep moving the ball forward and with a big injury at Pulaski County looming they may be able to make a move if they can beat Hazard. Three Big Wins: Southwestern Warriors (5A, 4-5)- It has been a season that didn't meet expectations for the Warriors, but no matter the outcome beating your rival has to feel good. The Warriors wrap up with a winnable game against 6A Madison Central. Clay County Tigers (4A, 6-3)- With Clay County's win over Magoffin County they lock up at worst a winning regular season. If they can defeat Green County as expected they guarantee a winning season which has not be a common occurrence in Manchester in recent years. Middlesboro Yellowjackets (2A, 7-2)- Speaking of winning seasons, that is exactly what the Yellowjackets have clinched as Coach French's re-brand of Middlesboro pushes on. The Yellowjackets close with Martin County and may have an 8-win season coming. Three More for Fun: Fleming County Panthers (3A, 7-2)- Fleming has been lingering in the "just outside" category all season and after polishing off Lewis County they need only finish off Harrison County to potentially secure a Top 20 finish. Lawrence County Bulldogs (3A, 4-5)- Lawrence County needed a good showing against Floyd Central and they got it. This allows them to avoid a disappointing 4-seed and also avoid the path of Belfry in the 1st Round. Shelby Valley Wildcats (2A, 8-2)- The Wildcats get BYE to end the season, so their regular season work is done. Can they dig down and make corrections to knock off West Carter in two weeks? Player of the Week: QB Noah Parkey, Rockcastle County- The Rockets needed a win against Garrard County in the worst way and Parkey helped ensure that happened with an almost flawless performance. He complete all but one of his twelve pass attempts for 180 yards and 3 TD's, he also carried the run game with 134 yards on 12 carries and another score. Game of the Week: #1 Johnson Central Golden Eagles at #4 Belfry Pirates- This rivalry has not lacked for emotion or big games, but with the RPI changes new life has been breathed into this series. Both teams still have some work to do toward securing their best possible playoff scenarios and a win in this game would be vital for either as both teams enter with a hefty ratings boost.

1. Johnson Central Golden Eagles (4A, 7-0)- The Golden Eagles have had it coasting in a lower gear and Perry Central was the latest running clock win. Harlan County may make the Eagles stretch their wins, but anything less than another win will be surprising. 2. Somerset Briarjumpers (2A, 7-0)- Danville competed but Somerset simply was in a different class. This week they get LCA in the biggest Class 2A game of the year in the regular season. This will be a humdinger! 3. Bell County Bobcats (3A, 7-0)- Bell just keeps chopping down inferior competition. Garrard County was beat before they got off the bus. Jackson County will probably be beat before they even fuel the bus up! 4. Pikeville Panthers (1A, 7-0)- Phelps was no competition for the powerhouse Panthers. Pikeville draws their third game against a team entering in the Top 5 of Class 1A. Hazard will be a great game. 5. Pulaski County Maroons (5A, 7-1)- Pulaski County keeps winning and were able to put some distance on the rest of their District by taking care of North Laurel. The Maroons get this week off. 6. Belfry Pirates (3A, 4-2)- No more BYE’s for Belfry, they jump back into District play with a Lawrence County team limping into the matchup. Pirates are trying to get healthy and find some continuity. 7. Ashland Tomcats (3A, 6-1)- Ashland got a nice challenge from East Carter but proved to just be a cut above and won comfortably. Now we get the biggest game in NEKY this season. 8. Wayne County Cardinals (4A, 5-1)- Wayne County returned to action and wasted little time by waxing Lincoln County. The Cards get back to back games with massive District ramifications beginning with the lesser of the two teams Knox Central. 9. Corbin Redhounds (4A, 4-2)- Corbin is finding a groove fueled by their Defense and a ball control Offense. Knox Central would not hang with the Hounds and Lincoln County won’t be able to as well. 10. Russell Red Devils (3A, 6-1)- The Red Devils just keep exceeding expectations and have a Defense that is yet to allow 14 points or more. They have an opportunity to make a massive statement this week if they can keep their trend up. 11. Breathitt County Bobcats (2A, 7-0)- No game for Breathitt this past week as they focused on self-improvement. They might as well do it again as Knott Central will be lucky to avoid a running clock before Half Time. 12. Hazard Bulldogs (1A, 5-2)- The little engine that could got a win without ever having to suit up and now set their focus on their prize prey. Beating Paintsville opened eyes, beating Pikeville would send shockwaves throughout Kentucky. 13. Paintsville Tigers (1A, 5-2)- Paintsville did what you would expect against outmanned Fairview. Betsy Layne will be a second consecutive running clock. 14. Raceland Rams (1A, 4-3)- The Rams got back above .500 by blasting Betsy Layne. Fairview will be nothing more than a tune up as the Rams plod toward a showdown next week with District foe Paintsville. 15. Harlan County Black Bears (4A, 6-1)- The Black Bears hibernated for a week as they gear up for a potentially defining game. Johnson Central is going to require perfection from Harlan County, especially on the road. Three of Note: Nicholas County Bluejackets (1A, 5-3)- Nicholas County and Paris have had some competitive games in recent years with Paris usually getting the best of the series. The Bluejackets turned the tables and put a statement on the Greyhounds. Pineville Mountain Lions (1A, 6-1)- In a game that live dup to the billing, the Mountain Lions survived Lynn Camp and now get their shot at the team everyone is chasing in their District, Williamsburg. Casey County Rebels (3A, 3-4)- The Rebels needed a game to get them back on track and a hard fought win over Adair County proved the ticket. Hart County should allow them to reach the .500 mark. Three Teams Needing a Rebound: Mason County Royals (3A, 3-4)- The Royals had a chance to shake things up but could not find enough points to upset Fleming County. Lewis County will allow them every opportunity to get back on the right road though. Lawrence County Bulldogs (3A, 3-4)- Lawrence County has had the upper-hand on Pike Central in the now longstanding District rivalry. The Hawks flipped the script and now Lawrence County must face Belfry with their confidence wavering. Greenup County Musketeers (3A, 3-4)- Greenup needed a good showing to bolster their playoff hopes and internal confidence, but instead they were white-washed and dominated by Russell. If they cannot rebound against East Carter they will be facing a dreaded 4-seed. Co-Games of the Week: #4 Pikeville Panthers at #12 Hazard Bulldogs- The Panthers are still pursuing perfection and perhaps their biggest test remaining in the Regular Season is a road trip to Hazard against the stingy Bulldogs. The winner gets an all-important 1-seed. #7 Ashland Tomcats at #10 Russell Red Devils- This game has levels of importance. Not only is it a rivalry game, not only is it for the District Title, not only is it for homefield advantage in a potential playoff rematch, but with the new RPI system this may determine the 1 seed in 3A East. Player of the Week: RB Braedon Sloan, Wayne County- Alright at this point he is just showing off. Sloan wins the award for the second time this season after yet another superb showing. Sloan accounted for 397 All-Purpose yards and 6 TD’s in the Cardinals’ win over Lincoln County. He is currently on pace for over 3000 total yards and 40 TD’s as he is making a strong case for EKY Player of the Year.

1) 5A Covington Catholic (2-0) – The Colonels absolutely rolled in their second game of the season, and in similar fashion to the last two seasons, they’ve had a running clock on their opponents in each of their first two games of the season. Cov Cath’s defense was lights out on Friday, holding Campbell County’s offense to -47 total yards in the 49-0 win. QB Caleb Jacob was 9-12 passing for 131yds and 4 TDs. Michael Mayer continued to dominate offensively when he got his hands on the ball, rushing for 1 TD on 1 carry, and scoring 2 more TDs on his 2 receptions in the game. Michael has scored a touchdown each time he has gotten ahold of the football on offense this year. Cov Cath hosts 3A Lexington Catholic (2-0) and their UK commit QB Beau Allen on Friday. 2) 5A Highlands (1-1) – Highlands made the trip down to Corbin on Friday to take on TN-5A Knoxville Catholic (2-0) in the Cumberland Falls Pigskin Classic. They were facing a tough opponent, with Knox Cath coming into the game bragging the four D1 recruits and the #4 spot in USA Today’s rankings of Tennessee football programs. The Bluebirds fought hard, with QB Collin Hollingsworth going 12-26 passing for 3 TDs, and rushing for another TD, and WR Adam Weyer posted 100yds on 4 receptions, but the total offensive yards told the story of the game. Knox Cath put up 544 total yards offense in the game to Highlands’ 362, and the Birds came home with a 31-28 loss. Highlands will host 6A Campbell County (0-2) on Friday. 3) 2A Beechwood (0-1) – The Tigers opened their season on Friday at Georgetown College against 1A Paintsville (2-0), and made the drive home to Fort Mitchell with a 19-14 loss. Beechwood came out and scored the first 14 points in the game, but the scoring was all Paintsville for the rest of the game, with the Blue Tigers scoring a TD in the 4th quarter to pull ahead and take home the win. Beechwood came out of the game with some injuries to key players in their linebackers and running backs, so we will see how much impact those injuries have on the team in the weeks to come. QB Cam Hergott still put up some all-star numbers in the game, going 10-17 passing for 124yds and rushing for another 173yds and 2 TDs. Beechwood will be on the road again this week when they head to Somerset to take on the 2A Briar Jumpers (2-0). 4) 6A Simon Kenton (1-1) – Simon Kenton’s second game of the season decidedly did not go the way they would have hoped, with the Pioneers hosting OH-DII Anderson (1-0) and coming away with a 44-16 thumping. Freshman QB Chase Crone was 9-25 passing for 186yds and 1TD, and junior QB also spent time behind center managing another 55yds and 1 TD in the air. The story of the game was the ‘Neers inability to get a running game going, with a paltry 21yds rushing, and begging the question: When will we see senior RB Austin Hammack, the team’s top returning rusher? On the defensive side, DL Vuk Sajlovic led the team with 12 total tackles, and LB Aric Hoffman and DB Zack Koenes each had 11 tackles. Simon Kenton will head across the river to take on OH-DI Oak Hills (0-1) on Friday. 5) 5A Cooper (2-0) – Cooper still may look a little slow to get going, but they’ve still managed to preserve an undefeated record after bringing home a 13-7 win over 2A Newport Central Catholic (1-1) on Friday. QB Drew Warth was 7-17 passing for 101yds and 1 TD, and WR Jeremiah Lee proved his mettle by scoring both TDs in the game, with 72yds and 1 TD receiving, and 95yds and 1 TD rushing. The Jags’ offense is still working out their kinks, with just under 500 total yards offense in their first two games, but the defense has held strong and kept their opponents to only 431yds in those games, including the 234yds posted by New Cath on Friday. LB Spencer Handel led the defense with 9 total tackles, and DB Zach Armour & DB Jeremiah Lee each provided an interception. Cooper hosts crosstown rival 6A Ryle (1-1) on Friday. 6) 1A Newport Central Catholic (1-1) – If you’re going to stumble during the regular season, at least you can do it in a non-district game against a team from a higher classification. That’s what happened on Friday, with the Thoroughbreds coming up short in a 13-7 loss to 5A Cooper (2-0). QB Paul Kremer couldn’t get the Breds passing game going, only going 7-20 for 74yds and 2 INTs. After only getting 32yds in New Cath’s season opener against 6A Campbell County (0-2), junior RB Joey Runyon came out strong on Friday, rushing 9 times for 113yds and 1 TD, and adding on another 5yds on 1 reception. Defensive stats were not reported for the game. The Thoroughbreds will head across the Ohio River on Friday to take on OH-DIV Roger Bacon (1-0). 7) 4A Scott (1-1) – Coach Eric Turner posted his first win over his former program as the Eagles sent 2A Lloyd Memorial (1-1) back to Erlanger with a 17-0 shutout loss. Scott’s offense is still working to find its legs, only coming up with 194 total yards in the game, but it proved to be enough, with QB Gus Howlett going 7-26 passing for 63yds and 1 TD, and RB Quincy Perrin leading the running game with 57yds and 1 TD. WR Cam Patterson led the receiving corps with 2 receptions good for 34yds and 1 TD. Defensive stats were not reported for the game. The Eagles will be headed to Crestview Hills on Friday to take on 2A Covington Holy Cross (1-1) at the Indians’ new home for football at Thomas More University. 8) 6A Ryle (1-1) – Ryle raised a few eyebrows around northern Kentucky on Friday after coming back from a 37-0 shutout loss at the hands of 5A Covington Catholic (2-0) and putting up a 34-10 win over 5A Conner (1-1), who was rolling on from a beating of 6A Madison Central (0-2) the week before. After an offensive struggle against Cov Cath only earned them 89 yards last week, the Raiders came back by putting up 143yds in the air, and 252yds on the ground, with RB Kyle England working hard for almost 200yds rushing and 4 TDs, and the remaining touchdown coming on a 19yd connection with WR Elijah Cusick. Defensive stats were not reported for the game. Ryle will be heading across town to take on 5A Cooper (2-0) on Friday. 9) 5A Conner (1-1) – After a solid showing in their season opener against 6A Madison Central (0-2), Conner took a step backwards in their game on Friday, losing 37-10 to 6A Ryle (1-1). The Cougars defense struggled badly to stop bleeding yardage to the Raiders’ running game, and their offense was unable to get a running game started. Jared Hicks had a solid performance as hurler, going 14-23 passing for 161yds, and WR Justin Daniels came up with 98yds on 6 receptions, but with 4yds total on the ground, Conner was unable to find the endzone. Senior defensive back Caleb Ervin led the defensive effort for the Cougars with 13 total tackles, including 1 tackle for a loss, and 1 forced fumble. Conner will have their 3rd straight game on the road this Friday when they head to Edgewood to take on 6A Dixie Heights (1-1). 10) Boone County (2-0) – The Rebels are off to a 2-0 start for the first time since 2011. Coach Bryson Warner has people excited about high school football in Florence, and it’s showing on the scoreboard. Boone County started off the season with a 20-6 win over 4A Holmes (1-1), and on Friday they managed a 34-28 victory over 6A Paul Laurence Dunbar (1-1). Hey diddle-diddle, they’re coming up the middle. Junior RB Evan Curee led the offensive charge with 193 yards and 3 TDs on 34 carries, while senior RB Eli Rossi had 123yards and 2 TDs on 12 carries. QBs Kaden Craft and Samuel Brown combined to go 4-4 passing for 49yds, and leading the offense to a total 407yds. Evan Curee also led the defense with 12 total tackles from his position at linebacker, while LB Dave Bodenbender had 8 tackles and a sack. Boone County will head to Erlanger to take on 2A Lloyd Memorial (1-1) on Friday. TRENDING UP 6A Boone County (2-0) – The Rebels are moving in the right direction with a 2-0 start to their season. They beat 6A Paul Laurence Dunbar (1-1) on Friday 34-28. 1A Dayton (1-1) – The Greendevils looked good in their season opener, despite a loss to 1A Bishop Brossart (1-1), and improved their own record with a win over rival 1A Bellevue (0-2). 4A Holmes (1-1) – The Bulldogs came back from a loss in their season opener with a strong 34-18 win over 5A Grant County (1-1). TRENDING DOWN 1A Bracken County (0-2) – The Polar Bears are not off to the start they had hoped for after suffering their second straight shutout loss at the hands of 1A Ludlow (1-1). 6A Campbell County (0-2) – The Camels dropped out of the top 10 in the NKY power rankings with a 49-0 shutout loss to 5A Covington Catholic (2-2) with cast of new offensive starters struggling to find itself in the first 2 games. 5A Conner (1-1) – The Cougars fall from the #5 spot to #9 after losing 37-10 to 6A Ryle (1-1) on Friday. Conner’s struggling offense only managed 4 yards on the ground in the loss. NORTHERN KENTUCKY STAR PERFORMANCES OF THE WEEK: QB Matthew Campbell (Pendleton County) – 7-14 passing for 163 yards and 2 TDs, 9 carries for 75 yards and 1 TD rushing, 1 two-point conversion. RB/LB Evan Curee (Boone County) – 34 carries for 193 yards and 3 TDs, 12 tackles. QB/DB Kaleal Davis (Newport) – 7-15 passing for 163 yards and 1 TD, 5 carries for 136 yards and 3 TDs rushing, 5 tackles. RB Kyle England (Ryle) – 17 carries for 197 yards and 4 TDs rushing. DB Logan Hearn (Gallatin County) – 12 solo tackles and 5 assists for 17 total tackles, and 1 sack. 1 fumble recovery. QB/S Cameron Hergott (Beechwood) – 10-17 passing for 124 yards, 23 carries for 173 yards and 2 TDs rushing. QB Collin Hollingsworth (Highlands) – 14-26 passing for 207 yards and 3 TDs passing, 27 carries for 76 yards and 1 TD rushing. QB Conner Knipp (Grant County) – 20-49 passing for 251 yards and 2 TDs, 6 carries for 21 yards rushing. QB Andre Mumphrey (Carroll County) – 13-25 passing for 149 yards and 2 TDs, 10 carries for 96 yards and 1 TD rushing, 6 tackles and 1 sack. GAME OF THE WEEK (RESULTS): WEEK 1 2A Lloyd Memorial vs. 4A Scott Coach Eric Turner has his first shutout win as the skipper of the Scott Eagles after beating Lloyd 17-0. GAME OF THE WEEK: WEEK 2 5A Cooper vs. 6A Ryle This game is going to be the first of the noteworthy measuring sticks for the Northern Kentucky Power Rankings this season, where we will see how things are measuring up in high school football around Boone County. Ryle seems to have picked things up in Week 1 after their being shut out in Week 0, and Cooper has two wins, but it’s hard telling how stiff their competition has been as of yet. This week should give us a better look at how these two teams (and their competitors) measure up against one another.

1. Johnson Central Golden Eagles (4A, 2-0)- The Eagles leave their week off behind and get back into action against South Charleston, WV. This same team just got beat badly by the Capital squad Johnson Central already defeated. Expect the Golden Eagles to roll on. 2. Belfry Pirates (3A, 2-0)- Belfry also enjoyed an open date and will get back into action against an opponent from a different state. Belfry won’t be favored when they travel all the way to Kettering, Ohio to take on traditional power Archbishop Alter. 3. Somerset Briarjumpers (2A, 3-0)- It is Somerset with a bullet. The Briarjumpers are red hot and just put the finishing touches on an impressive romp of powerhouse Beechwood. Somerset takes this week off before taking on another highly ranked small school team. 4. Pulaski County Maroons (5A, 2-1)- Not only did Pulaski make a statement by knocking off Corbin, they saw their lone loss of the year turn heads when Lexington Catholic gave Covington Catholic all they wanted. The Maroons will get a solid 6A Henry Clay team next as they try to keep the momentum going. 5. Corbin Redhounds (4A, 2-1)- Corbin suffered a rare loss to another Southern Kentucky team during the Coach Haddix tenure. The Redhounds will look to rebound against a Beechwood team that also have some proving to do of their own. 6. Ashland Tomcats (3A, 3-0)- The Tomcats just keep turning heads, this time by making short work of George Washington, WV. Ashland will get perhaps their stiffest regular season test against a very strong Wheelersburg, Ohio squad. 7. Pikeville Panthers (1A, 3-0)- It may not have been pretty, but the Panthers got the big win on the road at Paintsville. The Panthers now look to knock off their second ranked 1A team in as many weeks when they hist Raceland. 8. Bell County Bobcats (3A, 3-0)- The Bobcats blew up the scoreboard by scoring 80 points against South Laurel. Unfortunately, one of the biggest takeaways might have been what the Bobcats gave up. The Cardinals put up 40 points, most of those against the Bell Varsity, leaving questions to be answered big picture. 9. Paintsville Tigers (1A, 2-1)- Paintsville fans will argue the only thing the Tigers did not outperform Pikeville on Friday was the scoreboard. The Tigers looked solid, but Special Teams play proved the difference as they fell 9-8. The tigers will try to put that heartbreak in the rear view against 5A East Jessamine. 10. Russell Red Devils (3A, 2-1)- Russell fell 10-0 to rival Ironton, Ohio and tasted defeat for the first time. A win at Ironton is never an easy thing. Russell looks for a rebound against fellow 3A Lawrence County. 11. Breathitt County Bobcats (2A, 3-0)- Breathitt continues to tear up the stat sheet against lesser competition, this time by trouncing Magoffin County. Estill County is a little better competition, but still expect the Bobcats to take care of business once more. 12. Williamsburg Yellowjackets (1A, 3-0)- Williamsburg may not have move dup in ranking, but they bolstered their resume for a better ranking by making short work of a pretty good Leslie County team. If Williamsburg can shock Somerset, the Jackets can make a monster move, but first is Frankfort. 13. Knox Central Panthers (4A, 1-2)- Knox Central finally broke into the win column with a hard-fought win over 5A Southwestern. The Panthers now get yet another tough opponent in a confident 5A Harlan County. 14. Wayne County Cardinals (4A, 2-1)- Wayne County took Rockcastle’s punches and then delivered their own hay-makers to pull away from the Rockets and make a statement. Wayne will try to keep their trajectory upward against 5A Southwestern. 15. Raceland Rams (1A, 2-1)- A blowout win over Rowan County was just what the doctor ordered for Raceland to get over their first defeat. The Rams will need every bit of that confidence as they travel to the Hambley Athletic Complex and a date with 1A’s top-ranked Pikeville Panthers. Three Big Winners: Pineville Mountain Lions (1A, 3-0)- Pineville kept their perfect record intact by pounding Paris. The Mountain Lions will keep their Offense hot against an East Ridge team they should be able to defeat. East Carter Raiders (3A, 3-0)- Speaking of 3-0 starts, how about the Raiders? Not only are they winning, but they are winning impressively. Their 49-0 win over Morgan County means they have outscored opponents 152-12. This week is a big game against rival West Carter. Middlesboro Yellowjackets (2A, 2-1)- The Coach French project continued with their second nice victory, this time over a Lynn Camp team that was riding high. The Jackets have twice as many wins as they did last year and will make it three times as many against Harlan. Three Tough Losses: Shelby Valley Wildcats (2A, 2-1)- It was a long night for the Wildcats against Ridgeview, VA as they allowed 63 points. They will need to re-calibrate their Defense, but back to back games against Knott Central and Phelps should aide that. North Laurel Jaguars (5A, 1-2)- The Jags had lofty expectations entering the season, but through three weeks they are now staring at a whole lot of the same struggles they saw in 2018. Lincoln County is not going to be the easiest game to turn their fortunes around with. South Laurel Cardinals (4A, 1-2)- Losing by 40 hurts. Losing by 40 when you allow 80 is even worse. South Laurel allowed 123 points against back to back Bobcat opponents If the Cards cannot sure things up against West Jessamine it may be a long year. Player of the Week: RB Braedon Sloan, Wayne County Sloan was superb in Wayne County's victory over Rockcastle County. The Junior ran for 238 yards and four huge scores on the ground and added a 37-yard Touchdown reception for the fun of it. Sloan has amassed almost 750 total yards and 13 TD's through only three games. Game of the Week: West Carter Comets (2A, 1-1) at East Carter Raiders, (3A, 3-0)- This may be the most anticipated game between these two cross-county rivals in recent memory. East Carter is looking as sharp as they have in several years and West Carter feels confident, they will be a player in the 2A playoff picture. This will be bragging right worth having this year.

1) 5A Covington Catholic (1-0) – The Colonels put up their first running clock of the season, beating 6A Ryle (0-1) in a 37-0 shutout in Park Hills. Cov Cath put up their first 6 points on a 76yd TD pass from Caleb Jacob Michael Mayer on the 2nd play of the game. On defense, they held Ryle to 79 total yards offense, intercepted the Raiders 5 times, and sacked the QB 4 times. The Colonels still have some polishing to do, particularly on offense, after having at least 3 touchdowns “left on the field” in the game, but the ship is still certainly headed in the right direction. Caleb Jacob 12-23 passing for 207yds, 3 TDs, and 2 INTs. Michael Mayer 2 receptions for 106yds and 2 TDs, 7 tackles, and 1 INT. Cov Cath will head to Alexandria on Friday to take on the 6A Campbell County Camels (0-1) in their first game on the road. 2) 5A Highlands (1-0) – Highlands may have started off a little flat on Friday, trailing 4A Scott (0-1) for most of the first quarter, but they definitely got things back into gear in the second half. Coming out of the halftime locker room with a 28-13 lead, the Birds finished off the game with two un-answered TDs to win 42-13. Jake Fahlbusch and Collin Hollingsworth double-teamed quarterbacking duties in the game, combining for 227yds in the air. The offense also had 57yrds on the ground. The Highlands defense had a strong performance in the game, coming up with 4 interceptions and 1 fumble recovery, including a pick-six by Jacob Brass. They also held Scott’s offense to 216 total yards of offense. Highlands will travel to Corbin on Saturday to take on 1-0 Knoxville Catholic (TN) in the Cumberland Falls Pigskin Classic. 3) 2A Beechwood (0-0) – The Tigers didn’t have any action in Week 0. They open their season on Friday at Georgetown College against 1A Paintsville (1-0). 4) 6A Simon Kenton (1-0) – Simon Kenton started things off for 2019 with one in the W column, heading down to Lexington and coming home with a 38-27 win after beating 6A Henry Clay (0-1) in the Bumblebee/Mingua Beef Jerky Showdown at Lafayette High School. The Pioneers started a freshman QB, Chase Crone, who was 7-10 passing for 50yds and 1 TD, and rushed for another 62yds and 2 TDs. Erik Brown, who also doubled as a QB last year, spent most of the game in the backfield alongside QB Crone, and rushed for 198yds and 1 TD in addition to throwing a 30yd TD pass to WR Landon Meyer. The Simon Kenton defense intercepted Henry Clay 4 times, and Jack Milton led the D with 8 tackles and 1 sack. The Pioneers will host the Anderson (OH) Redskins on Friday in the Redskins’ first game of the season. 5) 5A Conner (1-0) – Another team that was a little slow to get started on this past weekend, the game on Saturday between Conner and 6A Madison Central (0-1) was scoreless at the end of the 1st quarter. The Cougars brought a change to that, though, scoring on their first possession of the 2nd quarter and then adding on another 2nd quarter TD after the Indians’ responded with a TD of their own. Conner won 27-6, with senior QB Jared Hicks passing for 147yds and 2 TDs, and rushing for another TD. Receivers Justin Daniels and Drew Siegmundt each had a TD catch, and the remaining TD came on a 17yd jet-sweep by WR Colton Roy. The defense was able to intercept Madison Central 3 times, and forced a fumble for a 4th turnover. Conner will head to Union on Friday to challenge 6A Ryle (0-1). 6) 1A Newport Central Catholic (1-0) – The Thoroughbreds had a great start out of the gate on Friday, coming home from Alexandria with a 29-13 win over 6A Campbell County (0-1). Senior QB Paul Kremer had a very solid first performance of the season, passing for 151yds and 3 TDs, and rushing for one more TD. WR Caleb Jefferson came in with 99yds and 2 TDs on 3 receptions, and Joe Doeker had the remaining TD on a 7yd reception. The New Cath offense totaled for 272 total yards in the game, and the Breds defense was able to hold the Camels to 181 total yards of offense, in addition to having 3 interceptions and 1 fumble recovery. Newport Central Catholic will host 5A Cooper (1-0) in Newport on Friday. 7) 4A Scott (0-1) – If there was one stat that would be interesting to go back and find, it would be what the longest amount of time Scott has ever held a lead over 5A Highlands (1-0) in the history of the series. With the game at 0-0 for more than half of the 1st quarter on Friday, Scott took the lead with 5:48 left in the quarter and held on for the next 2 minutes and 16 seconds. Even still, the Eagles managed to keep the Birds from taking a lead in the game until there was only 34 seconds left in the half. Jackson Hardin and Cameron Patterson both caught TD receptions giving Scott both of their two trips to the endzone in the 42-13 loss. It was the turnover battle that sealed the deal in Highlands’ victory over Scott, though, with the Birds intercepting the ball 5 times in the contest. Scott will see action again on Friday when they host 2A Lloyd Memorial (1-0), with the Juggernauts heading to Taylor Mill fresh off of a 30-6 victory over 2A Walton-Verona (0-1). 8) 6A Ryle (0-1) – Ryle started off their season with the monumental task of taking on 5A Covington Catholic (1-0) at Cov Cath after finishing 2-9 on the season last year. Unfortunately for Ryle, they headed back to Union on the losing end of a 37-0 shutout. Ryle’s offense struggled to get anything going, finishing with only 89 total yards in the loss. The Raiders had their only 1st down of the half on the final play of the second quarter, and didn’t manage a drive into Covington Catholic territory until the Colonels had already put 30 points on the score board. RB Kyle England worked hard for the offense, but found himself stymied at the line of scrimmage more often than not. Ryle’s defense did look stout, limiting the Colonels to only 102yds rushing, but it didn’t prove enough this week. The Raiders will be looking to dust themselves off and come back on Friday in their home opener against 5A Conner (1-0). 9) 5A Cooper (1-0) – It may not have been the prettiest win, but a win is a win, and the Jaguars are 1-0 after handing 6A Dixie Heights (0-1) a 7-0 loss in the season opener on Friday. Sophomore QB Drew Warth had the start on Friday, with Jeremiah Lee starting at WR. Warth was 9-22 passing for 126yds and the team’s lone TD on a 69yd connection to WR Xavier Smith. Smith led the offense with 79yds of the team’s 126yds receiving, and RB Brendon Tye led the running game with 44yds. Senior safety Anthony Witschey led the defensive effort for Cooper with 12 tackles including 2 tackles for a loss, and 1 interception. DB Zach Armour had 2 interceptions and safey Chester Hale added a fumble recovery. The Jags will head to Newport to take on 1A Newport Central Catholic (1-0) on Friday. 10) 6A Campbell County (0-1) – The Camels are definitely working at rebuilding after being hit heavily on both sides of the ball by their 2019 graduating class. Friday’s game ended in Campbell County’s first loss of the season, with a 29-13 loss coming at the hands of 1A Newport Central Catholic (1-0). Junior QB Justin Little was 8-20 passing for 68yds and 1 TD in the game, connecting with WR Evan Barnes for a 23yd TD reception in the 4th quarter. Junior RB Crosley Gray carried 17 times for 77yds, including the Camels one remaining TD on a 3yd run in the 1st quarter. The offense totaled 184yds in the game, while the defense held the Thoroughbreds to 173 total yards of offense. Campbell County will host 5A Covington Catholic (1-0) on Friday. TRENDING UP 2A Carroll County (1-0) – Despite a coaching change for the 2019 season, the Panthers started off their season with a 14-12 win over 1A Ludlow (0-1). 2A Lloyd Memorial (1-0) – The Juggs are off to a 1-0 start after beating 2A Walton-Verona (0-1) by a final score of 30-6. This makes Lloyd’s 4th straight win over the Bearcats, with the last loss dating back to 2013. 1A Newport Central Catholic (1-0) – Things are certainly looking up for the Breds after starting their season off with a 29-13 win over 6A Campbell County (0-1) in the season opener. TRENDING DOWN 6A Campbell County (0-1) – We knew it was going to be tough for Campbell County starting off this year with so many new faces on the starting roster, but a 6A loss to a 1A team is never the way you want to start off your season. The Camels lost 29-13 to 1A Newport Central Catholic (1-0) in their first game. 5A Cooper (1-0) – After starting off ranked 5th in northern Kentucky in the pre-season power rankings, the Jags weren’t able to get much going offensively in their 7-0 win over 6A Dixie Heights (0-1), and drop to #9. 6A Ryle (0-1) – The Raiders dropped to the #8 spot in the power rankings after starting off in the #7 spot in the pre-season edition of the rankings. This comes following a 37-0 shutout loss to 5A Covington Catholic (1-0). Ryle’s offense stumbled, only managing 89 total yards in the game. NORTHERN KENTUCKY STAR PERFORMANCES OF THE WEEK: QB/DB Kaleal Davis (Newport) – Davis was 5 for 11 passing for 155yds and 1 TD, and rushed for 103yds and 2 TDs. Defensively he had 8 tackles including 1 tackle for a loss. RB/LB Samuel Howard (Bishop Brossart) – Howard had 170 total yards on offense, including 141yds and 3 TDs on 16 carries, and 29yds on 2 receptions. Defensively he had 9 tackles including 2 tackles for a loss. TE/LB Michael Mayer (Covington Catholic) Mayer had 106yds and 2 TDs on 2 receptions. Defensively he had 7 tackles and 1 interception. WR/DB Brandon McClendon (Covington Holy Cross) – Howard had 155 total yards on offense, including 148yds and 2 TDs on 6 receptions, and 7yds on 1 carry. Defensively he had 3 tackles RB Logan Sutherland (Grant County) – Sutherland had 177 total yards on offense, including 165 yards and 3 TDs on 27 carries, and 12yds on 2 receptions. RB Dakota Thiel (Lloyd Memorial) – Thiel had 247 yards and 1 TD on 25 carries. GAME OF THE WEEK: WEEK 1 2A Lloyd Memorial vs. 4A Scott Coach Eric Turner will be facing the Lloyd Juggernauts for the first time after departing Lloyd to take over the head coaching job at Scott. The Eagles had a strong showing in the first half of their loss to 5A Highlands on Friday, and will be looking to unleash senior RB Quincy Perrin after Perrin was held to only 8yds rushing in Week 0. The Juggs will be looking to beat Scott after losing to the Eagles the last two years straight. The will be relying heavily on the rushing abilities of RB Dakota Thiel after Thiel put up nearly 250yds on the ground against 2A Walton-Verona last week in Lloyd’s win over the Bearcats.

1) 5A Covington Catholic (3-0) – The Colonels haven’t often found themselves behind in a game in recent years, but 3A Lexington Catholic (2-1) definitely had them against the ropes, leading for the vast majority of the game. After scoring the game’s first touchdown about halfway through the 1st quarter on Friday, Cov Cath trailed for most of the game by as many as 14 points, but came back to take over the lead on a 2-point conversion call with 2:52 left on the clock and held on for the 39-38 win. Caleb Jacob was 17-26 passing for 247yds and 1TD, and ran 8 times for 20yds and 2 TDs. Daniel Felix ran 9 times for 86yds and 1 TD, had 1 reception for a 29yd touchdown, and led the defense with 12 tackles. Covington Catholic hosts 6A Dixie Heights (1-2) tonight in Park Hills in the 46th edition of the Battle Of Dixie Highway and bragging rights for which color Colonels should really be. 2) 5A Highlands (2-1) – The Birds dusted themselves off after their loss in the Cumberland Falls Pigskin Classic, and hosted 6A Campbell County (0-3) on Friday, and sent the Camels back to the south end of Campbell County with a 47-0 loss. Collin Hollingsworth was 15-22 passing for 262yds, 3 TDs and 1 INT. WR Hunter Ahlfeld led the receiving corps with 4 receptions for 86yds and 1 TD, and Jacob Welch had 2 receptions for 38yds and 2 TDs. Highlands kept the Camels’ D guessing with 9 different ball carriers in the game as the Bluebirds rolled up 434 total yards of offense in the game. The Highlands offense held the Campbell County offense to a mere 56yds total. Brycen Huddleston led the defense with an impressive 11 tackles including 1 tackle for loss. Highlands heads to Independence tonight to take on the 6A Simon Kenton Pioneers (2-1). 3) 2A Beechwood (0-2) – The Tigers new they were going to be facing a tough first half to their season, and for a second week, it proved correct. Beechwood traveled south to Somerset and played on a very strong 2A Somerset (3-0) team. After beating the Briar Jumpers 28-0 last year in Fort Mitchell, the Briar Jumpers returned the favor this year, sending the Tigers home with a 46-14 loss. Beechwood came out looking strong with an 87yd Parker Mason return for TD on the opening kickoff, but it was tough sledding after that for the Tigers offense, which was unable to score again until there were less than 5 minutes to go in the game. QB Cam Hergott had a respectable 100yds passing on 8 completions, and the Tigers’ 1 offensive TD was scored on a 1 yd run by freshman RB Xavier Campbell, capping off a 62 yard 4th quarter drive. Beechwood hosts the 3A Corbin Redhounds (2-1) tonight in Fort Mitchell. 4) 6A Simon Kenton (2-1) – Simon Kenton put another check in the W column on Friday with their 13-10 win over OH-D1 Oak Hills (0-2). Their running game looked improved from the previous week, with Austin Hammack making his first start of the year and posting 47yds and 1 TD. Freshman Chase Crone played the entire game at TD, and was 17-25 passing for 132yds and 1 INT, and the remaining TD came on a punch-in carry by RB Quincy North. Junior LB Nate Walker led the defensive front for Simon Kenton with 10 tackles including 2 for losses, and junior DL Jake Huff came in just behind Walker with 9 tackles. The Pioneers benefitted from 2 Oak Hills turnovers, with an interception by Brennon Miller, and a forced fumble by DB Ethan Nuckols that was recovered by DB Tyler Musick. The ‘Neers host the 5A Highlands Bluebirds (2-1) this week. 5) 6A Ryle (2-1) – Ryle proved that they’ve put their first game behind them after coming out on Friday and earning another win for a second week in a row. The Raiders beat 5A Cooper (2-1) in a 20-16 defensive battle for bragging rights in Union. Coach Mike Engler appears to be decided completely on QB Bradyn Lyons, whose experience as a junior earned him the start and the exclusive QB appearance for the Raiders last week. Lyons was 8-13 passing for 110yds and 2 INTs. RB Kyle England led the offense with 25 carries for 144yds rushing and 3 TDs, and WR Connor Lee led the receiving corps with 3 receptions for 72yds. Sophomore LB Gabe Savage led the defense with 8 tackles including 3 for losses, and defensive backs Ryan Planck and Mathias Cusick both had interceptions. Ryle plays 5A Boone County (2-1) tonight at home. 6) 5A Cooper (2-1) – Cooper was dropped in their first loss of the season on Friday, losing 20-16 to 6A Ryle (2-1). QB Drew Warth was 5-13 passing in the game for 91yds and 1 INT, and Jeremiah Lee added 1 completion on 4 passing attempts. Lee also led the team rushing with 54yds and 2 TDs on 14 carries, while RB Brandon Tye added 50yds on 14 carries. The defense held Ryle to 184 total yards of offense in the game, and Jeremiah Lee & Chester Hale both managed interceptions from the Jaguars’ defensive backfield, but it wasn’t enough to hold off Ryle’s four-point victory. Cooper hosts 6A Campbell County (0-3) tonight. 7) 1A Newport Central Catholic (1-2) – Not everyone makes it a habit of heading across the river to play the teams in Ohio, but the Breds showed that they weren’t afraid to take on OH-DIV Roger Bacon (1-0) last week, despite the 41-14 loss. QB Paul Kremer had a strong 192yds passing and 1 TD on 14 completions out of 31 attempts, and was intercepted once. RB Joe Doeker led the offensive rushing attack with 33yds and 1 TD on 6 carries, but the Breds struggled on the ground with 49 total yards rushing. WR Caleb Jefferson was Kremer’s favorite receiver, with 5 receptions for 97yds and 1 TD. Defensive stats were not reported for the game. New Cath heads to 2A Walton-Verona (2-1) tonight. 8) 4A Scott (2-1) – The Eagles improved to 2-1 with a big win over 2A Covington Holy Cross, beating the Indians 42-6 on Friday. Gus Howlett nearly matched his passing yardage from the previous two games combined, going 15-20 passing for 147yds, 2 TDS and 1 INT. With #1 RB Quincy Perrin sidelined due to injury, senior RB Robert Pence stepped up and ran 19 times for 147yds and 2 TDs, while WR Philip Gallardo added 60yds and 2 TDS of his own on the ground attack. Wide Receiver Carson Craycraft had 63yds receiving and a TD on 5 catches and Cameron Patterson had 30yds and a TD on his 5 catches. Nigel Robinson led the defense with 5 tackles including 3 for losses, and Sage Lalley, Zach Scheper, and Michael Nicholas each had 4 tackles a piece. Scott hosts OH-DV Bethel-Tate (1-1) tonight. 9) 5A Conner (2-1) – After a showing against Ryle that didn’t add up to as they had hoped, the Cougars bounced back with a big 35-0 win over 6A Dixie Heights (1-2). QB Jared Hicks had a big night passing, going 20-26 for 297yds and 4 TDs. Hicks also scored the Cougars’ 1 TD from the ground, coming in just behind RB Douglas Abdon’s 51yds with the 47yds Jared racked up on 10 carries. WR Caleb Ervin led the receivers with 94yds and 1 TD. On the other side of the ball, middle linebacker Parker Hitzfield put on a show with 11 tackles and 1 sack, DB Clayton Melcher had 8 tackles, and DB Timothy Leiprecht had 7 tackles. Conner will host 2A Lloyd Memorial (2-1) tonight in Hebron. 10) Lloyd Memorial (2-1) – The Juggs make their arrival in the northern Kentucky Power Rankings tonight after putting a second tic in the win column with a 22-14 win over 5A Boone County (2-1). Sophomore QB Jacob Davidson was 4-11 passing for 60yds, 1 TD and 1 INT, and also carried 6 times for 31yds. Senior RB Dakota Thiel was the offensive workhorse on Friday, with 98yds rushing on 21 carries for 2 TDs, while RB Isaac Abdon added 55yds more on 18 carries. Abdon was also the anchor of Lloyd’s defensive front in what turned out to be a largely defensive battle of a game, coming up with 10 tackles in the game from his position at linebacker. Lloyd was able to hold Boone County to 114 total yards offense. The Juggernauts will be in Hebron tonight playing 5A Conner (2-1). TRENDING UP 2A Lloyd Memorial (2-1) – It’s always a good week when you beat a football team from three class-sizes above yours. That’s what the Juggs did with their 22-14 win over 6A Boone County (2-1) on Friday. 2A Newport (3-0) – The Wildcats are one of very few undefeated teams in northern Kentucky, and can’t but be anything but happy about that after handing 2A Carroll County (2-1) their first loss of the season in a 42-0. 4A Holmes (2-1) – The Bulldogs are 2-1 for the first time since the 2013 season, and did so by adding a 58-6 win on Friday over 2A Owen County (0-3). TRENDING DOWN 2A Beechwood (0-2) – It was a big loss for Beechwood, who came home from 2A Somerset (3-0) on the wrong side of the 46-14 scoreboard. The Tigers will have to figure out how to beat the Briar Jumpers if they want to win a championship in their first year as a 2A football program. 1A Bellevue (0-3) – The Tigers dropped their third game straight in a 26-27 loss to 1A Bishop Brossart (2-1). 6A Campbell County (0-3) – The Camels also continued their winless effort this season, losing 47-0 to 5A Highlands (2-1) in the Camels’ second shutout this year.

1. Johnson Central Golden Eagles (4A, 3-0)- Johnson Central lit the scoreboard up and lit up South Charleston in all-discipline en route to a blowout win. The Eagles are scheduled to play another out of state foe in Bishop Sycamore, Ohio. Hopefully that game will go as scheduled. 2. Belfry Pirates (3A, 2-1)- Playing a GCL foe to a 7-0 game until the end of the 4th Quarter is certainly a moral victory at the very least. Belfry needs to get their Offensive confidence back and a huge rivalry game will not be an easy proving ground to do that. 3. Somerset Briarjumpers (2A, 3-0)- Somerset got a much-needed week or rest and relaxation and now get to jump back into action with a highly regarded ranked 1A foe. Williamsburg will be the best Offense the Jumpers have seen so far. 4. Pulaski County Maroons (5A, 3-1)- Henry Clay made the Maroons play for all Four Quarters, but in the end Pulaski took care of business. Up next is another Central Kentucky foe, but expect Pulaski to keep their winning ways going. 5. Bell County Bobcats (3A, 3-0)- Bell County had an extra week of preparation and it is starting to look like they may be the only 3A team capable of going undefeated in the regular season. Whitley County will be a team they cannot take lightly if they hope for that dream to continue to materialize. 6. Ashland Tomcats (3A, 3-1)- Wheelersburg proved that even when they are not 100%, the Southern Ohio power is still a tough out. The Pirates took down Ashland in Overtime and Ashland tasted defeat for the first time. It doesn’t get any easier as Ironton, Ohio is next, and they defeated Wheelersburg already this season. 7. Pikeville Panthers (1A, 4-0)- On the bright side, Pikeville collected their fourth high quality win in a row by defeating Raceland. On the negative side, the Panthers Offense has only scored three TD’s in two weeks and they will need as many points as they can find against rival Belfry. 8. Wayne County Cardinals (4A, 3-1)- It is time to take notice of the Cardinals. After flattening Southwestern and with their lone loss a close defeat to a very good Pulaski County team, Wayne County is certainly a team on the rise. The Cardinals get a big-time test this week with another surging team, Harlan County, on the schedule. 9. Corbin Redhounds (4A, 2-2)- Corbin seemingly was surprised by Beechwood and the Redhounds never could find any Offensive traction as they fell to the Tigers. It was also a costly loss as the Hounds may have lost a couple key playmakers for a while. A crucial off-week is next, because on the other side of it is heavyweight Bowling Green. 10. Russell Red Devils (3A, 3-1)- Russell took care of business and left no doubt against fellow 3A Lawrence County. The Devils are looking impressive and will have no issue with a free-falling Montgomery County. 11. Paintsville Tigers (1A, 3-1)- Paintsville played up in class and played to the wire to get a win over East Jessamine. Coach Chirico’s bunch will return to 1A competition with the always solid hazard Bulldogs up next. 12. Breathitt County (2A, 4-0)- The Bobcats just keep winning and winning big. Estill County had nothing for the boys from Jackson and Breathitt’s pursuit of perfection continues. Old District mate Powell County is the next team in the cross hairs. 13. Williamsburg Yellowjackets (1A, 4-0)- The Jackets flexed their 1A muscles by dismantling Franfkort. Now the Yellowjackets will try to prove to all of Eastern Kentucky they are the real deal with red hot Somerset standing before them. 14. Harlan County Black Bears (4A, 4-0)- Harlan County has had a tough time putting away Knox Central in recent years, although the games are always close. The Black Bears got over the hump Friday and now look to make shock waves in Class 4A with a monster game against Wayne County. 15. Raceland Rams (1A, 2-2)- The Rams gave it the ole College try and played their hearts out at Pikeville. Unfortunately, another injury at QB and Pikeville’s Defense were too much to overcome in the close loss. Raceland needs a week off to heal up. The Next 4: East Carter Raiders (3A, 4-0)- It was a game that lived up to the hype as the Raiders held on for a tight win against rival West Carter. If they can beat Fleming County a rare 5-0 start awaits. Knox Central Panthers (4A, 1-3)- The Panthers may be one of the best 1-3 teams in Kentucky, but that does little to change things. Bourbon County is next and Knox desperately needs a confidence booster. Hazard Bulldogs (1A, 2-1)- After taming the Floyd Central Jaguars, hazard improves their record and continue to lie in the tall grass of the 1A picture. Danville is not the Admiral team we are accustomed to, so a nice win is within reach. Whitley County Colonels (5A, 2-1)- The Colonels had a chance to take the night off and do some scouting. They will get an equally fresh bell County team with a chance to make a serious statement with a win. Four Teams of Note: Pike Central Hawks (3A, 2-1)- Pike Central looks much improved and are a couple plays away from being undefeated. A nice win over Perry Central and the opportunity to beat another larger school has the Hawks on the right track. Lawrence County Bulldogs (3A, 2-2)- The Bulldogs needed a good showing against Russell to prove they are a team to keep eyes on in the 3A picture, instead Lawrence County was measured and found wanting. Pineville Mountain Lions (1A, 4-0)- Don’t sleep on the forgotten school in Bell County. The Mountain Lions are 4-0 after pounding East Ridge. If Pineville can get past resurgent Middlesboro, they will certainly be making major waves in the EKY picture. Clay County Tigers (4A, 2-1)- It has been a long time since Clay County was relevant, but the Tigers are making major strides in 2019 including a blowout romp of Lynn Camp. The Tigers have a chance to get some serious momentum in their community if they can beat a stout Leslie County foe. Player of the Week: QB/DB Ryley Preece, Johnson Central- In the Golden Eagles 59-29 win over South Charleston, WV Preece was everywhere. The Senior 4-year starter at QB was 2/3 passing for 77 yards and 2 TD’s, he ran the ball 7 times 102 yards and two more scores, and he completed the trifecta with an Interception Return for a TD as well. Preece may not be accustomed to filling the stat sheet, but there is no doubt Johnson Central does not reach a State Finals in each of his seasons as the starter without him under center running the Offense. Game of the Week: #7 Pikeville Panthers at #2 Belfry Pirates- The battle for Pike County supremacy has long been one of the premier rivalries in EKY, but in recent years it has taken on new vigor as the Pikeville program has elevated. Last season, the Panthers nearly made a huge statement, but Belfry was able to stave them off for the win. With both teams ranked at or near the top of their class expect this one to have a huge gate and huge drama.