The Scribe
11-10-2008, 07:12 PM
Bluegrasspreps.com Class 2A Football Playoff Preview
By The Scribe
Region I
Fort Campbell enters the Class 2A playoffs as the favorite to repeat as state champions despite their loss last week to Franklin-Simpson.
The Falcons (9-1) saw a 22-game winning streak snapped in a 17-7 loss to Franklin-Simpson. However, Fort Campbell played without their starting quarterback Antonio Andrews, who has accounted for over 2,200 yards and 31 touchdowns. Andrews has been bothered by a shoulder injury and will likely return in the playoffs with the aid of a flack-jacket.
While the Falcon offense has sputtered some since the injury to Andrews, it’s their defense that will carry them far into the playoffs.
Fort Campbell gives up just over a touchdown a game and have allowed just three opponents into double figures.
Linebacker Josh Carter has been the anchor of the Falcon defense, while Raquan Durrante has returned from an injury to bolster the secondary.
The Falcons have the most team speed of anyone in Class 2A. However, they will need their key players to stay healthy if they are to become the first western Kentucky Class 2A team since Mayfield (1985-86) to repeat as state champions.
Fort Campbell will host Heath (2-8) in the first round. The Pirates pulled off a first round upset of Caldwell County last year, but will need something short of divine intervention to knock off the Falcons in the first round.
Quarterback Tra Tharp is a dual threat offensively, and sophomore Jacob Lynn has rushed for over 700 yards. However, Heath gives up nearly 40 points a game on defense, which isn’t a good match against Fort Campbell’s explosive offense.
Fort Campbell and Heath last met in the postseason in 1986, a 26-14 first round win for Heath in the Class A playoffs.
Murray (7-3) rolls into the postseason on a six-game winning streak, thanks mostly to a fully healthy squad. The Tigers’ last loss came in mid-September to Trigg County, which knocked them back to a two-seed in the playoffs.
Running back Jamie King and fullback Matt Deese compliment one another nicely in the backfield. King, a speedster, has overcome an early-season injury to rush for over 100 yards three of the last four weeks.
In their win at Owensboro Catholic two weeks ago, King and Deese combined for 230 yards on the ground in the Tigers’ wishbone attack.
The Tigers will play a Hancock County (4-6) team in a game that could take just over an hour to play.
Like Murray, the Hornets use a ground-oriented, ball control attack on offense.
Senior quarterback Zach Wettstain and running back Ian Mittelberg are the focal points of the Hornet offense. Hancock County must overcome a long bus trip to Murray if they are to advance past the first round for the first time since 2004.
In the other bracket, Trigg County (5-5) has home field advantage for the first two rounds of the playoffs thanks to winning their district.
While their win-loss record isn’t intimidating, there aren’t many Class 2A teams that have played a tougher schedule. The five teams they have lost to have a combined record of 39-11.
The Wildcats feature a balanced offensive attack behind quarterback Donald Bush (1,200 yards) and running back Brandon Bridges (921 rushing yards).
However, Trigg County is a healthy squad, and it shows on defense, where they have given up single digits four of the last seven weeks.
The Wildcats will play a Todd County team (2-8) that can score some points (19.0 per game) but give up nearly 40 a game.
The Rebels will need to find a way to keep Trigg’s offense off the field and not turn the football over if they are to pull the upset and win their first postseason game since 1996.
One of the more interesting first round matchups in the state will be at Steele Stadium where Owensboro Catholic (3-7) will host Caldwell County (7-3).
Both teams run the Tony Franklin offense, and both head coaches are familiar with the other. Caldwell’s David Barnes coached at Daviess County for over a decade and played Ocath regularly.
Of the two teams, Caldwell County is playing the best football down the stretch, with the Tigers winning six of seven games. Their last two wins have come over a pair of teams (Crittenden County and Mayfield) ranked in the Class 1A top ten.
Senior quarterback Will Barnes owns nearly every Caldwell County passing record, and Eric Faughn is one of the most underrated receivers in the state.
Sophomore Brandon Sigler has been a playmaker on both sides of the football for the Tigers, who have made earlier than expected exits from the playoffs the past two years.
The Aces have won 10 straight home playoff games but are just 3-3 at home this year.
Quarterback Evan Walker has had a solid season but hasn’t put up the offensive numbers Aces fans are accustomed to seeing.
Russell Hayden and Jonathon McNulty are the primary ballcarriers in the backfield, and Bryan McGraw and Cole Sturgeon have combined for over 1,200 receiving yards.
Aaron Wathan leads an Owensboro Catholic defense that gives up just 16 points a game and has allowed just two teams (Evansville Reitz Memorial and Warren East) to score more than 25 points a game.
Caldwell County and Owensboro Catholic last met in the playoffs in 2000, a 14-13 Caldwell win.
If Owensboro Catholic can knock off Caldwell County, they match up well against a Trigg County team they have beaten four straight times in the playoffs.
No one in the other bracket matches up well with Fort Campbell.
REGION FINALS: Fort Campbell 42 Owensboro Catholic 7
Region II
In a region normally dominated by Danville, a couple of district rivals look to keep the Admirals in check.
Monroe County (9-1) appears to be the region favorite based on their win-loss record. Their only blemish came courtesy of Class 6A Greenwood.
The Falcons feature a balanced offensive attack, with quarterback Justin Harlan a 1,000-yard passer and Tanner Kendall and Caleb Maxey combining for over 1,500 yards and 17 touchdowns.
When the Falcons do throw the football, Neil Wilson has been the most reliable target with over 600 yards and seven touchdowns.
But the Falcons have a knack of taking advantage of the other team’s mistakes, forcing 25 turnovers on the season.
Monroe will play a Fort Knox team that can be a tad too generous on the offensive side of the football.
Fort Knox (0-10) has lost 30 straight games dating back to 2005. They almost ended the streak last week before Bethlehem edged them on a late score.
Monroe scored 37 points a game, and Fort Knox gives up 45 points a game. It will be quite the monumental task for the Eagles to win their first playoff game since 2002.
The last time these schools met in the playoffs was a Fort Knox win in 1995. The Eagles have beaten Monroe County in four straight playoff games dating back to 1989.
If Monroe takes care of business as expected, Darrell Carter Stadium would host the winner of Metcalfe County (4-6) and Bardstown (3-7).
Both teams advanced to the region finals last year, but both come into this week’s game with losing record.
Bardstown is another team who could make a strong schedule argument.
The Tigers have endured a six-point loss to Nelson County, a three-point loss to Elizabethtown, and one-point losses to Warren East and Warren Central – all larger schools.
Rashaun Phillips leads a Tiger offense that averages 31 points a game. While they give 32 points a game on defense, they play a Hornet squad that hasn’t scored over 14 points in their last seven games.
Star tailback Daniel DeLeon (over 1,300 yards in seven games) should be ready to go for Metcalfe County after missing three games in midseason due to a suspension.
The Hornets don’t throw much and will need to find some more offensive balance if they want to beat the Tigers on the road.
It’s been a long time since Danville failed to advance past the second round in consecutive seasons (1996-97). It’s been even longer (1945) since Glasgow failed to win a game in a season.
That’s the story line when the Admirals (7-3) host the Scotties (0-10) Friday.
No one has hit the panic button in Danville just yet, because they know the playoff road could roll through Admiral Stadium all the way until Louisville.
But there are some questions on defense for Danville, who has given up 25 points and over 320 yards of offense a game.
Sam Harp’s squad is spookily balanced on offense, rushing for 226 yards and throwing for 232 yards a game.
Antwoine Simon has rushed for 1,246 yards and 17 touchdowns, while Trae Grey has thrown for 2,295 yards and 18 scores.
If Danville can take care of the football, they should easily handle a Glasgow team that has lost their last six games by an average of 22 points.
These two traditional powers have not met in the playoffs since 1959.
When Washington County (4-6) and Green County (8-2) meet this week, the first one to 50 may be the winner.
Both Washington County (37 ppg.) and Green County (46 ppg) feature volatile offenses and it may be a case of which defense can make the final stop.
These teams met back in the third week of the season with the Dragons holding on for a 50-42 win in Springfield.
Quarterback Joe Joe Simms has accounted for over 3,000 yards and 40 touchdowns this year for Mark Perry’s Commanders.
Green County features another talented quarterback in Justin Pendleton, but the Dragons will likely be without leading rusher Zeth Rogers because of a knee injury.
With Danville’s propensity to turn the football over and Monroe’s ability to make their opponents pay, look for the Falcons to eke out a road win in the region final.
REGION FINALS: Monroe County 27 Danville 21
Region III
Newport Central Catholic and DeSales appear on a crash course to meet up again in the region final where the ‘Breds won last year’s derby over the Colts 31-3 in the first-ever matchup between the schools.
DeSales (8-2) has won seven straight games after losing two of their first three games.
Mark Sander has five guys that have rushed for 300 yards this year, led by Andrew Beeler’s 541 yards and six touchdowns. Their ground control offense has seen nine different people rush for a touchdown.
Quarterback Ryan Johnson has accounted for over 900 yards of offense and only puts the ball in the air 10 times a game.
Newport (4-6) has been on a loss-win pattern for the past six games, with a loss looming if the pattern holds.
The ‘Cats had won three straight first round games until last year.
The mystery team of the playoffs is Holy Cross (3-7), who owns a road win at Lloyd Memorial.
Andy Roenker (886 yards, 7 TDs) and quarterback Markel Walker (589 yds. Passing, 620 yds. Rushing) lead a Holy Cross offense that averages 20 points a game.
Carroll County (5-5) has won five games but hasn’t played as tough a schedule as Holy Cross.
Quarterback Casey Cable has thrown for over 1,000 yards, and running bacl Zack Wise has added over 800 yards on the ground for Carroll County, who is looking for their first playoff win since 2003.
Newport Central Catholic (9-1) appears primed to get back to Louisville for a fourth straight year.
The ‘Breds have won eight straight games since a last-second loss to Covington Catholic back in September and have won eight straight home playoff games dating back to 2003.
Mark Kelly and Rob Kues again power the NCC offense that enters the postseason averaging 33 points and 333 yards of offense a game.
Kelly has rushed for 1,083 yards and 16 touchdowns, while Kues has thrown for 1,264 yards and 13 scores while adding 494 yards on the ground.
Ben Parr (25 rec., 409 yds.) has emerged as a go-to receiver for Kues.
Owen County (2-8) has lost five straight playoff games and haven’t won in the postseason since 1980.
Owen gives up 26 points a game on defense and isn’t expected to put up much of a challenge to NCC.
Lloyd Memorial (5-5) travels to Louisville to face Christian Academy (6-4). The Juggernauts are looking to end a four-game playoff losing streak.
Lloyd has won three of four games thanks to a defense that has forced seven turnovers in that stretch.
The Juggs may have enough balance on offense to pick up the win in Louisville.
The Centurians have won three straight games entering the playoffs but those teams have combined to win just two games.
REGION FINALS: Newport Central Catholic 28 DeSales 7
Region IV
There are several teams that could come out of the region, with the top seed hosting the playoffs until Louisville.
Prestonsburg (9-1) hasn’t lost to a 2A team all year and have won 12 of their last 13 home playoff games in the past decade.
The Blackcats feature a three-pronged attack on offense with running back Seth Sester (1,106 yards), quarterback Michael Burchett (1,300 yards), and receiver Austin Gearheart (847 yards).
Knott County Central (3-7) enters the playoffs on a three-game losing streak.
Shelby Valley (5-5) travels to Middlesboro (7-3) looking to win the school’s second playoff game in 10 appearances.
Four of the Wildcats’ five losses have come to ranked teams, including a one-point loss to Prestonsburg on a late touchdown two weeks ago.
B.J. Roberts, Dillon Hughes, and Nathan Mullins have combined to rush for over 2,500 yards and 27 touchdowns this year.
They’ll be facing a Middlesboro squad that has won 14 straight first round games.
The Yellowjackets stumbled a bit in midseason with losses to Harlan County and Corbin but enter the post season on a three-game winning streak.
Hunter Adams has eclipsed 1,000 yards rushing, while Chase Roark has moved into the starting job at quarterback and thrown for over 1,000 yards.
Corbin (10-0) enters the postseason as the lone unbeaten team in Class 2A.
The Redhounds get their first two playoff games at home and could host the state semifinals if they advance that far.
That could be huge given Corbin’s 15-game winning streak at Denes Stadium.
With the graduation of Clint Cashen, the Redhounds have went back to their traditional ground game on offense, led by Caleb Watkins (862 yards) and Michael Campbell (498 yards).
Lance Freeman has thrown for 849 yards with Watkins the primary target out of the backfield.
The Redhounds may have the biggest mismatch in the first round as they welcome in a winless Morgan County team that has scored just 76 points in nine games.
Bath County (7-3) is hosting a playoff game for the first time since 1997, which is also the last time they won a game in the postseason.
Leslie County (1-9) has won just four of 12 playoff games since Tim Couch led the Eagles to the state semifinals in 1995. The Eagles are the lowest scoring team in Class 2A at 6.2 points a game.
In the second round, Middlesboro and Prestonsburg should meet up in another classic.
Middlesboro will attempt to force feed the Blackcat defensive front a huge dose of Hunter Adams inside and out.
Prestonsburg will attempt to take advantage of an aggressive Yellowjacket defense with Setser traps, quick passes, and its outside running game utilizing Josh Craynon.
Corbin and Bath County should meet in Corbin, where basic smashmouth football will be on display.
Corbin, however, has clear advantages in numbers, speed, and power virtually everywhere on the field.
In the region final, Corbin’s strength in the power running game could give the Redhounds an advantage between the tackles on each side of the ball.
Prestonsburg’s advantage lies in its versatility – they can run and throw equally well.
Each team sports opportunistic defenses known to surrender yardage, but force turnovers. A high scoring game favors the Blackcats, while a defensive game would favor the Redhounds.
REGION FINALS: Corbin 35 Prestonsburg 29
SLEEPER TEAM: Shelby Valley gave themselves a good dose of confidence in their narrow loss to Prestonsburg on Halloween.
Running back and leading tackler B.J. Roberts is among the most underrated athletes in the region. Though the Wildcats have struggled to consistently move the ball against a stacked defensive front, its quick and agile defense could keep them close late into the 4th quarter of their playoff games.
STATE SEMIFINALS
Fort Campbell 28 Monroe County 13
Newport Central Catholic 21 Corbin 7
STATE FINALS
Newport Central Catholic 22 Fort Campbell 15
By The Scribe
Region I
Fort Campbell enters the Class 2A playoffs as the favorite to repeat as state champions despite their loss last week to Franklin-Simpson.
The Falcons (9-1) saw a 22-game winning streak snapped in a 17-7 loss to Franklin-Simpson. However, Fort Campbell played without their starting quarterback Antonio Andrews, who has accounted for over 2,200 yards and 31 touchdowns. Andrews has been bothered by a shoulder injury and will likely return in the playoffs with the aid of a flack-jacket.
While the Falcon offense has sputtered some since the injury to Andrews, it’s their defense that will carry them far into the playoffs.
Fort Campbell gives up just over a touchdown a game and have allowed just three opponents into double figures.
Linebacker Josh Carter has been the anchor of the Falcon defense, while Raquan Durrante has returned from an injury to bolster the secondary.
The Falcons have the most team speed of anyone in Class 2A. However, they will need their key players to stay healthy if they are to become the first western Kentucky Class 2A team since Mayfield (1985-86) to repeat as state champions.
Fort Campbell will host Heath (2-8) in the first round. The Pirates pulled off a first round upset of Caldwell County last year, but will need something short of divine intervention to knock off the Falcons in the first round.
Quarterback Tra Tharp is a dual threat offensively, and sophomore Jacob Lynn has rushed for over 700 yards. However, Heath gives up nearly 40 points a game on defense, which isn’t a good match against Fort Campbell’s explosive offense.
Fort Campbell and Heath last met in the postseason in 1986, a 26-14 first round win for Heath in the Class A playoffs.
Murray (7-3) rolls into the postseason on a six-game winning streak, thanks mostly to a fully healthy squad. The Tigers’ last loss came in mid-September to Trigg County, which knocked them back to a two-seed in the playoffs.
Running back Jamie King and fullback Matt Deese compliment one another nicely in the backfield. King, a speedster, has overcome an early-season injury to rush for over 100 yards three of the last four weeks.
In their win at Owensboro Catholic two weeks ago, King and Deese combined for 230 yards on the ground in the Tigers’ wishbone attack.
The Tigers will play a Hancock County (4-6) team in a game that could take just over an hour to play.
Like Murray, the Hornets use a ground-oriented, ball control attack on offense.
Senior quarterback Zach Wettstain and running back Ian Mittelberg are the focal points of the Hornet offense. Hancock County must overcome a long bus trip to Murray if they are to advance past the first round for the first time since 2004.
In the other bracket, Trigg County (5-5) has home field advantage for the first two rounds of the playoffs thanks to winning their district.
While their win-loss record isn’t intimidating, there aren’t many Class 2A teams that have played a tougher schedule. The five teams they have lost to have a combined record of 39-11.
The Wildcats feature a balanced offensive attack behind quarterback Donald Bush (1,200 yards) and running back Brandon Bridges (921 rushing yards).
However, Trigg County is a healthy squad, and it shows on defense, where they have given up single digits four of the last seven weeks.
The Wildcats will play a Todd County team (2-8) that can score some points (19.0 per game) but give up nearly 40 a game.
The Rebels will need to find a way to keep Trigg’s offense off the field and not turn the football over if they are to pull the upset and win their first postseason game since 1996.
One of the more interesting first round matchups in the state will be at Steele Stadium where Owensboro Catholic (3-7) will host Caldwell County (7-3).
Both teams run the Tony Franklin offense, and both head coaches are familiar with the other. Caldwell’s David Barnes coached at Daviess County for over a decade and played Ocath regularly.
Of the two teams, Caldwell County is playing the best football down the stretch, with the Tigers winning six of seven games. Their last two wins have come over a pair of teams (Crittenden County and Mayfield) ranked in the Class 1A top ten.
Senior quarterback Will Barnes owns nearly every Caldwell County passing record, and Eric Faughn is one of the most underrated receivers in the state.
Sophomore Brandon Sigler has been a playmaker on both sides of the football for the Tigers, who have made earlier than expected exits from the playoffs the past two years.
The Aces have won 10 straight home playoff games but are just 3-3 at home this year.
Quarterback Evan Walker has had a solid season but hasn’t put up the offensive numbers Aces fans are accustomed to seeing.
Russell Hayden and Jonathon McNulty are the primary ballcarriers in the backfield, and Bryan McGraw and Cole Sturgeon have combined for over 1,200 receiving yards.
Aaron Wathan leads an Owensboro Catholic defense that gives up just 16 points a game and has allowed just two teams (Evansville Reitz Memorial and Warren East) to score more than 25 points a game.
Caldwell County and Owensboro Catholic last met in the playoffs in 2000, a 14-13 Caldwell win.
If Owensboro Catholic can knock off Caldwell County, they match up well against a Trigg County team they have beaten four straight times in the playoffs.
No one in the other bracket matches up well with Fort Campbell.
REGION FINALS: Fort Campbell 42 Owensboro Catholic 7
Region II
In a region normally dominated by Danville, a couple of district rivals look to keep the Admirals in check.
Monroe County (9-1) appears to be the region favorite based on their win-loss record. Their only blemish came courtesy of Class 6A Greenwood.
The Falcons feature a balanced offensive attack, with quarterback Justin Harlan a 1,000-yard passer and Tanner Kendall and Caleb Maxey combining for over 1,500 yards and 17 touchdowns.
When the Falcons do throw the football, Neil Wilson has been the most reliable target with over 600 yards and seven touchdowns.
But the Falcons have a knack of taking advantage of the other team’s mistakes, forcing 25 turnovers on the season.
Monroe will play a Fort Knox team that can be a tad too generous on the offensive side of the football.
Fort Knox (0-10) has lost 30 straight games dating back to 2005. They almost ended the streak last week before Bethlehem edged them on a late score.
Monroe scored 37 points a game, and Fort Knox gives up 45 points a game. It will be quite the monumental task for the Eagles to win their first playoff game since 2002.
The last time these schools met in the playoffs was a Fort Knox win in 1995. The Eagles have beaten Monroe County in four straight playoff games dating back to 1989.
If Monroe takes care of business as expected, Darrell Carter Stadium would host the winner of Metcalfe County (4-6) and Bardstown (3-7).
Both teams advanced to the region finals last year, but both come into this week’s game with losing record.
Bardstown is another team who could make a strong schedule argument.
The Tigers have endured a six-point loss to Nelson County, a three-point loss to Elizabethtown, and one-point losses to Warren East and Warren Central – all larger schools.
Rashaun Phillips leads a Tiger offense that averages 31 points a game. While they give 32 points a game on defense, they play a Hornet squad that hasn’t scored over 14 points in their last seven games.
Star tailback Daniel DeLeon (over 1,300 yards in seven games) should be ready to go for Metcalfe County after missing three games in midseason due to a suspension.
The Hornets don’t throw much and will need to find some more offensive balance if they want to beat the Tigers on the road.
It’s been a long time since Danville failed to advance past the second round in consecutive seasons (1996-97). It’s been even longer (1945) since Glasgow failed to win a game in a season.
That’s the story line when the Admirals (7-3) host the Scotties (0-10) Friday.
No one has hit the panic button in Danville just yet, because they know the playoff road could roll through Admiral Stadium all the way until Louisville.
But there are some questions on defense for Danville, who has given up 25 points and over 320 yards of offense a game.
Sam Harp’s squad is spookily balanced on offense, rushing for 226 yards and throwing for 232 yards a game.
Antwoine Simon has rushed for 1,246 yards and 17 touchdowns, while Trae Grey has thrown for 2,295 yards and 18 scores.
If Danville can take care of the football, they should easily handle a Glasgow team that has lost their last six games by an average of 22 points.
These two traditional powers have not met in the playoffs since 1959.
When Washington County (4-6) and Green County (8-2) meet this week, the first one to 50 may be the winner.
Both Washington County (37 ppg.) and Green County (46 ppg) feature volatile offenses and it may be a case of which defense can make the final stop.
These teams met back in the third week of the season with the Dragons holding on for a 50-42 win in Springfield.
Quarterback Joe Joe Simms has accounted for over 3,000 yards and 40 touchdowns this year for Mark Perry’s Commanders.
Green County features another talented quarterback in Justin Pendleton, but the Dragons will likely be without leading rusher Zeth Rogers because of a knee injury.
With Danville’s propensity to turn the football over and Monroe’s ability to make their opponents pay, look for the Falcons to eke out a road win in the region final.
REGION FINALS: Monroe County 27 Danville 21
Region III
Newport Central Catholic and DeSales appear on a crash course to meet up again in the region final where the ‘Breds won last year’s derby over the Colts 31-3 in the first-ever matchup between the schools.
DeSales (8-2) has won seven straight games after losing two of their first three games.
Mark Sander has five guys that have rushed for 300 yards this year, led by Andrew Beeler’s 541 yards and six touchdowns. Their ground control offense has seen nine different people rush for a touchdown.
Quarterback Ryan Johnson has accounted for over 900 yards of offense and only puts the ball in the air 10 times a game.
Newport (4-6) has been on a loss-win pattern for the past six games, with a loss looming if the pattern holds.
The ‘Cats had won three straight first round games until last year.
The mystery team of the playoffs is Holy Cross (3-7), who owns a road win at Lloyd Memorial.
Andy Roenker (886 yards, 7 TDs) and quarterback Markel Walker (589 yds. Passing, 620 yds. Rushing) lead a Holy Cross offense that averages 20 points a game.
Carroll County (5-5) has won five games but hasn’t played as tough a schedule as Holy Cross.
Quarterback Casey Cable has thrown for over 1,000 yards, and running bacl Zack Wise has added over 800 yards on the ground for Carroll County, who is looking for their first playoff win since 2003.
Newport Central Catholic (9-1) appears primed to get back to Louisville for a fourth straight year.
The ‘Breds have won eight straight games since a last-second loss to Covington Catholic back in September and have won eight straight home playoff games dating back to 2003.
Mark Kelly and Rob Kues again power the NCC offense that enters the postseason averaging 33 points and 333 yards of offense a game.
Kelly has rushed for 1,083 yards and 16 touchdowns, while Kues has thrown for 1,264 yards and 13 scores while adding 494 yards on the ground.
Ben Parr (25 rec., 409 yds.) has emerged as a go-to receiver for Kues.
Owen County (2-8) has lost five straight playoff games and haven’t won in the postseason since 1980.
Owen gives up 26 points a game on defense and isn’t expected to put up much of a challenge to NCC.
Lloyd Memorial (5-5) travels to Louisville to face Christian Academy (6-4). The Juggernauts are looking to end a four-game playoff losing streak.
Lloyd has won three of four games thanks to a defense that has forced seven turnovers in that stretch.
The Juggs may have enough balance on offense to pick up the win in Louisville.
The Centurians have won three straight games entering the playoffs but those teams have combined to win just two games.
REGION FINALS: Newport Central Catholic 28 DeSales 7
Region IV
There are several teams that could come out of the region, with the top seed hosting the playoffs until Louisville.
Prestonsburg (9-1) hasn’t lost to a 2A team all year and have won 12 of their last 13 home playoff games in the past decade.
The Blackcats feature a three-pronged attack on offense with running back Seth Sester (1,106 yards), quarterback Michael Burchett (1,300 yards), and receiver Austin Gearheart (847 yards).
Knott County Central (3-7) enters the playoffs on a three-game losing streak.
Shelby Valley (5-5) travels to Middlesboro (7-3) looking to win the school’s second playoff game in 10 appearances.
Four of the Wildcats’ five losses have come to ranked teams, including a one-point loss to Prestonsburg on a late touchdown two weeks ago.
B.J. Roberts, Dillon Hughes, and Nathan Mullins have combined to rush for over 2,500 yards and 27 touchdowns this year.
They’ll be facing a Middlesboro squad that has won 14 straight first round games.
The Yellowjackets stumbled a bit in midseason with losses to Harlan County and Corbin but enter the post season on a three-game winning streak.
Hunter Adams has eclipsed 1,000 yards rushing, while Chase Roark has moved into the starting job at quarterback and thrown for over 1,000 yards.
Corbin (10-0) enters the postseason as the lone unbeaten team in Class 2A.
The Redhounds get their first two playoff games at home and could host the state semifinals if they advance that far.
That could be huge given Corbin’s 15-game winning streak at Denes Stadium.
With the graduation of Clint Cashen, the Redhounds have went back to their traditional ground game on offense, led by Caleb Watkins (862 yards) and Michael Campbell (498 yards).
Lance Freeman has thrown for 849 yards with Watkins the primary target out of the backfield.
The Redhounds may have the biggest mismatch in the first round as they welcome in a winless Morgan County team that has scored just 76 points in nine games.
Bath County (7-3) is hosting a playoff game for the first time since 1997, which is also the last time they won a game in the postseason.
Leslie County (1-9) has won just four of 12 playoff games since Tim Couch led the Eagles to the state semifinals in 1995. The Eagles are the lowest scoring team in Class 2A at 6.2 points a game.
In the second round, Middlesboro and Prestonsburg should meet up in another classic.
Middlesboro will attempt to force feed the Blackcat defensive front a huge dose of Hunter Adams inside and out.
Prestonsburg will attempt to take advantage of an aggressive Yellowjacket defense with Setser traps, quick passes, and its outside running game utilizing Josh Craynon.
Corbin and Bath County should meet in Corbin, where basic smashmouth football will be on display.
Corbin, however, has clear advantages in numbers, speed, and power virtually everywhere on the field.
In the region final, Corbin’s strength in the power running game could give the Redhounds an advantage between the tackles on each side of the ball.
Prestonsburg’s advantage lies in its versatility – they can run and throw equally well.
Each team sports opportunistic defenses known to surrender yardage, but force turnovers. A high scoring game favors the Blackcats, while a defensive game would favor the Redhounds.
REGION FINALS: Corbin 35 Prestonsburg 29
SLEEPER TEAM: Shelby Valley gave themselves a good dose of confidence in their narrow loss to Prestonsburg on Halloween.
Running back and leading tackler B.J. Roberts is among the most underrated athletes in the region. Though the Wildcats have struggled to consistently move the ball against a stacked defensive front, its quick and agile defense could keep them close late into the 4th quarter of their playoff games.
STATE SEMIFINALS
Fort Campbell 28 Monroe County 13
Newport Central Catholic 21 Corbin 7
STATE FINALS
Newport Central Catholic 22 Fort Campbell 15