The Scribe
11-10-2008, 11:09 PM
Bluegrasspreps.com Class 4A Football Playoff Preview
Special to BGP
Region 1
Calloway County (8-2) brings a potent passing attack that has totaled 2,035 yards thought the air. Quarterback Casey Brockman has evenly distributed passing to four receivers.
He has completed 124 of his 231 passes for 22 touchdowns and 2,028 yards.
George Garner has 555 yards receiving, Chris Dobbins has 659, and Tyrrell Willis has 24 receptions for 411 yards.
Russell County (4-6) can sum up their offense in two words: Bryon Ellis.
Ellis has 114 carries for 590 yards, and has completed 104 passes for 1,663 yards and 15 touchdowns. Ellis provides the offense and much of the defense accumulating, 40 solo tackles and 56 assists.
He is helped on defense by Chandler McGowan, who has 32 solo tackles and 68 assists.
Franklin-Simpson (7-3) brings a well-balanced offense to the table that has been successful. The Wildcats have rushed for a total of 2,227 yards and passed for 1,788.
Patrick Flippin has 138 carries for 991 yards on the ground; he has split the carries with quarterback Courtney Dalcourt, who has 964 yards.
Dalcourt, who is receiving numberous Division-I offers, has also contributed the passing game, completing 116 passes for 1,654 yards.
Dalcourt has two primary receivers in Zack Herrington and Jim Murphree.
Franklin-Simpson has the explosive offense to provide some upsets if an opponent’s defense is not ready.
Hopkins Central (7-3) also brings a well-balanced offense, but their defense appears to be susceptible to the pass. Hopkins has totaled 1,636 yards rushing and 1,089 passing.
The problem is that they have allowed 1,088 passing yards. Hopkins rushing attack is supplied by Keith Couch with 466 yards, Jacob Powell with 461 yards, and Troydale Porter adding 603 yards.
Hopkins Central has gained 892 yards passing behind QB Powell. The receiving corp is Kevin Couch, Keith Couch, and Kelsey Brown. Leading the defense is Nathan Crick who has 46 solo tackles and 38 assist.
The Storm's speed on defense could give Franklin-Simpson fits if they can contain Dalcourt and Flippin.
Lone Oak (9-1) will be displaying an efficient passing game in their first round game with Warren East.
Quarterback Jamirelle Brown has amassed 2,229 yards passing for 32 touchdowns, completing 122 of his 199 passes. Brown is also leading Lone Oak on the ground with 628 rushing yards.
Brown has spread his passes around with Justin Jackson, Allen Haase, Logan Francis, and Matt Sparks and could play some receiver as well.
Warren East (4-6) has put up good numbers in their rushing game as well as their passing game, but their defense has allowed just as much rushing and passing yards against them.
Warren East has amassed 1,752 rushing yards, and 1,072 passing yards.
But, they have given up 1,346 rushing yards and 1,072 passing yards. For Warren East to advance, they are going to have to make stops against potent offenses they are likely to face.
Warren East’s leading rusher, Shenard Holton, is a Louisville committment who has 844 yards, while Andrew Alvey has provided the passing attack with 808 yards through the air.
Allen County-Scottsville (7-3) has a good three-prong rushing attack, but does have problems defending the run, allowing at total of 1,990 yards on the ground.
Allen County’s rushing attack features Brandon Boards who has carried the ball 86 times for 622 yards, Cory Cooper who has 102 carries for 565 yards, and Hunter York who has contributed 400 yards on 86 carries.
Look for Allen County to rack up the rushing yards, but for them to go deep in the playoffs, they are going to have to stop some good rushing teams.
The Patriots have the easiest first round game in the region as they will host Shane Sams' improving Muhlenberg North (1-9) squad.
Region Championship: Lone Oak 35 Calloway County 21
Region 2
Valley (6-2) has a good combination with a very good rushing attack, and a defense that stops the run. Valley has accumulated 2,299 rushing yards, while only allowing a total of 375 rushing yards. Valley’s rushing attack is fueled by Gerwan Brewer who has carried the ball 104 times for 1,090 yards and 19 touchdowns.
They will host LaRue County (4-6), who likes to spread the wealth among several players. The Hawks run by committee, with Alex Lee rushing for 637 yards, Drew Newberry rushing for 552 yards, and Ryan Wafford adding another 611 yards.
LaRue not only does it on the ground, but they also has a passing game. QB Lucas Chandoin has completed 84 passes for 792 yards.
Larue’s defense also supplies some offense by averaging almost one interception per game.
North Bullitt's (6-4) big weapon is all-time leading rusher Dalton Cissell, who has 14 rushing touchdowns and four receiving, and a total of 132 points, amassing 1,238 yards rushing.
Cissell is the focal point of the other team's defense, but some questionable losses have fans wondering how far this team can go.
North Bullitt wasn't done any favors when Western was forced to forfeit two district wins for using an ineligible player. Instead of winning the district title, Western was dropped to a three seed.
Western (3-8) could possibly face Valley in the second round -- a team they already own a 24-12 win over this year.
Bullitt East (5-5) brings a more balanced offensive attack with their running game being provided by Curtis Logston, who has 112 carries for 746 yards.
The passing attack of Bullitt East is taken care of by Matthew Bowles, who has completed 42 of his 92 attempts for 771 yards and five touchdowns. Bullitt East has two primary targets in Zach McCarthy and Logston.
The Chargers enter the playoffs having won three of their last four games, with their only loss a double-overtime loss to Manual.
They will be facing an Atherton (2-9) team that has never won a playoff game.
Fairdale's (6-4) balanced offense has totaled 1,186 yards on the ground and 1,619 yards though the air.
Most of the rushing attack is supplied by Austen Woosley and Bradley Vincent. Vincent also supplies the air attack passing for 1,508 yards.
Vincent’s passes are frequently completed to Quintrel Morris and Melvin McAtee. It will take a good all around defense to stifle all of Fairdale’s weapons.
However, Fairdale has an interesting first round game with Marion County (8-2), who like to pound the football on the ground.
The Knights have accumulated 2,358 yards rushing on the year, while only allowing 904 yards.
The rushing duties are spread over three weapons: Dylan Peterson with 693 yards, Jordan Bell with 478 yards, and David Litsey with 318 yards.
Even though they have racked up the rushing yards, Marion does use the passing game; they have 692 yards passing from QB Eric Miles.
His favorite target is Bryson Bell, who has seven touchdowns receiving.
Marion’s defense has done a good job of taking the ball away from opposing offenses. Marion has 15 interceptions on the year, and 4 fumble recoveries.
Two Marion defenders are often found near the ball; T.J. Jones has 28 solo tackles and 70 assists, while teammate Dylan Peterson has 26 solo tackles and 52 assists.
Region Championship: Bullitt East 28 Valley 14
Region 3
Harrison County's (5-5) passing attack appears to be their focus; they have passed for 1,569 yards behind QB Aaron Newby.
While passing is the focus of their offense, stopping the pass has been the focus of the defense. Harrison County has picked off seven passes, and five of those interceptions belong to Malcome Thomas.
The 'Breds will play West Jessamine (3-7), who they beat 26-23 two weeks ago.
West Jessamine has lost six of seven games entering the playoffs.
Lexington Catholic (6-4) may be soft on the run, allowing 1,615 yards on the ground. However, their high-powered offense may provide enough points to offset that weakness.
Quarterback Nic Ward has thrown 187 passes, completing 101 of them for 1,152 yards through the air for 14 touchdowns. Receivers Jonathon Bush and Daniel Vogelsang are Wards primary targets.
The Knights are expected to benefit from their tough schedule, with three of their four losses coming to top-ranked teams in the Bluegrasspreps.com polls.
Bourbon County (3-7) likes to keep the football on the ground, and they will need to play a ball control style if they are to upset Lexington Catholic in the first round.
They have accumulated 1,248 yards on the ground, with Dustin Purcell rushing for half of them.
Tackling is the job of Mack Manning who has 48 solo tackles and 28 assists. Taylor Myers and Matt Fister also help Manning out on defense with 32 and 25 solo tackles respectfully.
Boyle County (10-0) has turned things around under first-year head coach Larry French. For the first time in several years, the Rebels are considered the favorites to bring home the Class 4A hardware.
Running back Rees McShara has benefitted behind a much-improved offensive line, while the Rebels still get the job done on defense, allowing no more than 13 points in a game this year.
Boyle County will host Pendleton County in the first round, one of seven winless teams in the playoffs this year.
Franklin County (5-5) features a balanced offensive attack, rushing for 1,294 yards, while passing for another 1,970 yards.
The rushing game has been well distributed between three backs on offense, Jordan Moore, Sean Thompson, and Lane Jackson. Thompson has also provided the passing game totaling 1,807 yards passing.
Thompson’s primary target appears to be Deron Hicks, who has caught 54 passes for 840 yards. Franklin County is as good at catching their opponent’s passes, as they are their own. They have picked off 14 passes on defense; with Damian Hicks supplying 6 INT’s and 165 return yards.
Franklin has also done a good job of taking the ball away on the ground, by recovering 13 fumbles. Oakley Watkins and Patrick Brown have 4 fumble recoveries apiece. While Brown and Jeremy Garner are always near the ball, Brown has 32 solo tackles and 44 assists, and Garner 18 solo tackles and 33 assists.
The Flyers will host East Jessamine (4-6), who they beat 41-31 two weeks ago.
Region Championship: Boyle County 35 Lexington Catholic 24
Region 4
Bell County (10-0) joins Boyle County as the only two undefeated Class 4A teams entering the playoffs.
The Bobcats have one of their more well-rounded teams in some time, averaging 48 points a game.
However, their defense is among the best in the state's history in terms of points allowed. The Bobcats have pitched five consecutive shutouts and seven in their last eight games. They have only allowed 21 points in 10 games, the lowest average since Louisville Butler in 1970.
Offensively, Bell County is led by Spencer Greer's 951 rushing yards, and Shawnta Zachary's 926 passing yards.
Chase Ely is on the other end of Zachery’s passes, catching 18 passes for 344 yards receiving.
Bell County also has one of the best kickers in the state in Monte Merrick, who could prove to be a big weapon in a close game late.
The Bobcats will play winless Lawrence County, who hasn't won a playoff game since 2001.
Rockcastle County (7-3) saw a four-game winning streak snapped against Whitley County last week. The Rockets are a story of rushing and not allowing other teams to rush.
Rockcastle has amassed 1,622 rushing yards, with most of those yards being supplied by Casey Hays, who has rushed for 1,158 yards.
While running the ball has been good for Rockcastle, stopping the run has been equally good. Rockcastle has only allowed 571 yards on the ground, with Matt Bullens providing good run stopping ability with 29 solo tackles and 43 assists.
They will be trveling to Greenup County (3-7), led by QB Eric Craft, who has supplied 1,246 passing yards.
Knox Central (7-3) could put the pieces together and advance to the region title game and another rematch with Bell County, whose 21-0 win over KC was their smallest margin of victory this year.
Region Championship: Bell County 28 Knox Central 0
Sleeper team: Fairdale could provide some surprises. They have provided an explosive offense that is very well balanced, amassing 1,186 rushing yards and 1,619 passing yards.
Fairdale’s rushing attack is split between Austin Woosley and Bradley Vincent. Vincent is also responsible for the Fairdale passing attack, passing for 1,508 yards for 16 touchdowns. Vincent has two quality receivers to choose from in Quintrel Morris and Melvin McAtee who has 683 yards receiving and 514 yards receiving respectively. Fairdale upsetting someone would not be that much of a surprise.
State Semi-Finals
Bullitt East 24 Lone Oak 21
Bell County 21 Boyle County 14
State title prediction
Bell County 35 Bullitt East 7
Special to BGP
Region 1
Calloway County (8-2) brings a potent passing attack that has totaled 2,035 yards thought the air. Quarterback Casey Brockman has evenly distributed passing to four receivers.
He has completed 124 of his 231 passes for 22 touchdowns and 2,028 yards.
George Garner has 555 yards receiving, Chris Dobbins has 659, and Tyrrell Willis has 24 receptions for 411 yards.
Russell County (4-6) can sum up their offense in two words: Bryon Ellis.
Ellis has 114 carries for 590 yards, and has completed 104 passes for 1,663 yards and 15 touchdowns. Ellis provides the offense and much of the defense accumulating, 40 solo tackles and 56 assists.
He is helped on defense by Chandler McGowan, who has 32 solo tackles and 68 assists.
Franklin-Simpson (7-3) brings a well-balanced offense to the table that has been successful. The Wildcats have rushed for a total of 2,227 yards and passed for 1,788.
Patrick Flippin has 138 carries for 991 yards on the ground; he has split the carries with quarterback Courtney Dalcourt, who has 964 yards.
Dalcourt, who is receiving numberous Division-I offers, has also contributed the passing game, completing 116 passes for 1,654 yards.
Dalcourt has two primary receivers in Zack Herrington and Jim Murphree.
Franklin-Simpson has the explosive offense to provide some upsets if an opponent’s defense is not ready.
Hopkins Central (7-3) also brings a well-balanced offense, but their defense appears to be susceptible to the pass. Hopkins has totaled 1,636 yards rushing and 1,089 passing.
The problem is that they have allowed 1,088 passing yards. Hopkins rushing attack is supplied by Keith Couch with 466 yards, Jacob Powell with 461 yards, and Troydale Porter adding 603 yards.
Hopkins Central has gained 892 yards passing behind QB Powell. The receiving corp is Kevin Couch, Keith Couch, and Kelsey Brown. Leading the defense is Nathan Crick who has 46 solo tackles and 38 assist.
The Storm's speed on defense could give Franklin-Simpson fits if they can contain Dalcourt and Flippin.
Lone Oak (9-1) will be displaying an efficient passing game in their first round game with Warren East.
Quarterback Jamirelle Brown has amassed 2,229 yards passing for 32 touchdowns, completing 122 of his 199 passes. Brown is also leading Lone Oak on the ground with 628 rushing yards.
Brown has spread his passes around with Justin Jackson, Allen Haase, Logan Francis, and Matt Sparks and could play some receiver as well.
Warren East (4-6) has put up good numbers in their rushing game as well as their passing game, but their defense has allowed just as much rushing and passing yards against them.
Warren East has amassed 1,752 rushing yards, and 1,072 passing yards.
But, they have given up 1,346 rushing yards and 1,072 passing yards. For Warren East to advance, they are going to have to make stops against potent offenses they are likely to face.
Warren East’s leading rusher, Shenard Holton, is a Louisville committment who has 844 yards, while Andrew Alvey has provided the passing attack with 808 yards through the air.
Allen County-Scottsville (7-3) has a good three-prong rushing attack, but does have problems defending the run, allowing at total of 1,990 yards on the ground.
Allen County’s rushing attack features Brandon Boards who has carried the ball 86 times for 622 yards, Cory Cooper who has 102 carries for 565 yards, and Hunter York who has contributed 400 yards on 86 carries.
Look for Allen County to rack up the rushing yards, but for them to go deep in the playoffs, they are going to have to stop some good rushing teams.
The Patriots have the easiest first round game in the region as they will host Shane Sams' improving Muhlenberg North (1-9) squad.
Region Championship: Lone Oak 35 Calloway County 21
Region 2
Valley (6-2) has a good combination with a very good rushing attack, and a defense that stops the run. Valley has accumulated 2,299 rushing yards, while only allowing a total of 375 rushing yards. Valley’s rushing attack is fueled by Gerwan Brewer who has carried the ball 104 times for 1,090 yards and 19 touchdowns.
They will host LaRue County (4-6), who likes to spread the wealth among several players. The Hawks run by committee, with Alex Lee rushing for 637 yards, Drew Newberry rushing for 552 yards, and Ryan Wafford adding another 611 yards.
LaRue not only does it on the ground, but they also has a passing game. QB Lucas Chandoin has completed 84 passes for 792 yards.
Larue’s defense also supplies some offense by averaging almost one interception per game.
North Bullitt's (6-4) big weapon is all-time leading rusher Dalton Cissell, who has 14 rushing touchdowns and four receiving, and a total of 132 points, amassing 1,238 yards rushing.
Cissell is the focal point of the other team's defense, but some questionable losses have fans wondering how far this team can go.
North Bullitt wasn't done any favors when Western was forced to forfeit two district wins for using an ineligible player. Instead of winning the district title, Western was dropped to a three seed.
Western (3-8) could possibly face Valley in the second round -- a team they already own a 24-12 win over this year.
Bullitt East (5-5) brings a more balanced offensive attack with their running game being provided by Curtis Logston, who has 112 carries for 746 yards.
The passing attack of Bullitt East is taken care of by Matthew Bowles, who has completed 42 of his 92 attempts for 771 yards and five touchdowns. Bullitt East has two primary targets in Zach McCarthy and Logston.
The Chargers enter the playoffs having won three of their last four games, with their only loss a double-overtime loss to Manual.
They will be facing an Atherton (2-9) team that has never won a playoff game.
Fairdale's (6-4) balanced offense has totaled 1,186 yards on the ground and 1,619 yards though the air.
Most of the rushing attack is supplied by Austen Woosley and Bradley Vincent. Vincent also supplies the air attack passing for 1,508 yards.
Vincent’s passes are frequently completed to Quintrel Morris and Melvin McAtee. It will take a good all around defense to stifle all of Fairdale’s weapons.
However, Fairdale has an interesting first round game with Marion County (8-2), who like to pound the football on the ground.
The Knights have accumulated 2,358 yards rushing on the year, while only allowing 904 yards.
The rushing duties are spread over three weapons: Dylan Peterson with 693 yards, Jordan Bell with 478 yards, and David Litsey with 318 yards.
Even though they have racked up the rushing yards, Marion does use the passing game; they have 692 yards passing from QB Eric Miles.
His favorite target is Bryson Bell, who has seven touchdowns receiving.
Marion’s defense has done a good job of taking the ball away from opposing offenses. Marion has 15 interceptions on the year, and 4 fumble recoveries.
Two Marion defenders are often found near the ball; T.J. Jones has 28 solo tackles and 70 assists, while teammate Dylan Peterson has 26 solo tackles and 52 assists.
Region Championship: Bullitt East 28 Valley 14
Region 3
Harrison County's (5-5) passing attack appears to be their focus; they have passed for 1,569 yards behind QB Aaron Newby.
While passing is the focus of their offense, stopping the pass has been the focus of the defense. Harrison County has picked off seven passes, and five of those interceptions belong to Malcome Thomas.
The 'Breds will play West Jessamine (3-7), who they beat 26-23 two weeks ago.
West Jessamine has lost six of seven games entering the playoffs.
Lexington Catholic (6-4) may be soft on the run, allowing 1,615 yards on the ground. However, their high-powered offense may provide enough points to offset that weakness.
Quarterback Nic Ward has thrown 187 passes, completing 101 of them for 1,152 yards through the air for 14 touchdowns. Receivers Jonathon Bush and Daniel Vogelsang are Wards primary targets.
The Knights are expected to benefit from their tough schedule, with three of their four losses coming to top-ranked teams in the Bluegrasspreps.com polls.
Bourbon County (3-7) likes to keep the football on the ground, and they will need to play a ball control style if they are to upset Lexington Catholic in the first round.
They have accumulated 1,248 yards on the ground, with Dustin Purcell rushing for half of them.
Tackling is the job of Mack Manning who has 48 solo tackles and 28 assists. Taylor Myers and Matt Fister also help Manning out on defense with 32 and 25 solo tackles respectfully.
Boyle County (10-0) has turned things around under first-year head coach Larry French. For the first time in several years, the Rebels are considered the favorites to bring home the Class 4A hardware.
Running back Rees McShara has benefitted behind a much-improved offensive line, while the Rebels still get the job done on defense, allowing no more than 13 points in a game this year.
Boyle County will host Pendleton County in the first round, one of seven winless teams in the playoffs this year.
Franklin County (5-5) features a balanced offensive attack, rushing for 1,294 yards, while passing for another 1,970 yards.
The rushing game has been well distributed between three backs on offense, Jordan Moore, Sean Thompson, and Lane Jackson. Thompson has also provided the passing game totaling 1,807 yards passing.
Thompson’s primary target appears to be Deron Hicks, who has caught 54 passes for 840 yards. Franklin County is as good at catching their opponent’s passes, as they are their own. They have picked off 14 passes on defense; with Damian Hicks supplying 6 INT’s and 165 return yards.
Franklin has also done a good job of taking the ball away on the ground, by recovering 13 fumbles. Oakley Watkins and Patrick Brown have 4 fumble recoveries apiece. While Brown and Jeremy Garner are always near the ball, Brown has 32 solo tackles and 44 assists, and Garner 18 solo tackles and 33 assists.
The Flyers will host East Jessamine (4-6), who they beat 41-31 two weeks ago.
Region Championship: Boyle County 35 Lexington Catholic 24
Region 4
Bell County (10-0) joins Boyle County as the only two undefeated Class 4A teams entering the playoffs.
The Bobcats have one of their more well-rounded teams in some time, averaging 48 points a game.
However, their defense is among the best in the state's history in terms of points allowed. The Bobcats have pitched five consecutive shutouts and seven in their last eight games. They have only allowed 21 points in 10 games, the lowest average since Louisville Butler in 1970.
Offensively, Bell County is led by Spencer Greer's 951 rushing yards, and Shawnta Zachary's 926 passing yards.
Chase Ely is on the other end of Zachery’s passes, catching 18 passes for 344 yards receiving.
Bell County also has one of the best kickers in the state in Monte Merrick, who could prove to be a big weapon in a close game late.
The Bobcats will play winless Lawrence County, who hasn't won a playoff game since 2001.
Rockcastle County (7-3) saw a four-game winning streak snapped against Whitley County last week. The Rockets are a story of rushing and not allowing other teams to rush.
Rockcastle has amassed 1,622 rushing yards, with most of those yards being supplied by Casey Hays, who has rushed for 1,158 yards.
While running the ball has been good for Rockcastle, stopping the run has been equally good. Rockcastle has only allowed 571 yards on the ground, with Matt Bullens providing good run stopping ability with 29 solo tackles and 43 assists.
They will be trveling to Greenup County (3-7), led by QB Eric Craft, who has supplied 1,246 passing yards.
Knox Central (7-3) could put the pieces together and advance to the region title game and another rematch with Bell County, whose 21-0 win over KC was their smallest margin of victory this year.
Region Championship: Bell County 28 Knox Central 0
Sleeper team: Fairdale could provide some surprises. They have provided an explosive offense that is very well balanced, amassing 1,186 rushing yards and 1,619 passing yards.
Fairdale’s rushing attack is split between Austin Woosley and Bradley Vincent. Vincent is also responsible for the Fairdale passing attack, passing for 1,508 yards for 16 touchdowns. Vincent has two quality receivers to choose from in Quintrel Morris and Melvin McAtee who has 683 yards receiving and 514 yards receiving respectively. Fairdale upsetting someone would not be that much of a surprise.
State Semi-Finals
Bullitt East 24 Lone Oak 21
Bell County 21 Boyle County 14
State title prediction
Bell County 35 Bullitt East 7