The Gridiron Bowl Is Here

The two day festival to crown Kentucky's best football teams will take place this Friday and Saturday at L.T. Smith Stadium. Get ready for epic battles, blowouts, tears, cheers, and elation on the football field. Look for fender benders, screaming, fist fights, and parking tickets across campus parking lots at Western Kentucky University. Yes, the first weekend of December has arrived and now lets break down the contests.

Friday

1A; Mayfield vs. Hazard
Mayfield will have their toughest test on defense all year as they try to hold down Jon Combs, Jordan Olinger and the Hazard air attack. Mayfield has a balanced offensive attack and defense, defense wins championships right?
My pick: Mayfield in close battle

2A; Owensboro Catholic vs. Newport Central Catholic
There may be 100 points scored in this contest between the Aces and Thoroughbreds. I believe the Thoroughbreds have more weapons with dual threat quarterback Brady Hightchew and an outstanding running back in Chris Kelly.
My pick: Newport Central Catholic

4A; Allen County-Scottsville vs. Boyle County
This game will come down to defense, which team will be able to stop the others running attack? The answer is Boyle County. The Rebels defense is simply stronger.
My pick: Boyle County

Saturday

3A; Central vs. Belfry
Central's Anthony Wales is having a monster season running the ball, feed the monster the ball and good things will happen. Belfry has the ability to make it close for a while but I will take the more battle tested Yellow Jackets.
My pick: Central

5A; Christian County vs. Highlands
The Colonels defense and Anthony Hickey making plays at quarterback should keep this game close for a while. However, until somebody knocks off Highlands in 5A I will take the Bluebirds. Plus, they have a talented quarterback as well in Patrick Towles.
My pick: Highlands

6A; Male vs. Trinity
Unfortunately for the Male Bulldogs they have to play the juggernaut that is the Trinity Shamrocks. Since St. Xavier won the 6A crown last year, it is time for Trinity to win three in a row. Derek Bishop and company will not be denied on their way to the title.
My pick: Trinity

Patriots Collide With Warriors

With the Warren Central Dragons and the Russellville Panthers going down to defeat this past Friday night, the only team in the area still alive is the Allen County Scottsville Patriots.

The Patriots are coming off a huge win at home against the Lone Oak Purple Flash prevailing by a final score of 35-28. The ACS defense had a bend but not break attitude against the Purple Flash allowing them to get their passing yards (367) but shutting down their running game, the Flash only had 14 total rushing yards.

ACS showed a lot of determination by jumping out to a 20 point lead only to see that lead turn into a 28-27 deficit in the 4th quarter. The Patriots responded with a 43 yard touchdown run by Hunter York to take the lead for good. Lone Oak fumbled away their opportunity to tie the game on their next possession. The Patriots were lead by Brandon Boards with 19 rushes for 119 yards, despite being in a car wreck early in the morning...one tough dude!

Now its on to Louisville to face the Western Warriors (10-3) lead by running back Jacorey Ritchie, who is coming off a 170 yard 2 touchdown performance against Collins. The Patriots defense will have to key on the running attack of the Warriors if they want to make it to the big show in Bowling Green.

Franklin Simpson 28, Glasgow 17

The Wildcats continue their late season success with a road victory over the Glasgow Scotties. They have won five of their last six games to cap off the season and have been flexing some offensive muscles during the hot streak. Darius Wickware led the way for Franklin Simpson with 152 yards rushing and 3 touchdowns. Parker Cash had a fantastic night for Glasgow going 17 for 22 for 212 yards with 2 touchdowns (1 rushing) and 1 interception.

As the Wildcats scored touchdowns in the first half the Scotties countered with drives that ended in a Dustin Thompson 26 yard field goal, a 16 yard touchdown reception from Cash to Hunter Bowles, and a crucial interception in the end zone to conclude the first half. It was a 21-9 lead for the Wildcats at halftime when they put the game away in the fourth quarter with a 15 play, 94 yard drive that ended when Max Bennett hit Jerrell Wickware on a 23 yard touchdown pass, 28-9 Franklin Simpson. Glasgow answered with a drive that ended when Parker Cash scooted in the end zone from 8 yards out and the Scotties made the two point conversion to cut the lead to 28-17.

Glasgow's onside kick rolled out of bounds and the comeback effort by the Scotties was over as Franklin Simpson killed the clock. The regular season is now over, may the Kentucky high school football madness begin.

Franklin-Simpson @ Glasgow Preview

Halloween is upon us and so comes the end of another high school football regular season in the state of Kentucky. The most intriguing matchup of the final weekend in the south central will be the collision between Franklin-Simpson and Glasgow. The Scotties are riding the wave of winning a regular season district title and the Wildcats have jump started their offense for a successful run to close out the season. Will the Scotties get their ninth win on the season or will the Wildcats continue their late season success into the playoffs?

What To Watch For:
- Glasgow's stud running back Tavion Parrish has been sidelined with an ankle injury over the last few games, it will be interesting to see if he plays or continue to be held out until playoff time. Michael Bradley and quarterback Parker Cash have been stepping up their ground game as Parrish sets out.

- Speaking of running backs, the Wildcats will counter punch with Darius Wickware who has rushed for 1,297 yards and 13 touchdowns on the season. Those are noteworthy stats!

- Quarterback play will be key, Franklin-Simpson's Max Bennett has passed for 1,182 yards and 11 touchdowns on the season. He has a tendency to throw interceptions (Brett Favre syndrome), coming into the game with 10 on the year. Glasgow's Parker Cash has been very accurate on the season going 48-78 for 961 yards with 15 touchdowns and only 3 interceptions. Cash has some good wheels as well, with 436 rushing yards on the year, a dual threat quarterback is always a dangerous quarterback.

- Max Bennett's favorite target is Jarrell Wickware, who has accounted for 31 grabs for 585 yards and 4 touchdowns on the season. The Scotties playmaker at receiver is Lajuan Smith who has hauled in 25 passes for 539 yards and 8 touchdowns.

- We got a ton of talent on the offensive side of the ball for both teams in this contest. I have a feeling the defenses will be chasing in this battle, however, it will be Halloween weekend and strange things may happen like a final score of 3-2.

- I'll take the Scotties in a close high scoring contest.

South Central High School Football Roundup 10/22

Warren Central 17, Bowling Green 14
You would think with the Purples having a 14 point lead fourth quarter lead you would chalk up a victory for BGHS right? Wrong! A ferocious comeback by the Dragons started late in the third quarter with an 73 yard touchdown drive. A botched snap and a fumble recovery by the Dragons set up an Eric Brown 15 yard touchdown run. The Dragons drive 64 yards on 11 plays to allow freshman kicker Adel Muskic to nail a 33 yard field goal as time expired for the win.

Russellville 22, Butler County 19
The Panthers solidified their dominance of District 2, Class 3A with a late 36 yard touchdown pass. Momentum shifted swiftly in this one with Russellville scoring 15 unanswered points to open the game, then the Bears caught fire and scored 19 in a row before the Panthers put in the dagger. Devonta Bryant lead the way for the Panthers with 113 yards rushing.

Franklin-Simpson 64, Logan County 12
The Wildcats continue to put together wins late in the season and have found some offensive firepower in their last five games. They finish 3-1 in District 2, Class 4A and will cap off the 2010 season with a trip to Glasgow.

Glasgow 50, Metcalfe County 6
The Scotties continue to roll with an easy victory and finish 3-0 in Distict 2, Class 2A. Franklin-Simpson comes to town next week, that should be a good game.

Allen County-Scottsville 50, Russell County 33
The Patriots win the District 2, Class 4A title and will finish their season with a trip to Monroe County, who has lost three straight after starting 6-0. I have a feeling the Patriots will cap off a perfect regular season.

5A, District 2 Champ...Who Wants It More?

The Friday night showdown of the night in the south central is clearly the Bowling Green and Warren Central match up for the District 2 title in class 5A. The Purples are looking for revenge after the Dragons scored an 18-10 upset in the rivalry last season. Braggin' rights are on the line, this is where the playa's play!

- Whoever wins obviously gets a district crown, but should get positioned nicely with some home field games in the playoffs. The loser will probably have to deal with those pesky Colonels of Christian County in the second round.

- I saw Central's Cortez Barber limp off the field last week against Grayson County. Will Barber be active for this game to add some flavor to the Dragons backfield punch? If Barber is not active, look for Eric Brown to step in and step up.

- Central and Bowling Green have similar offenses that focus on I formation running, trying to misdirect the defense, and throw in an occasional pass. The Dragons held down the Grayson County offense allowing just 162 total yards in last weeks 24-6 win. The Purples defense allowed 395 total yards to the Cougars earlier in the year in a 41-27 win. An interesting defensive comparison to make!

- Can the Dragons hold down Hunter Neveras, Scooter Hollis, and Bowling Green offense? Can the Purples stop the dynamic duo of Cortez Barber, Demonte Smith, and the Warren Central running attack?

- I am sensing a grind it out game where a critical mistake will make the difference: Bowling Green 20, Warren Central 14.

Warren Central 24, Grayson Co. 6 Highlights

The Dragons defense was in shut down mode on Friday night holding a Grayson County offense that was averaging 400 yards a game to just 188 yards on the night. Warren Central keyed in defensively on Cougars quarterback Hunter Gary, holding him to just 20 yards on the ground, 91 yards passing, and forcing him to throw three interceptions. Definitely a night to forget for the Cougar senior.

RECAP

- After the Cougars took a 6-3 halftime lead, they took the opening kickoff of the second half and drove the ball 68 yards to the Warren Central 27. Grayson County went for it on fourth down and failed after Hunter Gary was sacked. The momentum shifted from this point on and it was bad news for the Cougars.

- Warren Central took the ball and twelve plays later Eric Brown scored on a sweep from 10 yards out to give the Dragons a 10-6 lead.

- The Cougars went three and out on their next possession as the Dragons took over on their own 48 yard line. Cortez Barber broke a 43 yard run that set Warren Central up at the 2 yard line. Which lead to Demonte Smith crashing into the end zone. Dragons 17, Cougars 6.

- On Grayson County's next possession a Hunter Gary swing pass became a botched lateral and the Dragons' Marvin Miles recovered on the Cougars 22 yard line.

- Seven plays later Demonte Smith powered his way up the middle for a 4 yard touchdown run. Dragons 24, Cougars 6.

- With the win, the Dragons are guaranteed a home playoff game and will be playing for a district title as they collide with the Purples next Friday.

- Demonte Smith finished the game with 85 yards rushing and two touchdowns. The credit to this win has to go to the defense of the Dragons for holding the Cougar offense to just 6 points. If the Warren Central defense plays like this next week, Bowling Green better watch out.

High School Football Pic Of The Week

Photo by: Alex Slitz of The Bowling Green Daily News


This picture sums up the night of frustration for Warren East head coach Ben Bruni in mid hat toss, one of many on the night. And no, those are not leather pants!

Russell County 52, Warren East 20

Down only 7-6 early in the second quarter, Warren East attempted an onside kick which Russell County recovered. On the next play, the Lakers Nick Britt broke a 58 yard touchdown run to make the score 14-6 in favor of Russell County. From that point on it turned out to be doomsday for the Warren East Raiders.

The Rest of the Second Quarter Scoring
- Russell County quarterback Martin Cross scores on a 7 yard touchdown run, 21-6 Lakers.
- Taylor Hutchinson with a 23 yard touchdown reception, 28-6 Russell County.
- Jeron Hammond scores on a 35 yard run, 35-6 Lakers.
- Warren East answers with a long drive that ended with a Nick Campbell 19 yard touchdown reception, 35-12.
- A good return on the kickoff sets up a Taylor Hutchinson 36 yard touchdown reception as time expired in the first half, 42-12 Lakers.

The second quarter domination by the Lakers was the story of the game and they were able to take advantage of six Warren East turnovers. The Laker defense focused on run defense, holding Adarius Barnett to just 20 yards rushing on the night.

Russell County's Jeron Hammond had a huge night with 3 interceptions and contributed 115 yards rushing with two touchdowns. Nick Britt added 161 yards on the ground for the Lakers for two touchdowns as well.

On a positive note for Warren East, head coach Ben Bruni exhibited great hat tossing skills in frustration with his team's play and some officiating calls.

Bourbon County Player Airlifted After Concussion

Bourbon County football player Jarrod Hilander airlifted to UK Medical Center after on field collision. He was moving his extremities before being airlifted and thoughts and prayers are with him and his family. Just an example of how physical a game football can be and the toll it will take on your body. Below is a link on the incident:

http://www.trischoolsports.com/10Football/helicopter.html

The South Central Top Ten

Yes, we are in the last month of the regular season for high school football but much like the BCS (Bull Crap System) I have a good idea of the top ten teams in the area covering Warren, Simpson, Logan, Allen, and Barren counties. Here is The South Central Top Ten Rankings:

1. Bowling Green (6-1) coming off a close victory against Grayson Co. 41-27.
2. Allen County Scottsville (6-0) easy victory over Warren East, 56-13.
3. Warren Central (5-2) much improved as the season goes on, close losses to Christian Co. and Nelson Co.
4. Glasgow (5-1) squeaker win over E-town 48-47, only loss is to ACS.
5. Greenwood (5-2) coming off a tough loss to Nelson Co. in a game they should have won.
6. Russellville (4-3) win over Edmonson Co. 30-22. Have won three straight games.
7. Franklin-Simpson (3-3) coming off a huge win over previously unbeaten Monroe Co. 49-35. Also holds a victory over Russellville.
8. Edmonson Co. (5-2) loss to Russellville 30-22. Wins over bad teams like Muhlenberg Co., Butler Co., Adair, and Breckinridge.
9. Warren East (2-5) loss to ACS 56-13. Holds a victory over Russellville and are rebuilding this year.
10. Barren Co. (1-5) coming off loss to Warren Central 39-6. Take your pick at this spot, you also have Logan Co. with only one win.

Cardinals Late Surge Defeats Gators 28-24

photo by Joe Imel/Daily News

The Greenwood Gators established a 17-6 halftime lead as the offense showed their ability to move the ball. Greenwood also took advantage of a mistake, recovering a Nelson County fumble on a kickoff return where the Gators recovered inside the 10 yard line. The Gator offense took advantage of the good field position as Joe Combs scored from 2 yards out.

With over ten minutes to go in the third quarter Greenwood QB Jeff Witthuhn connected with Tanner Spangler on a 41 yard TD pass to give the Gators a commanding 24-6 lead.

One would think all the momentum is on Greenwood's side to this point, right? Well, this is football where momentum can shift swiftly in the blink of an eye. As my eyes blinked, Nelson County's John Harrison picked up a fumble on the ensuing kickoff for a 70 yard touchdown return. Greenwood 24, Nelson Co. 13.

On Nelson County's next possession, running back Quentin Brooks took a handoff and found the sideline where he outran Greenwood's secondary for a 64 yard touchdown run. The two point attempt failed. Greenwood 24, Nelson County 19.

Nelson County quarterback/punter/kicker Daniel Mudd added a field goal with ten minutes to play in the fourth quarter to cut Greenwood's lead to 24-22.

On the Gators ensuing possession they were forced to punt but that kick never came as Travis Casebeer mishandled the punt and fell to the ground giving the Cardinals offense great field position.

Nelson County gives the ball to their leathal weapon Quentin Brooks and he scores on a 17 yard touchdown run. Two point conversion failed. Nelson County 28, Greenwood 24.

Greenwood answers in desperation as Witthuhn connects with Tanner Spangler on a 36 yard pass down the middle of the field and the Gators are on Nelson County's 2 yard line. Going in for the score, Tanner Thompson takes the handoff and fumbles at the goal line and Nelson County recovers in the end zone for a touch back.

There was a lot of questions surrounding the fumble, was Thompson down before the ball came out? Or was it an actual fumble? From my view point I thought he was down by contact but you can't fault the referee's call in that situation, especially without instant replay options.

Nelson County's Daniel Mudd sealed the deal with 19 yard run and the clock expired on this comeback thriller. If these two teams played ten times they would probably win five games a piece, they were that closely matched in talent.

Gameday Knowledge

Nelson County's whole offensive scheme ran through quarterback Daniel Mudd rolling out looking for a pass then tucking the ball and running down field. The Cardinals were able to pick up huge chunks of yards with this type of play calling.

Running back Quentin Brooks ran wild over the Gator defense the whole night accounting for 226 yards and 3 touchdowns. He is an effortless runner that makes his cuts, fakes, and spins look as easy as if he were strutting down the street.

Nelson County has 19 seniors on their roster and they showed no panic when they were down 24-6 early in the third quarter. Experienced teams have been there and done that, they simply know how to win.

I have a feeling that these two teams will meet again come playoff time.

Trinity vs. Bowling Green Preview

One of the most highly anticipated matchups of the Kentucky high school football season takes place Friday night as Trinity brings their caravan in from Louisville to take on the Purples.

Last year's contest was a defensive battle as the Shamrocks defeated the Purples 9-0 up in Louisville. Trinity has defeated the Purples the last three seasons which brings up this question - Can Bowling Green be the only team in Kentucky (other than St. Xavier) to defeat the mighty Shamrock reign since 2004?

KEYS TO THE GAME:

- For Trinity, they have played the tougher opponents so far this season in Cincinnati Elder and Lawrence North, IN. They are coming off a close loss to nationally ranked Cincinnati St. Xavier, 17-10.

- DL Jason Hatcher is a top 100 prospect according to MaxPreps, should be interesting to see him go against the offensive line of Bowling Green. Sophomore QB Travis Wright has stepped up and been extremely accurate so far this season.

- The Purples are coming off a solid road victory over the Owensboro Red Devils 44-20. The defense was off to a great start but has allowed 34 points in the last two games. The Red Devils are the most complete offense the Purples have seen so far this season, it will be interesting to see how the Purple defense holds up against a potent Trinity offensive unit.

- Bowling Green will rely on the agility of QB Scooter Hollis both running and passing. The offense is also made up of a quadruple running attack that includes Hollis, Tevin Anderson, Brandon Green, and Hunter Neveras.

- I think this will be a tough defensive battle early on with Trinity finally winning the war late in the game.

- My prediction: Trinity 21 - Bowling Green 7