We pick games in all six (6) classes
This something we do every year and have for as long as we have been on air. We pick winners, we predict scores, and Saturday across the commonwealth, on the Kentucky News Network, our guy, Friday Night Fletch, will go on air an discuss how we fared. The below are some of the key matchups across Kentucky pitting teams from different classifications some even playing out of class. Here is how we see it.
Jumpin’ Jack Flash, Associate Scouting Director, KPGFootball
Here is how we see the games being played Thursday and Friday in all six (6) of Kentucky’s classifications. Many of these teams are taking on opponents out of classification which will be important when RPI’s start being calculated and classification rankings and seeding start crystalizing across the KHSAA. We will start with Kentucky Class 1A.
Class 1A
Raceland (0-1) at Pleasure Ridge Park (PRP)(6A) (1-0)
Raceland will run the clock on PRP by the score of 65-14
- The Matchup: Raceland Rams at Pleasure Ridge Park Panthers
- Why It Matters: Fresh off their run as the Class 1A state runners-up, the dominant Raceland squad travels to Louisville to challenge Class 6A program Pleasure Ridge Park. This game serves as a true David vs. Goliath narrative, testing the small-school power’s elite roster depth against large-school numbers
Pike County Central (0-1) vs. Martin County (0-1) (2A) (Pike County Bowl)
We are picking Martin County to win here 20-14
- The Matchup: Pike County Central Hawks vs. Martin County Cardinals
- Why It Matters: Playing as part of the highly anticipated Pike County Bowl Weekend, this regional showcase features a highly competitive eastern Kentucky clash. Class 1A’s prominent programs in the mountains traditionally make this physical, ground-and-pound game a fan favorite
W.E.B. DuBois Academy (2A), 0-1, at Kentucky Country Day (KCD, 1A Defending KHSAA Champions) 0-1
We like KCD to win here 44-24
- The Matchup: W.E.B. DuBois Academy at Kentucky Country Day Bearcats
- Why It Matters: Kentucky Country Day, historically one of the most consistent standard-bearers in Class 1A, hosts the Lions for their home opener. This intra-Louisville clash highlights KCD’s high-powered offense as they look to assert their dominance early in the season. (Note: Played on Thursday, Aug 27
The Kentucky Country Day (KCD) Bearcats are favored to win their matchup against the W.E.B. DuBois Academy Lions on Friday, August 28, 2026.
Game Background
The MaxPreps varsity football matchup scheduled for August 28 features two teams looking to bounce back from tough Week 1 losses:
- KCD lost its season opener 22-19 to Sayre High School, snapping momentum after their previous run as the 2025 Class 1A State Champions.
- W.E.B. DuBois lost a narrow 19-18 battle to Holy Cross in their inaugural home stadium game.
Matchup Insights
- Historical Edge: KCD historically has the upper hand in this specific matchup, having defeated DuBois convincingly by a score of 34-10 during the 2025 season.
- Impact Players: DuBois relies heavily on star senior wide receiver Rashad High, who holds multiple Division I scholarship offers. KCD counters with a disciplined core led by veterans Eric Forney and Nic Doster, giving them a slight edge in depth and high-stakes varsity experience.
Class 2A
Indian Hill (OH), 1-0, @ Beechwood (Season opener, 2A)
We like Beechwood to win this game 30-27
- The Matchup: Class 2A powerhouse Beechwood hosts out-of-state Indian Hill after a dominant 36-0 shutout victory in Week 0.
- Predicted Winner: Beechwood. Led by elite Wake Forest commit quarterback Emmett Queen, their offense is too explosive for Indian Hill’s defensive front to contain. Mr. Football candidate Tyler Freeman, UK commit, the 4-star, dual-sport athlete, and the rest of the Tigers are scheduled to officially kick off their 2026 regular season during Week 1 on Friday, August 28, against Indian Hill as part of the Skyline Chili Crosstown Showdown.
Daviess County (6A), 0-1 @ Owensboro Catholic (2A), 0-1
- The Matchup: Last year’s 2A state runner-up, Owensboro Catholic, battles city rival and Class 6A squad Daviess County.
- Predicted Winner: Owensboro Catholic. Despite the enrollment disadvantage against a 6A school, the Aces boast superior execution, playmaking depth, and a high-powered offense coming off a stellar prior season. We like Owensboro Catholic to run the clock here 55-14.
Breathitt County (0-1) at Powell County (3A), 0-1
Breathitt County is heavily projected to win against Powell County.
We like the Bobcats to win 55-14
Game Details
- Date: Friday, August 28, 2026
- Time: 7:30 PM EDT
- Location: Powell County High School (Stanton, KY)
Team Matchup Outlook
- Breathitt County Bobcats: Despite a close 36-35 season-opening loss to Middlesboro, Breathitt County boasts a highly explosive offense. They return nearly all of their defensive starters and have a loaded backfield featuring weapons like Eli Thomas and Jayden Gibson.
- Powell County Pirates: Playing at home gives Powell County an advantage, but projections suggest they will struggle to contain the speed and depth of Breathitt County’s roster
Class 3A
Central High (Louisville, 0-1) at Belfry (2A, 1-0)
The Belfry Pirates are projected to win their matchup against Louisville Central with an estimated margin of 20 points, according to the data tracked by On3 High School Sports.
The game is scheduled for Friday, August 28, 2026, at 8:30 PM as a marquee non-conference matchup in the annual Pike County Bowl.
Game Projections and Preview
- Score Prediction: The computer models project a final score of 40-20 in favor of Belfry.
- Historical Context: Louisville Central holds a slim 6-4 advantage in the all-time series between these KHSAA powerhouses, but Belfry completely dominated their last matchup with a 28-0 shutout victory.
- Home-Field Advantage: Belfry enters the game as the higher-ranked squad (#31 in the state vs. Central’s #46) and holds the home-field advantage at Pond Creek.
Owensboro (Senior) High (5A) 1-0 at Christian Academy-Louisville (3A) 1-0
Christian Academy-Louisville (CAL) is projected to defeat Owensboro High School by a score of roughly 35-20 (a 15-point margin) in their upcoming marquee matchup on Friday, August 28, 2026.
Game Handicap Breakdown
- The Spread: CAL is favored by 14.5 to 17.5 points.
- Over/Under: The total points line is estimated around 54.5 points.
- Straight Up Winner: CAL Centurions.
Team Analysis & Betting Trends
Both teams are reigning Kentucky State Champions entering this game with dominant Week 1 performances under their belts, making this one of the biggest regular-season games in the state.
| Factor | Christian Academy-Louisville (CAL) | Owensboro High School |
| Week 1 Result | Defeated Pikeville 41-0 | Defeated St. Xavier 24-7 |
| State Rank (KSR) | #2 Overall in Kentucky | #8 Overall in Kentucky |
| Offensive Catalyst | QB Jackson Burke & 4-star Louisville commit WR Ja’Hyde Brown (4 TDs in Week 1) | Power running game; dynamic defense that forced a strip-six against St. X |
| Key Injury Concern | None reported. | Starting QB DaMarcus Ganaway Jr. went down with an injury in Week 1. |
Why CAL Covers the Handicap
While Owensboro proved their elite status by walloping powerhouse St. Xavier, they face two massive hurdles traveling to Louisville. First, starting quarterback DaMarcus Ganaway Jr. was knocked out early in Week 1. While sophomore backup Tyson Biggs managed the game exceptionally well to close out St. X, facing CAL’s elite defense on the road without full preparation time is a monumental ask.
Second, CAL’s passing attack is currently the most lethal in the state. Jackson Burke and Ja’Hyde Brown connected for 180 yards and four scores in just one week of action. CAL is riding a historically dominant multi-year run and beat Owensboro 35-0 in their last meeting. Owensboro’s defense will make this year’s game much tighter, but CAL’s multi-dimensional offense should pull away late to secure the cover.
Class 4
Johnson Central 1-0 (4A) at Madison Central 1-0 (6A)
If we are being honest, we like Madison Central at home to win this ball game 21-20.
Johnson Central Golden Eagles at the Madison Central Indians matchup on Friday, August 28, 2026, the betting line sets up as a virtual pick ’em or a slight -1 to -1.5 spread favoring Madison Central due to home-field advantage.
This non-conference Kentucky high school football rivalry features two highly physical, ground-and-pound teams that historically play incredibly tight games.
Recent Series History
The last two meetings split down the middle, with the home team winning a close battle each time:
- 2025: Johnson Central won 15-14 in Paintsville, sealing the victory with a gritty fourth-quarter two-point conversion.
- 2024: Madison Central won 25-14 in Richmond, riding an 18-7 second-half surge to close out the game.
Key Handicapping Factors
- Styles of Play: Expect a brutal war of attrition. Johnson Central runs a precise, smash-mouth rushing attack. Madison Central relies on a deeply physical, balanced ground tactic explicitly built to go blow-for-blow with Johnson Central.
- Early Season Form: Johnson Central standardly takes a moment to hit its stride early in the year, enduring a slow start in their opener against Letcher County Central before a dominant second-half adjustment. Madison Central enters deep, highly confident, and plays efficiently from the first whistle.
- Home Field Edge: This game takes place at Madison Central. In a matchup where both teams are so evenly matched physically, playing in front of the Richmond crowd gives the Indians the edge needed to cover a minimal spread.
Power Metrics Comparison (Prior Season Data)
| Metric | Madison Central | Johnson Central |
| On3 State Rank | #21 | #14 |
| Massey Power Rating | #1,512 | #1,526 |
| Offense Rating | #1,649 | #1,233 |
| Defense Rating | #1,547 | #2,162 |
- Spread Projection: Madison Central -1.5
- Over/Under Projection: Under 35.5 points
With a razor-thin talent margin, the game will likely follow the script of the last two years: a low-scoring, clock-chewing slugfest where the home team makes the final crucial stop in the fourth quarter. Back the Indians to defend their home turf.
Elder, OH at Covington Catholic
The Cincinnati Elder Panthers (1-0) are heavily favored to win against the Covington Catholic Colonels (1-0), with a projected winning margin of 27 points (predicted score: 41–14) according to advanced analytical metrics.
Game Handicap Breakdown
- Spread/Handicap: Elder -26.5 to -27 points.
- On3 Massey Forecast: Gives Elder a 92% chance to win outright, limiting Covington Catholic to just an 8% upset probability.
- Over/Under Total: Projected around 55 points based on the 41-14 baseline expectation.
- Elder features senior quarterback Kaden Estep (a Miami of Ohio commit), who is coming off a dominant Week 1 performance where he racked up 195 passing yards (4 TDs) and 147 rushing yards (1 TD). Covington Catholic is fielding a relatively young roster this season, while Elder brings a battle-tested squad from Ohio’s famously brutal GCL-South division.
Class 5A
Cooper (1-0, 5A) at Highlands (0-1, 4A)
The Highlands Bluebirds are projected to win their KHSAA non-conference game against the Cooper Jaguars on Friday, August 28, 2026, with an expected margin of 20 points. [1]
Matchup Forecast
According to statistical algorithms like the On3 Massey Ratings Forecast, the home team holds a significant analytical advantage heading into this Week 2 showdown:
- Projected Score: Highlands 40, Cooper 20
- Win Probability: Highlands 79% | Cooper 21%
Recent Form
Both teams opened their 2026 KHSAA football seasons on Friday, August 21, with contrasting results against highly-rated opponents:
- Cooper Jaguars (1-0): Secured a tight 28-21 victory on the road against Christian County.
- Highlands Bluebirds (0-1): Faced a brutal opening test, falling 41-20 to state powerhouse Frederick Douglass.
Despite Highlands’ 0-1 record, home-field advantage at Fort Thomas and a stronger power ranking make them heavy favorites to cover the point handicap and bounce back with a multi-touchdown win.
Lexington Christian (2A), 1-0 at Pulaski County (5A) 1-0
Pulaski County is projected to win this matchup by a score of 35-28, according to the latest algorithmic projections from Massey Ratings. We do not agree with the conventional wisdom, we’re taking the Eagles, 33-27.
This highly anticipated Week 2 clash takes place on August 29, 2026, at the Rebel Bowl. It features two of Kentucky’s premier high school football programs coming off dominant season-opening wins.
Team Comparison & Analytical Breakdown
| Metric | Lexington Christian Academy (LCA) | Pulaski County |
| KSR State Ranking | #9 | #15 |
| Massey Win Probability | 35% | 65% |
| Week 1 Result | Won 28-7 vs. North Hardin | Won 41-16 vs. Henderson County |
| Offensive Style | Balanced attack led by QB Nash Whelan | Run-heavy behind star RB Kasen Brock |
Class 6A
Trinity (Louisville) 1-0 at CBC (Missouri) 0-0
The matchup between Trinity, KY (1-0) and Christian Brothers College, MO (0-0) on Friday, August 28, 2026, carries an unofficial handicap line projecting Christian Brothers College (CBC) as a 15-point favorite (CBC -15), with an estimated score of 35-20 according to computer projections.
A breakdown of how this heavyweight high school football matchup shapes up includes the following:
Team Analysis
- Trinity Shamrocks (Louisville, KY):
- Recent Form: Smashed Ohio powerhouse Anderson High School 59-13 in their season opener.
- National Stature: Currently ranked No. 51 nationally in the [High School Football America 300](https://highschoolfootballamerica.com/bishop-gorman-nevada-moves-to-no-1-in-first-2026 in-season-hsfa-300-national-high-school-football-rankings/).
- Key Players: Led by quarterback Zane Johnson (a Buffalo commit) and a dual-threat backfield of Jamaurion Berry and Ashton Taylor.
- Christian Brothers College Cadets (St. Louis, MO):
- Recent Form: This game serves as their 2026 season opener. They finished 11-1 last year.
- National Stature: Currently ranked No. 117 nationally and enter the year as the No. 1 ranked team in Missouri.
- Key Players: Headlined by wide receivers Isaiah Thomas and Kingston McPike, alongside a fierce defense featuring defensive lineman Que Porter.
Handicap Factor & Prediction
While computer algorithms lean toward Christian Brothers College by 15 points due to home-field advantage and historical dominance, Trinity’s recent 46-point blowout of a top-25 national program suggests the game could be significantly closer than the digital projection. Trinity’s offensive momentum makes them a strong candidate to beat a 15-point spread, even on the road.
Dupont Manual (6A, Louisville, 1-0) at South Warren (1-0)
South Warren is projected to win this matchup over DuPont Manual by a margin of 5 to 7 points, according to major high school football analytics models.
Game Handicap & Projections
The non-district Class 6A showdown takes place on Friday, August 28, 2026, at South Warren High School. Both powerhouse teams enter the game with a 1-0 record following dominant Week 1 wins.
- Projected Winner: South Warren Spartans (62% win probability).
- Estimated Spread/Handicap: South Warren -5.5 to -6.5 points.
- Projected Final Score: South Warren 32, DuPont Manual 27
Quarterback Play: South Warren’s offense looked highly efficient in Week 1, led by Camden Page, who threw for 253 yards and 4 touchdowns. DuPont Manual counters with veteran dual-threat quarterback Kaden Mack, who accounted for three touchdowns in their opener.
Defensive Identity: Manual’s defense was absolute “lights out” in Week 1, pitching an offensive shutout against Louisville Central and forcing three fumbles. They will test a lethal South Warren passing game that just blew past Bryan Station 32-9.
Bowling Green (5A) 1-0 at St. Xavier (6A) 0-1
St. Xavier is projected to win this matchup over Bowling Green by a margin of 20 to 25 points.
Major analytical and sports models evaluate the upcoming matchup with the following expectations:
Game Projections & Handicap
- On3 / Massey Forecast: Predicts a final score of St. Xavier 34, Bowling Green 14, establishing a projected margin of 20 points.
- On3 Alternate Schedule Model: Sets an even wider projection at St. Xavier 39, Bowling Green 14, making the handicap line roughly 25 points in favor of the Tigers.
- Win Probability: St. Xavier holds an overwhelming 86% to 89% win probability playing at home.
- St. Xavier enters this game hungry for a rebound after dropping their opening Week 1 game to a highly-ranked Owensboro squad (24-7).
Male (1-0) at Ballard (0-1)
The upcoming Louisville Male High School Bulldogs at Ballard High School Bruins KHSAA football game scheduled for Friday, August 28, 2026, has not been played yet. We like Male High to win this game by three (3) points, 24-21.
Game Projections and Details
While the final winner will be determined on the field, sports analytics networks provide the following outlook for this Week 2 rivalry matchup:
- Projected Winner: The On3 Massey Ratings Forecast projects Louisville Male to win with a narrow 24–21 victory.
- Win Probability: Male has a 55% win probability, compared to 45% for Ballard.
- Kickoff Time: The game is scheduled to begin at 4:00 PM local time.
- Recent Momentum: During Week 1 of the 2026 season, Male started strong with a 35–0 shutout win against Butler, while Ballard dropped its opening game to Lexington Catholic 19–6
This is Friday Night Fletch, reporting for KPGFootball, reminding you to PLAY THROUGH THE WHISTLE!
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