We pick games in all six (6) classes
This is 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 and discuss how we fared. The below are some of the key matchups across Kentucky pitting teams from different classifications all over the commonwealth of Kentucky, literally from Ashland to Paducah and all points in between. 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.
1A
Fort Knox (0-2) at Fort Campbell (1-1) in the Army Bowl!
The Army Bowl is always a special matchup between Kentucky’s two Army post high school teams. The Falcons got back on track Friday with a 44-0 win over Clarksville Academy, while Fort Knox has been outscored 73-6 through its first two games.
KPGFootball predicts: Fort Campbell 42, Fort Knox 6
The Winner Prediction
The definitive pick to win is Fort Campbell.
- The Momentum: The Falcons (1-1) enter the matchup coming off a highly dominant 44-0 shutout victory against Clarksville Academy.
- The Struggle: Conversely, Fort Knox (0-2) has had a miserable start to their 2026 campaign, getting completely outscored 73-6 over their first two contests.
Expect Fort Campbell to command the trenches early and walk away with a convincing victory to keep the Warfield Shield/Army Bowl bragging rights
Last year’s win extended Fort Campbell’s series lead to 33-16 and marked their fourth consecutive Army Bowl victory. We think the Falcons broaden its series lead and walk away with a fifth (5th) consecutive win.
Holy Cross Cougars (1A, 2-0) at St. Francis DeSales Colts (3A, 0-2)
Holy Cross (Louisville) is favored to win the upcoming matchup against DeSales this Friday, September 4, 2026.
KPGFootball predicts: We like Holy Cross (Lou.) over DeSales 28-14
Game Analysis & Preview
The matchup takes place on Friday, September 4, 2026, at 7:00 PM at Paul B. Cox Stadium. This non-district rivalry leans heavily toward Holy Cross based on early-season momentum:
- Holy Cross Momentum: The Cougars enter the matchup undefeated with a 2–0 record, fresh off a commanding 41–31 non-league victory against Providence.
- DeSales Struggles: The Colts have stumbled out of the gate with an 0–2 record. Their offense has found it difficult to finish drives, most recently dropping a 28–14 contest to Nelson County.
- Historical Context: While DeSales took last year’s hard-fought meeting 28–20, Holy Cross’s explosive offense coupled with DeSales’ current defensive vulnerabilities point to a multi-possession victory for the Cougars this time around.
Raceland Rams (1-1) vs. Pikeville Panthers (1-1)
The Raceland Rams (1-1) defeated the Pikeville Panthers (1-1) 17-10 in their most recent matchup at Rams Stadium in Raceland, KY during the 2025 KHSAA Class A State Semifinals. The Rams and Panthers will do battle in Ashland, Kentucky this weekend.
Pikeville has gotten good news as All-State LBer Bryson “Mr. B” Johnson has been declared eligible and played very well this past weekend against Prestonsburg (2A) in a 30-0 beat down for Pikeville. Johnson was one of 4A’s best second level defenders the past two years (Perry County Central) and the versatile multi-phase star can play anywhere from LBer, to OG, to RB, to Safety. He may play all of these places this weekend.
KPGFootball predicts: Pikeville wins this game on a neutral site, 35-28
Matchup History & Context
| Game Date | Location | Winner | Score | Significance |
| September 5, 2025 | Pikeville, KY | Pikeville | 35-27 | Regular season (Pikeville erased a 21-0 deficit) |
| November 28, 2025 | Raceland, KY | Raceland | 17-10 | KHSAA Class A State Semifinal |
Handicap Analysis
- The Spread: In their playoff rematch, Raceland was roughly a slight underdog or pick-em given the regular-season 35-27 collapse where Pikeville’s J.J. Reynolds engineered a massive comeback.
- The Playoff Adjustment: Head coach Mike Salmons and the Rams adjusted defensively, clamping down in the rematch. Senior QB/athlete Jacob Waller proved to be the difference-maker with his legs and arm (including a 32-yard TD to Jonah Arnett and a clutch 29-yard field goal), holding off a potent Pikeville squad to win by seven (7).
2A
Whitley County (4A, 0-2) at Rockcastle County (2A) (“The Rock”) 2-0
The Rockcastle County Rockets will host the Whitley County Colonels this Friday night, September 4, 2026, at 7:30 PM EDT.
KPGFootball predicts: We like “The Rock” in this game over Whitley 45-6
The two teams enter this game moving in completely opposite directions:
- Rockcastle County (2-0): The Rockets are undefeated, coming off strong performances including an opening 38-7 win over Jeffersontown and a forfeit/win over Russellville.
- Whitley County (0-2): The Colonels are struggling to find traction, losing their opener 42-2 to Knox Central and getting shut out 31-0 by Hazard last weekend.
Prediction
Data models from On3 Sports heavily favor the home team, giving Rockcastle County a 97% win probability. Expect Rockcastle County to control the line of scrimmage, capitalize on Whitley County’s offensive struggles, and cruise to a decisive victory to move to 3-0 on the season.
We love The Rock!
CAL (3A, 2-0) at LCA (2A, 1-1)
The projected handicap favors Christian Academy-Louisville, 3A, (CAL) by 27 points over Lexington Christian Academy (2A) (LCA), according to the Massey Index (On3.com).
Game Projections & Analytical Lines
KPGFootball predicts: Christian Academy-Louisville 40, LCA 13
- Win Probability: CAL has a 95% chance to win, leaving LCA with a 5% upset probability.
- State Rankings: CAL ranks No. 2 overall in Kentucky (No. 1 in Class 3A); LCA sits at No. 21 overall.
Team Breakdowns & Matchup Dynamics
Christian Academy-Louisville Centurions (2-0)
- Unstoppable Momentum: The Centurions have completely overwhelmed their opponents, stringing together back-to-back shutouts against state powerhouses. They defeated Pikeville 41-0 and crushed Owensboro 52-0.
- Running Clocks: CAL’s starting unit is so dominant they have triggered the KHSAA running-clock rule before halftime in both regular-season games and their preseason scrimmages.
- Elite Defensive Front: The defense has yet to yield a single point. They are anchored by Rivals five (5) star DL, Kellan Hall; Louisville commit, Ja’Hyde Brown; and three-star Indiana-committed, safety, Garyon Hobbs.
Lexington Christian Academy Eagles (1-1)
- Recent Stumble: LCA opened their defense campaign with a solid 28-7 win over North Hardin. However, they are coming off a stagnant offensive performance, suffering a 7-0 shutout loss to Pulaski County last weekend.
- Star Power: The Eagles rely heavily on junior quarterback Nash Whelan. He is a true iron-man player who rarely leaves the field, executing as the team’s primary signal-caller and doubling as one of their most impactful defensive backs. The front line is anchored by a pair of All-State performers, Matthew Montgomery and Nick Greer.
- The Trenches Challenge: LCA’s main hurdle will be responding to CAL’s raw physical size. If the Eagles cannot establish the line of scrimmage early, Whelan will face intense pressure from CAL’s front seven.
3A
Lexington Catholic Knights (3A, 2-0) at Boyle County Rebels (4A, 2-0)
Pick & Breakdown
- The Pick: Boyle County
- Why: Boyle County enters this powerhouse Class 4A matchup as the reigning state powerhouse and holds a dominant 97% win probability projection via Massey Ratings. While Lexington Catholic looked sharp in their 47-0 shutout over Dunbar, Boyle County’s elite defense and title pedigree give them a massive edge at home. Expect the Rebels to control the line of scrimmage and win comfortably.
KPG Predicts: Boyle County 42, Lexington Catholic 14
Handicap & Team Analysis
🏈 Boyle County Rebels (2-0)
- The Powerhouse Edge: Ranked #3 in the entire state of Kentucky according to KSR’s Top 25 Rankings and #1 in Division 4A, Boyle County plays a brutal schedule with unmatched depth.
- Explosive Offense: They are coming off a dominant 35-0 blowout victory over Bryan Station, led by Seneca Driver’s explosive 4-touchdown performance. They average 45.0 points per game.
- The Motivation Factor: Head coach Justin Haddix and the Rebels haven’t forgotten that Lexington Catholic handed them their only regular-season defeat over a 32-game stretch last season (a 17-7 loss). Playing on their home turf, revenge will be a massive motivator.
⚔️ Lexington Catholic Knights (2-0)
- Riding High: Currently ranked #22 in the state, the Knights are playing outstanding football. They cruised past Paul Laurence Dunbar 47-0 last week.
- Air Attack: Quarterback Nolan Phillips is dangerous, throwing for 278 yards and 4 touchdowns on just 13 attempts last game, including an 83-yard strike on the first play from scrimmage.
- Stout Defense: Their defense has only given up a total of six points through two games against Ballard and Dunbar
Murray High (3A, 2-0) at Graves County (5A, 0-2)
Murray High is heavily favored by roughly 21 to 28 points over Graves County heading into their matchup this Friday, September 4, 2026, at 7:00 PM CDT at Graves County High School.
KPGFootball predicts: Murray High 42, Graves County 17
Tale of the Tape
- Murray Tigers (2–0): Murray is rolling early in the season, coming off a dominant 59–26 “Crosstown Classic” win over Calloway County and a gritty double-overtime win against Apollo (58–50). Fresh off a historic state runner-up finish in Class 3A, the Tigers boast an explosive, physical offense and multi-phase scoring capability.
- Graves County Eagles (0–2): Graves County is searching for answers after opening the 2026 campaign with a 31–15 loss to Mayfield and a tough 42–6 defeat against Paducah Tilghman.
The Handicap
- Spread Expectation: Murray -21.5
- The Outlook: Local consensus points to Murray’s superior team speed, physicality, and high-powered offense overwhelming a struggling Graves County squad. If Murray replicates the form they showed against Calloway, the Tigers should cover comfortably and cruise to a 3–0 start
4A
Paducah Tilghman (4A, 2-0) at “Mighty” Mayfield (2-0, 2A)
These two teams have played the other 112-times. On the western end of the commonwealth there is not a bigger game than this one. Paducah Tilghman enters the upcoming matchup as the statistical favorite over Mayfield, with computer ratings like Massey Ratings giving the Blue Tornado about a 66% win probability and a projected score of roughly 37–28.
KPGFootball predicts: Tilghman 35, Mayfield 24
Matchup Overview
- Date & Time: Friday, September 4, 2026, at 7:00 PM CDT
- Location: CFSB War Memorial Stadium (Mayfield, KY)
- Rivalry Context: This is game No. 113 in one of Kentucky’s oldest and most heated high school football rivalries. Mayfield leads the all-time series, but Paducah Tilghman has won the last three meetings. [1,
Team Form
- Paducah Tilghman (2-0): The Blue Tornado offense has looked explosive, averaging 53 points per game through their first two contests, including a 42-6 win over Graves County.
- Mayfield (2-0): The Cardinals are averaging 40 points per game and return home following a strong start, which includes a 31-15 rivalry win against Graves County and a 49-32 vanquishing of the 6A Christian County Tigers.
Because Mayfield is notoriously tough to beat on their home turf and capitalizes heavily on opponent mistakes, expect a competitive game closer than the raw point-spread projections.
Bryan Station (6A, Lexington, 0-1) at Corbin (4A, 2-0)
We like Corbin especially at home. The top high school football player from Corbin, Kentucky, in 2026 is defensive lineman Malachi Brown, a standout 4-star prospect who committed to the University of Kentucky. Getting him blocked with comprise a huge impediment to Bryan Station’s hope for success on the road.
KPGFootball Predicts: Corbin 42, Bryan Station 14
Corbin enters the matchup as a clear favorite over Bryan Station based on early-season momentum and power rankings.
Team Comparison
| Statistic | Corbin Redhounds | Bryan Station Defenders |
|---|---|---|
| State Rank | #15 | #30 |
| Record | 2-0 | 0-1 |
| Points Per Game | 40.0 | 9.0 |
| Points Allowed / Game | 14.0 | 32.0 |
| Margin / Game | +26.0 | -23.0 |
| Massey Power Rank | #1,415 | #2,095 |
Game Handicap Analysis
- Offense: Corbin is averaging 40 points per game through their first two contests, showing high efficiency and explosive capability. Bryan Station has struggled out of the gate, putting up just 9 points in their opening action.
- Defense: The Redhounds allow 14 points per contest, whereas the Defenders are giving up 32 points per game, signaling a significant mismatch in trench play and defensive stops.
- The Verdict: Expect Corbin to control the line of scrimmage and dictate the pace. A fair spread for this matchup favors Corbin by roughly 14 to 17 points, given their scoring edge and defensive reliability relative to Bryan Station’s early struggles.
5A
Scott County Cardinals (5A, 2-0) at Bowling Green (5A, 1-1)
The Scott County Cardinals are roughly a three point to toss-up favorite against the Bowling Green High School Purples for their upcoming matchup on Friday, September 4, 2026.
KPGFootball predicts: Scott County 35, Bowling Green 31
Game Context & Handicapping
- Date & Time: Friday, September 4, 2026, at 4:30 PM (Local/Kickoff time varies around 6:30 PM depending on site updates)
- Location: Bowling Green, KY (Bowling Green High School)
- Rankings: Scott County enters ranked #10 in the state, while Bowling Green sits at #13, making this a high-profile, tightly contested battle of elite Kentucky high school programs.
- Current Form: Scott County comes in at 2-0 after a 42-21 win over Great Crossing. Bowling Green is looking to find its footing after facing a powerhouse schedule early on.
- The Handicap: Power ratings like Massey lean toward a virtual pick-’em or a narrow edge for Scott County (projecting a margin of roughly 1 to 3 points, or a scoreline around 34-31). Because Bowling Green holds home-field advantage, it neutralizes Scott County’s slight ranking edge, making the home Purples a trendy underdog play or a narrow pick in a game expected to hit the offensive over.
Muhlenberg County High (5A, 2-0) at Edmonson County (3A, 1-1)
Game Analysis & Team Performance
Data analytics platforms like On3 Sports heavily favor Muhlenberg County, giving them an 88% win probability heading into the matchup.
KPGFootball predicts: Muhlenberg County will beat Edmonson County 36–14
Game Analysis & Team Performance
Data analytics platforms like On3 Sports heavily favor Muhlenberg County, giving them an 88% win probability heading into the matchup.
- Muhlenberg County Mustangs (2–0): The Mustangs are carrying massive momentum into this week. They opened their KHSAA season with a tight 7–0 defensive shutout against McLean County, followed by an explosive 63–0 blowout victory over Webster County.
- Edmonson County Wildcats (1–1): The Wildcats are looking to stabilize after an up-and-down start. They suffered a tough 35–13 loss to Grayson County in their opener, but bounced back with a high-scoring 54–34 win against Clinton County.
The game will take place at Edmonson County High School in Brownsville, KY
Game Details
- Date: Friday, September 4, 2026
- Time: 7:00 PM CDT
- Location: Edmonson County High School in Brownsville, KY
Why Muhlenberg County?
- Strong Start: The Mustangs enter the matchup with a 2-0 record, coming off a dominant 63-0 blowout win over Webster County after having beaten a McLean County team in the opener 7-0.
- Recent Momentum: Muhlenberg County also edged out Edmonson County 30-25 in their tight meeting last season, giving them recent tactical familiarity and an edge over the Wildcats (who sit at 1-1)
Knox Central (3A, 1-1) at South Laurel (5A, 1-1)
The South Laurel vs Knox Central high school football game this Friday, September 4, 2026, at South Laurel High School in London, KY, favors the hosting South Laurel Cardinals based on recent series dominance and early-season trajectory. South Laurel lost a game to 2A Somerset, 42-21, while Knox Central permitted 2A, Danville High, to post 72-points in its most recent outing.
South Laurel is coached by legendary John Hines. Being coached by a legend is its own reward and is enough for us to pick your team. Facts!
KPGFootball predicts: South Laurel will beat visiting Knox Central 35–21
The Handicap & Analysis
- Recent History: South Laurel thoroughly routed Knox Central 48-6 in their 2025 meeting, showcasing a significant talent and schematic gap between the two programs at the time.
- Current Form: South Laurel enters this stretch looking to establish consistency in 2026 following early-season tests (such as Somerset), while Knox Central is navigating a tough opening month with multiple away contests against schools like Whitley County and Danville.
- The Spread (Estimated): Expect South Laurel to be favored by roughly 14 to 21 points at home. Playing in London gives the Cardinals a distinct advantage, and their offensive firepower historically creates separation against the Panthers’ front seven.
6A
Freddy D (Frederick Douglass) (6A, 2-0) at DuPont Manual (6A, 2-0)
The upcoming Class 6A high school football matchup between Frederick Douglass and DuPont Manual is tightly handicapped as a near-even pick ’em, with DuPont Manual narrowly favored by roughly 1 point or a 52% win probability.
KPGFootball predicts: We have picked against Manual all year and they have made us look foolish. Not this week; Manual 45, Freddy D 42 in Louisville!
Game Overview & Handicapping Factors
- Date & Time: Friday, September 4, 2026, at 7:30 PM
- Location: DuPont Manual High School, Louisville, KY
- Classification: Class 6A Non-Conference Powerhouse Clash
Team Comparison & Statistics
| Metric | Frederick Douglass Broncos | DuPont Manual Crimsons |
| State Rank (KY) | #5 | #4 |
| National Rank | #464 | #492 |
| Current Record | 1–0 | 2–0 |
| Points Scored / Game | 41.0 | 39.5 |
| Points Allowed / Game | 20.0 | 13.5 |
| Offensive Edge | Led by Mr. Football candidate Dakari Talbert | High-efficiency scoring (39.5 PPG) |
| Defensive Edge | Athletic, hard-hitting front unit | Stingy defense allowing only 13.5 PPG |
Handicap Analysis
- The Spread: DuPont Manual -1 / Pick ’em. Computer models like Massey give Manual a 52% edge primarily due to home-field advantage in Louisville and a 2–0 start.
- The Total / Pace: Expect a high-scoring affair. Both offenses average around 40 points per game. Frederick Douglass relies heavily on explosive plays from Dakari Talbert, while Manual’s defense has been remarkably sound early on.
- The Lean: Frederick Douglass has the top-end athletic talent to steal an away win, but DuPont Manual is battle-tested at home. Manual is a safe narrow pick to cover a small spread or win outright in a close game.
Christian County Colonels (0-2) at McKenzie High Rebels (1-1)
The McKenzie Rebels (1-1) open as heavy multi-touchdown favorites over the newly unified Christian County Tigers (0-2) in this upcoming Friday night matchup on September 4, 2026.
KPGFootball predicts: McKenzie 45, Christian County 21
Matchup Breakdown
| Team | Setting | Key Advantage | Concern |
| McKenzie Rebels | Home (TN) | Elite offense led by star QB Cole Brown | Maintaining focus on the road/non-league spotlight |
| Christian County Tigers | Away (KY) | Dynamic merger athletes who can move the ball | Secondary defense and defensive depth |
The Handicap
- The Line: McKenzie is expected to lay somewhere around -21 to -28 points given their elite status in Tennessee Class 1A and historical success against this combined program.
- The Context: Christian County enters the new unified era under coach Dustin Lopez facing a brutal early-season gauntlet. While the Tigers possess playmakers capable of putting points on the board (as seen in their shootout with Mayfield), their defensive secondary remains vulnerable.
- The Verdict: Expect Cole Brown and the explosive Rebel offense to exploit the Tiger’s defensive gaps early. Christian County will likely manage some offensive production through tough running and big plays, but covering a large spread against a top-ranked Volunteer State powerhouse is a massive ask for a young, transitioning Tiger squad.
Archbishop Moeller (Cincinnati) at Trinity
KPGFootball predicts: Trinity 52, Moeller 21
The game is scheduled for Friday, September 4, 2026 at 7:00 PM EST at Trinity High School in Louisville, Kentucky. Until a team shows me it can stay on the field with the Shamrocks, I am picking Trinity and by a wide margin. I am not sure Don Shula’s ’72 Dolphins could play with Trinity the way those kids are balling!
Matchup Overview & Context
- Date & Time: Friday, September 4, 2026, at 7:00 PM
- Location: Trinity High School (Louisville, KY)
- Historical Series: Archbishop Moeller leads the all-time series 8–4 against Trinity. Moeller won a close 24-21 contest against the Shamrocks in 2025.
Team Comparison & Statistics
| Metric | Archbishop Moeller (Crusaders) | Trinity (Shamrocks) |
| State Rank (Ohio / KY) | #12 (OH) | #1 (KY) |
| Current 2026 Record | 1–1 | 2–0 |
| Points Per Game (2026) | 24.0 | 59.0 |
| Points Allowed Per Game | 31.0 | 13.0 |
Recent Form & Handicap Analysis
- Trinity (Louisville, KY): The Shamrocks enter 2–0 with dominant, running-clock road victories over top competition—defeating Anderson (OH) 59–13 and Christian Brothers College (MO) 52–21. Quarterback Zane Johnson is directing an explosive offense, backed by a potent multi-back rushing attack featuring JB Berry.
- Archbishop Moeller (Cincinnati, OH): The Crusaders stand at 1–1, opening with a tight 31–24 loss to Princeton before bouncing back. Moeller’s defense has been tested early, conceding 31 points per game, which makes containing Trinity’s red-hot offense an uphill battle.
The Handicap: Given Trinity’s explosive start (averaging 59 points through two games) and home-field advantage, the Shamrocks open as solid favorites by roughly a touchdown (-7.0) or more in power ratings, though Moeller’s pedigree and last year’s narrow outcome suggest a physical, high-stakes battle.
Saint Xavier (1-1, 6A) at Male High (Louisville) (2-0, 6A)
The Louisville St. Xavier Tigers (1-1) travel to face the Louisville Male Bulldogs (2-0) this Friday, September 4, 2026, at 7:00 PM, creating a highly anticipated matchup where Male is a narrow home favorite based on early-season momentum.
This legendary Kentucky Class 6A rivalry is historically unpredictable, but the specific dynamics layout a clear picture for handicapping the game.
KPGFootball predicts: St. Xavier with the mild upset here at Male, 27-24!
Early Season Momentum & Trends
- The Bulldogs’ Edge: Louisville Male High School enters the matchup undefeated at 2-0, fresh off a gritty 21-19 victory over Ballard. They possess a highly stable defense and benefit from home-field advantage.
- The Tigers’ Rebound: St. Xavier High School stumbled heavily in Week 1, with a 24-7 loss to Owensboro, but rebounded dramatically in Week 2, dismantling Bowling Green 39-10. Their ceiling is exceptionally high when clicking, but inconsistency is a minor concern.
Key Matchup Dynamics
- The Harbin Factor: St. X features one of the most explosive players in the state, Louisville commit Marlon Harbin. In their dominant 38-7 regular-season win against Male in 2025, Harbin single-handedly accounted for 24 points via rushing touchdowns and a kick return. Male’s primary priority will be containing him in space and stopping special teams breakdowns.
- The “Underdog” History: Historically, the favorite tag has been a curse in this rivalry. St. X head coach Kevin Wallace had before publicly noted that the betting or public underdog frequently won this specific matchup. Male will be looking to avenge that lopsided regular-season loss from last autumn.
Handicapping the Pick
- Spread Projection: Look for Male to be favored by roughly 1.5 to 3 points due to their unblemished record and home stadium backdrop.
- The Verdict: Take St. Xavier on the money-line or with the points. While Male has played cleaner football over the first two weeks, St. Xavier’s explosive playmaking ceiling with Harbin—combined with the pattern of the underdog rising up in this series—gives the Tigers the slight tactical value to pull off the road upset.
This is Friday Night Fletch, reporting for KPGFootball, reminding you to PLAY THROUGH THE WHISTLE!
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