We pick games in all six classes
It is playoff time and this is where the proverbial rubber meets the road. We are going to select games to predict until we just get down to predicting them all as the field dwindles toward crowning six (6) KHSAA football champions. This week it is the first round. Ninety-five percent of (95%) of one-seeds have beaten four-seeds since adopting the present playoff structure our research tells us. We believe we may have a four-seed or two advance this year. Let the good natured debate commence.
Jumpin’ Jack Flash, Assistant Scouting Director, “KPGFootball”
Class 1A
Louisville Holy Cross (8-3) at Kentucky Country Day (8-2)
Holy Cross was the highest ranked team by RPI, in any division, that went on the road in round one. The Cougars traveled nearly 300 miles for a 43-8 rout of Fulton County.
KCD was off last week due to a withdrawal.
The Bearcats won at Holy Cross 35-7 on Oct. 9, which also followed a bye week. Holy Cross may very well be a top-five team in Class A, but it doesn’t make the top-eight cut.
KPGFootball Prediction: Kentucky Country Day 31, Holy Cross 24
Newport (6-5) at Covington Holy Cross (9-2)
Newport won its fourth straight behind huge nights from Damarco Jackson, who went for 205 yards, 4 TDs and a 2-point conversion on 22 carries, and Aiden Miller (122 yds, 1 TD on 4 receptions — 99 of those yards came on a single catch). The Wildcats beat Ludlow 44-22 win.
The Indians knocked out Bellevue 41-7, winning playoff games in consecutive seasons for the first time since 2015-2016.
Holy Cross’ last win in the series came in 2022; they’re 0-5 since a 26-22 win on Oct. 15 of that year. Indians were 11-0 last season before running into Newport and an 18-3 loss. There are plenty of players left from that run who should be highly motivated.
KPGFootball Prediction: Holy Cross 34, Newport 20
Paintsville (10-1) at Middlesboro (10-1)
Deakon Partin threw just three passes, completing ’em all for 121 yards and 3 TDs — one each to Ayden Allen, Amari Houston and Kordell Partin — in the Yellow Jackets’ 44-0 win over Lynn Camp on Thursday.
Tigers, whose only loss was to No. 1 Pikeville on Oct. 16, handled business last week against Harlan 48-20.
This is a tough game to get a bead on. They’re not separated much by RPI — Middlesboro is No. 6, Paintsville No. 8 — and my gut was to go with the home Jackets. But the Tigers have the best two wins, in my mind, between the two of them (22-7 vs. Newport Central Catholic on Aug. 28 and 13-7 vs. Russell on Sept. 11).
KPGFootball Prediction: Middlesboro 35, Paintsville 28
Williamsburg (7-3) at Pikeville (10-1)
Panthers handled Pineville 46-0 for their 25th straight first-round win. Their last first-round loss was on Nov. 2, 2001, a 56-41 defeat at Middlesboro. That was a quarter century ago.
Williamsburg got out of the first round a fourth straight year with its 26-14 win over Hazard.
KPGFootball Prediction: Pikeville 42, Williamsburg 14
Class 2A
McLean County (7-4) at Mayfield (9-2)
Cougars got in the playoff win column for the first time since 2022 after beating Crittenden County 34-14.
Mayfield was off last week after Fort Knox forfeited.
Cardinals haven’t dropped a second-round game in more than two decades. Hard to think this’ll be the year.
KPGFootball Prediction: Mayfield 42, McLean 21
Caldwell County (9-2) at Owensboro Catholic (10-1)
Dre’Mail Carothers threw six TD passes in the Aces’ 54-6 win over Trigg County. That gave the U of L commit 49 on the season and 112 for his career, two years of which overlapped with the Brady Atwell, who threw 153 in his career.
Caldwell County reached nine wins for the first time since 2017 with its 45-6 win over Hancock County. The Tigers finished 10-3 that season. Caldwell has some outstanding round one performances:
🏈 Offensive Standouts
- Kam Wilson (RB/LB): Had the biggest night of all, racking up 179 rushing yards and four touchdowns on the ground. He also chipped in heavily on defense with 11 tackles.
- Donovan Rogers (RB): Provided a strong secondary punch in the run game, finishing with 89 rushing yards and a touchdown.
- Daelyn Lander (QB): Orchestrated the offense efficiently, completing 9 of 13 passes for 126 yards.
- Dayton Wilson (WR): Led the receiving corps with three receptions for 48 yards.
🛡️ Defensive Standouts
The Tiger defense completely suffocated the Hornets, holding them to just 39 yards rushing and 117 total yards. Three defenders reached double-digit tackles:
- Bryson “Cowboy” Ford: Led the entire team with a whopping 18 total tackles.
- Kam “Ox” Wells: Recorded 13 tackles, including three tackles for loss and a sack.
Aces took the last meeting, a 61-14 game in the first round of the 2023 playoffs. Tigers faltered in their two biggest tests, Mayfield and Murray, during the regular season. Are they ready for this type smoke?
Green County (8-3) at Lexington Christian Academy (9-2)
The Dragons kept W.E.B. DuBois at bay in the opening round 31-29. Deacon James rushed 24 times for 146 yards and 3 TDs while Peyton James added 104 yards and a TD on 16 runs. Emma Eastes, who was the first Green County player named to the girls soccer All-5th Region team, made a 30-yard field goal.
Nash Whelan was 8-for-9 for 89 yards and 4 TD passes in the defending 2A champs’ 50-0 rout of Metcalfe County.
LCA hasn’t lost in the second round since 2019.
🏟️ Venue Details
The game will be played at Lexington Christian Academy at their home field, White-Greer-Maggard Stadium, located in Lexington, KY. Because LCA secured the higher seed/better district positioning coming out of the regular season, they earned the right to host this crucial second-round matchup.
⭐ Star Players to Watch
Brayden Davenport – Junior (6’4″, 235 lbs) offensive tackle
Lexington Christian Academy:
Nash Whelan (QB): The dynamic junior signal-caller who led the Eagles to a Class 2A State Title last year. He is regarded by his coaches as one of the best overall football players in the state.
Sam Pearson (WR): A lethal senior target on the outside who is committed to Ohio University for his multi-sport talents.
Paxton Gray & Brady Couch (WRs): Key targets who stretch the field; Couch is notably the son of former Kentucky Wildcat and NFL quarterback Tim Couch.
Bode Darland (LB): The heavy-hitting junior who serves as the undisputed leader of a blistering-fast Eagles defense.
Matthew Montgomery, (’28 OL): Maybe the best OL in the 2A classification across the Commonwealth.
Green County:
The Dragons rely on a physical, run-heavy scheme designed to chew up clock, dictate tempo, and keep explosive offenses, like LCA’s, off the field. Their success hinges on winning the battles in the trenches and executing flawless ball control.
Deacon James – Senior (6’1″, 175 lbs) key skill player/leader
Grady Shuffett – Junior (6’2″, 210 lbs) middle linebacker and running back anchoring the defense and run game
Conor Gowen – Senior (6’1″, 185 lbs) tight end and strong safety
Peyton James – Sophomore (6’1″, 205 lbs) running back and outside linebacker
Carter Wright – Junior (6’4″, 230 lbs) defensive lineman
👔 The Head Coaches
- Lexington Christian Academy: Led by Oakley Watkins. Now in his second season as head coach (and 13th overall with the program), Watkins successfully maintained LCA’s elite status by capturing a state championship in his debut year. He preaches “December habits”—eliminating mistakes early in the season to play perfect football when cold weather hits.
- Green County: Spearheaded by Colt Phelps and a coaching staff that excels at maximizing regional talent and executing disciplined, option-oriented, offensive game plans designed to neutralize athletic depth.
🏈 Handicapping & Score Prediction
Green County comes into this game as a dangerous underdog with an 8-3 record. To pull off an upset, the Dragons must play a perfect game: avoid turnovers, orchestrate 8-minute drives, and prevent LCA from striking quickly over the top.
However, LCA enters the game exceptionally hot, riding a massive wave of momentum after blanking Metcalfe County, 50-0, in round one. The Eagles are highly balanced, healthy, and possess too much firepower on the perimeter with Whelan distributing to Pearson and Couch and Montgomery and Greer upfront clearing paths. Expect Green County to fight hard early, but LCA’s speed will likely break the game open in the second half.
KPGFootball’s Prediction: Lexington Christian 42, Green County 14
Walton-Verona (9-2) at Breathitt County (9-2)
The Bearcats earned their fifth shutout of the season with a 45-0 win over Jackson County in round one. Breathitt got a 57-22 win over Bracken County on Friday, knocking the Polar Bears out of the playoffs for the fourth straight year. This match-up occurred in the 2024 first round with Breathitt winning handily.
KPGFootball Prediction: Breathitt County is predicted to win a close postseason matchup over Walton-Verona by a score of 38-28.
Game Details & Records
- Location: The game will be played at the Mike Holcomb Athletic Complex at Breathitt County High School in Jackson, KY.
- Walton-Verona Bearcats Record: 9–2
- Breathitt County Bobcats Record: 9–2
Key Star Players
- Walton-Verona: Headlined by their standout two-way linebacker/running back duo, AJ Yutze and Cooper Burch. They are supported on offense by dynamic running back Drew Lynn and sophomore quarterback Braxton Parr.
- Breathitt County: Led by their core returning offensive weapons, including quarterback Miles Hollon (IR), running back Eli Thomas, wide receiver Jayson Combs, and dominant offensive lineman Tatyn “The Tater” Skidmore.
Prediction Rationale
While both teams boast matching 9–2 records heading into this KHSAA Class 2A second-round playoff game, Breathitt County holds the home-field advantage and an incredibly explosive offense that has averaged 46.5 points per game this season. The Fugate kid has been holding his own with Miles Hollon sidelined by injury. Walton-Verona’s strong defense will keep it competitive early, but Breathitt County’s firepower should pull them ahead in the second half.
Class 3A
Glasgow (10-1) at Murray (10-1)
Seven different players — Gage Chapman, Kenyon Cunningham, Owen Howell, Zaye Richardson, James King Williams Jr., Kolten Winsett and Colin Winters — scored TDs for the Tigers in their 50-14 win over Hart County in the first round.
Scotties scurried past Hopkins County Central 47-0 for their second straight round-one victory and third in the last four seasons.
The Tigers in their season-opener outpaced a potent Apollo team that gave BG some problems before eventually getting blown out. They also beat first-round winners Caldwell County and Union County in recent weeks.
Glasgow in the regular season also routed that Hart County team and made quick work of Butler County right after. The Scotties also beat Barren County, a round-one winner, and their only loss was a nailbiter against unbeaten Larue County (33-29).
The two are barely separated in RPI: Glasgow’s No. 6 at .68043 while Murray’s 0.67415 sits at No. 8. Might be the best game of the second round.
KPGFootball Prediction: Murray 38, Glasgow 35
DeSales (5-6) at Christian Academy of Louisville (11-0)
I didn’t think St. Fancis deSales would get out of its first round matchup against Bardstown. Shows what little I know.
The Colts won for the third time in four games, going on the road for an impressive 42-18 win at Bardstown. Playing this group is an entirely different matter.
One has to think, “Surely CAL will lose some day.” We are (remotely) sure they will. It just won’t be this day, to this opponent.
CAL recorded its seventh shutout of the season in a 58-0 win vs. Mercer County. Ja’Hyde Brown caught six passes for 97 yards and 2 TDs, extending his state-record single-season total to 33.
Centurions won 42-0 on Oct. 2. They held DeSales to 97 total yards in that one, most of that coming on the ground. Hard to pinpoint a reason why this time would go differently.
KPGFootball Predicts: Christian Academy-Louisville 52, DeSales 0
Central (5-5) at Lexington Catholic (9-2)
Lex. Cath. was off last week due to a forfeit.
With a 44-7 win over Garrard County, Central won its sixth straight first-round game and got back to .500 for the first time since Sept. 11.
Central’s Halloween Eve win over Mayfield turned many heads going into the postseason. By opponents’ win percentage, the Yellow Jackets played the hardest schedule in 3A.
Their foes won 67.3% of their games; only four other teams in the division had opponents’ win percentages at or above 60% (Garrard County was next toughest at 64.1% while DeSales, Henry County and Russell all were at 61.6%).
While we think the Jackets are better tested, the Knights are just better. They won this matchup in round two last year and do so again here.
KPGFootball Prediction: Lexington Catholic 34, Central 27
Lloyd Memorial (10-1) at Russell (9-2)
Lloyd eliminated East Carter with a 35-6 win last week, earning its fifth straight first-round victory.
Shawn Deskins returned an interception 70 yards for a TD and had six receptions for 60 yards and a TD in the Red Devils’ 29-14 win over Carroll County in round one.
Juggernauts are the No. 4 team in RPI but gotta travel to No. 10 because they finished second in their district. Lloyd never last home en route to the state semifinals last season; how does it respond having to take similar expectations on the road?
Russell fell in this matchup in the region finals last year but won it as the home team in round two in 2024. The Red Devils have faced a much tougher schedule; Lloyd’s opponents won 51.7% of their games.
They’re very close on paper, each giving up about 150 yards per game and rushing for over 200 each time out. Gimme the home team.
KPGFootball Predicts: Russell 35, Lloyd Memorial 32
Class 4A
Greenup County (9-2) at Fort Thomas Highlands (9-2)
The Highlands Bluebirds will host Greenup County at home in Fort Thomas, KY, for round two of the KHSAA Class 4A playoffs. Both teams come into the contest sporting excellent won-loss records. Highlands is believed by quite a few to be the class of 4A.
The Bluebirds have won 23-prior Kentucky (KHSAA) titles in football. They are a “Have.”
KPGFootball’s Prediction: Highlands 48, Greenup County 8
Game Logistics & Team Breakdown
- Where: Highlands High School (David Cecil Memorial Stadium) in Fort Thomas, KY.
- Records: Both teams enter the matchup with matching 9–2 won-loss records.
- Round One Victories:
- Highlands blanked Boyd County with a dominant 50–0 shutout.
- Greenup County advanced to round two after a statement 61–7 win in their opener.
Star Players to Watch
The Highlands roster features high-caliber talent anchored by three major Division I commits:
- Tayden Lorenzen (Miami Ohio commit)
- Griffin Benke (Ohio University commit)
- Cooper Benke (Ball State commit)
- Bryce Armstrong: Though an underclassman, Armstrong figures to be a Power 4 recruit and is considered among the more college ready players anatomically across the Commonwealth.
Score Prediction & Winner
- Winner: Highlands Bluebirds
Highlands has been an absolute force this year, highlighted by elite wins over powerhouses like Boyle County (41–21). While Greenup County brings a highly explosive offense that put up 61 points in round one, the Bluebirds’ defensive depth and Division I-bound talent give them a massive home-field advantage. Expect Highlands to handle business comfortably and advance to the regional championship.
Nelson County (10-1) at Paducah Tilghman High (11-0)
Paducah Tilghman plays Nelson County in the second round of the Class 4A KHSAA football playoffs. It pits a one-loss Nelson County team against an undefeated Blue Tornado.
KPGFootball Prediction: The Blue Tornado 42 – Nelson County 14
Team Records & Round One Results
- Paducah Tilghman Blue Tornado
- Record: 11-0
- Round One Win: Defeated Marion County by forfeit (1-0).
- Nelson County Cardinals
- Record: 10-1
- Round One Win: Defeated Warren East 29-21.
⭐ Star Players
- Paducah Tilghman: The Blue Tornado attack is led by explosive junior quarterback Xavier Isabel, wide receiver/athlete Avery Thompson (who holds multiple Division I offers, including Kentucky and Louisville), and defensive lineman Keegan Woolverton.
- Nelson County: The Cardinals counter with senior quarterback Carson Riley, senior running back/safety Jayvon Bailey, and wide receiver/defensive back Hagan Sims anchoring their production.
🔮 Score Prediction & Winner
- Winner: Paducah Tilghman
- Analysis: Nelson County has put together a fantastic 10-1 campaign, but Paducah Tilghman enters ranked among the absolute best teams in the state. Averaging massive margins of victory all season long and coming off a rest week via the first-round forfeit, the Blue Tornado’s high-powered offense will likely prove too overwhelming at home.
Class 5A
Scott County (8-3) at Cooper High (9-2)
Scott County’s Class 5A KHSAA second-round playoff matchup is an away game against the Cooper Jaguars. Cooper is among the better-coached teams at its level of play and won’t beat themselves. The Jaguars will see among the best offensive backfields in the Kentucky game at any level in Scott County and the Cardinals boast a threat to hit it big in the return game with Jalen Dantzler back deep.
KPGFootball’s Prediction: Scott County 35-Cooper 14
Game Details & Matchup Info
- Where is the game: Cooper High School in Union, KY
- Date & Time: Friday, November 13, 2026, at 7:00 PM EST
- Scott County Record: 8–3 overall (3–1 in district play)
- Cooper Record: 9–2 overall (4–0 in district play)
- Round One Opponents & Results:
- Scott County defeated Conner 56–14
- Cooper defeated Anderson County 21–7
Star Players to Watch
- Scott County: Timmy Emongo (RB/CB) and three-phase threat Jalen Dantzler
- Cooper: Core contributors include Corey Freihofer and Zach Kostopoulos.
Madisonville-North Hopkins (9-2) at Bowling Green (Senior) High 7-4
Where they are playing: Bowling Green High School in Bowling Green, KY (hosted by the Bowling Green Purples).
Team Won-Loss Records:
Madisonville-North Hopkins Maroons: 9-2
Bowling Green Purples: 7-4
Matchup Pick & Predicted Score: Bowling Green is favored at home after a strong 63-38 playoff win, with a predicted score of
KPGFootball Prediction: Bowling Green 38, Madisonville-North Hopkins 28.
Key Stars to Watch
Madisonville-North Hopkins:
Ryder Sandidge (RB/WR): The engine of the offense and a legitimate Mr. Football candidate, averaging well over 200 scrimmage yards per game while doubling as an elite defensive back.
Kadence “KP” Price (OL/DL): At 6’2,” 270-pounds, this All-State two-way lineman is a load capable of taking over a game on either side of the scrimmage line.
Alex Richards (QB): An efficient signal-caller with over 1,500 passing yards and 13 touchdowns against just 5 interceptions on the year.
Bowling Green:
Anthony Davis (QB): Threw for 191-yards and three (3) TDs against Apollo in round one.
Nick Graham (RB): A speedy back capable of breaking open chunk plays, highlighted by a 72-yard touchdown run in the first round.
Jett Reynolds, (ATH): Just a ’29 kid, he is a multi-phase threat capable of gaining yards from scrimmage, catching passes and stretching the field, making tackles on defense, and punting. He’s a real weapon.
Handicapping Analysis & Pick
Madisonville-North Hopkins has had a remarkable season, they are led by a balanced rushing and defensive attack that has won recent playoff games like their 22-14 victory over Grayson County and 24-6 win against Warren Central. Ryder Sandidge is a “Mr. Football” candidate and will have to pick up this team and carry them to the regional championship game.
South Laurel (8-3) at Pulaski County (11-0)
The KHSAA Class 5A second-round playoff game between the South Laurel Cardinals and the Pulaski County Maroons is set for Friday, November 13, 2026, at 7:00 PM EST. South Laurel is coached by a future Dawahares KHSAA Hall of Fame HFC (John Hines) and Pulaski County is undefeated and coming off a run to the title game from a year ago.
KPGFootball’s Prediction: Pulaski County 45, South Laurel 21
(Note: Pulaski County previously defeated South Laurel 66–31 during the regular season on October 9, 2026).
Game Location
- Where: At Pulaski County High School in Somerset, Kentucky.
Won-Loss Records
- Pulaski County Maroons: 11–0
- South Laurel Cardinals: 8–3
Round One Opponents & Results
- Pulaski County defeated Montgomery County 63–13.
- South Laurel defeated Madison Southern 42–40.
Star Players to Watch
- Pulaski County: Kasen Brock (RB/FB) and Boon Godby (playmaker/receiver) have led the Maroons’ high-powered offense.
- South Laurel: Maddox Warren (QB — averaging 207.0 passing yards per game), Noah Ison (RB/OLB — averaging 78.9 rushing yards per game), Caleb Roark (WR/CB), and Malachi Smith (RB/OLB — 9.8 tackles per game).
Winner Prediction
- Predicted Winner: Pulaski County Maroons
Would you like to see the rest of the Class 5A playoff bracket or statistics for other matchups this week?Try without personalization
Class 6A
Christian County Tigers (4-7) at South Warren Spartans (8-2)
Game Handicap
- The Matchup: The Christian County Tigers (4-7) host the South Warren Spartans (8-2) on Friday, November 13, 2026.
- The History: These two teams met earlier in the regular season on September 18, with South Warren completely dominating in a 42-0 shutout victory.
- The Outlook: While the Tigers are playing their best football of the year and showing a dramatically improved defense, South Warren is an elite Class 6A powerhouse. Led by star quarterback Camden Page and explosive running back Jamir Boards, the Spartans average a blistering 42.5 points per game and over 380 yards of total offense. Christian County will play hard, but South Warren’s offensive depth and athletic edge are highly likely to dictate the game just as they did in September.
Score & Winner Prediction
Predicted Winner: South Warren Spartans
KPGFootball Prediction: South Warren 35, Christian County 24
Star Players to Watch
Christian County Tigers
- DeAsian Harris (Running Back): A dynamic playmaker who led the Tigers with 74 rushing yards and two touchdowns in their first-round 52-7 win over Daviess County.
- Tristin Dillard (Running Back): Steady, between the tackles, reliable running back who provides plenty of senior leadership!
- Jasiah McCarley (Quarterback): Sparked the offense with 109 passing yards and two touchdown passes in the first-round victory.
- Jayon Bass (Wide Receiver): McCarley’s primary target through the air, catching four passes for 47 yards and a touchdown against Daviess County.
- Aalijah Holland (Receiver/Defensive Back): Hauled in a 26-yard touchdown reception and anchored the defense with two key interceptions last week.
- Paul Abren & Kyrien Cannon (Running Backs): Abren contributed 54 yards and a score, while Cannon added a pair of fourth-quarter rushing touchdowns.
South Warren Spartans
- Camden Page (Senior Quarterback): The leader of the Spartan offense who has piled up over 1,000 passing yards and 14 touchdowns.
- Jamir Boards (Receiver): One of South Warren’s top explosive targets in the passing game.
- Tucker Sears (Receiver): A key contributor to the Spartans’ high-powered aerial attack.
- Isiah Bridges (Receiver): Rounds out a potent trio of South Warren pass-catchers.
Lexington Bryan Station (6-5) at Frederick Douglass (11-0) on the Farm;
The round-two KHSAA Class 6A playoff game features the Frederick Douglass Broncos hosting the Bryan Station Defenders on Friday, November 13, 2026, at 7:00 PM at Frederick Douglass High School in Lexington, Kentucky.
Bryan Station has the roster talent to play with anyone. Frederick Douglass is probably the most lethal threat in 6A to unseat the Shamrocks (Trinity High).
KPGFootball’s Prediction: Freddy D 35, Bryan Station 21
Game Details & Logistics
- Matchup: Bryan Station Defenders at Frederick Douglass Broncos (Class 6A, Region 4)
- Date & Time: Friday, November 13, 2026, at 7:00 PM
- Location: Frederick Douglass High School (Lexington, KY)
Team Won-Loss Records & Round One Opponents
- Frederick Douglass Broncos:
- Record: 11–0
- Round One Opponent & Result: Defeated Henry Clay 64–12
- Bryan Station Defenders:
- Record: 6–5
- Round One Opponent & Result: Defeated Lafayette 38–7
(Note: Frederick Douglass also previously defeated Bryan Station 25–12 during the regular season on October 16, 2026).
Star Players to Watch
- Frederick Douglass: Senior running back Dakari Talbert (led the team with 116+ yards and multiple TDs in key games like Boyle County, plus big performances against Bryan Station), quarterback Jayden Guzman, RB Dakari Talbert, and wide receiver Kane Bell-Pointer.
- Bryan Station: Key contributors guiding the offense and defense through district play and their first-round win over Lafayette.
Score & Winner Prediction
- Predicted Winner: Frederick Douglass Broncos
- Predicted Score: Frederick Douglass 35, Bryan Station 21 (reflecting their dominant 11–0 campaign and earlier 25–12 regular-season win).
St. Xavier (5-6) at Trinity High (10-1)
Trinity is heavily favored to win in the highly anticipated “Shillelagh Trophy” playoff rematch. This Class 6A second-round matchup puts one of the nation’s premier high school rivalries onto the postseason stage.
KPGFootball’s Prediction: Trinity 38, St. Xavier 0
Game Logistics & Team Data
- 📍 Game Location: Marshall Stadium on the campus of Trinity High School in Louisville, KY.
- 📅 Date & Time: Friday, November 13, 2026, at 7:00 PM EST.
- 📊 Win-Loss Records: Trinity (10-1) vs. St. Xavier (5-6).
- 🏈 Round One Results: Trinity dismantled Pleasure Ridge Park 49-0. St. Xavier advanced by defeating Ballard 37-13.
🌟 Star Players to Watch
- Trinity Shamrocks:
- Zane Johnson (SR, QB): The elite 3-star signal-caller threw 4 touchdown passes in just 6 attempts during round one.
- Juleone Carney (SR, DE): An Akron commit who anchors the line with 12 tackles for loss.
- Elijah Burns-Crump (SR, S): A ball-hawking Duke commit with 6 interceptions on the season.
- Luke Vize (SR, LB): The defensive heart, logging 59 tackles and 6 sacks.
- Jamaurion Berry (RB): A continuous threat on the ground with excellent explosive speed.
- Christopher Kehdy (PK): Among the better at his position in Kentucky
- Peyton Hilbert (PK/P): 6’6,” 248-pounds a 5-star, nationally ranked recruit who punts and kicks and has been offered by numerous Power 4, FBS teams. Younger brother of UofL’s PK, Carson Hilbert.
- St. Xavier Tigers:
- Will Shoptaw (JR, QB): Coming off a sharp round-one performance where he tossed for 180 yards and 2 touchdowns.
- Cooper Yates (SR, RB): The primary ground weapon, rushing for 98 yards and a touchdown last week.
- Parker Landis (JR, WR) & Campbell Webber (SR, WR): The top two aerial targets for the Tigers’ passing game.
🔮 Handicapping & Prediction
St. Xavier is fighting a steep uphill battle. During their regular-season matchup on September 25, Trinity completely overwhelmed the Tigers in a 44-0 blowout, limiting St. X to just 78 total yards of offense.
The defining factor of this game is the historical dominance of Trinity’s defense, which enters on a staggering streak of 7 consecutive shutouts. Against instate Kentucky competition this year, Trinity is 6-0 and has outscored opponents by a combined 287-0. While rivalries can breed unpredictable energy and St. Xavier will likely put up a heavier fight than they did in September, the Shamrocks have too much depth, defensive prowess, and star power to slip up here.
This is Friday Night Fletch, reporting for KPGFootball, reminding you to PLAY THROUGH THE WHISTLE!
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