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. These teams are into district play and some of these teams are still building their RPIs which will be important as classification rankings and seedings are crystalizing across the KHSAA. We will start with Kentucky Class 1A.
1A
Sayre Spartans (6-0) at Berea (0-7)
Game Information
- Where they are playing: At Berea, KY (Berea home game).
- Projected Winner: Sayre enters as a heavy favorite based on their undefeated season and Berea’s winless record.
KPGFootball predicts: Sayre 35, Berea 12
Team Records & Star Players
| Team | Current Record | Key Star Players |
|---|---|---|
| Sayre Spartans | 6-0 | Gage Pennington (#10 QB/SS): Core playmaker averaging 210 passing yards per game. Isaiah King (#1 RB/SS): Leading rusher averaging 107.0 rushing yards per game. Jesse Nance (#2 WR/CB): Primary target in the passing game. |
| Berea Pirates | 0-7 | Roster-wide individual statistics are currently unavailable or unentered on MaxPreps due to missing local scorekeeper submissions. |
Kentucky Country Day (4-2) at Louisville Holy Cross (5-1)
Holy Cross is No. 3 in the latest RPIs and KCD is No. 6. Holy Cross is coming out of a “take it on the chin” game at Sayre High it lost 26-9. KCD is coming off a bye.
KPGFootball Predicts: KCD 28, Louisville Holy Cross 20
Game Overview & Handicapping
This matchup serves as a massive bounce-back opportunity for both programs after each suffered recent setbacks against top-tier opponent Sayre. KCD fell to Sayre 22-19 in their opener, while Holy Cross was handled 29-6 on October 2. Historically, KCD has dominated this regular-season series, notably winning 47-30 in 2025. However, this 2026 Holy Cross squad has shown much stronger defensive capabilities, shutting out multiple opponents early in the season.
KCD relies on a dynamic, fast-paced offense capable of explosive plays, while Holy Cross prefers a disciplined, ball-control style. The game will likely be won in the trenches: if Holy Cross can slow down KCD’s ground game and force long third downs, they can play the possession game. However, computer models favor KCD’s deeper explosive metrics.
The Predicted Winner
- Winner: Kentucky Country Day
KCD’s historical edge and more tested offensive versatility give them the slight advantage, but Holy Cross will keep it much tighter than in years past.
Star Players to Watch
Kentucky Country Day Bearcats
- Deion Davidson Jr. (RB/ATH): The focal point of the Bearcats’ ground attack. He possesses elite track speed and can break away for a touchdown any time he hits the secondary.
- Chase Browning (QB): A steady signal-caller who excels at executing KCD’s option looks and finding targets downfield when defenses over-commit to the run.
Louisville Holy Cross Cougars
- The Cougars’ Defensive Front: After giving up high point totals to KCD in recent years, Holy Cross’s linebacking corps and edge rushers will be the most crucial element to stalling KCD’s perimeter speed.
Pineville Mountain Lions (2-5) at Middlesboro Yellowjackets (6-0)
🏈 Game Details & Location
- Where They Are Playing: The game will take place at Bradner Stadium (Middlesboro’s home field) in Middlesboro, Kentucky.
- Kickoff Time: 7:30 PM EDT.
KPGFootball Predicts: Middlesboro 42, Pineville 12
📊 Team Records
- Middlesboro Yellowjackets: 6-0 overall (1st place in Class 1A District 7).
- Pineville Mountain Lions: 2-5 overall.
🔮 Handicapping & Predicted Winner
| Projecting Metric | Details |
|---|---|
| The Winner | Middlesboro Yellowjackets |
| Predicted Score | Middlesboro 42, Pineville 12 |
| Handicap / Spread | Middlesboro -24.5 |
Analysis: Middlesboro is heavily favored in this rivalry matchup. Under first-year head coach Hunter Adams, the Yellowjackets are completely dominant, rolling at a perfect 6-0 and coming off a massive 46-0 blowout win against Harlan. Pineville has struggled to maintain consistency this season at 2-5. Given Middlesboro’s high-octane defense and the home-field advantage at Bradner Stadium, they are expected to cover the handicap easily.
⭐ Star Players to Watch
Middlesboro Yellowjackets
- Deakon Partin (Sr., QB): The anchor of the offense. At 6’4″ and 220 lbs, he is a physical presence under center who commands the passing game with precision.
- Amari Houston (Sr., ATH/WR/S): A Swiss Army knife threat. He leads the secondary on defense and serves as a dangerous big-play target on offense.
- Lucas Fuson & Bryson Heck: Crucial skill players driving the ground game and anchoring line depth.
Pineville Mountain Lions
- Kaiden Robbins & Nas Wilson (Seniors): The dynamic senior playmakers in the backfield. They provide the speed, route-running, and quickness required to test the Yellowjackets’ secondary.
- Ben Matthews (Jr., OL): The primary force on the offensive line, tasked with trying to buy his quarterback time against a fierce Middlesboro pass rush.
- Dylan Abner (Sr., TE): A reliable safety-valve target across the middle.
2A
Lexington Christian Academy (5-2) at Shawnee (2-4)
Game Handicap & Preview
LCA enters this game as a massive favorite. Historically, this district matchup has been incredibly one-sided: LCA defeated Shawnee 46-14 in 2025 and 56-0 in 2023.
KPGFootball Predicts: LCA 49, Shawnee 6
- The Line (Estimated Handicap): LCA -42.5
- Massey Ratings Forecast: Projections place LCA with a 100% win probability.
LCA has a vastly superior roster, playing a high-octane offensive schedule that typically outmatches Class 2A district opponents. Shawnee’s defensive front will struggle to slow down the Eagles’ balanced attack.
Shawnee Standouts
While the Golden Eagles face a steep challenge, key contributors leading their roster into this matchup include:
- Brogan Rayer (QB): The team’s primary signal-caller who has shown flashes of dynamic downfield passing ability.
- Kai Lasenby (RB): A speedy offensive weapon out of the backfield capable of breaking long plays.
Stars on the Eagles team:
- Daven Hood (Sr., RB/SS): A vital senior playmaker returning to the backfield to anchor the rushing attack alongside Whelan.
- Aiden Lyons (Sr., LB): Led the Eagles’ defense with 89 total tackles during their previous championship run.
- Thomas Sizemore (Jr., MLB/RB): Finished second on the team in tackles with 74 stops last season.
- Nash Whelan (LCA, QB): The standout signal-caller led the Eagles’ offense and title defense with tremendous poise.
- Conrad Hart (LCA, TE): A 6’6″, 235-pound senior and University of Kentucky commit who created major matchup problems in the passing game and was able to use his big-body and length to come up with the two-point conversion to seal the win.
- Matthew Montgomery (LCA, OL/DL): Two-time all-state performer anchoring the trenches with elite technique and footwork.
- Paxton Gray (’29 ATH): Gray has accounted for five (5) TDs; scoring a sixth (6th) against the Lions. Gray is averaging 14 or so yards a catch and 15.7-yards per rushing attempt. Gray is dangerous in the return game, averaging 52-yards a return and has housed two (2) kick off returns over the course of the first half of the season. Gray has been clocked running 21.95 MPH and clips off 40-yard dashes in 4.5-seconds. Gray is a star on the football team. Gray’s a star on the Track & Field team too.
Danville (7-0) at W.E.B. DuBois Academy (5-2)
The Danville Admirals will face off against the W.E.B. DuBois Academy Lions on Friday, October 9, 2026 at 7:30 PM EDT. The game will be played at the home field of W.E.B. DuBois Academy located in Louisville, KY.
Handicapping the Matchup
- Danville Admirals (7-0): The Admirals enter this Class 2A District 4 conference battle completely undefeated. They boast an incredibly explosive, high-scoring offense that recently racked up 72 points against Knox Central and 48 points against Anderson County. They have a proven history of commanding this matchup, having beaten the Lions 32-12 last season.
- W.E.B. DuBois Lions (5-2): The Lions are having a solid season but are coming off a more volatile stretch. Their defense has shown elite flashes—holding Kentucky Country Day to 7 points and Marion County to 6 points—but their offense can struggle to keep pace when forced into high-scoring shootouts.
The Edge: Danville holds a significant advantage in offensive consistency and big-play capabilities. While DuBois Academy will benefit from home-field advantage, they likely do not have the secondary or scoring depth required to slow down Danville’s passing attack across all four quarters.
KPGFootball Predicts: Danville 38, W.E.B. DuBois 14
- Predicted Winner: Danville Admirals
Star Players to Watch
Danville Admirals
- Trinden Sellers (WR/FS): A major dual-threat option for the Admirals who acts as a lethal target downfield and an anchor in the secondary.
- Jayvian Meaux (RB) Among the best running backs in Kentucky, Meaux is a returning All-State performer from a season ago.
- Jutayvion Beasley (Senior Leader): A pivotal veteran presence on the roster expected to dictate the tempo of the Admirals’ offense.
- Marquis Elmore (RB/DB) & Jamaree Johnson (OL/DL): Elmore brings exceptional speed out of the backfield, while the massive 350 lb Johnson commands the trenches to open up running lanes.
W.E.B. DuBois Academy
- The Lions’ Defense: Led by head coach George Durant Jr., the Lions heavily rely on physical defensive execution. With statistical breakdowns closely guarded, their primary path to an upset rests on their veteran defensive line stopping the Admirals early and forcing turnovers to control time of possession.
Prestonsburg (5-1) at Floyd Central (2-4)
Prestonsburg comes into this Kentucky Class 2A, District 7 rivalry matchup with immense momentum, fresh off a dominant 59-13 victory over Knott County Central and securing the program’s historic 600th win. The Blackcats’ explosive offense and disciplined team play give them a major advantage over a struggling Jaguars team.
KPGFootball Predicts: Prestonsburg Blackcats defeat the Floyd Central Jaguars 45-14
Team Records
- Prestonsburg Blackcats: 5–1 (1–0 District)
- Floyd Central Jaguars: 2–4 (1–0 District)
Star Players
🐈⬛ Prestonsburg Blackcats
- Bryce Holbrook (Sophomore, QB): The driving force of the offense, Holbrook is coming off a stellar first-half performance against Knott Central where he threw three consecutive touchdown passes to spark a blowout.
- Alex Harris & Dalton Elliott: A lethal receiving duo that serves as Holbrook’s primary vertical targets, both making crucial touchdown grabs last week.
- Kain “Hurricane” Patton (Junior, WR): A highly explosive playmaker capable of breaking a game wide open, recently logging a three-touchdown performance. [1]
🐆 Floyd Central Jaguars
- Ethan Curry (Sophomore, RB): The powerhouse of the Jaguars’ ground game, averaging 135.6 rushing yards per game with 12 total touchdowns on the season.
- Austin Meade Jr. (Junior, WR): The team’s leading aerial threat, averaging 42.2 receiving yards per game to keep opposing secondaries honest.
- Elijah Little (Senior, LB): The defensive anchor for the Jaguars, averaging an impressive 9.8 tackles per game to lead the defensive unit.
3A
Central High (Lou.) (2-4) at Christian Academy-Louisville (7-0)
If there is a team which has plagued the Centurions a little bit (and I mean a little bit) it is Central’s Yellowjackets. The marquee Kentucky Class 3A clash between Christian Academy-Louisville (CAL) and the Central Yellow Jackets on Friday, October 9, 2026, is a highly anticipated district matchup. The game will be played at Christian Academy-Louisville High School in Louisville, Kentucky, with kickoff set for 7:30 PM EDT.
KPGFootball Predicts: Christian Academy-Louisville 45, Central 0
Team Records & Current Momentum
- Christian Academy-Louisville Centurions (7-0): CAL is the top-ranked team in Class 3A and is currently riding a dominant 21-game winning streak. They are coming off a resounding 42-0 shutout over DeSales.
- Central Yellow Jackets (2-4): Central has faced a challenging schedule, suffering a 41-14 loss to Covington Catholic in their last outing, though they hold blowout wins over Butler (56-0) and Shawnee (58-0).
Game Handicap & Prediction
Handicap: CAL opens as a heavy 24.5-point favorite. Any one who wants Central and 24.5 points here, call me. You have action. You have heavy action!
CAL’s combination of an explosive offense and a historic shutdown defense makes them incredibly tough to handicap against. The Centurions have posted four shutouts this season (including margins of 65-0 and 52-0). While Central has the athletic depth to occasionally challenge CAL’s secondary, their struggles to sustain drives against elite pass rushes will likely be their downfall here.
- Predicted Winner: Christian Academy-Louisville (CAL)
- Predicted Score: CAL 45, Central 13
Star Players to Watch
⚔️ Christian Academy-Louisville (CAL)
- Kellan Hall (Jr., DL/OL): A consensus 5-star recruit and the No. 2 overall national prospect in the class of 2028. Hall is a dominant, disruptive force on the defensive line coveted by programs like Oklahoma and Ohio State.
- Ja’Hyde Brown (Sr., WR/KR/PR): A dynamic Louisville commit who has completely torched defenses this year, racking up over 800 receiving yards and 20 total touchdowns.
- Jackson Burke (Jr., QB): Completed 214 of 257 passes for 3,526 yards and 53 TDs with just 1 interception as a sophomore to set the national high school passing efficiency mark. –In 3-A title game, completed 14 of 14 passes for 324 yards.
- Garyon Hobbs (Sr., ATH): An elite two-way standout committed to Indiana who impacts the game heavily on both sides of the ball.
- Micah Newsome (Sr., MLB/RB): One of the state’s premier senior linebackers and the true emotional anchor of CAL’s suffocating defense.
🐝 Central Yellow Jackets
- Phillip Baker Jr. (Sr., QB): The senior dual-threat signal-caller who orchestrates Central’s offense and will need a career night to pick apart CAL’s secondary.
- Destin Basemore (Sr., LB): A hard-nosed senior linebacker who serves as the defensive general for the Yellow Jackets.
Lawrence County (4-1) at Powell County (2-4)
We haven’t covered Lawrence County this year (until now) and they are a one loss team which is 3rd in the present KHSAA RPI quotient. We thought it would be nice to check in on Tyler Robinson (HFC) and his Bulldogs as they frequently seem to factor into the 3A championship race.
KPGFootball Predicts: Lawrence County 48, Powell County 6
Game Details & Records
- Location: Stanton, Kentucky (Powell County High School)
- Lawrence County Record: 4–1
- Powell County Record: 2–4
Handicap & Prediction
- Prediction: Lawrence County wins, 48–6.
- Handicap: Lawrence County is heavily favored due to a dominant 4–1 start and superior point differentials, whereas Powell County has struggled defensively despite recent wins.
Star Players
- Lawrence County: Caden Thompson (RB), Cameron Castle (LB), Carlo Chicko (WR), Hayden Blagg(CB)
4A
Warren East (6-1) at Paducah Tilghman (7-0) for Homecoming!
The Paducah Tilghman Blue Tornado will host the Warren East Raiders on Friday, October 16, 2026, at 7:00 PM CDT. The highly anticipated Kentucky high school football class 4A matchup serves as Paducah Tilghman’s 2026 Football Homecoming game.
KPGFootball Predicts: The Blue Tornado 47, Warren East 7
📊 Team Records & Matchup Context
- Paducah Tilghman Blue Tornado: Enter the matchup undefeated at 7-0 (2-0 in district play) and are currently ranked #7 state-wide in Kentucky.
- Warren East Raiders: Hold a strong 6-1 record (2-0 in district play).
🌟 Star Players to Watch
- Paducah Tilghman:
- Xavier Isable (QB): The dynamic dual-threat quarterback actually transferred from Warren East to Paducah Tilghman ahead of the season, making this an intense revenge narrative.
- Wyatt Gower (LB/DB): A reliable defensive playmaker who famously scored a pick-six in last year’s meeting between these teams.
- Warren East:
- Brandon McCluskey (QB): The junior took over the starting quarterback duties this year following Isable’s departure.
- Za’karrious McMillian-Cofer (RB/MLB): A bruising sophomore who anchors both the running game and middle of the defense.
- Mario Cerna (CB/FS): A ball-hawking defensive back with past success generating turnovers against the Tilghman passing attack.
🏈 Handicapping & Game Analysis
Paducah Tilghman enters this matchup as a heavy favorite. Over the last three seasons, this series has leaned dramatically in favor of the Blue Tornado, including a 44-6 blowout win in 2025, and 70-20 and 56-7victories in 2023.
Tilghman boasts an elite defense that recently shut out Allen County-Scottsville 56-0, combined with an explosive offense averaging well over 40 points per game. While Warren East is putting together an impressive 6-1 campaign under their new starting quarterback, the talent gap and historical mismatch place a massive hill for them to climb on the road. Computer power ratings track this line heavily toward Paducah Tilghman.
Boyd County (4-2) at Paul Blazer High (7-0)
The upcoming Kentucky high school football matchup features the Ashland Paul Blazer Tomcats hosting the Boyd County Lions on Friday, October 9, 2026. Boyd County is having a strong season while Blazer is looking every bit the part of 4A Championship Contender.
KPGFootball Predicts: Blazer High 45, Boyd County 7
Game Essentials
- Venue: The game is being played at Paul Blazer High School (Putnam Stadium) in Ashland, KY.
- Paul Blazer Tomcats Record: 7-0 (Undefeated).
- Boyd County Lions Record: 4-2.
Handicapping the Matchup
The Paul Blazer Tomcats enter this game as overwhelming favorites. Looking at common opponents and recent outcomes, Blazer has been a dominant force in Kentucky’s 4A District 6, outscoring opponents by an average of 18 points per game while allowing only 15.0 points per game. They are fresh off a blowout 57-22 victory over Rowan County Senior.
Boyd County is having a respectable season at 4-2 but has struggled when stepping up in competition. Their most telling recent game was a 42-21 loss to Johnson Central, a team that plays at a similar level to Blazer. Offensively, the Lions can score (averaging 32.4 points), but their defense gives up roughly 24.8 points per game, which bodes poorly against a highly efficient and explosive Tomcats offense. Furthermore, historical computer projections (like Massey Ratings and the granddaddy of them all; the Durden Ratings Index (DRI)) pin Boyd County’s win probability at just 2%.
Winner and Score Prediction
Paul Blazer’s balanced defense and powerful home-field advantage will likely stifle Boyd County’s offense early on while capitalizing on the Lions’ defensive vulnerabilities. Expect the Tomcats to control the tempo of this game from start to finish.
- Predicted Winner: Paul Blazer Tomcats
Elder High (OH) (5-2) at Fort Thomas Highlands (6-1)
The Elder vs Highlands football game on October 9, 2026, is an anticipated interstate clash where the powerhouse Elder Panthers travel to face the Highlands Bluebirds in a high-profile non-conference matchup. Elder has beaten the crap out of some high profile Kentucky schools this year, Covington Catholic among them, and is a tough, tough hombre.
KPGFootball Predicts: Highlands 31, Elder (OH) 24
Game Location and Team Records
- Game Location: Highlands High School in Fort Thomas, Kentucky (2400 Memorial Pkwy).
- Elder (Cincinnati, OH) Record: 5-2
- Highlands (Fort Thomas, KY) Record: 6-1
State Rankings
| Team | State Rank | Region/Division Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Elder | #8 in Ohio | #5 in Ohio Division I / #1 in Cincinnati |
| Highlands | #3 in Kentucky | #1 in Kentucky Class 4A |
Roster Stars to Watch
- Highlands Bluebirds:
- Tayden Lorenzen (QB/ATH) – Miami (OH) commit known for his dual-threat capabilities and command of the offense.
- Bryce Armstrong, (’29 QB) – Former Male High, legendary coach Chris Wolfe has called this kid the most college ready looking QB in Northern Kentucky. The kid is already getting Division I looks. Fantastic talent and player.
- Griffin Benke (TE/DL) – Ohio commit providing big-play potential and blocking security.
- Cooper Benke (OL/DL) – Ball State commit anchoring the trenches.
- Elder Panthers:
- Derek Uran (LB) – Standout three-star linebacker committed to Virginia leading the defensive unit.
- Deep and physical group of core starters typical of the Greater Catholic League (GCL) South powerhouse tradition.
Game Handicap / Outlook
Elder comes in battle-tested playing a brutal GCL South schedule in Ohio Division I, though they are looking to rebound following a tight loss to Archbishop Moeller. Highlands enters on a hot streak with five consecutive victories—including a statement win over Covington Catholic—and enjoys home-field advantage. While Elder traditionally boasts supreme size and classification strength from Cincinnati, Highlands’ high-division commitments on offense make this a tightly handicapped, highly explosive battle where the Bluebirds have a legitimate upset or competitive edge at home.
5A
South Oldham (1-5) at Scott County (5-1) in the Birds Nest
Game Information & Details
- Location: The game is being played at Birds Nest / Cardinal Stadium (Scott County High School) in Georgetown, KY.
- Scott County Cardinals Record: 5-1 overall (1-0 in 5A District 6).
- South Oldham Dragons Record: 1-5 overall (0-1 in 5A District 6).
KPGFootball Predicts: Scott County Cardinals 42, South Oldham Dragons 10
Handicapping the Matchup
This Class 5A District 6 showdown heavily favors the Cardinals based on recent form, common opponents, and seasonal momentum.
- Offensive Firepower vs. Defensive Woes: Scott County features a highly potent offense coached by veteran Jim McKee. They are averaging nearly 40 points per game, highlighted by overwhelming wins against teams like Franklin County (55-24) and Pleasure Ridge Park (45-7). Conversely, South Oldham’s defense has leaked points significantly this season, surrendering 42 points to Woodford County and getting blanked 42-0 by North Oldham.
- Common Opponent Trends: Looking at a common thread, South Oldham struggled mightily against Woodford County, losing 42-12 on October 2nd. Scott County’s metric models place them on a much higher tier structurally, matching up to comfortably outpace teams that struggle with physical ground games.
- Historical Precedent: When these teams met during the prior campaign, Scott County easily handled South Oldham on the road by a score of 49-21. Returning home to Georgetown with a much stronger 2026 roster context against a re-tooling Dragons squad (1-5) points to an even wider margin of victory.
Expect Scott County to control the line of scrimmage early, lean on their deep rushing attack, and limit a South Oldham offense that has struggled to find consistency under coach Cain Sams.
Madisonville North Hopkins (6-1) at Owensboro Apollo (3-4)
This KHSAA Class 5A District 1 matchup features two teams heading in opposite directions. The Maroons are riding a three-game winning streak and boasting a potent offense, while the Eagles are struggling through a two-game skid where their defense has been repeatedly exposed.
KPGFootball Predicts: Madisonville-North Hopkins 42, Owensboro Apollo 21
Team Records & Context
- Madisonville-North Hopkins Maroons:6–1 Overall (2–0 District)
- Recent Form: Fresh off a dominant 48–14 victory over Muhlenberg County. Their only blemish on the season is a loss to a powerful Paducah Tilghman squad.
- Owensboro Apollo Eagles:3–4 Overall (1–2 District)
- Recent Form: Coming off back-to-back district losses, most recently falling 42–28 to Graves County, right after being walloped 50–7 by Owensboro.
Star Players to Watch
🏈 Madisonville-North Hopkins Maroons
- Kadence “KP” Price (Sr., OL/DL): An elite, all-state caliber interior lineman who anchors the Maroons’ offensive front and doubles as a disruptive force on defense.
- Ryder Sandidge (Sr., Mr. Football Candidate, ATH): We could cover what Sandidge doesn’t do faster than what he does. Sandidge is the team’s leading rusher with around 1,200-yards gained from scrimmage so far this season. Sandidge leads the team in INTs, is amongst the leader in several tackling stats, and is critical in the coverage and return units on special teams. He’s a one-man-band, so to speak, from a football perspective with a gear not many high school players can match.
- Alex Richards (Jr., QB): The 6’4″ signal-caller captains a balanced offensive attack that has scored 40+ points in five different games this year.
- Jeremyah Sharp (Jr., WR/CB) & Clayton Gunkel (Sr., WR/CB): A dynamic perimeter duo that creates major mismatch problems on both sides of the ball.
- Gage Kinney (Sr., MLB/FB): The heartbeat of the defense at middle linebacker, known for his physical downhill play.
🦅 Owensboro Apollo Eagles
- Niles Board (ATH): A highly versatile playmaker who serves as one of Apollo’s biggest vertical threats.
- Noah Dillbeck (OL/DL) & Elajah Lewis: Strong, physical line anchors tasked with trying to slow down the Maroons’ push up front.
- TayShaun Wharton (DB/ATH): A crucial presence in the secondary who will need a career night to stop Madisonville’s passing game.
Game Handicap & Breakdown
Madisonville-North Hopkins enters as a heavy favorite due to a massive gap in defensive execution. The Maroons are averaging over 45 points per game during their current win streak, capitalizing on a massive offensive line led by Kadence Price.
Apollo’s defense has leaked points against district opponents, giving up 92 total points over their last two games alone. While Apollo has shown they can score in bunches—such as their 41-point outing against Owensboro Catholic—they do not have the defensive consistency to halt Madisonville’s balanced attack over four quarters. The Maroons should control the line of scrimmage early, wear down the Eagles, and cruise to a multi-touchdown victory.
Pulaski County (6-0) at South Laurel (6-1)
The Pulaski County Maroons will face the South Laurel Cardinals on Friday, October 9, 2026, at Gilliam Field in London, Kentucky.
Team Records (Class 5A District 8)
- Pulaski County Maroons: 6–0–1 overall (Ranked #1 in Kentucky Class 5A).
- South Laurel Cardinals: 6–1 overall (Riding a 5-game winning streak).
Game Handicapping
This matchup features two of Class 5A’s hottest teams. However, history and depth heavily favor Pulaski County. South Laurel enters this game determined to end a grueling 15-game losing skid to the Maroons. While South Laurel has built immense confidence during their 5-game win streak, they have historically struggled when stepping up in class—evidenced earlier this season in a 42-21 loss to Somerset.
Pulaski County is the top-ranked team in Class 5A for a reason. They have proven their mettle through an incredibly rigorous schedule, securing marquee wins over powerhouse programs like Corbin (21-14), Johnson Central (42-14), and South Warren (36-35). The Maroons bring an elite defensive unit and an explosive, multi-faceted offense that will likely overwhelm South Laurel’s defense over four quarters.
KPGFootball Predicts: Pulaski County 42, South Laurel 14
Key Star Players to Watch
Pulaski County Maroons:
- Will Adams (Jr., QB): The field general leading the state’s top-ranked 5A offense.
- Kasen Brock (Sr., RB): A physical 6’0″, 210 lbs back who wears down opposing front sevens.
- Boone Godby & Cohen Finley (Srs., WRs): A dynamic receiving duo capable of breaking a game open over the top.
South Laurel Cardinals:
- Maddox Warren (So., QB): The young signal-caller orchestrating the Cardinals’ current 5-game win streak.
- Noah Ison & Malachi Smith (Jrs., RBs/OLBs): Two-way impact players who spearhead the rushing attack and the defensive edge.
- Gannon Bargo (Sr., MLB): The defensive anchor in the middle tasked with slowing down Pulaski’s power run game.
6A
Freddy D (6-0) at Madison Central (7-0)
Frederick Douglass is projected to win with a predicted final score of 28-21. The highly anticipated KHSAA Class 6A District 8 matchup will take place on Friday, October 9, 2026, at 7:30 PM EDT at Madison Central High School in Richmond, Kentucky.
KPGFootball like this game: Freddy D 28, Madison Central 17
Game Information & Analysis
- Location: Madison Central High School Stadium (705 N 2nd St, Richmond, KY).
- The Matchup: This is a battle of undefeated powerhouses. The Frederick Douglass Broncos (6-0) enter the game ranked #3 in the state, while the host Madison Central Indians (7-0) hold the #10 state ranking.
- Handicap & Pick: Frederick Douglass is given a 74% win probability compared to Madison Central’s 26%. While Madison Central has home-field advantage and an unblemished record, Frederick Douglass’s defense and elite strength of schedule make them the favorites to edge out a close road victory—similar to their tight 21-15 win over Madison Central last season.
Ballard (2-5) at Trinity High (5-1)
Trinity is a nationally ranked team believed by most to be the best high school football team, at any level, competing in the KHSAA. Trinity is 5-1. Conversely, Ballard has struggled to find consistent footing, holding a 2-5 record.
While Ballard is coming off a reassuring 28-0 shutout victory against Fern Creek (Lou.), their offense has sputtered throughout the year, averaging just 8.2 points per game. Trinity’s explosive offense, combined with Ballard’s low-scoring trend, makes a lopsided affair highly probable.
- Projected Winner: Trinity Shamrocks
KPGFootball Predicts: Trinity 42, Ballard 6
Game Location
The game will be played at Marshall Stadium, located on the campus of Trinity High School in Louisville, KY. This will also serve as Trinity’s Senior Night.
Star Players to Watch
- Zane Johnson (QB, Trinity): The sophomore signal-caller has continued to command the Shamrocks’ explosive aerial offense with maturity beyond his years.
- Jeremiah Lynn (RB, Trinity): A dynamic junior weapon out of the backfield who anchors Trinity’s balanced rushing attack.
- Jackson Hepner (QB, Ballard): A senior leader under center who handles the bulk of the offensive production and decision-making for the Bruins.
- Derryon Mitchell & Robert Phelps (Ballard): Senior leaders on a Bruins roster looking to step up and slow down Trinity’s high-octane playbook.
Henderson County (3-4) at Christian County Tigers (2-4)
The Henderson County vs Christian County football game is scheduled for Friday, October 9, 2026, at 7:00 PM CDT at the Stadium of Champions in Hopkinsville, KY. We disagree with our intrepid sponsor, Lasaters Coffee & Tea on this one. We like Henderson in the game, particularly with how they played George Rogers Clark, but we don’t think the margin will be 14-points. This is a HUGE game and neither team can easily afford to lose this game. It is the difference in playing on the road versus at home for the first round of the 2026 playoffs.
Matchup Overview
| Team Side | Details / Stats |
| Home Team | Christian County Tigers (2-4 Overall, 1-0 District) |
| Away Team | Henderson County Colonels (3-4 Overall, 1-0 District) |
| Location | Stadium of Champions, Hopkinsville, KY |
| Date & Time | Friday, October 9, 2026, at 7:00 PM CDT |
Henderson County is predicted to win the upcoming Class 6A District 1 matchup against the Christian County Tigers by most publications. We agree with the outcome but not the projected margin.
Analytical sports algorithms like the On3 Massey Ratings Forecast predict a final score of Henderson County 42, Christian County 28. We think 42-35 is a lot more plausible and wouldn’t be surprised at all for the Tigers to upset the Colonels here. The Tigers will NOT be out-talented here!
KPGFootball predicts: Henderson County 42, Christian County 35
Game Handicap & Odds Breakdown
- Predicted Winner (by the majority of pundits): Henderson County Colonels
- Projected Score: 42 – 28 by most online handicappers
- Estimated Point Spread (Handicap): Henderson County -14
- Win Probability: Henderson County 74% | Christian County 26%
Key Matchup Factors
- Recent Performance: Both teams come into this game with comparable overall records—Henderson County stands at 3-4 while Christian County sits at 2-4. However, Henderson County recently built momentum with blowout victories over Daviess County (42-3) and Central Hardin (42-0) before a tight 53-48 loss to George Rogers Clark. Meanwhile, Christian County is coming off consecutive multi-touchdown losses against South Warren and Frederick Douglass with a combined score over the two games of 77-7.
- Historical Edge: Henderson County has historically dominated recent matchups in this series. In their October 2025 meeting, Henderson County cruised to a 67-29 victory, following a 49-18 win over Christian County in 2024. This is meaningless however as, while Henderson beat the crap out of the Christian County Colonels, they lost to the Tigers (Hopkinsville) last season, 31-29.
• • Home-Field Factor: The game will take place at Christian County. While home-field advantage provides some protection against the spread, Henderson County’s more explosive offensive production (averaging 34.8 points per game) gives them the clear analytic edge to cover the projected handicap.
Henry Clay (0-6) at Lexington Lafayette (5-1, No. 7 in the 6A RPI)
Lafayette’s only loss on the season was to West Jessamine. West Jessamine is undefeated this year.
Lafayette has beaten both North Oldham (6-1, 4A) and Franklin-Simpson (4A), neither of which are considered Little Sisters of the Poor if you catch my drift. Point is…Lafayette is having a tremendous season. Players like Tyree Richardson are a main reason why.
Expect Lafayette to establish total control early, rely heavily on their ground game, and rotate in depth players by the second half.
KPGFootball Predicts: We like Lafayette to move its record to 6-1, beating Henry Clay 42-7.
Lafayette will entertain Henry Clay tonight. It has been a difficult rebuilding year for Henry Clay, who enters the matchup 0–6. The Blue Devils have struggled heavily on both sides of the ball, finding it difficult to generate offense while enduring lopsided outcomes against high-caliber opponents like George Rogers Clark.
This Lexington rivalry features two programs heading in completely opposite directions. Lafayette controls the trenches and has shown they can soundly defeat teams struggling with consistency. Henry Clay simply does not have the offensive firepower or the defensive depth right now to stop Lafayette’s rushing attack or consistently move the chains.
Expect Lafayette to establish total control early, rely heavily on their ground game, and rotate in depth players by the second half. KPGFootball Predicts: We like Lafayette to move its record to 6-1, beating Henry Clay 42-7.
This is Friday Night Fletch, reporting for KPGFootball, reminding you to PLAY THROUGH THE WHISTLE!
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