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 getting 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
Holy Cross (Lou.) (5-0) at Sayre (Lex.) 5-0
For the upcoming Class 1A high school football showdown between undefeated titans Sayre (5-0) and Louisville Holy Cross (5-0) on October 2, 2026, community consensus and early previews peg Sayre as roughly a 7.5 to 10-point favorite at home, with a predicted score of Sayre 31, Louisville Holy Cross 21. We disagree…
KPGFootball predicts: Holy Cross 28, Sayre 27
Game Overview
- Matchup: Louisville Holy Cross Cougars at Sayre Spartans
- Date & Time: Friday, October 2, 2026, at 7:30 PM
- Location: Sayre Athletic Complex (Lexington, KY)
- Context: A marquee Class 1A Top 10 battle featuring two unblemished records. Both teams have rolled through the early part of their schedules, but Sayre gets the nod at home due to their championship pedigree and high-powered offense.
Handicap & Prediction Breakdown
- Estimated Handicap: Sayre -8.5
- Predicted Score: Sayre 31, Louisville Holy Cross 21
- The Expectation: Expect a competitive, high-intensity game early on as Holy Cross tests their dual-threat capabilities against a stingy Spartan defense.
Key Players & Statistical Leaders (Holy Cross)
- Jerek Hoover (Sr., QB/FS): Leads the team in rushing with 151.0 rushing yards per game.
- Dion Brent (Jr., WR/OLB): Leads the offense averaging 76.0 receiving/total yards per game.
- Chris Rumbaugh (Sr., WR/CB): Contributes heavily in the receiving game with 43.0 yards per game.
- Colton King (Sr., OLB/RB): Active contributor averaging 30.0 rushing yards per game.
- Malachi Watkins (Sr., WR/FS): Dual-threat contributor on offense and special stats.
- Brady Thompson (Sr., TE/MLB): Key presence on both offense and defensive line tracking stats.
Roster Standouts for Sayre:
- Gage Pennington (QB / SS, #10) – Key dual-threat contributor at quarterback and safety.
- Harrison Phillips (RB / MLB, #8) – Physical presence lining up in the backfield and at middle linebacker.
- Gaven Coffman (WR / OLB, #19) – Versatile skill-position player and outside linebacker.
- Isaiah King (RB / SS, #1) – Impact athlete contributing on offense and defense.
- Hudson Ward (RB / MLB, #24) – Two-way depth and contributor at running back and linebacker.
- Braylan Coffman (DE / G) – Lineman providing strength in the trenches on both sides of the ball.
- Chris Escobar (T / DT) and Collin Smithwick (T / DE) – Key anchors along the line of scrimmage.
- Joseph Skinner and Jud Masters – Centers and defensive lineman rounding out the 2027 class upfront.
Hazard (2-4) at Raceland (3-2)
The Raceland Rams are projected to win their matchup against the Hazard Bulldogs on October 2, 2026.
KPGFootball predicts: Raceland 41, Hazard 23
Game Handicap Breakdowns
- Spread: Raceland -17.5
- Over/Under: 63.5 total points
- Moneyline: Raceland is a heavy favorite on home turf.
Key Factors & Matchup Analysis
- Historical Advantage: Data provided by MaxPreps Tracker historical trends lean heavily toward the Rams execution in non-district home games.
- Offensive Firepower: Raceland averages a much stronger scoring margin in identical-class matchups, showcasing more consistency in driving down the field and converting trips inside the red zone.
- Home Field Advantage: Hazard faces a tough travel schedule heading to Raceland’s home stadium, giving the Rams a distinct psychological and physical edge under the Friday night lights.
Southwestern High (5A, 2-3) at Pikeville (5-1)
Pikeville steps out of classification and hosts a 5A team having a tough year but one who historically has been a tough opponent. They play a little football around Somerset, KY folks! This is one of those shrewd, RPI opportunities.
KPGFootball predicts: Pikeville will beat Southwestern, 31–24
🏈 Game Details & Analysis
- The Matchup: Southwestern High School (2-3) at Pikeville High School (5-1).
- Kickoff Time: 7:30 PM EDT.
- Location: Pikeville, KY.
📊 Handicapping Factors
- Classification vs. Momentum: Southwestern is a Class 5A program playing a brutal schedule. Despite their 2-3 record, they have massive momentum, riding a two-game winning streak where they outscored opponents 98–40.
- The Panther Powerhouse: Pikeville is the top-ranked Class 1A school in Kentucky (#21 overall in the state). They boast an excellent 5-1 record and a stellar 3-1 home-field advantage this season.
- The Edge: While Southwestern brings the size and depth advantages typical of a 5A school, Pikeville’s elite execution, defensive discipline, and home-turf advantage give them the slight upper hand in what should be a tightly contested, physical battle.
Zane Mullins (’27), transfer from Johnson Central, gives the Panthers a physical presence up front and a mammoth, interior OL while Bryson “Mr. B” Johnson (’28) maybe the best LBer in the mountains and athlete, Connor Holbrook (’27) is an athlete who sports a 3.4-GPA, a 43-inch vertical, and a 4.41-second, 40-yard dash time.
Other Key Players from Pikeville to Watch
- Jayden Justice (Sr., OLB/RB): A veteran two-way physical presence for the Panthers.
- Jeremiah Anderson (Sr., MLB): Anchors the middle of the defense with strong tackle numbers.
- Quentin Warren (Sr., WR/CB): A speedy playmaker on the outside and cover corner.
- Connor Ratliff (Sr., T/G): A massive presence on the offensive line standing 6’4″.
- Brady Ratliff (So., CB/SS): A young standout in the defensive
2A
Caldwell County (6-0, 11 in the RPI) at Mayfield (5-1, 5th in the RPI)
Mayfield is heavily favored by 31 points over Caldwell County ahead of their upcoming Class 2A District clash.
Caldwell has a really good team with really good talent. That being said, it is one thing to be good and quite another to be good enough to march into War Memorial and kick Mighty Mayfield around its home turf.
KPGFootball predicts: Mayfield 45, Caldwell County 14
Caldwell has three transfer downs from Christian County (6A) in Bryson “Cowboy” Ford, Kam “Ox” Wells, and Ty “The Jet” Palmer. All three of these kids are sophomores and Ford is among the better LBers from across the commonwealth at any classification.
Key Senior and Junior Players for the Tigers from Princeton
- Daelyn Lander (Senior): Quarterback and cornerback (6’2″, 175 lbs).
- Kameron Wilson (Senior): Running back and outside linebacker (6’1″, 220 lbs).
- Colson Mattocks (Senior): Running back and outside linebacker (5’11”, 160 lbs).
- Connar Forsythe (Senior): Tackle and nose guard (6’3″, 300 lbs.).
- Derek Wilson (Senior): Wide receiver and tight end (6’2″, 215 lbs).
- Jackson Ray (Junior): Running back and free safety (5’9″, 147 lbs).
The Handicap
- The Line: Mayfield -31
- Over/Under: 61.5 total points
- Win Probability: Mayfield 94% / Caldwell County 6%
Game Breakdown
- Caldwell County Tigers (6-0): The Tigers are having an excellent, undefeated season. They boast a high-flying offense that recently walloped Trigg County 56-14 and Fort Campbell 49-12. Despite their pristine record, they historically struggle mightily when stepping up to face the regional powerhouse.
- Mayfield Cardinals (5-1): The Cardinals are traditionally one of the most dominant high school programs in Kentucky. They have absolutely owned this rivalry, winning the last 11 meetings in a row. Their margins of victory against Caldwell County over the past three seasons have been brutal: 52-0 in 2025, 47-14 in 2024, and 63-7 in 2023. Expert models like Massey Projections on On3 forecast another lopsided affair.
The Pick
While Caldwell County is significantly better this season than in years past, Mayfield’s defense and elite athleticism remain a tier above. The Tigers will likely manage to break the scoreboard unlike last year, but they won’t have enough stops to keep up.
W.E.B. DuBois Academy (5-1) at Lexington Christian Academy (3-2)
We are going to kind of give you the tale of the tape between the two teams. Then, we are going to pick a score and a winner. Won’t this be fun?
KPGFootball predicts: The prediction is a victory for Lexington Christian Academy (No. 3, 2A, RPI) over W.E.B. DuBois Academy (No. 6, 2A, RPI) with a projected final score of 44-6.
Matchup Overview
The two KHSAA Class 2A District 4 rivals are scheduled to play on Friday, October 2, 2026, at 7:30 PM EDT. While the DuBois Lions enter the matchup with a strong 5-1 record, the Lexington Christian Eagles (3-2) have historically dominated this head-to-head series:
History of this matchup…
- 2025: Lexington Christian won 42-13
- 2024 (Playoffs): Lexington Christian won 42-6
- 2024 (Regular Season): Lexington Christian won 50-14
- 2023: Lexington Christian won 51-0
Analysts from On3’s High School Football Tracker heavily favor Lexington Christian with a 100% win probability, forecasting another comfortable win for the Eagles on their home field.
The Stars for each team…
The star players for the Lexington Christian Academy Eagles (LCA) football team for the 2026 season feature several key returning standouts from their state championship run:
Offense
- Nash Whelan (Jr., QB): The reigning state championship MVP returns after throwing for 2,526 yards and 28 touchdowns while also rushing for a team-high 1,047 yards and 16 scores.
- Matthew Montgomery (Jr. OL): Montgomery is the definitive player along the OL in the 2A classification and beyond. Montgomery is a returning Big Ass Fans, Small School, All-Stater.
- Nick Greer (Jr. OL): Greer primary has played at center and is a returning All-Stater.
- Daven Hood (Sr., RB): A potent backfield weapon who averaged over 6 yards per carry, tallying 578 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns.
- Bennett Gudalis (Sr., RB): Provided a strong ground presence with 416 rushing yards and 9 touchdowns.
- Conrad Hart (Sr., TE): A towering 6’5″, 225-pound three-star recruit committed to Kentucky.
- Sam Pearson (Sr., WR): Returned 480 receiving yards and 7 touchdowns.
Defense & Linebackers
- Aiden Lyons (Sr., LB): Anchors the defense as the team’s leading returning tackler with 89 total stops and an interception.
- Thomas Sizemore (Jr., LB): Followed closely behind in tackles with 74 stops and 4 tackles for loss.
- Bode Darland (Jr., DL): A disruptive force in the trenches who recorded 54 tackles, 14 tackles for loss, and 3 sacks.
The top star players for the W.E.B. DuBois Academy Lions football team for the 2026 season include standout wide receiver Rashad High and quarterback Brian Dickerson Jr.
Star Players & Key Contributors
- Rashad High (WR, Class of 2027): Recognized by the Courier-Journal as a top 10 player at his position going into the 2026 season, standing at 6’3″ (or 6’0″ depending on listing) and 195 lbs.
- Brian Dickerson Jr. (QB, Class of 2027): Named a top 10 positional player entering 2026, leading the offense with strong completion rates and multi-touchdown games.
- Deonte / Diontae Bennett (LB/SS/RB, Class of 2026): A versatile two-way veteran leader on the team.
- JaCorieon Ford (DB, Class of 2029): Impact defender known for multi-interception games early in the season.
- Karon Moore (WR, Class of 2027) & Earnest Perry (ATH, Class of 2027): Key playmakers providing depth and production on the offensive side.
Danville High (6-0) at Southern (Lou. 6A, 1-4)
Danville High School is projected to win this matchup against Southern High School (Lou.). Danville is the 4th highest RPI in 2A while Southern has the 30th highest RPI in 6A.
KPGFootball predicts: Danville 45, Southern 13
Game Handicap & Prediction
- Spread: Danville -31.5 points
- Predicted Score: Danville 45, Southern 13
- Winner: Danville High School
Handicap Breakdown
- Team Momentum: Danville enters the game completely dominant with an undefeated 6-0 record, coming off a 41-0 shutout victory over Shawnee. Southern has struggled mightily, holding a 1-4 record, and was blanked 22-0 by DeSales in their last outing.
- Historical Precedent: The two teams met last season at Danville, where the Admirals completely controlled the game and cruised to a 42-7 victory.
- Matchup Dynamics: Danville’s offense is firing on all cylinders behind quarterback Dillon Cruver and playmakers like Jutayvion Beasley and Jayvean Meaux. Southern’s defense has proven vulnerable, allowing 22 or more points in all four of their losses this season. Danville’s balanced attack should outpace Southern’s struggling offense early, allowing them to cover a massive spread.
3A
DeSales (2-4) at Christian Academy-Louisville (CAL) (6-0)
I don’t know what to do with the Centurions. There isn’t anyone in 3A who I would pick to beat them. It seems every week brings a fresh embarrassment for the team CAL is playing.
Christian Academy-Louisville (CAL) is heavily favored to win this matchup against the DeSales Colts. The 3A District 3 rivalry game will be played at CAL’s home field, Centurion Stadium (located at the Christian Academy-Louisville Campus) in Louisville, KY.
KPGFootball predicts: CAL 63, DeSales 0
Team Records & Breakdown
- Christian Academy-Louisville Centurions: 6-0. CAL has been absolute steamrollers, carrying multiple consecutive state championships. Led by elite playmakers like quarterback Jackson Burke, their defense has recorded four shutouts already this season, behind super star DL, Kellan Hall, the nation’s number two ranked overall prospect (nationally) in the ’28 graduating class, while the offense has regularly surpassed 50 points.
- DeSales Colts: 2-4. The Colts have had a rougher start to the season, though they are carrying some momentum after a season-high 28-7 win over Bishop Brossart.
Key Christian Academy of Louisville Offensive Football Stars (2026 Season)
| Player Name | Position | Class / Status | Key Details & Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ja’Hyde Brown | WR | Senior | University of Louisville commit; Mr. Football candidate; posted 46 catches for 800 yards and 19 TDs through the first 6 games of 2026 (ranking No. 1 nationally in TD catches). |
| Jackson Burke | QB | Junior/Senior | Record-setting accurate passer leading the veteran Centurions offense. |
| Stone Perkins | ATH | Senior | Ranked as a top 2026 prospect in Kentucky; committed to Ball State. |
| Gaines Howard | WR | Senior | Top target complementing the passing game alongside Ja’Hyde Brown. |
🏈 Key Defensive Standouts
- Kellan Hall (DL, Junior – Class of 2028): A consensus 5-star prospect and ranked as high as the No. 2 player in the country for his class. Standing at 6’5″ and 275 lbs, the elite defensive lineman completely disrupts opposing offenses. He entered the 2026 season following a sophomore year where he recorded 53 tackles, 17.5 tackles for loss (TFL), and 8 sacks.
- Micah Newsome (MLB, Senior – Class of 2027): A powerful Western Kentucky University commitwho leads the center of the box. Newsome is coming off a monster season where he notched 143 tackles and 19.5 TFLs. He plays both ways as an elite middle linebacker and a rotational running back.
- Garyon Hobbs (Safety, Senior – Class of 2027): An explosive Indiana University commit who transferred back to the Centurions’ secondary after grabbing five interceptions (returning two for touchdowns) at Atherton. Hobbs provides elite range and coverage at safety, transforming CAL’s defensive backfield into a major strength.
- Gaines Howard (FS, Senior – Class of 2027): While widely known as a 1,000-yard wide receiver on offense, Howard serves as a starting free safety, using his speed and elite ball-tracking skills to anchor the deep secondary alongside Hobbs. This kid is a three (3) phase performer.
Handicapping & Prediction
CAL’s explosive air raid and stifling defense make them a mismatch for almost anyone in Class 3A. Historically, CAL has controlled recent meetings—including a dominant 48-3 victory over DeSales last season. DeSales will struggle to sustain drives against CAL’s front seven, while the Centurions’ offense should move the ball at will.
- Predicted Winner: Christian Academy-Louisville (CAL)
Butler County (4-2) at Glasgow (6-0)
Glasgow is heavily favored to win in their upcoming matchup against Butler County. The game will be played at Glasgow High School in Glasgow, Kentucky on Friday, October 2, 2026 at 7:00 PM CDT.
KPGFootball predicts: Glasgow 42, Butler County 14
Team Records & Preview
- Glasgow Scotties: 6-0
- Butler County Bears: 4-2
Glasgow has been dominant this season, averaging 45.0 points per game while giving up just 16.3 points. They are currently ranked significantly higher in the state (overall rankings #26 vs. #132) and enter the game on a six-game winning streak, coming off a strong 48-20 victory against Hart County. Butler County is having a solid season at 4-2, fresh off a 34-13 win over Edmonson County, but they face a major uphill battle against Glasgow’s high-powered offense. They also face the uphill battle that the “Scotties” are a 3A bully in their region of Kentucky. Glasgow still wins many games because they are Glasgow!
Predicted Winner & Score
- Winner: Glasgow
- Predicted Score: 42 – 14
Glasgow’s overwhelming scoring margin (+28.7 points per game) and home-field advantage make them the clear favorite to remain undefeated
Lloyd Memorial (6-0) at Bourbon County (5-1)
Lloyd Memorial at Bourbon County Predictions/Updates is narrowly favoring the undefeated Lloyd Memorial Juggernauts over the Bourbon County Colonels in their upcoming Class 3A, 5th District matchup.
Matchup Overview
- Date & Time: Friday, October 2, 2026, at 7:30 p.m.
- Location: Bourbon County
- Stakes: Class 3A, 5th District title battle
- Current Records: Lloyd Memorial is 6-0; Bourbon County is strong (around 5-1 or 6-1).
KPGFootball predicts: Lloyd Memorial will defeat Bourbon County 36-32.
Game Handicap & Breakdown
- Matchup Context: Lloyd Memorial enters this matchup riding a strong 6-0 start to the 2026 season, showcasing an explosive offense averaging over 38 points in recent home stretches.
- The Offense: The Juggernauts rely on a fast-paced attack that tends to rack up early points (averaging around 36-42 projected points in computer models like MaxPreps), though their defense can occasionally loosen up in the second half.
- The Opponent: Bourbon County brings a potent offensive capability of their own, projected right around 33-42 points in stat models, meaning this game points toward a high-scoring shootout rather than a defensive lockdown.
- The Edge: Lloyd Memorial gets the narrow nod at home behind their dynamic playmakers and momentum, but expect Bourbon County to keep it tight wire-to-wire.
Why Lloyd Memorial is Favored
- Unbeaten Momentum: Lloyd Memorial enters at 6-0, keeping their perfect season hot following a 35-12 win over Pendleton County.
- Offensive Power: The Juggernauts average massive points during their strong home and general stretch (around 38.4 points in recent dominant games).
- Community Consensus: Early fan and expert polls on BluegrassPreps give Lloyd Memorial a 66% advantage to win over Bourbon County’s 33%.
- Recent History: Lloyd Memorial narrowly edged out Bourbon County 22-20 during their tight 2025 meeting, showing they can edge out the Colonels in a physical game.
Bourbon County can beat Lloyd Memorial by winning the line of scrimmage, utilizing team speed, and starting strong to avoid falling behind early.
In their previous 2025 matchup, which Lloyd Memorial narrowly won 22-20, Bourbon County fell into a hole and could not get their offense going until a late fourth-quarter rally.
Keys to Victory for Bourbon County
- Win the Line of Scrimmage: Lloyd Memorial operates a high-powered offense, so Bourbon County’s upfront defenders must disrupt the backfield and protect their own quarterback to sustain drives.
- Leverage Team Speed: Bourbon County features dynamic athletes who can break big plays if they get into open space against Lloyd Memorial’s secondary.
- Start Fast: The Colonels waited until the final period to find the end zone in their last meeting; putting pressure on the Juggernauts early prevents Lloyd from controlling the game’s tempo.
4A
Paducah Tilghman (6-0) at Logan County (5-1)
Year in and year out, these are the best two football teams in 4A football on the western end of Kentucky. Head coaches, Sean Thompson (Tilghman) and Todd Adler (Logan County) are the top of the food chain at their level, in their area, and among current coaches in the industry.
Paducah Tilghman (The Blue Tornado) is favored to defeat Logan County (Cougars) by roughly 17 to 21 points in their upcoming Class 4A matchup on October 2, 2026.
KPGFootball predicts: Paducah Tilghman 42, Logan County 21
Game Handicap & Comparison
| Team | State Rank (Class 4A) | PPG Scored | PPG Allowed | Win Pct |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paducah Tilghman | #11 (Overall) | 48.7 | 19.0 | 100.0% |
| Logan County | #45 (Overall) | 19.7 | 19.7 | 66.7% |
- The Spread / Handicap: Paducah Tilghman -17.5
- The Context: The Blue Tornado boast an elite high-powered offense averaging nearly 49 points per contest, considerably higher than Logan County’s output. While Logan County plays tough at home and gave Tilghman a scare in last year’s 35-27 thriller, Tilghman’s explosive scoring margin (+29.0) points to superior depth.
Fort Thomas Highlands (5-1, No. 4, RPI in its class) at Covington Catholic (4-2, No. 6, RPI in its class)
The Highlands Bluebirds (5-1) will travel to face the Covington Catholic Colonels (4-2) on Friday, October 2, 2026. The highly anticipated Northern Kentucky rivalry game will be played at Covington Catholic’s home field in Park Hills, Kentucky.
KPGFootball predicts: Fort Thomas Highlands 38, Covington Catholic 34
Handicap & Analysis
- The Line (Projected): Highlands is favored by 2.5 to 4 points depending on advanced metrics.
- Highlands Bluebirds: Highlands enters the game on a major hot streak, most recently demolishing Harrison County 78-6. Their offense is clicking at an elite level, averaging 37.8 points per game while their defense remains stout, allowing just 16.4 points per contest.
- Covington Catholic Colonels: Playing on their home turf provides a distinct advantage for the Colonels, who are coming off a reassuring 41-14 victory over Louisville Central. Cov. Cath. features a high-powered offense averaging 40.6 points per game, but their secondary has shown vulnerabilities against top-tier opponents, surrendering 56 points to Elder and 42 to Beechwood.
The Verdict: Last year’s matchup ended in a razor-thin 31-28 win for Highlands, and this one shapes up to be another dramatic chapter in the rivalry. While Covington Catholic has the offensive firepower to match the Bluebirds, punch-for-punch, Highlands boasts the more balanced defense. Expect a high-scoring affair where Highlands barely covers a narrow spread.
Corbin (3-2, No. 5, RPI, in its Class) at Johnson Central (2-4, No. 12, RPI, in its Class)
The matchup between the Corbin Redhounds and the Johnson Central Golden Eagles is scheduled for Friday, October 2, 2026, at 7:30 PM. Johnson Central has struggled this year and has lost both games it played in Pike County, one to Belfry the other to Pikeville. However, we are going out on a limb here and picking the Golden Eagles in an upset here. Paintsville is a tough place to play!
KPGFootball predicts: Johnson Central 35, Corbin 28
Game Location
The game is being played at Coach Jim Matney Field at Johnson Central High School in Paintsville, KY.
Current Team Records
- Corbin Redhounds: 3–2 (with wins over Western Hills, North Laurel, and Bryan Station; and recent losses to Pulaski County and Frederick Douglass).
- Johnson Central Golden Eagles: 2–4 (with wins over Letcher County Central and Boyd County; and losses to Madison Central, Belfry, Pikeville, and Pulaski County).
Game Handicap & Prediction
- The Handicap: Despite their 2–4 record, Johnson Central’s grueling schedule has battle-tested them against elite competition. Corbin enters the game on a two-match losing skid where their offense has sputtered. Computer projections and analytical tools (like On3‘s matchup data) place this as a tight, heavily contested game, giving the home team a slight edge because of home-field advantage.
- Predicted Winner: Johnson Central Golden Eagles
5A
Muhlenberg County (5-1) at Madisonville North-Hopkins (5-1), Thursday
The Madisonville-North Hopkins Maroons will host the Muhlenberg County Mustangs on Thursday, October 1, 2026, at Madisonville-North Hopkins High School Stadium in Madisonville, Kentucky. Both of these teams are excellently coached and feature dynamite, high school football players.
Ryder Sandidage from Madisonville is among the more versatile and lethal weapons in the KHSAA. Sandidge leads his team in rushing yards, rushing yards per game, rushing TDs, and INTs. He is third in receiving TDs and makes very valuable contributions to both the coverage and return units on special teams. Kadence “KP” Price (Madisonville) is one of the better two-way linemen in the KHSAA at 6’2,” 270-pounds. Klay Wilken is a dual threat QB who can break a defense down multiple ways for Muhlenberg and the “Dooms-Day-Defense” for the Mustangs (Matt Day, DC) has been both swarming and stifling this season through the first six (6) games.
KPGFootball predicts: Madisonville 42, Muhlenberg County 13
Game Handicap & Breakdown
- The Venue Advantage: Playing on their home turf at Madisonville provides a distinct edge for the Maroons.
- Historical Dominance: The Maroons have historically controlled this rivalry, including a decisive 56-12 blowout victory over the Mustangs last season.
- Current Momentum: Both teams enter the matchup with strong records, but Madisonville-North Hopkins plays a highly competitive schedule and is coming off a hard-fought 32-28 district victory over Graves County. The Maroons’ explosive offense and stellar track record in this district pairing make them heavy favorites.
Prediction
- Winner: Madisonville-North Hopkins
Scott County (5-1) at Anderson County (4-2)
We talk a lot about the coaching staff at Scott County and with good reason. Head coach, Jim McKee, is among the greatest to ever do it in Kentucky and Ray Graham and Marvin Dantzler are both, also, future Dawahares Hall of Famers. Anderson County has a Hall of Famer on its sideline too. David Buchanan has resurrected the Anderson County program from absolute shambles and has them playing the best ball since Mark Peach headed them up and had Sam Harp and Jon Collins helping him.
This will be a tough task for the Bearcats from Lawrenceburg, KY. Better get back to the coach, Cinderella; midnight is about to strike!
KPGFootball predicts: Scott County 48, Anderson County 14
Handicapping the Matchup
- Scott County’s Offensive Firepower: The Cardinals possess an elite rushing attack led by Skyler Wey and Timmy Emongo. Just last week, they completely dismantled Collins in a wild 71-60 shootout, with Wey logging 240 rushing yards and Emongo adding 162. Their ground game is devastatingly efficient and tier-one for Class 5A.
- The Defensive Concern: While Scott County has a tendency to get involved in high-scoring shootouts, their overall physical depth and speed present a mismatch for Anderson County.
- Anderson County’s Challenge: The Bearcats have put together a solid season so far, but they historically struggle when jumping up in class against elite programs—notably suffering a 49-0 blowout defeat to the Cardinals in their 2025 meeting.
Expect Anderson County to lean into their home-field advantage early on, but they simply do not have the defensive front to stop Scott County’s relentless run game over four quarters. The Cardinals will pull away early in the second half.
6A
McCracken County (4-2) at Brighton High (TN, 3-3)
The McCracken County Mustangs varsity football game scheduled for Friday, October 2, 2026, is an away game played at Brighton High School in Brighton, Tennessee.
KPGFootball predicts: McCracken County 45, Brighton 28
Game Details & Handicap
- Location: Brighton High School Stadium (Brighton, TN)
- Kickoff Time: 7:00 PM CDT
- Winner Prediction: McCracken County Mustangs
Handicap & Matchup Analysis
The On3 Massey Ratings give McCracken County a 78% win probability.
- The Mustangs (4-2): McCracken County enters the game riding high on offensive momentum, coming off a thrilling 48-42 shootout victory against Murray High School. Led by quarterback Cole Presswood—who threw five touchdowns in their last game—and explosive wide receiver Jakari Matchem, the Mustangs are averaging an impressive 45.8 points per game.
- The Cardinals (3-3): While Brighton managed to snap a three-game losing streak recently, they face a steep challenge stepping up against Kentucky’s Class 6A size and athletic speed. The Cardinals average only 22.5 points per game and are projected to struggle to keep pace with the Mustangs’ high-flying, passing attack.
Expect a comfortable victory for McCracken County as they cross the state line to secure their final tune-up victory before diving deep into district play.
Male High (Lou., No. 18, RPI, 3-2) at Frederick Douglass (Freddy D) (No. 1, RPI, 5-0) on the Farm in Lexington
The upcoming high school football game between the Frederick Douglass Broncos and the Louisville Male Bulldogs is scheduled for Friday, October 2, 2026, at 7:30 PM. We like Frederick Douglass in this matchup as Male High is having an uncharacteristically tough year.
KPGFootball predicts: Freddy D 38, Male High 7 on the Farm
Game Location
- Where: Frederick Douglass High School (known as “The Farm”) in Lexington, Kentucky.
Matchup Overview & Handicap
Frederick Douglass enters with a strong 5-0 record and an elite defense allowing just 6.8 points per game, while Male comes in at 3-2. Analytical models (such as Massey Ratings) heavily favor the home team, giving Frederick Douglass a near-total win probability due to their stingy defense and home-field advantage.
| Team | Record | Points Scored (Per Game) | Points Allowed (Per Game) |
| Frederick Douglass | 5-0 | 31.5 | 6.8 |
| Louisville Male | 3-2 | 15.8 | 22.5 |
Prediction
- Predicted Winner: Frederick Douglass Broncos
- Predicted Score: Frederick Douglass 38, Louisville Male 7
- Handicap Analysis: Expect Frederick Douglass to easily cover a multi-score spread as their defense neutralizes Male’s attack at home.
Boyle County (4A, 4-1) at St. Xavier (2-3)
St. Xavier is in the midst of a “Murderer’s Row” type scheduling gauntlet. The Tigers played Trinity High at Cardinal Stadium a week ago and got the crap beaten out of them. You have to wonder what that did to the team’s psyche.
Boyle County may be the best team in 4A, in Kentucky, when Seneca Driver is in the lineup. A night in Fort Thomas, Kentucky against Highlands showed the Boyle team is somewhat pedestrian without him. Driver will play this weekend in Louisville.
KPGFootball predicts: Boyle County 28, St. Xavier 17
Current Team Records
- St. Xavier Tigers: 2–3 overall record. The Tigers play a brutally tough Class 6A non-district and out-of-state schedule. While their sub-.500 record might look concerning on paper, it reflects close, high-level battles against some of the region’s elite powerhouses.
- Boyle County Rebels: 4–1 overall record. The defending Class 4A champions have been highly dominant but showed vulnerability defensively when they were knocked off by Highlands 41–21 earlier in September without Seneca Driver available to play owing to ejection.
Handicapping the Matchup
- St. Xavier’s Angle: St. X relies heavily on a physical running game to control the clock and keep explosive offenses off the field. Playing at home gives them a slight situational edge. If they can establish the line of scrimmage, avoid empty offensive drives, and turn this into a slow-paced, grinding game, they can pull off the upset.
- Boyle County’s Angle: The Rebels feature an incredibly explosive offense capable of scoring in bunches, though their defense has had to undergo a rebuild this year. Following their loss to Highlands, Boyle County has been highly focused on shoring up their defensive secondary to prevent big plays.
Prediction
Boyle County’s high-octane offensive attack will likely test St. Xavier’s defensive stamina. While St. X will find some success running the football and keeping the game close early on, Boyle County has too much firepower over four quarters. Expect the Rebels to bounce back into peak form with a statement win on the road.
This is Friday Night Fletch, reporting for KPGFootball, reminding you to PLAY THROUGH THE WHISTLE!
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