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
Bethlehem (7-1) at Holy Cross (6-2)
Bethlehem is projected to win a close matchup over Holy Cross with a predicted score of 31–24 on Friday, October 23, 2026 by some publications. Not by this one. The game will be played at the Holy Cross High School Football Field in Louisville, KY. This Class 1A district showdown features the 7–1 Bethlehem Eagles visiting the 5–2–1 Holy Cross Cougars.
KPGFootball predicts: Holy Cross (Lou.) 35, Bethlehem 28
Team Comparison & Records
The table below breaks down the records and stats for both teams heading into the matchup:
| Attribute | Bethlehem Eagles | Holy Cross Cougars |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Record | 7–1 | 6–2 |
| Class 1A Rank | #7 in Kentucky | #8 in Kentucky |
| Points For (PF) | 292 | 268 |
| Points Against (PA) | 76 | 221 |
| Last Outing | Lost 14–28 vs. Kentucky Country Day | Beat Campbellsville 35-9 |
Game Handicapping
- Defensive Edge: Bethlehem holds a massive statistical advantage on the defensive side of the ball, surrendering just 76 total points over eight games (9.5 points per game). On the other hand, Holy Cross has struggled to contain opponents at times this year depending on whom they were playing.
- Offensive Firepower: Both offenses are highly capable, with Bethlehem averaging 36.5 points per game and Holy Cross averaging 33.5 points per game. Holy Cross relies heavily on quarterback Jerek Hoover, who leads the team in both rushing (82.3 yards/game) and passing. Bethlehem’s defense is built to limit dual-threat players, which may stifle Holy Cross’s rhythm.
- The Verdict: While Holy Cross enjoys the home-field advantage in Louisville, Bethlehem’s superior defensive discipline might be the deciding factor. Holy Cross has played a harder schedule. Bethlehem will try to control the tempo, force a couple of turnovers from Hoover, and pull away late. We think Holy Cross is about to show readers why we so highly regarded them entering the season.
Sayre (8-0) at Eminence (7-1)
Those McPeeks can flat coach them some football. Garry McPeek is the uncle of Frederick Douglass’s Nate McPeek and Garry has done an unbelievable job building Eminence into a tough school to have to play. That being said, no one does much better coaching than Chad Pennington. Sayre School should beat Eminence High School.
KPGFootball predicts: Sayre 42, Eminence 14
Game Details & Records
The matchup features two highly successful Class 1A teams, but Sayre enters as a heavy favorite due to a powerhouse defense that has only allowed 59 points all season.
- Location: The game is being played at Eminence High School in Eminence, Kentucky.
- Sayre Spartans Record: 8–0 (2–0 in the district)
- Eminence Warriors Record: 7–1 (2–0 in the district)
Handicap Analysis
While Eminence boasts a stellar 7–1 record and a potent offense averaging 34 points per game, they face an uphill battle. Sayre remains undefeated at 8–0, outscoring opponents by an average of nearly 22 points per game, while pitching multiple shutouts. Advanced metrics from platforms like On3 gives Sayre a near-certain win probability, pointing toward a decisive road victory for the Spartans.
Campbellsville (3-5) at Kentucky Country Day (6-2)
We picked Bethlehem to beat KCD last week and Bethlehem folded like a cheap suit in the second half of that game. We won’t be falling for that again anytime soon.
KPGFootball predicts: KCD 28, Campbellsville 10
Game Breakdown
- Records:
- Kentucky Country Day Bearcats: 6–2
- Campbellsville Eagles: 3–4
- Location: The game will be played at Kentucky Country Day School in Louisville, KY.
- Projected Winner & Score: According to the Massey Ratings via On3, Kentucky Country Day is heavily favored with a 76% win probability.
Handicapping the Matchup
Kentucky Country Day enters the contest with strong momentum after a decisive 28–14 victory over Bethlehem. Their balanced attack and home-field advantage make them a tough matchup for a Campbellsville team that has struggled to find consistency this season. Expect KCD’s defense to control the tempo early on to secure the victory.
2A
Washington County (3-5) at Lexington Christian Academy (6-2)
The handicap heavily favors Lexington Christian Academy (LCA) over Washington County for their upcoming matchup. We like the score as follows:
KPGFootball Predicts: LCA 48, Washington Co. 6
Game Breakdown
- Where the game will be played: The game takes place at LCA’s home field in Lexington, KY.
- When: Friday, October 23, 2026, at 7:30 PM EDT.
Team Records & Comparison
| Team | Overall Record | District Record | State Rank (Class 2A) |
| Lexington Christian Academy Eagles | 6–2 | 3–0 | #4 |
| Washington County Commanders | 3–5 | 1–2 | #18 |
Matchup Analysis & Likely Score
LCA is playing at an elite level, clicking on a multi-game win streak and averaging 33.5 points per gamewhile completely dominating their district. Washington County snapped a tough stretch with a 44–0 shutout win against Shawnee recently, but they face an uphill battle against an LCA defense giving up under 20 points per game.
Massey Ratings give LCA a 100% win probability. Based on their season metrics, the score will most likely be 48–6 in favor of Lexington Christian Academy.
Lexington Christian Academy Eagles
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.
For Washington County
- Washington County Commanders: Running back Jakiston Thompson is the engine of the offense, averaging a stellar 80.0 rushing yards per game to lead their ground assault.
Owensboro Catholic (7-1) at McLean County (5-3)
No body does a better job coaching up their systems or their players than Zach Wagner at McLean and Jason Morris at O. Cath. McLean can climb many hills but this one here is a bit too steep. Calhoun is a tough place to play but the Aces will manage.
KPGFootball predicts: Owensboro Catholic 48, McLean 14
The Owensboro Catholic Aces will travel to face the McLean County Cougars on Friday, October 23, 2026, for a critical KHSAA Class 2A District 2 high school football clash. The game is being played at McLean County High School in Calhoun, Kentucky.
Team Records & Context
| Team | Overall Record | District Record | Key Trend |
|---|---|---|---|
| Owensboro Catholic Aces | 7–1 | 2–0 | Averaging massive offensive outputs, with their only loss coming against powerhouse Boyle County (55-24). |
| McLean County Cougars | 5–3 | 2–0 | Riding a four-game winning streak, recently securing a home playoff berth with a gritty 21-14 win over Hancock County. |
Coaches & Key Players
🟢 Owensboro Catholic Aces
- Head Coach: Jason Morris continues to lead the Aces as perennial state title contenders, deploying one of the most explosive air attacks in KHSAA football at any level.
- Players to Watch:
- Dre’Mail Carothers (QB): The engine of the offense, known for racking up multi-touchdown performances through the air.
- Xavier Maddox (WR): The primary deep threat capable of breaking games wide open downfield.
- John Paul Carrico (OL) among the top tackles in the country in his graduating class (’28).
🔴 McLean County Cougars
- Head Coach: Zach Wagner has done a masterful job managing an underclassmen-heavy roster and adapting creatively through unique formations and gritty defense to stay competitive.
- Players to Watch:
- Hunter Stratton (RB/ATH): The focal point of the Cougars’ offense, coming off an emotional three-touchdown performance against Hancock County.
Handicapping & Prediction
While McLean County holds home-field advantage and plenty of momentum from their recent win streak, the talent gap in this matchup is severe. Owensboro Catholic’s high-flying aerial attack has routinely dismantled district opponents, outscoring their last two conference foes by a combined 129–0. McLean County relies heavily on a ground-and-pound strategy and defensive grit, but they simply lack the explosive depth to match points with the Aces.
Historical precedent also heavily favors the visitors; the Aces handily won their previous matchup 47-6. Analytical metrics give Owensboro Catholic an overwhelming edge.
- Winner: Owensboro Catholic
3A
Hart County (6-2) at LaRue County (8-0)
LaRue County enters this matchup as the favorite to defeat Hart County, supported by an undefeated season and a highly explosive offensive roster. Clay Hooper (LaRue) and Chad Griffin (Hart County) are two of the better coaches in the KHSAA today fielding consistent winners and contenders yearly.
KPGFootball predicts: LaRue 38, Hart County 20
Game Handicap & Prediction
- The Handicap: LaRue County enters this District matchup with substantial momentum after an undefeated 8-0 start, highlighted by a gritty 33-28 win over a tough Glasgow squad. Hart County (6-2) is a formidable opponent but has shown vulnerabilities against top-tier competition, including a 40-0 shutout loss to Butler County and a 48-20 defeat against Glasgow—two teams that LaRue County has already beaten. LaRue County’s superior scoring defense (allowing only 12.1 points per game compared to Hart County’s 21.3) and home-field advantage give them a clear edge.
- Predicted Winner: LaRue County Hawks
- Predicted Score: LaRue County 38, Hart County 20
Team Overviews & Records
| Team | Overall Record | District Record | Head Coach | Star Players |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LaRue County Hawks | 8–0 | 4–0 | Clay Hooper | • Brady Abell (QB): Passing leader (248.5 YDS/G) • Braylin McDowell (WR/CB): Elite target out wide • Romeo Bartolomei (RB/OLB): Balanced backfield engine |
| Hart County Raiders | 6–2 | 2–2 | Chad Griffin | • Eli Boone (QB/SS): Field general guiding the offense • Gage Owens (RB/OLB): Primary power rusher • Jashawn Buntyn (WR/CB): High-impact two-way threat |
Knox Central (6-2) at Rockcastle County (8-0)
Rockcastle County is heavily favored to defeat Knox Central when the two teams meet on the gridiron in Mount Vernon, KY. Never easy to have to play “The Rock,” especially with a “Larkey” on the sideline.
KPGFootball predicts: Rockcastle County 35, Knox Central 20
Game Details & Location
- Location: The game will be played at Rockcastle County High School in Mt. Vernon, KY.
- Classification: Both teams compete in the Kentucky High School Athletic Association (KHSAA) Class 3A, District 7.
Team Records & Context
- Rockcastle County Rockets: 8–0 overall (3–0 in the district). The Rockets have put together a flawless season, relying on a dominant defense that has only allowed 49 total points all year while shutting out district foes like Bell County and Clay County.
- Knox Central Panthers: 6–2 overall (3–0 in the district). The Panthers are having a very strong season themselves, entering the game on a five-game winning streak and boasting an explosive offense that scored 70 points against Bell County.
Handicapping & Final Score Prediction
This matchup serves as the de facto Class 3A District 7 championship game. While Knox Central has found its rhythm offensively over the last month, Rockcastle County has been an absolute juggernaut, completely shutting down common district opponents. The Rockets’ defensive front will be the deciding factor, limiting Knox Central’s big plays and controlling the clock at home.
- The Pick: Rockcastle County wins and covers a projected two-touchdown handicap.
Murray High (7-1, 2-0) at Hopkins County Central (4-4, 1-1), Thursday game!
Murray High School is heavily favored to win this matchup against Hopkins County Central High School on October 22, 2026. Melvin Cunningham has his Murray Tigers in state contention at the 3A level annually. Adrian Stringer, in his first year, has his boy from Morton’s Gap playing very well.
KPGFootball predicts: Murray High 48, Hopkins County Central High 14
Team Records
- Murray High School Tigers: 7–1 overall (2–0 in Class 3A District 1). They have outscored opponents 414 to 167 this season.
- Hopkins County Central Storm: 4–4 overall (1–1 in Class 3A District 1). They have been outscored 220 to 289 overall.
Head Coaches
- Murray High: Head Coach Melvin Cunningham continues to guide one of western Kentucky’s most potent regular-season offenses.
- Hopkins County Central: Head Coach Adrian Stringer, a former star quarterback for the Storm who took over the program for the 2026 season, is doing a fine job in his inaugural season.
Star Players to Watch
Murray High Tigers
- Ryan Walls (Sr., OL): A highly-touted four-star offensive lineman ranked as the #2 overall recruit in the state. The 6’4″ left tackle anchors an elite front line.
- Bruce Willis (Sr., QB): An incredibly productive dual-threat signal-caller averaging 187.0 rushing yards per game.
- Colin Winters (Sr., CB/RB): A critical senior piece making prominent plays on both sides of the ball.
Hopkins County Central Storm
- Dallas Kinlaw (Jr., RB): The primary motor for the Storm’s offense, known for sparking key district wins out of the backfield.
- Neilan Bruce (So., QB/SS): A young, versatile player managing the offense under center while flying around on defense.
- Connor Miles (Sr., DE/T): Standing 6’5″ and weighing 240 lbs, Miles serves as the critical anchor on the defensive front.
Game Handicap & Analysis
This matchup is heavily tilted toward Murray High. Statistically, the Tigers score 42.7 points per game while giving up just 18.2. Conversely, the Storm are susceptible to physical, run-heavy teams, surrendering a staggering 37.5 points per game against competitive programs.
Behind four-star tackle Ryan Walls clearing massive lanes, quarterback Bruce Willis should control the tempo on the ground effortlessly. Hopkins County Central will rely on explosive plays from Dallas Kinlaw to keep things close early, but Murray High’s defensive front is simply too complete to give up their district lead.
4A
Johnson Central (3-6) at Ashland Blazer (8-0)
Hard to believe Johnson Central is starring down the barrel of a 3-7 regular season coming off an 11-1, ’25 worksheet. On paper, Blazer should roll here. However, no one has to tell Paul Blazer that Johnson Central is capable of beating about any team, any time, any where.
KPGFootball predicts: Paul Blazer High 34, Johnson Central 21
Team Records & Context
- Paul G. Blazer Tomcats (Ashland): 8-0
- Johnson Central Golden Eagles: 3-6
Handicap & Matchup Analysis
Ashland Blazer enters this game with a highly potent offense that has consistently surpassed the 30- and 40-point marks. They score an average of 37.1 points per game while only surrendering 14.9 points. Conversely, Johnson Central has endured a rebuilding year, giving up an average of 26.3 points per game and coming off a recent 25-19 loss to Greenup County—a common opponent that Ashland defeated handily by a score of 35-21.
Statistically, Massey Ratings gives Ashland Blazer a 77% win probability.
- Winner: Ashland Blazer
Calloway County (5-3) at Paducah Tilghman High (8-0)
The Paducah Tilghman Blue Tornado (8-0) are overwhelming favorites against the Calloway County Lakers (5-3) in their upcoming matchup on Friday, October 23, 2026. We don’t care if they play this game in the parking lot at the five and dime.
KPGFootball predicts: The Blue Tornado 49, Calloway Co., 0
The Line & Analytical Predictions
- Massey Ratings Projected Score: Paducah Tilghman 49, Calloway County 7.
- Win Probability: Paducah Tilghman 100% | Calloway County 0%.
- Estimated Spread: Handicapping metrics indicate Paducah Tilghman is roughly a 42-point favorite.
Team Profiles & Form
| Feature | Paducah Tilghman Blue Tornado | Calloway County Lakers |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Record | 8-0 (Dominant #8 state ranking) | 5-3 (#125 state ranking) |
| Offense | 49.6 points per game | 36.6 points per game |
| Defense | 13.3 points allowed per game | 30.3 points allowed per game |
| Trend | Won 8 straight; consecutive shutouts/blowouts | Struggled significantly against top-tier region teams |
Key Handicapping Factors
- Common Opponent Blowouts: The clearest indicator of the talent gap comes from their common opponents. Calloway County was dominated by Logan County (49-7) and Warren East (40-14). Conversely, Paducah Tilghman completely dismantled both, crushing Logan County 37-7 and shutting out Warren East 39-0.
- Historical Precedent: Paducah Tilghman has historically controlled this matchup, including a decisive 49-14 blowout victory during the 2025 season and a 70-7 rout in 2023.
- Lakers’ Defensive Liabilities: Calloway County surrenders over 30 points a game on average. Going up against a high-powered Tilghman offense putting up nearly 50 a game means the Lakers will likely find themselves in an early hole they cannot dig out of.
Boyle County (7-1) at Wayne County (4-4)
Boyle County without Seneca Driver playing versus Boyle County with Seneca Driver playing is two different teams. Driver plays this weekend but we aren’t sure the Rebels really need him. Boyle is a tough, tough team for any 4A to have to play.
KPGFootball predicts: Boyle County 48, Wayne County 6
📊 Current Records
- Boyle County Rebels: 7–1 (2–0 in Class 4A District 7)
- Wayne County Cardinals: 4–4 (2–0 in Class 4A District 7)
🏈 Handicap, Prediction, and Score
| Team | Record | Projected Score | Predicted Winner | Expected Handicap |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boyle County | 7–1 | 48 | 🏆 Winner | -41.5 |
| Wayne County | 4–4 | 6 | — | +41.5 |
🔍 Handicap Breakdown
Boyle County has bounced back strongly after a mid-September slip-up against Highlands. Over the last few weeks, they have completely dismantled major opponents, including a 42–13 blowout of 6A powerhouse St. Xavier and back-to-back district shutouts/blowouts.
Wayne County enters the game with a respectable 4–4 record and is technically tied at the top of the district standings. However, their wins have come against lower-tier teams like Russell County and Lincoln County, whom Boyle County defeated with extreme ease. Computer models heavily favor Boyle County, giving them a 100% win probability and predicting a line of roughly 42 points. Expect the Rebels to dominate from the opening whistle.
Corbin Redhounds (6-2) at Perry County Central (4-3)
The Corbin Redhounds are heavy favorites to defeat the Perry County Central Commodores in this Class 4A, District 8 matchup. There is just one caveat. Mark Dixon, the head coach for Perry County Central is a former state champion (Hazard), one of Kentucky’s All-Time Greats, and has just surpassed the 200-wins threshold as a KHSAA Head Football Coach.
Not too bad for a guy who played baseball, in college, for Ole Miss. Any team coached by the great Mark Dixon has a chance! Write that down somewhere.
That being said, we still like Corbin in this matchup.
KPGFootball Predicts: Corbin 42, Perry County Central 13
Game Breakdown
| Team | 2026 Record | Key Players / Stars |
| Corbin Redhounds | 6-2 | QB Mason Salmons, WR Zach Thomas, RB Trey Person |
| Perry County Central Commodores | 4-3 | SR Tyler Robinson, SR Brody Watts |
- Location: The game will be played at Perry County Central Field in Hazard, KY, giving the Commodores the home-field advantage.
Handicapping the Matchup
Historically, this has been a heavily one-sided rivalry, with the Corbin Redhounds Football holding a perfect 4-0 all-time record against the Commodores. Corbin won the last two meetings in dominant fashion, taking a 47-13 victory last year and a 49-3 blowout the year prior.
Corbin boasts a highly explosive offense led by Mason Salmons, who recently spearheaded a 55-8 demolition of Harlan County and a defender in Malachi Brown who is totally unblock-able. While Perry County Central has shown flashes of fight this season with wins over Bell County and Paris, they historically struggle to keep pace with Corbin’s elite depth and speed.
Winner Prediction
Corbin’s defensive line should be able to disrupt Perry County Central’s game plan early, allowing Salmons and his receivers to build a comfortable lead.
- Predicted Winner: Corbin Redhounds
5A
Fort Thomas Highlands (4A, 7-2) at Scott County (7-2)
Highlands enters this game as the No. 1 ranked team in Class 4A with a 7-2 record, while Scott County counters as the No. 2 ranked team in Class 5A at 7-2. The Bluebirds hold the slight edge in terms of offensive explosion and passing balance, giving them the projection to (potentially) edge out the Cardinals on the road.
This is the game Jalen Dantzler impacts with a kick or punt return. Dantzler houses something in this game which determines the outcome. You heard it here first.
KPGFootball predicts: Scott County 42, Highlands 40
Classifications
- Fort Thomas Highlands Bluebirds: Class 4A (District 5)
- Scott County Cardinals: Class 5A (District 6)
Handicap, Pick & Score
- Spread Projection: Highlands -3.5
- Winner Pick: Most pundits will pick Highlands
Both teams are absolute powerhouses scoring over 43 points per game this season. Highlands boasts a more lethal aerial assault, whereas Scott County features a devastating rushing attack. Expect a high-scoring affair that comes down to which team can force a late-game turnover, get a special team’s score, mirroring the offensive track meet of their historical games.
Star Players
Highlands Bluebirds
- Bryce Armstrong (So. / QB): The sophomore signal-caller pilots a high-flying offense, throwing for over 150 yards per game and adding substantial ground threat with 9 total touchdowns.
- Tayden Lorenzen (Sr. / LB/ATH): A highly touted Miami (OH) commit who serves as the defensive anchor with a heavy sack count, while also doubling as an occasional short-yardage scoring machine.
- Max Merz (Sr. / IOL): A massive 6-foot-4, 310-pound elite interior offensive lineman committed to Louisville, dominating the trenches.
- Griffin Benke & Cooper Benke (Sr. / OL/DL): Twin pillars up front committed to Ohio University and Ball State respectively, anchoring both lines of scrimmage.
Scott County Cardinals
- Timmy Emongo (Sr. / RB): The engine of the Cardinals’ ground game, averaging 154 rushing yards per contest as one of the state’s most electric backs.
- Charlie Ellison (Jr. / QB): An efficient, athletic 6-foot-3 quarterback who does exactly what is required to keep the chains moving in their run-heavy scheme.
- Jalen Dantzler (Sr. / S): A high-profile, hard-hitting defensive back who anchors the secondary and is dynamic at making open-field stops. Dantzler is among the more dynamic and explosive athletes in the KHSAA. Expect him to be the difference. We believe he takes a kick or punt to the house in this one!
- Anderson Owens (Sr. / FB/TE): A physical 6-foot-2 blocker and pass-catching target who serves as a vital weapon in the red zone.
Madisonville North Hopkins (7-1) at Owensboro (Senior) High (6-2)
Demarcus Ganaway Jr. (QB, ’27) has been out much of the year with a broken collarbone. Well, he’s back. We had a scout at the Senior High/Muhlenberg game and he didn’t look like he’s missed a beat from his junior year where he made our All-State team and led his team to a 5A title. He makes a difference to their ball club.
KPGFootball predicts: Owensboro (Senior) High 42, North Hopkins 35
The upcoming high school football game between Madisonville-North Hopkins and Owensboro High on October 23, 2026, will be played at Owensboro High School (Rash Stadium) in Owensboro, Kentucky. I like how Madisonville plays football. That being said, the game is in Owensboro.
Team Records
Both teams enter this high-stakes 5A District 1 matchup with excellent records:
- Madisonville-North Hopkins Maroons: 7-1 overall, 4-0 in district play.
- Owensboro Red Devils: 6-2 overall, 4-0 in district play.
Predicted Winner and Score
According to the On3 Massey Ratings Forecast, the predicted winner is Owensboro High with a projected final score of 42-20. The Red Devils are given an 89% win probability playing on their home turf.
Star Players to Watch
Based on seasonal statistical leaders, these are the standout players for each team:
Madisonville-North Hopkins Maroons
- Ryder Sandidge (#9 RB/WR): This guy is a favorite for the Mr. Football Award with all he contributes to the “bottom line.” The focal point of the Maroons’ offense, averaging 127 rushing yards per game and over 238 total yards from scrimmage all while being among the leaders in returns, INTs, and tackles.
- Kadence Price (#62 OL/DL): Among the better, two-way linemen in Kentucky 5A. He is a 6’2,” 270-pound, twitchy monster.
- Alex Richards (#15, QB) Richards is leading in passing for the 2026 season with over 1,500-yards passing on the season with 13-TDs and only five (5) picks.
Owensboro Red Devils
- Gavin Walker (#22 RB): The premier ground threat for Owensboro, netting a steady 62.1 rushing yards per game.
- Kingston Dillard (#3 WR/CB): A dynamic two-way player leading the receiving corps with 67.4 yards per game.
- DaMarcus Ganaway Jr. (#4, QB): His return from the DL makes this team a title contender at the 5A level.
- Ty Ashley (#2 ILB/TE) & Kobe Pullom (#1 DL): The defensive anchors, with Ashley averaging 8.2 tackles per game and Pullom leading the pass rush at 0.7 sacks per game.
6A
Male High (5-3) at Bullitt East (6-2)
The Louisville Male Bulldogs are scheduled to play an away 6A District 4 matchup against the Bullitt East Chargers on Friday, October 23, 2026. Lots of talk swirling around about “What’s wrong with Male High.” This would shut-up some of that mess.
KPGFootball predicts: Male 30, Bullitt East 20
Team Records & Form
- Bullitt East Chargers: 6-2 record. They are coming off back-to-back dominant league victories, most recently crushing Southern 49-6 and Fern Creek 52-12. Their only losses this season came against Bowling Green and DuPont Manual.
- Louisville Male Bulldogs: 5-3 record. Male has faced a highly difficult schedule, suffering losses to state powerhouses St. Xavier, Trinity, and Frederick Douglass. However, they are currently on a hot streak, securing shutouts in their last two games over Southern (43-0) and Fern Creek (42-0). Perhaps they have found a little something.
Key Star Players
- Bullitt East: Look for standout impact from players like wide receiver Evan Butler, linebacker Bryce Sheehan, defensive lineman Raiden Rios, and junior free safety Crew Parrish.
- Louisville Male: The Bulldogs feature high-end talent across their roster, notably backed by an elite defensive unit that has completely suffocated its recent district opponents with consecutive shutouts.
Winner: Louisville Male
While Bullitt East holds the slightly better overall record and plays with home-field advantage, Male High School has been heavily tested by a brutal schedule. Analysts give Male a strong 75% win probability due to their defense locking down district opponents over the past two weeks. Expect Male’s defense to control the tempo and secure a hard-fought 10-point victory on the road.
Louisville Pleasure Ridge Park (2-6) at St. Xavier High (3-5)
The St. Xavier Tigers (Louisville) are set to face off against the Pleasure Ridge Park (PRP) Panthers on Friday, October 23, 2026. If St. Xavier can win this game and the game next week in Richmond, KY against Madison Central, the Tigers would enter the playoffs on a bit of a hot streak. They might hang around a while in that instance.
KPGFootball predicts: St. Xavier 42, PRP 0
Team Classifications
Both programs compete at the highest tier of Kentucky high school football:
- St. Xavier Tigers: KHSAA Class 6A, District 3
- Pleasure Ridge Park Panthers: KHSAA Class 6A, District 3
Game Handicap & Prediction
The On3 prediction engine places the win probability heavily in favor of the home team. Despite a demanding mid-season schedule featuring losses to powerhouse programs like Trinity and DuPont Manual, St. Xavier bounced back nicely last week with an authoritative 38-14 road victory against North Hardin. PRP, sitting near the bottom of the district, has struggled significantly to generate consistent offensive output against top-flight 6A defenses.
- Predicted Winner: St. Xavier Tigers
Star Players to Watch
St. Xavier Tigers
Marlon Harbin (WR/ATH): A highly coveted 3-star recruit committed to the University of Louisville. He functions as the team’s premium explosive playmaker on the perimeter.
Mason Trimble (WR): A reliable primary target in the passing attack who stretches defenses opposite Harbin.
Pleasure Ridge Park Panthers
- Calvon Mitchell (RB/SS): A hard-hitting two-way senior who serves as the engine of the Panthers’ ground game and defensive secondary.
- Armoni Cheeks (WR/SS): A tall, athletic 6’2″ perimeter weapon who poses a vertical threat whenever the Panthers look to pass.
Somerset High (2A, 7-1) at Christian County Tigers (6A, 3-5)
This is a difficult one to pick. Somerset is very, very good and hasn’t lost to a KHSAA team all year. Christian County is coming off a huge win with a big game next week with Tilghman. Can you say, Trap Game?
Game Analysis & Handicapping
- The Matchup: The Somerset Briar Jumpers come into this non-district showdown flying high with a stellar 7-1 record and a #22 state ranking in Kentucky. Meanwhile, the newly unified Christian County Tigers sit at 3-5.
- Statistical Breakdown: Somerset features an elite defense that has given up only 80 total points all season (10 points per game) while scoring 320. Christian County has struggled defensively, surrendering 245 points over 8 games but has looked much improved, of late, particularly with the fine game it played during a Homecoming win over McCracken County.
- Pick: Somerset wins 42-14. Computer models like On3 project a 93% win probability for the Briar Jumpers with this exact score.
While most of the online pundits pick the Somerset Briar Jumpers to win by a 27-28-point margin, we just don’t believe that will be the case. We may not be willing to predict a Tiger victory here, we believe the margin will be much closer than the computer’s 42-14 analysis.
KPGFootball Predicts: Somerset 28, Christian County 24
* Be wary of another Tiger upset here; but, the Tigers could get caught looking ahead to the Paducah Tilghman regular season closer. This game with Somerset, placed between the homecoming game with McCracken and the season ender against The Blue Tornado is quite the trap.
Star Players to Watch
Somerset Briar Jumpers
- Guy Turner (SR / QB): The 6’3″ senior signal-caller captains a highly efficient offense that averages 40 points per game.
- Xavier Hudson (JR / FB, MLB): A punishing 6’1″, 210 lbs two-way starter who controls the middle of the defense and clears lanes on offense.
- Austyn Lawless (SR / OLB, TE): A veteran edge presence anchor for a defense that surrenders just 10 points per game.
- Julian Carroll (JR / K, P): An elite special teams weapon who reliably flips the field and handles placekicking.
Christian County Tigers
- Jaylen Ray (SR / WR, CB): The explosive 6’3″ wideout is a major big-play threat, averaging an incredible 167.0 receiving yards per game.
- Deasian Harris (SR / RB, NG): A physical 196-pound playmaker who paces the Tigers ground game with 93.0 rushing yards per game.
- Jasiah McCarley (QB): The primary engine under center who pilots the offense and looks to exploit mismatches through the air.
- Hakim Skanes (SR / RB, DE): A quick-twitch veteran end who provides essential pass-rush pressure.
- Tristin Dillard (’27 RB/LB): This kid is a natural RB in that he instinctively makes cuts other kids don’t. Dillard is a likely Valedictorian candidate academically and hopes to be a doctor. If we can’t celebrate this kid, what are we doing?
- Jayleigh Campbell (’27 PK): The senior placekicker became the ultimate hero of the night by kicking the game-winning 24-yard field goal in overtime against a McCracken team which entered the game among 6A’s more highly regarded teams.
North Hardin (4-3-1) at DuPont Manual (7-1)
duPont Manual is projected to win their upcoming high school football game against North Hardin. North is coming off a substantial loss to a reeling St. Xavier team (36-14) in Radcliff, KY and Manual beat that same St. Xavier squad (36-10) on October 9 at St. Xavier. You got us last week, Trojans. You won’t fool us two weeks straight.
KPGFootball predicts: Manual 42, North Hardin 7
Game Logistics & Handicapping
- Location: The game will be played at duPont Manual High School in Louisville, KY.
- Handicap Analysis: duPont Manual enters the matchup as the superior team, holding an impressive 7-1 record and ranking as the #2 team in Louisville. They score an average of 32.9 points per game while showcasing an elite defense that allows just 12.3 points per game. On the other side, North Hardin sits at 4-3-1, coming off a tough 38-14 loss to St. Xavier. Given Manual’s explosive offense, stout defense (+20.6 scoring margin), and home-field advantage, they are heavily favored.
Star Players to Watch
🔴 duPont Manual Crimsons
- Jeremy Presley (RB/SS): The engine of the offense, averaging 161.5 total yards per game with a dangerous combination of rushing and receiving skills.
- Jonathan Despaigne (QB): The sophomore signal-caller who keeps the offense fluid and balanced.
- Brayland Miles (WR): A major big-play threat on the outside, averaging 61.5 receiving yards per game.
- Jackson Pritts (K/P): A highly rated 5-star special teams weapon who provides a major field position advantage.
🔵 North Hardin Trojans
- Zayden Winfield (RB): A dominant playmaker out of the backfield who accounts for a massive chunk of the Trojans’ production, averaging 205 rushing yards per game.
- Josiah Hope (DL): A massive 6’3″, 300 lb presence on the defensive line who is committed to Purdue University and anchors their front.
- KeeShun Jackson (OT): A towering 6’5″, 286 lb 5-star rated offensive tackle who anchors the offensive line and protects the run game.
This is Friday Night Fletch, reporting for KPGFootball, reminding you to PLAY THROUGH THE WHISTLE!
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