Three area Kentucky teams remain, and all are coming off of impressive wins.
That’s the good news. The bad news? Each team has to face the team that eliminated it last season.
All of them know they haven’t won Kentucky’s Super Bowl yet. Not even close. So hold off on those trips to Disney World.
Raceland, you have just beaten Campbellsville! What are you going to do next? We’re going to Lexington! I wouldn’t call it a merry-go-round ride awaiting them in the Horse Capital of the World against Lexington Christian Academy.
Lawrence County, you have just beaten Knox Central! What are you going to do next? We’re going to Log Mountain to face Bell County! Ew. That’s a little scarier than Space Mountain.
Johnson Central, you have just beaten Covington Catholic! What are you going to do next? We’re going to Highlands! The Bluebirds operate the “Tower of Terror” of the Kentucky high school football world. Ready to fall, Johnson Central?
Since...
‰Raceland has not beaten LCA in a playoff game since... 2006.
The Rams have waited a full year to avenge the most heartbreaking loss in school history — the 27-20 comeback win for LCA at Raceland last season.
QB’s take: Raceland showed a lot of will in its rally from 10 points behind at Campbellsville, but two close calls to this point in the postseason do not translate into great things happening at LCA. However, those Rams remember last season, and they should want this one badly.
‰Lawrence County has not won three playoff games in a row since... 1999.
The Dawgs continued their improbable season with outstanding defense against a Knox Central team that had not been shut out all season.
QB’s take: Bell County blasted lowly Lawrence County last season, but the Bulldogs are barreling through the postseason like they are on a mission. The journey could end against Bell County, which has outscored opponents 500-115 this season, but expect a battle.
‰Johnson Central has had at least four touchdowns in every game since... Week 4.
The Golden Eagles started their season 0-4, with the fourth loss coming at home against Sheldon Clark. They scored just 14 points in that game, but have averaged 45.8 points per game and have won eight straight games.
QB’s take: Johnson Central is finally where Coach Jim Matney expected his team to be at the beginning of the season. The Golden Eagles are scoring points at will and the defense has played well. Unfortunately for Central, Highlands has not given up more than 20 points in a game all season.
Winning Equation
A by-the-numbers look at the weekend:
Fairview: 16. A district foe finally scored on Lexington Christian! While that total was not nearly sufficient, Fairview can hang its hat on its second straight eight-win season.
Raceland: 2. The number of interception returns for touchdowns have been the difference in the Rams’ two playoff victories. Cody Grant supplied the game-changing play against Lynn Camp in the first round, and Loren Huffman darted 35 yards for paydirt after he picked off a pass by Campbellsville quarterback Aaron Schwoebel to put the Rams within three points Friday.
Lawrence County: 6. The Bulldogs’ stingy defense allowed only six first downs against Knox Central, which was also limited to just 116 yards of total offense. The offensive and defensive lines have put their team on their backs this season, and the ride neglects to end.
Johnson Central: 51. Covington Catholic had been known to give up points this season, but only Louisville St. Xavier piled up more points against it than Johnson Central did Friday.
Noteworthy
‰There are now just 48 teams left in Kentucky high school football. Class 3A schools Sheldon Clark and Pike County Central each pulled out impressive victories over Belfry and Mason County, respectively, setting up one of the better matchups for this coming Friday.
‰Across the river, Ironton continued its season with a 20-14 win over Heath.
‰The University of Kentucky’s football and basketball teams put together an exciting weekend for Wildcats fans. A fourth consecutive bowl bid was virtually earned and the basketball team hopes the number four might be in its future. As in Final Four.
‰For the Bengals fans that witnessed their team complete the sweep of the Steelers on Sunday on CBS, what made it even sweeter? Former Pittsburgh coach Bill Cowher read the highlights after the game.
AARON SNYDER can be reached at asnyder@dailyindependent.com or (606) 326-2664.
