ASHLAND —
The decorations are displayed, the food prepared to serve and RSVPs received.
It’s the Playoff Party, and I’m the first guest inside the doors.
Normally, showing up early to a celebration of this magnitude would be considered a party faux pas, but hey, Fairview’s doing it so why can’t I?
Being fashionably late is so 2005 anyway.
Speaking of ’05, that’s the last time our area produced a state champion (Russell).
That’s looking way too far ahead, though, and I know how much coaches hate that ... so we’ll stay on task.
All of the home teams figure to be at least slight favorites, which makes sense, but we may have some party crashers on our hands.
Any Vince Vaughn or Owen Wilson sightings this weekend?
Tonight at 7:
Fairview 60, Phelps 6: Hornets have a chance here ... until the ball is kicked off.
Friday night, 7:30:
Ashland 27, Holmes 21: Tomcats don’t want to leave “old” Putnam Stadium on a losing note, and they won’t, but this will likely be a fight to the finish. The difference? Ashland’s defensive line.
Bourbon County 34, Lewis County 18: The unbeaten Colonels beat Bath County by just one point two weeks ago. Lewis County lost to Bath County by two earlier this season. It seems the Lions stand a chance, albeit a slim one.
Highlands 67, Boyd County 10: Bluebirds need a better nickname. Blue Jays are much tougher and more intimidating.
Ironton 31, Bloom-Carroll 16: Fighting Tigers start playoff road right at Tanks Memorial.
Johnson Central 54, Harrison County 14: Central runs at will on Thorobreds.
Morgan County 26, Lawrence County 24: I won’t be mad if this is a first-round matchup every season. It was a dandy a year ago (21-14 Lawrence), and it’ll be a dandy again. Still on a mission, the Cougars get back on track after being blown out by East Carter and edge the Bulldogs at home and notch their second-ever playoff victory.
Pikeville 48, Paintsville 21: Panthers make it five straight wins after rolling through easy district. Kudos to Paintsville for a nice win over Berea last week.
Raceland 55, Allen Central 16: Rams have Rebels yelling uncle before the first hot dog is served.
Russell 28, Garrard County 27: Red Devils coach Ivan McGlone is awarded best lead actor in a drama picture once again — Russell’s last three playoff wins are by a combined 15 points.
Saturday, 1 p.m.:
Covington Catholic 42, Rowan County 14: It’s worth the trip for the Vikings for the atmosphere.
AARON SNYDER can be reached at asnyder@dailyindependent.com or (606) 326-2664.
Local Sports
AARON SNYDER: Party with early birds
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