WEEK TWO PICK’EMS: Who wins between Bell & Knox? Can the Black Bears get past Hazard?

After one week of football action, our staff at the L4 Security 13th Region Media Network didn’t do too shabby after picking Week One’s games.

We got nine out of 11 correct with our picks with Lynn Camp, and Perry Central coming through with wins we didn’t pick correctly.

Hopefully, we can do even better this week. We will see.

Current Record: 9-2

Week 2 Games

Friday, August 26

Bell County vs. Knox Central at Union College, 7:30 p.m.

This is a matchup everyone is excited to see. Bell County will try to find a way to slow down Knox Central’s Steve Partin while the Panthers will attempt to do the same with the Bobcats’ Daniel Thomas, and Dawson Woolum.

The key of the game could come down to quarterback play. Freshman Blake Burnett completed 4-of-4 pass attempts for 83 yards and a TD last week against North Laurel while Mason Griffin completed 2-of-10 pass attempts for 68 yards and a TD for Knox Central. The Panthers have to find a way to get Gavin Chadwell more involved.

Who wins? Bell County 35, Knox Central 19

Middlesboro at Williamsburg, 7:30 p.m.

Middlesboro struggled to get things going on both sides of the ball during last week’s 42-24 loss to Hazard. For Larry French’s squad to win, they’ll have to find a way to contain Williamsburg quarterback Sydney Bowen.

Bowen passed for 233 yards and a TD last week while running for 119 yards, and two TDs.

Who wins? Williamsburg 35, Middlesboro 28

Whitley County at Corbin, 7:30 p.m.

It’s been all Redhounds since the two schools decided to renew their rivalry in 2015.

Corbin has won all six matchups, including last season’s 45-0 win over the Colonels.

Whitley County looks improved defensively but must improve on offense if it wants to pull off the upset.

Who wins? Corbin 42, Whitley County 6

Estill County at South Laurel, 7:30 p.m.

The Engineers won their game against Powell County last week but only totaled 273 total yards. Jeremiah Stephens accounted for 115 yards rushing and  a score while quarterback Caleb Witt threw for 78 yards.

The Cardinals struggled on both sides of the ball last week, surrendering 369 yards while gaining only 53 yards off offense South Laurel ran the ball 18 times and totaled -3 yards on the ground.

Who wins? You got to give the edge to Estill County. Engineers win, 28-15.

Hazard at Harlan County, 7:30 p.m.

Both teams pulled off big wins last week with Hazard rolling past Middlesboro while Harlan County blitzed South Laurel.

Hazard quarterback Max Pelphrey threw for 144 yards and a score while running for 39 yards on the ground and reaching paydirt twice. Max Johnson led the Bulldogs in rushing with 164 yards and two TDs.

Who wins? This is a tough one but look for Hazard to pull the 42-23 victory off. 

Harlan vs. East Ridge, 7:30 p.m.

Folks need to keep an eye on the Green Dragons. Harlan only totaled 30 passing yards in its win last week but ran for 335 yards on the ground. Jayden Ward ran for 152 yards, and three TDs last season.

Led by the former South Laurel coach Donnie Burkhart, East Ridge is looking to remain unbeaten at 2-0.

Last week against Waggenor, quarterback Dylan Burdine threw for 220 yards and four TDs while running for 87 yards on the ground. Isaiah Adkins led East Ridge with 110 rushing yards and a score. Receiver Zack Mason caught six passes 90 yards, and two TDs.

Who wins? Could be a close one for a while but give it to East Ridge, 32-18.

Pineville at Fairview, 7:30 p.m.

The Mountain Lions cruised to an easy, 51-0, win in Week One over Phelps, and looks to be the favorite once again when they travel to play Fairview on Friday. 

The Eagles dropped a 22-16 decision to Bath County during their season-opener as quarterback Austin Miller completed 26-of-35 pass attempts for 237 yards, and two TDs. Jeremy Harper caught 10 passes for 103 yards, and one touchdown.

Who wins? This game might be closer than many believe, Pineville wins, 28-26.

Frankfort vs. Lynn Camp at Knox Co. Middle School, 7:30 p.m.

The Wildcats put an end to their 17-game losing skid by surprising Jellico, Tenn. on the road, 20-14.

Lynn Camp didn’t throw the ball one time during the win. The Wildcats, led by Brody Lane’s 128 yards rushing, ran for 227 yards, and three TDs in the win. 

Frankfort dropped a 56-30 decision to a very food Paris team. The Panthers will need to find a way to contain Lynn Camp’s ground attack. 

Who wins? I’m thinking Frankfort’s passing game will be just enough to knock off the Wildcats, 28-12.

Leslie County at Clay County, 7:30 p.m.

This should be a great rivalry game Friday.

Both teams are coming off hard-fought losses, and we do expect this game to come down to the wire in Manchester. 

Despite a 223-yard, two touchdown effort by quarterback Landry Collett, Leslie County found themselves on the losing end of a 41-19 decision to Martin County.

Clay County’s hung tough against a very good Knox Central squad before falling on the road, 34-26.

Quarterback Tate Rice had a huge game, passing for 236 yards and three TDs while receiver Tyson Wagers had 10 receptions, 146 receiving yards, and one touchdown. Lucas Allen ran for 128 yards in the loss.

Who wins? The Tigers have too many weapons, and should pull out a squeaker at home, 35-30.

Jackson County at Knott Central, 7:30 p.m.

The Generals struggles mightily during their 47-0 loss to McCreary Central last week, and things won’t get any easier against Knott Central. 

Who wins? Look for the Patriots to win their season-opener, 42-6.