Last week wasn’t kind to us, and that could be an understatement. We were able to post a 5-5 mark (ouch) last week which now moves our current record to 22-9. A .709 winning percentage isn’t bad but remember last week we were sitting at .809.
Let’s just hope Week 4 treats us better.
Week 4
Friday, Sept. 9
Game of the Week
Pulaski County (3-0) at Corbin (3-0)
For the second straight week, the Redhounds will be facing off against a very good opponent.
We were way wrong last week in picking Corbin to fall to Franklin County.
The Maroons enter the contest riding a high thanks to a balanced offensive attack. Keep an eye on quarterback Brysen Dugger, receivers Chandler Godby and Harris Denmyer, and running back Cody Nichols.
Prediction: Corbin gets the job done at home; Redhounds win big, 34-14
Shelby Valley (2-1) at North Laurel (1-1)
Could this be a trap game for the Jaguars?
North Laurel is coming off the biggest win in program history, and can’t overlook a Shelby Valley squad that is pretty darn good.
The Wildcats possess a balanced offensive attack with quarterback Russ Osborne being the main focus on offense. He’s thrown for 891 yards, and nine TDs while finding pay dirt five times carrying the ball while totaling 196 rushing yards. Tailback Jayden Newsome has 314 yards on the ground and has scored five times.
Prediction: North Laurel will need to come ready to play. The Wildcat defense has six sacks on the season, so the Jaguars offense will need to be ready. Look for Jason Chappell’s squad to win, 27-14.
McCreary Central (2-1) at Pineville (3-0)
The Mountain Lions are firing on all cylinders while the Raiders are averaging close to 32 points per game. McCreary Central likes to throw the ball but it could be very hard to do on Friday with the way Pineville has been playing.
The Mountain Lions are allowing only six points per game and six yards rushing per game, and 106 yards of total offense.
Prediction: Look for Pineville to capture win No. 4 by cursing past McCreary Central, 42-13.
Pike Central (1-2) at Clay County (2-1)
The Tigers have been flying under the radar the entire season. Clay County is good, and the Tigers possess one of the best offenses in the region.
People tend to forget Clay County only lost by eight points on the road to unbeaten Knox Central.
The Tigers shouldn’t have any trouble Friday with Pike Central. The Hawks have been outscored, 107-7, the past two weeks.
Pike Central’s main offensive threat is running back Matt Anderson. He has ran for 332 yards, and six touchdowns.
Prediction: We believe Clay County is going to score early, and often. The Tigers will prevail, 42-12.
Jackson County (0-3) at Shawnee (0-3)
This game is gonna be hard to pick. Both teams are winless, and both teams have struggled this season. The Generals are losers of eight straight while Golden Eagles have dropped eight of their last nine games (only win was a forfeit win over Iroquois).
Prediction: we really don’t know who to pick in this one. Since Shawnee is at home, we’re giving the Golden Eagles the edge. Shawnee wins, 14-12.
Madison Central (3-0) at South Laurel (0-3)
The Cardinals are 1-27 during their past 28 games, and things look rough again this week with unbeaten Madison Central paying a visit to Gilliam Field.
The Indians have wins over Lexington Christian, Dunbar, and Madison Southern.
Prediction: Madison Central has too many weapons in this one, Indians win, 49-7.
Middlesboro (1-2) at Lynn Camp (1-2)
The Wildcats have lost their last eight games at home with their last win coming at Mitchell Field on Nov. 1, 2019 against McCreary Central.
It’s going to be tough to snap the losing skid this week against a Middlesboro team that has improved each week.
Prediction: The Yellow Jackets will have a big day and hand Lynn Camp a 39-14 loss.
Bell County (1-1) at Lincoln County (0-3)
The Bobcats will look to get back to their winning ways against Lincoln County.
The Patriots have been outscored, 112-62, while showing they can score. Their problem has been stopping opposing offenses.
Prediction: Bell County might get off to a slow start since the Bobcats are on the road but in the end, they’ll win, 41-20.
Thursday, Sept. 8
Harlan County at Knox Central
The Panthers have been hit with some injuries to key players but they still possess Steven Warren, who has been dominant on offense this season.
Warren leads the state with in points scored and rushing yards per carry at 8.7. He ranks second with 504 rushing yards, trailing Waggener’s Jacobi Jones by one yard.
Harlan County has struggled the past two games, and will look to get back on track. To do so, the Black Bears have to get more out of their rushing game and passing game. They only had 56 rushing yards last week, and 12 passing yards.
Prediction: Look for Partin to have another big game to add to his impressive resume. Knox Central wins, 47-18
