It’s here.
The smell of pigskin is in the air as Aeek One of High School Football action in the 13th Region is here!
Let’s get straight to my picks, so I won’t keep y’all waiting to see if your favorite team is going to bring home a ‘W’ tonight and Saturday.
Pikeville at Corbin, 8 p.m.
This one should be a dandy.
The defending Class A state champions return a lot of weapons from last season’s squad but then again, Corbin’s cupboard is far from bare.
Look for Kade Elam to have a big game along with Cam Estep and Jace Hatfield on defense.
Prediction: Corbin 31, Pikeville 20
North Laurel at Bell County, 7:30 p.m.
When these two teams meet, you can expect a good game.
Both North Laurel and Bell County lost a lot of weapons from last season, but they also return a lot of good players as well.
I’m thinking the Bobcats pull this out due to defensive play and look for Hayden Camron to have a big game defensively.
Prediction: Bell County 28, North Laurel 7
South Laurel at McCreary Central, 7:30 p.m.
Coach John Hines is looking to start his coaching career at South Laurel with a ‘W’.
The Cardinals are going to be an exciting team to watch. They possess a lot of young talent that is ready to shine.
Prediction: South Laurel 42, McCreary Central 34
Lynn Camp at Jellico, Tenn., 7:30 p.m.
I really like the job coach Darrell Hendrix and his assistant coaches are doing at Lynn Camp.
It’s always tough to win at Jellico, but look for the Wildcats to grind one out.
Prediction: Lynn Camp 27, Jellico, Tenn. 14
Knox Central at Whitley County, 7:30 p.m.
The Colonels are ready to make a deep postseason run while the Panthers are ready to make noise under coach Wayne Mills.
Mills will have his Knox Centrak squad ready, but the big question is if the Panthers defense can slow down the region’s best running back — Dee Parker.
Prediction: Whitley County 35, Knox Central 20
Jackson County at Trimble County, 7:30 p.m.
The Generals return a lot of talent on both sides of the ball, but will have to find a way to get past a much-improved Trimble County squad.
I believe they will.
Prediction: Jackson County 20, Trimble County 18
Clay County vs. Pineville at Union College, 7:30 p.m.
The Tigers lost a lot of offensive firepower from last season, but still return a lot as well.
Pineville returns Landon Robbins, who can do a lot of damage once he gets the ball.
Prediction: Clay County 49, Pineville 33
Harlan County at Middlesboro, Saturday, Aug. 24, 7:30 p.m.
Saturday’s matchup will mark another boy the second time these schools have met.
The Black Bears won the only meeting between the two schools way back in 2008 with a 58-36 decision.
Look for the Yellow Jackets to come out on top this time around.
Prediction: Middlesboro 26, Harlan County 20
