Well, my first week of pick’ems didn’t do too bad, so let’s go ahead, finishing 6-2 with my only misses coming from the Middlesboro vs. Harlan County game along with the North Laurel vs. Bell County contest.
So with that said, let’s see if I can do even better in Week 2.
Thursday’s Game
Harlan at Clay County, 7:30 p.m.
The Tigers rolled in their first game of the season, and I expect no different in this game. Harlan will attempt to win its season-opener, but it’s not gonna be easy.
Prediction: Clay County 55, Harlan 13
Friday’s Games
Bourbon County vs. Williamsburg at South Laurel, 6 p.m.
The Yellow Jackets will open against a Bourbon County squad that was held to -53 rushing yards last week. I also believe the heat could play a big role in this game, too.
Prediction: Williamsburg 28, Bourbon County 12
Knox Central at South Laurel, 8:30 p.m.
This is a tough one to pick. Most prognosticators are going with the Panthers in this game, and I understand why. But I’m going out on a limb and thinking Cardinal quarterback Mason Griffin has a big game against his former team and freshman Zach Thomas has his breakthrough game.
Prediction: South Laurel 26, Knox Central 25
Whitley County at North Laurel, 7:30 p.m.
This is another game that’s going to be close. When these two teams meet up, you can always expect a good game. The key to success for North Laurel is to find a way to contain the Colonels’ Dee Parker. The bigger question might be, can Whitley County slow down a Jaguar offensive attack that is loaded with talent. And you can’t forget just how dominant both offensive and defensive lines player for North Laurel last week. The heat could play a role in this game, too. Look for Jaguar kicker Cam Anderson to hit a game-winning field goal.
Prediction: North Laurel 24, Whitley County 21
Middlesboro at Garrard County, 6 p.m.
This should be a battle. Both teams enter Friday’s contest with identical 0-1 records. Look for Garrard County to find a way to pull out the win.
Prediction: Garrard County 20, Middlesboro 14
Berea at Lynn Camp
I know I keep saying this but it’s the truth. Coach Darrell Hendrix and his assistant coaches have done a fantastic job preparing the Wildcats for this season.
They’re 1-0 and look to go 2-0 with a home game at Mitchell Field Friday. I expect them to get the win.
Prediction: Lynn Camp 49, Berea 7
Boyd County at Bell County, 7:30 p.m.
The Bobcats are trying to avoid going 0-2 to start the season for the first time since 2005. The last time Bell County has dropped two games in a row on Log Mountain is 2017 then they dropped three consecutive home games — Casey County, Corbin, and Harlan County.
Boyd County is good, but I believe the Bobcats will find a way.
Prediction: Bell County 14, Boyd County 12
Jackson County at Knott Central
The Generals cruised to an easy win last week, and I expect the same this week. This is a team you better keep your eye on.
Prediction: Jackson County 42, Knott Central 21
Rockcastle County vs. Pineville at Union College, 7:30 p.m.
Chris Larkey reloaded at Rockcastle County and should pick up the win on the road Friday.
Prediction: Rockcastle County 49, Pineville 7
North Hardin vs. Corbin at Garrard County, 8:30 p.m.
The Redhounds looked darn good last week, and I don’t expect anything to change against the Trojans.
Prediction: Corbin 42, North Hardin 6
Hazard at Harlan County, 7:30 p.m.
The Black Bears picked up a big win this past week, and I’m going to say they’ll get win No. 2.
Prediction: Harlan County 20, Hazard 18
