WEEK 7 PICK’EMS: The Time Is Now For Clay County & North Laurel 

We were a perfect 9-0 this past week picking games, moving our overall record to 47-11 while our winning percentage is now at an impressive .810.

We’ve got some big games this Friday with the two most important matchups being Southwestern at North Laurel, and Johnson Central at Clay County.

Both the Jaguars and Tigers have a shot to move into their respective district driver’s seats if they can win their games in Week 7.

Week 7

Friday, Sept. 30

Game of the Week No. 1

Johnson Central (3-2) at Clay County (4-1)

If the Tigers are going to beat Johnson Central, now is the time to do so. Clay County’s possesses one of the best offensive attacks in the state.

But the Golden Eagles have dominated this series since 1999, winning all seven games. Johnson Central has averaged 46.2 points per game the last six meetings compared to Clay County’s 5.0.

Prediction: You can throw out all of the numbers you just read. Friday night is the Tigers’ night. Clay County’s is gonna shock some folks, winning 28-20.

Game of the Week No. 2

Southwestern (5-0) at North Laurel (4-1)

The two teams have played 12 times since 1998 with the Warriors coming away with eight wins.

Southwestern has been dominant this season, scoring as many as 34 points four times.

The key to North Laurel’s success with be its defensive play. After allowing 43 points to Bell County in its season-opener, the Jaguars have only allowed 33 points since.

Prediction: Look for the game to be close throughout but in the end, Southwestern takes this one, 24-12.

Harlan County (3-3) at Letcher Central (4-2)

The Cougars are winners of the past two matchups against Harlan County but the Black Bears lead the overall series, 15-10. This could be a shoot out.

Prediction: Letcher Central makes it three in a row, 42-20.

Corbin (5-0) at Simon Kenton (3-2)

The Redhounds will make a long trip to play Simon Kenton but the experience will be worth it.

We expect the game to be close for a few quarters before Corbin finds a way to pull it out.

Prediction: Corbin 28, Simon Kenton 14

Jackson County (0-6) at Pineville (5-0)

The Mountain Lions were off for a week due to a bye, and should be well-rested for this game while Jackson County is looking at a way to improve offensively. The Generals have only scored one touchdown during their past four games.

Prediction: Pineville cruises, 56-0.

Knox Central (3-2) at Bourbon County (1-4)

The Panthers needed a week off and they got it this past week due to a bye.

Hopefully, they’ve been able to sure up some of the injuries they’ve had. It shouldn’t matter much this week against a Bourbon County team that has struggled.

Prediction: Knox Central gets back on track, wins, 42-27

Pulaski County (5-1) at South Laurel (0-6)

If there is a team that has been a thrown in South Laurel’s side, it’s been Pulaski County.

The Maroons are winners of 10 in a row against the Cardinals holding a commanding, 17-1 mark against South Laurel since, 1998.

Prediction: Things aren’t going to get any better this week for South Laurel. Pulaski County rolls, 56-7.

Whitley County (1-4) at Collins (4-1)

We’ve really liked the way Whitley County has been playing lately, but going in the road this week is gonna be a problem.

Prediction: Collins wins, 35-13.

Middlesboro (4-2) at Breathitt County (3-2)

We really feel like Middlesboro is the better team but sometimes when you go on the road, you’re gonna have to bring your ‘A’ game to win.

Prediction: It’s not going to be easy but the Yellow Jackets win, 28-22.

Bell County (4-1) at Rockcastle County (3-3)

It’s always fun when these two teams play each other. The Bobcats are 16-9 against the Rockets since 1999. Bell County has won the past three meetings between the two teams.

Prediction: Make it four in a row for the Bobcats. Bell County gets a big win on the road, 35-21.

Williamsburg (3-1) at Sayre (3-2)

The Yellow Jackets are going to have their hands full against a Sayre team that had a Harlan beaten last week, but the Trojans couldn’t’ seal the win.

Prediction: Williamsburg will start fast but in the end, Sayre will get a the win, 28-21.

Harlan (4-1) at Phelps (0-5)

This is another winnable game for a Green Dragon team that continues to surprise this season.

Prediction: Harlan dominates, 63-0.