Since 2020, the RPI has been wrong four times with our 13th Region teams in the playoffs.
Two of those four games, which the underdog won according to the KHSAA RPI, happened in the same round last year.
Here are the four games on record:
• Nov. 20th, 2020 Knox Central (0.55700) beat Wayne County (0.56700) 46-36
• Nov. 19th, 2021 Johnson Central (0.59700) beat Corbin (0.67500) 34-13
• Nov. 19th, 2021 Belfry (0.52300) beat Bell County (0.61300) 41-20
• Nov. 4th, 2022 Harlan (0.57030) beat Sayre (0.57769) 42-7 Congrats Harlan
If you look closely on Nov. 19th, 2021, Corbin and Bell County were both playing in the 3rd Round. Both teams were at home, and both were considered favorites according to the RPI. Unfortunately, Johnson Central and Belfry left our area with convincing victories.
Fast Forward a year later, Corbin and Bell County are both playing 3rd round playoff home games as a RPI favorite.
Does it sound familiar?
Corbin has a rematch with Johnson Central, who has ended the Redhounds’ season the last two years. Bell County is playing an Ashland team that just put up a running clock on Belfry. Belfry has ended Bell’s season the last three years (including the 3A State Championship Game in 2019).
Will history repeat itself? I don’t believe so.
It’s new year, and different teams.
Let’s change the trend. It’s our time, Go 13th!
