Football Playoff Previews: State Finals

Two area football teams will play for state championships this weekend at Kroger Field in Lexington.

Here’s a complete look at both Franklin-Simpson vs. Johnson Central in the Class 4A final and South Warren vs. Covington Catholic in the 5A title game.

Class 5A

South Warren (14-0) vs. Covington Catholic (14-0)

1 p.m. CST Sunday

Kroger Field | Lexington, Ky.

Broadcast: STBNTV.com (PXP: Joe Brunk; Audio Only)

Updates: Twitter

Last meeting: Covington Catholic won 43-7 in the playoffs on Nov. 24, 2017

Breakdown: South Warren and Covington Catholic will meet for the second time on Sunday in the Class 5A KHSAA Commonwealth Gridiron Bowl championship. … Both the Spartans and Colonels enter the state final with undefeated 14-0 records. … South Warren is playing for its first state title since winning the Class 4A championship in 2015. … Covington Catholic is seeking back-to-back 5A trophies. … The Spartans defeated South Oldham 31-10 last week in the semifinal round. … Quarterback Gavin Spurrier completed 18-of-25 passes for 237 yards and three touchdowns, while running back Cameron Harrison rushed for 119 yards and a TD in the win. … The Colonels earned a 36-14 win over Pulaski County in the semifinals and is riding a 29-game win streak dating back to last season. … Quarterback Caleb Jacob completed 7-of-8 passes for 161 yards and three TDs in the victory.

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Class 4A

Franklin-Simpson (13-1) vs. Johnson Central (13-1)

3:30 p.m. CST Saturday

Kroger Field | Lexington, Ky.

Broadcast: WFKN 1220 AM (PXP: Brian Talley; Analysis: Tyler Eaton)

Updates: Twitter

Last meeting: Franklin-Simpson won 35-21 in the 4A final on Dec. 2, 2017

Breakdown: Franklin-Simpson and Johnson Central will meet in the Class 4A KHSAA Commonwealth Gridiron Bowl championship for the third consecutive season on Saturday at Kroger Field. … Both teams enter with 13-1 records. … The Wildcats are seeking back-to-back titles, while the Golden Eagles look to capture their first state crown since 2016. … Franklin-Simpson defeated Taylor County 33-0 last week in the semifinal round. … Running backs Tre Bass (160 yards, TD) and Carlos McKinney (115 yards, TD) combined for 275 yards and two touchdowns, while quarterback Luke Richardson completed 3-of-5 passes for 60 yards and a TD in the Wildcats’ win. … Johnson Central beat Knox Central 59-20 last week in the semifinals. … Running back Joe Jackson rushed for 179 yards and two TDs, while quarterback Riley Preece completed 3-of-3 passes for 75 yards and ran for 141 yards and three scores in the Golden Eagles’ victory.

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