Metcalfe County welcomes Monroe County Friday night for a big Class 2A, District 3 matchup
By Perry Swack – ST Reporter/Photos by Keaton Jessie ST Photographer
Monroe County Falcons (2-2) @ Metcalfe County Hornets (1-2)
October 16, 2020 – 7:00pm
Last Week
Monroe County defeated district foe Clinton County, 36-14
Metcalfe County lost at Campbellsville, 22-14, on October 2
2019 Meeting
Monroe County quarterback Curtis Petett completed 17-of-26 passes for 169 yards and 4 touchdowns to lead the Falcons to a 33-12 district victory. Metcalfe County quarterback Peyton Dial threw for two touchdowns of his own, while defensive back Gabe Zurmehly totaled ten tackles in the loss.
Last 5 Matchups
2019 – Metcalfe County 12 @ Monroe County 33
2018 – Metcalfe County 6 @ Monroe County 33
2017 – Monroe County 42 @ Metcalfe County 13
2016 – Metcalfe County 18 @ Monroe County 13
2015 – Monroe County 23 @ Metcalfe County 0
Class 2A, District 3 Standings
Edmonson County 2-0
Monroe County 2-1
Metcalfe County 0-1
Green County 0-1
Clinton County 0-1
Preview
Monroe County enters its final district game of the season hoping to earn a victory that will virtually clinch a home game for the opening round of the 2A Playoffs next month. Metcalfe County will be looking to avoid an 0-2 start that would put it behind the 8-ball when it comes to qualifying for the playoffs in a five-team district. In districts with five teams, only the top four teams qualify for the playoffs. The Hornets missed the playoffs in 2019 and hope to not repeat that in 2020. If Coach LJ Harbison’s club is to get back on track, it will be behind its rushing duo of Gabe Zurmehly and Peyton Dial. Zurmehly – a senior running back – is averaging 75 yards a game on the ground and has scored five times through three games. Dial, a junior quarterback, is averaging a shade under 75 yards per game on the ground as well. He is ranked 15th in passing yards per game in Class 2A at 119 yards a contest. On defense, safety Michael Bennett has been the biggest playmaker thus far. The sophomore has tallied 24 tackles (three for losses) and leads the Hornets with two sacks and two forced fumbles (one recovered). Despite its 1-2 record, the Hornets are 15th in Class 2A in team defense, allowing only 21.3 points per game.
The Falcons of Monroe County have alternated wins and losses and find themselves at 2-2 on the year. Its two wins – both in district – have been by double digits; however, its two losses have been by an average of 31 points per game. Coach John Petett hopes to get the offense clicking against the Hornets through quarterback John Harlin. The sophomore play-caller had arguably the best game of his career in a 36-20 win over Clinton County last week. Harlin completed all five of his passes and threw two touchdowns, while rushing eight times for 27 yards and two scores. The Falcon offense relies heavily on the run. In last week’s victory, the team ran 40 times and only passed five. Junior Jordan Page had his best game of the season, rushing 13 times for 120 yards.
Monroe County’s defense, though, has been its calling card. The Falcons are third in Class 2A with 7 interceptions, while ranked in the top 17 in both passing and rushing defense. Senior Jacob Wood has racked up four interceptions, returning two of them for touchdowns. Monroe County’s linebackers are one of the fiercest groups in the area. The trio of sophomore Cade Turner (33), senior Bryce Baxter (29), and sophomore Jameson Petett (28) have led the charge.
Prediction
Monroe County 34, Metcalfe County 17
The Falcons’ defense will be too much for the Hornets to handle. I predict that the linebacking crew of Turner, Baxter, and Petett will all be near double digits in tackle totals, while the defensive backs – led by Wood – will pick off Dial at least once. Dial and Zurmehly will find the small holes in the Monroe defense to lead the rushing attack, but it will not be enough to win the game. Look for Jordan Page to rush for over 100 yards as the Falcons improve to 3-2.
Next Week
Monroe County travels to Warren Central on October 23
Metcalfe County travels to Green County on October 23
