Graves County (11-3) vs. Pulaski County (12-2)
December 5, 2014 @ 6:00 PM
If one month ago you were to tell me that Graves County and Pulaski County would be playing for a state championship in Class 5A, I probably would have laughed. I would have laughed because as the regular season concluded, it looked as if Bowling Green and Southwestern were on a collision course to meet in the 5A finals. Bowling Green – the three-time defending Class 5A state champion – ended its regular season defeating Warren Central and Pulaski County (both top 5 teams in 5A). Southwestern had defeated Pulaski County, Madison Southern, and North Laurel to win the Class 5A, District 7 title. It seemed with certainty that the two titans would meet in L.T. Smith Stadium on December 5.
However, the Eagles of Graves County and Maroons of Pulaski County had different plans. Graves County – who started the season 1-3 – went into Bowling Green and avenged a 49-10 defeat of 2013 to clinch the region championship, knocking out the three-time champs, 7-0. Coach Lance Gregory’s club then went on to John Hardin, defeating the Bulldogs 28-23. The Maroons got starting quarterback Riley Hall back for the region championship game, where they ousted Southwestern 24-16 before ending Cooper’s season at home, 33-7, in the state semifinals.
Players to Watch
Graves County’s Cody Crider had an outstanding season in the backfield, rushing for 2,566 yards and 31 touchdowns. The senior was named the Russell Athletic/KFCA District Player of the Year for Class 5A’s first district.
Pulaski County standout Riley Hall only appeared in nine games in after suffering a broken collarbone against Madison Southern in early October. However, the junior returned to action in the postseason and is always a threat with both his arm and his legs.
Statistics to Consider
1 – This is Graves County’s first-ever football state championship game. The Eagles will look to secure a state title in its only ever appearance.
2 – The Maroons will appear in the school’s second-ever football state championship game. Pulaski held an early 14-0 lead over Bowling Green last season before the Purples ran off 49 unanswered en route to victory.
What to Expect
Graves County seems like a team of destiny, with ten-consecutive wins including victories over perennial favorites Bowling Green and John Hardin in the previous two rounds. However, Pulaski County has the experience after playing in this game a season ago, and the Maroons appear to be clicking at just the right time. Whether it’s Coach Gregory or Pulaski’s John Hines in the winner’s circle after this one, expect a great game between two exciting teams.
