Although Franklin-Simpson has dominated Glasgow on the gridiron for quite a while, Friday’s matchup between the two sides is anticipated to be a much different type of game.
The Wildcats – defending Class 4A state champions – have won the past four meetings against the Scotties and have a 34-23-1 lead in the all-time series. That includes a 35-19 road win for Franklin-Simpson last September.
Glasgow is a different team this time around, and many coaches around the area are fully aware of that – especially Doug Preston.
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“Glasgow is one of the most talented teams in our area,” the Franklin-Simpson coach said. “This will be a major test for our team – especially our inexperienced defense. They present matchup problems with the size of their offensive line and a quarterback that can run and throw.”
Entering Friday’s contest, which is set for a 7 p.m. kickoff at James “Shadetree” Matthews Stadium, Glasgow is one of only four undefeated teams still left in the area. The Class 2A Scotties – who are 5-0 on the season – are ranked No. 4 in 2A in the latest Kentucky Associated Press high school football poll.
Glasgow, which played its first five games of the year at its own Hank Royse Stadium, defeated Warren East 56-40 last week. Prior to that matchup, the Scotties had allowed just 14 points through their first four games.
Along with a stout defense, Glasgow’s offensive unit has been putting up video game-like numbers week-by-week.
Currently averaging 330 yards per game as a team, Scotties running back Nick Mitchell and quarterback Tanner Abernathy have been a consistent spark for Coach Jeff Garmon’s club. Through five games, Mitchell has rushed for 851 yards and 13 touchdowns – eight coming in the past two games – while Abernathy has passed for 594 yards and seven TDs.
In last week’s win over Warren East, Glasgow finished with 500 yards as Mitchell unloaded for 226 yards and five TDs on 32 carries. Additionally, Abernathy tossed a pair of TD passes, while recording 112 yards on the ground.
Franklin-Simpson’s offense hasn’t been performing half bad, either.
Averaging 368 yards per game as a unit, the Wildcats (4-1) – ranked second in Class 4A in the latest Kentucky AP poll – have been led by a pair of standout running backs in Tre Bass and Carlos McKinney. Through five games, Bass has run for 664 yards and nine TDs, while his right-hand man has recorded 646 yards with 10 TDs.
“This game will be good for us to find areas we need more improvement in and to prepare for our upcoming district schedule,” Preston said.
