Allen County-Scottsville welcomes Warren East into Patriot Stadium for a matchup between district rivals with playoff implications
By Perry Swack – ST Reporter
Warren East Raiders (2-2) @ Allen County-Scottsville Patriots (2-1)
Patriot Stadium – October 16, 2020 – 7:00pm
Last Game
Warren East defeated Warren Central, 47-6, on October 1
Allen County-Scottsville beat Franklin-Simpson, 28-7, on September 25
2019 Meetings
Allen County-Scottsville defeated Warren East twice in 2019. In the regular season, the Patriots were led by quarterback Trace McIntyre’s two touchdown passes and three forced turnovers by the defense. Coach Brad Hood’s squad won by 17 points in the regular season, but in the playoffs the Raiders nearly upended ACS. Warren East quarterback threw for three touchdowns and wide receiver EJ Smith caught six passes for 162 yards and two scores, but it was not enough to knock off the Patriots. Allen County running backs Landon Witcher (96) and Jaquez McPeak (92) nearly rushed for 100 yards as ACS squeaked past WE, 27-25.
Last Five Meetings
2019 – Warren East 25 @ Allen County-Scottsville 27 (4A Playoffs)
2019 – Allen County-Scottsville 27 @ Warren East 10
2018 – Warren East 23 @ Allen County-Scottsville 20
2017 – Allen County-Scottsville 13 @ Warren East 17
2016 – Warren East 21 @ Allen County-Scottsville 28
Class 4A, District 2 Standings
Russell County 3-0
Allen County-Scottsville 2-0
Warren East 1-1
Franklin-Simpson 0-2
Warren Central 0-3
Preview
Coach Hood and the Patriots welcome the Raiders of Warren East into Scottsville for a Class 4A, District 2 showdown with major playoff implications. While both teams have likely clinched playoff spots, Allen County still has a chance to win the regular season district title, while Warren East still has an opportunity to host a playoff game. The Patriots enter the tilt on a two-game winning streak after smashing district rivals Warren Central and Franklin-Simpson by a combined score of 68-7. The Raiders also enter the game on a two-game winning streak after defeating Edmonson County and Warren Central by a score of 75-24.
On paper, the two schools are virtually equal in a number of categories. In the KHSAA RPI standings, Allen County-Scottsville is ranked 19th in Class 4A and Warren East is ranked 20th. Offensively, the Patriots excel on the ground and the Raiders excel through the air. ACS is ranked 13th in Class 4A rushing offense at 221 yards per game, led by Landon Witcher at 70.3 yards per game. Trace McIntyre and Dillon Rockstool are not far behind at 62 and 61.3 yards per contest. WE sophomore Isaiah Ghee has had a great start to his career under center, completing 22-of-40 passes for 429 yards and four scores through the opening four games. Wideout DeSean Gilbert has been Ghee’s favorite target. The senior has caught 11 passes for 273 yards and five touchdowns. Running back KJ Alexander has started the season hot as well, averaging just a shade under 100 yards per game. The senior is averaging nearly 140 yards in the last two contests – both wins.
Defensively, the Patriots are ranked fourth overall in 4A at 9.3 points per game. After allowing 21 points in its opening game at Glasgow, ACS has only allowed seven points in its last two contests. Rockstool – who plays both ways – leads the team with 29 total tackles. Junior DB Tanner Stinson is tied for 3rd in 4A with three interceptions. As for the Raiders, the team is second in 4A with seven interceptions. Sophomores Dratavyn Barber and Simon Ghee each have picked off two passes. Freshman Maddox Terrance leads the team with 33 total tackles.
Prediction
Allen County-Scottsville 24, Warren East 19
ACS must win on Friday night to keep pace with upstart Russell County in the district standings, while Warren East would lose its chance to host a playoff game with a loss in Scottsville. I predict a close game as Isaiah Ghee has fared well in the early going and has found a reliable target in DeSean Gilbert. KJ Alexander will run for nearly 100 yards against a stingy Patriot defense. But the home team will find a way to win behind the experience of McIntyre and Witcher on offense and Rockstool on defense. I’m tempted to roll with the upset, but I believe the Patriots will enter its district showdown at Russell County next weekend with a chance to be the #1 seed in the playoffs.
Next Week
Monroe County travels to Warren Central on October 23
Metcalfe County travels to Green County on October 23
