Week 9 Preview of 4th Region Football Games

It is the penultimate week of the 2014 Kentucky high school football season and every area team in action will look to end their district slate on a victory note before meeting up with an out-of-district opponent in the season’s final week. South Warren (9-0) has the week off after cruising to a 49-14 win over Monroe County and in the process clinched its second-straight Class 3A, District 2 title. The Spartans return home next Thursday night (10/30) to host Class 1A power Russellville at 7:00pm.

As for the other thirteen teams scattered across Southcentral Kentucky, those programs will seek to add one more victory onto the season and it all starts with a crosstown matchup between Class 5A clubs Bowling Green and Greenwood.

Greenwood Gators (4-4) @ Bowling Green Purples (7-1)

Friday, October 24 @ 7:00 pm at El Donaldson Stadium

What’s at Stake?

For the Purples, a win would officially clinch its fourth-consecutive Class 5A, District 2 championship and secure home-field advantage through at least the first three rounds of the playoffs. As for the Gators, a win would not only be historic but also give Greenwood a three-way tie for a district championship pending Warren Central defeats Logan County.

Who’s Hot and Who’s Not?

Both teams come into the Week 9 contest on win streaks. The Purples win streak is not anywhere near its last one; however, the team has looked impressive in its three following matchups, defeating district foes Barren County (63-0), Logan County (41-8), and Warren Central (34-13) by a combined margin of 115 points.

How will the Game Play Out?

Since the teams reconvened their series in 2011 when the Gators moved from 6A to 5A, the Purples have all but dominated the meetings. Bowling Green’s average margin of victory is 43.5 points per game. Greenwood has faced three of the Purples’ greatest teams in school history in those four games and the fifth meeting this year might feature another great one. The Purples are at home and looking to continue its tear; I’ll take the Purples by four touchdowns.

Franklin-Simpson Wildcats (6-1) @ Allen County-Scottsville Patriots (3-5)

Friday, October 24 @ 7:00 pm at Allen County-Scottsville High School

What’s at Stake?

The Wildcats of Franklin-Simpson are looking to clinch consecutive district championships with a win over Allen County-Scottsville. As for the Patriots, a win would give Coach Brad Hood’s club a three-way tie for the district crown. The Wildcats and Patriots have split the last four meetings as Franklin won last season, 35-7, and in 2011, 35-34 (OT). Allen came out on top in 2012, 27-14, and in 2010, 49-28.

Who’s Hot and Who’s Not?

Franklin-Simpson got talented running back Jerry Billups (115yds, TD) back last week and blistered Breckinridge County 54-0. The Wildcats have two three-game win streaks sandwiched around its only loss to Battleground Academy in Tennessee. Allen County-Scottsville had won two in a row before dropping a district matchup with Warren East last week. The team managed only 130 yards of total offense in the loss.

How will the Game Play Out?

In 2010 and 2011, these two programs each reached the Class 4A state championship game as the Patriots finished 2010 13-1 and the Wildcats finished 2011 13-2. All that to say, these two schools are familiar with success on the gridiron. The Wildcats are ranked 6^th in Class 4A and have found out to win close games (3-0 in games decided by two points or less) and blowouts (the other three wins were by a combined score of 123-12). Franklin’s consistency on offense coupled with Allen County’s inconsistency means I’ll take the Wildcats by three touchdowns.

Edmonson County Wildcats (3-5) @ Monroe County Falcons (2-6)

Friday, October 24 @ 7:00 pm at Monroe County High School

What’s at Stake?

Both teams sit at 1-2 in district with victories over Hart County and losses to South Warren and Adair County. Although the chance to host a home playoff game has passed both of these teams, the chance for pride and the avoidance of playing 3A powerhouse Paducah Tilghman in the first round sits within reach of both the Wildcats and Falcons this Friday. Although the Blue Tornado are not as dangerous as last year (but still ranked #10 in Class 3A), a win Friday would assure avoidance of Paducah Tilghman in the opening round.

Who’s Hot and Who’s Not?

Neither team has exceeded preseason expectations and have fallen into a tie for third behind South Warren and upstart Adair County. Edmonson County is coming off a 25-0 shutout victory over Hart County while Monroe County was defeated by South Warren 49-14 last week. Both teams could use a major win heading into the final week of the season and on to the postseason.

How will the Game Play Out?

The Falcons will look to win their fifth in six games over the Wildcats and defeated them 27-7 last year. The Wildcats only victory in the six-year stretch came in 2011 when they knocked off Monroe 20-19 in double overtime. The Falcons have been hit with the injury bug with 6 starters out for the season. With that being said, it is tough to travel into Monroe County and win a game. This will be a close game despite the injuries. If the Wildcats come to play this could be a barn burner to the end. Look for this game to go either way by 7.

Other Region Games

Breckinridge County Fighting Tigers (1-7) @ Warren East Raiders (4-4)

Friday, October 24 @ 7:00 pm at Warren East High School