Published: October 09, 2008 11:22 pm            

Games could go long way

Greenup County coach Mike Sammons told me this week if there was ever a year for someone in the Musketeers’ district to make a run at a state title this was it.

Man, is he ever right.

The Musketeers (1-4, 1-0 in district) are traveling to Boyd County (3-3, 1-0) to determine who will be the lone unbeaten team in Class 4A, District 8 after tonight. Whoever that team might be, should it get the right winner in the Rowan County-Lawrence County matchup, it would also be home through a potential four rounds of the playoffs. Boyd County would need a Lawrence County win while Grenup County would need a Rowan County win.

You see, in terms of homefield advantage, the new topsy-turvy postseason schedule falls just right for Boyd County and Greenup County’s district this year.

And with six classes now, you can’t discount someone from the district making a run at it either, despite that no one stands out as a consistent power.

You don’t have to look any farther than last year to prove that. The Musketeers finished 2007 just 3-7 but made a nice run through the playoffs, coming up just a point short of playing in the regional championship (Round 4).

So, there’s a lot at stake tonight to say the least.

As for the teams, it’s tough for me to say who has the advantage. Both sides have big-play potential out of their quarterback and the ability to give you different looks offensively.

Defensively, the Lions and Musketeers gave up 75 points combined last week. Not so impressive.

I guess I would expect a game much like last year’s district championship — one that comes down to a play here and there at the wire.

I’ll go with the same score as that playoff game, though a different winner.

Boyd County 27, Greenup County 26

Kickoff: Tonight, 7:30 p.m.

Last year: Boyd County 27-13; Greenup County 27-26 (playoffs)

Series: Boyd County 23-13

Radio: WZZZ 107.5 FM

Woodford Co. (4-2)

at Ashland (4-2)

The Tomcats have a shot at moving into a first-place tie in the district when they host Woodford County on Saturday night.

The Yellowjackets loves to spread the ball all over the place in their passing game, presenting another new challenge for the Tomcats’ defense. Ashland’s ‘D’ has stepped up to every battle this year, though, and I’d say they will again.

If Johnson Central can run for nearly 700 yards against Woodford County, why can’t Ashland get enough to come out on top in this one?

Ashland 31, Woodford County 28

Kickoff: Saturday, 6 p.m.

Last year: Woodford County 48-13

Series: Tied 1-1

Radio: WBVB 97.1 FM

Lawrence County (0-6) at Rowan County (2-3)

Both teams are still in the hunt for a No. 1 seed in the district. They both, however, need a win in this one and some help for that to happen.

The Bulldogs are looking for their first win of the season, though they’ve played well enough to have at least one, maybe a couple, already. Rowan County, on the other hand, has dropped three straight after a 2-0 start.

Lawrence County 21, Rowan County 14

Kickoff: Friday, 7:30 p.m.

Last year: Rowan County 23-13

Series: Lawrence County 10-2

West Carter (1-4) at East Carter (0-5)

A win in this heated rivalry could help cure all for at least a week as the Raiders and Comets have just one win combined.

If nothing else, it’ll be bragging rights for a year.

West Carter 22, East Carter 20

Kickoff: Friday, 7:30 p.m.

Last year: West 38-12

Series: East 26-11

Radio: WUGO 102.3 FM

Other games:

Russell (5-1) at Lewis County (0-5)

Russell leads this all-time series 15-0 heading into winless Lewis County.

Russell’s Drew Abrams and A.J. Cordle combined for 287 yards rushing and five touchdowns in last week’s win over Lawrence County.

Kickoff: Friday, 7:30 p.m.

Last year: Russell 65-20

Series: Russell 15-0

Radio: WLGC 105.7 FM, WKKS 104.9 FM

Paris (1-5) at Raceland (5-0)

The Rams look to stay perfect overall and in district play. The last time they were unbeaten this deep into a season was in 1996.

Kickoff: Friday, 8 p.m.

Last year: Raceland 22-6

Series: Raceland 11-5

ADAM VANKIRK can be reached at avankirk@dailyindependent.com or (606) 326-2664.

        

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