Next Week in Western Kentucky

Now the real playoffs are ready to start. There are only eight teams left in each class, so each game represents a trip to the final four. Here are the six games involving western Kentucky, which include four teams from the Purchase. Notice that in each case, the western-most team has to go on the road:

Class 1A:
Lou. Holy Cross (11-1) v. Mayfield (12-0)

Mayfield beat Tilghman this year, and Tilghman went to Holy Cross in late October and won 31-7, so Mayfield will like their chances.

Class 2A:
Owensboro Catholic (11-1) v. Murray (12-0)

This will be a war. Catholic's only loss was to Owensboro High School, and they have outscored their opponents 525-167. But Murray has been completely dominant, outscoring its opponents 455-81.

Class 3A:
Russellville (9-3) v. Paducah Tilghman (10-2)

I think this is the game I would most like to see in person. Russellville has won eight games in a row, and the whole town will be painted black-and-gold in anticipation of a visit from the evil city-dwellers.

Class 4A:
Allen Co.-Scottsville (11-0) v. Lone Oak (11-1)

I have a bad feeling about Coach Haskins's chances in this game. Lone Oak only beat Franklin-Simpson 35-32, and ACS killed F-S 49-28.

Class 5A:
Warren Cent. (10-2) v. Christian Co. (10-2)

This is a rematch. In the first game of the year, back on August 21, County beat Warren Central 15-8. These teams appear to be evenly matched, but Warren Central's home field advantage could make the difference.

Class 6A:
Lou. Male (9-3) v. Henderson Co. (9-2)

I will be stunned if Henderson goes up to Louisville and beats Male.