With the playoffs in full swing, only three local teams remain in the bracket. Owensboro, Owensboro Catholic Daviess County all have a good chance of moving on to the next round in their respective matchups. Owensboro and Owensboro Catholic will host their matches while Daviess County travels to Elizabethtown to take on Central Hardin.
Daviess County, 6-5 (Class 6A, District 1)
at Central Hardin, 6-5 (Class 6A, District 2)
Highlights
After a close win last week, Daviess County faces an even matchup in Central Hardin. Hardin comes into the match from a 60-0 blowout last week. Central Hardin is run-oriented, so a quick shutdown of any rushes will put the Panthers in prime position to take the upper-hand.
Last week
Daviess County: Won 24-21 against North Hardin
Central Hardin: Won 60-0 against Christian County
Coach’s thoughts
Daviess County head coach Matt Brannon:
Our team is confident right now, and we feel like we have a great shot of advancing past this round. We have had a great week of practice, the game plans are solid, we just have to execute and bring the same level of energy to the game.
Central Hardin is a very physical team and will be a predominately run team. We will have to be prepared to challenge them physically. Their offense is very hard to simulate in practice, so we must limit their big runs early in the game as we adjust. Offensively, we must continue to play smart, efficient football. Limiting our turnovers and penalties will be a big key for us. We must capitalize on any mistakes that they make, and make sure that we get the ball in the end zone when we have our shots.
Crittenden County, 7-4 (Class 2A, District 1)
at Owensboro Catholic, (Class 2A, District 2)
Highlights
Catholic beat Crittenden in a large 62-12 victory back in September, but both teams have had lots of success since then. Crittenden have only lost one game since they last faced Catholic. With the form the team has been in recently, Catholic still holds the edge, especially with home field advantage.
Last week
Crittenden: Won 24-20 against Todd County Central
Owensboro Catholic: Won 61-14 against Caldwell County
Coach’s thoughts
Owensboro Catholic head coach Jason Morris:
We had a great week of practice and look forward to another challenge. Crittenden has good skills that we have to be ready for or they can get behind you.
South Warren, 9-2 (Class 5A, District 2)
at Owensboro, 7-4 (Class 5A, District 1)
Highlights
Both teams come into the match off high-scoring wins from last week. Owensboro has the home field advantage, but they’ll need tight defensive play against this South Warren team, that has been known to run up the score in recent weeks, to further better their odds of advancing to the next round.
Last week
South Warren: Won 50-12 against Madisonville-North Hopkins
Owensboro: Won 67-0 against Ohio County
Coach’s thought
Owensboro head coach Jay Fallin:
It’s always good to win convincingly in the playoffs. We got out of the game healthy and took care of business. We’re well aware that the challenge goes to a whole new level this week.
They’re well coached and tough on defense. We will need to do a good job of giving them a variety of concepts and schemes to keep them on their heels and take advantage of scoring opportunities when they present themselves. They’re led on offense by their QB, Button, who gets the ball to the right guys. We will need to be disciplined and focused and play hard every play.
