HSGametime Playoff Preview: Quarterfinals

Desales at Newport Central Catholic (2A): The Colts have won 9 games in a row, with each of the last 5 games being decided by 15 points or less. This tells me this team has some good leaders who get this team focused late in games. The problem Desales has in this game is NCCHS could very well jump on them early. The Colts lost to this same NCCHS team last year in the 2A semifinals 31-3, so you know they have payback on their minds. But, NCCHS has been here before, have dominated most of their opponents on the way to an 11-1 record, and have the homefield. Prediction: NCCHS 38, Desales 14

Elizabethtown at Central (3A): This game pits offense versus defense. E'Town is 3rd in 3A in points scored, while Central is 2nd in 3A in points given up. The two teams already faced off earlier this year, a Yellowjacket 23-14 win. Expect another close game here. Central just flat-out struggles to score against good competition, and I am predicting an upset of the defending 3A champs. Prediction: E'Town 21, Central 14

North Bullitt at Bullitt East (4A): Bullitt East is only 7-5 but have won 5 out of their last 6, with the only loss coming to 6A power Manual in double overtime. They also hold a win over North Bullitt earlier this year 17-14. I think the Chargers are hitting their stride at the right time, and have gotten a nice draw. I say they take this game and the next, making it to the state championship game. North Bullitt is all Dalton Cissell, all the time. The Chargers already stopped him pretty well once, I say they do it again. Prediction: Bullitt East 28, North Bullitt 13

John Hardin at Doss (5A): This game is very interesting as John Hardin is 11-1 and one of the highest scoring teams in the state. They have talent all over the offense, and the defense has been solid all year too, only giving up 17 ppg. But, that one loss came against Doss 27-21, and cost them the district title. So, Doss recieved the home-field in this one. I was at the first game, and frankly, John Hardin did not come to play that night. They looked uninterested and Doss took it straight at them. But, you could see the talent oozing from the Bulldogs despite the bad performance, and I doubt they come out that sluggish this time. In fact, I wouldnt be suprised by a rout in this one. Prediction: John Hardin 45, Doss 21

Male at Scott County (6A): If you want a team that has flown under the radar, its the Male Bulldogs. They have struggled at the QB position all year, something the Bulldogs are traditionally known for. But, in their first two playoff games they scored 59 and 41 points. Scott County on the other hand, has rolled to a 10-2 record, including 7 straight wins. I think Scott County is likely to win this game, but I think this might be the best matchup in the state. Look for a shootout! Prediction: Scott County 42, Male 38

Manual at St. Xavier (6A): It's a forgone conclusion that St.X is going to win the 6A title, right? I am not so sure, as the title will run through Manual, then most likely Trinity, and then Scott County/Male/Simon Kenton. The Tigers will have to bring their A game for the next 3 weeks to bring home a much desired championship. The first meeting between these two teams was not a good game, with St. X winning 57-0. I went to last week's Tiger game, and saw PRP was able to control the clock for a quarter and a half and keep the game close. Manual runs a similar offense but with more talent. The key: NO TURNOVERS. You have to keep the Tigers O off the field and convert on long drives. I just find it hard to believe that Manual can make up 57 points from the last meeting. It will be closer, but St. X moves one step closer to the title. Prediction: St. X 41, Manual 7

Eastern at Trinity (6A): Great matchup between two 11-1 teams. Trinity has been blasting opponents since losing to St. X, but Eastern has been slipping by their foes, winning 5 games by 10 points or less this year. And lets not forget Trinity won 49-0 in their first meeting. Lets face it, its inevitable that St. X and Trinity will meet in the playoffs. Much like Manual, I dont think Eastern can make up 49 points, they will keep it closer but not close enough to win. Prediction: Trinity 35, Eastern 7

So there you have it, local teams are all over the playoffs still. Look for Christian County-Owensboro in 5A, Lexington Catholic-Boyle County in 4A, and Owensboro Catholic-Fort Campbell in 2A to also be exciting games. We have now gotten to the point where all the teams are good, and the games will only get better.