Henderson County vs. Apollo: Kroger KSR Game of the Week

For the first time this season, KSR is headed to Western Kentucky for Henderson County (5-1) vs. Apollo (4-2) Friday night at 7 p.m. CDT.

These two 6A district foes have flown under the radar all season, despite their impressive records. While it’s hard for 6A teams to step out of the shadows of the Male’s and St. Xavier’s of the world—it’s time to shine some light on the high school gridiron in Henderson, Kentucky.

Henderson County

KSR State Ranking: N/A

Record: 5-1

State Championships: N/A

State Runner-Up: N/A

Last Season: 8-2

Coach: Josh Boston

Key Players

• Seth Goben, quarterback: 33-61, 367 yards, five touchdowns, two interceptions.
• Jordan Wright, running back: 85 carries, 433 yards, five touchdowns.
• Brayden Powell-Coleman, wide receiver: 12 receptions, 172 yards, three touchdowns.

Apollo

KSR State Ranking: N/A

Record: 4-2

State Championships: N/A

State Runner-Up: N/A

Last Season: 4-5

Coach: John Edge

Key Players

• Christian Combs, quarterback: 84-131, 1,104 yards, 11 touchdowns, four interceptions.
• Noah Rhinerson, dual threat: 87 carries, 399 yards (6.6 per carry), five touchdowns. 16 receptions, 359 yards (22.4 per catch), six touchdowns. 11 total touchdowns ranks No. 3 in the 6A scoring category.
• Evan Miller, wide receiver: 24 receptions, 340 yards (14.2 per catch), three touchdowns.
• Defense: Morgan Eans — 57 tackles (35 solo), 20 TFL (ranks No. 1 in 6A). Jarrod Gray — 51 tackles (30 solo), 11 TFL (ranks No. 2 in 6A). Dayton Brown — 42 tackles (27 solo), six TFL.

Henderson County vs. Apollo Preview:

Henderson County’s numbers won’t pop off the page when looking at their stats—but no team is 5-1 by fluke. Through their last three games, the Colonels defense has stepped up big time, only allowing six points against a then-undefeated Central Hardin team and back-to-back shutouts against Paducah Tilghman. In those three games, they’ve outscored the opposition 74-6.

Apollo is the complete opposite when it comes to the stat sheet. Henderson’s offense has struggled to move the ball at times and with Apollo’s three-headed defensive monster, it could give Apollo their best chance of pulling off the upset on the road. Morgan Eans, Jarrod Gray and Dayton Brown have combined for 150 total tackles–no trio in KHSAA has more.

On top of their defensive prowess, the one-two punch of quarterback Christian Combs and Apollo’s biggest weapon in Noah Rhinerson makes the offense one you can’t overlook. Rhinerson’s 11 all-purpose touchdowns rank third in 6A and Combs is one of nine 6A quarterbacks to throw for over 1,000 yards this season.

The Eagles’ only two losses have come by the hands of a then-Gavin Wimsatt lead Owensboro team and Central Hardin while on their way to a 4-0 start to the season.

Bottom line: Whichever team’s defense can hold on the longest will get the victory. With the numbers Apollo has put up this year, Henderson County is up for one of their biggest tests of the season—but the Colonels have proven over the past couple of years that they know how to win games with the lights on bright.

KSR’s Predictions:

Barkley’s Prediction: Apollo 29, Henderson County 21

Troy’s Prediction: Henderson County 35, Apollo 17

Jude Howell’s Prediction: Henderson County 41, Apollo 14

Who wins the Kroger @KySportsRadio Game of the Week?

— Troy Howell (@teeroyhowell) October 6, 2021

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