Johnson Central vs. Letcher County Central: Kroger KSR Game of the Week

We’re headed east for the first time this season for Johnson Central at Letcher County in the 4A District 8 Championship game for this week’s Kroger KSR Game of the Week.

Here’s all you need to know about either team ahead of Friday’s big game:

Johnson Central

KSR State Ranking: 10

Record: 6-2

State Championships: 2 (2019, 2016)

State Runner-Up: 3 (2015, 2017, 2018)

Coach: Steve Trimble

Key Players:

• Zack McCourt, RB — 30 rushes, 366 yards and seven touchdowns.
• Chase Price, RB — 43 rushes, 283 yards and four touchdowns.
• Matt Crum, RB — 41 rushes, 247 yards and two touchdowns.
• Carter Conley, RB — 46 rushes, 402 yards and six touchdowns.
• Grant Bingham, OL — 4-star Kentucky commit.

Letcher County Central

KSR State Ranking: N/A

Record: 6-1

State Championships: N/A

State Runner-Up: N/A

Coach: Junior Matthews

Key Players:

• Carson Adams, QB — 66-104, 1,184 yards, 12 touchdowns and six interceptions. 76 rushes, 736 yards and 11 touchdowns.
• Nicholas Haning, WR — 26 receptions, 458 yards and five touchdowns.
• Jonah Little, WR — 16 receptions, 317 yards and three touchdowns.
• Keaton Day, LB — 76 tackles, 14 solo, four TFL.

Friday is About More Than Football

Jim Matney would be so proud of his Golden Eagles.

To respond to adversity with three straight victories and win all three by at least five scores says all you need to know about the 2021 Johnson Central Golden Eagles.

Johnson Central took the field just three days after Matney died due to complications from COVID-19, where they went on to defeat Clay County 42-6 in a decisive, yet emotional display of football that would have brought a smile to the face of the man dubbed ‘The Governor of the Mountains.’

“There was talk of maybe canceling the (Clay County) game, but that would be the last thing that he would want us to do,” Steve Trimble told the Herald-Leader at the time. “I think the best thing that could ever happen for them now is to get out on the field and play and do the things that he’s taught them to do and that he’s instilled in them.”

After everything these kids have been through in the last month—they have a chance Friday night in the Kroger KSR Game of the Week to call themselves district champions in a season the Golden Eagles have dedicated to their fallen leader.

Johnson Central vs. Letcher County Preview

Johnson Central has one of, if not the best rushing attack in all of KHSAA. They’ve only passed the ball 16 times all season and in the last three games alone have amassed 927 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns.

Letcher County Central’s scheme revolves around the arm and legs of quarterback Carson Adams. The dual-threat quarterback has 1,920 all-purpose yards and 17 total touchdowns on the year. His ability to connect with Nicholas Haning and Jonah Little has led the Cougars to their four-game winning streak and overall 6-1 record.

The Cougars are led defensively by linebackers Keaton Day and Koby Johnson, who’ve combined for 138 tackles this season. Letcher County Central specializes in stopping the run—which completely contradicts the Golden Eagles’ style of play.

Johnson Central has rushed for 1,877 yards this season while Letcher County Central has only given up 916 all year.

With the Cougar’s multi-dimensional offense poised for their signature win against a 4A heavyweight, they’ll look to move up a weight class and take down the big, bad Golden Eagles just before the playoffs. Johnson Central, however, is playing for a bit more than pride as they look to honor the legacy of Coach Matney with another district championship.

KSR Predictions:

Barkley’s prediction: Johnson Central 42, Letcher County Central 6

Troy’s prediction: Johnson Central 38, Letcher County Central 7

Jude Howell’s prediction: Johnson Central 46, Letcher County Central 17

Who wins the Kroger KSR @KySportsRadio 🏈 Game of the Week?

— Troy Howell (@teeroyhowell) October 19, 2021

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