Kroger KSR Game of the Week Preview: Woodford County at Collins

The KSR crew will be taking our first trip to Shelby County this year. We’ll see the 6-1 Martha Layne Collins Titans host the No. 10 Woodford County Yellow Jackets (7-0) for the Kroger KSR Game of the Week.

Woodford County has dominated the matchup against Collins over the years. The Yellow Jackets have won their lone three matchups by a combined score of 134 to Collins’s 69. Collins will look to send a message to the rest of 5A with a win over one of the best in 5A. The Woodford County offense is one of the most explosive in the state. They average 47.4 points per game; Stoops could take notes on offense from Kentucky HOF’er, Woodford HC, and former Wildcat Dennis Johnson. He has his Yellow Jackets playing great football, and Collins hopes to slow them down.

Woodford County’s Explosive Offense

The Yellow Jacket offense, led by quarterback Andrew Nason, has had an incredible year. The sophomore has thrown for 685 yards to go along with nine touchdowns. He’s only thrown one interception with a completion percentage of 59%. He’s also run for 445 yards with six touchdowns. It’s scary for all of 5A to consider the age of this budding star in the state.

Woodford County boats a receiving core that can rival some of the best in the state, led by Aden Nelson, who has enjoyed a great campaign. Nelson leads the Yellow Jackets with 359 yards receiving, five touchdown grabs, and 20 receptions. The two-sport athlete has an incredible knack for the ball as he plays defensive back as well. Nelson is an explosive wideout that can break open any play and has a great IQ for the game.

This play is a prime example of said explosiveness; if this doesn’t make you hit a stank face, then find a new sport.

Momma why he do that man like that? Ball State @BallStateFB commit Aden Nelson @4adenN Woodford County @WoodfordFBall 🎥 @KySportsTV #WoFo #KY4KY pic.twitter.com/gG8S2ThEKK

— Lovell Martin Jr (@Mints2u29) September 3, 2022

Another notable standout for the Yellow Jackets is also a wideout. Sophomore Makhi Smith is a rising star in the class and will look to show that this Friday. On the other side of the ball, defensive end Grant Garrison and linebacker Dayvion Sturgis lead an underrated defense. They’ll be looking to prove it’s not all about the offense on Friday night.

How Collins can Pull off the Upset

Coach Jerry Lucas’ team is led by star quarterback Kenyon Goodwin. Goodwin is one of the best rising stars in the state and has the stats to back it up. He’s thrown for an astounding 1,208 yards, equaling an average of 201 yards per game. Add 15 passing touchdowns, 735 rushing yards, and 12 rushing touchdowns… you have the makings of an upset.

Kenyon Goodin rushed 32 times for 219 yards and 2 TDs, passed for 126 and an incredible TD pass on 4th down to Darius Evans, had 4 solo tackles (6 total tackles) and a strip fumble recovery on kickoff late in the game. #Titan5️⃣ pic.twitter.com/OQoAHZHxWy

— MLCHS Titan Football (@MLCTitanCoach) September 24, 2022

Collins’ lone loss came against a good Spencer County team, 43-37. The problem for the Titans has been defending against good teams. Woodford County’s offense can match the Titans if this game turns into a shootout, so it’ll be on the defense early. Most of the critics of Coach Lucas’ squad claim that they haven’t played anyone. There’s no better opportunity to prove yourself to the Commonwealth than the Kroger KSR Game of the Week!