Kroger's Kentucky High School Football Rundown - Week 5
We can’t seem to go a week without something incredible happening in the high school football realm across the Commonwealth. Last week, Shawnee defensive back Khamoni Ball made it on to ESPN with an unbelievable interception in his team’s win over Jackson County. This week, the four-star Smith twins, Jacob and Jerod, announced their flip from Michigan to Kentucky shortly after Corbin took down Frederick Douglass 6-0 in a top-five Kroger KSR Game of the Week matchup.
There were plenty of other exciting contests across the state though. Kentucky TE Willie Rodriguez and Covington Catholic took down Beechwood 35-31 in a battle between top 15 squads. A top-10 showdown between Male and Trinity saw the Bulldogs come away with an impressive 37-20 victory. As a result, Trinity fell to 2-3 on the season, having already dropped games to Frederick Douglass and Center Grove (IN). Also, a top 25 battle featuring DuPont Manual and South Warren saw the former barely sneak away with a 38-35 win on the road.
As for the KSR crew, most of our team was down in Corbin watching the Smith twins, but we had boots all over the state. Brady Byrdwell and Jacob Polacheck stayed close to home to watch Cutter Boley and Lexington Christian Academy down Lexington Catholic in the Holy War. Elsewhere, Piper McCoun saw Bowling Green trot all over Central Hardin while Troy Howell sat in on Ballard’s dominating performance against George Rogers Clark.
Read up on everything that KSR saw under the lights below, but first, let’s shout out our good friends at Kroger.
We are proud to support local schools through Kroger Community Rewards. This includes up to 3.5 million in quarterly gifts to the non-profit of your choice. Sign up using your Kroger loyalty card at Kroger.com/communityrewards.
Lexington Christian Outlasts Lex Cath 49-42 in Annual “Holy War”
BY: Brady Byrdwell and Jacob Polacheck
On Friday night, Kentucky QB commit Cutter Boley and the Lexington Christian Academy Eagles (4-1) hosted Lexington Catholic (2-3) in an absolute classic. The tone was set as soon as KSR stepped foot into White, Greer & Maggard Stadium. These teams don’t like each other, not one bit. When two teams deeply disdain each other, it usually means you are in for a treat.
This statement holds true when the lights are bright, the weather is perfect, and you are in the Commonwealth. So true that Kentucky football head coach Mark Stoops and offensive coordinator Liam Coen had to attend this year’s “Holy War.” They were given a show, too. LCA defeated Lexington Catholic 49-42.
Lexington Christian’s Winning Performance
After a less-than-stellar performance against CAL, Boley and the Eagles offense were desperate for a great showing, and people around Kentucky began to question the LCA offense, and even the validity of Boley.
However, pressure made diamonds and LCA put up 49 points in a stunning offensive clinic on Friday night. On one hand, EKU commit Brady Hensley ran for FIVE touchdowns, showing the state that LCA isn’t a one-man show. Hensley said, “Our O-Line gets after it up front; they’re nasty, and I love them. I feel like I can do it all, but I can’t do anything without the o-line; all credit goes to them.”
While this may be true, Hensley spent his night lowering his shoulder and laying hits on people. You see very few running backs run the way Hensley does. The Madison Central transfer finished the contest with 248 yards on the ground and even a reception. Boley, the No. 140 overall prospect in the On3 Industry Ranking, threw for 224 yards on 18-23 passing with two rushing touchdowns.
It was a very complete game that showed Boley can slow the tempo down and control the pace, something that Stoops loves in a quarterback. His best play of the day came from a not-so-ideal situation. Boley was hit hard in the backfield, yet his 6-foot-4 frame bounced off the defender outside the pocket. Then, in one stride to the outside, Boley delivered a perfect 38-yard dot to the outside hashes.
After the game, Boley gushed about his running back’s performance. Boley seems like a kid ready to lead an SEC program. He showed no signs of fatigue or worry throughout the tough matchup.
Lexington Catholic’s Performance
Any game that ends by a differential of a touchdown is challenging for the losing side to swallow. Especially when the winning side is your bitter crosstown rival. However, even in the loss, Lexington Catholic showed the guts and heart to battle with LCA all night. Nobody showed their heart quite like Knights’ QB Jackson Wasik. The senior ended the night with a ridiculous stat line of 422 yards passing, five passing touchdowns, 78 rushing yards, and one rushing touchdown. Wasik dished the rock to Sam Clements and Mathew Kern as they both ended the game over the century-yard mark.
After the game, Wasik clearly seemed drained, like a warrior recovering from battle. Even then, Wasik gave the quote of the night. When KSR asked about his toughness, he explained, “I’ve always been taught to get back up. My Mom always said, ‘If you’re not bleeding or your bone isn’t sticking out, then get back up. So I’ve really taken that to heart.”
Wasik’s heart was never more evident than when he ate the hit of the night and then bounced back for a rushing touchdown on the same drive.
Something tells me that with Jackson Wasik behind center, Lexington Catholic will be just fine moving forward.
No. 21 Bowling Green demolishes Central Hardin 45-6 in homecoming game
BY: Piper McCoun
The No. 21 Bowling Green Purples (3-2) absolutely dominated the Central Hardin Bruins (2-3) on all fronts Friday night. Their offense, of course, puts crazy numbers on the board, but everybody got a piece of the pie in their 45-6 victory over the Bruins.
Bowling Green’s defense was rock-solid, allowing the Purples to take over on offense across the 50 for almost every drive in the first half. Because of this early domination in the game, they had a lot of wiggle room to not only try new plays, but to also let loose and have fun.
“I’m proud of how [our defense] is growing, our offense… was just as efficient. Deuce (Bailey) is so fun to watch,” head coach Mark Spader said after the game. “Another good game to build off of, gotta get better in practice again this week, and we open our district with Ohio County.”
Getting right down to business
Bowling Green began the game with a solid drive downfield to give junior quarterback Deuce Bailey the opportunity to connect with his go-to guy, Trevy Barber.
From then on, it was a beat-down in the first half. The Purples’ defense was having just as much fun, forcing multiple three-and-outs and allowing the offense to start in enemy territory.
More offensive drives gave the Purples multiple scoring opportunities — on the ground and in the air. Bowling Green scored with a field goal, followed by a Jaxen Smith carry for six, and a Barber touchdown reception before Ethan Warder came up with a huge pick-six to put the Purples ahead 31-0.
Barber showed off his athleticism with another smooth touchdown reception right before heading into the locker room, making these snags look effortless, to go up 38-0 before heading into the locker room.
More of the same
The Purples kept their foot on the gas in the second half, too. With a running clock and a 38-point lead on their side, they capitalized on opportunities to keep the Bruins out of the endzone.
To close out the third, QB1 Bailey decided to take matters into his own hands, scoring off of a solid run to put the Purples ahead 45-0.
The fourth quarter was slower for the Purples, and a fumble at the 50-yard line allowed Central Hardin to drive their way into the endzone, scoring their first and only touchdown of the night. The Purples let that one slip through, but their defensive prowess allowed them to close out the game with a 39-point margin of victory.
“So proud of our defense, it’s the first game they’ve really stepped up,” Spader added. “We’re starting to build a little bit of an attitude there, I think they’re enjoying that, so it’s something to build off of.”
No. 23 Ballard rolls past George Rogers Clark
BY: Troy Howell
The No. 23 ranked Ballard Bruins (3-2) easily defeated the George Rogers Clark Cardinals (3-2) 44-3 on a beautiful homecoming Friday night in Winchester. Ballard controlled the 6A matchup throughout by limiting the usually potent GRC running game.
To start the night, Ballard forced a three-and-out and got a short field following an ineffective GRC punt. Journey Wyche opened the drive with a 21-yard run and capped it off with a short touchdown run.
After another Cardinal punt, the Bruins drove 83 yards before settling for a field goal. Ballard converted two 3rd and longs and then pulled off a successful fake punt run in their own territory. Wyche’s 21-yard run got them in field goal range.
The Bruins stopped GRC on fourth down to get the ball back. They capped off the first half scoring with a trick play touchdown pass from Wyche to Maurice Stephens to take a 17-0 lead into the locker room
Wyche continued his big night with a 31-yard touchdown reception on the opening drive of the third quarter.
Demari Edelen tacked on another touchdown for the Bruins and the route was on.
Bruins Defense Impresses
The Bruin defense put the clamps on the second-highest-scoring offense in 6A. Cardinals senior Bryce Chestnut, who came in as the leading rusher in class 6A, was constantly bottled up by the front of the Bruin defense. The Bruins held the dangerous George Rogers Clark rushing attack to just 42 rushing yards on 20 carries. Sophomore Lamar Hockersmith set the tone early with this big hit on Chestnut.
Senior linebacker Davon Rudolph, who is the leading tackler in all of 6A, had another big night for Ballard. The state 6A sack leader, senior Mikel Clack, also played well for the Bruins.
Poised for Another Playoff Run
The Bruins, who have played a gauntlet schedule, appear to be tested and ready. Sophomore quarterback Larry Irvin was on the money on third down all night. He will look to help the Bruins make another deep run in the state playoffs, where they were a fluke fumble play away from advancing to the state finals last year.
The Cardinals saw their three-game winning streak snapped. Chestnut, who is a key part of the Cardinal offense, left the game and did not play in the second half. GRC is still having one of their best seasons in many years, having already posted an impressive road win over perennial power Belfry.
Kroger’s Scores From Around The State
Kroger is a staple in your hometown community just like high school football. There’s nothing quite like Friday nights in the Bluegrass. We are honored to share this journey with Kroger and you for the fourth consecutive season. Check out all of the scores from throughout the weekend below.
Thursday, Sept. 14
| Green County | 36 | vs. LaRue County | 6 |
| Southern | 55 | at Iroquois | 0 |
Friday, Sept. 15
| Fort Campbell | 42 | at Fort Knox | 13 | Army Bowl |
| Southwestern | 42 | at Mercer County | 7 | Whitaker Bank Game |
| Adair County | 50 | vs. Monroe County | 28 | |
| Apollo | 41 | vs. Muhlenberg County | 0 | |
| No. 11 Ashland Blazer | 47 | at Russell | 10 | |
| Atherton | 16 | at Holy Cross (Louisville) | 6 | |
| No. 23 Ballard | 44 | at George Rogers Clark | 3 | |
| Bardstown | 34 | at Elizabethtown | 21 | |
| Bell County | 48 | at Whitley County | 42 | |
| Bethlehem | 24 | vs. Washington County | 21 | |
| Betsy Layne | 41 | vs. Floyd Central | 8 | |
| No. 21 Bowling Green | 45 | vs. Central Hardin | 6 | |
| No. 1 Boyle County | 49 | at Taylor County | 3 | |
| Breathitt County | 41 | at Hazard | 6 | |
| No. 19 Bryan Station | 41 | at Tates Creek | 0 | |
| Bullitt East | 13 | vs. No. 24 Central | 0 | |
| Butler | 26 | at Seneca | 16 | |
| Campbell County | 43 | vs. Newport Central Catholic | 22 | |
| Campbellsville | 34 | vs. Somerset | 27 | |
| Carroll County | 28 | vs. Anderson County | 12 | |
| Casey County | 34 | at McCreary Central | 6 | |
| Caverna | 28 | at Shawnee | 6 | |
| No. 10 Christian Academy-Louisville | 34 | at Ryle | 22 | |
| Clay County | 50 | vs. Leslie County | 12 | |
| Clinton County | 47 | vs. Jenkins | 0 | |
| Collins | 28 | vs. Fairdale | 21 | |
| Cooper | 40 | at Great Crossing | 0 | |
| No. 4 Corbin | 6 | vs. No. 3 Frederick Douglass | 0 | |
| No. 8 Covington Catholic | 35 | at No. 15 Beechwood | 31 | |
| DeSales | 45 | at Valley | 13 | |
| No. 9 DuPont Manual | 38 | vs. No. 25 South Warren | 35 | |
| Elder (Cincinnati), OH | 31 | at No. 2 St. Xavier | 21 | |
| Eminence | 46 | vs. Trimble County | 16 | |
| Ezell-Harding Christian (Antioch), TN | 48 | vs. Ballard Memorial | 0 | |
| Fairview | 36 | at Green (Franklin Furnace), OH | 12 | |
| Fern Creek | 53 | vs. Eastern | 6 | |
| No. 18 Franklin County | 41 | vs. Spencer County | 7 | |
| Franklin-Simpson | 50 | vs. Russellville | 19 | |
| Gallatin County | 33 | at Berea | 13 | |
| Garrard County | 27 | vs. East Jessamine | 23 | |
| Glasgow | 36 | vs. Barren County | 35 | (double overtime) |
| Grayson County | 27 | at Moore | 6 | |
| Greenup County | 44 | at Montgomery County | 29 | |
| Greenwood | 43 | vs. Warren Central | 6 | |
| Harrison County | 35 | vs. Bourbon County | 12 | |
| Hart County | 48 | vs. Butler County | 0 | |
| No. 17 Highlands | 40 | at No. 14 Raceland | 0 | |
| Jackson County | 42 | at Lynn Camp | 2 | |
| Jeffersontown | 38 | vs. Waggener | 12 | |
| Johnson Central | 34 | at Dohn Community (Cincinnati), OH | 6 | |
| Johnson County (Mountain City), TN | 45 | at Harlan | 14 | |
| Kentucky Country Day | 28 | at John Hardin | 3 | |
| Knott County Central | 51 | vs. Phelps | 6 | |
| Knox Central | 50 | vs. Danville | 40 | |
| Lawrence County | 44 | at Harlan County | 20 | |
| Lee (Jonesville), VA | 56 | at Pineville | 28 | |
| Letcher County Central | 48 | at Central (Wise), VA | 6 | |
| No. 6 Lexington Christian | 49 | vs. Lexington Catholic | 42 | |
| Lincoln County | 33 | at Russell County | 28 | |
| Lloyd Memorial | 53 | at Bishop Brossart | 7 | |
| Logan County | 29 | vs. Allen County-Scottsville | 26 | (overtime) |
| Madison Southern | 36 | vs. Henry Clay | 6 | |
| Madisonville-North Hopkins | 70 | at Marshall County | 30 | |
| Magoffin County | 16 | vs. Martin County | 14 | |
| No. 5 Male | 37 | vs. No. 7 Trinity (Louisville) | 20 | |
| Marion County | 49 | vs. Thomas Nelson | 21 | |
| Marion, IL | 55 | at Christian County | 38 | |
| Mason County | 27 | at Rowan County | 0 | |
| McCracken County | 43 | vs. Caldwell County | 7 | |
| McLean County | 46 | vs. Todd County Central | 28 | |
| Meade County | 26 | at Daviess County | 14 | |
| Nelson County | 50 | vs. Breckinridge County | 8 | |
| Newport | 16 | at Ludlow | 14 | |
| Nicholas County | 28 | at Pendleton County | 8 | |
| North Bullitt | 25 | at Bullitt Central | 22 | |
| North Oldham | 49 | vs. Shelby County | 21 | |
| Ohio County | 33 | at Edmonson County | 12 | |
| Owen County | 28 | at Switzerland County (Vevay), IN | 6 | |
| Owensboro | 28 | at Graves County | 21 | |
| No. 12 Owensboro Catholic | 41 | vs. Henderson County | 21 | |
| No. 16 Paducah Tilghman | 44 | vs. Hopkinsville | 14 | |
| Paris | 39 | vs. Rockcastle County | 37 | |
| Paul Laurence Dunbar | 36 | at Boone County | 7 | |
| Perry County Central | 58 | at Shelby Valley | 42 | |
| No. 22 Pikeville | 40 | at Belfry | 21 | |
| Pleasure Ridge Park | 42 | vs. North Hardin | 26 | |
| Prestonsburg | 13 | at Pike County Central | 7 | |
| Sayre | 41 | vs. Dayton | 16 | |
| No. 13 Scott County | 48 | at Madison Central | 7 | |
| Simon Kenton | 42 | at Conner | 21 | |
| South Laurel | 22 | at Estill County | 16 | (overtime) |
| South Oldham | 50 | vs. Oldham County | 21 | |
| Tell City, IN | 47 | vs. Hancock County | 20 | |
| Tug Valley (Williamson), WV | 54 | at East Ridge | 6 | |
| Union County | 50 | at Hopkins County Central | 28 | |
| Walton-Verona | 41 | vs. Holmes | 0 | |
| Warren East | 51 | at Calloway County | 20 | |
| Wayne County | 35 | at Metcalfe County | 21 | |
| Webster County | 64 | vs. Trigg County | 48 | |
| West Carter | 50 | vs. Powell County | 20 | |
| West Jessamine | 21 | vs. Lafayette | 12 | |
| Western | 24 | at Doss | 2 | |
| Western Hills | 38 | at Morgan County | 18 | |
| Woodford County | 31 | vs. Pulaski County | 21 | |
| Fulton County | – | at Murray | – | 7:00 PM (to be rescheduled) |
Saturday, Sept. 16
| Holy Cross (Covington) | – | at Cincinnati College Prep Academy (Cincinnati), OH | – | 6:30 PM |
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