KSR Game of the Week: North Hardin vs. No. 9 Owensboro Catholic

The last week of regular season high school football across Kentucky has arrived. But the season full of victories and upsets, climbing and dropping in the statewide rankings, is far from over. KSR is headed to Owensboro this Friday to catch the No. 9 ranked Owensboro Catholic Aces (9-0) host the North Hardin Trojans (7-2) for the last regular season week before the playoffs begin the following week.

The Aces look to continue their undefeated campaign, sitting atop Class 2A and shaping up a visit to Kroger Field in Lexington this December. Not only is Owensboro Catholic undefeated, they’ve crushed every opponent they’ve played this season. The closest margin of victory was 12 points when they defeated Owensboro (receiving votes in KSR’s Top 25 rankings) earlier this season.

North Hardin received votes in this week’s Top 25, and the Trojans are riding on a six-game win streak. The Trojans’ only losses this season came against Corbin and Christian Academy of Louisville, both of which sit in KSR’s Top 25 rankings.

On3’s Massey Ratings projects a 42-21 final score with the Aces on top. Kickoff on Friday is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. local time. Here is what we’ll be watching for tomorrow night at Steele Stadium in western Kentucky.

Owensboro Catholic Aces (9-0)

One of the biggest reasons Owensboro Catholic has been successful this season is quarterback Brady Atwell. With a huge offensive line in front of him, Atwell is able to do whatever he wants on the field. Through the air, Atwell marks 2,245 yards passing and 32 passing touchdowns, averaging 3.6 passing touchdowns per game. His stature helps him on the ground, too, as he totals 333 yards rushing and 10 rushing touchdowns.

He’ll look for Waryn Ebelhar in the passing game. The senior receiver totals 892 yards receiving and 11 receiving touchdowns. Dereon Crowe is another threat to North Hardin’s DBs. Crowe leads the team with 14 receiving touchdowns and averages 1.6 touchdown receptions per game. He is dynamic on his feet and is sure to cause problems for the Trojans defense.

Defensively, Vince Carrico is huge for the Aces. The senior linebacker totals 98 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, and three defensive sacks. Miles Edge is another threat for the Aces, totaling 53 tackles, three tackles for loss, and 5.5 sacks.

North Hardin Trojans (7-2)

The Trojans have two leading quarterbacks, and both are sure to take snaps during tomorrow’s game. Durelle Loggins totals 1,098 passing yards to go with 10 touchdown pass completions. He’s taken just a few more snaps than Jakylin Kirkland, who totals 1,015 yards passing and 13 touchdown pass completions.

Marian Jaudon leads the Trojans receiving with 604 total yards and eight touchdown receptions. Ronald Lunz is another threat in the air. The junior totals 571 yards receiving and seven touchdown receptions. These two are sure to be found by either quarterback taking the snaps tomorrow night.

Josiah Hope is huge for the Trojans defense. The junior totals 55 tackles, 18 tackles for loss, and 6.5 sacks. Cohen Campbell is likely to cause problems for the Aces offense, too. He totals 62 tackles, three tackles for loss, and a sack. If the Trojans’ defense can disrupt Atwell, North Hardin could be successful in tomorrow’s game.

All the action will take place at Steele Stadium in Owensboro at 7:00 p.m. CT.