KSR Game of the Week: No. 6 Franklin County hosts No. 7 Covington Catholic in 4A semifinals

We’re in for a treat with this Friday’s KSR Game of the Week. We’ll be traveling to Frankfort, KY for a Class 4A semifinal matchup between a pair of Top 10 schools. The undefeated Franklin County Flyers (12-0) will look to stay perfect when they host the Covington Catholic Colonels (11-2), which is coming off a huge upset win over powerhouse program Boyle County in last week’s quarterfinals.

This will be the first meeting of the season for Franklin County and Covington Catholic. In fact, it’ll mark the first time these two schools have faced each other in over 50 years. The Colonels made it to the Class 4A title last season before falling to the same Boyle County team they just beat several days ago. Meanwhile, the Flyers will look to reach the state championship for the first time since 2020.

Kickoff on Friday at Benny Watkins Field is set for 7:00 p.m. EST. The winner of this one will take on the winner of No. 12 Corbin vs. No. 1 Paducah Tilghman in the Class 4A title in Lexington on Friday, Dec. 6.

Looking at On3’s Massey Ratings score prediction, the computerized numbers project a close game with Franklin County coming out on top 33-28. The Flyers have a 57 percent chance of pulling off the win and advancing to the state championship next weekend at Kroger Field. Let’s learn a little bit more about each team ahead of this matchup.

No. 7 Covington Catholic Colonels (11-2)

Covington Catholic, led by head coach Eddie Eviston, has responded incredibly well after a poor start to the 2024 season. The Colonels dropped both of its first two games against Top 25 teams, losing to Ryle (30-14) and Highlands (32-22) — two teams still alive in their respective classes. But the players and staff quickly turned it around, reeling off 11 straight wins going into Friday’s semifinals. Covington Catholic narrowly beat Johnson Central in the second round before pulling off the impossible upset over Boyle County in round three.

The Colonels have leaned heavily on the run game this season. They’ve produced a pair of 1,300-yard rushers in juniors Cash Harney and Dylan Gaiser, combining for 33 rushing touchdowns this season. Also filling in at quarterback, Harney has thrown for nearly 1,200 more yards and an additional 13 touchdowns (with just two interceptions). Senior Oliver Link is Harney’s go-to target with seven receiving touchdowns on just 13 catches.

On defense, Covington Catholic is led by senior Tate Kruer and his 91 tackles, three interceptions, and two forced fumbles this season. Senior Nicholas Krallman on the defensive line will be a focus for Franklin County with his eight sacks this season, a top 10 mark in all of Class 4A. Sophomore Owen Pitzer, senior Andrew Bessler, junior Brady Guard, and junior Logan Sanning all have 40-plus tackles as well. As a unit, the Colonels’ defense has recorded 25 interceptions this season (four players with three picks each) while recovering 12 fumbles.

No. 6 Franklin County Flyers (12-0)

Franklin County, led by head coach Eddie James, has been a force from start to finish this season. That being said, the Flyers have just one Top 25 win over Lexington Christian Academy. Two opponents have even forfeited games before they could even be played. But Franklin County has looked impressive through two playoff games, winning both by a combined score of 101-26. Covington Catholic will easily be the toughest test since late August though.

Similar to the Colonels, Franklin County will utilize a run-heavy scheme. The Flyers don’t have anyone over 1,000 rushing yards, but four have over 300. Senior Christian Moore leads the way with a team-high 992 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns in just nine games played. Junior Jack Oldham is second in rushing yards with 425 while junior Jayquan Crawford is second in rushing touchdowns with six. Franklin County’s quarterback, freshman Knox Barrett, isn’t a runner but has thrown for over 1,110 yards and 16 touchdowns through the air. Junior Jacob Taylor, junior Delano Collins, and senior Elesius Robinson account for nearly all of that receiving production.

As for the defense, Franklin County is fueled by senior Jeremy Walters (99 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks) and junior Jacob Olds (89 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, one sack). The Flyers’ defense has racked up 24 total sacks this season with 11 fumble recoveries and 17 interceptions (four returned for touchdowns). Seniors Hunter Gotshall, Luke Toothaker, Kaden Campbell, and Robinson all account for 40-plus tackles each.

Franklin County is one of the few schools in the state with a capable kicker, which could be significant in the event of a close game. Senior Easton Powell leads Class 4A in field goal makes. He’s 11-13 on field goals this season and is 61-62 on point after attempts.