KSR Today: Kroger KSR Game of the Week returns

It’s (high school) football time in the bluegrass, with the KHSAA schedule officially kicking off on Friday. And with the return of high school football means the return of Kroger KSR Game of the Week.

Where will the KSR crew be headed for week one? Look no further than Georgetown, where the Scott County Cardinals and Franklin County Flyers are set to take the field in the first matchup of the Battle of Elkhorn Creek Bowl. Kickoff is set for 6:00 p.m. ET on Friday at Great Crossing High School.

Led by head coach Eddie James, Franklin County comes in ranked No. 11 overall in KSR’s State Rankings. James led the Flyers to the program’s first title game appearance in 2020, finishing the season 9-2 with a brutal 31-28 overtime loss to Boyle County in the 4A State Championship.

Scott County is led by legendary head coach Jim McKee, who is the only coach to lead a non-Louisville program to a 6A state title. The Cardinals – who finished their 2020 campaign with a 7-1 final record – come in ranked No. 18 overall in KSR’s State Rankings.

The second matchup of the Battle of Elkhorn Creek Bowl will feature Great Crossing vs. Western Hills to close out the evening, giving Kroger KSR Game of the Week fans a highly-anticipated doubleheader to open the high school football season.

You can read KSR’s complete Game of the Week preview here.

KHSAA cancellations

While excitement is in the air with the start of high school football season, there’s also a bit of concern. According to LEX18, at least a dozen games have been cancelled due to COVID-19, with KHSAA commissioner Julian Tackett expecting that number to rise.

“We know that number will go up tomorrow,” Tackett told LEX 18 Thursday evening. “Because it’s an every five-minute thing; we get a call about somebody getting tested or getting exposed.”

Unlike last season, there is no forfeit waiver in 2021. Instead, teams forced to cancel due to COVID-19 will have to take a loss on the record if they can’t reschedule the missed game at a later date or with a new opponent.

Ty Bryant commits to Kentucky

Shifting over to the college football ranks, the Kentucky Wildcats rolled its first Yahtzee in the class of 2023 on Thursday.

Ty Bryant, a three-star athlete in the junior class, committed to UK over offers from Cincinnati, Marshall, Maryland, Tennessee, and West Virginia, among others. Previously a member of the 2022 class, the 17-year-old defensive back prospect recently reclassified to 2023.

Bryant’s father, Cisco Bryant, was a wide receiver at Kentucky under Jerry Claiborne from 1983-85.

“It’s something that I’ve wanted to do since a kid,” Bryant said after picking the Wildcats. “Playing at Kentucky is a dream school of mine so I’m just glad I got the opportunity and I made it come true.”

Six UK football players charged

It wasn’t all peaches and cream for the Kentucky football program on Thursday. Going into the evening, the Lexington Police Department announced six UK players were charged with first-degree burglary following an incident that occurred at a private party on Saturday, March 6, 2021.

According to the official release, three individuals allegedly entered the private residence uninvited and were asked to leave. They allegedly became upset and threatened to return before coming back with additional subjects and forcing their way into the residence. One suspect was allegedly observed pointing a firearm at a victim.

The following players were included in the charges:

• Reuben “RJ” Adams
• Robert “Jutahn” McClain
• Andru Phillips
• Earnest Sanders IV
• Devito “Vito” Tisdale
• Joel Williams

Tisdale was also charged with first-degree wanton endangerment after being identified as the suspect allegedly pointing the handgun.

“The institution and athletics department take these matters very seriously,” UK Athletics said in a statement. “We are closely evaluating this issue before determining the next step.”

“I am aware of the situation that arose today,” Kentucky head coach Mark Stoops added. “Out of respect for the legal process, I cannot comment on the charges. We have been aware of this matter since March, as we withheld the players from team activities while a student conduct review was held. Based on the outcome of the review, the players returned to activity in June. We are evaluating the current situation as we receive more information.”