Kroger KSR Game of the Week: Lexington Catholic at CAL

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Friday marks the final Kroger KSR Game of the Week for the 2023 season. Time has flown by. Friday night high school football has been my happy place during a trying time. Our journeys have taken us from the opener in Bowling Green to Louisville for this week’s 3A semifinal matchup featuring Lexington Catholic at CAL.

We’ve had the privilege to visit multiple unique and wonderful communities along the way. I’d like to take time to thank all the ADs and others that made us feel welcome. This job is an honor and a treat. I hope to be able to continue the Kroger KSR Game of the Week in 2024. Let’s get into the matchup.

Christian Academy of Louisville

The Centurions are 12-1. The defending 3A champion’s only loss came in September against Lexington Christian Academy. Coach Thomas Cantwell’s team are odds-on favorites to repeat in 2023. Quarterback Cole Hodge leads the offense with 3542 yards and 52 passing touchdowns compared to just 7 interceptions. Hodge is 3A’s leading passer and one of the top players in Kentucky.

Connor Hodge is the team’s top pass catcher with 98 receptions, 1,339 yards, and 22 receiving touchdowns. Justin Ruffin has also surpassed the 1,000-yard mark by grabbing 75 passes for 1,171 yards and 15 scores. Hodge and Ruffin are ranked first and second in 3A respectively.

Garyon Hobbs paces the Centurion defense with 71 tackles, 22 tackles for loss, and 6 QB sacks. Connor Franklin has registered 57 stops and 6 TFLs. Connor Hodge’s nine intercepted passes are tops in 3A.

CAL leads 3A by averaging 41.7 points per game and gives up just 11.8 for a positive scoring margin of 29.8. The Centurions also top the classification by averaging 298 pass yards per outing. The defense has sacked opposing quarterbacks on 39 occasions.

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Lexington Catholic

Coach Nick Baisch’s team is 9-4 on the season. However, the Knights are a perfect 6-0 against 3A competition. LCHS’s four losses were against powerhouses such as Highlands, Corbin, LCA, and Boyle County. Lex Cath defeated Rockcastle County 43-7 last week.

Lexington Catholic is averaging 39 points and 209 passing yards per game. Jackson Wasik ranks third in 3A with 2,698 passing yards to go along with 30 touchdowns and just 2 interceptions. Jackson Kreutzer is the Knight’s top pass catcher with 56 receptions, 850 yards, and 9 scores. Three additional pass catchers have registered over 25 receptions: Matthew Kern, Sam Clements, and Tenner Pedroche.

The Knights give up 16 points per outing. Bennett Williams is the squad’s top havoc producer and leads 3A with four forced fumbles and four fumble recoveries. Sam Smith has recorded four interceptions. Brady Wasik tops the charts with 80 tackles, 8 TFL, and 1 QB sack. John Moses adds 77 stops and 5 tackles for loss.

We’d like to thank Kroger for yet another exciting season of high school football. Our tour across the Commonwealth brings tremendous joy and brings attention to various communities in all areas of Kentucky. Remember, Kroger is your ultimate grocery destination.

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