South Warren hosts intra-county rival Bowling Green in Top 25 matchup

The biggest rivalry in Warren County makes its 2023 debut when No. 21 South Warren (6-1) hosts No. 19 Bowling Green (5-2) on Friday night in a western Kentucky showdown. With both renowned programs currently sitting in KSR’s Top 25 rankings, all eyes will be on the Spartans and Purples.

Since 2017, these two teams have gone 3-3 against each other over their last six matchups. During that span, South Warren has claimed two 5A State Championships in 2018 and 2021, while Bowling Green produced a championship season of their own in 2020.

These programs have been top competitors in the state for decades, with traditions to uphold and high expectations to meet. Tonight, they’ll be vying for the unofficial crown of ‘Kings of the City’ with huge class 5A implications as the playoffs are quickly approaching. Don’t you just love Kentucky High School Football?

South Warren Weapons

The Spartans offense is led by junior quarterback Bryce Button. The multi-sport athlete is solid on the basketball court, but he shines as the leader of South Warren football. On the season, he’s tallied 2,115 yards passing, 30 touchdowns (four of those on the ground), and averages 302 passing yards per game.

He’s backed by talented receivers in senior Bailey Shoemaker, senior DeShawn Bridges, and junior Ethan Reynolds. Shoemaker is the Spartans’ go-to guy. He totals 765 yards along with nine touchdowns. Bridges and Reynolds combine for 665 yards and five touchdowns.

As for the rushing attack, the Spartans go to senior Jimmy Sales. He’s posted 443 yards rushing and two touchdowns on the season. On the defensive side of things, the Spartans have a few they rely on. Reynolds suits up on both sides of the field, having totaled 49 tackles along with four sacks. Junior linebacker Jace Cutrona closely follows with 47 total tackles and four sacks, while junior Colton Veltkamp tallies 39 tackles with five sacks.

Bowling Green Weapons

You know the name. Junior quarterback Deuce Bailey leads the Purples with 1,893 yards passing and 27 total touchdowns this season, four of those from rushing. Bailey’s talents in the air and on the ground should be on display in this game.

Bailey usually connects with his go-to receiver sophomore Trevy Barber, who is being recruited by the likes of Kentucky and Louisville. He’s recorded 578 yards receiving to go with 10 touchdowns. Senior Matthew Klein and junior Christopher Sweeney follow with a combined 658 receiving yards and seven touchdowns.

Sophomore Jaxen Smith has totaled 294 yards rushing and seven touchdowns on the season. Defensively, senior linebacker Max Buchanon has 42 total tackles, followed by junior defensive back Grayson Newman, who has 41.

If you plan on traveling in Bowling Green between the hours of 6-7 p.m. CT tonight, I’d suggest against it. The whole town will be headed to South Warren High School for the huge matchup. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. CT.