The Kentucky High School Football State Championships are Set

It’s called the Commonwealth Gridiron Bowl, but you probably know the event best as the Kentucky High School Football State Championships. They’re happening next week at Kroger Field and after a dramatic Friday night, the matchups are set.

Class 1A

Raceland (10-4) vs. Sayre (14-0), Friday, Noon

LCA, Lexington Catholic, Frederick Douglass — one Lexington school won on Friday night and it wasn’t one of those. Sayre is the only school playing for a state title in its home city. The Spartans just began playing varsity football in 2020. Now they’ll play a Raceland team that’s in its third consecutive state championship game but has not yet taken home a title. The stakes will be high when these two teams are the first to kick off at Kroger Field.

Class 2A

Beechwood (13-1) vs. Owensboro Catholic (14-0), Friday, 4 pm

Owensboro Catholic lost a shootout 53-48 to Mayfield last fall. Now they’ll get a chance to avenge that loss against one of the most consistent programs in the state of Kentucky. Beechwood knocked off LCA on Friday night to return to the state championship. The Northern Kentucky school has 17 state titles. Only Trinity and Ft. Thomas Highlands have more than the Tigers.

Class 3A

CAL (11-3) vs. Union County (12-2), Saturday, Noon

For the first time in school history, Union County is making the trek from Western Kentucky to play in a state championship game. They face a tall task. CAL has won back-to-back state championships by a score of 79-16.

Class 4A

Franklin County (14-0) vs. Paducah Tilghman (13-0), Friday, 8 pm

It’s a battle of unbeaten in the division that’s been owned by Boyle County. The Franklin County Flyers lost to Boyle County in the 2020 finals. They’re looking for the school’s first-ever state title and they’ll have to take down a couple of future FBS players to get there, including future Wildcat Martels Carter. This is Tilghman’s 10th state championship game appearance and first since 2021.

Tilghman goes for 40 yards on the TD pass to @MartelsJr after a strong run game to start the series. @KYHighFootball pic.twitter.com/yPogi8dq99

— Kentucky Kernels Of Truth (@TrackDaddyKy) November 30, 2024

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Class 5A

Cooper (14-0) vs. Bowling Green (12-2), Saturday, 8 pm

Bowling Green received some revenge in a tightly-contested 31-28 victory over South Warren. Now they’ll face a familiar foe at Kroger Field. This is the third time the Purples have played Cooper in the state championship. Bowling Green won both previous contests, including a 28-14 victory last year in Lexington.

Class 6A

Trinity (12-2) vs. Ryle (12-2), Saturday, 4 pm

This isn’t your typical Trinity football team, but the Raiders from Ryle face a tall task against Zane Johnson and Co. as the Rocks look to win their state record 29th state championship.