In trying to build up this site a little more and peak some conversation, I thought I would throw out a preview of the middle school football championships finishing up the next two weekends.
8th Grade Division 1 - Northern Pulaski looks to be the favorite as they are the defending 7th grade state champion. They play Knox County this weekend in what many think will be the state championship game played early. Northern beat them 32-20 earlier in the regular season, but that game was closer than the score indicated. Should be a battle this Saturday in Belfry. I look for the winner to win the state championship. I'll predict Newburg (Louisville), Crosby (Louisville), & Bowling Green to advance to the final 4 next weekend.
8th Grade Division 2 - I've heard good things from Belfry, Lexington Catholic, & TK Stone (Hardin County) all year. LexCath beat Belfry in a close one this regular season, but I look for that score to flip-flop in the playoffs. At this level, Belfry has the playoff experience that LexCath isn't really used to. I will take Belfry to win this division. I expect to see Hopkinsville & TK Stone in the Final 4 with those two.
8th Grade Division 3 - This is a two horse race between New Harlan (Harlan County) & Meece (Somerset). New Harlan has one of the best defensive lines I have ever seen at this level. If Meece can find a way around it, I think they win this division. If not, the Patriots take it. I think Meece does just enough to get the job done. I'll take Glasgow, Owensboro Catholic, & CAL to round out the Final 4.
7th Grade (only 1 division) - It's hard to predict this division because you don't see or hear much about this level. Region 4 usually produces the best teams for the most part. Northern Pulaski and Corbin are the two representatives left in this region. Northern beat them 38-6 in the regular season, but I expect Corbin to be very much improved. This will be a ball game, winner likely to win the championship. I'll predict Newburg, Glasgow, & South Warren to round out the Final 4.
8th Grade Division 1 - Northern Pulaski looks to be the favorite as they are the defending 7th grade state champion. They play Knox County this weekend in what many think will be the state championship game played early. Northern beat them 32-20 earlier in the regular season, but that game was closer than the score indicated. Should be a battle this Saturday in Belfry. I look for the winner to win the state championship. I'll predict Newburg (Louisville), Crosby (Louisville), & Bowling Green to advance to the final 4 next weekend.
8th Grade Division 2 - I've heard good things from Belfry, Lexington Catholic, & TK Stone (Hardin County) all year. LexCath beat Belfry in a close one this regular season, but I look for that score to flip-flop in the playoffs. At this level, Belfry has the playoff experience that LexCath isn't really used to. I will take Belfry to win this division. I expect to see Hopkinsville & TK Stone in the Final 4 with those two.
8th Grade Division 3 - This is a two horse race between New Harlan (Harlan County) & Meece (Somerset). New Harlan has one of the best defensive lines I have ever seen at this level. If Meece can find a way around it, I think they win this division. If not, the Patriots take it. I think Meece does just enough to get the job done. I'll take Glasgow, Owensboro Catholic, & CAL to round out the Final 4.
7th Grade (only 1 division) - It's hard to predict this division because you don't see or hear much about this level. Region 4 usually produces the best teams for the most part. Northern Pulaski and Corbin are the two representatives left in this region. Northern beat them 38-6 in the regular season, but I expect Corbin to be very much improved. This will be a ball game, winner likely to win the championship. I'll predict Newburg, Glasgow, & South Warren to round out the Final 4.