Friday, September 22, 2000
Our Fearless Predictions for N.Ky. games
By Ray Schaefer
Enquirer contributor
Simon Kenton (5-0) at Lexington Henry Clay (3-2)
WHEN/WHERE: today, Henry Clay HS, 2100 Fontaine Rd., Lexington
WHAT TO WATCH: This year's team was not born the last time a Simon Kenton squad started so well. The Pioneers look for their first 6-0 start since the 1979 team won their first seven.
Senior Daniel Morrison ran for 122 yards and caught a touchdown pass last week, and junior Matt Schoborg ran for another score. But the Pioneers held off Scott County because of their pass defense. Senior Rick Ahrens and juniors Craig Cooper and Dave Frommeyer each intercepted a pass.
Tonight, Henry Clay brings sophomore tailback Demetric Blackburn, who debuted on offense last week by ripping through Ryle for 285 yards and three touchdowns.
PICK: Henry Clay.
Lexington Paul Dunbar (3-1) at Highlands (3-1)
WHEN/WHERE: today, Highlands HS, 2400 Memorial Parkway, Fort Thomas
WHAT TO WATCH: Can Highlands recover from last week's 21-14 loss to Elder? Dunbar provides a tough test.
Like the Bluebirds, Dunbar is looking to recover from a loss to an out-of-state opponent — the Bulldogs lost to Rutherford, Fla., 32-15.
Dunbar, ranked fifth in Class AAAA, is a lot different team than Elder — quarterback Chip Franklin leads a pass-happy offense. Highlands also will have to contain Derek Talbert, who returned a kickoff 100 yards for a TD against Rutherford.
Highlands' weakness against Elder was its second half offense — the Bluebirds had 263 total yards to Elder's 249, but only 84 came in the final 24 minutes.
But don't worry. With senior quarterback Gino Guidugli's 1,022 passing yards — with 378 going to senior Brett Hamblen — the Bluebirds should recover nicely.
PICK: Highlands.
Beechwood (4-0) at Bardstown (3-1)
WHEN/WHERE: 7:30 p.m. today, Bardstown HS, 400 N. Fifth Street, Bardstown
WHAT TO WATCH: There's a bit of history between these two groups of Tigers. Beechwood beat Bardstown for the Class A state title in 1992 and 1993, the last time the two schools met. Bardstown is No.7 in the state in Class A, and defending champion Beechwood is first.
Beechwood has beaten one ranked team, Inez Sheldon Clark (No.9 in Class AAA) and shut out its last two opponents, Newport and Covington Catholic.
Bardstown beat Glasgow, who is No. 5 in AA this week. Beechwood coach Mike Yeagle expects Bardstown to pass more than previous years.
PICK: Beechwood.
Woodford County (1-3) at Holmes (3-1)
WHEN/WHERE: 7:30 p.m. today, Holmes HS, Madison Ave. and 25th Street, Covington
WHAT TO WATCH: Holmes finally gets to play a home game — a fire in the stands earlier this year prevented use of the field until now.
Holmes sophomore quarterback Brandent Englemon's 532 passing yards is fifth best in Northern Kentucky. In wins over Holy Cross, Dayton and Bullitt East the defense has not allowed a point since a 40-7 loss to Simon Kenton on Aug. 25.
Woodford County is 0-1 against Northern Kentucky teams. Simon Kenton beat the Yellowjackets, 33-14, on Aug. 18.
PICK: Holmes.
Other games
Boone County over Scott County
Campbell County over Newport
Dixie Heights over Lexington Tates Creek
Conner over Owensboro Catholic
Raceland over Dayton
Anderson County over Grant County
Holy Cross over Bardstown Bethlehem
West Carter over Lloyd Memorial
Madison Central over Scott
Record
Last week: 12-3. Season: 45-12, .789.
Complete prep football coverage at Enquirer.com/prepfootball
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