Here’s a look at some of the best high school football games of Week 3. All games are on Friday unless noted and all times are local to the home team.
Games of the Week
▪ Woodford County (2-0) at Paul Laurence Dunbar (1-1), 7:30 p.m. On the surface, this rematch of a game the Yellow Jackets won 62-12 last season in Versailles might seem a bit of a mismatch again, but Woodford County Coach Dennis Johnson knows his team will be in for a battle against the Class 6A No. 10 Bulldogs this year.
“Coach Wes Johnson does a good job, and I told my team this is probably one of the best games we’re going to play for sure,” Johnson said. “We’re going to have our hands full Friday.”
Dunbar pushed No. 4 Madison Central to the brink last week in Richmond, scoring inside the game’s final three minutes only to see an 82-yard kickoff return set up the Indians’ final score and go-ahead two-point conversion late. The Bulldogs are looking for their fourth consecutive district title this season, which would be a record run for the program.
In two games, Dunbar quarterback Ethan Teall (417 yards, four TDs passing) and running back Cole Colony, the former QB (270 yards three TDs rushing) have proven a powerful 1-2 punch.
“Their quarterback is a running back this year and he broke a run on us last year, so I know he’s really, really good with his feet,” Johnson said. “They play really good team defense and had a lot of negative-yardage plays against Madison Central.”
Woodford County, ranked as the Herald-Leader’s preseason No. 6 Class 5A team after reaching the state semis last year, has beaten both of their 2022 opponents handily with solid play from new quarterback Andrew Nason (198 total yards and five TDs) and 434 rushing yards from a backfield that includes Preston Stacy and Kenyun Maxberry and the playmaking ability of Aden Nelson and Makhi Smith
“It’s definitely a different team than last year,” Johnson said. “We’ve been good the first two games. We’ve made some mistakes, but we’re going to be able to score points. That’s something I’m looking forward to.”
Johnson believes Stacy, who rushed for 1,400 yards and 13 TDs in 2021, is probably the most underrated running back in the state.
“I don’t get it. I hope some college guys take note because he’s definitely a Division I back — 6-2, 205 … he’s for real,” Johnson said. “And if you watched the film from last week, he just buries those guys as a blocking back in the passing game.”
▪ Frankfort (1-1) at Sayre (2-0), 7:30 p.m. When the Kentucky High School Athletic Association conducts its football realignment next year, it’s likely the Panthers and Spartans will be district foes.
The two schools first matched up last season, a 32-24 Sayre victory. Sayre graduated standout quarterback Cole Pennington, but has younger brother Luke leading it to two blowout wins in 2022.
At Frankfort, new head coach Ethan Atchley has the Panthers’ offense rolling with a 52-0 win over Lynn Camp helping the team bounce back from a 56-30 loss at Paris in their opener.
“We have the talent. The next question is: ‘Do we learn how to prepare?’ That’s the place we need the most improvement — daily habits, accountability, discipline and all that,” Atchley said. “We’ve had our moments … We’ve got a big test Friday.”
Atchley knows Sayre will be prepared.
“They aren’t going to beat themselves,” Atchley said.
▪ Belfry (1-1) vs. Lexington Christian (1-1) at Henry Clay, 7:30 p.m. It’s the defending Class 3A champions vs. an LCA team that looks again to be one of Class 2A’s best. The game will be played at Henry Clay since LCA’s new turf isn’t ready. Belfry had to forfeit this matchup due to COVID-19 last year. It should be worth the wait.
▪ Covington Catholic (1-1) at Lexington Catholic, 7 p.m. The Knights have looked stout in two wins this season and have beaten the Colonels in each of their last two meetings in close games.
▪ Corbin (2-0) at Franklin County (1-1), 7:30 p.m. A potential Class 4A playoff preview.
▪ Pikeville (1-1) at Paintsville (1-1), 7:30 p.m. This will be standing room only.
▪ St. Xavier (2-0) at Male (1-1), 7 p.m. Rematch of last year’s Class 6A championship.
▪ Hazard (2-0) at Breathitt County (2-0), 7:30 p.m. You get the idea. This week is ridiculous.
Rivalries of the Week
▪ Danville (2-0) at Boyle County (2-0), 7:30 p.m. Title Town has been without Danville-Boyle County for two seasons thanks to COVID-19. The Rebels have closed the state trophy gap to 11-10 in the interim.
While Boyle has dominated in recent years, this rivalry hasn’t lost any juice.
“You see a little light in their eyes when we talk about that game,” Boyle County Coach Justin Haddix said of his talks with his players about facing the Admirals.
▪ Paducah Tilghman (2-0) at Mayfield (2-0), 7 p.m Western Kentucky’s premier high school football rivalry (108 games) once had its own parade down U.S. Highway 45. Mayfield has won 16 straight, but the Blue Tornado has its best team in years.
▪ The list goes on: Madison Central vs. Madison Southern, 7 p.m.; John Hardin at Elizabethtown, 7:30 p.m.; Bourbon County at Harrison County, 7:30 p.m.; Russellville at Logan County, 7 p.m.; Daviess County at Owensboro, 7 p.m.; Cooper at Ryle, 7 p.m.
Other Lexington games
▪ Mason County (2-0) at Tates Creek (1-1), 7:30 p.m. The Commodores defeated the Royals 22-12 last season in Maysville.
▪ Henry Clay (1-1) at Great Crossing (2-0), 7:30 p.m.
▪ Forfit: Lafayette has had to cancel its game against Frederick Douglass due to illnesses within the team.
▪ Bye week: Bryan Station. The Defenders get a week to prepare for Scott County on Sept. 9 and vice versa.
Should be a good one
▪ West Jessamine (1-1) at Clark County (2-0), 7:30 p.m. A solid Colts’ team featuring standout quarterback Jacob Jones presents the Cardinals’ their toughest test yet.
▪ Paris (2-0) at Pineville (2-0), 7:30 p.m.
▪ Rockcastle County (2-0) at Wayne County (1-1), 7:30 p.m.
▪ Southwestern (2-0) at Simon Kenton (2-0), 6 p.m. Saturday.
Check Kentucky.com on Friday for the latest audio and video streaming information for your favorite team.