Kroger KSR Game of the Week Preview: Shelby County at Spencer County
The Kentucky Class 4A playoffs start on Friday night, as the KSR Crew will make our first trip to Spencer County to watch the Bears (9-1) host the Shelby County Rockets (5-5). Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.
Spencer County has enjoyed a great season. The Bears took home the District 3 title in 4A. The district champions finished the season with just one loss. However, Spencer is only ranked 28th in the state and 4th in the class. This ranking could put a massive chip on the shoulder as the Bears search for their first state championship.
Meanwhile, Shelby County has had an up-and-down season. Although the Rockets finished their regular season campaign with two straight wins, it only brought them to .500. Shelby County is my grandfather’s home and where my Dad went to school. My pops made sure to remind me that Shelby County has a 4A championship… in 1987.
Still, the beauty of a bracket-style tournament is the possibility of upsets. Shelby County has the benefit of being the underdog; nobody expects them to win. As you’ve seen every March, the underdog plays with a carefree attitude with nothing to lose. On their best day, Shelby County can beat Spencer County.
Spencer County’s offense is top notch
The name of the game for Spencer County is the run.
Head coach Mike Marksbury favors the rushing attack, as three Bears have rushed for over 700 yards each. The leader of the running back room is Wade Hutt, who accounts for 882 yards and 11 touchdowns. Not far behind him is Camden Cardwell, who has 862 rushing yards with 14 touchdowns. The third rusher is Kellen Marksbury with 722 yards with nine touchdowns. As a team, Spencer County has combined for 3,026 yards on 317 carries for an astonishing 9.5 yards per carry. So there are many numbers and stats to say that Spencer can RUN the ball.
Spencer County hasn’t played a weak schedule, either. The Bears have beat Collins, Bullitt East, and Henry County. Their only loss came against one of the best teams in 3A, Bardstown. While Corbin, Lexington Catholic, and Boyle County receive all the media love, watch out for the Bears.
Shelby County tries to spoil the party
Shelby County is led by one of the best runners in the entire class, Gianni Hunter, who has rushed for 1,190 rush yards and 17 touchdowns. Head coach Marcus Harris will need to inject confidence into the Rocket faithful in order to pull off the upset. If Shelby County controls the clock and runs the ball well, and if the defense steps up, it’s possible.
The Rockets’ best overall player may be on the defensive side of the ball. Isaac Estrada leads Shelby County with 86 stops, including five tackles for loss. Shelby County will be looking to turn the clock back to the ’80s on Friday.
This is a meeting between two of the best rushing attacks in the class. The KSR Crew is beyond excited to get this postseason started. We look forward to bringing you coverage of the entire playoffs.
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