Kroger KSR Game of the Week: Simon Kenton at Woodford County

Week one started the Kroger KSR Games of the Week off with a bang. LCA and Bowling Green lit up the scoreboard on Saturday night. The Eagles finally prevailed 56-52 in a star-studded event hosted by WKU.

This week’s Kroger KSR Game of the Week features another Kentucky commit in Simon Kenton offensive lineman Aba Selm. The host Yellow Jackets always pack the house which sets up for another exciting high school football environment in the Bluegrass.

Friday night will be an enormous happening in Versailles. The inaugural Vallozzi Bowl will feature two games. Mercer County vs. Dunbar starts things off at 6:30 PM. The main event follows at 8:30 PM and features Simon Kenton vs. Woodford County.

“Vallozzi” is the name of an Italian restaurant that will soon open in downtown Versailles. On a personal note, I cannot wait to sit down at Vallozzi’s for a meal. Let’s break down the two participants.

Woodford County

The Jackets opened the season with a 41-28 loss to the defending 6A champs, Bullitt East. The game was give and take until East pulled away at the end. Coach Dennis Johnson has led Woodford County to new heights. His team went 24-3 in 2021 and 2022 before starting this season 0-1. Johnson also directed the Jackets to deep playoff runs and has invested in the community’s feeder programs.

6’2, 175-pound ATH Makhi Smith sports a UK offer and is one of the more electric performers in 5A. Johnson utilizes Smith’s multiple skill sets all over the field. Woodford County has survived attrition through graduation to become an annual 5A contender.

Simon Kenton

Offensive lineman Aba Selm is quietly one of the top players in the state of Kentucky. The position doesn’t warrant headlines, but don’t let that distract from the absolute Dude that Selm is on the line of scrimmage.

The Pioneers opened the 2023 season with a 29-19 home win over Dixie Heights. Coach Roy Lucas’ squad finished last season with an 8-4 record. Simon Kenton fell to Trinity in the 6A playoffs a year ago.

What Does All This Mean?

The Vallozzi Bowl is going to be fun. If you haven’t attended a Woodford County football game in Versailles, you’re missing out. Like many smaller towns in the Commonwealth, the community heavily supports its team. Fans will fill the stadium on Friday. The hospitality will be first-rate as will the action on the field.

I’m excited to see Aba Selm again in person. The 6’4, 295-pound lineman is an Adam Luckett favorite which automatically brings credibility. See you Friday. Oh yeah, my commute is one mile; I’m not complaining about that at all.

Kroger is a staple in your hometown community just like high school football. There’s nothing quite like Friday nights in the Bluegrass. We are honored to share this journey with Kroger and you for the fourth consecutive season. Check out a recap of our first Game of the Week, LCA vs. Bowling Green, below.