Kroger's Kentucky High School Football Rundown - Week 11

Goodbye regular season, hello playoffs. The Kentucky high school football regular season came to a thrilling close on Friday night with Top 25 matchups (five in total) spread all over the state. Postseason positioning was on the line for many teams. Now, the only goal left is to make it to Kroger Field.

Friday night’s headliner was the final Kroger KSR Game of the Week of the regular season, which saw No. 18 Ashland Blazer win a 49-42 shootout over Simon Kenton and Kentucky football commit Aba Selm. New KSR intern Katie Hutchison — who graduated from Ashland — made the trip back home to cover her alma mater at beautiful Putnam Stadium. The Tomcats will head into the playoffs with a 9-1 record in Class 4A.

KSR was in attendance for several other high-profile games last night, too. Daniel Hager witnessed a top-five matchup between Boyle County and Frederick Douglass, Piper McCoun covered No. 11 St. Xavier’s big win over No. 19 Bowling Green, and Phoenix Stevens traveled down to Raceland to see the Rams take on Cutter Boley and Lexington Christian Academy in another top 25 showdown.

You can check out recaps from all three of those games below, along with a full scoreboard rundown presented by our good friends at Kroger.

We are proud to support local schools through Kroger Community Rewards. This includes up to 3.5 million in quarterly gifts to the non-profit of your choice. Sign up using your Kroger loyalty card at Kroger.com/communityrewards.

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Boyle County Finishes Regular Season Unbeaten with 28-7 Victory over Douglass

BY: Daniel Hager

For the first time since 2020, Justin Haddix’s Boyle County Rebels have finished the regular season undefeated (10-0). No. 1 Boyle County marched into The Farm and knocked off No. 4 Frederick Douglass 28-7 on Friday night.

Boyle County owned the time of possession in this game, as they completely ran out the fourth quarter clock to seal the win. Once Douglass kicker Cooper Ranvier pinned the Rebels on their own three-yard line to begin the fourth quarter, Avery Bodner and Montavin Quisenberry slowly and methodically continued to convert third downs until Bodner found pay dirt with 1:30 remaining in the matchup. By then, a win was sealed away.

Friday night marked sweet revenge for a Boyle County team that was run off the field 37-6 by the Broncos a season ago. Head coach Justin Haddix was elated following the victory.

“It’s a big win because they’re a quality team,” Haddix said. “They’re a really good football team and they’re going to compete in 6A. It was important for us with the RPI, who knows how that will work out. But I was glad our guys showed up and played.”

After both teams went three and out to begin the game, the Rebels struck first on a Sage Dawson nine-yard passing touchdown to Quisenberry. One quarter later, Boyle drove right down the field and set themselves up with prime position for six. On fourth and one from the one-yard line, Bodner found pay dirt and the Rebels jumped out to a 14-0 lead — which is almost insurmountable to come back against when playing Boyle County.

However, the Broncos didn’t back down. Thanks to a Quisenberry fumble on the Dougass 27-yard line, coach Nathan McPeek’s team was set up with prime real estate. After a penalty, Douglass freshman quarterback Jaxon Strautman threw a nice ball to Cooper Ranvier, which Ranvier wrestled away from Quisenberry for an amazing catch and a Bronco score.

Here’s the catch in slo-mo. Took it right out of Quisenberry’s hands. https://t.co/4nUW5XI8K5 pic.twitter.com/DyLxtiGPry

— Daniel Hager (@DanielHagerKSR) October 28, 2023

When it looked like the Broncos would make this competitive, however, the Rebels just put the pedal to the metal. Following Quisenberry’s 48-yard rushing touchdown midway through the third quarter, the Rebels would regain possession just as the fourth quarter began. Boyle County ran the ball right down Douglass’ throat, milking nearly the entirety of the fourth quarter. The impressive drive was capped off by a Bodner rushing touchdown with just over 1:30 remaining. “Get in the damn end zone” was the rallying cry from Haddix, and that he did.

With the win, Boyle County runs the table and finishes 10-0 in the regular season. KSR’s Preseason No. 1 team in the state never fell out of the top spot and is hotter than ever heading into the postseason. Frederick Douglass finishes with a disappointing 5-4 regular season record, marking the first season in program history with four losses.

St. X prevails 27-12 in regular-season finale against Bowling Green

BY: Piper McCoun

The No. 11 St. Xavier Tigers (7-3) made the two-hour trip to No. 19 Bowling Green (7-3) from Louisville with hopes of claiming their last regular season win of the season. They got what they came for in the 27-12 win against Bowling Green.

“Just really proud of our defense,” head coach Kevin Wallace said after the game. “They had to really come up with a good game plan, we did some different things personnel-wise. Some out-of-the-box things for St. X, playing kids both ways which we haven’t done hardly any. I’m really proud of our guys.”

Chess Match

The first half was full of back-and-forth jabs from both sides. St. X won the toss and deferred to the second, so their defensive efforts were on display from the get-go.

The Tigers forced a 3-and-out on the first drive of the game. When Bowling Green punted, however, a Tigers fumble allowed them to take over possession on the opposite 22. The Purples had a few pass and rush attempts, but ultimately opted for the field goal on fourth down to go up 3-0 within the first three minutes of play.

After a few traded 3-and-outs, the Purples’ defense was just as efficient. When the Tigers were close to scoring off of a rush in the first quarter, junior DB Ethan Warder stripped it, allowing the Purples to take over.

Continued efforts from the Tigers, however, gave it back to St. X. A long drive up the field put the Tigers in scoring position — a rushing touchdown from close out gave them the 7-3 lead to end the first quarter.

Bowling Green used their creativity earlier in the second quarter. Instead of a pass from quarterback Deuce Bailey to Trevy Barber, Barber took it into his own hands and connected with sophomore Hudson Nottmeier to reclaim the lead at 10-7 with 8:49 left before the break.

.@BarberTrevy is a QB too?? @PurplesFootball capitalize on the interception with a score to take over the lead at 10-7 with 8:49 left in the half. pic.twitter.com/rUg32jjhOD

— Piper McCoun (@PiperMcCounKSR) October 28, 2023

St. X went on a drive of their own after, using senior QB Trevor Havill’s legs and big receivers to claim their first touchdown reception of the night to go up 14-10.

The teams traded big stops, and an interception from Warder gave the Purples hope to score right before the half with just 30 seconds on the clock. But the Tigers defense held Bowling Green to ultimately end the half ahead 14-10.

St. X Soars

The remainder of the game was all Tigers. The decision to receive in the second paid off, because the Tiger had a long possession to ring in the second half, and eventually took it to the house to go up 20-10 with 6:56 left in the third.

After more stops on defense from the Tigers, Havill took matters into his own hands to end the third and rushed to the end zone for another six to go up 27-10 to end the third, claiming the Tiger’s final score of the night.

.@HavillTrevor takes matters into his own hands and rushes for the @StXTigersFB touchdown!! The Tigers lead 27-10 with 1:20 left in the third. pic.twitter.com/GslAv8HGBz

— Piper McCoun (@PiperMcCounKSR) October 28, 2023

The fourth quarter was slow for both teams. The defenses traded some stops, and Bowling Green recorded a safety with under a minute and a half left to play. It was just too late for the Purples though. In the end, St. X claimed the big road win 27-12 to end the regular season.

“This is the best we’ve played defensively all year long. Not even close,” Wallace said after the game. “… It’s been a long time since we’ve played that fast… We wanted to get [Deuce Bailey] moving because if he sets his feet and throws it, he’s as good as there is.”

St. X looks ahead to play Oldham County (3-7) at home next week in the first round of playoffs. Bowling Green will host Apollo (2-8) next week.

No. 7 LCA Rolls Past No. 21 Raceland 48-21 on the Road

BY: Phoenix Stevens

Anticipation and excitement were in the air in Raceland, KY as the No. 21 Raceland Rams were set to defend home field against the No. 7 Lexington Christian Academy Eagles. This marked the first time that the Rams and Eagles had met on the gridiron since 2010 when LCA won 48-8. Just like it was 13 years ago, this game was all Eagles.

In grand fashion, Raceland ran out of the Morgan Tunnel, named after a former player’s father who fatally passed away on the way to a game in 2013. The inflatable ram was a hefty investment, but you could argue that it was worth every penny.

Football time in Ram Land! pic.twitter.com/0kyU9KsLi0

— Phoenix Stevens (@PStevensKSR) October 27, 2023

RB Brady Hensley Scores FIVE Touchdowns

Even in the first quarter, the signs of a blowout were apparent. Every time Brady Hensley had the ball in his hands, an electrifying play was bound to occur. It seemed like every carry was either a gain to move the chains or a touchdown.

On top of that, Hensley’s overpowering strength was on full display too. The EKU commit was constantly rumbling over defenders and carrying them for extra yardage. Being only 6’0 and 200 lbs, Hensley isn’t quite the size of your traditional power back, but he proved that size doesn’t always matter.

Hensley would proceed to get into the end zone five times Friday night. Michael Salmons and the Raceland Rams had absolutely no answer for him. Oftentimes, coaches and players on the Rams’ sideline were frustrated, confused, and just straight up over it.

Five. Five touchdowns for Brady Hensley (@BradyHensley12). LCA responds IMMEDIATELY. Extra point is good.

LCA 41 | Raceland 14 | 8:04 4Q pic.twitter.com/ynSzU1qcei

— Phoenix Stevens (@PStevensKSR) October 28, 2023

Cutter Boley with Another Solid Performance

2024 Kentucky quarterback commit Cutter Boley had himself a solid night as well. Hensley’s two first-quarter touchdowns really opened up the passing game, which allowed Boley to score his lone touchdown of the night. The Eagles marched into the red zone, and then Boley found Nate Barnhardt on an out route for the score.

After the win, Boley gave some of his thoughts on the game. When asked how big the win was heading into the postseason, Boley said, “It’s huge. We needed an environment kind of like this. Raceland’s a historic program. We knew they’d be really physical with us, and they go 100% for all four quarters, and that’s what we needed.”

Then, Boley talked about how excited he is to be a Kentucky Wildcat as well. “It’s amazing,” Boley said. “I can’t wait to be there.” He also noted that he will be in attendance for the Tennessee game, but right now, he has his mind set on winning the state championship with LCA.

Cutter Boley (@cutterBoley) gives his thoughts on tonight’s win over Raceland. pic.twitter.com/looi63VshB

— Phoenix Stevens (@PStevensKSR) October 28, 2023

LCA will take on Clinton County in round one of the playoffs next week. Raceland will match up against Berea.

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Kroger’s Scores From Around The State

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 all of the scores from throughout the weekend below.

Thursday, Oct. 26

No. 22 South Warren

42

vs. Logan County

6

Friday, Oct. 27

Mercer County	48	vs. Lincoln County	28
Anderson County	20	vs. Montgomery County	0
Adair County	30	vs. Metcalfe County	18
Allen County-Scottsville	28	vs. Barren County	14
No. 18 Ashland Blazer	49	vs. Simon Kenton	42
Atherton	25	at Shelby County	13
Ballard	50	at Woodford County	21
Bardstown	43	at Danville	21
Belfry	43	at Letcher County Central	14
Bell County	39	vs. Harlan County	0
Bellevue	42	at Jackson County	16
Betsy Layne	30	at Powell County	20
Bishop Brossart	43	vs. Pendleton County	0
Boone County	55	at Walton-Verona	21
No. 1 Boyle County	28	at No. 4 Frederick Douglass	7
Bracken County	48	at Lewis County	15
Breathitt County	42	at Prestonsburg	7
No. 16 Bryan Station	48	vs. Central Hardin	8
Bullitt East	43	at Meade County	20
Butler County	24	vs. Ohio County	16
Caldwell County	41	vs. Trigg County	7
Central	30	vs.WEB DuBois	0
No. 9 Christian Academy-Louisville	36	at Fern Creek	0
Clay County	47	vs. Hazard	14
Clinton County	46	vs. Berea	0
No. 5 Covington Catholic	35	vs. Campbell County	7
Crittenden County	34	at Calloway County	13
Daviess County	26	at Apollo	0
Dayton	38	vs. Trimble County	18
DeSales	29	vs. John Hardin	14
East Carter	28	vs. Martin County	7
East Jessamine	41	vs. Lafayette	27
East Ridge	56	at Knott County Central	35
Eastern	48	at Paul Laurence Dunbar	42
Edmonson County	41	at Breckinridge County	0
Elizabethtown	31	vs. Seneca	22
Eminence	43	vs. Gallatin County	0
Estill County	54	vs. Bourbon County	6
Fairdale	41	vs. Doss	8
Fort Knox	23	vs. Valley	20
No. 14 Franklin County	48	at George Rogers Clark	7
Franklin-Simpson	24	vs. Warren East	14
Glasgow	22	at Somerset	21
Graves County	19	vs. McCracken County	7
Grayson County	15	at Hancock County	14
Great Crossing	42	vs. Collins	34
Greenup County	59	vs. Fleming County	44
Greenwood	27	vs. Union County	12
Harrison County	46	vs. Garrard County	31
No. 25 Hart County	21	at Campbellsville	14
Henry County	34	at Kentucky Country Day	24
Holy Cross (Louisville)	27	vs. Butler	0
Hopkins County Central	32	at Fulton County	0
Jeffersontown	52	at Bullitt Central	22
LaRue County	25	at Russell County	20
Lawrence County	20	vs. Mason County	14
Leslie County	48	vs. Pineville	6
No. 24 Lexington Catholic	21	vs. No. 8 Scott County	20
No. 7 Lexington Christian	48	at No. 21 Raceland	21
Lloyd Memorial	47	at Scott	20
Madison Southern	43	at Whitley County	20
Madisonville-North Hopkins	48	at Murray	7
Magoffin County	47	vs. Morgan County	0
No. 3 Male	30	at No. 10 DuPont Manual	23
Marion County	53	vs. Grant County	14
No. 20 Mayfield	72	at Christian County	8
McCreary Central	37	at Lynn Camp	14
McLean County	38	at Marshall County	17
Middlesboro	57	vs. Knox Central	28
Monroe County	29	vs. Caverna	8
Moore	13	at Western	6
Muhlenberg County	47	vs. Ballard Memorial	0
Newport	44	at Holy Cross (Covington)	42
Newport Central Catholic	41	at Holmes	0
Nicholas County	26	at Bath County	12
North Bullitt	35	vs. Southern	3
North Laurel	35	vs. Wayne County	21
North Oldham	29	at Oldham County	7
Owensboro	34	vs. Henderson County	6
No. 12 Owensboro Catholic	37	at North Hardin	14
No. 17 Paducah Tilghman	56	vs. Russellville	0
Paintsville	22	at Pike County Central	14
Paris	50	vs. Ludlow	26
Perry County Central	48	vs. Williamsburg	20
Phelps	44	vs. Jenkins	20
No. 23 Pikeville	39	at Boyd County	15
Pleasure Ridge Park	49	vs. Hopkinsville	14
Rockcastle County	27	vs. Casey County	13
Ryle	53	at Dixie Heights	21
Sayre	46	vs. Bethlehem	21
Shelby Valley	70	at Floyd Central	36
South Laurel	34	vs. Harlan	0
Southwestern	45	vs. Henry Clay	8
Spencer County	17	vs. Nelson County	7
No. 11 St. Xavier	27	at No. 19 Bowling Green	12
Tates Creek	42	vs. West Jessamine	0
Taylor County	43	at Green County	0
Thomas Nelson	46	vs. Iroquois	6
Todd County Central	29	vs. Warren Central	26
Waggener	20	vs. Shawnee	18
Webster County	73	at Fort Campbell	48
West Carter	55	vs. Rowan County	13
Western Hills	42	vs. Frankfort	35