Kroger KSR Game of the Week: Simon Kenton at Ashland

The KSR crew was busy on Kentucky’s open date weekend. Tyler, Drew, and Zack assigned writers at games located across the Bluegrass in order to provide as much high school football coverage as possible. This week we are heading east on I-64 to Ashland where Simon Kenton will come calling on the season’s final regular season Friday. It gets real next Friday when the playoffs start. Let’s get into it.

ASHLAND

Chad Tackett’s Tomcats are 8-1. Ashland lost to Johnson Central 36-33 in Paintsville last Friday. Before that, Blazer had steamrolled competition and was perfect on the season. The Tomcats are averaging 45 points per game while giving up 16. Tackett leans toward the run game. His offense is running for 245 yards per outing while surrendering just 79.

Braxton Jennings leads the ground attack after rushing for 634 yards and scoring 12 touchdowns. He’s also effective as a pass catcher and has contributed 14 receptions for 302 yards, and 4 scores. Brandon Houston is the team’s top receiver with 19 catches for 390 yards, and 5 TDs. Sawyer Edens and Austin Nichols direct the defense and are tied with 64 tackles. The duo has also combined for 7 tackles for loss. Maverick Ashby’s three interceptions also are tops on the team. Blazer is a 4A program and will be fighting up a classification on Friday against 6A Simon Kenton. A victory would increase Blazer’s status in the KHSAA RPI poll.

SIMON KENTON

The 6A Pioneers are currently 5-3. KSR had originally planned to cover Simon Kenton against Woodford County earlier in the season, but the game was canceled due to weather. Roy Lucas’ squad is coming off a tough 24-21 loss to Ryle. Simon Kenton is averaging 35 points per game while giving up 30. The Pioneers are 6A’s top rushing team by averaging 232 yards per outing.

Quarterback Brady Lee has thrown for 1,657 yards and 14 touchdowns compared to 5 interceptions. He’s currently ranked 4th in 6A in the passing category. Running back Durell Turner is averaging 163 YPG on the ground and has scored 12 touchdowns in 2023. He is the top rusher in 6A.

Grayson Harris leads Simon Kenton with 45 receptions. Tysin Weaver’s 23 catches for 508 yards is tops on the team with 5 receiving touchdowns. Lineman Aba Selm is a UK commit and fun to watch on the line of scrimmage. The 6’4, 295-pound lineman is twitchy for his size and could be a future star in Lexington.

Aven Bohnms’ 80 tackles are a team-best. He’s also contributed three tackles for loss and two QB sacks. Landon Brown has pitched in 69 stops including 5 for loss. Aba Selm’s 12 TFLs and QB sacks pace the Pioneers in the havoc department.

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Previous Kroger KSR Games of the Week

KSR would like to thank Kroger for yet another exciting high school football season. The Kroger KSR Game of the Week has gone in every geographical direction in the Bluegrass. Remember, Kroger is your ultimate grocery destination. Please shop at Kroger for the freshest products.