Kentucky Football

Tuesday, November 8, 2011

Preview: NKY 5A

By Dan Clasgens | Managing Editor

Conner quarterback Drew Barker has enjoyed a breakout sophomore season.

When the KHSAA’s latest realignment plan took effect prior to the start of the 2011 season, it appeared as if Conner would be one of the teams that would benefit the most. The Cougars got away from its strong county rivals and was placed in a district with Cooper, Scott and South Oldham.

Despite not winning the district this year, it comes as little surprise that after one week of playoff action that Conner is the only team left standing in Class 5A, District 5.

The Cougars now must prove they are more than a one-hit wonder as they hit the road. We take a look at their part of the bracket in Class 5A action this week:

CONNER (6-5) AT FRANKLIN COUNTY (11-0) - The Cougars are going to go as far as the Drew Barker and Cameron Fogle combo at quarterback and wide receiver is going to take them. The duo connected twice and each added a rushing touchdown in the team’s opening-round win over the reeling East Jessamine Jaguars.

Conner needs big plays from its defense if they are going to have any shot of advancing past a Franklin County team that puts over 50 points per game on the scoreboard. Head coach Dave Trosper will ask for big plays out of the unit.

Linebacker Blake Kennedy leads the team with 79 tackles and is the center point of things in the middle. Fogle and Jake Mulderink help form an improving secondary. Defensive end Aaron Spencer will need to get off the edges and apply some pressure.

Franklin County is impressive on all fronts. Not only are they one of just three teams in Class 5A in the entire without a blemish on their the record, but since their seven-point win over Letcher County Central on September 2, the Flyers have not had an opponent within 10 points of them.

Quarterback Logan Woodside does not make many mistakes and spreads the ball around the field nicely. The running game is equally as dangerous and deep with talent, led by 1000-yard rusher Ryan Timmons. The defense is far from stellar. The unit allows 20.4 points per game and is vulnerable to a balance attack like Conner can bring.

MONTGOMERY COUNTY (6-5) AT ANDERSON COUNTY (9-2) - The district foes took care of business by knocking out Cooper and Anderson County respectively and now meet for the second time this season. Anderson County won the previous matchup 31-14 back on September 23. The Bearcats won the game with a big day from running back Ethan Kelly and by winning the turnover battle by coming with two picks and a pair of fumble recoveries. They appear to be the heavy favorites to win again.

Dan Clasgens is a co-founder of TSF and serves as the President/Director of Media & Content for our parent company, GetSports Enterprises LLC. In addition to nearly a decade of experience in covering local high school football, Dan is a widely recognized as a fantasy football guru. He is both a local and national radio personality, including hosting a weekly show on SiriusXM Fantasy Sports Radio. If you are interested in covering your team, please CONTACT US.