I’ve had folks ask me to bring my crystal ball out of retirement to pick these three games, and after maybe a half-second of thought, I figured—why not?
So with that said, let’s get to pickin’.
Class A, Region 4 Championship
Middlesboro at Pikeville
The Yellow Jackets come in unbeaten while Pikeville enters as the favorite. Middlesboro struggled at times last week against Hazard—especially defensively—and can’t afford more breakdowns against a Panther team that always finds a way to win.
This one will be closer than many expect.
Middlesboro’s offense ranks among the best in Class A, but the big question is whether the Jackets can get enough stops on defense.
I believe they can.
Not many think Middlesboro can advance, but I do.
Prediction: Middlesboro 42, Pikeville 40
Class 3A, Region 4 Championship
Lawrence County at Bell County
The Bobcats are looking to make another run at a Class 3A state crown, and standing in their way is an 11-1 Lawrence County team with plenty of momentum.
Both squads enter with identical 11-1 records—Bell County’s lone loss coming in a heartbreaker to Pulaski County while the Bulldogs fell 21-0 to North Laurel.
Most expect this to be a close one.
Me? I don’t.
Look for the Bobcats to score early and often on Log Mountain. Bell County simply has too many weapons on both sides of the ball and should punch its ticket to the state semifinals.
Prediction: Bell County 42, Lawrence County 13
Class 4A, Region 4 Championship
Corbin at Fort Thomas Highlands
This could be one of the best matchups in the state.
The Redhounds have been red-hot since their 3-3 start, while Highlands has looked dominant from Day 1.
The Bluebirds deserve to be the favorites—but don’t overlook Corbin.
The Redhounds had chances to win two of the games they lost.
To upset Highlands, they’ll need mistake-free football and must avoid turnovers.
Easier said than done, but if they do, they’ve got a real shot.
My biggest concern is that Corbin hasn’t been truly challenged since the Johnson Central loss back on October 3.
Is that because the Redhounds have steadily improved? Possibly.
They’ve gone 6-0 since then, outscoring opponents, 331-32.
But Highlands is no pushover.
Call me crazy, but I believe Corbin goes on the road, gets it done, and moves on.
Prediction: Corbin 28, Highlands 21
