PINEVILLE — The Bell County Bobcats find themselves one win away from a return trip to Kroger Field, but standing in their way is one of the most dominant high school football programs Kentucky has seen in years.
Christian Academy–Louisville enters Friday’s Class 3A Semi-State riding a jaw-dropping streak — 20 straight wins, 18 consecutive postseason victories, and three straight state championships.
Bell County (12-1) comes in with plenty of momentum of its own, winners of three straight and boasting one of the state’s most powerful ground games paired with a turnover-hungry defense.
This marks the second-ever meeting between the schools, with CAL winning the 2023 state championship matchup, 41-16.
Both teams enter with impressive RPI rankings: CAL sits atop Class 3A at .80921, while Bell County holds the No. 4 spot at .70603.
Bobcats Built on Power and Precision
The Bobcats’ identity is clear — run the football, control the clock, and let their defense do the rest.
That starts with one of Kentucky’s premier running backs, Kaleb Miller, who has piled up nearly 2,000 rushing yards and 29 touchdowns while delivering explosive runs every Friday night.
Quarterback Blake Burnett has been the picture of efficiency.
He’s thrown for 1,118 yards and 13 touchdowns without committing a single interception in more than 100 attempts. Burnett is also a legitimate rushing threat, adding 415 yards and eight scores on the ground.
Bell County’s backfield depth has been a major strength as well:
• Nathaniel Saylor: 583 rushing yards, 7 TDs
• Logan Greene: 222 rushing yards, 4 TDs
Through the air, Burnett relies on a steady group of receivers led by:
• Joseph Brigmon: 28 receptions, 512 yards, 9 TDs
• Saylor: 380 yards, 3 TDs
• Cayden Huff: 133 yards, 1 TD
But what may separate this Bell County team from most is its opportunistic defense. The Bobcats have forced a staggering 33 turnovers, including 24 interceptions.
Burnett leads the way defensively with 10 interceptions and a pick-six, while Brigmon has four more, three of which he returned for touchdowns. Huff has three interceptions, and James Neal has recovered two fumbles, including one for a score.
The Bobcats allow just 12.8 points per game, surrender only 64.6 passing yards, and combine disciplined front-line play with aggressive ball skills in the secondary to form one of the class’s most complete defenses.
CAL’s High-Octane Air Raid Meets Its Toughest Test
While Bell County leans on physicality and defense, CAL brings a balanced and explosive offensive attack led by sophomore quarterback Jackson Burke, who has put together one of the best seasons in Kentucky.
Burke has thrown for 2,930 yards, 45 touchdowns, and just one interception in 222 attempts. He’s surrounded by skill players who are among the best in the class.
CAL’s receiving corps features multiple game-breakers:
• JaHyde Brown: 84 catches, 1,270 yards, 21 TDs
• Gaines Howard: 54 catches, 920 yards, 13 TDs
• Stone Perkins: 378 yards, 4 TDs
• Micah Akin: 255 yards, 4 TDs
The Centurions run the ball efficiently with:
• Jeffrey Vazzana: 668 rushing yards, 6 TDs
• Tyree Stoner: 651 yards, 16 TDs
Their defense is equally impressive, allowing only 8.3 points per game while generating 33 sacks and an eye-popping 127 tackles for loss.
Linebacker Micah Newsome anchors CAL’s defense with 118 tackles, including 18 for loss, and three sacks. Jason Hilliard leads the team with 20 tackles for loss and six sacks, while Gaines Howard has a team-high three interceptions.
Kicking specialist Madden Miller is perfect on the season, making all 39 PATs and 5-of-6 field goal attempts.
