For the first time in two years and the fifth time since 2020, Owensboro is back in the 5A semi-finals, this time against Woodford County.
“This is part of the expectation of being at Owensboro and being a part of our football program,” Owensboro Head Coach DaMarcus Ganaway said. “This isn’t something that is new to the program or to the senior class. We’re happy to be back here, but ultimately we know we need to take care of business to get over the hump and get back to Kroger Field.”
Second in 5A in points allowed with 12.7, Owensboro’s defense will be put to the test against the top scoring offense in 5A. Woodford County is averaging 43.8 points per game, thanks in large part to QB Foxx Coons, who leads all of 5A in passing yards (3,253) and passing touchdowns (41).
While they have plenty of success in the air, Woodford County isn’t afraid to run the ball. Darrian Tomlin is fifth in 5A in rushing yards with 1,432 and eighth in rushing touchdowns with 19.
“Defensively, our guys just need to read their keys, be where they are supposed to be, fly around, and use our team speed,” Ganaway said. We are looking to create some turnovers. This is the type of game that whoever has the fewest turnovers could be in the best position to win the ball game in the fourth quarter. We need our defense to step up and create something for us.”
Woodford County’s defense ranks 10th in points allowed (21.2), but allows an average of 167 rushing yards per game. The Red Devils Evan Hampton is coming off arguably the best game of his career, rushing for five touchdowns and a new school record 326 yards.
Similar to last week, Ganaway is keep an eye on the battle in the trenches.
“They are really big up front, so controlling the line of scrimmage is going to be big for either one of us,” Ganaway said. “I think that they have the size, but we have the speed up front, so it will be big on us to communicate and establish that line. On defense, keeping those guys off of our linebackers and on offense, keeping those guys off of our quarterback.”
