Week six features a district match between Apollo and Owensboro, and Daviess County traveling to Hancock County. In other action, Owensboro Catholic and Hancock County are both on the road.
Apollo (2-3) (Class 5A, District 1) Vs. Owensboro (3-2) (Class 5A, District 1)
After starting the season 0-3, the Eagles have won two straight, including last week against Muhlenberg County. In their recent 34-21 win, the offense’s high ceiling was on full display. Ross Milburn rushed for two touchdowns and had 130 total yards, while QB Max Johnson threw a pair of touchdowns and ran in a score.
Owensboro is well aware of the threat of Apollo’s offense.
“On defense specifically, we need to be able to contain the run, and then honestly, it’s more about Max Johnson,” Owensboro Head Coach DaMarcus Ganaway said. “He’s a really good quarterback and is a leader of that offense and that team, and it all starts with him. If we can contain him in the pocket and limit some of the running ability he has done and shut down some of his first and second reads, then defensively I think we will be ok.”
The Red Devils are red hot and fresh off a 49-14 win over Graves County. After a slow start to the season, Evan Hampton has started to emerge, rushing for 80 yards and a touchdown against Graves County. Ganaway acknowledged that they need to find opportunities to keep him involved, including the passing game.
Edge and his team are well aware of Hampton’s big play ability, but they also know he’s not the only one who can hurt them.
“You have to limit Evan’s big plays,” Edge said. “That’s easier said than done, but we have to stop his big plays. Dillard is very explosive and also scores in the backfield. Morris is a big receiver who is patient and will get open. Then you have to watch out for Demarcus Ganaway Jr. He is used to playing great talent in Florida, and he is one of the best I’ve seen at extending plays.”
Ganaway has been pleased with the way his offense has limited turning the ball over and wants to see that continue.
Daviess County (2-3) (Class 6A, District 2) @ McLean County (2-2) (Class 2A, District 2)
Despite dropping a heartbreaker to Henderson County, the Panthers’ defense was dominant when it came to bringing 11 hats to the football, something that Head Coach Quadarius Wallace wants to see continue.
“Last week we had a strong defensive outing, and I think it’s because we swarmed the football,” Wallace said. “We need to have the same output from our defense this week that we have had all season long. If we continue to play well on defense, we will always have a chance.”
The Panthers’ defense will be put to the test against a very run-dominant Cougars offense. Last week in their 44-14 win over Webster County, the running game tallied 339 rushing yards on 25 attempts and six touchdowns. Aden Bolden rushed for 115 yards and four touchdowns, bringing his season totals to 486 rushing yards and 11 rushing touchdowns.
On defense, the Cougars know they will have their hands full with the Panthers’ Jace Hunt, but also Daviess County’s run game.
“Daviess County runs the ball well with their TB and QB, but can get the ball in their playmaker’s hands, Jace Hunt, in numerous ways,” McLean County Head Coach Zach Wagner said. “They utilize quick screens, in the backfield, downfield throws, etc. Hunt is very athletic and a heck of a football player to boot. We need to be aware of every snap of the ball and get as many defenders around him as possible to bring him down.”
Hancock County (4-1) (Class 2A, District 2) @ Union County (2-3) (Class 3A, District 1)
Quick Notes: After losing to Apollo, the Hornets bounced back in a big way last week, cruising past Tell City on the road 42-7. Brady Eubanks threw for three touchdowns, while the run game rushed for 286 yards and two touchdowns. Tonight, they travel to Union County, whom they lost to a year before 49-7.
Owensboro Catholic (4-1) (Class 2A, District 2) @ Meade County (0-5) (Class 6A, District 2)
Quick Notes: After suffering their first regular-season loss since the 2022 season, the Aces took care of Bardstown 56-30. Miles Edge and Mitchell Shaiden combined for 201 of the team’s 222 rushing yards, adding four total touchdowns. Tonight, they travel to Meade County.
Head Coach Jason Morris said: Meade County is traditionally a big and physical team that loves to run the football and play solid defense. We are expecting their best shot as it’s their homecoming. They haven’t won a game yet, but they do play hard. It stands out in their film that, despite not having a win, they play hard and are coached well. We are expecting a battle.
Meade is a spread football team but will attach tight ends. They are really run heavy. They play behind their offensive line, which is big and physical. Playing behind their big OL. Wyatt Raney really stands out on both sides of the ball. He runs the ball hard and makes plenty of tackles for them.
Defensively, they are a 3-4 true quarters team. We expect them to keep the ball in front of them and play bend but don’t break. We will have to do a better job of catching the football.
I just want consistency. I want to see us come out and execute the game plan on both sides of the ball for four quarters. We still haven’t put four quarters together yet.
