PREVIEW OF THE WEEK

LESLIE COUNTY AT CORBIN

When: 7:30 p.m., Friday

Records: Corbin (6-1), Leslie County (2-5)

Coaches: Tim Koogler (LC), Steve Jewell (Corbin)

Notes: On paper this is another mismatch. The Eagles are 2-5 with wins over lowly Clinton County (40-0) and Morgan Co. (18-16).  They held their own against Middlesboro last week in a 28-14 loss to the Yellow Jackets.

   Coach Steve Jewell feels like this is a much improved team from last year. They are still struggling on offense, but their defense has improved despite giving up 30 pints a game. The Eagles opened the season with a 33-6 loss to Hazard. After beating Clinton County, 40-0, the Eagles dropped two straight games to Harlan County, 29-8 and McCreary Central, 50-12 when running back Aaron Watts had a big night against Leslie County.

   The Eagles edged Morgan County, 18-16 then lost two more games, a 49-14 decision to Shelby Valley and a 28-14 loss to Middlesboro.

  The Redhounds need to get a better start this week than they did at Knott County Central. The defense needs to come to play in the first and second quarter, not the second half. Who will step up offensively.

  Caleb Watkins had a history making game as the senior scored 50 of the 84 points in the win. His eight touchdowns put him in the Kentucky Top Ten for touchdowns in a game. Whose turn is it this week against the Eagles.

   Jim’s Pick: Corbin 48, Leslie County 14.

WILLIAMSBURG AT LYNN CAMP

When: 8:00 p.m.

Records: Williamsburg (3-5), Lynn Camp (3-4)

Coaches: Jerry Herron (W), David Mitchell (LC)

Notes: No doubt the Game of the Week. It’s strength against strength, the pass against the rush. Who will win out in the end. This game comes down to the guys on the line, who wants it the most.

   We all know about the passing career of senior quarterback Ryan Moses and the targets he has had over the years, Moses set a new passing record at Williamsburg two weeks ago then was held to his lowest game of the year against Campbellsville in the mud last week. Both teams have lost to the Eagles and now have to settle for a battle for second place, still a home playoff game while the other will go on the road.

   The field conditions apparently hampered the offensive attack for the Wildcats like wise as Lynn Camp narrowly defeated Clinton County, 13-8. Coach David Mitchell’s team has won three of their last four games. They will still have to go to a dangerous Berea next week.

   A win by the Yellow Jackets will give Williamsburg the number two seed with Fairview coming to town next month. The district games have been within a touchdown for the most part and this one shouldn’t be any different.

   Jim’s pick: Williamsburg 26, Lynn Camp 20

NORTH LAUREL AT WHITLEY COUNTY

When: 7:30 p.m.

Records: North Laurel (4-3), Whitley Co. (3-4)

Coaches: Chris Larkey (NL), Jim Black (WC)

Notes: Are the Jaguars out of the playoffs? It would appear so unless they can pick up a win over Whitley County and Perry Central in the next two weeks. It looks as if the Jaguars are going to be in the spoiler role more than in the hunt for a playoff spot.

   After opening the season with three wins, the Jaguars have lost three of their last four games and two in a role in district play. They beat district foe, Clay County, 33-8, but lost to Perry Central, 20-14 and Harlan County, 32-26 in double overtime.

   Whitley County is in a must win situation just to stay in the hunt for a playoff spot. A loss to North Laurel and Perry Central could drop them completely out of the playoff picture. The Colonels lost to Letcher County Central last week. The only way the Colonels could still win the district is if Clay County and North Laurel pulled a pair of upsets.

   Senior quarterback Jamie Lebanion continues to lead the Colonels with seniors Josh Wynn and Alex Patrick pave the way. Cody Bramlett and Cody Bowlin have powered their way past the defense as well. Bramlett is the Colonels leading rusher with 559 yards. He has the most carries for any Colonel as well.

   North Laurel has depended on a pair of backs. Quarterback Johnny Fugate and running back Adrian Wardrup. Senior wide receiver Raymond Shears is a dangerous target with a lot of speed.

   The Jaguars are very capable of coming into Whitley County territory and pulling off what might be considered a mild upset. North Laurel has been dangerous and nearly got one of those few road wins in this tough 5A, District 8. Will they be the hunter or huntee come Friday night.

   Jim’s pick: Whitley Co. 32, North Laurel  21.

OTHER PREDICTIONS

• Lexington Christian 48, Raceland 20

• Berea 44, Caverna 6

• Pineville 22, Harlan 21

• Hazard 62, Jenkins 6

• Pikeville 52, Betsy Layne 12

• Danville 62, Fort Knox 6

• Lloyd Memorial 24, Newport 20

• East Carter 44, Bath County 13

• Shelby Valley 55, Morgan County 12

• Middlesboro 48, Knott Central 20

• Highlands 28, Cov. Catholic 14

• Mercer County 22, Lincoln County 20

• Southwestern 35, Pulaski County 32

• Letcher Central 33, Clay County 14

• Rockcastle County 36, McCreary Central 24

• Somerset 32, Wayne County 16

• Belfry 22, Shelby Clark 21

• Last week’s record: 16-1

• Season’s record: 70-14