The Belfry (KY) varsity football team will play a neutral playoff game against Rockcastle County (Mt. Vernon, KY) on Friday, November 15, at 7:30 p.m.

What: Kentucky High School Football
Who: Belfry (KY) vs Rockcastle County (KY)
When: Friday, November 15, 2024
Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
Bracket: 2024 Kentucky High School Football Playoff Brackets: KHSAA – Class 3A
Live stream: Watch live on NFHS Network

Rockcastle County vs. Belfry: A High-Stakes Showdown

The stage is set for an exciting football clash between two Kentucky powerhouses: Rockcastle County and Belfry. As the two teams prepare to face off in a highly anticipated non-conference playoff game on Friday, November 15, at 7:30 p.m., there are several key factors to consider that will make this matchup a must-watch for fans.

Team Overview

Rockcastle County (24-25), with a record of 10-1 overall and 3-1 in the district, has been dominant in their league. Their impressive 370 points scored so far have been a testament to their strong offense, while they’ve only allowed 146 points, showcasing their tough defense. Rockcastle’s strengths lie in their running game, where they average a robust 250.4 yards per game, led by star running back Isaiah Jackson, who is having an exceptional season with an average of 107.1 rushing yards per game. Quarterback Caden Lovell and receiver Cam Smith are key contributors to their aerial attack, but the team excels when they rely on their powerful ground game.

Belfry (24-25) boasts a 9-2 overall record with a perfect 4-0 district performance. Their offensive line has been one of the most effective in the region, with a total of 465 points scored this season. Belfry has been strong in both the air and on the ground, putting up solid numbers across all aspects of their game. Although their rushing and passing averages are not listed, they have accumulated 465 total yards per game. Their defense is tough, allowing only 237 points this season. Belfry has shown consistency throughout the season, having gone undefeated in district play, which makes them a formidable opponent for Rockcastle.

Key Players to Watch

• Isaiah Jackson (Rockcastle County): Jackson is the standout player for Rockcastle County, leading the team in rushing with 107.1 yards per game and 134.5 total yards per game. His speed and strength on the field will be crucial if Rockcastle hopes to secure the win.
• Caden Lovell (Rockcastle County): Lovell contributes with 59 passing yards per game. While not the primary focal point of the offense, his ability to manage the game and make key passes will be crucial in balancing Rockcastle’s attack.
• Hunter Pingleton (Rockcastle County): With 11.1 tackles per game, Pingleton leads Rockcastle’s defensive efforts. His ability to shut down key plays and disrupt Belfry’s offensive flow could make a big difference.
• Belfry’s Balanced Offense: While individual player stats for Belfry are not provided, their well-rounded offense and solid team effort have allowed them to excel throughout the season, particularly in district matchups. Players like their rushing and passing attack will certainly give Rockcastle’s defense a tough challenge.

Team Scoring Averages

Rockcastle County averages 33.6 points per game, with strong scoring through the first three quarters before slowing down in the fourth. They score an average of 10.7 points in the first quarter, followed by 9.7 in the second, 5.7 in the third, and just 2.0 in the fourth. On the other hand, Belfry scores 42.3 points per game, with more consistent production throughout the game. They average 11.9 points in the first quarter, 15.0 in the second, 9.6 in the third, and 6.8 in the fourth.

Common Opponents

Both teams have shown impressive results against common opponents this season, winning all their matchups against teams like Knox Central and Estill County. Rockcastle County defeated Knox Central 38-6 and Estill County 54-19, while Belfry dominated Knox Central 49-14 and Estill County 42-6. These results suggest that both teams are well-prepared and capable of handling high-pressure situations.

Head-to-Head Matchup

Looking at the overall record, Rockcastle County has the edge with a 10-1 record, while Belfry is 9-2. In terms of home/away splits, Rockcastle County has been perfect on the road, with a 5-0 record in away games. Belfry has performed similarly well at home with a 5-1 record, making both teams tough to beat in their respective environments.

This game will be a test of strengths, with Rockcastle’s high-scoring offense facing off against Belfry’s balanced attack and strong defense. It will also be a battle between Rockcastle’s power running game and Belfry’s versatile offensive strategy. The outcome will likely depend on which team can control the clock, sustain drives, and finish strong in the fourth quarter.

Final Thoughts

As the game draws closer, fans can expect an intense battle between two of Kentucky’s best high school football teams. Both teams have shown they can dominate their opponents, but only one will advance in this crucial playoff matchup. Will Rockcastle County continue their dominant run, or will Belfry prove too tough to overcome? Tune in for what promises to be an unforgettable game.