The Sayre (Lexington, KY) varsity football team will play a neutral playoff game against Frankfort (KY) on Friday, November 15, at 7 p.m.

What: Kentucky High School Football
Who: Sayre (KY) vs Frankfort (KY)
When: Friday, November 15, 2024
Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
Bracket: 2024 Kentucky High School Football Playoff Brackets: KHSAA – Class 1A
Live stream: Watch live on NFHS Network

Frankfort vs. Sayre: A Clash of Underdog vs. Undefeated

The upcoming playoff showdown between Frankfort (KY) and Sayre (KY) on November 15 is set to be a thrilling contest, especially considering the contrasting records of both teams. As the season heads into the postseason, Frankfort, with a .500 overall record (5-5), faces an undefeated Sayre team (11-0) that has dominated its opponents. This game is crucial for both teams, as Sayre seeks to extend its perfect season while Frankfort hopes to pull off an upset.

Team Records and Standings

• Frankfort enters the game with a 5-5 overall record, having gone 1-2 in district play. Their performance at home has been relatively solid, with a 3-1 record, but away games have been a challenge, as they’ve posted a 2-4 record on the road. Despite their mediocre overall record, Frankfort has shown resilience, averaging 25.1 points per game, though they’ve given up 276 points throughout the season.
• Sayre, on the other hand, is perfect with an 11-0 record, dominating both in the district (3-0) and on the road (5-0). They’ve been a force offensively, averaging a whopping 47.6 points per game while only allowing 33 points all season. Their last meeting on October 18th ended in a lopsided 42-0 victory over Frankfort, a game that showcased Sayre’s dominance.

Recent Head-to-Head Matchup

In their most recent encounter, Sayre overwhelmed Frankfort with a 42-0 victory on October 18. The game was never close, as Sayre capitalized on Frankfort’s defensive struggles. Frankfort failed to score a single point, with Sayre’s offense firing on all cylinders, especially in the second quarter, where they outscored Frankfort 21-0.

This loss still lingers in the minds of Frankfort players as they prepare for a much-anticipated rematch in the playoffs. Frankfort’s defense will need to significantly improve to handle the high-powered Sayre offense, which has been one of the most prolific in the state.

Team Scoring Averages and Offensive Comparison

• Frankfort’s Scoring: With a modest 25.1 points per game, Frankfort has struggled to keep up with high-scoring teams. The offense is relatively balanced, with 34 rushing yards per game and 50.1 passing yards. However, they will need to step up significantly, especially in the passing game, where they are averaging just over 50 yards per contest.
• Sayre’s Scoring: Sayre has been nothing short of explosive, averaging 47.6 points per game. The team has a balanced attack but excels particularly in the passing game, where they gain 183.7 yards per game. Their high-scoring offense, led by standout players, has been a nightmare for defenses all year, and they will enter this game with the same offensive firepower.

Key Players to Watch

• Frankfort:
  • Charlie Slabaugh (Rushing Yards, 81.5 per game) has been Frankfort’s top offensive weapon. He will need a big game on the ground to keep the chains moving and help control the clock.
  • Luke Pennington (Passing Yards, 183.7 per game) will also need to step up in the passing game, targeting receivers like Brock Coffman (92.3 receiving yards per game) to create explosive plays.
• Sayre:
  • Sayre’s offense is led by a variety of playmakers, including their quarterback and receivers, but they are particularly dangerous when they get their running game and passing attack in sync. Their defense, while not as prolific as their offense, has been extremely efficient, allowing only 33 points all season.

Playoff Implications and Analysis

The game marks a pivotal moment for both teams. For Frankfort, a win would not only avenge their earlier loss to Sayre but would also propel them into the next round of the playoffs with momentum. They have shown resilience all season and will need to play their best game to pull off an upset.

Sayre, on the other hand, is riding high with a perfect season. Their offense has been nearly unstoppable, and their defense has been suffocating. They are heavily favored, but the postseason is unpredictable, and a strong effort from Frankfort could make things interesting.

Final Thoughts

While Sayre enters the game as the clear favorite, Frankfort will bring their best in hopes of spoiling Sayre’s perfect season. The game promises to be an exciting showdown, with Sayre looking to continue their dominance and Frankfort hoping for an upset. Will Sayre prove their perfect season was no fluke, or can Frankfort pull off a dramatic playoff win? The stage is set for an unforgettable matchup.