Top Ground Game Performances in Week 9
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November marks the apex of the high school football season here in Kentucky, when teams compete in post-season matchups under often unpredictable, challenging weather conditions. In a state known for its fickle and sometimes harsh fall climate, the importance of…
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Continue ReadingNovember marks the apex of the high school football season here in Kentucky, when teams compete in post-season matchups under often unpredictable, challenging weather conditions. In a state known for its fickle and sometimes harsh fall climate, the importance of a strong, reliable rushing attack cannot be overstated for high school football teams. Playing in tough conditions requires an adaptable offensive strategy that can withstand the elements, and a strong ground game is invariably more reliable in these conditions than pass-heavy systems which can be negatively impacted by slippery footballs, gusty winds, and reduced visibility. To that end, these standout performers from Week 9 appear primed to generate offensive successes for their respective programs, come rain, snow, sleet or hail:
Fans and followers will be hard-pressed to find a freshman performer who has made a bigger impact on his team’s successes this season than Hanshaw, who currently leads all Class AAAAA rushers with an average of 128.3 yards per game (#21 statewide). In his Cougars’ 53-0 blowout win over Breckinridge County, he produced 229 yards and 4 touchdowns on 15 carries, helping propel his squad to a 26-0 halftime lead and 46-0 by the end of the three quarters. A physical, downhill ball carrier with the ability to run through initial contact, he has produced 1,155 yards and 18 touchdowns on 162 carries and exhibits the acceleration and change-of direction skills to run away from second/third level defenders. Currently the #4 scorer in Class AAAAA averaging 13.8 point per game (21st statewide), he also excels defensively where he has collected 35 solo tackles, 5 assists, 6 tackles for loss, 1 forced fumble and 2 interceptions. Now 8-1 on the season, Hanshaw and his Cougars will conclude their regular season on the road at Hancock County before hosting Iroquois to begin the Class AAAAA playoffs.
Ian McCarty
Ian McCarty
While the victories have been a bit scarce for his Hornets this fall, McCarty’s effort and persistence through a challenging season was rewarded in his squad’s most recent 38-19 district road win at Estill County. Carrying the ball 15 times for 193 rushing yards, 2 touchdowns and 1 two-point conversion, he generated his most productive outing of the season and securing his program a third-place finish in Class AAA, District 8. In 6 games this fall, McCarty has totaled 667 yards and 4 scores on 72 carries, more than doubling his offensive production from last season while also remaining one his squad’s most reliable defenders from his defensive end position. Collecting 20 solo tackles, 27 assists, 3 tackles for loss and 1 sack in six games, his leverage skills, physicality and relentlessly high pursuit motor combine to make him likely more suitable for defense and special teams at the next level. Now 3-6 on the season, McCarty and his Hornets will host Morgan County in tonight’s regular season closer before traveling to take on Bell County in round one of the Class AAA playoffs.
Currently the second-leading rusher in Class AA and the #13 rusher statewide, McCutcheon has taken on the bulk of the Bobcats’ running game responsibility and proven himself a reliable and dynamic performer with a penchant for big plays. In his program’s most recent win–a 32-21 district win over Pike Central–he produced 200 rushing yards, 1 touchdown and 1 two-point conversion on 24 carries while also contributing 4 tackles defensively from his safety position. Currently averaging 143.9 rushing yards per game, he has compiled a total 1,295 yards on the ground and 20 touchdowns on 158 carries, and his average of 16.2 points per game places him #2 in scoring across Class AA and #7 statewide. A versatile and elusive pass receiver out of the backfield, as well, he has hauled in 11 receptions for 169 yards and 2 more scores via the air and he currently ranks 4th among Bobcat defenders with 54 total stops and 1 fumble recovery. McCutcheon and his Bobcats (8-1) will conclude their regular season at Powell County before hosting regional rival Prestonsburg in the first round of the Class AA playoffs.
Jamari Pennebaker
Jamari Pennebaker
In his Cougars’ big 42-27 district road win at Bethlehem, Pennebaker displayed speed, physicality and exceptional durability after gaining 285 yards rushing and scoring 5 touchdowns on an incredible 35 carries, pushing the talented sophomore’s season totals to 871 yards and 7 touchdowns on 123 carries. Currently averaging 109 yards rushing per game, he ranks 9th among all ball carriers in Class A (39th statewide), and his average of 5.2 points per game places him 46th in Class A. After gaining 329 rushing yards and scoring 3 touchdowns in limited duty last season, he has assumed the bulk of the load for the Cougars’ rushing attack (currently 10th in Class A, averaging 173 yards per game) and displays the speed, vision and versatility to elevate the energy levels and performances of those surrounding him. An elusive and durable competitor with excellent straight line speed, Pennebaker and his Cougar teammates will host Butler to end their regular season slate before traveling to Russellville to open the Class A playoffs.
Kaden Ruff
Kaden Ruff
Ruff’s leadership and versatility have been integral to his Charger program’s remarkable resurgence this fall, and his performance in J-town’s most recent 42-8 win at district rival Valley only underscores his importance to this squad’s fortunes. Gaining 118 yards, scoring 3 touchdowns and securing a two-point conversion on 10 carries, he also hauled in one 14-yard touchdown reception, pushing his team’s season mark to 8-1 after combining for a record of 1-20 over the two previous years. Currently the 7th-ranked rusher in Class AAAA (23rd statewide) with 1,034 yards and 11 touchdowns on 94 touches, he also has thrown a 61-yard touchdown pass and hauled in 7 passes for 168 yards and 3 more scores. With exceptional top-end speed and the uncanny ability to make the first defender miss in the open field, he also averages 11.5 points per game, making him the 10th-ranked scorer in Class AAAA this fall (40th statewide). Having now equaled their program’s highest single season win total since 2012, Ruff’s Chargers will travel to Bullitt Central to conclude their regular season before hosting North Oldham in their first home playoff game in 11 years.