[dflpackage01]

Knox QB looks solid on film. Seems very confident. They are big across the offensive line, particularly the two tackles. The running game looked pretty good against Estill County, but I have no feel at all for how good Estill is. I’m fairness, it looks like some of the running plays take a little long to develop and rely a bit on the hope that the DL is a little slow to react based on how some of the plays are blocked. Knox throws a lot of screens, but the QB can toss it down the field as well and has a nice arm. I didn’t get a good read on which receivers are back or how good the receivers this year are. However, I would imagine with a 4A school that they have fine receivers ready to step up.

Defensively, my opinion is they seem somewhat susceptible to the run and will have difficulty matching the speed of Hester and Pittman. Their MLB is good size and they have at least two very fine DL. Overall, they seem to have average team speed on D.

Ashland’s offensive line is pretty good as a unit with one or two exceptional linemen. Ashland’s QB has worked hard, but is untested. We have kids who can catch the ball but need to be able to get it to them. Hester and Pittman are game changers. I suspect the game may have a higher score than expected. Overall, I think Knox has a really strong team.

Other than the DTs for Ashland, the defense is somewhat smallish when compared to Knox. Essentially, Ashland has replaced 3 of the 4 DL from last year. They have three wrestlers on front line. (They start 5 on defense) Pretty disciplined. The LBs are small, but aggressive and get a lot of tackles. Replaced half of the secondary this year. In scrimmages, Ashland starters have stopped the run well against 2A to 6A schools. They have been a little susceptible to the long pass though.

I’m going with the nod to my Tomcats despite the long trip: 33-27