Woodford faces Covington Catholic in first round of playoffs

The Woodford County High School Yellow Jackets (5-5) will face off against Covington Catholic (4-6) on Saturday at 1 p.m. The game was scheduled for Saturday because Covington Cath doesn't have lights on their field.

The Jackets will try to get off the offensive snide. The once prolific passing attack has not netted a single point in the past nine quarters. Despite finding its offense mired the past two game, Woodford averages 236.1 yards per game in the air and 323.9 yards of total offense. That still places them 10th in the state in passing offense.

It's really a matter of confidence at this point. Quarterback Steven Duckworth has struggled since throwing three interceptions at the end of the Ashland Paul Blazer game and Duck admitted to me his confidence is shaky.

I think if the Jackets can get a few good offensive plays off early in the game, they have a good shot of coming home with a win. The defense played a lot better last week and the squad seems rejuvenated under the direction of coach Paul Roher. But any early offensive meltdowns could make for a long afternoon. I don't think the fragile Jacket confidence will handle much adversity. On the flip side, early success will likely lead to an avalanche of points. It's not like the kids have forgotten how to move the football.

Covington Catholic will try to bounce back from a 56-0 whipping at the hands of number one ranked St. Xavier. Woodford fans can hope the Colonels had a little confidence bashing of their own.

But don't let Covington Catholics' record fool you. Along with the loss to St.X, the Colonels also dropped games to Highlands, and two Ohio powers, Cincinnati Elder and Cardinal Moody.

The Colonels have shown vulnerability to the run. If Woodford can get its running game going, it will bode well for its chances. Unfortunately for the Jackets, they will have to do it without top running back Jordan Carter. Carter injured his knee last week and won't return this season.

The weather will also have an impact. The forecast is for wind, rain and dropping temperatures.

I really can't call this one. I look for either a close game won by the Jackets or a Cov Cath blowout. It really depends on whether the Jackets can shake off its offensive demons.