[KYHSFBFan]

It's awfully early in the season to be talking about the strength of the East or West teams and we all know it can vary drastically by class at least from a fans perspective which isn't always played out once all's said and done. In saying that, there are a few games on this weeks docket that will go a long ways in that so called perception. If you're a true HS football fan, here's 3 games you'll want to see:

1) CENTRAL @ CORBIN

These 2 teams always have high expectations and 2016 is certainly no exception. Central is coming off a heartbreaking 1 point loss to perennial 6a power Manual while the Hounds looked impressive with a big blowout win over a decent 5a Whitley Co. team. Many people feel the Jackets may be a little down this year as they suffered heavy losses from last years semi final team, but, unless Manual is really down this year, last week sure didn't do much to make me feel bad about this years prospects and teams like this don't rebuild, they reload. From the Red Hounds perspective, this is a year they've been pointing to for the last 2-3 years as expectations are extremely high for this bunch. While they've had some decent success the past few years, their fans are dreaming of getting back to the glory days of Corbin football and their coach has the numbers up and the people believing. Now's the time to prove it on the field. This could easily be a preview of what we could see again the 1st weekend in November. Regardless of that, from a confidence and momentum standpoint, this is a huge game for both teams. Speed verses Power, at it's finest. While I won't be surprised by either team taking this one, I feel the Red Hounds experience and home field advantage gives them the slightest edge.

Prediction : Corbin 27 Central 21

2) KNOX CENTRAL @ WAGGONER

While this game, unlike the last, pits 2 teams in different classes, it'll still go a long ways in the perception of the 2 teams across the state. Knox is coming off a heartbreaking 1 point loss to a solid 6a team and most of their fans feel they handed the game away with some questionable play calling, while Waggoner didn't get pushed in their blowout win over Iroquois. A Knox win will go a long way in getting that disappointing loss out of their system, but, a 2nd consecutive loss could really stymie their confidence. Waggoner has had some solid talent the last couple of years and they now have the experience to go with it. A win here could really boost the teams confidence as they're really in need of a signature win or 2 to get folks to take serious notice. If I were closer, I'd love to take this one in. This game pits an explosive offensive team in Waggoner verses a stout defensive team in Knox. While I think Waggoner's speed and athleticism will cause Knox some problems and they'll be able to put some points on the board, if Knox can take care of the ball, establish the line of scrimmage with some long established drives, their depth will help them pull it out late..

Prediction : Knox Central 38 Waggoner 28

3) FRANKFORT @ PAINTSVILLE

Many questions should get answered this week down in Paintsville. Are the Panthers really back to form after a disappointing 2015, marred by injury, depth issues and young talent? Can Paintsville sustain the momentum of 2015 after losing all everything stud and UK commit Kash Daniel? While Frankfort looked solid against a scrappy Paris team last week, where the final score was actually closer than what the game was and Paintsville looked impressive in their blowout win over Sheldon Clark, neither team played what you'd call a tester game. This week, that will change. Both these teams possess big play capability and should be able to exploit the others D on occasion. In the end, this could come down to who makes the fewest mistakes and special team play. Field position will be important. While I think it'll be a competitive game, I think Paintsville will take this one at home..

Prediction : Paintsville 42 Frankfort 28

How does everyone else feel about these 3 games?