[Hoot Gibson]

I wouldn't say that the rivalry between Ashland and Johnson Central was not competitive. Johnson Central dominated the series based on wins and district titles, but most of the games were competitive. Thanks to Coach Matney, Johnson Central won nearly every game that was close, including at least a couple in which Johnson Central came from behind to win in the last minute or last seconds of the game. There is nothing more satisfying to beat a rival on the last play of the game and spoil their playoff plans.

I am picking Belfry in a close game. It is hard to believe that Ashland has never lost to Belfry in Putnam Stadium, but I don't think that Belfry's best teams played them at Putnam. Hopefully, the Pirates will break that streak tonight.