[bucslover68]

Belfry fans, I'd highly consider taking the Lexington, Elizabethtown, Owensboro route down the Bluegrass Parkway. It's a long boring drive but provides a much easier and safer path (other than deer). You'll avoid the Louisville & Evansville traffic as well as crossing the Ohio River twice which seems hectic at each crossing. The I-24 bridge from Paducah to Illinois is notorious for delays due to bad wrecks. Based on your personal plans you can choose to make the full drive Friday or stay overnight somewhere on the path.

I'd think the team would choose to stay in Elizabethtown which will take approximately 4.5 to 5.5 hours depending on stops. I'd think the boys could have a good Thanksgiving lunch, do a walk through and be on the road in time for a hotel check in by 8 or 9pm. This won't require a time change. 

Friday, the total drive will be a little over 2.5 hours. Gaining the hour for time change will allow plenty of time for sleeping, then lunch before heading out.
The drive from Etown to Owensboro will take about 1.5 hours. The time zone will change leaving Hardin County (Elizabethtown) into Grayson County. The drive from Owensboro to Union Co high school will take a little over 1 hour. The entire portion of this route will most likely be hassle free with smooth bypasses around Owensboro and Henderson.

Safe travels!!

Belfry will indeed take the more southerly route and stay in Etown Thursday night.  Ty for the information!