Owensboro will put their nine-game win streak on the line this week as they host Graves County in the second round of the Class 5A football playoffs.
The Red Devils topped the Eagles 28-6 on the road in mid-October in a game that clinched first place in the district standings. It was the lone district loss for Graves County, and their only loss in the last seven games.
OHS head coach Jay Fallin isn’t taking anything for granted against a team that’s proven to be a tough opponent each season.
“They’ve been on a really good run over the years,” he said. “They’ve got a couple more losses this year than they’ve had, but that’s as much because of who they’ve played not just a reflection on them. None of those losses are anything to be ashamed of. They’re a battle tested team. This won’t be the first big game they’ve played in all year.”
In their first meeting this year, Graves County finished with 326 total offensive yards — the most allowed all season by Owensboro. As they’ve done all year, though, the Red Devil defense buckled down and limited the scoring chances of their opponent.
Fallin expects the Eagles to come in ready to avenge that loss.
“We’re going to have to come ready to play,” he said. “Their kids are confident. They’re big and strong up front. They’re really solid all over and don’t have a glaring weaknesses you can exploit.”
A win would move Owensboro into the quarterfinals, though the next round opponent is uncertain at this time due to the new playoff format.
Fallin isn’t concerned about anything beyond the second round at this point, as there’s no room for error going forward.
“The most important thing is you better be focused week in and week out,” he said. “You can’t be daydreaming about playing in Lexington in week two. You better be focused on Graves County and what they do. You have to be prepared or your season’s going to be over. You have to bring your best stuff every Friday, and I think our guys have done that.”
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2019 football coverage is presented in part by Owensboro Health Orthopedics & Sports Medicine.
