In what could be an offensive showcase between crosstown rivals, Daviess County will look to keep their undefeated season going while also knocking off Owensboro for this first time since 2017 when the Panthers host the Red Devils this Friday at 6 p.m.
Senior quarterbacks Gavin Wimsatt (OHS) and Joe Humphreys (DCHS) will lead their respective offensive, though each team will rely on a bevy of talent on both sides of the ball.
Humphreys had a record week against Owensboro Catholic last Friday, setting the new Daviess County record for passing yards and completions in a game by throwing for 567 yards on 33-38 passing, including six touchdowns.
Knowing that Humphreys is at the center of the Panther offense, Owensboro Head Coach Jay Fallin and company are looking to pressure him in the pocket.
“Their offense begins with Joe, who has a big arm, can keep plays alive with his legs and keeps his eyes downfield and finds open wide receivers,” Fallin said. “Our D-line will have to maintain their pass rush lanes and close the pocket with discipline and our DBs will have to maintain coverage.”
The Panthers also have a slew of experienced varsity players that can make an impact, such as Da’Marien Gamer, Isaiah Tomes, Max Dees, Gunnar Evans and Luke Floyd.
With so many weapons and experience on the gridiron for Daviess County, Fallin knows that his team will have to be laser-focused on Friday night.
“Daviess County is a veteran group,” Fallin said. “Most of their skilled players have started since they were sophomores. They are well-coached and experienced, and they play hard.”
Fallin expects continued improvement in all three phases of the game, as he said that should be their goal in practice and in games.
With that goal in mind, Fallin said his team has to limit mistakes and put pressure on the Panthers.
“[We have to] execute our game plan and apply the pressure,” Fallin said. “Eliminate turnovers and costly penalties on offense and play with great execution and attention to detail on defense and special teams.”
Meanwhile, the Panthers will have a challenge of their own in looking to limit Wimsatt and the Red Devils’ high-powered ground game.
Wimsatt threw for 222 yards and a pair of touchdowns on 14-27 passing as Owensboro rolled past Apollo last week.
While Wimsatt played well, the bulk of their offense came from the backfield. Kenyatta Carbon led the way, rushing for four touchdowns and 78 yards on seven carries.
Tramel Barksdale also had a strong performance, rushing for 94 yards on 11 carries.
Javius Taylor will also make his return to the field after leaving with an injury in week one, forming a three-headed attack from the backfield.
Despite the numerous weapons for OHS, Daviess County Head Coach Matt Brannon is confident his guys can compete.
“Owensboro is a complete team,” Brannon said. “They have lots of athleticism and team speed. Solid offensive and defensive line, and one of the best quarterbacks in the country. Fortunately, I feel that we have a lot of the same attributes. We match up well across the board, so it will ultimately come down to who will protect the ball and execute the game plans better.”
Coming off a big win to go 2-0 to start the season, Daviess County is looking to stay sharp in practice this week to prepare for the big game.
In order to do that, the focus in practice has been to make sure their mental game is strong as well as the physical Friday night.
“Do your job,” Brannon said. “Manage the hype, and do not let outside distractions get in the way of us achieving our goals. The most important play of the game is the next play. Focus on your assignment each and every play, and give your best effort on that play.”
Daviess County is looking to top Owensboro for the first time since grabbing a 33-27 win in 2017.
To get that victory, Brannon said they have to limit mistakes and establish a strong running game offensively.
“We must establish a run game early,” Brannon said. “We know that Owensboro will try to do the same. We must protect the football, eliminate the silly penalties. We must limit the big play. We gave up two long kick returns last week, and I know they will try to take advantage of that. We have to play to the best of our ability in all three phases of the game, and manage the waves of emotion and momentum.”
Brannon and company fell just short last year, losing to the Red Devils 42-34. This year, they expect a different result.
“[I expect] a win,” Brannon said. “This will be a playoff-like atmosphere and for us to compete at the highest levels of 6A in the postseason, we have to stand up and go blow-for-blow against one of the power houses of class 5A. I feel like we are up for the fight. Our goal is a state championship, and we cannot be satisfied with playing a close game.”
Fallin and company are also ready for the showdown under the Friday night lights, knowing that it will be an extremely intense game all night.
“It will be a big-game atmosphere,” Fallin said. “We are expecting a large crowd and an electric environment. We will have to focus and compete for 48 minutes, just like last year. We will get more invaluable big-game experience.”
