The Panthers are looking to continue their historic season during their trip to Louisville, Kentucky, taking on the immensely talented St. Xavier.
Daviess County is coming off a 51-28 win over Henderson County, securing its third district championship in program history.
The offense was clicking on all cylinders against the Colonels, as senior quarterback Joe Humphreys led the charge.
Humphreys threw for 259 yards and five touchdowns on 15-24 passing, while also rushing for 65 yards and two touchdowns on six carries.
Senior Max Dees led the receiving core in yards with 118 on five catches, while seniors Decker Renfrow (2), Isaiah Tomes (2) and sophomore Luke Floyd (1) combined for the five receiving touchdowns. Meanwhile, senior Gunnar Evans led the way in the backfield, rushing for 103 yards on 13 carries.
They will be taking on a St. X team that is coming off of a narrow 18-16 over DuPont Manual after defeating them 42-10 in the regular season.
The Tigers offense runs through senior quarterback Jack Sivori, as the dual threat leads the team in passing and rushing yards.
Sivori throws for just under 140 yards per game and rushes for 78 yards per game, while averaging 3.2 touchdowns per game overall.
The St. X defense is also no laughing matter, recording four shutouts while allowing more than 20 points just five times this season.
“Defensively they are very solid, especially their front 7,” Head Coach Matt Brannon said. “They are a 3-4 base with multiple blitzes and coverages. “Our communication must be on point all night. I feel confident that we match up well with them, but we have to be in the right positions, and win our one on one matchups.”
The Panthers know that they do not have an easy matchup ahead of them and Brannon knows they will have to be mentally and physically strong all night.
“St. X is historically one of the powerhouses in the state for 6A,” Brannon said. “They are the No. 2 ranked team in the state for a good reason, and will play 25-30 different players all night. The depth on both sides of the ball is impressive. They have a very talented QB that is a true dual threat. We will be challenged all night with the balance that the St. X offense possesses. We must be sharp in all aspects of our defensive schemes, and we must be ready to adjust when needed.”
Brannon said they must be laser-focused in all facets of the game, including special teams which is so crucial in the postseason.
“We must also execute on special teams as well,” Brannon said. “A team with as much depth as St. X could really take advantage if we are not sharp in this area.”
This matchup has Daviess County facing their toughest opponent they have seen all season with high stakes on the line.
Brannon and company are looking forward to the challenge, as each snap has led to this point in the season amidst their hunt to achieve their lofty goals of winning a state championship.
“We are looking forward to a great atmosphere at one of the toughest and traditionally rich schools in the state,” Brannon said. “We understand the impact of this game, but our players do a great job of focusing on the task at hand. Our team believes that they will win this game and that we belong to be here. Our focus all year is to control what we can. Effort, attitude, preparation, and playing each game one play at a time. It has been this type of thinking that has allowed us to succeed in almost every situation we have been faced with this season.”
The Panthers will go to battle with St. Xavier in Louisville, Kentucky, when they hit the gridiron at 7:30 p.m. on Friday.
