In a rematch of last year, the Owensboro Catholic football team will host Somerset in the 2A state semifinals tonight. A year ago, the Aces rolled to a 44-15 victory, but with the Briar Jumpers returning a majority of their roster, Catholic head coach Jason Morris is making sure his team is focused.
“Last year’s team was a very young team,” Morris said of Somerset. “On film, they are a year, bigger, faster, and stronger.”
The Aces will need to know where Kris Hughes is at all times. A dynamic athlete, Hughes can hurt in both the running and receiving game. Last week in their win over Prestonsburg, the junior rushed for 146 yards and two touchdowns on 28 carries.
QB Josh Bruner is also a key part of their run game and adds an extra wrinkle to their offense.
“Bruner runs with isos and counters,” Morris said. “In the passing game, he does a good job getting the ball out quickly and on time.”
Through three postseason games, the Aces defense is allowing just more than 13 points a game, but this will be their toughest test yet. It has been the next-man-up mentality for Catholic with star linebacker Vince Carrico sidelined the last two games.
Offensively, the Aces are firing on all cylinders, with Atwell scoring four total touchdowns a week ago. Dereon Crowe had one of his more impressive games of the season, hauling in three passes for 128 yards and two touchdowns.
The Briar Jumper’s defense utilizes multiple fronts while mixing in zone coverage, including 4-4, 3-4, and 3-3 stack formations. Morris said the Aces’ offense will continue to stick to what has worked for them all year long and take what the defense gives them.
Though they would return to Lexington for the championship game with a win, Morris said the Aces aren’t looking ahead and are instead taking it one day at a time.
“We are going to take each play as a game in itself and not look at the scoreboard or look ahead to next week,” Morris said. “We have used that approach all season and it is nothing new.”
