The KSR Game of the Week is headed to beautiful Somerset, KY as the No. 23 Pulaski County Maroons (2-1) play host to the No. 22 Woodford County Yellow Jackets (4-0) in what is primed to be a big-time matchup between two ranked teams in the Bluegrass. The game kicks off at 7:30 p.m. EST under the lights on Friday night.

Plus, it’s Homecoming Night for the Maroons, which makes this game all the more special.

After going all the way out to California to beat Warren (Downey) 32-8, Woodford County jumped the Maroons in this week’s KSR Top 25. They’ll get a chance to justify that even further by taking on a tough Pulaski County team on the road.

In Week 1, the Maroons fell just short of upsetting Beechwood in a neutral site game at Campbell Field, Corbin‘s home field. Following the 28-27 loss, however, Coach Travis Burns led his team to wins over Danville and George Rogers Clark. Because their matchup against Corbin was canceled last week, they come into this game rested, which may serve as an advantage to the Maroons in the end.

Heading into this game, Woodford County is a heavy favorite. On3’s Massey Ratings give the Yellow Jackets a 72% chance of escaping with a win. The projected final score is 35-21 in favor of Woodford County.

No. 22 Woodford County Yellow Jackets (4-0)

The Yellow Jackets are led by head coach Dennis Johnson, former All-SEC defensive end for Kentucky and father to UK basketball commit Jasper Johnson. Johnson’s squad has been dominant this season. Woodford County’s average margin of victory has been 35.5 points per game, which is first in Class 5A.

Their defense, especially against the rush, is one of the more lethal ones in the state. Teams are only managing 44 rushing yards per game against Woodford County. Senior linebacker Dayvion Sturgis leads the defense with 24.5 total tackles, seven tackles for loss, and four sacks on the year.

Senior Graham Hodge and junior Sam Hash round out the linebacking core, and both are very productive as well. Hodge and Hash have combined for 25.5 total tackles and five tackles for loss this season.

On offense, you’ll see a balanced attack fueled by senior quarterback Justus Wertzler and a two-headed monster in the backfield. Seniors Wyatt Crowe (110 YDS, 3 TDs) and Jaiden Shegog (107 YDS, 3 TDs) split the production on the ground pretty evenly with Crowe getting most of the touches. Senior Makhi Smith, who holds offers from UL and UK, has hauled in 211 receiving yards and two touchdowns.

No. 23 Pulaski County Maroons (2-1)

As for the home team in this week’s matchup, they tend to operate in a fairly similar manner on the offensive side of the ball. Pulaski County’s offense is about as balanced as balanced can be, having passed for 615 yards and rushed for 592.

Junior Zak Anderson will be taking the snaps behind center for the Maroons. Along with those 615 yards through the air, he’s also posted nine total touchdowns. Eight of them were with his arm and one was with his legs. Anderson has also completed 33 out of 46 passes to start the year. That means 72% of his passes are being completed, which is an exceptionally good number.

His go-to receivers are senior Harris Denmyer and sophomore Kasen Brock, who have combined for 457 receiving yards already. When Anderson is looking to score, however, keep an eye on Denmyer. He already has five receiving touchdowns on the season, which is tied for third in 5A. Pulaski County also features Brady Hull on the offensive line, a sophomore who has been offered by UK.

On the defensive side of the ball, there’s senior Ethan Idlewine. He has recorded 12 total tackles and two interceptions this season, one of which he took back to the crib for a pick-six.

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