The Martin County Cardinals and Pike County Central Hawks will look to advance in the 2A playoffs as the two foes meet in a rematch of the Pike County Bowl in the opening round on Friday in Inez.
The Cardinals (7-3), coached by Josh Muncy, won 40-18 in the first meeting and will be looking for a similar result this time around.
Quarterback Devan Mayanard will lead the offense. Maynard has completed 52-of-110 passes for 808 yards, 10 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. He also has 136 carries for 1,045 yards and 18 touchdowns.
Maynard will have weapons to utilize in Julian Stafford, Parker Watts and Brayden Estep. All three are capable receivers, with Watts coming in during the season.
Defensively, Crayson “Bones” Lafferty leads the way with 150 tackles, including 12 tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks. Maynard and Estep patrol the secondary. Maynard has 6 interceptions, including 2 returned for touchdowns. Estep has 5 interceptions.
The Hawks (4-6), coached by Scott Grizzle, will look to avenge the loss from earlier this season.
Jamere Knuckles will lead the Hawks. This season he has completed 56-of-113 passes for 669 yards, 4 touchdowns and 7 interceptions. He also has 386 yards rushing with 5 rushing touchdowns.
Lane Adams has been a huge weapon for Pike County Central. He has 65 carries for 467 yards and 7 rushing touchdowns while also hauling in 29 passes for 402 yards and 1 receiving touchdown.
Defensively, Trevor Holbrook had 113 tackles, including 12 for a loss. Malachi Anderson has 102 tackles, including 8 for a loss and 4 sacks.
What a game to kick off the playoffs! You’ll want to be there.
