Friday, October 29, 1999
Playoff fates on the line for N.Ky. teams
BY NEIL SCHMIDT
The Cincinnati Enquirer
Holmes and Conner met in the final week of the football season each of the past eight seasons. In six of the last seven, the final Class AAA playoff berth was on the line.
The schedule changed this year. The scenario didn't.
“It's another Week 10, and we're still fighting Holmes for that spot,” Conner coach Tom Stellman said. “I guess it's just meant to be this way.”
Holmes (6-3) plays host to Scott (2-7) tonight, and Conner (4-4) travels to Highlands (8-1). Though Conner would qualify either by winning or having Holmes lose, neither looks likely. Holmes' 28-25 victory Oct.1 at Conner may be the tiebreaker it needs.
“I'd like to have that game back,” Stellman said. “But our fate is still in our hands.”
Ryle (5-4) can earn the final AAAA playoff spot by winning at Campbell County (2-7). If it wins, it begins the playoffs next week at Louisville Trinity, the state's No.4 team.
“We talked all week about the dream still being in front of us,” Ryle coach Kyle Hockman said.
Newport (8-1) can win its AA district and earn home-field playoff games by winning tonight at Russell (7-2). If it loses, Newport must begin the playoffs at Lexington Catholic (8-1), the state's No.2 AA team.
“That's a big difference,” Newport coach Roy Lucas Sr. said. “Let's hope we take care of business here.”
The rest of the playoff picture:
Class AAAA
Boone County is in as the third seed; Lexington powers Bryan Station and Henry Clay play for the district title Friday. If Ryle loses, Scott County steals the district's fourth playoff berth.
Class AAA
Highlands is the district champ. Dixie Heights and Covington Catholic are also in, and will meet tonight at Dixie with the No.2 seed — and a home playoff opener — at stake.
Class A
Bellevue is the district champion. Beechwood and Newport Central Catholic are also in, and will meet tonight at Newport with the No.2 seed — and a home playoff opener — at stake.
Ludlow appears likely to get the last berth. Dayton could steal it, but only if it upsets Bellevue and Holy Cross upsets Ludlow.
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