Beech Tree News Network

One team's record will remain untarnished after Friday night, while the other will notch its first loss as the Butler County Bears travel to Leitchfield to face the Grayson County Cougars in a prep football match-up.  Though from different classes due to enrollment, the game is still important for both schools and is considered a rivalry.  Both teams are undefeated at 4-0.  Butler County is ranked #9 in latest Associated Press (AP) state ranking in Class 2A, while Grayson County is ranked # 14 in Class 5A.     

Butler County coach Ryan Emmick knows Grayson will present the toughest test yet for his team but the Bears are busy with preparations. 

"Grayson is a solid physical football team that is well prepared by Coach Ed Smart.  Grayson wants to run the football, control the clock, and play solid defense.  They are 4-0 for a reason, they play sound fundamental football and get after it on the defensive side of the ball," said Emmick.    "Grayson runs the veer offensively but will mix it up with the play-action pass if they catch you sleeping.  Defensively, they get 11 guys to the football and gang tackle.  They play both an even and odd look on their defensive front and will mix between a "Cover 2" and "Cover 3" in their secondary coverage," added Emmick.    

While the challenges presented by Grayson are definitely a point of emphasis, Coach Emmick is equally focused on getting the best effort and execution from his squad. 

 "We have to get back to playing physical Butler County football.  We had too many errors, let downs, and loafs against McLean last week.  We are not a team that can go out and win games based on physical ability alone.  We have to prepare mentally and physically each and every week to perfect our craft," said Emmick.  "Our passion buckets have to be full when we head into this game Friday.  It will be a four-quarter war and we must prepare all week with that mentality.  Grayson is a 5A football team that is undefeated and we have to find a way to match their intensity to win this game," stressed Emmick. 

The Bears have been "road warriors" so far this season, playing 3 of 4 contests on the road.  But, Coach Emmick says his team isn't worried about that part of the game. 

"It doesn't matter to us where we play.  We are a young team that can't take anything for granted.  There really is little difference to us in preparation if we are on the road," said Emmick.  "Our main goal is we must prepare for each and every play for four quarters of football in order to be successful."

 Butler County and Grayson County will kick-off at 7 p.m.  The game will be broadcast live on WLBQ 1570 AM/Beech Tree Radio with David Clark on the call.