Bears hit the road to Murray for first-round playoff game

Thu, 11/07/2013 - 7:01pm — John Embry

The "second" high school football season begins Friday night as the opening round of the Kentucky High School Athletic Association's (KHSAA) post-season playoffs get underway. Butler County High School (7-3) will be traveling to far western Kentucky for a 7 p.m. kickoff against the Murray High School Tigers (6-4). B.C.H.S. head coach Ryan Emmick is well aware of the solid reputation Murray has as a football school.

"Murray is a traditional power in Kentucky High School football. They play a traditional brand of football - both offensively and defensively - that centers around running the football and controlling the clock," said Emmick. "They run the wishbone formation primarily on offense and pride themselves on grinding out first downs and controlling time of possession. They are a very similar team to the Russellville team we faced early in the season."

Winning the battle on the line and picking up runners quickly will be part of the Bears' battle plan, according to Emmick.

"They are a very good team on the offensive and defensive lines. Murray is big and physical and we must meet the challenge along our front line. Murray has several good running backs that we must meet early in their runs in order to slow them down," said Emmick.

Defensively, Coach Emmick expects to see varying formations.

"Murray likes to bring pressure and will run primarily a "cover two" defense. They will give multiple even and odd looks along the front line of their defense. We must recognize and pick up blitzing linebackers and adjust to our offensive checks accordingly," said Emmick.

According to KHSAA statistics, Butler County has solid rankings across the board in multiple categories.

- Butler County is ranked #3 in rushing defense in 2A.

- Butler County is ranked #10 in all classifications in the state in Rushing Defense.

- Butler County is ranked #10 in 2A in passing defense.

- Butler County is ranked #4 in 2A in passing offense

- Butler County is ranked #12 in points per game at 31.8 points per game.

- Jimmy Burns is ranked #12 in passing yards in 2A with 933 yards

- Bryce Shanklin is ranked #13 in passing yards in 2A with 857 yards

- Drake Embry is ranked #6 in receiving yards in 2A with 556 yards

- Butler County is ranked #6 in 2A in scoring margin.

The game will be broadcast live on WLBQ 1570 AM and streamed on Beech Tree News (www.beechtreenews.com). Mark Allen, John Embry, and coach Cody Donaldson will have the call.

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