Beech Tree News Network

An undefeated Butler County Bears football team (8-3, 3-2) took a 50-0 schellacking on September 23 against Owensboro Catholic (11-0, 5-0). Now, advancing to the second round of the KHSAA playoffs, the Bears are hoping for a much different outcome as the two teams are set to faceoff again at 7 p.m. tomorrowing night at Steele Stadium on the campus of Kentucky Wesleyan College.  Butler County Head Coach Ryan Emmick is looking forward to the rematch and so are his Bears.  

"Playing Owensboro Catholic for a second time this year is a great opporutinty for us.  In the first game with them we got a great look at their athleticism and what they like to do.  There are several things that you pick up on in a head to head matchup that you can't get from film of teams," said Emmick.  "There is no doubt that they are a great team and are very well coached.  Catholic did a great job picking on our weaknesses both offensively and defensively.  The areas that they exposed are areas that we have worked on in the past few weeks to correct," added Emmick.

One of the areas Coach Emmick said his team must do is somehow limit the Aces' running game.  

"We must contain Owensboro Catholic's run game.  They are known to be a team that throws the ball around alot, but they do a great job of attacking you with the run.  They have a great back and find ways to get the ball in his hands.  We have to come out of the gates executing our run responsibilities and flying to the football in order to be successful," said Emmick.   

Stopping an aggressive Catholic offensive attack is one path to victory for Butler County but so is executing its own game plan.  
"We have to win the battle at the line of scrimmage.  We have a great opportunity and a great challenge ahead of us and this week, as in all weeks, it starts up front," said Emmick.  "Our offensive and defensive lines must execute their responsibilities and win their individual battles.  Our skill players must make plays and make things happen," added Emmick.

The coach also stressed the mental aspect of the game, as well as going hard the whole way.
"We must come out focused and execute for four quarters to be successful.  This is something we have the ability to do and I fully expect our players to come out ready to go and to play hard-nosed Butler County football," stated Emmick.

The Butler County-Owensboro Catholic matchup will be broadcast live on Beech Tree Radio 1570 AM WLBQ with play-by-play by David Clark.  Fans can also access an audio stream of the game directly from www.beechtreenews.com by clicking on the "BTN Radio" icon at the top of the home pag