Beech Tree News Network

With a 42-21 win last week against Ballard Memorial in the first round of the Kentucky High School Athletic Association football playoffs, the Butler County Bears now have a different foe in their sights - the Mayfield Cardinals.  Butler County (9-2) will square off against the Cardinals (10-1) in Mayfield on Friday night, November 13.  Kick-off is set for 7 p.m.
Butler County head coach Ryan Emmick and his team know that facing the almost-strong Mayfield Cardinals will be a challenge.

"Mayfield is one of the best, if not the best, teams in 2A.  They are  a perennial state and national power in football and have one of the most significant and historical football programs in the state of Kentucky," said Emmick.  "We have an opportunity to go out and test ourselves against the best."

Coach Emmick expect to see some similarities between his team and Mayfield. 

"Offensively, Mayfield runs the spread offense and is very similar to us in play calling and selection.  You will not see a great deal of variation between our offense and theirs.  They will spread the field and attack numbers, attempt to create advantages with numbers, and put their playmakers in space," said Emmick.

The coach is probably more concerned with what the Bears will face defensively.

"Defensively, this will be one of the best units we have faced all season.  They are quick, aggressive, and play fundamentally sound football.  They base from a 3-4 and will bring multiple looks and pressures to disrupt the passing game," said Emmick. 

Emmick says it is imperative that the Bears eliminate mistakes or at least keep them to a minimum. "We must focus one play at a time and play fundamentally sound football.  We cannot beat ourselves with turnovers and have to find a way to make plays when we need them the most," added Emmick.

The game will be aired live on WLBQ 101.5 FM with Robert Tuck, Cody Donaldson, and Josh Scott.