Big Sandy Preps Game of the Week: Prestonsburg @ Sheldon Clark

Prestonsburg, yet again, is apart of our game of the week. This week the Blackcats travel to Inez to face rival, Sheldon Clark at "The Rock". Prestonsburg has owned the series lately, winning the last 4 meetings and outscoring the Cardinals, 99-48, dating back to 2006.

Both teams opened up the season with losses, as Prestonsburg fail to Perry County Central in the final 2 seconds , 35-34. Sheldon Clark was shutout by Rockcastle County, 45-0 at Harrison County's Thorobred Bowl. Both teams will be looking for the win and both will be looking to show the mountains that they're as good as advertised and not over-hyped.

Sheldon Clark did graduate 17 players off of last seasons team, including most of their offensive line, which is important for the success of their run, run, run offense. The addition of Tim Smith from Shelby Valley and the return of KP Skyles certainly makes this team worthy of a second look, as the Cardinal backfield is arguably one of the quickest in the mountains. But neither back got a chance to show off that speed against Rockcastle County, as the Rockets shut down the Cardinal offense.

The Blackcats of Prestonsburg only graduated 4 starters from both sides of the ball last season and return a defensive coordinators nightmare with Jamerson & Bryson Williams. However the emergence of freshman Jarred Jarrell & sophomore Grant Anderson against Perry Central certainly doesn't make things any easier on coaches who are trying to prepare for the Blackcats. Adam Crisp has a ton of weapons to throw too along with a veteran line, that actually "looks like an offensive line", says John Derossett during media days a few weeks ago. You would think this offense would be unstoppable with all the talent, but they come out of the gate slow against Perry Central last week, however they look nearly unstoppable in the 2nd half, scoring 28 points to only 6 in the first half.

Many, including Sheldon Clark fans don't know what to expect out of the Cardinals this Friday because of the beating they took against Rockcastle. It could wind up being one of those scenarios where Rockcastle County was just that good or that Sheldon Clark was just way over hyped coming into season, or just a little of both. We will certainly find out though, because like I eluded to above, both teams are going to be coming out with something to prove.

Best of luck to both!