Fourth Battle of Elkhorn Creek kicks off new high school football season

GEORGETOWN, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW)- Four of the finest high school football teams in the Bluegrass will kick off the 2024 KHSAA high school football season in The Battle of Elkhorn Creek on Friday August 23.

Bowl Game Breakdown

Bird’s Nest Stadium will host a double header of Scott County versus Franklin County at 6 p.m. and Great Crossing versus Madison Southern at 8:45 p.m.

The bowl game series is in its fourth year of play and is sponsored by Bluegrass Orthopaedics (BGO) and Georgetown Chick-Fil-A.

“We are excited to partner with our local high schools to bring an exciting evening of high school football.” said Cory Brown, BGO’s Coordinator of Sports Medicine.

“We have one thing in mind and that is to have an awesome event that directly benefits the student-athletes involved,” said DT Wells, the Athletic Director for Scott County Schools.

ABC 36 Sports will have coverage of both games on The EndZone at 11 p.m.

Before kickoff, fans can prepare for the Battle of Elkhorn Creek with a preview of all four teams.

Scott County

The Cardinals enter the season with plenty of ground and pound power from running backs Buddy Collins and Timmy Emongo, who anchor the position group.

Head Coach Jim McKee’s team is moving into a new stadium to play true home games for the first time in 30 years this fall.

After going 9-3 overall last season, the Cards will have to level up if they want to go further than the second round of the playoffs where they bowed out in 2023.

McKee knows that starting the season playing in top-tier opposition is not to be taken for granted.

“That’s why you come to Scott County High School,” said McKee. “It should be a big game and a fun game between these two teams.”

Franklin County

Franklin County is a powerhouse in Central Kentucky and have bowed out in the 4A semifinals for the past three years after losing in the championship to Boyle County in 2020.

Head Coach Eddie James sees the Cardinals as the standard in the region and says he’s modeled his program after how McKee operates his team.

To take the next step and win the 4A crown, James knows games like these matter to start on the right path.

“Last year after we won the region looking at our football team they wanted more,” said James. “There’s one trophy that we don’t have. (The game) should be a championship-like environment early in the season.”

Great Crossing

Head Coach Ricky Bowling’s Great Crossing Warhawks need to turn the corner this year after a 2-9 season in 2023.

Junior quarterback Jeremiah Clark is leading the team into the 2024 season and has gained high praise from Bowling.

Another new part of the team is that Bowling will not be the one calling plays this season. He’s transferred that job to his offensive coordinator.

“The biggest thing for us this season is the team, the team, the team,” said Bowling. “You have to take care of what’s inside of you first then everything else falls into place.’

Madison Southern

The Eagles are aiming to get back to where they once were; the winners of their district, region and being able to play at Kroger Field.

2017 was the last time all of those milestones happened as Madison Southern went 11-4.

Head Coach Mark Payne has a core group of seniors who have laid down a hard working foundation for the Eagles to punch above their weight.

“We’re leaning on a lot of younger guys to take over leadership roles as well,” said Payne. “We’re just making sure that they hold all their teammates accountable.”