Tri-State Football Preview: Campbell County at Ryle

By Dan Clasgens | Managing Editor

The Ryle Raiders have won three straight games. The Campbell County Camels are winners of two in a row. Something has to give when the two teams collide in a Class 6A district showdown Friday night in Union.

Ryle is starting to gel at the right time under head coach Bryson Warner, who has recreated his team following the season-ending knee injury that knocked First-Team All-TriStateFootball.com running back Travis Elliott out for the season.

Most everyone had written Campbell County off for the dead from the beginning of the season inside the district. After Steven Lickert’s squad defeated Simon Kenton and Dixie Heights in back-to-back weeks though many people are beginning to view the team differently.

CAMPBELL COUNTY (2-5) AT RYLE (5-2)
Site: Borland Stadium
Kickoff: 7:30 P.M.
LISTEN LIVE - Game streamed on TriStateFootball.com

PLAYERS TO WATCH: Quarterback Nathan Davis has taken control of Ryle’s offense. The junior has rushed for 10 touchdowns and passed for four more scores. The Raiders’ defense is led by senior Mac Vollett, who is one of Northern Kentucky’s top tacklers. The Camels’ move of Tyler Durham to quarterback has paid dividends. The junior has rushed for 337 yards and five touchdowns since going under center three weeks ago. Austin Mosely anchors a solid offensive line for Campbell County.

TEAM TRENDS: Campbell County is averaging 28 points per game and allowing just seven points per game in two district games. Over their last four contests the Camels’ defense is giving up just 13.5 points per contest. Ryle is 5-0 this season playing games inside the state of Kentucky and averages 31.8 points per game in those contests. The Raiders are 5-0 versus the Camels over the past four years, including a regular-season and a playoff win in 2010. Since the start of the 2008 season Ryle has gone 20-4 at home.

CAMPBELL COUNTY'S KEYS TO VICTORY: Establishing their offense early in the game is a must for the Camels. They can’t be too one dimensional against Ryle. They will have to attempt a few passes here and there to keep the Raiders from stacking the box. Containing the edges on defense is a must. The Camels can ill afford to give up huge plays on first down. They need to force the Raiders into third-and-long situations and make them get out of their comfort zone.

RYLE'S KEYS TO VICTORY: It’s Senior Night at Ryle and things will be emotional early. The Raiders will need to not let the distractions keep them from getting off to a good start. The Camels have found some confidence after winning two straight games, but if Ryle can force the issue and cause them to panic early it will likely take the air out of their bubble a bit. Winning the battle up front on both sides of the ball should help Ryle secure a win.

PREDICTION: RYLE 33, CAMPBELL COUNTY 20

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