Breaking down the Class 5-A football playoffs:
* Final pick: Pulaski County over Owensboro.
* Potential road block: Pulaski County should cruise to the semifinals, where a trip to either Highlands or Covington Catholic likely awaits. I think Owensboro, Bowling Green and Fern Creek are all capable of winning the top half of the bracket, but I’m giving the Red Devils the edge because they’ll have home-field advantage throughout.
* Dark horse: Covington Catholic has an ugly 3-7 record but should get another meeting with Highlands in the regional final. The Colonels fell to the Bluebirds 14-10 earlier this season and would love another chance to face their rivals.
* Best first-round matchup: Anderson County (5-5) at Covington Catholic (3-7). Their records aren’t great, but these are two of the top 11 teams in Class 5-A according to the Litkenhous Ratings.
* Complete bracket: http://usatodayhss.com/2015/2015-khsaa-class-5a-high-school-football-playoff-bracket