Semifinal thoughts ...

Calloway County and Bullitt East looks to be one of the most intriguing state semifinal match ups, a game that many see as too close to call.

Bullitt East's defense has been especially good over the last two months, but there is the nagging suspicion that the Chargers haven't faced an offense as diversified as Calloway's, which combines the powerful running of Tyrrell Willis and the efficient passing game keyed by quarterback Casey Brockman and three quality receivers — ever-reliable Chris Dobbins and the big-play capability of Willis and George Garner.

On the other hand, Calloway's run defense has been spotty throughout the season, although it's been better in recent weeks. I have a feeling that the Lakers will be all right if they avoid giving up the big play.

As usual, turnovers will be a key. Calloway has been largely mistake-free in recent weeks, save an ill-advised lateral by Willis that Franklin-Simpson returned for a touchdown and an interception last week that came off a deflection. The Lakers capitalized on three first-half miscues by Allen County last week and got on a roll, one that might not end until they reach the state championship game in Louisville.

The pick here is the Lakers ... something along the lines of 28-20.

• No team faces a tougher scenario than Crittenden County — a heavily-favored opponent and a state championship favorite at the end of a 300-mile road trip.

Simply put, Beechwood is in a class by itself in Class A, with a big and physical line corps that will dominate the line of scrimmage. If the outcome is still in doubt in the second half, the Rockets have accomplished something. I'm not holding my breath.

The pick here ... Beechwood 48, Crittenden 7.

• State semifinal picks:

Class 6A ... Louisville St. Xavier over Louisville Trinity, Louisville Male over Simon Kenton
Class 5A ... John Hardin over Christian County, Fort Thomas Highlands over Whitley County
Class 4A ... Calloway County over Bullitt East, Boyle County over Bell County
Class 3A ... Louisville Central over Union County, Belfry over Breathitt County
Class 2A ... Fort Campbell over Monroe County, Newport Catholic over Corbin
Class A ... Beechwood over Crittenden County, Lexington Christian over Hazard

Best set of semis ... Class 4A ... it's hard to imagine both these games not going down to the fourth quarter
Worst set of semis ... Class A ... both could be blowouts