MIKE MARSEE

Contributing writer

The Boyle County Rebels understand the assignment.

Never mind that Boyle is coming off a big win instead of a disappointing defeat. For the second straight week, the Rebels are preparing for a game they are expected to win in exactly the same way: by trying to make themselves better.

The Rebels’ game Friday at Bourbon County gives them another chance to do that as the postseason fast approaches, and Boyle coach Justin Haddix said they’re making the most of it.

“I think that’s just the mindset of our team,” Haddix said. “Our kids understand what this program is about and what it is. The standard was set before them, and they want to live up to that. That’s what makes this place so special.”

Haddix said the self-improvement campaign is furthered by the fact that the players are so willing to do the work.

“I think our kids enjoy being around each other. They want to be around each other,” he said.

After losing to Lexington Catholic and routing Anderson County, Boyle (7-1, 1-1 District 4A-5) can secure second place in its district with a win over Bourbon (2-6, 1-1), a team it has beaten handily in each of the past three seasons by a combined score of 143-25.

The Colonels have given up points in bunches this season — they shut out Anderson but have allowed an average of 45.9 points in their other games — but are also capable of scoring in bunches.

They average 32.1 points with an offense led by quarterback Clay Estes, who has thrown for 1,318 yards and 10 touchdowns and rushed for 351 yards and 11 TDs, and running back Josh Moody, who has run for 574 yards and seven TDs.

“They can score, and they’ve got the athletes out there to do it. Any time somebody can do that it makes them dangerous,” Haddix said.

Boyle averages 40.1 points and 12.6 points allowed.

The Rebels got a leader of their offensive line back last week when Andrew Hardwick returned from a foot injury for his first appearance of the season, playing a couple of series against Anderson.

“Getting Andrew on the field was good, seeing him back out there,” Haddix said. “He can play all the different (line) positions for us, and he’s got that nastiness about him on the field.”