The Bobcats effectively had two weeks off before beating Taylor County 26-0 in the first round of the playoffs after Magoffin County forfeited in their season finale Oct. 23.
Wake-up call
"They have been playing much better since the Lexington Christian game (a 63-21 loss), and that game seems to have served as a wake-up call for their team," Scenters said.
Breathitt is also healthier.
Fugate was a Mr. Football candidate at the beginning of the season, but the Tennessee recruit has battled injuries and played in just eight regular season games, rushing for 901 yards and 12 touchdowns on 106 attempts. He ran for 122 yards and two touchdowns against Taylor.
Quarterback Jade Haddix threw for 742 yards and seven touchdowns with seven interceptions in nine regular-season games.
"They are doing a good job of mixing in the quarterback run game to complement Fugate," Scenters said. "Haddix is a threat because he obviously has the ability to throw the ball downfield, but he really runs the offense well and does a great job with the counter read play and hitting the cutback lane on the zone read."
Garrard (5-6) put up 515 yards of offense in last week's 70-33 win over Powell County, and the Lions are averaging 29 points and 282 yards of offense per game.
Cory Wilson has rushed for 758 yards and seven touchdowns, Fred Hayes has 574 yards and nine scores, Tyler Ray has 575 yards rushing and three touchdowns. Ray also has 37 catches for 515 yards and eight TDs and has returned three kickoffs and a punt for scores.
Billy Abney is 65 of 127 passing for 807 yards with nine touchdowns and nine interceptions.
Scenters said Breathitt's defense will be a challenge.
Very quick defense
"Defensively they seem very quick and they really hustle to the football and run. I think we may have a bit of a size advantage and the play of our offensive and defensive lines will be very important."
Garrard's speed was a big difference against Powell, when the Lions ran for 364 yards and threw for 151 more.
Scenters said speed could be a slight advantage for the Lions this week.
"I think our speed can be an advantage if we use it appropriately. As I said, they are quick defensively and have some speed as well," he said. "Speed versus speed can make for a fun game, usually decided by which team blocks and tackles the best and who runs the toughest."
Scenters was concerned about his team's cohesiveness heading into the playoffs, but he said he liked what he saw last week and hopes it continues this week.
"I am very proud of our team for playing a very team-oriented game in the first round. We have shown on a few occasions this year what we are capable of when we play as an entire team unit for four full quarters," Scenters said. "That is the exact effort and intensity that it is going to take to get past Breathitt County in the second round.
"I keep telling these guys that they have a great opportunity to be a special team here at Garrard County. The opportunity to make that happen is right here in front of us."
Garrard County at Breathitt County
7:30 p.m. Friday, Jackson
CLASS 3A, REGION 3 PLAYOFFS
RADIO/WEBCAST: WRNZ-FM (105.1) at 10 p.m. and www.hometownlive.net
RECORDS
Golden Lions: 5-6
Bobcats: 6-5
LAST MEETING (2008): Breathitt County 28-13
WINNER PLAYS: Estill County or Somerset
