LOUISVILLE, Ky. – It's rivalry week in the Bluegrass as Bellarmine and Midway are set to meet on the gridiron this Saturday in the fifth installment of the Battle of the Bourbon Barrel. Kickoff is set for 3 p.m. ET in the Knights' home opener at Page Stadium on the campus of St. Xavier High School.
 
Bellarmine (1-0) has yet to surrender possession of the Barrel to Midway, going 4-0 against Midway since the series began with the inception of the MSFL in 2022. The Knights earned a 49-15 win last season at Franklin County High School.
 
About Midway
Midway (0-1) enters Saturday looking to bounce back from a shootout loss against Saint Mary-of-the-Woods. The Eagles are led by sophomore quarterback Christian Carter, who piled up 320 passing yards and five touchdowns last week while also rushing for 96 yards, making him the centerpiece of both the passing and ground games. Carter spreads the ball effectively to multiple targets, with receivers like Ayden Bauwens and Antonio Barber each grabbing a pair of touchdowns against SMWC.
 
Despite the Eagles' offensive output, the defense struggled to stop SMWC, conceding a early second quarter 16-7 lead. Midway surrendered more than 400 yards through the air against SMWC, struggling to prevent big plays. Their special teams also put them in difficult field position, averaging just 20 yards on three punts, and three interceptions of Carter also halted potential scoring opportunities.
 
Last Week
Bellarmine opened its season in dominant fashion with a 43–0 shutout of Oakland City on Saturday. After a scoreless first quarter, the Knights erupted in the second, highlighted by two touchdown passes from Dylan Morris to Tyler Smith and a pick-six from Kori Woods to build a 23–0 halftime lead. Morris was sharp in his debut, completing 14 of 18 passes for 168 yards, while Smith hauled in five catches for 103 yards and two scores, including one on the final play of the first half. Running back Brenden Reid powered the ground game with 92 yards and two third-quarter rushing touchdowns, and the defense added another score when Bryce Bullock returned a fumble 30 yards for the team's second defensive touchdown. Overall, the Knights outgained the Mighty Oaks 287–151 and capitalized on 11 Oakland City penalties while committing just five.
 
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