PRESTONSBURG – Undefeated Prestonsburg (11-0) will host Middlesboro tonight in the second round of the Class 2A State Playoffs. The Blackcats reached the second round following a 56-8 opening round victory over Knott County Central. Senior quarterback Michael Burchett passed for 275 yards and four touchdowns last Friday night as the Blackcats coasted past visiting Knott County Central in the opening round. The number two seed behind Corbin in District 8, Middlesboro will carry a 4-7 record into tonight’s second round matchup.

Prestonsburg has made the most of a versatile offensive attack throughout the season, scoring 21 or more points in each outing. Defensively, Prestonsburg has limited seven of 11 opponents thus far to 14 points or less. Prestonsburg has outscored its 11 opponents 462-141.

Burchett has now completed 129-of-198 passes for 2,231 yards and 26 touchdowns opposed to only four interceptions.

Sophomore Joseph Jamerson has been a go-to-receiver for Prestonsburg, hauling in 39 catches for 689 yards and eight touchdowns.

Rushing-wise, Josh Craynon has picked up 600 yards and scored six touchdowns on 91 carries for the Blackcats. Burchett and Austin McKinney have both rushed for over 400 yards. McKinney leads the Blackcats with 10 rushing touchdowns.

Craynon has reeled in a team-high 10 touchdown receptions for the Blackcats. McKinney and Josh Blackburn have three scoring receptions apiece.

Defensively, Prestonsburg has picked off 11 passes, averaging one interception per game.

Middlesboro defeated Bath County 49-14 last Friday night in the first round of the Class 2A State Playoffs.

The winner of tonight’s Prestonsburg-Middlesboro game will meet the winner of the Corbin-Shelby Valley matchup next week in the Region Finals.

Kickoff for the Prestonsburg-Middlesboro game is set for 7:30 p.m.