The Golden Lions have earned a second-round playoff game by defeating E-Town on Nov. 8 in a first-round postseason matchup at home. Garrard County will now go on the road on Friday, November 15, to the heart of the biggest city in the state, where they face Muhammad Ali’s alma-mater, Louisville Central.

This matchup, played on Central’s home turf, marks the second-ever meeting between the teams; Central won their first clash in 2016.

The Golden Lions, riding a wave of momentum, have posted eight wins this season—their highest count since a nine-win campaign in 2014. Central, however, presents a formidable challenge as a historically tough opponent and the reigning District 3 champions. The Yellowjackets have proven to be a formidable force on their home field, and their 48-26 victory over Garrard in 2016 showcased their ability to pull away in the second half. In that game, Garrard’s Connor Isaacs and Jacob Foley put up a solid fight, with Isaacs passing for 109 yards and two touchdowns and Foley rushing for 144 yards and two touchdowns, but Central's well-rounded play proved too much for the Golden Lions.

In addition to the playoff stakes, the trip to Louisville itself is noteworthy for Garrard County. Historically, the Golden Lions have played only six games in the River City, achieving a 3-3 record. Their first Louisville game dates back to 1969 with a 58-0 shutout against the Kentucky Military Institute. Garrard also faced Kentucky Country Day three times between 1987 and 1991, losing the first matchup but securing back-to-back wins in subsequent years. Their most recent journey to Louisville occurred in the 2016 playoff game against Central, adding a layer of familiarity to this matchup.