2007 Class 1A Kentucky High School Football Preview

[The Scribe]

1. Beechwood (9-3)
Head coach: Noel Rash
2006: Lost to Newport Central Catholic 26-21 in the second round of the playoffs (http://scoreboard.12dt.com/scoreboard/bluegrasspreps/kyfb6?source=bluegrasspreps&did=&tid=22468&id=&action_name=)

By Jessica Rouse
Bluegrasspreps.com

Beechwood Head Coach Noel Rash uses the Tiger football program’s rich history to describe this year’s team.

“Up front, we have as much size and depth possibly as 1997. That team and front line was very special, and this year’s ‘hogs’ have a huge task in trying to equal that group,” he said.

“That group” won the state title and included Dan Woolley, Brian Claybern, Wayne Holderman and Vinne Matracia, an explosive offensive and defensive line that averaged 240 pounds.

Woolley, now a coach at Lloyd Memorial, remembers that team being successful for more than size.

“We had all played together since freshman year, some since we were seven,” he said. Woolley also said that the leadership and experience of having five senior offensive linemen and four of five senior defensive linemen made the team so successful.

The Tiger line of 2007 will be anchored by senior guard Chris Hoffman (6-3, 265) and senior center Pat Kazen (6-2, 245).

Rash also compares his senior quarterback Cody Elliot (6-1, 175) to Tigers of the past.

“He is as good an athlete as anybody who has played in that position for Beechwood, and that’s a very bold statement considering the young men that have held that position,” he said.

However, Rash said that does not mean anything unless he is able to execute this season. Elliot will have some familiar faces with him behind the snap. Beechwood returns their entire backfield from a team that went 8-2 in the regular season and 6-0 in their district.

The Tiger backfield includes senior D-1 prospect fullback Drew Davis (6-3, 235) and senior tailback Tom Bankemper, who suffered a broken leg in the tenth game last season.

Beechwood’s defense has size and experience.

Hoffman and Davis will lead the line at defensive tackle. Senior defensive end Jake Besse (6-6, 210), defensive tackle Kory Bailey (6-4, 270), and defensive end Dominic Mainello (6-5, 245) will be pushing opponents back this season for the Tigers.

While Rash said his players work hard no matter what side of the ball they are on, they also work hard in the classroom. The average GPA for his team is a 3.2, which makes the Tigers smart, but according to Rash, not quite mean enough.

“We need to develop a more hostile attitude toward our opponent,” he said. “We try to hate all our opponents equally, they are all trying to take what we want, a win.”

Rash, who is in his second year as head coach at Beechwood and has coached for 17 years, said his assistant coaches really add competence and character to the Beechwood program.

Jim Procaccino has coached the school through all nine of their state championships. Bob Bruno has coached for 30 years and has three state titles under his belt at nearby rival school Covington Catholic. Darrick Brilz is a 13-year NFL veteran and helped coach Beechwood to the most recent state title in 2004. Greg Hergott was the offensive coordinator for the 2004 team, and played at University of Kentucky and University of Cincinnati. He quarterbacked three state championship teams at Beechwood (1992-94).

Matt Mercer started at center and guard for University of Cincinnati and played offensive and defensive tackle on a 1999 state championship team.

Beechwood’s last football state championship was in 2004 under Mike Yeagle with a 23-7 romp of Danville at Papa John’s Cardinal Stadium.

Beechwood Independent Schools serve the city of Fort Mitchell, Kentucky. Fort Mitchell is located in Kenton County in Northern Kentucky.

Beechwood is unique in that it is a one building K-12 school system with about 500 enrolled in K-6 and 500 enrolled in 6-12, according to the school’s website. Beechwood started out as the idea of a few Fort Mitchell residents in 1858 and received its charter as a two-room schoolhouse teaching first through eighth grade in 1960. High school grades were gradually added in 1930.

Tiger football was established in 1945 and has enjoyed nine state titles since then.

Click here for the 2007 Beechwood schedule (http://scoreboard.12dt.com/scoreboard/bluegrasspreps/kyfb07?source=bluegrasspreps&did=&tid=24577&action_name=)


2. Mayfield (11-3)
Head coach: Joe Morris
2006: Lost to Danville 27-0 in the Class A state semifinals (http://scoreboard.12dt.com/scoreboard/bluegrasspreps/kyfb6?source=bluegrasspreps&did=&tid=22590&id=&action_name=)

Despite the loss of several key players, Mayfield finds itself one of the favorites to win the 1A state title in 2007.

Look for the Cardinal defense to carry the team early with the return of linebackers Brent Simpkins (5-9, 195, Sr.), Jake Sweatman, and Logan Armstrong (5-11, 205, Sr.). Simpkins is a 4-year starter on defense.

Up front, Levi Pruitt (6-0, 195, Sr.), junior Jonathon Lawson, and Scott Brimer (6-0, 265, Sr.) return for the Cardinals’ 5-3 defense.

The secondary sees Andy Trevathan (5-11, 175, Sr.) and junior Gary Hall return.

Several other newcomers could be worked into the defensive mix for Morris.

Offensively, the Cardinals have some big holes to fill although they aren’t too big for a program the caliber of Mayfield to not fill quickly and effectively.

Armstrong will likely make the move to quarterback to replace the graduated Adam Shelton. Freshman Luke Guhy could also see time under center to gain valuable experience.

Returning in the backfield are sophomore Tyrese Murrell and Trevathan, a senior. Murrell rushed for over 900 yards and 10 touchdowns as a freshman last year, while Trevathan wasn’t utilized to his capability because of injuries.

Mayfield will have to replace their starters at receivers.

Back on the offensive line are Brimer, juniors Tyler Heathcott and Trevor Williams, Simpkins, and senior Ethan Kemp.

Mayfield also boasts one of the top kickers in the state in Tommy McNutt, who banged home a 46-yard field goal to beat Hopkinsville last year.

Since the turn of the century, only Boyle County, Danville, Male, Newport Central Catholic, Rockcastle County, St. Xavier, and Trinity have won more games than Mayfield (76).

With the excitement in Mayfield that surrounds their freshman and sophomore classes, don’t be surprised to see the Cardinals catch some of those teams before the end of this decade.

Click here for the 2007 Mayfield schedule (http://scoreboard.12dt.com/scoreboard/bluegrasspreps/kyfb07?source=bluegrasspreps&did=&tid=24699&action_name=)

[The Scribe]

3. Frankfort (9-3)
Head coach: Craig Foley
2006: Lost to Danville 35-6 in the second round of the playoffs (http://scoreboard.12dt.com/scoreboard/bluegrasspreps/kyfb6?source=bluegrasspreps&did=&tid=22530&id=&action_name=)

Last year, Frankfort won a first round playoff game for the first time since 1990 on their way to a 9-3 record.

In 2007, the Panthers are looking to win their first region title since that same 1990 season and advance to the school’s first championship game in 30 years.

Craig Foley’s Panther squad will revolve around senior E.J. Fields. The senior quarterback has added about 15 pounds to his frame and about that many schools to his recruiting list.

Fields threw for 664 yards and nine touchdowns, but made his mark on the ground with 1,147 yards and 14 touchdowns as the Panthers led all 1A schools with over 300 rushing yards a game.

“I’m expecting a huge year from E.J. I’m hoping he can begin to beat some people throwing the football, because I know we are going to see defenses stack the box against us,” said Foley, who said the Panthers will try and move Fields around the field on offense to get him the ball in space.

“We feel that once he gets it in space, he is as good as anyone in the state. He by far is the best athlete that I have coached because he has the total package -- athleticism, work ethic and brains.

Troy and North Carolina State have offered Fields a scholarship to play defense.

Cincinnati and Duke have offered him the chance to play offense, while Kentucky has offered a scholarship with no specific position in mind.

Fields is one of eight starters back on offense, including the entire offensive line.

Receiver Mico Wells (5-8, 155, Sr.) and running backs Jordan Morgan and sophomore Quan Weaver will also be utilized in the Panther offense as they try and compensate the loss of 1,300-yard rusher Antione Robinson.

Chris Collins (5-10, 210, Sr.), Wes Penn (5-10, 235, Sr.), and Justin Walling (6-0, 230, Sr.) are among the starters returning on the line.

Many of the offensive stars are among the seven starters returning on a Frankfort defensive unit that gave up just 15.5 points.

“We have to find a solid middle linebacker and some help at the ends, but I think we’ll put more speed on the field to compensate the lack of size,” Foley said.

He said sophomores Dwight Tillman, Deshon Floyd, and freshman Zach Mason could all make an impact on either side of the football and help plug the holes on defense.

While Frankfort rids themselves of past district nemeses Bardstown and Danville as part of a new alignment that favors the Panthers, the region rotation could mean a showdown at Mayfield for the chance to win the region title.

“The new alignment favors us, but the region may be the toughest in the state with Mayfield and Beechwood being possible opponents,” Foley said.

The Frankfort program is definitely on the upswing, with the roster size doubling since Foley’s arrival five years ago.

The Panther schedule features games with Campbellsville, Danville, North Hardin, and cross-town rival Franklin County.

Click here for the 2007 Frankfort schedule (http://scoreboard.12dt.com/scoreboard/bluegrasspreps/kyfb07?source=bluegrasspreps&did=&tid=24640&action_name=)


4. Pikeville (8-4)
Head coach: Mike Jackson
2006: Lost to Hazard 15-14 in the second round of the playoffs (http://scoreboard.12dt.com/scoreboard/bluegrasspreps/kyfb6?source=bluegrasspreps&did=&tid=22626&id=&action_name=)

The Panthers should be primed for a strong playoff push this season after being upset by Hazard in the District finals 15-14 to Hazard last season.

The Panthers have most of their core group of players back. The entire backfield, which was Pikeville’s strong point are all back. Tim Honaker will be in his second full season as quarterback, while junior Daniel Harmon and Ted Honaker will be in the be the running backs behind Tim Honaker.

All three members of the backfield are some of the most athletic players in the mountains. The Honaker twins are also terrors at linebacker.

Sophomore Blake Branham is expected to be the quarterback for Mike Jackson’s Panthers.

Pikeville has to be considered the hands down favorite to win Class 1A District 8 since Hazard moved to District 7 after the realignment.

The rest of the District including Paintsville shouldn’t be able to handle the athleticism and physicality that the Panthers bring to the table.

There are many people talking about a possible change in the offense. The Panthers may become more of a run right at you offense from the sidesaddle misdirections from a year ago.

Size on both lines may be the biggest problem Pikeville faces.

Seniors Clay Elliott and Justin Walker return on the offensive line, and seniors Jordan Johnson and Chris Gibson are back on the defensive line.

Seniors Charles Comer and Brandon Huff should provide more depth on the offensive line.

Harmon, Josh Mullins, and sophomore Houston McAnallen are back in the secondary.

The Panthers may be primed to make a deep run in the playoffs past just district play.

Click here for the 2007 Pikeville schedule (http://scoreboard.12dt.com/scoreboard/bluegrasspreps/kyfb07?source=bluegrasspreps&did=&tid=24734&action_name=)


5. Lexington Christian (9-3)
Head coach: Paul Rains
2006: Lost to Raceland 20-13 in the second round of the playoffs (http://scoreboard.12dt.com/scoreboard/bluegrasspreps/kyfb6?source=bluegrasspreps&did=&tid=22575&id=&action_name=)

In just six short years, Lexington Christian has put themselves on the football map and become a legitimate regional challenger.

Despite the loss of some talented seniors, the Eagles appear primed to again challenge Raceland and Paris for the district title.

Head coach Paul Rains will turn to a pair of sophomores to lead his offense, which averaged over 30 points a game last year.

Quarterback Lucas Witt threw for nearly 1,000 yards last year and completed nearly 50-percent of his passes as a freshman.

Fellow sophomore Dominique Hayden led the Eagles in rushing with over 850 yards and 13 touchdowns.

Making their jobs easier in 2007 will be the return of a large line, led by three-year starter Zack Duff (6-2, 220, Sr.), Michael Harmon (6-2, 240, Jr.), and Ross Hill (6-0, 255, Sr.).

Defensively, Lexington Christian lacks experience in the secondary and depth at receiver but both should be solved as the Eagles get close to the postseason, where they are 3-4 the past four seasons.

Click here for the 2007 Lexington Christian schedule
(http://scoreboard.12dt.com/scoreboard/bluegrasspreps/kyfb07?source=bluegrasspreps&did=&tid=24684&action_name=)

[The Scribe]

6. Louisville Holy Cross (7-4)
Head coach: Dave Weston
2006: Lost to Bethlehem 21-13 in the first round of the playoffs (http://scoreboard.12dt.com/scoreboard/bluegrasspreps/kyfb6?source=bluegrasspreps&did=&tid=22558&id=&action_name=)

An abundance of returning experience wasn’t enough for Holy Cross to avoid a first round exit from the playoffs for the first time since 2000.

Junior quarterback Jimmy Nauert threw for 1,284 yards and 11 touchdowns, while rushing for six more in his first season under center.

Junior Chad Hazelwood caught 23 passes for 395 yards and five scores.

Senior running back Greg Raney was lost for the season in the fourth game last year, but should get the lion’s share of the carries if he is fully recovered by August.

6-foot-3 senior Jason Schum is another big target for Nauert at the tight end position and provides valuable blocking on the line.

Head coach Dave Weston has said that two players who should see their offensive roles increased are fullback Nick McNeil (6-2, 210, Sr.) and receiver Karl Weihe (5-10, 175, Sr.).

It’s that line where the Cougars will have to replace four starters.

Eric Lauder (6-2, 195, Sr.), Brandon Ward (6-2, 290, Sr.), and Kyle Flowers (5-10, 195, Sr.) are among those expected to gain starting positions on the line, with Austin Jaggers (5-11, 220, Jr.) also expected to challenge for a starting position.

McNeil, Schum, and Ryan McDermott (5-10, 185, Sr.) will headline a defense that allowed two touchdowns or less in eight of their 11 games last year.

While the Cougars don’t return as much experience in 2007, they come into the new season as the biggest district favorite in perhaps all six classes.

Holy Cross is part of a district that includes Beth Haven, who is playing their first season of 11-man football, and Caverna and Kentucky Country Day, who combined to win seven games last year.

Bethlehem will provide the Cougars with their biggest district competition.

The decline in district quality has seen Holy Cross put together a tough non-district schedule that includes a season-opening trip to the Pike County Bowl to play Pikeville.

Also on the Cougar schedule are South Oldham, Elizabethtown, DeSales, Butler and Doss, who all combined to win 27 games last year.

Click here for the 2007 Holy Cross schedule (http://scoreboard.12dt.com/scoreboard/bluegrasspreps/kyfb07?source=bluegrasspreps&did=&tid=24667&action_name=)


7. Campbellsville (2-8)
Head coach: Herb Wiseman
2006: Missed the playoffs (http://scoreboard.12dt.com/scoreboard/bluegrasspreps/kyfb6?id=22492)

A young squad playing in a tough district translated into Campbellsville’s first losing season in four years.

Realignment has moved Herb Wiseman’s Eagles away from Bardstown and Holy Cross and into a district that includes Williamsburg, Lynn Camp, and second-year program Clinton County.

Wiseman was forced to play a lot of freshmen last year, which exposed holes on both sides of the football. It will be many of those same underclassmen that will be expected to lead the Eagles in 2007.

“We are strong at the skill spots and fast to the ball on defense,” Wiseman said. “Our younger players got some good experience playing in the toughest district in Class A last year.”

Senior Shumari Bridgewater (6-2, 225) rushed for over 1,000 yards last year, including a 303-yard, 4-touchdown effort against Kentucky Country Day. He should be joined in the backfield by senior Antwan Coulter (5-8, 175).

Sophomore lefty Aaron Schwoebel (6-4, 155) moved into the starting quarterback role last year, and will look at Andrew Anderson (6-1, 175, Sr.), Michael McCubbin (6-3, 170, Jr.), and Zack Altman (5-10, 180, Jr.) as his main targets through the air.

Campbellsville’s line will be anchored by Clay Hooper (6-0, 245, Soph.) Casey Hines (6-2, 285, Jr.), and sophomore Travis Smith (6-3, 255).

The new district alignment means Campbellsville should challenge for their first district title since 1998 and end a streak of three straight first round exits.

It also means the Eagles should contend for the regional title in coming years with their underclassmen talent pool.

Running back Thomas Downs (6-2, 215, Soph.), receiver Bryton Taylor (6-2, 170, Soph.), and Dustin Graves (5-8, 180, Soph.) should all challenge for playing time this year.

“Our goal is to win the district and region. With our young team, we just hope we can learn to compete in a hostile environment,” Wiseman said. “We have a tough schedule with a young team, and we’re playing a schedule with some traditional successful teams.”

Click here for the 2007 Campbellsville schedule (http://scoreboard.12dt.com/scoreboard/bluegrasspreps/kyfb07?source=bluegrasspreps&did=&tid=24602&action_name=)


8. Raceland (11-2)
Head coach: Randy Vanderhoof
2006: Lost to Newport Central Catholic 46-27 in the region title game (http://scoreboard.12dt.com/scoreboard/bluegrasspreps/kyfb6?source=bluegrasspreps&did=&tid=22633&id=&action_name=)

Raceland enters the 2007 season with a different kind of expectation than years’ past when solid teams would fall to their northern Kentucky neighbors in the first round of the playoffs.

The new alignment means the Rams won’t see a northern Kentucky team in the playoffs for the next several years – especially Newport Central Catholic, who is taking their football and going to Class 2A. NCC has ended Raceland’s season four of the last six seasons.

However, head coach Randy Vanderhoof has to concentrate on the teams he will be playing this year, which includes district holdovers Lexington Christian and Fairview.

Gone is all-district quarterback Scott Grizzle, who threw for over 1,700 yards and 28 touchdowns last year. Replacing him will be Vanderhoof’s toughest task.

Returning on the line are Luke Sanders, Robby Logan (6-2, 230, Jr.), Cody Chin, and Jarrod Smith (6-1, 215, Jr.).

Brett Denton (6-2, 195, Sr.) and John Scott Carver (5-10, 170, Jr.) return in the backfield and could be joined by Brian Tolliver (5-11, 160, Jr.).

Denton rushed for 450 yards and six touchdowns but saw his spring practice limited as he recovers from knee surgery. He is expected to be fine for the season opener with Ashland.

Tyler Boyles (6-0, 160, Jr.) is the most experienced receiver returning to the Ram offense after the graduation of Benji Mullins, but will likely make the switch to quarterback to replace Grizzle. That means Shannon Large will move into one of the receiver positions.

Linebackers Carver and Denton anchor the Raceland defense that allowed just 16 points a game and gave up only 85 rushing yards a contest.

Logan offers defensive help on the line, and Steven Piercy also returns at linebacker.

“We don’t have a lot of depth, and need to gain some experience before district play,” Vanderhoof said. “Hopefully, we’ll be a decent teams and be able to compete.”

Gone from the Raceland schedule are Rowan County, Berea, and Bath County, while West Carter and Paintsville join the Ram slate. Also on the schedule for the first time since 1974 is Russell, whom Raceland’s district borders. Those two teams play Oct. 26 in Raceland.

Click here for the 2007 Raceland schedule (http://scoreboard.12dt.com/scoreboard/bluegrasspreps/kyfb07?source=bluegrasspreps&did=&tid=24741&action_name=)

[The Scribe]

9. Cumberland (7-4)
Head coach: Jon Reynolds
2006: Lost to Somerset 41-14 in the first round of the playoffs (http://scoreboard.12dt.com/scoreboard/bluegrasspreps/kyfb6?source=bluegrasspreps&did=&tid=22507&id=&action_name=)

Cumberland hasn’t had a losing record on the gridiron since 1999. With all indications pointing to this being the last season before consolidation into Harlan County High School, the Redskins are looking to go out on a high note.

Junior Nathaniel Gilliam (5-7, 170) burst onto the football scene with nearly 1,000 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns in head coach Jon Reynolds’ wing-T attack.

Fellow junior Zach Blanton threw for 1,100 yards and 19 touchdowns as the Redskins showed a more versatile offensive scheme behind an experienced line.

Cumberland should again put up some gaudy offensive numbers with the return of seniors Josh Jones (5-9, 240), William Marshall (6-1, 290), Jonathon Fields (6-0, 220), and Tyler White (6-2, 280) on the line.

Exiting Cumberland’s district are Lynn Camp and Somerset, with Hazard and Pineville moving in after the recent realignment.

With the experience returning to go with a potentially explosive offense, the final season of Cumberland football could be among the most memorable on the gridiron.

Click here for the 2007 Cumberland schedule (http://scoreboard.12dt.com/scoreboard/bluegrasspreps/kyfb07?source=bluegrasspreps&did=&tid=24617&action_name=)


10. Hazard (9-4)
Head coach: Mark Dixon
2006: Lost to Somerset 48-21 in the region title game (http://scoreboard.12dt.com/scoreboard/bluegrasspreps/kyfb6?id=22550)

Hazard made their first region title game appearance in 13 seasons last year, falling to Somerset 48-21.

Junior Tyler Olinger (6-0, 205) stepped into the starting role at quarterback and produced 2,500 passing yards and 650 rushing yards, combining for over 25 touchdowns through the air and on the ground.

Olinger is part of a talented junior class that saw a lot of playing time last year.

Michael Campbell (6-2, 230, Jr.) should step into the halfback role for the Bulldogs this year along with Greg Adams and fullback Austin Blanton.

Campbell will anchor a Hazard defense that returns nine starters from last year’s team that looks to improve after giving up 26 points a game. John Howard and Lucas Campbell are also back on defense for the Bulldogs.

Austin Maggard 6-2, 265) and T.J. Searcy (6-2, 220) return on the line for the Bulldogs, who are among the 1A faithful that is glad to see Somerset bumped to 3A.

The last time Hazard put together three straight seasons of eight wins or more was 1991-93. Their returning experience and district realignment should see the Bulldogs equal that mark in 2007.

Click here for the 2007 Hazard schedule (http://scoreboard.12dt.com/scoreboard/bluegrasspreps/kyfb07?id=24659)

[The Scribe]

Other Class 1A teams...


Allen Central (3-7)
Head coach – Jeremy Hall
2006 – Did not make the playoffs (http://scoreboard.12dt.com/scoreboard/bluegrasspreps/kyfb6?source=bluegrasspreps&did=&tid=22458&id=&action_name=)

Allen Central fielded one of the younger Class A teams in eastern Kentucky last year, and Rebel head coach Jeremy Hall hopes the experience they gained last year will translate into the school’s first winning season since 1990.

One area where Allen Central should have an edge over some of their district opponents is on the line where Hall should have the services of Brett Shepherd (6-2, 255, Sr.), Nathan Meade (6-1, 210, Sr.), and Josh Wright (6-0, 230, Sr.).

Junior quarterback Josh Prater also returns to a Rebel offense that must score more than the 10 points a game they scored last year.

Alex Hammonds and sophomore Chris Stumbo return at receiver, and sophomore Logan Crowder should see more carries in the Rebel backfield.

With Hazard and Jenkins gone from the district and Betsy Layne moving down from 2A, the Rebels should challenge for a playoff spot.

Click here for the 2007 Allen Central schedule (http://scoreboard.12dt.com/scoreboard/bluegrasspreps/kyfb07?source=bluegrasspreps&did=&tid=24567&action_name=)


Ballard Memorial (3-8)
Head coach – Kevin Chatallier
2006 – Lost to Mayfield 56-22 in the first round of the playoffs (http://scoreboard.12dt.com/scoreboard/bluegrasspreps/kyfb6?source=bluegrasspreps&did=&tid=22464&id=&action_name=)

After three straight winning seasons, Ballard Memorial has struggled through four straight losing seasons.

Second-year head coach Kevin Chatellier should have the services of senior quarterback Josh Bourff, who threw for 338 yards and three touchdowns in a run-oriented offense that centered around the graduated Nick Logsdon.

Senior fullback Bryan Tucker should move into the starting backfield role, with senior Ricky Beard expected to see some time on the offensive side of the football.

Chatellier has some experience coming back on the line, including senior OT Aaron Finley, senior OG John Wagenblast, and senior defensive tackle Houston Winters.

Beard, and senior linebackers Blake Dodge and Beau Parker return to a defensive unit that must improve upon last year’s 271 yards allowed per game.

With Crittenden County replacing Murray in District 1, the Bombers will likely battle the Fulton teams for a playoff berth.

Click here for the 2007 Ballard Memorial schedule (http://scoreboard.12dt.com/scoreboard/bluegrasspreps/kyfb07?source=bluegrasspreps&did=&tid=24573&action_name=)
(http://scoreboard.12dt.com/scoreboard/bluegrasspreps/kyfb07?source=bluegrasspreps&did=&tid=24573&action_name=)

Bellevue (3-7)
Head coach: David Eckstein
2006: Missed the playoffs (http://scoreboard.12dt.com/scoreboard/bluegrasspreps/kyfb6?source=bluegrasspreps&did=&tid=22471&id=&action_name=)

By Jessica Rouse
Bluegrasspreps.com

Bellevue’s team strength in 2007 will be the Tiger line. Linemen Bobby Berns, Adam Bowling, Josh McIntyre, Bob Hollon and Matt Henley all gained experience last season. Bellevue Head Coach Dave Eckstein said three-year starter Berns is one of the top linemen in the area.

The Tigers return a quarterback in Roger Babb. Babb had 44 completions of 121 attempts for 625 yards last season. He had six touchdowns and 12 interceptions. Babb scored a rushing touchdown and rushed for 90 yards in 2006.

The challenge for the Tigers will be to find some skill players to complement the lineman, Eckstein said.

Babb will also step in at safety for the defense. Defensive back Derek Huninghake returns, along with linebacker Derek Bryan. Linebacker could be a strength for the Tigers, Eckstein said.

“We will be young at linebacker, but should be quick,” he said.

Eckstein has coached football for 22 years, 3 years at Bellevue.

Bellevue’s last state championship was in 1979 under Fred Bernier with a 7-0 win over Madison for the first state championship held in Cardinal Stadium in Louisville.

Click here for the 2007 Bellevue schedule (http://scoreboard.12dt.com/scoreboard/bluegrasspreps/kyfb07?source=bluegrasspreps&did=&tid=24580&action_name=)


Beth Haven (12-0)
Head coach – Brad Street
2006: Won the National Association of Christian Athletes 8-man championship (http://scoreboard.12dt.com/scoreboard/bluegrasspreps/kyfb6?source=bluegrasspreps&did=&tid=22473&id=&action_name=)

After competing in eight-man football the past few years, the Bearcats again make the jump to district competition in a district where they could make some noise.

Running backs Chris Murphy (5-10, 175, Sr.) and Shane Williamson (5-8, 170, Soph.) are expected to return along with linebackers Matt Brumback (6-4, 190, Sr.) and Spencer Smith (5-11, 160, Sr.).

Beth Haven will be competing in district play for the first time since starting football at the school in 1996. They will be in the same district as Bethlehem, Caverna, Holy Cross, and Kentucky Country Day, which means a playoff berth, is not out of the realm of possibility.

Click here for the 2007 Beth Haven schedule (http://scoreboard.12dt.com/scoreboard/bluegrasspreps/kyfb07?source=bluegrasspreps&did=&tid=24582&action_name=)


Bethlehem (11-2)
Head coach: Stan Torzewski
2006: Lost to Danville 33-14 in the region title game (http://scoreboard.12dt.com/scoreboard/bluegrasspreps/kyfb6?source=bluegrasspreps&did=&tid=22474&id=&action_name=)

By Peter W. Zubaty
The Kentucky Standard

Defensive coordinator Stan Torzewski takes over the reins at Bethlehem from Steve Hart following the most successful season in school history, an 11-2 campaign that saw the Eagles score a shocking upset of rival Bardstown on the way to a region final appearance.

Torzewski wants to “keep riding the wave and build on success. Nothing breeds success like success.”

Torzewski has his work cut out for him, however. Thirteen seniors depart from a 26-man roster, many of those 13 playing both offense and defense.

“We did more with less than any other team in the state,” he said.

Of that 13, the biggest hole to fill is the one left by Billy Jackson. Jackson piled up more than 150 tackles on defense, and was just as devastating as the focal point of the Eagle offense, amassing 1,700 yards and 21 TDs.

With the shake-up in personnel also comes a shake-up in offensive philosophy.

The Eagles ran the ball nine out of 10 plays last season; understandable with a guy like Jackson in the backfield. They’ll still run the ball a lot, with senior Blake Stanley figuring to get the lion’s share of the carries after going for 520 yards and 10 scores last season. Stanley is also a key contributor on defense.

With Travis Greenwell (6-2, 175) being more of a pocket passer, Torzewski said the Eagles will use the shotgun a lot more and pass as much as 50 percent of the time. Rangy wide outs Taylor Ballard and Dailey Kelly played well in 7-on-7 drills.

Michael Kidwell plays center and anchors the defense.

“He’s just ate-up with the game of football,” Torzewski said.

The Eagles, who remain in Class A, have some “major losses” to overcome, he said. But optimism comes from the increased interest that follows a landmark season, as Torzewski has nearly double the kids coming out for football this season.

“Granted, they are inexperienced. But we’re going to build on last year’s success.”

Click here for the 2007 Bethlehem schedule (http://scoreboard.12dt.com/scoreboard/bluegrasspreps/kyfb07?source=bluegrasspreps&did=&tid=24583&action_name=)

[The Scribe]

Betsy Layne (1-9)
Head coach: Jonathon Parsons
2006 – Missed the playoffs (http://scoreboard.12dt.com/scoreboard/bluegrasspreps/kyfb6?source=bluegrasspreps&did=&tid=22475&id=&action_name=)

The Bobcats have the fourth coach in as many seasons with the task of improving a program that has won just 11 games the past decade.

Bobby Branham took the East Ridge coaching job in the spring, and Jonathon Parsons has taken over the Bobcat program.

The new coach has several returning starters coming back, including quarterback Brennan Case (5-10, 170, Sr.) and running back Brandon Blair (5-8, 165, Sr.).

Case threw for 578 yards and 13 touchdowns in addition to rushing for another six scores. Blair led the team with 648 rushing yards and caught seven touchdowns out of the backfield.

On the line, the Bobcats should have the services of Bo Hamilton, Zach Hall, Korey Jarrell, and Travis Slone.

The experience returning, coupled with dropping down to 1A in a district that includes Allen Central, Phelps, and South Floyd, could be enough for Betsy Layne to make the school’s first ever trip to the playoffs.

Click here for the 2007 Betsy Layne schedule (http://scoreboard.12dt.com/scoreboard/bluegrasspreps/kyfb07?source=bluegrasspreps&did=&tid=24584&action_name=)


Bishop Brossart (First season)
Head coach: Rodney Ollier
2006: Fielded a junior varsity team

After playing a junior varsity schedule last year, Bishop Brossart is ready to field their first varsity football team.

Former Bracken County head coach Rodney Ollier is charged with the task of building a program that must compete in the same district as tradition-rich programs such as Beechwood, Ludlow, and Bellevue.

Numbers were reported to be on the low side in the spring, but if Ollier can continue to add juniors and seniors to mix in with the younger players, the learning curve for the Mustangs may not be as big.

Brossart opens their first season of football at Owen County Aug. 24. Their first home game is Sept. 14 against Beechwood.

Click here for the first-ever, 2007 Bishop Brossart football schedule (http://scoreboard.12dt.com/scoreboard/bluegrasspreps/kyfb07?source=bluegrasspreps&did=&tid=24585&action_name=)


Bracken County (0-10)
Head coach: Chuck Faust
2006: Missed the playoffs (http://scoreboard.12dt.com/scoreboard/bluegrasspreps/kyfb6?source=bluegrasspreps&did=&tid=22481&id=&action_name=)

Bracken County has won just four of their first 40 football games, but second-year head coach Chuck Faust is more optimistic now than a year ago.

Numbers are beginning to grow for the Polar Bears, who will look to win their first game in three years.

Senior running back Justin Scott is a three-year starter and will be the centerpiece of the Polar Bear offense that will also include running back Marcus Randolph.

Bracken County benefits from being placed in the same district with Gallatin County, a second-year program, and Eminence, who returns to district competition after playing 8-man football.

Click here for the 2007 Bracken County schedule (http://scoreboard.12dt.com/scoreboard/bluegrasspreps/kyfb07?source=bluegrasspreps&did=&tid=24591&action_name=)


Caverna (2-8)
Head coach: Nick Stephens
2006: Missed the playoffs (http://scoreboard.12dt.com/scoreboard/bluegrasspreps/kyfb6?source=bluegrasspreps&did=&tid=22495&id=&action_name=)

Caverna figures to benefit from the new alignment that will now have them playing three smaller Louisville schools and Bardstown Bethlehem.

The Colonels have struggled to consecutive 2-8 seasons after the school’s first winning season in a long time in 2005.

Senior A.J. Ford could see more time in the backfield, while seniors Derek Esters (6-1, 240), Donte’ Paul (5-10, 215), and J.T. Johnson (6-3, 245) anchor both sides of the line.

Caverna has some talent in the senior class. Whether it’s enough to challenge for a district title remains to be seen.

Click here for the 2007 Caverna schedule (http://scoreboard.12dt.com/scoreboard/bluegrasspreps/kyfb07?source=bluegrasspreps&did=&tid=24605&action_name=)


Clinton County (4-5)
Head coach: George Hatcher
2006: Did not compete in the playoffs (http://scoreboard.12dt.com/scoreboard/bluegrasspreps/kyfb6?source=bluegrasspreps&did=&tid=22502&id=&action_name=)

Clinton County returned to high school football in 2006 after a nearly 30-year hiatus and responded with a respectable 4-5 record.

There isn’t much that’s flashy about George Hatcher’s Bulldogs, who just look to line up and knock teams off the football.

Back to lead the Bulldog wishbone attack is junior quarterback Luke Boils (5-11, 195).

Freshman Jimmy Todd and sophomore Brent Durham could move into starting roles in the backfield, where the Bulldogs lost starters Josh Choate and Michael Conner.

T.J. Shelton (5-11, 220, Jr.), Wesley Smith (6-1, 220, Sr.), and Josh York, and Kyle Traylor give Hatcher both size and experience on the line.

Junior linebacker Drake Dow (6-3, 235) heads up the Bulldog 5-2 defensive scheme after leading the team in tackles last year.

Steven McGaw and Jon Demmons return in the secondary for the Bulldogs.
Hatcher is also expecting contributions from freshmen Ethan Albertson (6-6, 360), Stevie Owens (6-0, 230), and speedster Ben Smith.

“Our lines could be a problem because of the lack of depth we have,” Hatcher said. “We have good starters on both sides of the ball, but their backups will mostly be freshmen.”

Hatcher has been pleased with the numbers of his infant team, which numbered near 50 last year. The Bulldogs only have four seniors on their roster this year.

While the Bulldogs have been grouped in a tough district that includes Campbellsville, Lynn Camp, and Williamsburg, they are guaranteed a spot in the postseason thanks to playing in the only four-team district in Class A.

Click here for the 2007 Clinton County preview (http://scoreboard.12dt.com/scoreboard/bluegrasspreps/kyfb07?source=bluegrasspreps&did=&tid=24612&action_name=)


Crittenden County (4-7)
Head coach: Al Starnes
2006: Lost to Russellville 34-28 in the first round of the playoffs (http://scoreboard.12dt.com/scoreboard/bluegrasspreps/kyfb6?source=bluegrasspreps&did=&tid=22506&id=&action_name=)

After back-to-back 9-3 records, Crittenden County slipped to 4-7 last year with a roster that featured just six seniors.

However, Rockets’ head coach Al Starnes comes into 2007 with a wealth of experience returning, which will be needed as Crittenden County moves into the same 1A district with Mayfield and Fulton County.

Junior Jeramie Sorina (5-10, 180) rushed for 1,098 yards and 13 touchdowns and will again be the focal point of the Rocket offense.

Junior Rodney Robertson (5-10, 190) rushed for 301 yards, and J.D. Gray (5-9, 160) added 200 more yards as a freshman last year – all part of the Rocket offense that averaged over 154 yards a game on the ground.

Robertson is also the top receiver on the team after hauling in 19 passes for 308 yards last year.

Who will be throwing the football will be the biggest question mark for head coach Al Starnes, who enters his 17th season as Rocket head coach (111-73).

Sophomore Allen Kirk could get some snaps under center or one of the many running backs on the roster could move to the quarterback spot.

A.J. Thompson (6-2, 290, Sr.), who has committed to Indiana, returns to solidify the Rocket line that should include Josh Ipock (5-11, 180, Sr.), Drew Curtis (6-1, 250, Jr.), and Ezekiel Sorina (6-3, 300, Jr.).

Linebacker Gaige Courtney (6-1, 205, Jr.) led the Rockets in tackles and interceptions last year and returns to lead a Rocket defense that must improve from last year’s unit that allowed nearly 200 yards a game on the ground.

25 of the 36 players on last year’s team were sophomores and juniors. If Starnes can get those players to continue their learning curve, they should have no trouble securing a first round playoff game at home.

Click here for the 2007 Crittenden County schedule (http://scoreboard.12dt.com/scoreboard/bluegrasspreps/kyfb07?source=bluegrasspreps&did=&tid=24616&action_name=)


Dayton (6-5)
Head coach: Zach Deaton
2006: Lost to Beechwood 45-6 in the first round of the playoffs (http://scoreboard.12dt.com/scoreboard/bluegrasspreps/kyfb6?source=bluegrasspreps&did=&tid=22510&id=&action_name=)

By Jessica Rouse
Bluegrasspreps.com

Dayton hired Zach Deaton as head coach to replace Stephen Lickert, who took the head coaching job at Holmes.

Dayton returns senior running back Alex Brummett (5'7, 160) who had 76 attempts for 297 yards and four touchdowns, and Joe Wynn (5'9, 145), who had 42 rushing attempts for 156 yards and 2 touchdowns last season. Wynn also had 16 receptions for 151 yards last season.

Senior Justin Trimnell is expected to return at tight end. Trimnell had 13 receptions for 191 yards last season with a touchdown. Senior wide receiver Richard Turner (5'7, 140) should return and had 10 receptions for 138 yards in 2006. Turner also had 9 kick returns for 175 yards last season.

Offensive linemen are listed as seniors Jimmy Trent, Tyler Lucas, Keith Searcy, John Ashcraft, Zach Volski and Tim McIntyre.

Senior defensive end David Bacon (6'0 165) should return and had 25 tackles last night. Senior defensive back Ryan Brownfield should return, Brownfield had 44 tackles last season.

Linebacker Keith Searcy (5'10, 205) should return this season and had 88 tackles in 2006. Trimnell doubled as a linebacker last season and notched 52 tackles and three sacks with two fumble recoveries. Turner should return at defensive back and had 20 tackles last season.

McIntyre (6'4, 250) should also return at defensive tackle, McIntyre had 29 tackles last season.

Dayton's last football state championship was in 1966 under Ray King with a 6-2 win over Russellville at UK's Stoll Field.

Dayton High School serves the community of the city of Dayton and Campbell County in Northern Kentucky.

Click here for the 2007 Dayton schedule (http://scoreboard.12dt.com/scoreboard/bluegrasspreps/kyfb07?source=bluegrasspreps&did=&tid=24620&action_name=)


Eminence (9-3)
Head coach: Steve Frommeyer
2006: Competed in 8-man football (http://scoreboard.12dt.com/scoreboard/bluegrasspreps/kyfb6?source=bluegrasspreps&did=&tid=22520&id=&action_name=)

After years of dominating the landscape of eight-man football in the state, Eminence is ready to tackle district competition.

The Warriors have won multiple eight-man state titles and national titles and have put together 23 consecutive winning seasons – all under the direction of head coach Steve Frommeyer (191-76).

Eminence will benefit from a new district alignment that features Bracken County, Gallatin County, Trimble County, and district favorite Frankfort.

The Warriors will feature some offensive weapons, led by junior receiver Ed Berry, who set new school records in 2006 for receptions (46), career receptions (91), and career yards (1,421).

Senior Isaiah Durrett rushed for 958 yards in just seven games and scored 16 touchdowns, and senior Nelson Hedges threw for over 900 yards and 10 touchdowns while adding 400 more on the ground.

The Warriors should also welcome back sophomore running back T.J. Cooper, who missed all of last season after cracking his hipbone in the final preseason scrimmage.

Frommeyer will also be looking to several sophomores to step forward into full-time starting spots. They are Brad and Chase Day on the line along with center Jacobi Moore, and receiver Tihon Durrett.

Juniors Gage Bohannon, Justin Jennings, Coletin Rapier, and Andrew Stalker also return on the line.

Developing depth, especially on the line, will be the main task for Frommeyer in making the switch from 8-man football, given the Warriors’ roster size which has totaled less the 30 in recent seasons.

Click here for the 2007 Eminence schedule (http://scoreboard.12dt.com/scoreboard/bluegrasspreps/kyfb07?source=bluegrasspreps&did=&tid=24630&action_name=)

[The Scribe]

Evarts (2-8)
Head coach: Ovie Canady
2006: Missed the playoffs (http://scoreboard.12dt.com/scoreboard/bluegrasspreps/kyfb6?source=bluegrasspreps&did=&tid=22523&id=&action_name=)

Evarts missed the playoffs for the third time in four seasons last year, but has a better-than-decent chance of making the postseason in what will likely be the school’s last year of existence before consolidating into Harlan County High School.

Three-year starter Derek Cochran (5-10, 175, Sr.) returns at quarterback for an offense that averaged over 22 points a game and has nine starters coming back. He has thrown for over 1,700 yards the past two seasons.

Junior fullback Glen Roberts could get more carries in the backfield with the departure of Adam Helton, while senior tackle James Shepherd (5-10, 205) returns to lead the Evarts line that includes senior Kyle Winn, juniors Roger McKnight and Clifton Robbins, and sophomore Austin Short.

It’s the Wildcat defense that needs to improve in 2007 after giving up over 40 points a game, including 45.1 points in their eight losses.

Linebacker Trevor Smith (5-10, 180, Sr.) is one of nine starters back for Evarts on defense, while Travis Helton, Brandon Helton (5-10, 180, Sr.) and Jimmy Langley (6-0, 180, Sr.) return in the Wildcat secondary.

McKnight, a three-year starter on defense, returns at linebacker and will be joined by Roberts and Derek White.

Shepherd, Robbins, Short, and sophomore George Shoemaker return on the D-line.

Canady is high on senior defensive end Josh Curry, who had a strong showing in spring practice.

Evarts also welcomes back line coach John Carr, who returns to the Wildcat program after several years away.

If tight ends Jimmy Dean and Josh Combs develop consistency, Canady may be able to move his top offensive threat in Travis Helton to the backfield.

County Canady among the coaches who like the new district alignment.

“We can make a serious run with things aligned the way there are now. I like our chances against Hazard in the new district,” he said. “Our goal is to win the district and region and not just be competitive.”

Click here for the 2007 Evarts schedule (http://scoreboard.12dt.com/scoreboard/bluegrasspreps/kyfb07?source=bluegrasspreps&did=&tid=24633&action_name=)


Fairview (4-6)
Head coach: Rex Cooksey
2006: Missed the playoffs (http://scoreboard.12dt.com/scoreboard/bluegrasspreps/kyfb6?source=bluegrasspreps&did=&tid=22525&id=&action_name=)

In a bizarre turn of events over the dead period, Chad Tackett resigned as head coach after four seasons and Rex Cooksey was named as his replacement, less than a week before the start of practice.

Fairview’s four-win season in 2006 was their fewest in five years, but the Eagles return an experienced senior class that will compete in a district pared down from seven teams to five.

More importantly, Cooksey is just hoping his team can stay healthy. Over 15 different players missed at least one game due to injury.

Senior Cliff Stewart (5-11, 230) missed several games due to a broken hand, which allowed Keith McClelland (6-0, 200, Sr.) to step in and become a defensive leader.

Senior quarterback Daniel Armstrong is back to run the offense, while senior Justin McCoy (5-9, 175) returns in the backfield, and senior Casey Clark (5-7, 155) is back at receiver.

Click here for the 2007 Fairview schedule (http://scoreboard.12dt.com/scoreboard/bluegrasspreps/kyfb07?source=bluegrasspreps&did=&tid=24635&action_name=)


Fulton City (0-9)
Head coach: Wayne Lohaus
2006: Missed the playoffs (http://scoreboard.12dt.com/scoreboard/bluegrasspreps/kyfb6?source=bluegrasspreps&did=&tid=22533&id=&action_name=)

It’s not often that a team wins their first seven games and has their season described as a major disappointment.

However, that best fits the roller coaster that was the Fulton City Bulldog season last year.

The Bulldogs won their first seven games of the season for the first time since 1978 and appeared destined to host the school’s first playoff game in 38 years until the KHSAA ruled a player ineligible.

Because that player had seen limited action in all seven games, the Bulldogs were forced to forfeit all of them, resulting in an 0-9 record at season’s end.

While head coach Wayne Lohaus doesn’t have the talent of last year, the cupboard isn’t bare either.

Senior DaeRon Williams (6-1, 165) rushed for 1,183 yards and 18 touchdowns, while junior quarterback Aaron Wilson (6-1, 155) added 841 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns.

Blake Lawson also returns at receiver for the Bulldogs, who also welcome back center Cedric Bransford, tackle Robbie Williams, and tackles Aaron and Andre Glass.

Lohaus is also expecting contributions from Kevin Byrd, who missed last year while recuperating from an auto accident, Kentrell Rouse, and Antwain Porterfield.

“We are strong at our skilled positions, but weak on both the offensive and defensive lines,” Lohaus said.

While Mayfield is again the class of the district, Fulton City still has a legitimate shot at hosting their first playoff game since 1968 if they can top Crittenden County and cross-county rival Fulton County in the standings.

Click here for the 2007 Fulton City schedule (http://scoreboard.12dt.com/scoreboard/bluegrasspreps/kyfb07?source=bluegrasspreps&did=&tid=24643&action_name=)


Fulton County (6-5)
Head coach: James Bridges
2006: Lost to Murray 21-12 in the first round of the playoffs (http://scoreboard.12dt.com/scoreboard/bluegrasspreps/kyfb6?source=bluegrasspreps&did=&tid=22534&id=&action_name=)

The coaching merry-go-round at Fulton County appears to have stopped with James Bridges. The former Pilot standout returns for a second season at the helm – the first Fulton County coach to do so in five years.

The Pilots return a solid mix of speed and size that should challenge Fulton City and Crittenden County for second place in a district headed by powerhouse Mayfield.

Seniors Antione Gaston and Ladrekus Moffatt return in the backfield, while senior Tony Udley returns at receiver.

The Pilots lost quarterback Jonathon Roberson to graduation, but his replacement will have a large line to protect him.

Jacob Goodman (6-6, 270, Jr.), Ben Burnett (6-1, 225, Sr.), Rob Sanger (6-1, 270, Sr.), and senior Darquez Scott return for the Pilots on the line.

The Pilots have a tough non-district schedule that features Madisonville, Calloway County, Trigg County, and South Fulton, Tenn.

Click here for the 2007 Fulton County schedule (http://scoreboard.12dt.com/scoreboard/bluegrasspreps/kyfb07?source=bluegrasspreps&did=&tid=24644&action_name=)


Gallatin County (4-4)
Head coach: Tim Browning
2006: First season of varsity football

By Jessica Rouse
Bluegrasspreps.com

The Gallatin County Wildcats return almost all of their players from their inaugural varsity football team.

The Wildcats’ goal for the second season in school history is to play in a playoff game. And while the Wildcats will have experience on their side, they won’t have many seniors to take them to the playoffs. Except, said Head Coach Tim Browning, for one exceptional senior, team captain Scott Brown.

“He is an outstanding young man both on and off the field. He is our top receiver and best defensive back as well,” he said.

Brown had 29 catches for 555 yards. He averaged 19.1 yards a catch, and lead the team in scoring with touchdowns on the season.

Gallatin County had 770 more passing yards than their opponents in 2006, and Browning said Gallatin County will throw the ball even more this season.

Commanding Brown and the rest of the Wildcat offense will be junior quarterback Jesse Florence. As a sophomore, Florence was just under 50 percent in completion average, completing 66 of 134 attempts. Florence notched 14 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. Despite those numbers, Browning said the green quarterback heated up toward the end of 2006, giving him and his team momentum for 2007.

“In our last three games he threw nine touchdowns and over 1,000 yards. We are expecting a great season from him this year,” he said.

Florence will have support from junior running back Jared Carlton, who had 106 carries last season for 461 yards. Carlton also ran in three touchdowns and three extra points in 2006.

A seasoned offensive line returning all but one player will allow this experienced offense lead by offensive tackle Spencer Hale to flex its muscles a bit this season.

Tim Browning, who has coached the football team Gallatin County since its birth four years ago as a middle school program, said he appreciated his team’s effort and willingness to learn during spring ball. Browning said football isn’t the only sport his kids are putting effort into.

“We have several players that play on our basketball team. They went to the All-A state tournament, won the 31st district championship, and made it to the eighth region semi-finals,” he said.

Although Browning has a team full of athletes, he said the players need to work on speed and strength and depth at skill positions. “We were smaller than almost every team we played last year, so getting stronger and quicker is a must for our team.”

Helping Gallatin County get stronger and quicker for their first season in a district will be assistant coaches Tony Carlton, Tony Jury, Tim Glore, and Tommy Bishop.

The coaches and the Wildcats hope to be strong enough this season to beat rival Carroll County and enough teams to reach their team goal.

“We just hope to be competitive, and win enough games to get us into the playoffs,” Browning said.

Click here for the first-ever 2007 Gallatin County schedule (http://scoreboard.12dt.com/scoreboard/bluegrasspreps/kyfb07?source=bluegrasspreps&did=&tid=24645&action_name=)


Harlan (8-4)
Head coach: J.B. Donahue
2006: Lost to Somerset 34-7 in the second round of the playoffs (http://scoreboard.12dt.com/scoreboard/bluegrasspreps/kyfb6?source=bluegrasspreps&did=&tid=22546&id=&action_name=)

2007 will be a rebuilding season for Harlan as the Dragons look to replace eight starters on both sides of the football. Making the rebuilding task easier is the statewide realignment that has moved Somerset to Class 3A.

While the Dragons lost a lot of their skill players from last year, they do return linemen Aaron Jones (5-9, 240, Sr.), Jacob Cole, and Westley Howard (6-3, 230, Sr.).

They will give protection to senior quarterback Chase Jones, who returns after throwing for over 1,300 yards and 17 touchdowns last year.

Bradford Marsili is the only receiver returning with any experience, although newcomer Hunter Lutrell, a transfer from Oldham County, could make an impact on both offense and defense, according to head coach J.B. Donahue.

Linebacker Josh Johnson returns to a defensive unit that held their first six opponents to 9.0 points a game, but allowed 26.3 in their final six games.

Returning home to lead the Dragon defense is defensive coordinator Frank Shope Jr., who led Harlan to the 1999 region title game. In addition to guiding the defense, Shope oversees the Dragon weightlifting program.

Because of realignment, the Dragons lost long-time rival Williamsburg from the schedule but did retain Lynn Camp. They also picked up new opponents Jenkins, Perry County Central, Clay County, and Lee County, Va.

Click here for the 2007 Harlan schedule (http://scoreboard.12dt.com/scoreboard/bluegrasspreps/kyfb07?source=bluegrasspreps&did=&tid=24656&action_name=)



Jenkins (4-7)
Head coach: Mark Johnson
2006: Lost to Pikeville 44-0 in the first round of the playoffs (http://scoreboard.12dt.com/scoreboard/bluegrasspreps/kyfb6?source=bluegrasspreps&did=&tid=22564&id=&action_name=)

While Jenkins hasn’t had a winning season in 13 years, the Cavaliers were able to make the playoffs for the first time since 1994.

Head coach Mark Johnson only has a handful of starters back on each side of the football, including senior All-District quarterback Chris Puckett.

Senior Jonathon Taylor plays both fullback and linebackers and leads a defense that returns five starters.

Back on the Jenkins’ line are senior Justin Hunsucker (6-2, 185) and juniors Nick Fleming (6-2, 205) and David Walker (6-0, 220).

The Cavaliers showed bright spots at times last year, falling to Pikeville 21-14 late in the season. Now in District 7, Jenkins has a legitimate shot at returning to the postseason if they can stay healthy and develop some depth.

Click here for the 2007 Jenkins schedule (http://scoreboard.12dt.com/scoreboard/bluegrasspreps/kyfb07?source=bluegrasspreps&did=&tid=24673&action_name=)


Kentucky Country Day (5-6)
Head coach: Tim Green
2006: Lost to Bardstown 41-14 in the first round of the playoffs (http://scoreboard.12dt.com/scoreboard/bluegrasspreps/kyfb6?source=bluegrasspreps&did=&tid=22566&id=&action_name=)

The Bearcats made their first playoff appearance in four years last year and look to get the school’s first playoff win since entering district play three years ago.

Head coach Tim Green has some holes to fill on offense, notably replacing quarterback Cassidy Cook and running back Terronce Adams.

Senior Brian Cruse rushed for over 600 yards last year, and will be the Bearcats’ primary weapon in 2007.

Senior Zach Wall returns at receiver, and Clem Thomas should get some carries in the backfield.

For the Bearcats to challenge for a home playoff game, they will have to find some depth on their lines, something that may be tough for a program that had only 34 players on their roster last year.

They will also have to improve their defense that gave up over 300 rushing yards a game.

Click here for the 2007 Kentucky Country Day schedule (http://scoreboard.12dt.com/scoreboard/bluegrasspreps/kyfb07?source=bluegrasspreps&did=&tid=24675&action_name=)

[The Scribe]

Ludlow (4-6)
Head coach: Randy Borchers
2006: Missed the playoffs (http://scoreboard.12dt.com/scoreboard/bluegrasspreps/kyfb6?source=bluegrasspreps&did=&tid=22580&id=&action_name=)

By Jessica Rouse
Bluegrasspreps.com

The Ludlow Panthers return the four top scorers from a 2006 team that finished 4-6 under first-year head coach Randy Borchers.

The two leading rushers from 2006 – senior quarterback Jarrett Rouse and junior running back Braydon Mills -- along with leading receiver senior Buddy Lunsford should boost the Panther’s spread-schemed offense.

Rouse lead the team in rushing with 667 yards with three touchdowns last season. As the team’s second leading rusher, Mills claimed 408 yards and five touchdowns last season.

Lunsford tied a school record last season for most catches in one game, grabbing 14 against Dayton. He shares the record with Donald Weaver, who set the record in the late 90s.

Lunsford had 25 catches last season for 338 yards and 4 touchdowns on the season. While the Panthers return some key offensive players, their capability to execute will depend on the play of an inexperienced offensive line, which returns one lineman from 2006.

The Panthers run a 4-3 defense and return five out of six starters.

Ludlow’s defense boasts two of the top three sack leaders from 2006 in senior defensive lineman Austin Cooper (six sacks) and Lunsford (three sacks) at strong safety.

The defense returns two starting linebackers and two starting defensive backs.

Leading the defense from the linebacker position will be senior Michael McMillen, who notched 66 tackles, one sack, and three fumble recoveries last season.

Senior linebacker Jake Helmer had 48 tackles for the red and black last season.

As for the defensive backs, Rouse and junior Josh Montooth each had an interception last season.

Ludlow’s last and only football state championship was in 1975. The Panthers pulled off a 7-6 win over Heath High School for the Class A title.

Click here for the 2007 Ludlow schedule (http://scoreboard.12dt.com/scoreboard/bluegrasspreps/kyfb07?source=bluegrasspreps&did=&tid=24689&action_name=)


Lynn Camp (3-7)
Head coach: David Mitchell
2006: Missed the playoffs (http://scoreboard.12dt.com/scoreboard/bluegrasspreps/kyfb6?source=bluegrasspreps&did=&tid=22581&id=&action_name=)

Two previews for the price of one

The 2006 football season wasn’t too kind to David Mitchell and his Lynn Camp Wildcats.

The Wildcats finished the season with a 3-7 record, didn’t make the playoffs, while going 0-5 at home for the first time since 1994.

“I expected us to come back and have a pretty solid football team,” Mitchell said. “I didn’t really expect us to struggle as much as we did. It seemed like we didn’t have any confidence and we had some injuries as well.

“It was one of the most disappointing seasons I believe we’ve had, talent wise, in my 29 years I’ve been head coach here,” he added.

Despite the lack of success last season, Mitchell said things have looked better during the off-season.

“Well, right now, everything has been positive,” Mitchell said. “Things could be better and things could be worse. I think the guys are showing improvement, but I do have a couple of guys at the same time that hasn’t stepped up and we’re going to need them to do that.

“I thought the seven-on-seven that we’ve played in, we’ve looked good,” he added. “Most of our skill guys are back and that’s a positive.”

The one returning skill player that strikes a fear in all of the Wildcats’ 2007 opponents is tail back Joe Roskopf.

Roskopf captured the 2006 Times-Tribune Football Player of the Year award, while finishing second in the state in rushing average with a 207.7 rushing average.

“It was pretty amazing for him to come off of an injury (torn ACL) in the spring and play as well as he did,” Mitchell said. “I don’t think he was ever at 100 percent. I had no idea he would carry as much of the load as he did. I think he averaged about 31 carries a game and after Sidney got hurt that went up about 10 more per game.”

Mitchell said Roskopf has gained all of his speed back and is now at 100 percent, leading the Lynn Camp coach to believe Roskopf should be in the running for Mr. Football this season.

“He should be,” Mitchell said. “I’m kind of puzzled why he hasn’t been mentioned or isn’t known statewide. He should be. That just puzzles me.”

Also returning on offense will be Sydney Wagner, Brandon Abner and Jonah Mitchell, but with a twist.

Jonah Mitchell, last season’s quarterback, will be used as a split end, while Abner, a tight end last season, will move to the quarterback position.

Abner gives Lynn Camp good size (6’1, 185 pounds) at the quarterback spot, while Jonah Mitchell gives the Wildcats more speed.

“We need to take advantage of our speed and I feel this will allow us to do that,” Mitchell said. “It also adds another playmaker and it finally gives us someone at the wide out spot.

“The big thing is that it just makes us more honest,” he added.

Mitchell knows his team must improve offensively, if the Wildcats want to make the playoffs.

According to Mitchell, Lynn Camp will be competing in a different district for the first time since 1958.

“A lot of rivalries are gone,” he said. “This district is going to be different, that’s for sure.”

So, does Mitchell believe his Lynn Camp squad can turn the corner during his 30th year as Wildcat football coach and return to the Class A playoff picture?

“I feel like we have the people to do it,” he said. “We’ve got the talent, but we also need to develop on the line and that’s a big concern right now.”

The Lynn Camp Wildcats look for fresh start in 2007. After coming off a disappointing 3 and 7 year, and missing the playoffs, the Wildcats hope playing in a district can return the Wildcats back to the success they have enjoyed much of the past decade.

The Wildcats return one of the top running backs in the state in Joe Roskopf. Roskopf was among the state leaders in rushing yards last season, rushing for over 2000 yards in 10 games. But Coach David Mitchell knows that if Lynn Camp is going to be able to compete for a district title this season, it’s going to take more than Roskopf to lead them to a title.

In the years that Lynn Camp has enjoyed great success they have feature at least two backs. The Wildcats will look to Sidney Wagner to be that other back. Wagner struggled early in the season, and towards the middle of the year when it looked like he was ready to break out, Wagner suffered an injury that kept him sideline most of the season.

The Wildcats will also be making a change at QB this season. Jonah Mitchell moves from QB to split end. Brandon Abner will take over at QB. By moving Mitchell to split end, it gives the Wildcats a big, quick target at split, something the Wildcats haven’t had in recent years.

Kyle Scalf returns to Wildcats after starting the last three years at either tight end or fullback. Scalf at 6’4 is another huge target for Wildcats passing attack, which looks to be improved from last season.

The area of concern for the Wildcats on offense will be the line. The Wildcats lose three, three-year starters that were a big part of Lynn Camp being among the state leaders in team rushing. The Wildcats do get good news on the line, with the return of Michael Hall. Hall played in the first game before going down for the season with a knee injury.

The Wildcats also return Stephen Davis and Josh Baker who started several games last season.

On defense, the Wildcat D front will return Hall and Davis, with several other competing for the other spots. The linebacker core took a big hit with the graduation of Scott Bray and Justin Gorsuch. Kyle Scalf, and Sidney Wagner could see time at those positions.

The secondary will feature Jonah Mitchell, Brandon Abner, Joe Roskopf, and Sidney Wagner. Wagner will also handle the punting duties for the Wildcats.

The Wildcats will open the season in the second annual Pioneer Bowl against Clay County. The Wildcats maybe playing in a new district but they will still see some of their old district foes.

The Wildcats have non-district games with both Harlan and Cumberland. For the first time since the 1994 season, the Wildcats will play the Hazard Bulldogs in a regular season game. The Wildcats also play Whitley County, and Middlesboro.

The Wildcats will also make a long trip to Dayton for a non-district matchup. The Wildcats new district still features long time rival Williamsburg, in a game that could decide a home playoff game. The Wildcats also have a big district showdown with Campbellsville, a game that could be for a district title.

The Wildcats can’t overlook a newcomer Clinton County. If the Wildcats can avoid injury bug, 2007 could be a good year for the Wildcats.

Click here for the 2007 Lynn Camp schedule (http://scoreboard.12dt.com/scoreboard/bluegrasspreps/kyfb07?source=bluegrasspreps&did=&tid=24690&action_name=)


Nicholas County (2-8)
Head coach: Robert Hopkins
2006: Missed the playoffs (http://scoreboard.12dt.com/scoreboard/bluegrasspreps/kyfb6?source=bluegrasspreps&did=&tid=22608&id=&action_name=)

Four straight losing seasons has Nicholas County hoping the new district realignment is the tonic the Bluejackets need to get back on the winning track.

Jonny Mattox (5-10, 170, Sr.) returns in the backfield, while Jordan Mynear (6-1, 170, Jr.) returns under center.

Michael Reid and Andy McCarty should also provide some offensive punch for the Bluejackets, who scored a touchdown or less in six of their ten games last year.

Defensively, Mattox and McCarty return in the secondary, while Jeremiah Brown and Tyler Duncan also return for Nicholas County, who only have five seniors on their roster.

Finding some linemen will be the main chore for Hopkins if the Bluejackets are to end a three-year playoff drought.

Click here for the 2007 Nicholas County schedule (http://scoreboard.12dt.com/scoreboard/bluegrasspreps/kyfb07?source=bluegrasspreps&did=&tid=24716&action_name=)


Paintsville (5-6)
Head coach: Jim Tom Allen
2006: Lost to Hazard 27-21 in the first round of the playoffs (http://scoreboard.12dt.com/scoreboard/bluegrasspreps/kyfb6?source=bluegrasspreps&did=&tid=22618&id=&action_name=)

With the return of nine starters on both sides of the football in 2007, Jim Tom Allen’s second season as Paintsville’s head coach should be much smoother than his first.

The Tigers saw their win total last year cut in half from 2004 when they advanced to the region finals.

A shift in district alignment, coupled with the returning starters, has expectations high in the home of the Apple Festival.

All five linemen return after opening holes for the departed Daniel Pugh last year.

J.J. Hensley (5-10, 240, Sr.), Bucky Bailey (5-9, 225, Sr.), Robert O’Brien, Casey Brown (6-2, 230, Jr.), and Billy Slone will again be counted on to open holes for an offense that averaged 245 yards and 26 points a game last year.

Just who that line will protect remains a question.

Quarterback Daniel Pugh graduated and took with him over 1,400 all-purpose yards.

Nehemiah Doderer returns to the backfield after rushing for 522 yards on just 70 carries last year.

Tyler Deaton (6-1, 170, Jr.), Dyllon Brown, and Cory Humphrey (5-11, 165, Sr.) return at receiver in Allen’s up-tempo offense. Humphrey was the leading receiver last year with 35 catches for 423 yards and five touchdowns, but could make the move to quarterback.

On defense, the Tigers return Hensley, Bailey, and Ricky Hall on the line. Humphrey, Mason Castle, Patrick Butcher, and Hunter Preston are all back to anchor a linebacking corps that will be asked to improve upon last year’s unit that gave up 154 rushing yards a game.

Deaton and Jake Cyrus both return in the secondary.

Allen said J.D. Vanhoose (linebacker) and Andy Penix (defensive back) will also be given a chance to contribute on defense.

With one of the most experienced units returning in the district, Paintsville is expected to challenge long-time rival Pikeville for the district crown.

However, the Tigers will have to survive a back loaded scheduled that includes the aforementioned Panthers along with Johnson Central, Prestonsburg, Sheldon Clark, and Raceland.

Click here for the 2007 Paintsville schedule (http://scoreboard.12dt.com/scoreboard/bluegrasspreps/kyfb07?source=bluegrasspreps&did=&tid=24726&action_name=)


Paris (7-4)
Head coach: Matt Thompson
2006: Lost to Raceland 43-26 in the first round of the playoffs (http://scoreboard.12dt.com/scoreboard/bluegrasspreps/kyfb6?source=bluegrasspreps&did=&tid=22619&id=&action_name=)

Special to Bluegrasspreps.com

Paris football is rich in tradition with state titles at the Class A level in 1973, 1981 and 1982. The task for first-year head coach Matt Thompson is to get the wheels in motion for a return trip to Louisville, and the Paris football family is hopeful that the trip will come sooner than later.

It will be an arduous task for Thompson and his staff with the lore of playing for state championships far removed from the Paris sidelines. With the loss of a large and talented senior class, the 2007 campaign will need passionate and tough play from a new group of hard working and dedicated seniors.

Middle linebacker Travis Angel (6-1, 230, Sr.) will be anchoring the new “pressure” 3-4 defense that Thompson will be implementing.

Defensive line play will be led by seniors Desmond Henson and Jeremy Shupe. Other seniors such as Zach Stevens and Lawrence Myers will be expected to have big years on the defensive side of the ball as well.

Offensively, the Greyhounds will be spreading the field and utilizing the many athletes on their roster.

Stevens (6-0, 185, Sr.) is expected to have a big year catching the football for the Hounds, and several younger players such as Jordan Stevens, Tiion Thomas, William Washington, Cody Dumphord, Trent Rankin, and Jerome Stanley will be expected to help carry the load.

Another talented and hard working senior, Zach Klimper, also looks to have a great year catching the football for the Hounds.

Up front, Paris will be more athletic than in the past, and new offensive coordinator K.C. Jones expects to utilize that athleticism with the spread attack.

Overall, the Greyhounds are experiencing a revamped program with hard work, discipline, and dedication being the three most important aspects.

With the new motto of “FAMILY”, this group of young Paris football players looks to turn the ordinary into the extraordinary.

Since the arrival of Thompson in late April, the Hounds have been living in the weight-room and on the track preparing physically and most importantly, mentally, for the upcoming season.

With an advanced level of football knowledge and understanding of the game being taught, the 2007 Paris Greyhounds look to not only use their athleticism to win football games, but use their football IQ as well.

Hopefully, a strong sense of pride will once again take the field at Blanton-Collier Field, and the Greyhounds will step onto the field this fall with their heads and their hearts stirred with possibilities and perhaps make those dreams and remembrances of playing for state championships a thing of reality.

Click here for the 2007 Paris schedule (http://scoreboard.12dt.com/scoreboard/bluegrasspreps/kyfb07?source=bluegrasspreps&did=&tid=24727&action_name=)


Phelps (2-8)
Head coach: Bruce Jones
2006: Missed the playoffs (http://scoreboard.12dt.com/scoreboard/bluegrasspreps/kyfb6?source=bluegrasspreps&did=&tid=22624&id=&action_name=)

The Hornets are coming off a tough 2-8 season. The Hornets will see another new coach as Bruce Jones (former Powell County head coach) takes over in his first season at Phelps.

Phelps strong point last year was it’s offensive and defensive line and should be one of the teams more solid positions again this season.

The Hornets will rely on Jordan Payne to do most of their damage on offense, as he is the only returning player in the backfield.

Payne will carry the load for the departed Russell Johnson. Payne had several games were he rushed for more than 200 yards.

The numbers game will be Phelps’ biggest opponent as the Hornets started last season with 24 players and finished with just 16.

Phelps should be in the playoff hunt in 1A District 8. Besides Pikeville and Paintsville the other four teams (Phelps, Betsy Layne, South Floyd and Allen Central) should all be about even.

Click here for the 2007 Phelps schedule (http://scoreboard.12dt.com/scoreboard/bluegrasspreps/kyfb07?source=bluegrasspreps&did=&tid=24732&action_name=)

[The Scribe]

Pineville (3-7)
Head coach: Bart Elam
2006: Missed the playoffs (http://scoreboard.12dt.com/scoreboard/bluegrasspreps/kyfb6?id=22627)

Pineville snapped a long losing streak in Bart Elam’s first year at the helm of the Mountain Lions. Now, he hopes to make the playoffs in his second season – something Pineville hasn’t done since 2000.

Junior Jon Stanley (5-11, 155) moves from backup to starter at quarterback this year, replacing the graduated Zack Churchwell.

Stanley will benefit from having the Lions’ top two receivers back. Matt Combs (5-10, 150, Sr.) hauled in 35 passes for 570 yards and six touchdowns, while T.J. Lord (5-9, 170, Sr.) caught 23 passes for 476 yards and three scores.

Elam has to find some help in the backfield as Stanley (130 yards) was the leading returning rusher.

Shane Partin (5-10, 160, Jr.) and Billy Rye (5-5, 145, Jr.) will be expected to compete for starting positions, while Tyler Woolum (5-9, 160, Jr.) could become more involved in the offense.

Alex Garland (5-11, 185, Sr.), Nick Fugate (6-0, 190, Sr.), Joe Williams, and Jamie Lawson (6-1, 280, Soph.) return to a line that helped the Lions rack up 275 yards of offense a game last year.

Defensively, Combs returns to the secondary after picking off six passes last year, including one returned for a touchdown.

Combs will be joined by Woolum and Stanley.

Sophomore A.Y. Evans (5-10, 160) and Joe Williams (5-8, 175, Jr.) return at linebacker as the Mountain Lions must improve last year’s numbers that saw them allow 232 rushing yards and 36 points a game.

Elam also expects freshmen Cody Hendrickson, Jarrod Nunnelly, and Travis Beck to make an immediate impact on either side of the football.

Pineville’s roster only has six seniors, but 15 juniors and nine sophomores could mean the Lions are ready to bring home the school’s first winning season in seven years.

Click here for the 2007 Pineville schedule (http://scoreboard.12dt.com/scoreboard/bluegrasspreps/kyfb07?source=bluegrasspreps&did=&tid=24735&action_name=)


South Floyd (3-7)
Head coach: Donny Daniels
2006: Missed the playoffs (http://scoreboard.12dt.com/scoreboard/bluegrasspreps/kyfb6?source=bluegrasspreps&did=&tid=22650&id=&action_name=)

Donny Daniels coached one of the youngest teams he’s ever had to three wins in 2006.

Now, he’s hoping those players coming back gained enough experience to claim the school’s second playoff berth in four years in the new-look District Eight.

Sophomore quarterback Tommy Joe Hall returns after missing some of the last year with an injury.

Junior Tyler Mitchell and sophomore Bobby Meade return to the backfield, which must replace the graduated Anthony Barker, the team’s leading rusher and scorer last year.

Senior Derrick Triplett and junior Chad Patrick both return on the Raider line.

Click here for the 2007 South Floyd schedule (http://scoreboard.12dt.com/scoreboard/bluegrasspreps/kyfb07?source=bluegrasspreps&did=&tid=24759&action_name=)
(http://scoreboard.12dt.com/scoreboard/bluegrasspreps/kyfb07?source=bluegrasspreps&did=&tid=24759&action_name=)

Trimble County (7-4)
Head coach: Johnny Poynter
2006: Lost to Danville 58-20 in the first round of the playoffs (http://scoreboard.12dt.com/scoreboard/bluegrasspreps/kyfb6?source=bluegrasspreps&did=&tid=22660&id=&action_name=)

It’s been a wild two seasons for Trimble County football.

In 2005, the team ended a 25-game losing streak that dated back a couple of years.

In 2006, the Raiders put together their first winning season in 28 years and first since reviving the football program in 1996.

In 2007, head coach Johnny Poynter has a slew of starters returning in hopes of challenging Frankfort for the district title.

“We have a lot of three and four-year starters returning. We have worked harder in the offseason than any team I’ve ever coached,” Poynter said. “Our team will be strong and physical, and we have high expectations this year.”

The Raiders have nine starters back on offense, including four linemen.

They are three-year starters Trent Mullikin (6-0, 230, Sr.) and Drew Alexander (5-8, 220, Sr.) and two-year starters Josh Boyd (6-2, 375, Sr.) and Trevor Smith (5-10, 220, Jr.).

They will be creating holes for an offense that averaged 32 points and 342 yards of offense last year.

Senior tailback David Bird (6-0, 200, Sr.) may be the best player in the state you’ve never heard of. He rushed for over 1,600 yards and 22 touchdowns last year and has over 3,300 yards the past two seasons.

Also returning to the backfield are Justin Hawkes (5-11, 190, Sr.) and Corey Jones (5-10, 280, Sr.), who makes the move from the offensive line.

Jesse Peters (6-2, 180, Sr.) and Jose Meldanado (6-1, 190, Sr.) return to the receiving corps.

Senior John Ball (5-11, 175) will move into the quarterback role and could benefit from the additions of split end Aunner Posas (5-8, 160, Jr.) and transfer Larry Sullivan (5-11, 175, Jr.).

The already potent offense should benefit from the play calling of new offensive coordinator Steve Kunselman, an All-America running back at Hanover College in the early 1990s.

Poynter has eight starters back from a defensive unit that recorded two shutouts and held two other opponents to a single touchdown.

Boyd and Jones return at the defensive end positions, and Mullikin is back at tackle.

Ball, Bird, and Hawkes will roam the linebacker positions in the 4-3 defense, while Peters, who picked off four passes last year, and Jordan Hunt (5-8, 170, Jr.) return in the secondary.

“Defensively, we have gotten better, and I look for us to be more aggressive and run to the football more,” Poynter said.

The Raiders are one of the teams that benefit from the new alignment as Bardstown and Danville have moved to Class 2A. Frankfort, who Trimble led 8-6 in the fourth quarter last year before losing 20-8, will be the team the Raiders are shooting for in the district this year.

Click here for the 2007 Trimble County schedule (http://scoreboard.12dt.com/scoreboard/bluegrasspreps/kyfb07?source=bluegrasspreps&did=&tid=24769&action_name=)


Walton-Verona (n/a)
Head coach: John McMillen
2006: Did not field a varsity team

By Jessica Rouse
Bluegrasspreps.com

The Walton-Verona Bearcats will take their first snap ever as a high school program in 2007. While Walton-Verona has enjoyed success in other sports, the high school has never fielded a varsity football team.

The school board voted in favor of creating a junior high football team two years ago. Last season, 40 Bearcats came out for the junior high team, seven of which had been on a football field at least once in their life. The team finished 4-3, and Head Coach John McMillen said the winning record got a once football-less community pumped about the pigskin.

“The community and school really rallied around our kids,” he said. “As a result, interest in football grew considerably in our school district and community.”

While the interest was growing, so were the athletes. Many of the 40 junior high kids that came out for the team two years ago are now in high school. They will have the opportunity to play on a freshman team that is composed of mostly ninth graders and some tenth graders.

The freshman team will play in a new league with other schools that are fielding a ninth and tenth grade team including Ludlow, Belleview, Dayton, Brossart and Bracken County. Some of the tenth graders and all of the eleventh graders will play a regular JV schedule.

McMillen, a former Ludlow High School football player, has coached basketball, football and baseball at Ludlow and is in his second year coaching football for the Bearcats.

Walton-Verona will begin varsity play in the fall of 2009.

Walton-Verona Independent is located in the city of Walton. Walton is located in southern Boone County in Northern Kentucky. While it is a mostly rural area, it is experiencing rapid residential development. The school system began as separate schools, one for the city of Walton and one for the city of Verona. The two schools consolidated in 1935. Since then the community has supported and enjoyed the school system and the school’s athletics and, McMillen said, the tradition of Bearcat pride will continue with football.


Williamsburg (7-4)
Head coach: Jerry Herron
2006: Lost to Harlan 42-35 in the first round of the playoffs (http://scoreboard.12dt.com/scoreboard/bluegrasspreps/kyfb6?source=bluegrasspreps&did=&tid=22675&id=&action_name=)

The Williamsburg Yellow Jackets may have suffered one of the biggest losses of any Tri-County team after last season.

Gone are quarterback Thomas Frazier, running back/linebacker Aaron Root and star wide receiver Chase Hamblin, not to mention defensive standouts A. J. Jusino and Stephen Jeffries.

Despite key losses in almost every skill position, don’t expect coach Jerry Herron’s team to just sit back and take its lumps.

“Yes we lost some pretty important, guys, but we are going to play as hard as ever,” Herron said. “We are young and obviously, youth and inexperience will be a tough obstacle for us to overcome.

“One thing that will help is that these kids have a great attitude about what we are doing here,” he added. “Any time you have kids that are positive and believe in the system you are using, you are going to succeed.”

The best news for the Yellow Jackets in 2007 is the fact they are in the playoffs, thanks to the new alignment that puts them in a four-team district with Campbellsville, Clinton County and long-time rival Lynn Camp.

Taking the place of Frazier at the quarterback position will be sophomore Ryan Moses.

Despite his youthfulness, Herron said the fact he was able to watch Frazier will be a huge benefit.

“Thomas just had a real toughness about him and I think Ryan will bring that as well,” Herron said. “There was a lot of things that I think Ryan picked up on as far as being on the sidelines to see a guy like that.”

The best news for the quarterback position may be the return of former All-Stater Andy Greer as quarterbacks coach.

“When you have a guy that was All-State, and is the school’s leading passer all time, it’s going to help,” Herron said. “I think the simple fact Andy has the credentials he does on the field, the kids are going to listen to him and what he has to say about football.”

Replacing Root in the backfield will be Will Moses, who saw limited time carrying the ball last year.

As far as the wide receiver spot left vacant by Hamblin’s departure, Herron will look to several people to try and produce the kind of yardage the Yellow Jackets are used to.

“Chase was a guy that could make a play for us, but I expect some of these kids to develop in to that role,” Herron said. “We have a few kids in Aaron Brock, Dusty Brown and Stephen Taylor who I think can become solid threats down the field.”

The good news for the Williamsburg offense is the return of nearly the entire offensive line. With some experience in the trenches, Herron said the transition from Root to Will Moses should not be such a tough one for his team.

“This line has been through some battles,” he said. “They know what they have to do to make a hole and protect the quarterback.

“I really think their experience will help offset a lack of it in some other places,” he added.

When all is said and done, Herron said he believes the X-factor for his team could be his coaching staff.

With a complete staff, Herron said he thinks he is the one that will have trouble adjusting to some things this season.

“This is the first time that I won’t have a single position to coach myself,” he said. “When you look at the guys I do have, I think the sky is the limit for this team.

“I really appreciate the hard work that these guys do on the sidelines and I think they really set us apart from other squads,” he added.

Williamsburg will begin the season on the road against Lexington Christian on Aug. 25, followed by a pair of home game against McCreary Central and Clinton County the next two weeks.

Click here for the 2007 Williamsburg schedule (http://scoreboard.12dt.com/scoreboard/bluegrasspreps/kyfb07?source=bluegrasspreps&did=&tid=24784&action_name=)