2008 Class 1A Kentucky High School Football Preview

[The Scribe]

2008 Class 1A Kentucky High School Football Preview



Allen Central (4-7)
Head coach – Jeremy Hall
2007 – Lost to Pikeville 66-14 in the first round of the playoffs

Allen Central was good enough to win a pair of district games and advance to the playoffs where they lost to Pikeville.

Despite losing six seniors from a 27-man roster, the Rebels have a good chance to return to the postseason.

Quarterback Josh Prater (6-4, 180, Sr.) returns to run the Rebel offense, which also has Chris Stumbo (5-9, 170, Jr.) and Logan Crowder (6-1, 210, Jr.) back.

Stumbo and Crowder are part of a large junior class that will take many of the starting positions on both sides of the football.


Ballard Memorial (2-8)
Head coach – Chris Cooper
2007 – Missed the playoffs

After Jack Haskins had a successful run as head coach of Ballard Memorial a few years back, the Bombers have went through three coaches in five years, winning just 11 games in the process.

Former Paducah Tilghman player and assistant coach Chris Cooper has been elevated to head coach and looks get the Bombers back in the playoffs after a one-year absence.

Cooper has some experience back at the skill positions, led by quarterback Josh Bourff (6-1, 170, Sr.), running back brothers Nathan (6-3, 170, Jr.) and Jonathon Bledsoe (5-5, 160, Sr.), and receiver Steven Pullen (5-11, 160, Sr.).

Up front, Cooper will look to Mason Denton (5-8, 235, Sr.), Tim Neal (6-0, 260, Sr.), and a bunch of sophomores to make up the starting unit.

Cooper expects to mix things up on offense, contingent on the personnel he has. On defense, the Bombers don’t have the numbers up front so Cooper expects to play an aggressive 3-5 package at times.


Beechwood (13-2)
Head coach: Noel Rash
2007: Beat Lexington Christian 38-35 in the Class 1A state championship game

Beechwood head coach Noel Rash leads his Beechwood Tigers into the 2008 season as defending 1A champions. The offseason has been spent reloading and finding replacements for a senior-laden 2007 squad, which boasted one of the largest and most experienced lines in the state.

With 13 returning seniors that have been with the program since their freshman year, the transition should be seamless.

Leading the always powerful running attack is Neico Teipel (6-2, 215, Sr.), last year’s rushing leader, who has impressed several D-1 schools with his strength, ability, and work ethic.

Teipel is expected to carry the load for the Tigers, while putting up huge numbers.

Joe Collisimo (6-0, 190, Jr.) slides into the #2 running back slot. He showed his mettle last year on both offense and defense before an injury sidelined him for a good part of the season.

Beechwood’s receiver pool returns three starters. Joe Daniels (6-3, 210, Sr.), Alex Downton (6-1, 200, Sr.), and tight end Brady Slusher (6-2, 200, Sr.) are all sure handed game breakers that should make the transition from back-up to starter smoother for quarterback Matt Rigdon (6-0, 160, Jr.), who has shown steady improvement and the ability to lead this offense in June 7 on 7 drills.

The Beechwood defense is led by D-1 recruit Dominic Mainello 6-5, 265, Sr.), a three year starter at offensive guard and defensive end, who has garnered about every award there is for both his offensive and defensive play, along with an offer from Central Michigan University.

Matt Miller (6-4, 260, Sr.) was a spot starter last year, while Frank Shultz (5-8, 235, Sr.), a tenacious high energy player, could find himself at the nose guard position.

David Hood (6-1, 200, Sr.) and Curtis Jackson, a transfer from Tennessee, round out the jumbo line.

Most of these players will also see time on the offensive line as well.

On defense Beechwood returns four skilled starters – Teipel, Slusher, Downton, and Daniels.

Rash is focused on defending the Tigers’ title and again has his team in peak physical condition.

All in all, what the Tigers have lost in size, they have picked up in speed and agility. The offense will use its power and experience to give their first year signal caller Matt Rigdon the time he will need to become a formidable weapon.


Bellevue (7-5)
Head coach: Dave Eckstein
2007: Lost to Beechwood 35-2 in the second round of the playoffs

by Chris Weber

The Bellevue Tigers have a lot to look forward to this upcoming season with many returning starters on both sides of the football.

On offense, the Tigers have their main producer of touchdowns last year in Ricky Buckler (5-8, 170, Jr.), who rushed for over 700 yards and 10 touchdowns.

Buckler should be expecting the load this year with a new quarterback in Richard Wills (6-2, 160, Jr.), who hasn’t had much experience at quarterback at the varsity level but seems to be filling in on the spot well.

Derek Hunninghake will also get a look at quarterback.

Thomas Barrett (5-8, 160, Sr.) will join Buckler in the backfield.

Wills should have good receivers to throw to, with the list to include Timmy Berkemeier (6-0, 155, Sr.), Luke Norman (6-3, 145, Sr.), Nick Evans (5-6, 160, Jr.), and Rodney Brock (6-0, 160, Jr.).

On the offensive line, the Tigers have returning starters in Josh McIntire (6-0, 300, Sr.), Zach Lucas (5-10, 220, Sr.) and Justin Caudill (6-2, 210, Sr.).

On the defensive side of the football, the Tigers have several starters back, which include linebackers David Combs (5-10, 150, Sr.), Derek Hunninghake (5-10, 160, Sr.), and hopefully their defensive leader in Travis Lyvers (5-7, 170, Jr.). Lyvers was sidelined in the Tigers 3rd game last year with a knee (ACL) injury.

Opal Decker (5-11, 220, Jr.) could also contribute on the defensive line.

The Tigers defensive coordinator last year was Dave Pelgen, the creator of the “Paddle,” which was used for the first time last year for the historic Bellevue vs. Dayton rivalry. Last year, the Devils won the game but look for the Tigers to capture the Paddle this year.

“We are excited about this upcoming season,” head coach David Eckstein said. “We have more speed than normal, the guys are working hard, and we think our offensive and defensive lines are developing well.”

Eckstein begins his 23rd season as a coach, with the last four at Bellevue.


Berea (4-6)
Head coach: Keenan McWhorter
2007: Did not compete in district play

Berea won four games in 2007 – the most for the program since 2001. However, the Pirates did not compete in district play and were ineligible for the postseason.

Only four seniors graduated off a 24-player roster for head coach Keenan McWhorter.

The only offensive question is who will replace Josh Campbell at quarterback.

The Pirates return running backs Rashad Slaughter (5-8, 165, Sr.), Cody Duff (5-9, 160, Jr.), and Brandon Crouch (5-10, 170, Sr.).

Receivers Joseph Parker (5-7, 150, Soph.) and Jeremy Hamilton (5-10, 165, Jr.) also return.


Beth Haven (5-6)
Head coach – Brad Street
2007: Lost to Holy Cross 47-6 in the first round of the playoffs

Beth Haven’s first season in district competition went about the way head coach Brad Street throught it would – beat the teams that were similar in size and have trouble with the bigger, deeper teams.

The Bearcats won five games during the regular season and made their first appearance ever in the playoffs before losing to Holy Cross in the first round.

Street graduates six seniors from a 20-player roster, but has some key players back, including quarterback Justin Stone (5-11, 190, Jr.), receiver Corey Hertel (5-11, 160, Sr.), and linemen Shane Williams (5-10, 205, Jr.), Zack Vonkennel (6-0, 225, Jr.), and Cody Lacefield (6-0, 220, Jr.).

In their second season of postseason eligibility, it won’t be enough for the Bearcats to just make the playoffs. They need to win at least two district games to avoid a likely first round trip to Mayfield in the playoffs.

[The Scribe]

Bethlehem (5-7)
Head coach: Stan Torzewski
2007: Lost to Holy Cross 31-6 in the second round of the playoffs

Peter W. Zubaty
The Kentucky Standard

In his second year as Bethlehem head coach, Stan Torzewski hopes to do more with less.

In his first year, Torzewski surprisingly had more than 45 kids come out for football, with perhaps many of them wanting to jump on the bandwagon excitement left over from 2006, the best season in school history.

Many of the newcomers weren’t as committed to football as Torzewski would have liked, however. This year, he’s expecting about 30, possibly fewer, and he feels like his team has trimmed the fat, so to speak.

“We lost a lot of guys to graduation,” Torzewski said. But, “oftentimes, it’s quality, not quantity. I think we have ’06 potential.”

He’s found a core group of players who have taken over the mantle of leadership, and as a result, off-season workouts have been focused and well attended.

Gone is Blake Stanley, the Eagles’ Mr. All-Everything. Stanley was the lone big-play threat for Bethlehem, but he’s taken his game on to Morehead State, leaving a void at running back. Even with a weapon such as Stanley, who almost single-handedly beat Kentucky Country Day in the first round of the playoffs, Bethlehem’s offense was inconsistent at times.

“We had a lot of three-and-outs last year,” Torzewski said. “We’ve got to be able to sustain our running game — sustain drives.”

Getting the bulk of the carries this year will be junior Luke Wimpsett, who missed much of the early part of 2007 to knee troubles.

“When he came back, he was running over people,” Torzewski said.

Wimpsett’s healthy now, and Torzewski said he’ll need to stay that way, especially with classmate and fellow running back Casey Robinson electing not to come out for football, instead focusing on baseball. Sophomore Clay Owens will also get some carries in the backfield.

Dalton Reed, a junior, inherits the quarterback job from the graduated Travis Greenwell, and senior Jacob Whitener will anchor the offensive line.

Sophomores Matt Clark, Michael Kelly and Joe Peake all got significant time on the offensive line as freshmen.

“While we’re young, we’re more experienced than last year,” Torzewski said.

Juniors Lance Reed and Ben Hall figure to be top targets at wideout, as well as Cam Wilson, who Torzewski calls “my senior leader.”

Wilson should have an even bigger impact at linebacker, and has been instrumental in getting the rest of the Eagles rallied for summer weight room work.

Nick Galloway will anchor the defense from the linebacker spot, with the help of Wimpsett, Owens and Wilson.

Torzewski’s duties will change as well when he takes over as offensive coordinator for 2007 after specializing in defense his first six years of coaching.


Betsy Layne (1-9)
Head coach: Jonathon Parsons
2007 – Missed the playoffs

Betsy Layne head coach enters his second year at the helm following a 1-9 debut in 2007.

Parsons has finally brought the promise of continuity to a program that has long needed it. The buzz around the Betsy Layne community is stronger then in any year in the past, as the Bobcats have initiated new practices in an attempt to finally establish themselves on the map of eastern Kentucky football.

A new weight program has been installed, and a youthful coaching staff with plenty of Betsy Layne alumni has brought on a new sense of pride.

The road to success for the Bobcats is a rocky one. Betsy Layne lost both quarterback Brennan Case and receiver Brandon Blair from last season’s squad. They combined for 132 of the Bobcat’s 176 points, and accounted for nearly 80-percent of their total yardage.

Looking to step in and make their mark at the skill positions will be returning starters Cody McKay (5-11, 170, Sr.) and Jordan Hall (5-10, 150, Sr.) in the backfield and a stable of receivers that include Dylan Maldonado (5-10, 160, Soph.), Branston Jarrell (5-10, 140, Jr.), and Lonnie Blair (5-5, 150, Sr.).

Zach Hall (5-10, 190, Sr.) and Korey Jarrell (5-8, 205, Sr.) are both 4-year starters in the trenches, and should provide help for young quarterback Nathan Martin, who is the heir apparent to step in and take the snaps.

The coaching staff also expects big things from speedy Bryant Tibbs this season.


Bishop Brossart (0-10)
Head coach: Matt Reinhart
2007: Missed the playoffs in their first season of varsity football

After going 0-10 in their first varsity season, the progress of the Mustangs wasn’t at the level the school wanted, which cost head coach Randy Ollier his job.

Former Scott assistant Matt Reinhart was named the new head coach in mid-June, assigned with the task of taking over a new program and assembling a coaching staff less than a month before the start of practice.

Reinhart expects a roster of nearly 40 players when practice begins, and looks to enhance the feeder program at the middle school level.

While some key players graduated from the defensive side of the football, the Mustangs are slated to return quarterback Jacob Heil (5-10, 150, Sr.), and running backs Tony Woeste (5-10, 185, Sr.) and Chris Bowman (5-11, 190, Jr.).

Reinhart will try and find a way for them put some points on the board after scoring less than five points a game last year.

Bowman also played linebacker last year, and Woeste led the team in interceptions from the secondary.

The district alignment does Brossart no favors, but Reinhart is just focused on establishing a solid foundation for the future.


Bracken County (1-9)
Head coach: Chuck Faust
2007: Missed the playoffs

The growing pains have been tough for Bracken County football, which missed the playoffs in the first year of their new district in 2007.

Head coach Chuck Faust will have to compensate for the losses of Justin Scott and Marcus Randolph to graduation.

Codie Florence (5-10, 165, Sr.) and Cody Breeze (6-0, 165, Sr.) could be the players who Faust engineers the Polar Bear offense with behind a group of young, but big underclassmen on the line.


Campbellsville (6-7)
Head coach: Herb Wiseman
2007: Lost to Hazard 44-6 in the region championship game

By JOSH CLAYWELL
The (Elizabethtown) News-Enterprise

With just two seniors on his squad, veteran Campbellsville coach Herb Wiseman knew his team would go through growing pains early in the season.

The Tigers started 2-4, with losses to Frankfort, Lynn Camp, Green County and Danville.

“The beginning of the season was one of growing pains,” said Wiseman, who is 28-36 in six years at Campbellsville. “Not to mention, we had a pretty tough schedule.”

But as Wiseman knows, it only matters how you finish.

The Tigers rebounded, going 2-2 in their final four games with wins over district rival Williamsburg and McCreary Central.

Campbellsville entered the playoffs at 4-6, but got a revenge win over Lynn Camp in the first round of the Class 1-A playoffs and knocked off Williamsburg in double overtime to advance to the third round.

Campbellsville trailed 22-6 with 6 minutes to play against Williamsburg, but scored twice in that span to send the game into overtime.

The win gave Campbellsville its first district title since 1998.

“It was big. When we played them in the regular season, we beat them pretty good,” Wiseman said. “They had a few kids that didn’t play, particularly up front. That was a big win for us.”

The Tigers’ run came to an end with a 44-6 loss to state power Hazard the next week, but with nine starters returning on both sides of the ball, Wiseman is optimistic his team can build on last season’s success.

The returnees are headlined by junior Aaron Schwoebel, a 6-foot-6, 185-pound quarterback, and senior Michael McCubbin, a 6-5, 185-pound wide receiver.

As a sophomore, Schwoebel competed 37 percent (68-of-182) of his passes for 1,076 yards and five touchdowns.

“He started out just like our whole team,” Wiseman said. “He really came on tough at the end of the year, particularly taking off and running when there was pressure. He’s grown about two inches and put on about 20 pounds.”

Wiseman said he will utilize Schwoebel’s size and use the passing game more this season.

“We’re going to try to take advantage of that,” Wiseman said. “We’re going to try to get the ball to Michael more. We’re hoping Aaron can give us more in the passing attack.”

He should be able to with McCubbin, who is being recruited by Boston College, Eastern Kentucky, Kentucky, Louisville, Purdue and Western Kentucky.

McCubbin caught 35 passes for 624 yards and five touchdowns a year ago.

“There’s a lot of interest for him out there,” Wiseman said. “He’s our do-everything. You name it, he led us in it.”

Other offensive returners include senior running back Zach Altman, senior tight end Jamar Atkinson, senior guard Jacob Taylor, senior tackles Casey Hines and Taylor Price and junior center Clay Hooper and junior guard Jamarcus Vancleve.

Wiseman will have to replace star running back Shumari Bridgewater, who received a full scholarship to Eastern Kentucky. Bridgewater rushed for 1,385 yards and 13 touchdowns on 198 rushes (6.9 yards per carry).

Stepping in to fill the void left behind will be junior running back Thomas Downs. The 6-2, 225-pound Downs rushed for 617 yards and eight touchdowns on 81 carries (7.6 yards per carry).

“He’s going to be the one to take over the load for Shumari,” Wiseman said. “He’s going to get the carries that Shumari had last year.”

Atkinson (defensive end), Vancleve (nose guard), Hines and Price (tackles) will anchor the defensive line along with 6-1, 200-pound junior Donovan Pittman (defensive end).

Downs, Altman and junior Bryton Taylor will man linebacker in Campbellsville’s 4-4 (four linemen, four linebackers) scheme. McCubbin will double as center.

Just like last season, Wiseman hasn’t shied away from a tough schedule.

The Tigers open with defending Class 1-A state runner-up Lexington Christian before hosting cross-town rival Taylor County and district foe Lynn Camp.

Campbellsville then has consecutive road games at Green County, Clinton County, Danville, Williamsburg and Marion County before closing out the season with home games against McCreary Central and Glasgow.

“Our schedule is brutal. We don’t have an off week at all,” Wiseman said. “We have to come and compete each week. I schedule the way I do because I think it helps people in the playoffs.”


Caverna (1-9)
Head coach: Nick Stephens
2007: Missed the playoffs

Expectations are a little higher at Caverna this year with 20 of the 24 players on last year’s roster expected to return from last year’s team that missed the playoffs in a weak district.

The Colonels should benefit from the return of their skill people, including two people that rotated at quarterback last year.

Jordan Rice (5-6, 145, Soph.) completed 43-percent of his passes for 607 yards and five touchdowns, while Brett Davidson (6-0, 160, Jr.) threw for 547 yards and four touchdowns.

Joseph Stumph (5-11, 220, Sr.) led the Colonels in receiving with 22 catches for 373 yards and three touchdowns. Josh Rice (5-7, 150, Sr.) averaged over 25 yards a catch and reached the end zone three times.

On defense, Caverna welcomes back Josh Rice (two INTs) and Cody Adams (6-0, 175, Sr.) in the secondary, and Ethan Boles (6-5, 260, Sr.) on the line.


Clinton County (0-11)
Head coach: Jeremy Whitlow
2007: Lost to Williamsburg 63-25 in the first round of the playoffs

After posting a 4-5 record in 2006 in its first season of high school varsity competition in almost 30 years, the Bulldogs didn’t make a smooth transition to district play as they fell to 0-11. Clinton gave up over 47 points a game (the worst average in the state in Class A) while scoring a little over 14 a game.

Jeremy Whitlow takes over as coach, replacing George Hatcher.

Eight starters are back on defense, led by senior linebacker Drake Dow (6-1, 200, Sr.) and junior linebacker Steven Haddix (5-11, 180, Jr.).

The offense, which also is expected to have eight starters returning, is led by senior quarterback Luke Boils (6-0, 200), junior running back Brent Durham (6-1, 190), junior wide receiver Brandon Durham (6-0, 175) and senior guard T.J. Shelton (5-11, 210).

[The Scribe]

Crittenden County (4-7)
Head coach: Al Starnes
2007: Lost to Mayfield 24-21 in the first round of the playoffs

Crittenden County endured a season of turmoil and injuries only to nearly pull a first round upset of Mayfield in the first round of the playoffs.

Rockets’ head coach Al Starnes is cautiously optimistic in 2007 with the return of his skill players and all but six players from last year’s team that was 4-7 for a second straight season.

Junior quarterback J.D. Gray (5-8, 180) settled into the starter’s role under center accounting for over 1,200 yards of total offense and 15 touchdowns. His 701 rushing yards were the most ever for a Rocket quarterback.

Bruising back Jeramie Sorina (5-10, 180, Sr.) was expected to carry the rushing load last year but injuries limited his carries. Rodney Robertson (5-10, 190, Sr.) stepped in and rushed for 1,027 yards and 12 touchdowns. If both backs are healthy, it could give the Rockets one of the better backfields in the district.

Alex Wood (6-0, 205, Sr.) was a standout baseball pitcher and should bolster the Rocket line if he returns to the gridiron for his senior season.

Austin McGriff (5-8, 210, Sr.) and Zeke Sorina (6-3, 295, Sr.) should give the Rockets some size and experience in the trenches.

The key for the Rockets will be to not duplicate last year’s slow start that saw them lose their first five games by a total score of 222-49.

The 2008 schedule appears more forgiving with the Rockets opening against Lake County, Tennessee (5-5) before playing a Lone Oak team hit hard by graduation in the second game.


Dayton (8-3)
Head coach: Zach Deaton
2007: Lost to Bellevue 20-13 in the first round of the playoffs

Dayton put together an impressive 2007 season under Zach Deaton, with wins over Holmes, Lynn Camp, and Scott. Their eight wins were the most since the 1996 team that won 10.

After getting unceremoniously dumped by Bellevue in the first round of the postseason, the Green Devils must rebuild and will be hard-pressed to duplicate their eight win season from a year ago.

With most of last year’s skill people lost to graduation, Deaton will look to several reserves that saw some time last year on both sides of the football.

Michael Richardson (6-2, 225, Sr.) rushed for over 250 yards and scored five touchdowns and returns as the main offensive threat for the Green devils.

Justin Sherlock (5-9, 165, Jr.) should have the inside track at quarterback, while Patrick Schwierjohann (5-10, 190, Jr.) could challenge for the starting job.

Derrick Buchannan (5-11, 150, Jr.), James Sullivan (5-5, 150, Jr.), and Tyler Watson (6-0, 175, Jr.) should also be offensive options for Dayton.

Sullivan, Richardson, and Watson should form a nice defensive cog at the linebacker position.

Christian Lewallen (6-0, 200, Jr.) leads a young and inexperienced line.


Eminence (5-6)
Head coach: Steve Frommeyer
2007: Lost to Frankfort 54-6 in the first round of the playoffs

Eminence returned to district play and saw their steak of 23 consecutive winning seasons end with a 5-6 record last year.

The Warriors have some key people to replace, although the return of Ed Berry should make the transition smoother.

Berry had over 600 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns at one wide out. He also picked off three passes on defense.

Sophomore Dre Banta saw some time under center last year, completing over 60-percent of his passes for 370 yards and six scores.

Twins Brad (5-10, 210, Jr.) and Chad Day (5-10, 195, Jr.) and Jacoby Moore (5-8, 220, Sr.) are expected to return to anchor the Eminence front line.

Eminence made the playoffs for the first time in 11-man football last year after claiming several 8-man state championships. Their goal this year is to get a win in the postseason.


Fairview (6-5)
Head coach: Nathan McPeek
2007: Lost to Raceland 13-0 in the first round of the playoffs

Nathan McPeek takes over a young Fairview team that appeared to be headed in the right direction under Rex Cooksey, who stepped down after just one season as head coach.

While McPeek has some holes to fill on offense, he does have the benefit of an experienced line returning.

Chip Bailey (6-3, 240, Sr.), Josh Johnson (5-10, 210, Sr.), and Corey Wellman (6-0, 270, Sr.) all return and should be joined by newcomer Jacob Bradley (6-0, 205, Jr.).

T.J. Shelton (5-10, 160, Jr.), Drew Boyd (5-10, 210, Jr.) and Matt Jones (5-11, 160, Sr.) should pick up some of the offensive slack following the graduation of Daniel Armstrong and Justin McCoy. Jones is expected to be the quarterback.

McPeek wants to bring a blue-collar work ethic to the Eagles, who won five of their first six games last year but struggled down the stretch.

“We are growing as a program with some good hard-nosed kids,” McPeek said. “My goal is to compete and teach these young men some life lessons to use when they are finished playing for Fairview.”


Frankfort (11-3)
Head coach: Craig Foley
2007: Lost to Beechwood 49-17 in the state semifinals

Last season, Frankfort had their best finish since 1990 with an 11-3 record and an appearance in the Class A semifinals.

This year, the Panthers still have the goal of winning a state championship in mind, but it may be a little tougher to achieve with the loss of 14 seniors. Frankfort returns only one starter on offense and six on defense for the 2008 campaign.

Many of the offensive stars from 2007 are gone. Coach Foley will have to find someone to replace University of Kentucky signee E.J. Fields.

To fill the void on offense, he has several strong candidates.

Quan Weaver (6-1 195, Jr.) is the only returning starter on offense after leading the Panthers in rushing several games last season. Weaver ended the season rushing for over 1,000 yards.

Zach Mason (5-9 175 Soph.) will be expected to help give that 1-2 punch Frankfort is known for.

There should be a very competitive battle for the quarterback spot this summer between Keri Metcalfe (6-1, 175, Sr.), who has two varsity starts including a win over Danville last season. Nipping on his heels will be Dylan Quinn (6-2, 180, Soph.)

Frankfort will also have some playmakers at receiver in Dwight Tillman (6-3, 185, Jr.) and Aaron Hall (6-3, 192 Soph.).

The biggest task for Foley on offense will be finding replacements on the offensive line. Last year’s top seven offensive linemen were all seniors.

On the defensive side that gave up only 14 points a game last season, the biggest void will be at middle linebacker. With the loss of Jordan Morgan, the question is who will fill the vacancy. Possible candidates are Weaver and Mason.

The secondary will be the least experienced, with Foley looking to Hall, Tillman, and Ethan Williams (5-8, 170, Jr.) to fill the void.

The defensive line returns several players with varsity experience. Look for Jeff Dunamire (5-8 165 Jr.) to make an impact up front.

Though this may be labeled as a rebuilding year for Frankfort, the expectations for Coach Foley and his Frankfort program is another regional title and to be one of the final four teams fighting for a spot in the finals.

Foley has built a solid program in his five years as head coach. This season will be his toughest yet.

The schedule will include 2A power Danville and cross town 4-A Franklin County.


Fulton City (9-2)
Head coach: Wayne Lohaus
2007: Lost to Mayfield in the second round of the playoffs

The phrase “first time since…” was used frequently during the Fulton City football season in 2007.

They beat Mayfield for the first time since 1968 and hosted a playoff game for the first time since that same 1968 season.

However, the rematch didn’t go as well as the Cardinals thumped Fulton City for the district title.

Now, head coach Wayne Lohaus is charged with the task of extending the excitement to 2008 without the services of all-everything Dae’Ron Williams, who graduated.

Aaron Wilson (6-2, 175, Sr.) split time between quarterback and the backfield, where he rushed for 943 yards and 12 touchdowns.

Jacquise Lockett (5-11, 190, Jr.) should also see the football more this year and run behind a young line anchored by Cedric Bransford (5-10, 220, Sr.).

While another upset of Mayfield is not likely, a second place finish in the district is very attainable and would keep the Bulldogs from making the ridiculously long trip to the Louisville area in the first round of the playoffs.


Fulton County (2-9)
Head coach: James Bridges
2007: Lost to Fulton City 51-0 in the first round of the playoffs

After a revolving door of coaches at Fulton County in recent years, James Bridges enters his third season as the Pilots’ skipper with a roster short on experience.

Junior quarterback Shun Udley (6-4, 210, Jr.) showed flashes of brilliance last year but has lost most of his supporting cast to graduation.

Receivers Tyler Vowell (5-11, 165, Sr.) and Victor King (6-0, 220, Jr.) return to the Pilot offense, which scored just one touchdown in their final three games last year.

Jacob Goodman (6-8, 300, Sr.) leads a line that will see some retooling in 2008.


Gallatin County (7-4)
Head coach: Tim Browning
2007: Lost to Trimble County 16-0 in the first round of the playoffs

Gallatin County’s first full season of varsity football went well, with the Wildcats winning seven of 11 games and hosting a playoff game for the first time ever.

However, the there are doses of both good news and bad news for Gallatin County.

The Wildcats return nine starters from last year’s team that finished second in the district, including quarterback Jesse Florence.

However, spring practice numbers were very low for a variety of reasons, and head coach Tim Browning knows that has to change if the Wildcats are to move to the next level.

“We need a greater off season commitment to the program. Once we get that, then we’ll be able to reach some of the goals we have set for ourselves,” he said.

The return of Florence (5-7, 160, Sr.), who threw for 1,139 yards last year, gives Browning a nice start on offense.

Jared Carlton (6-0, 175, Sr.) rushed for over 1,000 yards despite missing three games.

Damien Mains (5-7, 170, Sr.), Nate Brown (5-10, 180, Jr.), and Derek Amburgey (5-8, 150, Sr.) should also see time on offense for the Wildcats.

Browning is also excited about Josh Edmonson (5-10, 195, Jr.), a transfer from Owen County that will likely be inserted at linebacker on defense.

Up front, Jordan Crase (5-9, 260, Sr.), Mason McCarty (5-10, 205, Jr.), Jack Wright (6-2, 250, Jr.), and Justin Roland (5-9, 190, Sr.) all started on the line at one point last year.

With Florence back for a third season under center and a nice offensive mix with Carlton in the backfield, the Wildcats could be poised to host another playoff game and perhaps challenge Frankfort for the district title.


Harlan (1-9)
Head coach: J.B. Donahue
2007: Missed the playoffs

A five-year run of playoff appearances came to a surprising halt last fall as Harlan (1-9, 1-4) struggled both offensively and defensively, averaging a little over 10 points a game while surrendering 31.

Harlan lost several top players to graduation but has rarely put together back-to-back bad seasons in J.B. Donahue’s long run as coach and will be back in the playoffs this year with the district dropping to four teams as Evarts and Cumberland have closed to form Harlan County High School.

The Dragons return five starters on defense — junior linebackers Kenny Pennington (6-1, 175) and Ben Cornett (6-1, 180), junior end James Hill (6-1, 230), senior linebacker Jacob Cole (5-9, 185) and senior cornerback Allen Hensley (6-0, 160).

Harlan’s offense will feature junior Andrew Link (5-7, 170) at tailback and Hensley at wide receiver. Sophomore tackle Zach Allen (6-1, 300) anchors the line with Hill and Cole at the guards.

There are several candidates to replace Chase Jones at quarterback, with the athletic Hensley as the most intriguing option because he has the ability to make big plays both with his arm and feet. Junior Aaron Carr, last year’s backup, will also compete for the starting job.


Hazard (13-1)
Head coach: Mark Dixon
2007: Lost to Lexington Christian 45-21 in the state semifinals

With 11 starters back from an offense that averaged 41 points a game last year, Hazard (13-1 overall, 5-0 district) should make a run for the Class A state title.

The Bulldogs coasted to a Region 4 championship last year before suffering their first loss, 45-21 to Lexington Christian, in the state semifinals. Hazard defeated Lexington Christian 41-21 at Hazard in the regular season, but the Eagles won the rematch in Lexington.

Hazard will again be under the direction of one of the state’s top quarterbacks in 6-foot, 210-pound senior Tyler Olinger, who passed for over 3,000 yards and ran for over 1,000 last fall.

Seniors Michael Campbell (6-3, 240) and Josh Kidd are back as the receivers, and senior Greg Adams, who rushed for over 1,600 yards last year, returns at halfback.

The Bulldogs are also solid on defense with seven starters back, including senior linebackers John Howard and Campbell, senior end T.J. Searcy and senior tackle Austin Maggard (6-1, 300).


Louisville Holy Cross (7-6)
Head coach: Dave Weston
2007: Lost to Beechwood 42-7 in the region championship game

One of the teams statewide that benefited most from the statewide realignment last season was Louisville Holy Cross.

The Cougars were already one of the top Class A teams and with the stay in A will continue to dominate the competition. Although, coach Dave Weston’s bunch usually plays a brutal schedule of larger schools early in the season.

Holy Cross, which has a dozen players participating at the next level, comes into this season with a solid senior class and a bunch of good young talent.

Leading the way is quarterback Jimmy Nauert, whose father played football at the University of Louisville. As a junior, Nauert threw for 1,400 yards and 12 touchdowns and ran for 400 yards and four more scores.

Nauert will be leading the Cougars attack for the third consecutive season and should be one of the better signal-callers in the Louisville area.

And he has plenty of weapons. Chad Hazelwood was a leading receiver last season and returns along with Sean McCardwell.

Holy Cross always has a solid line and that will be no different this season. On defense, cornerback Chase Martin while Jay Dolak and Austin Jaggers are top linemen.


Jenkins (6-5)
Head coach:
2007: Lost to Cumberland 53-28 in the first round of the playoffs

The Cavaliers continued their impressive turnaround last fall with a 6-5 record, including a 2-3 mark in the district that helped the Cavaliers qualify for their second straight trip to the postseason. It was the school’s first winning season in 14 years.

Repeating won’t be easy as the Cavaliers return only four starters on offense and defense and suffered several huge graduation losses, including quarterback Chris Puckett and fullback Jonathan Taylor.

Matthew Johnson, a senior who split time at quarterback and receiver last year, is the likely starter at quarterback and will try to continue the Cavaliers’ strong offensive performance from a year ago that lit up scoreboards for over 32 points a game. The backfield will also include senior Patrick Patterson and junior Nick Taylor. Senior Cory Maggard is back at tight end.

The Cavs’ line will feature senior guards David Walker (6-0, 220) and Nick Fleming (6-3, 200) and sophomore tackle Matt Langdeau (6-3, 260).

Former East Ridge assistant Lincoln Bentley was named head coach over the summer but was replaced before practice began because of a student claim of inappropriate behavior. As of this preview, the Cavs were still waiting to name a new head coach.


Kentucky Country Day (5-6)
Head coach: Tim Green
2007: Lost to Bethlehem 33-6 in the first round of the playoffs

Kentucky Country Day finished 5-6 for the second straight year, which also ended in a first round playoff loss.

The Bearcats lost more starters than they return, although quarterback Ben Richter (5-9, 180, Sr.) comes back after throwing for nearly 1,000 yards and six touchdowns. However, the leading rusher and receiver from last year have graduated.

It will take the Bearcats a little time to get adjusted.

But Green is building the program up so these losses won’t always be so drastic and this could be the year that things turn a little to favor KCD.

Wilson Ewen (5-11, 235, Sr.) and Mark Speed (6-2, 230, Sr.) return on the line for Kentucky Country Day.

[The Scribe]

Lexington Christian (11-4)
Head coach: Paul Rains
2007: Lost to Beechwood 38-35 in the Class A State Championship game

This year’s Lexington Christian Academy team holds a lot of promise, and a lot of unknowns.

The offense returns seven starters, three of which are linemen and most of their skill players.

At the heart of the offense are quarterback Lucas Witt (6-1, 175, Jr.), running back Dominique Hayden (5-8, 225, Jr.), and receiver Branden Burdette (6-1, 165, Jr.).

Hayden rushed for 1,350 yards and had 500 receiving yards last year, while Witt rushed for 700 and passed for over 2,900 yards.

Burdette had almost 1,000 yards receiving and fellow receiver Ben Hartley (5-7, 160, Sr.) added 550 yards receiving.

The biggest hole to fill will be at tight end -- a difficult, but doable job.
The line will be anchored by returning starters Michael Harmon (6-1, 255, Sr.), Zach West (6-4, 255, Soph.), and Evan Jacoby (5-11, 210, Jr.).

Replacing graduated linemen Ross Hill and Sam Duff will be a challenge, but several players are waiting to take their shot.

The defensive side of the football is where most of the questions are.

Only four starters return from last year. Hayden at linebacker, Burdette at corner, Drew Walls (5-7, 150, Jr.) at corner, and Evan Barnett (5-7, 170, Sr.) at linebacker.

Brandon Dawson (5-11, 325, Sr.), Chase Fairchild (5-10, 200, Jr.), and Harmon will anchor the Eagles’ defensive line.

There are many others that saw significant playing time, and they will have to step it up.

The lack of experience on defense is not a total cause for alarm. It seems that each year LCA loses many starters to graduation, only to have the replacements gel as a team by playoff time. Once again, that will have to happen for this team to go far into the playoffs.

The Eagles’ staff was boosted by the addition of longtime Harrison County head coach Ray Graham.

“I think we have arrived as a contender in Class A. Our goals revolve around being our best daily and serving a higher purpose than ourselves,” head coach Paul Rains said. “We must keep our priorities in order. I feel good about where we are and where we are headed. It should be an exciting year at LCA.”


Ludlow (3-8)
Head coach: Rick Hornsby
2007: Lost to Beechwood 47-12 in the first round of the playoffs


Ludlow has their sixth different head coach in the past 10 years as Rick Hornsby has been promoted to the top spot after Randy Borchers left to coach the new Cooper High School.

Hornsby, a former Covington Catholic standout and assistant coach, has some workable parts returning for the Panthers, who won just three of 11 games last year.

Junior Zach Stegemoller (5-10, 160) takes over at quarterback, where he threw for 415 yards and seven touchdowns in limited time last year.

Josh Montooth (5-10, 155, Sr.) did a little of everything for Ludlow last year, rushing for 356 yards and two touchdowns. He’s also the leading returning receiver and handled the kicking duties last year.

Braydon Mills (5-8, 190, Sr.) and Ronnie Banks (5-8, 170, Sr.) return in the backfield, and Brett Betz (5-11, 165, Sr.) and Scott Dunn (5-9, 160, Sr.) are back at receiver.

Derek King (5-10, 220, Sr.) and Drew Rice (6-0, 215, Jr.) are back in the trenches for the Panthers, who graduated three linemen.

Getting the numbers back up will be one of the priorities for Hornsby as he looks to build on a roster that finished last year with 29 players.


Lynn Camp (5-6)
Head coach: David Mitchell
2007: Lost to Campbellsville 12-7 in the first round of the playoffs


Lynn Camp (5-6, 2-1) appeared headed toward last year’s district title with five wins in its opening seven games before mounting injuries proved to be too much to overcome, especially after star running back Joe Roskopf went down for the season.

Veteran Lynn Camp coach David Mitchell always seems to be able to find a go-to back and will likely turn to junior tailback Wes Steele and senior wingback Sidney Wagner this year following the graduation of Roskopf, a four-year starter. Senior Jonah Mitchell, who shifted to receiver last year, could return to quarterback.

Senior Josh Baker (6-3, 295) anchors one of the larger offensive lines in Class A.

The Wildcats’ defense will be led by senior linebackers Stephen Davis and Wagner, as well as Baker at tackle, Mitchell at cornerback and junior linemen Brad Bargo (6-5, 260) and Brandon Disney (5-11, 210).


Mayfield (9-4)
Head coach: Joe Morris
2007: Lost to Frankfort 35-14 in the region title game

Mayfield was beaten in the state quarterfinals last season, an unusually early ending to the Cardinals’ playoff run — they had reached the semifinals in 27 of the previous 32 seasons.

This year, 11 returning starters give Mayfield a fighting chance to make it back to the final four.

Offensively, the biggest loss was at quarterback. Luke Guhy filled in for injured Logan Armstrong on occasion as a freshman last season and is back to take over the offense as a fulltime basis.

“He’s gotten bigger and stronger,” coach Joe Morris said. “He may make some sophomore mistakes, but he’s a smart quarterback and he’ll do fine.”

Tyrese Murrell (5-6, 145, Jr.) rushed for 970 yards last season and will assume even more of the burden in the running game if talented sophomore DeCole Noonan can’t overcome some grade problems. Jake Sweatman and Jarrod Noonan will share time at fullback.

“We had some games where he ran the ball 24-25 times,” Morris said of Murrell. “We’ll have to do that some this year, because he’s going to touch the ball a lot.”

Xavier Shelton (6-1, 165, Jr.), Jevarius Richardson (5-11, 160, So.) and Gary Hall (5-9, 155, Sr.) are back at receiver.

Three starters return on the offensive line, including junior Jantzen Jones (6-3, 250 and the brother of former all-stater Micah Jones) and seniors Tyler Heathcott (5-9, 210) and Trevor Williams (5-9, 175).

“We don’t have a whole lot of size,” Morris said. “We’ve got some good young guys in the 200-210 range — nothing real big, average size for high school linemen.

”The thing that helps is that we have a little more depth in the line. Last year we only felt comfortable with five. Now we have some competition, and that helps.”

Morris, who has been his own offensive coordinator for several seasons, will take over the defense this fall. Stephen Hatchell, a former quarterback at Murray State and Campbellsville, will run the offense.

Murrell has started at cornerback since the first game of his freshman year, and he leads a secondary that returns Hall at the other corner, Richardson at strong safety and Shelton at free safety.

The defense lost standout linebackers Armstrong and Brent Simpkins, the school’s all-time leading tackler. Morris hasn’t decided whether to use Sweatman (5-11, 190, Sr.) or Jarrod Noonan (5-10, 180, Sr.) at linebacker or defensive end, but “both of them will be on the field.”

Eric Noonan (5-6, 170, Sr.) is back at end, and Matthew Shultz (5-8, 165, Jr.) is back at tackle. Jonathan Lawson (5-9, 165, Jr.) used his quickness to become a star tackle.

“He causes a lot of havoc,” Morris said. “If you don’t double him, you’ve got problems.”

Mayfield lost one of its biggest weapons in kicker-punter Tommy McNutt, but Morris expects sophomore Marc Wynstra to be a capable replacement. Wynstra had to take over those duties after McNutt was injured in the playoffs.

The Cardinals are the district favorite, as usual, but will have to hold off a strong challenge from Crittenden County, which gave them fits in a 24-21 loss in the first round of the playoffs, and perhaps even the Fulton City squad that beat them in the regular season for the first time since 1962.

And, as usual, Mayfield faces a rugged non-district schedule that includes the season opener against defending Class 2A state champion Fort Campbell, Class 3A semifinalist Paducah Tilghman, Class 4A district favorite Calloway County and local Class 6A schools Graves County and Marshall County.


Nicholas County (5-6)
Head coach: Robert Hopkins
2007: Lost to Lexington Christian 62-19 in the first round of the playoffs

Several key starters and the return of as many as 17 seniors has Nicholas County head coach Robert Hopkins optimistic in a district that suffered some heavy losses to graduation.

Quarterback Jordan Mynear (6-3, 190, Sr.) is a three-year starter and will have to shoulder more of the offensive load with the graduation of Jonathon Mattox.

Shane Sweet (6-0, 185, Sr.) and Andy McCarty (5-10, 190, Sr.) could share time in the backfield competing for carries.

Jacob Frederick (6-1, 230, Sr.), Steven Tolson (6-4, 315, Sr.), Brandon Price (6-2, 235, Sr.), and Jim Conyers (6-2, 245, Sr.) return up front for the Bluejackets and could be the strength of the team when combined with Mynear at quarterback.


Paintsville (6-6)
Head coach: Jason Kinner
2007: Lost to Pikeville 55-0 in the second round of the playoffs

When most pre-season publications come out predicting the order of finish for 1A District 8, it always seems to be the same story at the top – Pikeville and Paintsville. Surely enough, it appears that the 2008 season will once again come down to these two schools, as the Panthers and Tigers are once again the cream of the crop.

This year both teams will battle for the district title behind new head coaches. At Paintsville, this will be Jason Kinner’s chance to immediately make his impression on the program.

The Tigers offense will be centered on leading returning rusher Nehemiah Doderer. The Tigers sported a balanced offense behind graduated quarterback J.D. VanHoose last season, but will now look for a new signal caller to step up and take over.

Making that transition easier will be the return of versatile Tyler Deaton who led Paintsville in receiving yards last season. Brandon Hensley will anchor the line, and expect newcomers Tyler Spriggs and Brian Murray to contribute as well.

Defensively is where the Tigers are more equipped than anywhere. Deaton and Patrick Butcher combined for six interceptions last season, and they will also be joined by Andy Penix.

Ricky Hall was a force on the line last season and returns for another season. Mason Castle will solidify the middle at the linebacker position.

Ultimately, the Tigers’ season culminates with the October 24 home matchup with Pikeville. A sticky non-district schedule will allow the Tigers to be playoff ready as they take on a very good 1A Raceland team, 2A Prestonsburg, 3A Pike Central, 3A Sheldon Clark, and 5A county-rival Johnson Central.


Paris (2-8)
Head coach: J.J. Everage
2007: Missed the playoffs

The coaching carousel continues to spin at Paris, where J.J. Everage has jumped onto the merry-go-round and hopes to keep from getting thrown off.

Everage replaces Matt Thompson, who took the Wildwood, Florida head coaching job after just one season in Paris.

Everage posted a 3-17 record as head coach at Knott County Central in 2001-02 and has most recently been an assistant coach to Jay Cobb at Somerset.

The Greyhounds graduated seven seniors from a 29-player roster, which means Everage will have to recruit the hallways to build up numbers.


Phelps (2-8)
Head coach: Jesse Peck
2007: Missed the playoffs

Phelps struggled through a 2-8 campaign last season in which one their victories came via forfeit. The Hornets have not defeated a team from Kentucky since the 2006 season, and it appears to be another up-hill battle looming in the 2008 season.

The biggest issue that Phelps has faced has been a lack of numbers. This has directly resulted in inefficiency on offense as Phelps only gained a total of 1,371 yards combined last season. The Hornets also only managed to score over 14 points one time in the 2007 campaign.

Former Pikeville College assistant coach Jesse Peck has been named the new coach, and his first task to get the numbers in the program up. The Hornets finished last year with just 13 players on the active roster.

Help may be on the way as the Hornets’ eighth grade team had a very successful season on the gridiron and should pump some numbers into the program. The leader of these incoming freshmen is RB/LB Timmy Stephenson, who should see immediate paying time.

The talk around Pike County is that much needed renovations are coming to Phelps’ Stadium. Potentially this could directly lead to an increase in the roster size as well.


Pikeville (9-4)
Head coach: Mike Copley
2007: Lost to Lexington Christian 45-14 in the region championship

Mike Copley has a lot on his plate as the new head coach of the Pikeville Panthers. Not only does he take over the reins from Mike Jackson, to one of the elite traditions in Eastern Kentucky, he also must take over the high expectations and standards that are prevalent from the Pikeville fan base.
Chiefly, the agenda calls for two things: return Pikeville to the level of a 1A title contender and beat Pike County rival Belfry.

The strength of the 2008 Panthers isn’t hard to find, but it is hard to catch. Halfback Daniel Harmon has become one of Pikeville’s all-time greats at halfback after gaining nearly 3,400 yards and scoring 42 touchdowns over the past two seasons. He also doubles as a standout defensive back on defense, leading the Panthers with four picks last season.

Blake Branham will take over at the quarterback position after earning valuable minutes last season when then starter Tim Honaker went down with an injury.

The Panthers’ reception leader, Tyler Baker, will return at the split end position. James Cleary and Josh Mullins should contribute quality carries in the backfield as well.

Defensively, Baker and Harmon will anchor the secondary as expected. Replacing the Honaker brothers, especially at linebacker, will be a chore, but the loss is offset with the return of one of Pikeville’s top tacklers last season in Josh Mullins.

The biggest chore Pikeville faces will be replacing the losses on both the offensive and defensive Lines. As usual, the Panthers have enough talent and athleticism at the skill positions to contend with any 1A school.

Pikeville will test their merit as a 1A contender with a true trial by fire coming from their schedule. The Panthers open with a Top 5 2A team from last season in Corbin.

They travel to 2A powerhouse Prestonsburg, 5A Ashland, and 4A defending state champion Lexington Catholic, as well as their matchup with 3A runner-up rival Belfry. The Panthers will definitely be the early favorite in District 8, but in order to make a deep playoff run it will require a marked improvement over the past four or five seasons.


Pineville (4-6)
Head coach: Bart Elam
2007: Missed the playoffs

The Mountain Lions’ eight-year playoff drought will end with District 7 dropping to four teams in 2008, but Pineville (4-6, 1-4) won’t be satisfied with just making it to the postseason.

Nine starters are back on offense and 10 on defense from an improving squad, and coach Bart Elam wants a home playoff game. He believes he has the talent to achieve that goal.

Sophomore halfback Cody Hendrickson (5-8, 145) and junior fullback Alvin Smith return to the backfield, along with sophomore quarterback Mark Combs (5-10, 160), who completed 43 of 69 passes for 440 yards in five games as a starter.

Junior wide receiver A.Y. Evans and senior tight end Jon Stanley are being counted on to help the Lions’ aerial attack continue its improvement.

The defense will feature a solid group of seniors, led by safety Billy Rye, linebackers Barrett Brittain and Evans and cornerback Tyler Woolum, and should improve over last year’s performance when the Lions gave up over 28 points a game.


Raceland (7-5)
Head coach: Randy Vanderhoof
2007: Lost to Lexington Christian 34-32 in the second round of the playoffs

By Ram

Raceland, coming off of a district championship in 2006 and a two-point loss in the district championship game to eventual state finalist Lexington Christian Academy in 2007, will once again be in a race with LCA for the 2008 district championship.

Raceland will have a lot of familiar faces in the lineup, with virtually all the starters from last year returning. Raceland, known for it’s pass happy offense, will return a three-year starter at quarterback, Tyler Boyles (6-2, 180, Sr.). The converted receiver proved that he can be as good of a quarterback as a receiver, passing for over one thousand yards in an offense that was well balanced.

Joining Boyles in the backfield is Bret Denton (5-10, 195, Sr.) and John-Scott Carver (5-10, 185, Sr.). Denton rushed for over 1,000 yards as a junior, and Carver rushed for over 700 years as a junior, giving the Rams a potent rushing attack.

At the receiver positions, Boyles will have several quality targets to select from.

Todd Selvage (6-0, 170, Sr.), who proved to be a quality receiver as a junior, will be returning. He will be joined by Brian Tolliver, who provides great speed and athleticism to the receiving corps, and Bobby McKee (6-0, 175, Jr.), who is by no means the third option. All three of these receivers could be a primary target and provides even receiver selection anywhere on the field.

Raceland’s offensive line will also be a strong point. The offensive line will be led by Division I prospect Robbie Logan (6-4, 245, Sr.), Rocky Jobe (6-1, 255, Jr.), Cody Grant (6-1, 230, Jr.), and Cody Chinn (6-0, 230, Sr.).

The only offensive question mark will be the kicker position. Gone is Jacob Sparks, the sure-footed and powerful-legged kicker that Raceland has come to depend on. Sparks replaced current Ohio State kicker and Raceland graduate Aaron Pettrey.

Raceland has become known for their touchbacks and longer then usual field goals. Tate Preston (5-9, 180, Sr.) will be taking over for Sparks and hopefully will be able to keep the recent kicking tradition alive at Raceland.

Defensively, Raceland will look much the same as last season. Denton and Carver will be returning at two of the three linebacker positions. Cody Kelley (6-0, 180, Jr.) will likely fill the third linebacker spot. All three linebackers are fast to the ball, and have proven to be run stoppers as well as being good in pass coverage.

The defensive backfield will be full of experience as well, with Tolliver and Selvage returning at the corner positions, and Boyles or McKee filling the safety positions.

The defensive line only lost one starter from last season, and will return Logan, Grant, Chinn, and Jobe. There will be some stiff competition for the fifth line position in Raceland’s 5-3 defense.

The only defensive position that will be a question mark for Raceland will be the punting position. A likely possibility for the punting position will be Boyles, who has the ability to be a good punter, plus provides Raceland will some options while in punt formation.

With Raceland’s experience, athleticism, and proven playing ability, look for the Rams to be a major contender in the playoffs this year.


South Floyd (5-6)
Head coach: Jody Hall
2007: Lost to Paintsville 36-14 in the first round of the playoffs

South Floyd showed signs of the program turning the corner in 2007 with a third place finish in a top-heavy district.

Despite a small roster, the Raiders return most of their offensive playmakers in 2008.

Kyle Howell (5-11, 175, Sr.) rushed for over 1,400 yards and 12 touchdowns last year as the Raiders averaged over 300 yards on the ground.

Junior Bobby Meade (5-9, 180) added over 800 yards rushing and led the team with 15 touchdowns, while senior Tyler Mitchell (5-11, 185) rushed for 790 yards and seven touchdowns.

Tommy Joe Hall (6-1, 170, Jr.), Chad Patrick (6-0, 170, Sr.), and Johnny Cochran (5-10, 190, Sr.) should also factor into the offensive plans.

If there is a concern for the Raiders, it’s up front where the line will be undersized compared to their counterparts.

Greg Mitchell (5-8, 200, Sr.), Zack Alley (6-0, 210, Sr.), and Justin Patton (6-0, 216, Jr.) are among those battling for starting positions on the line.

Jody Hall was promoted from assistant to replace Donny Daniels as head coach. With the number of juniors and seniors returning, Hall should get the Raiders back to the playoffs again in 2008.


Trimble County (7-5)
Head coach: Johnny Poynter
2007: Lost to Frankfort 57-16 in the second round of the playoffs

Trimble County has enjoyed the best stretch in the program’s history, putting together consecutive winning seasons for the first time in 35 years to go along with the school’s first-ever playoff win last year over Gallatin County.

However, head coach Johnny Poynter must do some retooling after seeing 14 of his 35 players graduate.

Larry Sullivan (5-9, 180, Sr.), who played receiver last year, moves to quarterback.

“He is a very good athlete and throws the football well,” Poynter said.
“This move and the small size of our line means we will throw more out of the spread (this year).”

One of those linemen returning is Trevor Smith (5-11, 215, Jr.).
The Raiders should be solid in the defensive secondary with Sullivan, Aunner Posas (5-9, 160, Sr.), and Michael Edens (5-10, 150, Jr.) returning. Sullivan led the team in picks last year with four.

Linebacker Jordan Hunt (5-6, 170, Sr.) also returns.

Poynter is looking at four freshman that could come in and make an immediate impact. They are Skyler Alexander (6-0, 150), who can play quarterback and receiver; running back Craig Ward (5-7, 145), and receivers Stewart Barnes (6-2, 150) and Daniel Haney (5-5, 120). Ward and Barnes also play linebacker on defense.

Losses on the roster aren’t the only ones Poynter has to overcome. Several of his assistant coaches have taken other jobs closer to their homes because of the rising cost of gas.

“I guess I’m a one-man gang,” Poynter said.


Walton-Verona (n/a)
Head coach: John McMillen
2007: Did not field a varsity team

After fielding middle school and freshmen teams for the past couple of years, Walton-Verona is ready to put a varsity team on the field in 2008.

The Bearcats will play a limited schedule this year, with games against Class A schools Bishop Brossart, Carroll County, Trimble County, Gallatin County, and Pineville. They will open the season against Scott.

Next year, Walton-Verona is expected to join District 3 and play a full schedule.

Head coach John McMillen is hoping to see the same kind of numbers at the varsity level as he has seen at the lower levels.


Williamsburg (7-5)
Head coach: Jerry Herron
2007: Lost to Campbellsville 38-36 (2ot) in the second round of the playoffs

Williamsburg (7-5, 2-1) should again feature one of the top offenses in Class A with nine starters back from a unit that scored just under 40 points a game last year. Improving a defense that allowed just over 37 points a game, including 38 in a two-point loss to Campbellsville in the district finals, could be the difference in how far the Jackets advance in the postseason.

Nine starters are back on the Jackets’ pass-first offense directed by junior quarterback Ryan Moses, who passed for 3,373 yards last year. Senior wide receiver Aaron Brock had 62 catches for 1,160 yards, junior wide receiver Dusty Brown had 71 receptions for 927 yards and junior tight end Daniel Pettit added 59 catches for 725 yards.

Senior running back Jake Moses rushed for 423 yards.

The offensive line is very strong and should average 245 pounds across the front. All five are solid players with good feet.

Jeremy Collins (5-10, 240, Jr.) has been moved from guard to center, and senior Thomas Rains (6-5, 220, Sr.) steps into a starting role.

Tyler Rollins (6-1, 260, Sr.) and Zack Hopkins (6-2, 265, Sr.) will be the tackles.

Rollins and senior linebacker Garrett Phillips are being counted on to spark a resurgence on defense. Pettit and Moses will join Phillips in the linebacking corps while Brown is expected to start in the secondary.

Head coach Jerry Herron is hoping a strong season in the weight room pays off on the field this fall.