The Scribe
07-22-2008, 09:24 PM
2008 Class 6A Kentucky High School Football Preview
Apollo (3-7)
Head coach: Paul Bates
2007: Missed the playoffs
By Mark Mathis
Owensboro Messenger Inquirer
Hunter Cannon returns for Apollo High School, and that should be good news for first-year head coach Paul Bates.
Cannon (5-10, 175, Jr.) tore an ACL in the sixth game of the season and didn’t return.
“His recovery is going well and he should be cleared,” Bates said. “He should be able to throw off it and cut on it. He is real agile and he can throw on the run. That’s one of his stronger attributes.”
That injury was part of the reason the Eagles managed only a 3-7 record. Bates, who has been an assistant coach in the program for several years, knows that with Apollo’s depth, staying away from major injuries will be a key to the Eagles finding more success this year.
“I think we will be pretty solid with the starting offense and defense,” Bates said. “If we can go through the season without any major injuries we will be OK, I don’t see any reason why we can’t be competing for the district title. If we have some injuries at key positions we will have some problems.”
Apollo will look for balance on offense this year. The Eagles want to use Cannon in the play-action passing game.
“We’re probably going to do more two-back than we did,” Bates said. “We will have a little more I formation.
Several players will handle the running back duties. Senior Cedric Mucker (5-9, 195) and Mark Lusk (5-6, 155) will get some looks in the backfield.
Harris Bivin will anchor both lines. The 6-3, 295-pound junior is already getting some attention from (Division I) schools. He will be a tackle in Apollo’s odd front defense.
Clay Owens (6-1, 195) returns at end, and Trent Evans (6-4, 210) will also be on the line.
“Our first level and third level will be pretty good,” Bates said.
That leaves some questions at linebacker. Lusk will move to outside linebacker, more his natural position.
The secondary should be solid with Justin Lee at strong safety and D.J. McHenry at free safety. Chris Griggs, Corky Dillard and Christian Dean will rotate at cornerback.
Ballard (6-6)
Head coach: Mike Jackson
2007: Lost to Trinity 63-14 in the second round of the playoffs
Ballard has a new coach – Mike Jackson – a solid running back returning – Paul Perkins – and some new hope for the season.
Jackson, a former Oldham County coach who had been recently at Pikeville, takes over for Mark Catlett after he picked up 81 wins in 11 seasons at Ballard.
Perkins rushed for over 650 yards and eight touchdowns last season and should get more carries during his senior season.
Jamar Kirksey, a transfer from Trinity, will also get some carries out of the backfield. Drew Hardin is a solid junior wide receiver and linebacker.
The offensive line will be anchored by Chris Walker, while Korey Jenkins is the top returning player on the defensive line. Judge Love is a top linebacker.
Boone County (10-4)
Head coach: Rick Thompson
2007: Lost to Trinity 56-21 in the state semifinals
The Boone County Rebels had a tremendous season last year making it to the final four before losing to Trinity. Even though they lost 30 seniors, including one of Kentucky’s best in Cory Farris, head coach Rick Thompson is optimistic for the upcoming year.
When discussing the players looking to break into the starting lineup this year, he said, “They may not be as spectacular but are solid, more than capable.”
Thompson believes his offensive line is more athletic than last year and even though they’re unproven, they have great potential.
The defensive strength is found up front. The line and linebackers have much experience and should be a force.
The secondary is questionable. They have great athleticism but lack experience. Coach Thompson is also proud that this year’s senior group is one of the most intellectual classes he’s ever had.
This year’s returning starters on offense are lineman Zach Hall, receivers Daniel Lokesak and Cory Spalding, and fullback Zac Eager.
On defense, the starters returning are defensive end Andrew Brown, D-lineman Any Rich, and linebackers Brian Robertson, Eagler, and Spalding.
Jason Chisholm returns in the secondary, and kicker Brad Chalfont, who booted six field goals and 48 extra points, is also back.
Thompson looks for Andy Rich to step up on the line, and for Daniel Lokesak to make a difference at defensive back.
The Rebel newcomers to keep an eye out for are running back Charles Quainoo, quarterback Nate Alford, and linemen Adam Sunderhaus and Drew Lipscomb.
Bullitt Central (3-8)
Head coach: Dan Leasor
2007: Lost to Male 42-8 in the first round of the playoffs
This will be the final season in 6A for Bullitt Central, which should be improved but will still benefit from being dropped to 5A.
In his first season, veteran coach Dan Leasor played a lot of freshmen and sophomore players and those guys are a year older and experienced this fall.
Running back Jesse Vittitoe (5-7, 155, Sr.) is back to lead the way.
Also returning are quarterback T.J. Flener (6-1, 175, Jr.), Akim Bennett (5-7, 150, Sr.), and Jeremy Bennett (6-0, 175, Jr.).
Butler (0-11)
Head coach: Scott Carmony
2007: Lost to St. Xavier 63-0 in the first round of the playoffs
New coach Scott Carmony said he’s going to “put his head down and work as hard as I possibly can” and he’ll need to do that in order to get the team out of the hole.
The Bears have gone 3-18 the past two seasons and have dropped 15 consecutive games since towards the end of the 2006 season.
Carmony will enter his second stint at Butler. He went 14-18 in three seasons from 1999 to 2001. After three seasons as an assistant at Tates Creek, Carmony was 9-22 from 2005 to 2007 at Jeffersontown.
While he wasn’t sure how this year’s team would fare, Carmony did say one strength of the team is quality and numbers on the lines on both sides of the ball.
Dalton Gahafer is a solid lineman returning, while Ricky Mason led the team in rushing last season and should be better this fall.
Campbell County (6-5)
Head coach: Troy Styer
2007: Lost to Boone County 45-13 in the first round of the playoffs
Campbell County could prove to be one of the better offensive teams in northern Kentucky this year with the return of eight starters from last year’s 6-5 team.
However, the Camel defense only returns two starters from a unit that allowed 21 points a game.
Linebacker Cody Owens and defensive end Ross Risner are the lone starters back on defense, although head coach Troy Styer has several candidates to fill the starting positions.
Owens (6-1, 190, Sr.) had 56 tackles last year, while Risner (5-9, 200, Sr.) had 28 tackles and three sacks.
Those expected to work their way into the lineup on defense are linebackers Damon Carrier (5-7, 165, Jr.), Erich Sinclair (6-2, 185, Jr.), and Curtis Brock (6-0, 165, Sr.), and Kyle Hunt (6-1, 195), a junior who will see time at defensive end.
Logan Stemmer (6-0, 215, Sr.), a transfer from Milford, Ohio, will help fill the void on the defensive line.
The Camels must also replace three starters in the secondary, with Corey Hodge (5-10, 170, Soph.) one of the candidates for a starting position.
Campbell County is on much better shape offensively with nine starters back.
Quarterback Andrew Eschman (6-3, 180, Jr.) threw for 1,403 yards and nine touchdowns while rushing for five more. He should easily surpass those numbers with four linemen and three skill people returning.
Styer is also high on Michael Kramer (5-10, 175, Soph.), who he says will give Eschman plenty of competition at the quarterback position.
Tony Bishop (6-0, 175, Sr.) is the leading returner at receiver after catching 12 passes for 201 yards last year. Styer said Hodge and Brock could also see lots of time at receiver, as could newcomers Matt Carrigan (6-3, 220, Sr.) and Ryan Steffen (5-10, 170, Jr.).
Grant Rose (5-10, 200, Sr.) rushed for 558 yards, and Austin Johnson (5-7, 135, Jr.) added 317 yards. They both return.
Jimmy Brickler (5-10, 190, Sr.) makes the move from the line to fullback for his senior season.
On the line, the Camels welcome back Taylor Katt (6-3, 225, Sr.), Andy Lay (6-3, 270, Sr.), and Zak Koeninger (6-2, 230). Styer calls all of them strong and athletic. He also said Nick O’Day (6-3, 275, Sr.) had a good spring and will help out on the line.
“We’re looking to raise the bar this year,” Styer said. “We’ve got a lot of talented kids on this team. It’s just a matter of getting them in the right places in the right situations.”
Central Hardin (5-5)
Head coach: Mike Lawson
2007: Missed the playoffs
By JOSH CLAYWELL
The (Elizabethtown) News-Enterprise
After a taste of success last season under first-year coach Mike Lawson, the Central Hardin Bruins are ready to take the next step.
The Bruins haven’t had a winning season since going 7-4 in 1999, but with most of the offense returning and some key components back on defense, Central Hardin could be in for a big year.
“The quarterback position is loaded with depth and experience,” Lawson said. “Both played a considerable amount in 2007.”
Senior Lincoln Pyles and junior Dylan Beger alternated time under center last season.
Pyles completed 115-of-175 passes for 1,351 yards and five touchdowns, while Beger completed 66-of-112 passes for 882 yards and four touchdowns.
Also back is junior running back Jeremy Barr, who rushed for 653 yards and seven touchdowns on 102 carries.
Senior Josh Richardson, junior Tyler Williamson and newcomer Tristan Long will also see time in the backfield.
“The running back position is deep and talented,” Lawson said.
Back to lead the defense is a quartet of seniors. Seth Logsdon and Richardson return at linebacker, while Will Battle and Thomas Smith return at defensive tackle.
Also back is junior defensive back Cameron Chaney.
“The defense returns solid experience and speed with Logsdon, Richardson and Chaney,” Lawson said.
Gone from the team is graduate A.J. Hughes, who caught 66 passes for 1,028 yards and five touchdowns. But returning to fill the void is senior Vato Sorilla, who pulled in 33 catches for 399 yards and two touchdowns last year.
“We should be much improved on both sides of the ball,” Lawson said.
Central Hardin was left on the outside looking in last postseason. But Lawson hopes his team can get over that hump and get back to the playoffs for the first time since the 2005 season under former coach Chris Bauer.
“I think that Nelson County and North Hardin will the favorites in the district,” Lawson said. “But we should be able to compete for one of the remaining spots.
Conner (1-9)
Head coach: David Trosper
2007: Missed the playoffs
Since an 11-1 season in 2004, Conner has won seven games in three years and has not been back to the playoffs.
And it just got tougher to make the playoffs with the addition of Cooper High in 2008, giving District Six a total of six teams.
The Cougars return quarterback Nick West (6-3, 180, Jr.), who threw for 1,131 yards but also tossed 17 interceptions to seven touchdowns.
Two of West’s main targets also return. Scooter Engelman (5-7, 150, Sr.) caught 13 passes for 267 yards, and Chad Romero (5-10, 160, Sr.) brought down 11 catches for 149 yards.
In the backfield, Austin Pugh (6-0, 175, Jr.) returns after a sophomore campaign that saw him rush for 923 yards and eight touchdowns. Dustin Cole (5-10, 170, Sr.) and Cody Arsenault (5-6, 165, Sr.) could also see carries in the backfield.
On defense, Conner returns several starters. Matt Calme (5-9, 150, Sr.) picked off two passes in the secondary last year. Linebacker Huston Dockery (5-7, 195, Jr.) also returns.
The Cougars are banking on a large junior class to make strides this year to set them up for a bright future.
Cooper (n/a)
Head coach: Randy Borchers
2008: First season of varsity football
Randall K. Cooper High School opens its doors this fall and will field a varsity football team in its first year of existence.
The Jaguars have tapped former Ludlow skipper Randy Borchers as their first head coach. Borchers was 7-14 in two seasons as head coach at the Class 1A school.
Cooper High, located in Burlington in Boone County, will draw students from the Conner and Ryle school districts.
The Jaguars, ironically enough, will open their inaugural season at Conner before hosting Ryle Sept. 5 in the school’s first-ever home game.
Their schedule is comprised of mostly northern Kentucky schools although the Jags will host Prestonsburg and travel to North Hardin later in the season.
They are competing in the same Class 6A district with Boone County, Ryle, Simon Kenton, Campbell County, and Conner.
Daviess County (8-4)
Head coach: Marcus Kimbrell
2007: Lost to Marshall County 22-21 in the second round of the playoffs
By Mark Mathis
Owensboro Messenger Inquirer
Daviess County High School won eight games for only the second time in its football history last season. It was within four minutes of advancing past the second round of the Class 6-A playoffs for the first time since 1954.
Coach Marcus Kimbrell wants the Panthers to excel even further this season.
“If we can continue where we left off last year, and get better, we could be really good,” Kimbrell said.
DCHS returns nine starters on defense and seven offensively.
The Panthers have one of the best quarterbacks in western Kentucky with Cole Lanham, a 6-foot-2, 190-pound senior who was adept both running and throwing the football last year.
He accounted for 700 rushing yards, 3,000 more through the air and 30 touchdowns.
“I think he’s one of the top quarterbacks in the state,” Kimbrell said. “He understands coverages well. His arm has gotten stronger, he’s put in extra time watching film. He knows what we’re doing better scheme-wise.
“We put a lot on a quarterback, but I think he will be a lot more comfortable. We’re probably going to mix in more run game, do some two-back shotgun.”
Jake Bevil could be more prominent in a two-back shotgun set that DCHS has been working on. Senior Jared Masterson, juniors Cole Anderson and Jamie Purcell are the leading candidates for the other running back position.
There will be a significant void with the graduation of wide receivers Scotty Smith and Landon Camp.
Joey Kramer and Taylor Fulkerson each had more than 20 receptions last year and will be counted on at receiver.
Jordan Stoermer will be used at receiver, along with Chad McCain.
Stoermer is the Panthers’ top defensive player. The outside linebacker is 6-3, 190 pounds had had over 100 tackles. Like most of his defensive teammates, Stoermer is a senior.
“We’ve got a really good senior class,” Kimbrell said.
Wade Hodges is a 6-4, 250-pound defensive tackle who was in on 70 stops last season. Bevil and Aaron Prater are strong in the defensive backfield.
“You can win games with defense,” Kimbrell said. “A perfect example was the district championship game with Marshall County.”
The Panthers were up 21-7 with four minutes to go, then Marshall County put a couple of drives together to pull out a late win.
This year, DCHS wants to finish the job.
duPont Manual (10-2)
Head coach: Joe Nichols
2007: Lost to St. Xavier 27-7 in the second round of the playoffs
duPont Manual won 10 games in a season for the first time since 1988 but was dealt a second round loss by St. Xavier – the third straight year the Tigers have ended their season.
The Crimsons return quarterback Joey Harness, who threw for 2,143 yards and 28 touchdowns. What was even more impressive was just two interceptions in just 80 attempts.
However, Harness will have to introduce himself to his receiving corps, which was hit hard by graduation. Only tight end Cole Messer and D.J. Hawk had a catch last year.
After winning passing leagues at Male and UK, Harness is finding targets at receiver with Tyler Ford, Derek Woodmore, and Soph Pearcy. Running back James Clay can also catch the ball well.
Hawk returns to the backfield after rushing for 753 yards and five touchdowns. He will assume the workload with the graduation of Rhayven Smith as will James Clay and Donovan Washington.
Manual lost some size and experience on their front line but still return some valuable starters. Joseph McMillan (6-2, 220) is a three-year starter on the line, and Blake Freudenberger (6-4, 220) will play center after playing on the defensive line last year. Conner Wise (6-5, 265) also steps into a starting role on the line.
Expect Manual to throw some new wrinkles at their opponents on offense with a new offensive coordinator. As past years have proved, they will need to find a way to score points in order to get past St. Xavier in the playoffs.
On Defense, linebacker Wayne Tuckson is coming off a big junior year and is a leader on defense. T.J. Gritton will start this year and has played well.
The defensive line lost Dave Ulinski and Brandon Young (North Caronina A & T) but still looks to be a strength with returning starters at end in Freudenberger and Nick Brown, and tackle Emmanuel Belt. DeGerald Watson-Morton played well last season before and after an injury and is healthy and will be another starting defensive tackle.
All of the starting defensive backs are gone but Travis Carroll played well last year and this season in passing leagues, Josh Redding looked good in passing leagues, and safety David Schnur is healthy and brings a hard nosed, hard hitting edge to the defense.
Eastern (7-4)
Head coach: Ken Whalen
2007: Lost to Ballard 27-13 in the first round of the playoffs
Eastern only has four starters back on offense and five on defense, but the biggest loss will be Bluegrasspreps.com first-team All-State athlete Steve Ferguson.
Ferguson was the team’s leader in passing and rushing for three years.
Coach Ken Whalen said three players – Brent Carneal, Joe Kenn and Jon Davis – will share the quarterbacking duties for the Eagles.
The offensive line will be bolstered by Caleb Enix, while Josh Hayden and Jon Davis are the top receivers and running back Chris Parks is back.
The Eagles’ defense will be young and athletic. Linebackers Jon Davis and Marcus Jenkins are returning, along with defensive back Jon Davies and defensive lineman Tyler Beckett. Linemen Wayne Southers is also a solid lineman.
“We will be athletic, but our younger guys will have to step up. We will be very competitive on both sides of the ball,” Whalen said, adding “we need improved special teams play in order to improve our standing and depth will be a concern.”
Fern Creek (8-4)
Head coach: Curtis Higgins
2007: Lost to Male 38-27 in the second round of the playoffs
The Creek is rising.
Fern Creek won eight games last season and returns a ton of talent, including junior quarterback Bryan Hynes. He’s one of the top signal callers in the Louisville are and has more than 3,000 yards passing combined the past two seasons.
But Hynes isn’t the only star on offense. Senior running back Jimmie Welch had 1,200 yards rushing and more than 2,000 all-purpose yards last season.
Wide receiver Carlos Smith is also back, while the line will be bolstered by the return of Jayquon Robinson, Alex Zimmerman and Skylar Duckworth.
The defense returns seven starters, including linebackers Reggie Smith, Taj Jarrett and Robbie Newton. Defensive back Omar Cham and defensive ends Michael Sartin and Dante Johnson, along with nose guard Cortez Mack are back.
The offense also has several talented newcomers, including wide receiver Jerrell Moore and Victor Terry.
George Rogers Clark (3-8)
Head coach: Paul Columbia
2007: Lost to Madison Central 27-14 in the first round of the playoffs
George Rogers Clark went from an appearance in the region title game to three wins and a first round loss in 2007.
Head coach Paul Columbia will be rebuilding for a second straight season after graduating 22 seniors.
The only two offensive starters back are running back Ryan Williams (5-7, 170, Sr.) and receiver Jarran Thomas (5-10, 160, Sr.). Williams led the Cardinals in rushing with 903 yards and 13 touchdowns.
The race for quarterback should shape up to be interesting with several having a shot to win the job. Colton Lewis (6-0, 165, Jr.) and Justin Gillespie (5-10, 175, Sr.) appear to have the inside track.
Bryson Morton (5-10,1 70, Sr.), Chas Campbell (5-8, 180, Sr.), and Tavon Lay (6-1, 175, Jr.) should compete with Williams for carries in the backfield.
The line should feature the return of Devae Jones (6-0, 280, Sr.), Adam Grashel (5-10, 265, Sr.), and Jared Meade (6-3, 250, Sr.).
Defensively, Robbie Hisle (5-10, 175, Sr.) is back at linebacker for the Cardinals, who haven’t had back-to-back losing seasons in six years.
Apollo (3-7)
Head coach: Paul Bates
2007: Missed the playoffs
By Mark Mathis
Owensboro Messenger Inquirer
Hunter Cannon returns for Apollo High School, and that should be good news for first-year head coach Paul Bates.
Cannon (5-10, 175, Jr.) tore an ACL in the sixth game of the season and didn’t return.
“His recovery is going well and he should be cleared,” Bates said. “He should be able to throw off it and cut on it. He is real agile and he can throw on the run. That’s one of his stronger attributes.”
That injury was part of the reason the Eagles managed only a 3-7 record. Bates, who has been an assistant coach in the program for several years, knows that with Apollo’s depth, staying away from major injuries will be a key to the Eagles finding more success this year.
“I think we will be pretty solid with the starting offense and defense,” Bates said. “If we can go through the season without any major injuries we will be OK, I don’t see any reason why we can’t be competing for the district title. If we have some injuries at key positions we will have some problems.”
Apollo will look for balance on offense this year. The Eagles want to use Cannon in the play-action passing game.
“We’re probably going to do more two-back than we did,” Bates said. “We will have a little more I formation.
Several players will handle the running back duties. Senior Cedric Mucker (5-9, 195) and Mark Lusk (5-6, 155) will get some looks in the backfield.
Harris Bivin will anchor both lines. The 6-3, 295-pound junior is already getting some attention from (Division I) schools. He will be a tackle in Apollo’s odd front defense.
Clay Owens (6-1, 195) returns at end, and Trent Evans (6-4, 210) will also be on the line.
“Our first level and third level will be pretty good,” Bates said.
That leaves some questions at linebacker. Lusk will move to outside linebacker, more his natural position.
The secondary should be solid with Justin Lee at strong safety and D.J. McHenry at free safety. Chris Griggs, Corky Dillard and Christian Dean will rotate at cornerback.
Ballard (6-6)
Head coach: Mike Jackson
2007: Lost to Trinity 63-14 in the second round of the playoffs
Ballard has a new coach – Mike Jackson – a solid running back returning – Paul Perkins – and some new hope for the season.
Jackson, a former Oldham County coach who had been recently at Pikeville, takes over for Mark Catlett after he picked up 81 wins in 11 seasons at Ballard.
Perkins rushed for over 650 yards and eight touchdowns last season and should get more carries during his senior season.
Jamar Kirksey, a transfer from Trinity, will also get some carries out of the backfield. Drew Hardin is a solid junior wide receiver and linebacker.
The offensive line will be anchored by Chris Walker, while Korey Jenkins is the top returning player on the defensive line. Judge Love is a top linebacker.
Boone County (10-4)
Head coach: Rick Thompson
2007: Lost to Trinity 56-21 in the state semifinals
The Boone County Rebels had a tremendous season last year making it to the final four before losing to Trinity. Even though they lost 30 seniors, including one of Kentucky’s best in Cory Farris, head coach Rick Thompson is optimistic for the upcoming year.
When discussing the players looking to break into the starting lineup this year, he said, “They may not be as spectacular but are solid, more than capable.”
Thompson believes his offensive line is more athletic than last year and even though they’re unproven, they have great potential.
The defensive strength is found up front. The line and linebackers have much experience and should be a force.
The secondary is questionable. They have great athleticism but lack experience. Coach Thompson is also proud that this year’s senior group is one of the most intellectual classes he’s ever had.
This year’s returning starters on offense are lineman Zach Hall, receivers Daniel Lokesak and Cory Spalding, and fullback Zac Eager.
On defense, the starters returning are defensive end Andrew Brown, D-lineman Any Rich, and linebackers Brian Robertson, Eagler, and Spalding.
Jason Chisholm returns in the secondary, and kicker Brad Chalfont, who booted six field goals and 48 extra points, is also back.
Thompson looks for Andy Rich to step up on the line, and for Daniel Lokesak to make a difference at defensive back.
The Rebel newcomers to keep an eye out for are running back Charles Quainoo, quarterback Nate Alford, and linemen Adam Sunderhaus and Drew Lipscomb.
Bullitt Central (3-8)
Head coach: Dan Leasor
2007: Lost to Male 42-8 in the first round of the playoffs
This will be the final season in 6A for Bullitt Central, which should be improved but will still benefit from being dropped to 5A.
In his first season, veteran coach Dan Leasor played a lot of freshmen and sophomore players and those guys are a year older and experienced this fall.
Running back Jesse Vittitoe (5-7, 155, Sr.) is back to lead the way.
Also returning are quarterback T.J. Flener (6-1, 175, Jr.), Akim Bennett (5-7, 150, Sr.), and Jeremy Bennett (6-0, 175, Jr.).
Butler (0-11)
Head coach: Scott Carmony
2007: Lost to St. Xavier 63-0 in the first round of the playoffs
New coach Scott Carmony said he’s going to “put his head down and work as hard as I possibly can” and he’ll need to do that in order to get the team out of the hole.
The Bears have gone 3-18 the past two seasons and have dropped 15 consecutive games since towards the end of the 2006 season.
Carmony will enter his second stint at Butler. He went 14-18 in three seasons from 1999 to 2001. After three seasons as an assistant at Tates Creek, Carmony was 9-22 from 2005 to 2007 at Jeffersontown.
While he wasn’t sure how this year’s team would fare, Carmony did say one strength of the team is quality and numbers on the lines on both sides of the ball.
Dalton Gahafer is a solid lineman returning, while Ricky Mason led the team in rushing last season and should be better this fall.
Campbell County (6-5)
Head coach: Troy Styer
2007: Lost to Boone County 45-13 in the first round of the playoffs
Campbell County could prove to be one of the better offensive teams in northern Kentucky this year with the return of eight starters from last year’s 6-5 team.
However, the Camel defense only returns two starters from a unit that allowed 21 points a game.
Linebacker Cody Owens and defensive end Ross Risner are the lone starters back on defense, although head coach Troy Styer has several candidates to fill the starting positions.
Owens (6-1, 190, Sr.) had 56 tackles last year, while Risner (5-9, 200, Sr.) had 28 tackles and three sacks.
Those expected to work their way into the lineup on defense are linebackers Damon Carrier (5-7, 165, Jr.), Erich Sinclair (6-2, 185, Jr.), and Curtis Brock (6-0, 165, Sr.), and Kyle Hunt (6-1, 195), a junior who will see time at defensive end.
Logan Stemmer (6-0, 215, Sr.), a transfer from Milford, Ohio, will help fill the void on the defensive line.
The Camels must also replace three starters in the secondary, with Corey Hodge (5-10, 170, Soph.) one of the candidates for a starting position.
Campbell County is on much better shape offensively with nine starters back.
Quarterback Andrew Eschman (6-3, 180, Jr.) threw for 1,403 yards and nine touchdowns while rushing for five more. He should easily surpass those numbers with four linemen and three skill people returning.
Styer is also high on Michael Kramer (5-10, 175, Soph.), who he says will give Eschman plenty of competition at the quarterback position.
Tony Bishop (6-0, 175, Sr.) is the leading returner at receiver after catching 12 passes for 201 yards last year. Styer said Hodge and Brock could also see lots of time at receiver, as could newcomers Matt Carrigan (6-3, 220, Sr.) and Ryan Steffen (5-10, 170, Jr.).
Grant Rose (5-10, 200, Sr.) rushed for 558 yards, and Austin Johnson (5-7, 135, Jr.) added 317 yards. They both return.
Jimmy Brickler (5-10, 190, Sr.) makes the move from the line to fullback for his senior season.
On the line, the Camels welcome back Taylor Katt (6-3, 225, Sr.), Andy Lay (6-3, 270, Sr.), and Zak Koeninger (6-2, 230). Styer calls all of them strong and athletic. He also said Nick O’Day (6-3, 275, Sr.) had a good spring and will help out on the line.
“We’re looking to raise the bar this year,” Styer said. “We’ve got a lot of talented kids on this team. It’s just a matter of getting them in the right places in the right situations.”
Central Hardin (5-5)
Head coach: Mike Lawson
2007: Missed the playoffs
By JOSH CLAYWELL
The (Elizabethtown) News-Enterprise
After a taste of success last season under first-year coach Mike Lawson, the Central Hardin Bruins are ready to take the next step.
The Bruins haven’t had a winning season since going 7-4 in 1999, but with most of the offense returning and some key components back on defense, Central Hardin could be in for a big year.
“The quarterback position is loaded with depth and experience,” Lawson said. “Both played a considerable amount in 2007.”
Senior Lincoln Pyles and junior Dylan Beger alternated time under center last season.
Pyles completed 115-of-175 passes for 1,351 yards and five touchdowns, while Beger completed 66-of-112 passes for 882 yards and four touchdowns.
Also back is junior running back Jeremy Barr, who rushed for 653 yards and seven touchdowns on 102 carries.
Senior Josh Richardson, junior Tyler Williamson and newcomer Tristan Long will also see time in the backfield.
“The running back position is deep and talented,” Lawson said.
Back to lead the defense is a quartet of seniors. Seth Logsdon and Richardson return at linebacker, while Will Battle and Thomas Smith return at defensive tackle.
Also back is junior defensive back Cameron Chaney.
“The defense returns solid experience and speed with Logsdon, Richardson and Chaney,” Lawson said.
Gone from the team is graduate A.J. Hughes, who caught 66 passes for 1,028 yards and five touchdowns. But returning to fill the void is senior Vato Sorilla, who pulled in 33 catches for 399 yards and two touchdowns last year.
“We should be much improved on both sides of the ball,” Lawson said.
Central Hardin was left on the outside looking in last postseason. But Lawson hopes his team can get over that hump and get back to the playoffs for the first time since the 2005 season under former coach Chris Bauer.
“I think that Nelson County and North Hardin will the favorites in the district,” Lawson said. “But we should be able to compete for one of the remaining spots.
Conner (1-9)
Head coach: David Trosper
2007: Missed the playoffs
Since an 11-1 season in 2004, Conner has won seven games in three years and has not been back to the playoffs.
And it just got tougher to make the playoffs with the addition of Cooper High in 2008, giving District Six a total of six teams.
The Cougars return quarterback Nick West (6-3, 180, Jr.), who threw for 1,131 yards but also tossed 17 interceptions to seven touchdowns.
Two of West’s main targets also return. Scooter Engelman (5-7, 150, Sr.) caught 13 passes for 267 yards, and Chad Romero (5-10, 160, Sr.) brought down 11 catches for 149 yards.
In the backfield, Austin Pugh (6-0, 175, Jr.) returns after a sophomore campaign that saw him rush for 923 yards and eight touchdowns. Dustin Cole (5-10, 170, Sr.) and Cody Arsenault (5-6, 165, Sr.) could also see carries in the backfield.
On defense, Conner returns several starters. Matt Calme (5-9, 150, Sr.) picked off two passes in the secondary last year. Linebacker Huston Dockery (5-7, 195, Jr.) also returns.
The Cougars are banking on a large junior class to make strides this year to set them up for a bright future.
Cooper (n/a)
Head coach: Randy Borchers
2008: First season of varsity football
Randall K. Cooper High School opens its doors this fall and will field a varsity football team in its first year of existence.
The Jaguars have tapped former Ludlow skipper Randy Borchers as their first head coach. Borchers was 7-14 in two seasons as head coach at the Class 1A school.
Cooper High, located in Burlington in Boone County, will draw students from the Conner and Ryle school districts.
The Jaguars, ironically enough, will open their inaugural season at Conner before hosting Ryle Sept. 5 in the school’s first-ever home game.
Their schedule is comprised of mostly northern Kentucky schools although the Jags will host Prestonsburg and travel to North Hardin later in the season.
They are competing in the same Class 6A district with Boone County, Ryle, Simon Kenton, Campbell County, and Conner.
Daviess County (8-4)
Head coach: Marcus Kimbrell
2007: Lost to Marshall County 22-21 in the second round of the playoffs
By Mark Mathis
Owensboro Messenger Inquirer
Daviess County High School won eight games for only the second time in its football history last season. It was within four minutes of advancing past the second round of the Class 6-A playoffs for the first time since 1954.
Coach Marcus Kimbrell wants the Panthers to excel even further this season.
“If we can continue where we left off last year, and get better, we could be really good,” Kimbrell said.
DCHS returns nine starters on defense and seven offensively.
The Panthers have one of the best quarterbacks in western Kentucky with Cole Lanham, a 6-foot-2, 190-pound senior who was adept both running and throwing the football last year.
He accounted for 700 rushing yards, 3,000 more through the air and 30 touchdowns.
“I think he’s one of the top quarterbacks in the state,” Kimbrell said. “He understands coverages well. His arm has gotten stronger, he’s put in extra time watching film. He knows what we’re doing better scheme-wise.
“We put a lot on a quarterback, but I think he will be a lot more comfortable. We’re probably going to mix in more run game, do some two-back shotgun.”
Jake Bevil could be more prominent in a two-back shotgun set that DCHS has been working on. Senior Jared Masterson, juniors Cole Anderson and Jamie Purcell are the leading candidates for the other running back position.
There will be a significant void with the graduation of wide receivers Scotty Smith and Landon Camp.
Joey Kramer and Taylor Fulkerson each had more than 20 receptions last year and will be counted on at receiver.
Jordan Stoermer will be used at receiver, along with Chad McCain.
Stoermer is the Panthers’ top defensive player. The outside linebacker is 6-3, 190 pounds had had over 100 tackles. Like most of his defensive teammates, Stoermer is a senior.
“We’ve got a really good senior class,” Kimbrell said.
Wade Hodges is a 6-4, 250-pound defensive tackle who was in on 70 stops last season. Bevil and Aaron Prater are strong in the defensive backfield.
“You can win games with defense,” Kimbrell said. “A perfect example was the district championship game with Marshall County.”
The Panthers were up 21-7 with four minutes to go, then Marshall County put a couple of drives together to pull out a late win.
This year, DCHS wants to finish the job.
duPont Manual (10-2)
Head coach: Joe Nichols
2007: Lost to St. Xavier 27-7 in the second round of the playoffs
duPont Manual won 10 games in a season for the first time since 1988 but was dealt a second round loss by St. Xavier – the third straight year the Tigers have ended their season.
The Crimsons return quarterback Joey Harness, who threw for 2,143 yards and 28 touchdowns. What was even more impressive was just two interceptions in just 80 attempts.
However, Harness will have to introduce himself to his receiving corps, which was hit hard by graduation. Only tight end Cole Messer and D.J. Hawk had a catch last year.
After winning passing leagues at Male and UK, Harness is finding targets at receiver with Tyler Ford, Derek Woodmore, and Soph Pearcy. Running back James Clay can also catch the ball well.
Hawk returns to the backfield after rushing for 753 yards and five touchdowns. He will assume the workload with the graduation of Rhayven Smith as will James Clay and Donovan Washington.
Manual lost some size and experience on their front line but still return some valuable starters. Joseph McMillan (6-2, 220) is a three-year starter on the line, and Blake Freudenberger (6-4, 220) will play center after playing on the defensive line last year. Conner Wise (6-5, 265) also steps into a starting role on the line.
Expect Manual to throw some new wrinkles at their opponents on offense with a new offensive coordinator. As past years have proved, they will need to find a way to score points in order to get past St. Xavier in the playoffs.
On Defense, linebacker Wayne Tuckson is coming off a big junior year and is a leader on defense. T.J. Gritton will start this year and has played well.
The defensive line lost Dave Ulinski and Brandon Young (North Caronina A & T) but still looks to be a strength with returning starters at end in Freudenberger and Nick Brown, and tackle Emmanuel Belt. DeGerald Watson-Morton played well last season before and after an injury and is healthy and will be another starting defensive tackle.
All of the starting defensive backs are gone but Travis Carroll played well last year and this season in passing leagues, Josh Redding looked good in passing leagues, and safety David Schnur is healthy and brings a hard nosed, hard hitting edge to the defense.
Eastern (7-4)
Head coach: Ken Whalen
2007: Lost to Ballard 27-13 in the first round of the playoffs
Eastern only has four starters back on offense and five on defense, but the biggest loss will be Bluegrasspreps.com first-team All-State athlete Steve Ferguson.
Ferguson was the team’s leader in passing and rushing for three years.
Coach Ken Whalen said three players – Brent Carneal, Joe Kenn and Jon Davis – will share the quarterbacking duties for the Eagles.
The offensive line will be bolstered by Caleb Enix, while Josh Hayden and Jon Davis are the top receivers and running back Chris Parks is back.
The Eagles’ defense will be young and athletic. Linebackers Jon Davis and Marcus Jenkins are returning, along with defensive back Jon Davies and defensive lineman Tyler Beckett. Linemen Wayne Southers is also a solid lineman.
“We will be athletic, but our younger guys will have to step up. We will be very competitive on both sides of the ball,” Whalen said, adding “we need improved special teams play in order to improve our standing and depth will be a concern.”
Fern Creek (8-4)
Head coach: Curtis Higgins
2007: Lost to Male 38-27 in the second round of the playoffs
The Creek is rising.
Fern Creek won eight games last season and returns a ton of talent, including junior quarterback Bryan Hynes. He’s one of the top signal callers in the Louisville are and has more than 3,000 yards passing combined the past two seasons.
But Hynes isn’t the only star on offense. Senior running back Jimmie Welch had 1,200 yards rushing and more than 2,000 all-purpose yards last season.
Wide receiver Carlos Smith is also back, while the line will be bolstered by the return of Jayquon Robinson, Alex Zimmerman and Skylar Duckworth.
The defense returns seven starters, including linebackers Reggie Smith, Taj Jarrett and Robbie Newton. Defensive back Omar Cham and defensive ends Michael Sartin and Dante Johnson, along with nose guard Cortez Mack are back.
The offense also has several talented newcomers, including wide receiver Jerrell Moore and Victor Terry.
George Rogers Clark (3-8)
Head coach: Paul Columbia
2007: Lost to Madison Central 27-14 in the first round of the playoffs
George Rogers Clark went from an appearance in the region title game to three wins and a first round loss in 2007.
Head coach Paul Columbia will be rebuilding for a second straight season after graduating 22 seniors.
The only two offensive starters back are running back Ryan Williams (5-7, 170, Sr.) and receiver Jarran Thomas (5-10, 160, Sr.). Williams led the Cardinals in rushing with 903 yards and 13 touchdowns.
The race for quarterback should shape up to be interesting with several having a shot to win the job. Colton Lewis (6-0, 165, Jr.) and Justin Gillespie (5-10, 175, Sr.) appear to have the inside track.
Bryson Morton (5-10,1 70, Sr.), Chas Campbell (5-8, 180, Sr.), and Tavon Lay (6-1, 175, Jr.) should compete with Williams for carries in the backfield.
The line should feature the return of Devae Jones (6-0, 280, Sr.), Adam Grashel (5-10, 265, Sr.), and Jared Meade (6-3, 250, Sr.).
Defensively, Robbie Hisle (5-10, 175, Sr.) is back at linebacker for the Cardinals, who haven’t had back-to-back losing seasons in six years.