2009 Kentucky High School Football Preview - Class 4A

[The Scribe]

Allen County-Scottsville (9-4)
Head coach: Brad Hood
2008: Lost to Calloway County 42-26 in the region semifinals

Allen County-Scottsville is hoping to build off their longest postseason run in school history with the return of 13 starters.

The Patriots bring back an experienced backfield but have just one starting lineman – Cy Williams – returning.

Corey Cooper has started 32 straight games at quarterback and gives the Patriots the experience necessary to run the option offense.

Juniors Brandon Boards and Hunter York return in the backfield, and junior Jacob Costello is back at receiver. Junior Zach Tabor should vie for a starting spot at receiver.

Head coach Brad Hood says Zack Kendall (6-0, 240, Soph.) should step into the starting lineup on the line.

Defensively, the Patriots have eight starters back from a squad that allowed just under 20 points a game and must improve that total in 2009.

“We lose only three starters on defense, so this bunch is returning a ton of experience with our two leading tacklers back from last year,” Hood said.

The two tacklers he was referring to are linebackers Cory Foster (6-2, 165, Jr.) and Seth Peay (5-8, 170, Soph.).

Tackles Cy Williams and Houston Bunton, and defensive end John Eric Murray return on the line, and Eli Weaver and Jacob Costello are back in the secondary.

Despite their success last year and expectations for this year, Allen County-Scottsville is still a team heavy on sophomores and juniors.

“We are getting there. It’s been a lot of fun watching these guys grow up and become good football players,” Hood said. “Making it to the region finals last year was a great experience that hopefully we can keep building from.”

Hood has added his uncle Joe Hood to the coaching staff to coach the defensive line and help with the J.V. and freshmen teams. Joe Hood was a long-time coach at Warren Central.


Atherton (2-10)
Head coach: Kenny Walker
2008: Lost to Bullitt East 63-6 in first round of the playoffs.

After making the playoffs for two straight years – the only two times in school history the program has made the playoffs – Kenny Walker takes over the program that he played for in the mid-1980s.

Walker, a former head coach at Shawnee, is excited about his homecoming. He played defensive back at the school and graduated in 1985, going on to play college ball in the same position at Kentucky State University.

Walker coached at Atherton from 1994-99 as an assistant and has also been an assistant at Fern Creek, Valley and Shawnee. He was the head coach at Shawnee for two seasons and most recently coaches at Valley.

He replaces Chris Collins, who left after one season for Trimble County, but the Rebels lost 12 seniors off last year’s squad.

Senior lineman Will Jones was the lone player from the Atherton program to make all-district last season and will be the team’s leader.


Bell County (15-0)
Head coach: Dudley Hilton
2008: Beat Bullitt East 15-13 in the Class 4A state championship game

A 4A state championship, a 15-0 record and eight shutouts made the 2008 season one that won’t be soon forgotten in Bell County.

This year’s Bell defense has seven starters returning and will be led by senior defensive back Matt Raines, who had six interceptions and 40 tackles last year, along with senior tackle Billy Lawson (6-1, 235), who had 75 tackles, including 10 for losses.

Senior end Keith Lowe (6-3, 195) added 76 tackles, with 13 for losses, and John Dudley Hilton (6-0, 210) returns at linebacker.

Junior Taylor Mills is also a key player on defense with 40 tackles a year ago, and junior Cody Davenport is back at cornerback after recording 33 tackles and three interceptions last season.

Josh Brown shined in the playoffs last year at linebacker and should be a key contributor on defense again this year.

The offense has a few more questions than the defense but will benefit from the return of three starters up front.

Senior center Cody Marcum (6-3, 268), senior tackle Joe Collett (6-3, 245) and senior guard Mike Howard (6-2, 269) give the Bobcats another dominating offensive front that should be able to open holes for junior halfback Dominic Carton.

Junior tight end/linebacker John Dudley Hilton (5-11, 221) will play an even bigger role in the Bell offense after catching six touchdown passes a year ago.

A breakout season is expected for sophomore running back Cory Davenport, who was slowed by an injury last year.

Ben Madon will take over at quarterback.

The Bobcats will also have to replace All-State kicker and punter Monte Merrick.

Coming off their first state title since 1991, Bell County has upgraded their schedule as they make a run at Bowling Green.

The Bobcats will host Tennessee power Alcoa in the City/County Bowl Game Aug. 21 before three straight road games at Marion County, Johnson Central, and Whitley County.

With their road to the Class 4A title last year, veteran head coach Dudley Hilton enters the 2009 season second on the all-time wins list with 320, which is 18 behind Newport Central Catholic’s Bob Schneider and one more than Belfry’s Phillip Haywood.

Hilton enters his 35th season as a head coach and should have no trouble bringing home his 34th straight winning season. Of course, the goals are much larger on Log Mountain this year.


Bourbon County (3-8)
Head coach: Johnny Poynter
2008: Lost to Lexington Catholic 52-0 in the first round of the playoffs

After winning five games in the five years, Bourbon County has turned to a familiar face to try and reverse the fortunes of a program that won a state title just a dozen years ago.

Johnny Poynter, who served as defensive coordinator at Bourbon County in the late 1990s, hopes to have the same type of rebuilding success he enjoyed at Trimble County.

The Colonels do have some starters back from a squad that won three games last year.

Poynter is encouraged by the return of four starters on the offensive line, led by Andrew Robinson (6-0, 280, Sr.) and Matthew Fister (5-10, 300, Sr.). Aaron Marton (6-6, 260, Sr.) also returns, and Jerry Noble (6-0, 250, Sr.) will make the move to tight end.

All of this is in front of quarterback Taylor Barnes (5-8, 170, Sr.), who will lead the Colonel offensive attack out of the Pro-I formation.

Poynter expects running back Ryan Charles (5-8, 170, Jr.) and receiver Tyler Wolfingbarger (5-10, 150, Soph.) to compete for starting roles this year.

Bourbon County does not appear to be that set on defense with the return of just four starters.

Barnes will be in the secondary along with senior Nick Rogers. Taylor Myers is back at linebacker, and senior Matthew Fister returns on the defensive line.

Poynter expects Charles and Wolfingbarger to also make contributions on the defensive side as well in the secondary.

“The program is a long way from where I would like to see it,” Poynter said. “In my last tenure (here), the program was well on its way to being a top 10 program in their class. We just have to change the attitude here.”

Fans will notice an immediate change with new uniforms and a new helmet design for 2009.


Boyd County (7-5)
Head coach: Lee Evans
2008: Lost to Knox Central 40-7 in the second round of the playoffs

Boyd County advanced to the second round of the playoffs for the fifth time in seven seasons, but the outcome was the same as the previous time as the Lions failed to get past Knox Central.

Head coach Lee Evans has some workable parts returning in 2009 in their bid to repeat as district champions, but depth could be an issue early in the season.

Junior Tyler Arthur saw more action as last season wore on and should be ready to start the season at quarterback.

Seniors Kevin Stewart and Donnie Bryant are the team’s leading returning rushers from last year.

A lineman to keep an eye on is senior center Ethan Fultz, who was injured in an offseason automobile crash. He has survived extensive therapy and hopes to regain his starting spot at some point in the season.


Boyle County (13-1)
Head coach: Larry French
2008: Lost to Bell County 17-15 in the state semifinals

Boyle County rebounded from a rare losing season to win 13 straight games and knock on the door of the Class 4A state title game before falling late to Bell County.

With half of their starters back in 2009, the Rebels expect to make another run at the state title.

While there are some questions on offense that will need a quick answer, one of those is not who will get the bulk of the carries in the backfield.

Senior Rees MacShara (5-10, 180, Sr.) seemingly came out of nowhere to rush for over 1,700 yards and accounted for 30 touchdowns. His versatility makes him a threat to score anywhere on the field.

Sophomore Devan Cox should also see some carries.

The Rebels were hit hard by graduation at the receiver position but expect big things from sophomore Jared Harrington and Bryan Ferrell.

Up front, Zack Kynch (6-0, 205, Sr.) is the lone returning starter, although a large junior class should help fill some of the voids in the trenches.

Senior Boone Goldsmith, who transferred from Lawrence County prior to the 2008 season, appears ready to step in and take over the offense after serving as Phillip Mason’s backup.

The Rebels appear more set on defense, where they allowed double digits in just five games and never more than 17 points in a game.

Grant Aumiller (6-0, 215, Sr.) returns to anchor a line that includes Paul Megilligan (5-10, 220, Jr.) and ends Ryan Coffey (6-0, 205, Jr.) and Zack Lynch.

Ferrell and Chris Cook will handle the duties at linebacker along with Lamar Dawson.

MacShara and Harrington will patrol the secondary.

The numbers and support appear to be at normal Boyle County standards following the 2007 hiccup. If the new starters come in and contribute immediately, it should be another long postseason run for the Rebels.


Breckinridge County (1-9)
Head coach: Scott Mooney
2008: Missed the playoffs

Breckinridge County hasn’t won a football game on the field in three seasons, getting a win each of the last two years by forfeit.

Second-year head coach Scott Mooney is looking to post multiple wins in a season for the first time in six years.

The Tigers return senior Clint Board, a three-year starter at receiver, as they look to replace seven seniors from a 39-player roster.


Bullitt East (9-6)
Head coach: Doug Preston
2008: Lost to Bell County 15-13 in 4A state championship game.

Doug Preston made a nice impression during his first season at Bullitt East – guiding the Chargers through a tough schedule and into the state final.

One year later, the expectations are much the same in Mount Washington.
Bullitt East again will play a tough early-season schedule, but Preston has several offensive weapons and one of the best-kept secrets on the line returning.

Mason Kelly is the lineman that has Bullitt East fans excited. The 6-foot-2, 310-pound Kelly is an excellent on both sides of the ball and Preston said he “is the most dominating run blocker and defensive lineman I have ever coached.”

Kelly has a sensational summer and has Division I colleges looking his way.
Quarterback Matt Bowles returns after starting every game last season, passing for 1,200 yards and 12 touchdowns and rushing for around 200 more yards.

The third returning starter on offense is tackle Cyle Jaggers.

Bowles will also start at safety and linebackers Matt Husband and Travis Vance and lineman Matt Thompson also return on the defensive side of the ball.


Calloway County (11-3)
Head coach: Josh McKeel
2008: Lost to Bullitt East 52-49 in the state semifinals

Calloway County was a few yards away from their first state title appearance if not for the ground game of Bullitt East in the semifinals.

After winning 11 games for the first time in a dozen years, the Lakers will be hard pressed to match last year’s win total. However, an experienced line coupled with one of western Kentucky’s best players could see Calloway County get close to matching last year’s victory total.

Tyrrell Willis (6-3, 255, Sr.) is an impact player at both running back (1,703 yards, 19 touchdowns) and linebacker (84 tackles). He has offers from Louisville and Memphis, but has to put some off the field issues behind him.

Austin Hargrove (5-10, 160, Sr.) could join Willis in the backfield or take over at one of two receiver positions open due to the graduation of Calloway’s top two pass catchers from last year.

Hunter Arnold (6-1, 175, Soph.) will see the field and could challenge senior Jordan Burkeen for the starting quarterback job.

The Lakers do have some experience back on the line. Kyle Crittendon (6-0, 205, Sr.), Grant Williams (6-5, 250, Sr.), Josh Humphreys (6-4, 205, Sr.), and Logan Burks (5-11, 180, Sr.) return for the Lakers, who hope Burks and Williams stay healthy all season. The duo missed parts of last year because of nagging injuries.

Sophomore Garrett Schwettman proved accurate in the kicking game last year, connecting on 56 extra points.

It’s unlikely Calloway County will repeat their long playoff run from a year ago, but the Lakers should contend for the district title again.

[The Scribe]

East Carter (3-8)
Head coach: Aaron Baldwin
2008: Lost to Sheldon Clark 28-3 in the first round of the playoffs

East Carter may not have enough under the hood to challenge the district leaders for the title in 2009, but should be powerful enough to make the postseason for the ninth straight year.

The Raiders return most of their skill players on offense from last year’s team that won three games.

Tyler Back (6-4, 235, Sr.) ran for over 580 yards last year. Darren Brammell (5-9, 170, Sr.) and Ryan Kitchen (5-11, 200, Sr.) also return in the backfield.

Kyle Smith (5-9, 145, Jr.) runs the East Carter “pistol-T” offense, with Corey Bush (6-3, 215, Sr.) and Tanner Ashworth (6-0, 165, Sr.) the receivers.

Up front, Tanner Wells (6-2, 230, Sr.), Cody Bush (5-10, 200, Sr.), Channing McGraw (6-1, 210, Jr.), Corey Elam (6-2, 200, Sr.) and Corey Kouns (6-0, 240, Sr.) all started last year.

Head coach Aaron Baldwin is also expecting Cody Pritchard, Martin Staeb, and Ryan Handshaw to make contributions to the team.


East Jessamine (4-7)
Head coach: Mike Bowlin
2008: Lost to Franklin County 42-6 in the first round of the playoffs

Mike Bowlin is hoping a switch back to the ground game will pay off for East Jessamine this year.

The Jaguars will use a Wing-T offense behind an experience line, and Bowlin hopes a couple of new players at quarterback and running back will help get the new offense off the ground.

Junior David Powers will take over at quarterback, and sophomore Cameron Thomas will join returning starter and junior Austin Hager in the backfield.

“David has very good speed and is an accurate passer outside of the pocket. He also has the leadership you need in your quarterback,” Bowling said. “Cameron is a talented athlete that makes plays, and we are expecting big things from Austin at fullback.”

Seth Hunt, Drew Edwards, and James Russell should also see time in the backfield.

The Jaguars are banking on their experience up front as they learn the new offense. Zack Templin (6-4, 275, Jr.), Cory Kenion (5-10, 225, Jr.), Charles Wood (5-10, 200, Sr.), and Zack Minks are returning starters.

The changes aren’t just exclusive to the offense. Bowlin says the Jags will use a four-man front on defense with multiple coverages.

Templin, Kenion, Wood, and Jordan Frazier all return on the defensive line, and Hager is back at linebacker.

Bowlin is concerned about their lack of depth in the secondary.

“We need to develop more players that are capable of contributing in the secondary at the varsity level,” he said.

A winning season would do wonders for a program that plays in a tough district and has only five seniors on their 2009 roster.


Fairdale (6-5)
Head coach: Jonathan Miller
2008: Lost to Marion County 35-21 in the first round of the playoffs

Fairdale fought through some injuries and tough luck in close games a year ago, but the Bulldogs should be much stronger this season.

With a bevy of weapons returning on offense and some solid defenders back, Fairdale should be able to compete for a district title this fall.

The top weapon is senior all-district quarterback Bradley Vincent, who returns after throwing for 1,823 yards and 17 touchdowns and rushing for 434 more yards and four TDs. He can make plays with his hands or feet.

Vincent also returns his two top targets in wide receivers Quintrel Morris and Marvin McAtee. Morris, the son of former Fairdale All-State basketball player Maurice Morris, had 34 catches for 880 yards and 11 scores last season. McAtee caught 22 passes for 552 yards and four more scores.

Running backs Austin Woosley (324 yards, two TDs) and Johnny Cross (214 yards, five TDs) are also returning.

Woosley was an all-district linebacker, while Morris led the team in fumble recoveries last season and Crook was second on the team in interceptions.


Franklin County (6-6)
Head coach: Aaron Stepp
2008: Lost to Boyle County 42-8 in the second round of the playoffs

After 15 wins the past two seasons, Dennis Ledford stepped down as Franklin County head coach.

Making his third stop in as many seasons will Aaron Stepp, formerly the head coach at Clay County and Harrison County.

The biggest chore for Stepp will be to replace the offensive line that graduated all but one starter from last year. Wesley Watkins (6-2, 270, Jr.) will anchor a young and unproven line.

Quarterback Sean Thompson (6-4, 230, Sr.) threw for over 2,000 yards last year but will try and work around the loss of his top two receivers to graduation.

Damian Hicks (5-9, 160, Sr.) developed into a receiving threat last year. Running backs Jeremy Gardner, Lane Jackson, and Jordan Moore also return.

If Stepp can get some solid play from his inexperienced line, the Flyers should put up some big numbers again in 2009.


Franklin-Simpson (8-4)
Head coach: Tim Schlosser
2008: Lost to Calloway County 28-25 in the second round of the playoffs

Franklin-Simpson lost a lot of key offensive components from 2008, but the return of seven starters on defense should help the Wildcats weather a tough schedule.

Head coach Tim Schlosser has to replace All-State quarterback Courtney Dalcourt and several of his targets.

Patrick Flippin is a three-year starter in the backfield and should be the centerpiece of the Wildcat offense. Tight end Jerron Patterson and tackle Brandon Murray are the only other starters back on offense.

Schlosser said Jerrell and Darrius Wickware will see some action on offense, and Hayden Williams is the frontrunner for the quarterback spot.

On defense, the Wildcats have three linebackers returning that are expected to be the foundation. Jerron Patterson, Daniel Reetzke, and Jalen Bell will key the 5-3 defense. T.J. Cowan returns at tackle.

Schlosser will be counting on his younger players to develop quickly for the Wildcats by the time the district schedule rolls around.



Greenup County (3-8)
Head coach: Mike Copley
2008: Lost to Rockcastle County 34-14 in the first round of the playoffs

One season after advancing to the region title game, Greenup County fell in the first round of the playoffs, and the Musketeers then began a coaching search.

Mike Copley comes to Greenup County from Pikeville, and is looking to bring home their first winning season in seven years.

The Musketeers lost a lot of their offense, including quarterback Eric Craft. Junior Corey Lyle (5-10, 175) returns in the backfield after rushing for 584 yards and five touchdowns.

Brian Grayson (6-0, 270, Jr.) is expected to anchor the line.

Lyle will also play linebacker along with Andrew Gilliland (5-8, 150, Jr.).


Harrison County (6-6)
Head coach: Mark Carroll
2008: Lost to Lexington Catholic 52-13 in the second round of the playoffs

Harrison County has a new stadium and a new coach for 2009.
Mark Carroll takes over as head coach of the Thorobreds, and looks to bring a hard-hitting style of play to Cynthiana.

He’ll have the services running backs Josh Moss, Malcolm Thomas, and Nick Slucher but will have to replace two-year starter Van Isaac at quarterback.

If the Thorobreds adapt quickly to Carroll’s coaching style, they should be right back in the mix for another district title in 2009.


Holmes (3-8)
Head coach: Stephen Lickert
2008: Lost to Johnson Central 54-13 in the first round of the Class 5A playoffs

By Kevin Bundy

A new classification and four new district opponents signify a year of change for Holmes High School in 2009.

The Bulldogs went 3-8 and lost in the first round of the class 5A playoffs a year ago, and relocate in class 4A this year, where they enter a district which includes Franklin County, Harrison County, Bourbon County, and Pendleton County.

"We don't know what to expect with our district opponents," Stephen Lickert, Holmes coach said. "Early in the season we'll spend a lot of time as coaches getting to know them as well as we got to know Highlands, Dixie, and Covington Catholic."

As the Bulldogs prepare for the new district and their season opener Aug. 29 against Lloyd High School, Lickert likes what he has seen in practice. Although the Bulldogs are still young, they return six starters on offense, and nine on defense.

"The key to our season is the competition we have in practice," Lickert said. "We have a lot of good young talent behind our starters and we haven't had that kind of depth in the past. It makes practices much more lively."

Quarterback Jesse Jenson leads the offense, which includes a lot of speed at the skill positions. Damion Oden returns at running back, and Chris Hayes is back at wide receiver, after catching seven balls for 146 yards in 2008. Randy Godawa will anchor the offensive line from his center position.

Defensively, Holmes returns Tommy Courtney at middle linebacker and also has Carlos Calimeno back at a linebacker spot. The defensive line is led by end Regal Low, and Trarell Freeman and Terell Englemon are back in the defensive backfield. Freeman led the team in interceptions a year ago.

We've got a lot of guys back, but youth is still a concern," Lickert said. "Last year, we were sophomores, this year we're juniors. We're still young, but we are bigger and stronger this year."

Lickert said the opener against the Juggernauts is more than just a meaningless non-district game.

"Getting off to a fast start is important for us," he said. "Gaining some momentum before we start play in our new district will the kind of tone we want."



Hopkins County Central (7-4)
Head coach: Zach Hibbs
2008: Lost to Franklin-Simpson 38-9 in the first round of the playoffs

Hopkins County Central graduated one of the most talented senior classes in school history. Then long-time head coach Rick Snodgrass retired at season’s end.

The school promoted assistant coach Zach Hibbs to the top spot of a program that should be able to rebuild nicely.

Junior Jesse Almon and sophomore Lucas Crawley should compete for the quarterback spot.

While most of the top offensive athletes graduated, Hibbs has a nice group returning that saw action last year.

Juniors Jaylon McCoy and Tyler Powell should see carries in the backfield, while senior Nikee Caldwell and junior Micah Rorer are back at receiver.

Cody Summers (6-4, 274, Sr.) and Josh Adamson are back on the offensive line.

The Storm appear in good shape defensively with the return of Denzel Arrington and Anthony Qualls at end, and Rorer and Nathan Crick at linebackers.

Hopkins Central has been able to platoon players on offense and defense in recent years but may have more going both ways this year in order to keep their best athletes on the field.


Knox Central (9-4)
Head coach: Wayne Mills
2008: Lost to Bell County 19-14 in the region championship game

Not many 4A teams in Kentucky have improved more than the Panthers since Wayne Mills arrives as coach. The Panthers gave state champ Bell County a scare in the regional finals last fall, falling 19-14.

Even though several of their top weapons graduated, Knox Central remains dangerous with senior Chad Merida back at running back and junior Travis Canady returning at receiver. Merida rushed for 683 yards and eight touchdowns last year, and Canady had 22 catches for 267 yards and four touchdowns while contributing 48 solo tackles and two interceptions on defense.

The Panthers expect to be strong up front with senior Casey Gambrel (6-5, 325), junior Scott Gilliman (6-3, 235) and sophomore Tyler Grubb (6-2, 270) returning.

Sophomore Jonathan Barger will take over at quarterback, and standout freshman Jeffery Canady (6-1, 175) is also expected to provide a boost with his athletic ability.


Larue County (3-8)
Head coach: Rodney Armes
2007: Lost to Marion County 17-14 in the first round of the playoffs

By JOSH CLAYWELL
The Elizabethtown News-Enterprise

Graduating only seven seniors might turn out to be the best thing for the LaRue County Hawks.

And, thanks in part to a smaller senior class than normal, longtime LaRue County coach Rodney Armes will have some depth to work with.

"It's going to be huge because we're going to be able to platoon a little bit and we can rest some guys," Armes said. "That's going to be big later on in the season. That's going to be nice, if we stay healthy."

Last season, when the Hawks finished a dismal 4-7, Armes said his team simply ran out of healthy bodies.

This season, however, Armes is optimistic LaRue County can avoid the injury bug.

"Really I thought we underachieved because we had a couple of games I felt we should have won," Armes said. "We had so many doggone injuries last year. Most of our starting offensive line was out by the time the playoffs rolled around."

That equaled a first-round playoff exit for the Hawks, who started off 3-1 but had a five-game losing streak in the bulk of their schedule.

"People don't understand this: When you have only seven seniors, you're going to struggle. I don't care how good they are," Armes said. "When you're playing against teams like Bullitt East with 22 seniors, that's tough. Every team that I've had, the teams that have been successful have had 12-plus seniors. Under 12 seniors, we've struggled. I mean, it doesn't take a genius to figure out what's going on."

LaRue County had 20 juniors listed on its roster last season, and all of them are expected to be back this season.

The offensive and defensive lines will be anchored by a bevy of seniors: Ian Mortensen (left tackle), David Blair (center), Tyler Davenport (offensive/defensive tackle), Lincoln Bingham (nose guard) and Kenneth Sanders (defensive tackle).

The only thing the Hawks are lacking, Armes said, is overall team speed.
"This year I think we're going to have some depth," he said. "We'll have some depth and experience, but I think our weakness is going to be our overall team speed. We're just not very fast.

"It's probably not any different than any other year," Armes added. "We haven't had a ton of team speed in a few years. Our backfield is going to be big and strong, but they're going to be average speed."

Senior Ryan Wafford, juniors Alex Lee and Shaquille Cox and sophomore Drew Newberry return in the backfield.

Lee led the team with 799 yards and six touchdowns, while Newberry had 751 yards and nine TDs. Wafford rushed for 617 yards, but had a team-best 14 scores.

Senior Lucas Chaudoin, who completed 53-of-120 passes for 925 yards and 12 TDs, returns at quarterback.

"Lucas is heady, he makes good decisions," Armes said. "He throws the ball pretty well."

Sophomore Jordan Brewer, who was utilized mostly as a scrambling QB last season, is also back.

"He's looking a lot better. He's bigger and stronger this year, and he's throwing the ball a lot better," Armes said. "His best asset right now is his feet; he can definitely fly."

Armes said a starter has not been named, and probably won't be until a few weeks before Week One.

"As far as speed is concerned, Lucas is obviously behind Jordan in that aspect," Armes said. "It'll be a good battle there for the quarterback spot. As of right now, we're not sure where we're going with that."

The Hawks' schedule is something else that has Armes excited for the season.

LaRue County beefed up its schedule by adding Class 6-A and former longtime rival North Hardin, and also picked up non-district games against Campbellsville, Butler County, Glasgow and Green County.

The Hawks also play rivals Elizabethtown and Central Hardin.

"I'm really excited. I think if the kids work hard and if they continue to improve, I think we can have a great year," Armes said.


Lawrence County (0-11)
Head coach: Luke Salmons
2008: Lost to Bell County 62-0 in the first round of the playoffs

Luke Salmons is putting 2008 behind him and looking forward to the 2009 football season.

The Lawrence County skipper is optimistic the return of most starters and 16 seniors will result in a turnaround for a program that has won three games in three years and hasn’t had a winning season since 2003.

All of Lawrence County’s skill people are back, including running backs Hunter James, Lance Clay, Shane Pack, and Caleb Bentley, along with receivers Josh Mills, Blake Bradley, and Turner O’Brien.

Four starters – Ben Preston, Chris Kazee, Jordan Miller, and Tyler Combs – return on the offensive line.

Salmons is also excited about the return of nine starters on defense and his special teams unit.

“Our line play will be one of our strengths because we are big and strong physically,” Salmons said. “Another strength is that we have almost everyone coming back from last year.”

Lawrence County also has a schedule more fitting of their recent success, with Paintsville, Sheldon Clark, East Ridge, and Shelby Valley replacing traditional powers Breathitt County, Russell, Belfry, and Prestonsburg.

“Our program is growing, and we are developing a program that our kids and community can be excited for,” Salmons said.

[The Scribe]

Lexington Catholic (8-5)
Head coach: Bill Letton
2008: Lost to Boyle County 23-16 in the region title game

A tough schedule and the loss of over a dozen starters resulted in Lexington Catholic failing to reach double digits in wins for the first time in five years.

The tough schedule is still there this year, but the Knights are hoping the return of 13 starters can get them to Bowling Green and the state title game for the third time in five years.

Lexington Catholic welcomes back senior quarterback Nic Ward, who threw for over 1,600 yards and 23 touchdowns last year.

However, Ward will be looking for a new set of targets with the graduation of his top receivers. Tight end Bryce Andrews caught 11 passes and had two scores.

In the backfield, the Knights have most of their top rushers returning, several of which are adept at catching passes.

Senior Greg Raglin ran for over 900 yards last year and had 16 touchdowns. Senior Patrick Hager added 250 yards, and senior Lee Ramsey ran for 200 yards and caught 20 passes for 250 yards.

Will Whitman (6-4, 210, Jr.) and Loyd Amos (6-2, 255, Sr.) return on the offensive line.

Defensively, the Knights will look to tighten a run defense that gave up 150 yards a game last year.

Junior Nate Letton and senior Benton Hupman return at linebacker, and Ryne Least and Lee Ramsey are back in the secondary.

Seniors Andrew Gathy, Alex Mesmer, and Bill Jacoby should also be contributors on defense.

A major void the Knights will look to fill is at kicker following the graduation of Lane Pumphrey.

Lexington Catholic’s schedule is one of the toughest in the state with road games at Lexington Christian and Madison Central, and home games with private powers Covington Catholic, St. Xavier, and Trinity.

If the Knights can survive their regular season schedule, they should be in the mix to advance to Bowling Green come the postseason.


Logan County (2-8)
Head coach: Lee Proctor
2008: Missed the playoffs

The key to Logan County’s season in 2009 is simple – stop the other team
The Cougars gave up over 300 rushing yards and 40 points a game in missing the playoffs for the second time in three years.

The return of several starters has head coach Lee Proctor optimistic for a return to the postseason.

Reuben Rawlingswatson and Jonathon Barbee are back in the secondary , while leading tackler Cameron Collier returns at linebacker.

The Cougars have most of their offensive weapons back, including quarterback John Logan Dockins and running backs Thomas Washington, Barbee, and Rawlingswatson.


Lone Oak (10-2)
Head coach: Jack Haskins
2008: Lost to Allen County-Scottsville 33-14 in the second round of the playoffs.

Two years of heavy personnel losses, including a pair of Division I talents, leave Lone Oak’s program in transition.

Is the Purple Flash again a contender, or is this a transition year?

A conversation with coach Jack Haskins leaves the impression that it could be the latter, although he thinks some blossoming young talent could make this Lone Oak squad a surprise.

“We should be pretty good on the offensive line, better than we’ve been since I’ve been here,” Haskins said. “And we’ve got some talent and speed out there, but we don’t have as much experience as our last two teams.”

That’s especially true at quarterback, where senior Cameron Looper appears to have the early nod over sophomore Tyler Presnell. Looper was a receiver for much of last season, but turned in some solid work as the backup to Jamarielle Brown, who signed with Western Kentucky as a receiver.

Haskins is careful to note that Looper doesn’t face the same expectations as Brown and his predecessor, Mr. Football winner Corey Robinson, who is now at Troy and set a slew of state and national records while leading Lone Oak to the state championship game in 2007.

“He started one game and did pretty well for us, and he can make the throws we need him to make,” Haskins said. “We would like to be pretty balanced, but I can see us emphasizing running the ball a little more this year.”

Senior Matt Starks (5-11, 185), sophomore Joe Starks (5-10, 150) and senior Chayton Thacker (5-11, 210) will see time in the backfield, and all of them are capable receivers, too.

The receiver corps also includes seniors Clayton Isenberg (6-2, 165) and Carson Beyer (5-10, 175), sophomores Felix Colon (5-10, 160), Jarred Hill (5-10, 150) and junior Braydon Hopper (5-10, 170).

Three starters return on the offensive line — senior center Jordan Ludovissie (6-2, 285), junior left guard Jay Cain (6-3, 265) and senior left tackle Jacob Porter (6-0, 240). Junior Jack Coorts (6-0, 235) and senior Alex Lambert (6-3, 225) are expected to start on the right side.

Coorts, whose last-second field goal won a state semifinal game with Warren East two years ago, is a reliable punter and place kicker.

Defensively, seniors Chandler Thacker (5-6, 250) and Cody Cavanaugh (6-3, 280) will see time at nose guard and tackle, with Porter seeing time at tackle and end and senior Houston Hopper (6-0, 220) at end.

Matt Starks is back at safety with Chayton Thacker and sophomore Cameron Byrd (5-10, 205) at linebacker. The secondary is beset with question marks.


Madison Southern (0-10)
Head coach: Dave Brumley
2008 - Missed the playoffs

The first order of business for Madison Southern (0-10 last year) will be to end a losing streak that has reached 14 games.

The Eagles have had few bright spots the last two seasons other than senior wide receiver/running back Rico Brown, who is a running and receiving threat and is being recruited by several Division I schools, including Wake Forest, Louisville and Western.

Brown should get a little more help on offense this season with the return of sophomore quarterback Chris Roberts and junior receiver Devon Johnson.

Tyler Gipson, Caleb Morris, and Shaun Lewis return on the line for Madison Southern.

Seven starters are back on defense, including Brown, Johnson, and Ethan Lake in the secondary.

“Coming off an 0-10 campaign, we need to wins some games early and start competing for a playoff spot,” head coach Dave Brumley said. “Our young men have had a very productive offseason.”


Marion County (9-3)
Head coach: Jeff Robbins
2007: Lost to North Bullitt 20-13 in the second round of the playoffs

By JOSH CLAYWELL
The Elizabethtown News-Enterprise

Six years ago, the Marion County Knights were at the bottom of the barrel following a 0-10 season.

But now, coach Jeff Robbins has the Knights reaching new heights.
Marion County is coming off back-to-back 9-3 seasons under Robbins, who took over following the 2003 season.

"The program has come a long way in the five years that I have been here," Robbins said. "We are still not where we want to be and won't reach that until we have won a state championship. In my mind, that should be the goal of any program on a yearly basis. In order for us to reach that level, we must continue to work in the offseason and our
execution needs to be flawless on Friday nights."

Marion County, which is 30-26 under Robbins, must replace 12 seniors, including quarterback Eric Miles.

Senior Tyler Brown and sophomore Ryan Peterson are vying for the starting job. Brown is returning after missing last season with a knee injury.

Also back are Marion County's top three running backs from last season - seniors Dylan Peterson and Jacob Tabor and junior Jordan Bell. The trio combined to rush for 1,911 yards and 19 touchdowns.

Juniors Buster Hazelwood, who rushed for 231 yards and two scores, Clayton Smith and Chuck Elder could also see time in the backfield for the Knights, who use the I-formation and a wishbone hybrid offense.

Anchoring the offensive line and opening holes for the stable of running backs will be linemen Wes Stayton, Dustin Crane, Zack Shewmaker and Derrick Mattingly.

Crane and Stayton each have started 24 games on the offensive line.
Crane, Stayton and Mattingly also anchor the Knights' defense, which limited opponents to 20 points a game last season.

The only flaw on defense, Robbins said, is the linebacking corps.

"Our linebackers will be fairly young, just like our quarterbacks," said Robbins, who is assisted by Matt Mattingly (special teams), Robby Patterson (defensive coordinator), Adam Turner (offensive and defensive lines) and former University of Kentucky basketball star and Marion County resident Anthony Epps.


McCreary Central (4-7)
Head coach: Clinton Gay
2008: Lost to Boyd County 34-6 in the first round of the playoffs

With quarterback Aaron Watts and running back Zack Roark returning for their senior seasons, the McCreary Central Raiders should continue improving. The Raiders made major strides the past couple of seasons and could challenge the traditional favorites this year with 10 starters back on offense and seven on defense from a 4-7 team.

Watts, in addition to being one of the state’s top basketball prospects, rushed for 789 yards and passed for 859 last season despite missing four games. Roark ran for 1,100 yards and had 475 yards receiving.

McCreary’s senior-dominated lineup will feature a strong line led by center Rick Triplett (6-0, 220), guards James Ball (6-0, 180) and Steven Snead (6-0, 200) and tackles Terrance Snyder (6-0, 250) and Pat Perryman (6-5, 240). Junior tackle Vince Staten (6-3, 290) and junior receiver Dustin Goins will also play key roles.

A pair of tight ends, junior Codey Smith (6-3, 225) and freshman Tyson Williams (6-4, 240), are also expected to help.



North Bullitt (8-5)
Head coach: Brett Newton
2008: Lost to Bullitt East 26-7 in the second round of the playoffs

North Bullitt has a huge hole to fill in the lineup after the school’s all-time leading running back Dalton Cissell graduated.

Cissell rushed for more than 6,500 yards during his career at North Bullitt. He ranks among the state's top 10 rushers all-time in yardage.

But that’s not all of the Eagles’ problems.

Coach Brett Newton also has to replace the five other players that made all-district for North Bullitt a year ago.

The one top returnee back is all-district performer Travis Ridley, who will also get some time in the backfield carrying the ball.

The Eagles had 20 seniors last season.


Pendleton County (0-11)
Head coach: Lee Teegarden
2008: Lost to Boyle County 55-0 in the first round of the playoffs

There are a lot of unknowns when it comes to Pendleton County football.

With no stats or roster reported to the KHSAA last year, and no preseason response this year, what the Wildcats bring to the field will be shrouded in mystery.

What is known is that Pendleton County finished last year with just 18 players in uniform. In six years, the toddler program has won 21 games.

Because they play in a four-team district, the Wildcats are guaranteed a berth in the playoffs.

[The Scribe]

Rockcastle County (8-4)
Head coach: Scott Parkey
2008: Lost to Bell County 49-7 in the second round of the playoffs

Six starters are back on both offense and defense as the Rockcastle County Rockets, who were 8-4 last year, try to regain the position they held for several years at the top of the district.

Senior tight end/linebacker Matt Bullens (6-1, 185) is the Rockets’ leading returning receiver. He also had 100 tackles in 2008.

Senior guard/defensive lineman Cole Abney (6-1, 210) is the strongest of the Rockets. Abney recorded 47 tackles and six sacks last year, and he will be a leader on defense along with senior nose tackle Dalton Dillingham (5-6, 155) and junior linebacker John L. Saylor (5-9, 172).

Senior tackle Derek Thacker (6-5, 290) anchors the Rockcastle offensive line as a three-year starter and will be again be responsible for protecting senior quarterback Dustin Bishop, who has 2,000 career yards passing with 16 touchdowns last season. Senior Jamie Todd gives the Rockets a big-play threat at receiver.


Rowan County (4-7)
Head coach: ShaDon Brown
2008: Lost to Knox Central 47-0 in the first round of the playoffs

ShaDon Brown knows it takes baby steps to rebuild a football program from the ground up. After four wins the previous two seasons combined, the Vikings won four games last year and advanced to the playoffs in consecutive years for the first time in a decade.

“We are not where we want to be in any area,” Brown said. “We have made great strides in the weight room and our overall knowledge of the game. Our goal is to win our district and compete for the 4A state championship. We have taken steps in that direction over the winter and spring.”

Brown is excited about the return of 16 starters, including nine on defense.

T.J. Chin, Darrel Cross, Phillip Hodge, and Adam Wing all return in the secondary, while linebackers Brandon Black, Dustin McClanahan, and Ethan Cecil also return.

On offense, sophomore Adam Wing moves to quarterback.

“He has the athletic ability as well as the mental toughness to become a Division-I quarterback in three years,” Brown said. “He throws the deep ball very well and wants to be a team leader.”

T.J. Chin and Darrel Cross, who combined for over 2,000 yards rushing and 20 touchdowns, are both back for the Vikings.

They will run behind a line that includes Jeff Stamper and Chris Adkins.
Brown says senior receiver Brijesh Patel, who didn’t play last year, should make an immediate impact on offense for the Vikings.

If there is an area of concern for Brown, it’s numbers where the Vikings only have about 40 players on the roster, meaning many starters will see action on both sides of the football.


Russell County (4-7)
Head coach: Bill Sharp
2008: Lost to Calloway County 34-19 in the first round of the playoffs

Russell County was better than their 4-7 record indicated, but will have several big holes to fill in 2009.

Record-setting quarterback Bryon Ellis has graduated as have the top rusher and receiver from last year.

Senior Chad Beard and junior Jeron Hammond should see most of the carries in the backfield, while junior Martin Cross appears to have the inside track to start at quarterback.

Taylor Hutchison and Austin Hill are back at receivers for the Lakers, who also have a group of young linemen that saw plenty of action last year.


Valley (7-3)
Head coach: Roger Deskins
2008: Lost to North Bullitt 20-6 in the second round of the playoffs

After another successful season, Valley must replace all-purpose back Gerwan Brewer and that will be a huge problem for coach Roger Deskins.

Brewer accounted for more than 65 percent of the offense last season.
While the staff will search for weapons on offense, the line will be anchored by two solid returning performers in senior center Joey French and junior lineman Charles Washington.

Senior linebacker Kevin Farris and senior defensive back Kendrick Lancaster will headline a hard-hitting defense.

The Vikings have won 25 games over the past three seasons and should continue the winning ways, perhaps even contending again for a district title.


Warren East (4-7)
Head coach: Ben Bruni
2008: Lost to Lone Oak 31-24 in the first round of the playoffs

By Michael “Bulldog” Drake

Ben Bruni is facing his first year at Warren East without all-stater Shenard Holton in his starting lineup. That would be enough to send a chill up the back of any coach, as Holton moves on to Louisville.

He will also lose five other starters at six positions (three signed to move on to college careers). But Coach Bruni’s cupboard isn’t exactly empty, and he’s shown in his four years at Warren East that he’s a very capable coach. Don’t count on a repeat on last year’s 4-7 record. Coach Bruni has a record of 32-16, far and away the best in the history of this traditionally basketball-oriented school.

Bruni has strengthened the Raiders’ schedule for 2009 in hopes to make them more playoff ready. They open with what should be a vastly improved Glasgow team (coached now by former Warren Central mentor Rick Wood) in the T.J. Samson Hospital Bowl in Glasgow.

They will take on 6A Apollo in the Independence Bank Border Bowl at Kentucky Wesleyan College in week two.

Week three sees the Raiders visiting Russellville, who is celebrating 70 years at historic Rhea Stadium/Barrett Field this year with another dangerous football team.

Week four will have the Raiders going across town to visit another team celebrating an anniversary, but it might be a gut-wrenching experience as the Bowling Green High Purples are celebrating 40 years at Donaldson Stadium/Beard Field.

Finally, there is a block of three home games for the Raiders, as they take on county rival Warren Central for the first time since 2004, and district games with Logan County and Allen County-Scottsville.

Then they hit the road for two more district games with Russell County and Franklin-Simpson. East has only won a game once at Mathews Stadium/Crowdus Field (affectionately known as the Shadetree), but that was with Coach Bruni at the helm in 2007.

After their open date in week ten, they will take on traditional Western Kentucky power Trigg County at home in the first meeting between the two schools.

Coach Bruni fielded a team that was very young in spots last season, and will be filling in the holes mostly with young and/or inexperienced players once again. However, the situation shouldn’t be as bad as last year, and he feels that he has some excellent athletes coming up through the ranks once again (East has had no shortage of them in the past four seasons!).

Pulling the trigger on the Raiders’ potent offense once again is quarterback Andrew Alvey. Leading the way on the offensive line is junior tackle Dylan Richardson, a 6-5, 303 pound load. He’s already received some serious attention from recruiters after a very solid sophomore year.

Three other returning starters are coming back in juniors Merritt Blevins, Kaleb Yoebstl, and sophomore Ben Conner.

Senior transfer Kyle Wright (6-0, 250) should be a nice fit in this group, and Coach Bruni says that there are some sophomores and juniors who could step up and create depth.

Returning as a starter to lead the receiving corps is junior Prince Bennett (6-2, 175).

Junior Justin Tobias (6-3, 185) is very athletic, and senior Immanuel Robinson (6-1, 185) will round out what looks to be a solid group of receivers who should give Alvey some big targets.

Senior tight end Jordan Majors is another returning starter who should augment the receivers and is a very good blocker. He might also get a look at fullback. When he does, Coach Bruni is confident that sophomores Nick Campbell and Bobby LaCroix will do a nice job at tight end as well.

He is indeterminate as to who will start in the backfield as of this writing, but it looks to be a three-horse race between senior Derrenger Grayson (6-2, 235), sophomore Adarius Barnett (5-9, 180), and freshman Jacob Tobias (5-9, 185) for halfback.

Junior Will Gott (5-11, 180) and Majors are competing for the fullback position.

Coach Bruni has several candidates to man the front line of his 3-4 defense.

Returning as a starter is junior Phillip Jones (5-10, 235), brother of former East All-Stater Tony Jones.

He could put some real beef on the line with Richardson and fellow junior Damien Duarte (5-11, 300). Wright and sophomore Bobby McDaniel could figure in the mix as well.

At OLB, junior Hunter Lawrence (6-3, 210) looks to win one spot. The other OLB could be manned by Justin Tobias, Majors, or sophomore Ed Flores.

Blevins is versatile enough to play ILB, OLB, or DL, but he is a returning starter at ILB.

Gott also returns as a starter here as well, but depth must be found among a group of sophomores and juniors. His secondary is a strength as three of last year’s four starters return.

Safety Robinson is a third-year starter this fall. Cornerbacks Barnett and Bennett have looked very solid during the off-season, Coach Bruni says.

Strong safety could be filled by junior Ryan Williams (6-0, 165) has exceptional instincts. It would definitely be in East’s best interests to develop some depth among the stop troops to give some of the two-way performers a little rest.

The younger players will have to grow up early with one of the strongest early schedules in Raiders Football history. But it is usually true that a team reflects the personality of its coach. Coach Bruni was a tough, gritty player in his days at Bowling Green High (with a state championship ring to prove it). He had great mentors in Head Coaches Dan Haley and Kevin Wallace, so he has the invaluable tools it requires to return the Raiders to their winning ways of late.

They figure to be in a three-way fur ball for the District Two title with Allen County-Scottsville and Franklin-Simpson. If they can survive the early part of the schedule, they should be ready for the rigors of district play, a late game with Trigg County, and the Region One playoffs.


West Jessamine (3-8)
Head coach: Randy Wood
2008: Lost to Harrison County 42-13 in the first round of the playoffs

Numbers have been an issue for West Jessamine in recent years, but head coach Randy Wood returns to give the Colts some stability at the top.

After a winless 2007 season that saw West Jessamine go through two coaches, the Colts won three games in 2008.

Wood has some talent returning at the skill positions but is still a year or two away from the program being where he wants it to be.


Western (2-8)
Head coach: LaVell Boyd
2008: Lost to North Bullitt 18-7 in first round of the playoffs

The Warriors were a lot better than the 2-8 record. In fact, try 6-4 out as a record for first-year coach LaVell Boyd. But an ineligible player wiped out four games.

Now, in his second year Boyd has 10 returning starters on each side of the ball.

Quarterback Orlando Wilson, running back Dominic Turner and wide receivers Cortez Ricketts and Romero Brown are all weapons on offense.

Turner is small at 5-foot-5 but quick and elusive, while Brown is 6-1 and Ricketts 5-11 and both big targets with good hands for the 6-2 Wilson to hit in the passing game.

On defense, athlete Leon Melvin and defensive back Jalen Boyd lead the way.

Western – if the administrative errors are kept under control – has a chance to be one of the surprise teams statewide in Class 4-A this season.

Boyd, a former Doss High School and University of Louisville standout wide receiver, has shown to be one of the rising young coaches in the Louisville area.