The Scribe
08-16-2009, 06:10 PM
Anderson County (7-5)
Head coach: Mark Peach
2008: Lost to Doss 49-41 in the second round of the playoffs
Mark Peach has taken the Anderson County program from one that won three games in three seasons to one that has advanced to the second round of the playoffs the past two years.
Now, he wants the program to take the next step.
The Bearcats have 13 starters returning – six on offense and seven on defense – from last year’s 7-5 team that lost to Doss 49-41 in the postseason’s second round.
Peach, whose spread offense can put bunches of points on the scoreboard, will again see the play calling duties handled by senior and four-year starter Jake Russell, who threw for nearly 2,000 yards last year.
Two of his main targets – Grant Cox and Dusty Combs – also return at receiver.
Peach feels like the Bearcat offensive line should be improved this year with the return of guards Steve Sims and Josh Peach, and center Todd DeWoody.
Senior Josh Estes and junior Scotty Watts will also press for playing time on the line.
Seven starters are back on defense for the Bearcats, including Peach, Sims, and DeWoody on the line.
Russell, Neil Wells, and Hunter Correy are back in the secondary.
After two years of advancing to the second round of the playoffs,
Anderson County will look to win two playoffs games in the postseason for the first time in school history.
Ashland Blazer (7-5)
Head coach: Leon Hart
2008: Lost to Highlands 53-6 in the second round of the playoffs
Head coach Leon Hart returns for his seventh year at the helm of the Tomcats for the 2009 season. He says the Tomcats will once again be an I-formation football team on offense with some one-back sets and a 6-2 team on defense.
“We have plenty of depth and experience on both sides of the ball at the small skilled positions,” Hart said. “We are not as deep on the lines with experience, but we do have guys on both sides who have been starters for us. We are very solid at the inside and outside linebacker positions. We will not be nearly as big a team as last year but we will have much better overall speed.”
Hart expects offensive key players to include Sam Hunter (QB, sophomore), Josh Alber (FB, senior), Rashard Carter (TB, senior) and Dom DeMartino (TB, senior). Left tackle Nik Kosakowski (senior) and center Proc Robinson (senior) will lead the offensive line. Kosakowski, Carter and Alber have been starters since they were sophomores. Hunter started from the third game on as a freshman last year.
On defense Hart plans to make good use of inside linebackers Connor Swift (senior) and Josh Alber, all-area players last year. Hard-hitting Trent Hardy (junior) and Kosakowski will solidify the defensive line.
The defense will also feature DeMartino at outside linebacker and defensive backs Ryan Whetsel (sophomore) and Carter, an all-area pick the last two years.
Hart believes the Tomcats have several up-and-coming players, including Ben Stringer (senior), who he said has had an outstanding off season and could see significant playing time on both lines.
Drew Royalty (senior) will switch to WR and DE and has gotten bigger and stronger, Hart said. Trey Rogers (junior) will have an impact in both backfields, as will John Stafford (junior).
C.J. Suttles and Kyle Wessell, both juniors, will battle for starting spots on the offensive line. R.J. Johnson (junior), Chase Ward, Patrick Williams and C.J. Ball, all sophomores, will add depth to both lines. Hunter, Matt McLeod and Chase Lucas, also sophomores, will vie for starting spots in the secondary.
“Unless you are winning state championships, I don't think your program is where you want it to be yet,” Hart said. “We rebounded nicely last year from a horrible year in ’07. We expect to challenge for the district championship every year and go as far in the playoffs as possible.”
The coach is optimistic about the upcoming season because of “a very good group of young men returning from last year’s team who have had an exceptional off season.”
Hart isn’t sure how the Tomcats fit into the district scheme for 2009.
“We don’t play any of them (teams) in JV or below,” he said. “I can’t tell you anything about any of them except I know Johnson Central has another strong team returning. As always, Highlands will be the team to beat in our region.”
Barren County (2-9)
Head coach: Jeff Richey
2008: Lost to Christian County 43-7 in the first round of the playoffs
Barren County hasn’t enjoyed much gridiron success in recent years, but the return of all but eight seniors from last year has the Trojan faithful excited about their chances in 2009.
Gill Thomas and Colton Phelps split time at quarterback last year, with Thomas having the slight edge in the numbers game.
Seniors Tim Snead and Kris Aquino return in the backfield, and tight end Hunter Jones was the leading receiver last year.
Matt Thibault and Willie Steenburgen return on the line.
Defensively, the Trojans should be a much stronger unit with the return of Snead and Jud Perkins at linebacker and Aquino and Thomas in the secondary.
Bowling Green (9-3)
Head coach: Kevin Wallace
2008: Lost to Owensboro 28-21 in the second round of the playoffs
by Michael “Bulldog” Drake
The 2008 edition of the Bowling Green High Purples fell short of their lofty goals. They were eliminated in the second round of the KHSAA Region One Playoffs by Owensboro. It was particularly heartbreaking because the Purples fought hard to tie the game in the fourth quarter. The Red Devils managed a late score and ended BGHS’s season at 9-3.
Despite their earliest playoff exit in four years, the Purples were still highly regarded, being ranked sixth in the combined Litkenhous Ratings. Their only two other losses were at the hands of Trinity (ending a 21-game win streak at their home venue, Donaldson Stadium/Beard Field) and at Henderson County in the regular season finale.
The Purples’ head coach, Kevin Wallace, enters his 14th season as the Purples’ mentor with a spectacular 140-29 record. Still, the big prize has constantly eluded BGHS, losing three consecutive championship games in 2005-2007. Coach Wallace, in an effort to get the Purples better prepared for the postseason, has further toughened their schedule for 2009.
BGHS will host highly regarded Christian County, the state runner-up in 5A last year, in The Rafferty’s Bowl at WKU in the opening game. They will appear in the Independence Bank Border Bowl, playing co-host Owensboro Catholic in Week Two Friday night (Owensboro will host another doubleheader the following night). The long, bitter rivalry with Franklin-Simpson has been moved up to Week Three, and they showed no quit at all against the Purples last season, falling far behind before finally losing 49-34.
In back-to-back weeks in late September, they will play two teams that beat them in 2008, hosting Owensboro, and traveling to Marshall Stadium to take on Trinity. After their open date October 9, the Purples will make another trip to Louisville to take on Doss. They will follow that with a district game with another traditional rival, Warren Central.
BGHS will have to face this stronger schedule without one of their greatest running backs in a program loaded with superb backs. Tevin Barksdale was an outstanding player the last two seasons and will be moving on. They will also lose other key performers such as quarterback J.P. Jackson, kicker Max Oldham, and Dane Hilliard, Austin Yates, and Sam Baker from the offensive line.
The leading candidates for the quarterback position are junior Chandler Sears and sophomore Scooter Hollis. Both did a fine job on the J.V. and freshman teams respectively last year.
Returning starting running back Lavance Anderson brings plenty of credentials to the table in this, his third season as a starter. The senior is a strong and fast runner and is a superb receiver out of the backfield.
Expected to compete for playing time to compliment him are junior Tevin Anderson, sophomore Brandon Green, sophomore Montel Carpenter, and senior Tyreon Clark.
The receiving corps should be one of the deepest in team history in terms of the number of legitimate targets. Returning as starters are seniors Sam Howard and Wes Cole.
Added to the mix are seniors Zack Williams and Jay Beard, and sophomore Will Kilgore.
Junior tight end Tyler Gibbs saw plenty of time on the field last year, but suffered an injury during the basketball season. Should he make sufficient progress recovering, he will battle junior Jake Hodges and sophomores Alex Epley and Will Porter.
Two seniors, center Will West and guard Cameron Adams, return to lead the offensive line. Adams became a starter last year when starting senior Taylor Shipley suffered a season ending knee injury in the second game last season. Seniors Elliott Quick, Lance Goodrum, and Tanner Hall saw significant playing time last year.
Senior Matt Beeler, junior Adam Hoffman, and sophomore Joe Manley should also compete for playing time.
Zack Williams filled in admirably for Oldham last year during the time Oldham was out with an injury and is expected to handle all kicking chores this season. Should Williams become injured, sophomore Luis Stoner is yet another very capable kicker.
Bowling Green shuffles in defensive linemen in order to keep them fresh, and there’s always experienced players coming back in the following seasons. 2009 is no different. Though the Purples graduated all three starters (one was All-Stater Elijah Young, who signed with Alcorn State), the Purples return with two players with a great deal of experience.
Beeler will join with fellow senior Terrance Barksdale (Tevin’s younger brother) to man two of the positions. Senior Tanner England, Hodges, and sophomores Jerrett Ingram and Joseph Hoffman should see considerable time on the gridiron.
Senior Alfred Gilbert, who is getting his share of attention from college scouts, moves from OLB, where he started the last two seasons, to the inside. Senior Sean Kovanda and sophomores Houston Natcher and Chase Proctor will compete for the other ILB job. Also, Beard will get a serious look at this position.
Bowling Green has moved a defensive back up to a linebacker position the last two years with excellent results. Senior Josh Blaine returns at outside linebacker and should be joined by senior Manuel Estrada at the other OLB position. Senior transfer Henry Lynn could enter the picture at either OLB or defensive back.
All four starters in the defensive backfield return in Beard, Clark, Howard, and sophomore Michael Bailey. Clark led the team in interceptions last season and is starting to command the kind of attention from college recruiters that Beard and Gilbert enjoy.
Others who could see substantial playing time are L. Anderson, juniors Jack Miller and Devon Daniel, and sophomore Jackson Sowell.
Head coach Kevin Wallace, as mentioned earlier, is entering his 14th season as mentor of the Purples, the second longest tenure of any head coach ever at BGHS. He owns the program’s best record and highest win total at 140-29. Combined with his win total at Warren East, he’s only 15 wins away from the magic 200 win mark.
Though the challenges are numerous and great for the 2009 season, Wallace and the young men in Purple and Gold would love to be able to punctuate the 40th anniversary of their home, Elvis Donaldson Stadium/Monie Beard Field, with a state championship in Class 5A. To do so, they not only have to survive a tougher schedule in 2009, but they will have to most likely get through some rematches in the postseason. They could face Owensboro, Christian County, and/or Warren Central within the Region One Playoffs.
Then, although John Hardin might be the favorite in Region Two, the Purples could face yet another rematch in Doss for the trip to Feix Field/Houchens Stadium for the 5A Commonwealth Bowl. Even if the Purples don’t have all of those rematches, one can be sure that it will, once again, be a grueling road to a championship for anybody coming out of the west.
If the Purples can get the football consistently to their numerous receivers and be able to sustain their traditionally powerful ground attack, they should be able to move the ball with authority. They should field their usual tough, swarming defense that gets to the ball quickly and effectively. If all of this can be done, the Purples should continue to be one of the favorites to challenge for that elusive 5A brass ring.
Bullitt Central (8-3)
Head coach: Dan Leasor
2008: Lost 38-28 to Madison Central in the first round of the 6-A playoffs
After years of losing ways at the school, coach Dan Leasor has rebuilt the program from the ground up – a few winless seasons will do that – and now has the Cougars competing in district competition.
Bullitt Central has a number of key players returning, including Jeremy Bennett, who rushed for 1,392 yards and 14 touchdowns on 210 carries last season. Bennett, who also plays defensive back, is one of the best running backs in the Louisville area.
All-District linemen Andrew Casey and Mike Johnston both return on the offensive line, while defending linemen Larry Brown and Shane Brown are also back.
Leading tacklers from the linebacker spot Cory Brown and Andrew Dodd also make a return to the lineup for the Cougars.
Leasor will count on junior quarterback Damion Wibbles and senior all-purpose back/defensive back T.J. Flener heavily on the offensive side of the ball.
Christian County (13-2)
Head coach: Steve Lovelace
2008: Lost to Highlands 35-15 in the Class 5A state championship game
Christian County played the cardiac role to the hilt in 2008, using late game heroics several times to snatch victory of the jaws of defeat.
However, for the Colonels to make another deep run in the playoffs in 2009, they will need several newcomers on their rebuilt offensive and defensive lines to shine.
Head coach Steve Lovelace only has a handful of starters back on the line, which has been his main focus in the preseason.
Devarte Bell (5-9, 235, Sr.), Max Davis (5-11, 225, Jr.), Benjamin Prevette (5-11, 305, Sr.), Alan Martin (6-1, 260, Jr.), and Dre Killebrew (6-0, 255, Sr.) are among those expected to challenge for starting spots on the line.
One area Lovelace will have few concerns is in the backfield where 1,600-yard rusher Vashun Banks returns where he reached the end zone 21 times. Rontez Manning, T.J. Grimes, and Anthony Hickey also shared carries last year and give the Colonels solid depth in their running game.
Junior Bubba Tandy emerged as a deep threat in the Colonel passing game after hauling in 36 passes for 370 yards last year. Senior Tre Gayle could move into the other starting slot at receiver.
James Bauer transferred in to Christian County two years ago and won the starting quarterback job from then sophomore Malcolm McDuffen. After two solid years, Bauer has graduated and taken his game to Western Kentucky University as a walk-on.
McDuffen (6-4, 220, Sr.) is a dual threat, and his size will give opposing defenses fits outside of the pocket.
But his game isn’t primed for offense only. McDuffen has received several Division I offers because if his play at linebacker and defensive end.
Antonio Hollowell and Shakir Moore return in the secondary, and Jamal Howard and Max Davis should see time on the defensive line.
Christian County again has that explosive ability to erase deficits in a hurry. Coach Lovelace’s main priorities are to develop line play and keep his best players on the field for every game.
Clay County (6-5)
Head coach: Shannon Arnett
2008: Lost to Pulaski County 43-15 in the first round of the playoffs
After being known as a passing team during Zach Lewis’ record-breaking career at quarterback, the Clay County Tigers will shift to a more balanced attack this season with a strong running game provided by juniors C.J. Miller (5-10, 195) and Noah Reid (5-9, 185), who coach Shannon Arnett calls “two of the best running backs in the mountains.”
“We will be multiple on offense,” Arnett said. “We are going to run the ball a lot more than we have in the past several years. Defensively, we will stay in our 4-4 but will be adding a little 46 defense in it as well.”
Miller rushed for 884 yards and nine touchdowns last season on 92 carries. Reid added 218 yards on 36 carries to help Clay post a 6-5 mark in 2008.
John Vernon Hooker (6-3, 175) shifts from receiver to take over for Lewis at quarterback. The son of former Clay County star quarterback Sean Pennington, Hooker brings tremendous athleticism to the position.
“Our skill guys on both sides of the ball will be our strength this year. Almost all of them return,” Arnett said.
“Our weakness will be our line on both sides. While it looks like we have a lot of lineman returning, we could end up very inexperienced there. Of the four kids returning on the OL, we have one coming off of ACL surgery that started both ways last season and another that is dealing with a medical condition that could prevent him from playing this year. So we could end up being very young on both sides of the ball.”
Junior Tanner Gilbert (6-4, 230), who suffered a broken hand last season, moves from the line to tight end.
Returning linemen include Justin Foster, Bill Ed White, Isaiah Collins and Chad Bulloch. Shane Gibson and Chris Gilbert will play receiver.
The defense will be led by senior middle linebacker Ethan Nolan (5-8, 205) and Gilbert at end. Other starters coming back include tackle Houston Gilbert, Logan Westerfield and Corey Nicholson at cornerback, Collins at tackle, Delbert Collins at free safety, John Wilson at strong safety and Ben Jackson at outside linebacker.
“Jacob Hyde, Christian McNeal and Landon Weaver are three very promising ninth grade linemen that will play in some capacity this year,” Arnett said. “Joey Dezarn and Darron Copeland are two skill guys coming in that will contribute in some way also.”
Arnett has lofty goals for the program.
“Our program is nowhere near where we want it to be. Until we are a serious contender for a state championship on a yearly basis, we won’t be where we want to be,” he said. “I think we have made great strides toward reaching our goal in the short term. We are so much stronger now than we were last season, and our kids have really worked hard this offseason. That is where programs are built.”
Covington Catholic (5-7)
Head coach: Dave Wirth
2008: Lost to Johnson Central 49-14 in the second round of the playoffs
By Kevin Bundy
When Dave Wirth was named Covington Catholic High School coach in January, he knew one of his most important jobs would be reviving the Colonels storied tradition by tackling the team's recent lack of success head-on.
Covington Catholic has won six state football championships, the last coming in 2006. But, consecutive 5-7 seasons have left this year's seniors eager to restore their legacy at the school.
"I think tradition is another bullet in the clip," Wirth said. "I come from a program (he played and coached at Cincinnati Moeller High School) that was steeped in tradition and I know how much it helped. Right now, that's a motivating factor. We've got a group of very, very hungry players."
Among those players are offensive lineman Kevin Connaughton and Kevin Morrison. Connaughton, at 6'4, 265 pounds, was all-state last season, and Morrison, at 6'4, 255, will be one of the top lineman in the area this year, according to Wirth.
"They are two of the most athletic big min I've ever coached," he said. "They're both big kids who can really move."
Brayden Erpenbeck will start at quarterback for the Colonels, and Wirth considers him a threat both as a runner and a passer.
"Our best play might be a broken play with the way he can make things happen back there," Wirth said.
Alex Connelly will be one of Erpenbeck's targets this year, as will tight end Beau Disen. Both are 6'4, and Wirth believes can cause match-up problems for smaller defensive backs. The team did lose one of its top offensive threats and team leaders earlier this summer when wide receiver Mike Robinson suffered internal injuries during a passing league game. He is out for the season.
Defensively, CovCath is led by defensive tackle Ben Frisch, and linebacker Andy DeGlow. Defensive backs Neil Martin, Paul Ritter, and Chris Garnick also return for the Colonels in what Wirth thinks will be a much improved defense.
"We're night and day athletically from last year," he said. "We get to the ball much faster and we're creating turnovers when we get there. God willing, we won't give up 60."
Wirth is the third Colonels coach in four seasons, an obstacle he said the players have handled well.
"They've suffered through a lot of turmoil," he said. "We had to get that out of their system. But these seniors want to return the program to where it was.
"Our goals are very, very simple. Our approach is one game at a time, meaning our number one goal at the top and center is to beat Ryle (at Ryle Aug. 21). Our number two goal is to win the district. Our number three goal is to win state."
Dixie Heights (4-7)
Head coach: Tom Spritzky
2008: Lost to Ashland Blazer 35-24 in the first round of the playoffs
The “red” colonels on Dixie Highway are expecting big things from their senior-led team. Ten seniors will start on offense as well as ten seniors on defense, but all will not be two-way starters as the Colonels look to two-platoon as much as possible.
Starting quarterback Ryan Wilson (6’0 170, Sr.) returns after taking over the offense mid-season in 2008. He gave the offense a kick-start after an 0-3 start, leading the Colonels to a 4-7 record and into the playoffs where Dixie Heights fell 35-24 to Ashland in a shootout.
Senior running back Corey Klei (5-7, 200) also returns and will give the offense good balance. In ’08, he rushed for 737 yards and 14 touchdowns. The Colonels will be in their four receiver set most of the time, so there will be plenty of room for Klei to maneuver.
Heading up the receiving corps will be junior Bobby Leonard (5-10, 160). He is very athletic and will be a “go-to” receiver for Wilson.
Up front, the Colonels will be massive, as they usually are. Joel Lubrano (6’2 250. Sr.) will anchor the offensive line at center. Senior Wes Smith (6-4, 280) will solidify one side of the line, while senior Ryan Zumdick (6-3, 260) will be an interesting player for Dixie Heights. He could give them a set of bookend tackles or a huge, athletic target for Wilson at tight end.
On defense, the Colonels will be led by senior linebacker Ben Wolfe (5-11, 190) in their 4-4 or 3-5 alignment. Whatever the front, opponents know defensive coordinator Dave Sorrell will be bringing the pressure from anywhere and everywhere.
Klei will help bolster the linebacking corps at outside linebacker while Zumdick and Smith will create a ginormous defensive line for the Colonels. Leonard will lead the defensive backs and will give them tremendous athleticism at every level of the defense.
Dixie Heights should be a formidable foe for the heavily favored Bluebirds of Ft. Thomas, who are looking for their 3rd straight Class 5A state championship. If the Colonels can play with confidence and discipline, they could re-visit the magic of 2002 when they upset the Trinity Shamrocks in Louisville.
Doss (10-3)
Head Coach: LaKunta Farmer
2008: Lost to John Hardin 42-28 in the third round of the playoffs
The loss of 15 seniors – including at least three that are now playing at the next level – will be hard to overcome for the Dragons.
But former Male High School standout LaKunta Farmer is one of the state’s top young coaches and still has some athletes in the mix.
Donald Bethel and Tyrone Mack both had over 100 yards rushing last season as little-used options but will now play a lot on both sides of the ball.
Bethel was named all-district at linebacker and Mack at defensive back and they’ll be joined on the defensive side of the ball by another top tackler back from last season in senior linebacker Devan Segvich.
It won’t be easy to get another winning season for the Dragons, but it’s not out of the question with a number of athletes on the roster.
Head coach: Mark Peach
2008: Lost to Doss 49-41 in the second round of the playoffs
Mark Peach has taken the Anderson County program from one that won three games in three seasons to one that has advanced to the second round of the playoffs the past two years.
Now, he wants the program to take the next step.
The Bearcats have 13 starters returning – six on offense and seven on defense – from last year’s 7-5 team that lost to Doss 49-41 in the postseason’s second round.
Peach, whose spread offense can put bunches of points on the scoreboard, will again see the play calling duties handled by senior and four-year starter Jake Russell, who threw for nearly 2,000 yards last year.
Two of his main targets – Grant Cox and Dusty Combs – also return at receiver.
Peach feels like the Bearcat offensive line should be improved this year with the return of guards Steve Sims and Josh Peach, and center Todd DeWoody.
Senior Josh Estes and junior Scotty Watts will also press for playing time on the line.
Seven starters are back on defense for the Bearcats, including Peach, Sims, and DeWoody on the line.
Russell, Neil Wells, and Hunter Correy are back in the secondary.
After two years of advancing to the second round of the playoffs,
Anderson County will look to win two playoffs games in the postseason for the first time in school history.
Ashland Blazer (7-5)
Head coach: Leon Hart
2008: Lost to Highlands 53-6 in the second round of the playoffs
Head coach Leon Hart returns for his seventh year at the helm of the Tomcats for the 2009 season. He says the Tomcats will once again be an I-formation football team on offense with some one-back sets and a 6-2 team on defense.
“We have plenty of depth and experience on both sides of the ball at the small skilled positions,” Hart said. “We are not as deep on the lines with experience, but we do have guys on both sides who have been starters for us. We are very solid at the inside and outside linebacker positions. We will not be nearly as big a team as last year but we will have much better overall speed.”
Hart expects offensive key players to include Sam Hunter (QB, sophomore), Josh Alber (FB, senior), Rashard Carter (TB, senior) and Dom DeMartino (TB, senior). Left tackle Nik Kosakowski (senior) and center Proc Robinson (senior) will lead the offensive line. Kosakowski, Carter and Alber have been starters since they were sophomores. Hunter started from the third game on as a freshman last year.
On defense Hart plans to make good use of inside linebackers Connor Swift (senior) and Josh Alber, all-area players last year. Hard-hitting Trent Hardy (junior) and Kosakowski will solidify the defensive line.
The defense will also feature DeMartino at outside linebacker and defensive backs Ryan Whetsel (sophomore) and Carter, an all-area pick the last two years.
Hart believes the Tomcats have several up-and-coming players, including Ben Stringer (senior), who he said has had an outstanding off season and could see significant playing time on both lines.
Drew Royalty (senior) will switch to WR and DE and has gotten bigger and stronger, Hart said. Trey Rogers (junior) will have an impact in both backfields, as will John Stafford (junior).
C.J. Suttles and Kyle Wessell, both juniors, will battle for starting spots on the offensive line. R.J. Johnson (junior), Chase Ward, Patrick Williams and C.J. Ball, all sophomores, will add depth to both lines. Hunter, Matt McLeod and Chase Lucas, also sophomores, will vie for starting spots in the secondary.
“Unless you are winning state championships, I don't think your program is where you want it to be yet,” Hart said. “We rebounded nicely last year from a horrible year in ’07. We expect to challenge for the district championship every year and go as far in the playoffs as possible.”
The coach is optimistic about the upcoming season because of “a very good group of young men returning from last year’s team who have had an exceptional off season.”
Hart isn’t sure how the Tomcats fit into the district scheme for 2009.
“We don’t play any of them (teams) in JV or below,” he said. “I can’t tell you anything about any of them except I know Johnson Central has another strong team returning. As always, Highlands will be the team to beat in our region.”
Barren County (2-9)
Head coach: Jeff Richey
2008: Lost to Christian County 43-7 in the first round of the playoffs
Barren County hasn’t enjoyed much gridiron success in recent years, but the return of all but eight seniors from last year has the Trojan faithful excited about their chances in 2009.
Gill Thomas and Colton Phelps split time at quarterback last year, with Thomas having the slight edge in the numbers game.
Seniors Tim Snead and Kris Aquino return in the backfield, and tight end Hunter Jones was the leading receiver last year.
Matt Thibault and Willie Steenburgen return on the line.
Defensively, the Trojans should be a much stronger unit with the return of Snead and Jud Perkins at linebacker and Aquino and Thomas in the secondary.
Bowling Green (9-3)
Head coach: Kevin Wallace
2008: Lost to Owensboro 28-21 in the second round of the playoffs
by Michael “Bulldog” Drake
The 2008 edition of the Bowling Green High Purples fell short of their lofty goals. They were eliminated in the second round of the KHSAA Region One Playoffs by Owensboro. It was particularly heartbreaking because the Purples fought hard to tie the game in the fourth quarter. The Red Devils managed a late score and ended BGHS’s season at 9-3.
Despite their earliest playoff exit in four years, the Purples were still highly regarded, being ranked sixth in the combined Litkenhous Ratings. Their only two other losses were at the hands of Trinity (ending a 21-game win streak at their home venue, Donaldson Stadium/Beard Field) and at Henderson County in the regular season finale.
The Purples’ head coach, Kevin Wallace, enters his 14th season as the Purples’ mentor with a spectacular 140-29 record. Still, the big prize has constantly eluded BGHS, losing three consecutive championship games in 2005-2007. Coach Wallace, in an effort to get the Purples better prepared for the postseason, has further toughened their schedule for 2009.
BGHS will host highly regarded Christian County, the state runner-up in 5A last year, in The Rafferty’s Bowl at WKU in the opening game. They will appear in the Independence Bank Border Bowl, playing co-host Owensboro Catholic in Week Two Friday night (Owensboro will host another doubleheader the following night). The long, bitter rivalry with Franklin-Simpson has been moved up to Week Three, and they showed no quit at all against the Purples last season, falling far behind before finally losing 49-34.
In back-to-back weeks in late September, they will play two teams that beat them in 2008, hosting Owensboro, and traveling to Marshall Stadium to take on Trinity. After their open date October 9, the Purples will make another trip to Louisville to take on Doss. They will follow that with a district game with another traditional rival, Warren Central.
BGHS will have to face this stronger schedule without one of their greatest running backs in a program loaded with superb backs. Tevin Barksdale was an outstanding player the last two seasons and will be moving on. They will also lose other key performers such as quarterback J.P. Jackson, kicker Max Oldham, and Dane Hilliard, Austin Yates, and Sam Baker from the offensive line.
The leading candidates for the quarterback position are junior Chandler Sears and sophomore Scooter Hollis. Both did a fine job on the J.V. and freshman teams respectively last year.
Returning starting running back Lavance Anderson brings plenty of credentials to the table in this, his third season as a starter. The senior is a strong and fast runner and is a superb receiver out of the backfield.
Expected to compete for playing time to compliment him are junior Tevin Anderson, sophomore Brandon Green, sophomore Montel Carpenter, and senior Tyreon Clark.
The receiving corps should be one of the deepest in team history in terms of the number of legitimate targets. Returning as starters are seniors Sam Howard and Wes Cole.
Added to the mix are seniors Zack Williams and Jay Beard, and sophomore Will Kilgore.
Junior tight end Tyler Gibbs saw plenty of time on the field last year, but suffered an injury during the basketball season. Should he make sufficient progress recovering, he will battle junior Jake Hodges and sophomores Alex Epley and Will Porter.
Two seniors, center Will West and guard Cameron Adams, return to lead the offensive line. Adams became a starter last year when starting senior Taylor Shipley suffered a season ending knee injury in the second game last season. Seniors Elliott Quick, Lance Goodrum, and Tanner Hall saw significant playing time last year.
Senior Matt Beeler, junior Adam Hoffman, and sophomore Joe Manley should also compete for playing time.
Zack Williams filled in admirably for Oldham last year during the time Oldham was out with an injury and is expected to handle all kicking chores this season. Should Williams become injured, sophomore Luis Stoner is yet another very capable kicker.
Bowling Green shuffles in defensive linemen in order to keep them fresh, and there’s always experienced players coming back in the following seasons. 2009 is no different. Though the Purples graduated all three starters (one was All-Stater Elijah Young, who signed with Alcorn State), the Purples return with two players with a great deal of experience.
Beeler will join with fellow senior Terrance Barksdale (Tevin’s younger brother) to man two of the positions. Senior Tanner England, Hodges, and sophomores Jerrett Ingram and Joseph Hoffman should see considerable time on the gridiron.
Senior Alfred Gilbert, who is getting his share of attention from college scouts, moves from OLB, where he started the last two seasons, to the inside. Senior Sean Kovanda and sophomores Houston Natcher and Chase Proctor will compete for the other ILB job. Also, Beard will get a serious look at this position.
Bowling Green has moved a defensive back up to a linebacker position the last two years with excellent results. Senior Josh Blaine returns at outside linebacker and should be joined by senior Manuel Estrada at the other OLB position. Senior transfer Henry Lynn could enter the picture at either OLB or defensive back.
All four starters in the defensive backfield return in Beard, Clark, Howard, and sophomore Michael Bailey. Clark led the team in interceptions last season and is starting to command the kind of attention from college recruiters that Beard and Gilbert enjoy.
Others who could see substantial playing time are L. Anderson, juniors Jack Miller and Devon Daniel, and sophomore Jackson Sowell.
Head coach Kevin Wallace, as mentioned earlier, is entering his 14th season as mentor of the Purples, the second longest tenure of any head coach ever at BGHS. He owns the program’s best record and highest win total at 140-29. Combined with his win total at Warren East, he’s only 15 wins away from the magic 200 win mark.
Though the challenges are numerous and great for the 2009 season, Wallace and the young men in Purple and Gold would love to be able to punctuate the 40th anniversary of their home, Elvis Donaldson Stadium/Monie Beard Field, with a state championship in Class 5A. To do so, they not only have to survive a tougher schedule in 2009, but they will have to most likely get through some rematches in the postseason. They could face Owensboro, Christian County, and/or Warren Central within the Region One Playoffs.
Then, although John Hardin might be the favorite in Region Two, the Purples could face yet another rematch in Doss for the trip to Feix Field/Houchens Stadium for the 5A Commonwealth Bowl. Even if the Purples don’t have all of those rematches, one can be sure that it will, once again, be a grueling road to a championship for anybody coming out of the west.
If the Purples can get the football consistently to their numerous receivers and be able to sustain their traditionally powerful ground attack, they should be able to move the ball with authority. They should field their usual tough, swarming defense that gets to the ball quickly and effectively. If all of this can be done, the Purples should continue to be one of the favorites to challenge for that elusive 5A brass ring.
Bullitt Central (8-3)
Head coach: Dan Leasor
2008: Lost 38-28 to Madison Central in the first round of the 6-A playoffs
After years of losing ways at the school, coach Dan Leasor has rebuilt the program from the ground up – a few winless seasons will do that – and now has the Cougars competing in district competition.
Bullitt Central has a number of key players returning, including Jeremy Bennett, who rushed for 1,392 yards and 14 touchdowns on 210 carries last season. Bennett, who also plays defensive back, is one of the best running backs in the Louisville area.
All-District linemen Andrew Casey and Mike Johnston both return on the offensive line, while defending linemen Larry Brown and Shane Brown are also back.
Leading tacklers from the linebacker spot Cory Brown and Andrew Dodd also make a return to the lineup for the Cougars.
Leasor will count on junior quarterback Damion Wibbles and senior all-purpose back/defensive back T.J. Flener heavily on the offensive side of the ball.
Christian County (13-2)
Head coach: Steve Lovelace
2008: Lost to Highlands 35-15 in the Class 5A state championship game
Christian County played the cardiac role to the hilt in 2008, using late game heroics several times to snatch victory of the jaws of defeat.
However, for the Colonels to make another deep run in the playoffs in 2009, they will need several newcomers on their rebuilt offensive and defensive lines to shine.
Head coach Steve Lovelace only has a handful of starters back on the line, which has been his main focus in the preseason.
Devarte Bell (5-9, 235, Sr.), Max Davis (5-11, 225, Jr.), Benjamin Prevette (5-11, 305, Sr.), Alan Martin (6-1, 260, Jr.), and Dre Killebrew (6-0, 255, Sr.) are among those expected to challenge for starting spots on the line.
One area Lovelace will have few concerns is in the backfield where 1,600-yard rusher Vashun Banks returns where he reached the end zone 21 times. Rontez Manning, T.J. Grimes, and Anthony Hickey also shared carries last year and give the Colonels solid depth in their running game.
Junior Bubba Tandy emerged as a deep threat in the Colonel passing game after hauling in 36 passes for 370 yards last year. Senior Tre Gayle could move into the other starting slot at receiver.
James Bauer transferred in to Christian County two years ago and won the starting quarterback job from then sophomore Malcolm McDuffen. After two solid years, Bauer has graduated and taken his game to Western Kentucky University as a walk-on.
McDuffen (6-4, 220, Sr.) is a dual threat, and his size will give opposing defenses fits outside of the pocket.
But his game isn’t primed for offense only. McDuffen has received several Division I offers because if his play at linebacker and defensive end.
Antonio Hollowell and Shakir Moore return in the secondary, and Jamal Howard and Max Davis should see time on the defensive line.
Christian County again has that explosive ability to erase deficits in a hurry. Coach Lovelace’s main priorities are to develop line play and keep his best players on the field for every game.
Clay County (6-5)
Head coach: Shannon Arnett
2008: Lost to Pulaski County 43-15 in the first round of the playoffs
After being known as a passing team during Zach Lewis’ record-breaking career at quarterback, the Clay County Tigers will shift to a more balanced attack this season with a strong running game provided by juniors C.J. Miller (5-10, 195) and Noah Reid (5-9, 185), who coach Shannon Arnett calls “two of the best running backs in the mountains.”
“We will be multiple on offense,” Arnett said. “We are going to run the ball a lot more than we have in the past several years. Defensively, we will stay in our 4-4 but will be adding a little 46 defense in it as well.”
Miller rushed for 884 yards and nine touchdowns last season on 92 carries. Reid added 218 yards on 36 carries to help Clay post a 6-5 mark in 2008.
John Vernon Hooker (6-3, 175) shifts from receiver to take over for Lewis at quarterback. The son of former Clay County star quarterback Sean Pennington, Hooker brings tremendous athleticism to the position.
“Our skill guys on both sides of the ball will be our strength this year. Almost all of them return,” Arnett said.
“Our weakness will be our line on both sides. While it looks like we have a lot of lineman returning, we could end up very inexperienced there. Of the four kids returning on the OL, we have one coming off of ACL surgery that started both ways last season and another that is dealing with a medical condition that could prevent him from playing this year. So we could end up being very young on both sides of the ball.”
Junior Tanner Gilbert (6-4, 230), who suffered a broken hand last season, moves from the line to tight end.
Returning linemen include Justin Foster, Bill Ed White, Isaiah Collins and Chad Bulloch. Shane Gibson and Chris Gilbert will play receiver.
The defense will be led by senior middle linebacker Ethan Nolan (5-8, 205) and Gilbert at end. Other starters coming back include tackle Houston Gilbert, Logan Westerfield and Corey Nicholson at cornerback, Collins at tackle, Delbert Collins at free safety, John Wilson at strong safety and Ben Jackson at outside linebacker.
“Jacob Hyde, Christian McNeal and Landon Weaver are three very promising ninth grade linemen that will play in some capacity this year,” Arnett said. “Joey Dezarn and Darron Copeland are two skill guys coming in that will contribute in some way also.”
Arnett has lofty goals for the program.
“Our program is nowhere near where we want it to be. Until we are a serious contender for a state championship on a yearly basis, we won’t be where we want to be,” he said. “I think we have made great strides toward reaching our goal in the short term. We are so much stronger now than we were last season, and our kids have really worked hard this offseason. That is where programs are built.”
Covington Catholic (5-7)
Head coach: Dave Wirth
2008: Lost to Johnson Central 49-14 in the second round of the playoffs
By Kevin Bundy
When Dave Wirth was named Covington Catholic High School coach in January, he knew one of his most important jobs would be reviving the Colonels storied tradition by tackling the team's recent lack of success head-on.
Covington Catholic has won six state football championships, the last coming in 2006. But, consecutive 5-7 seasons have left this year's seniors eager to restore their legacy at the school.
"I think tradition is another bullet in the clip," Wirth said. "I come from a program (he played and coached at Cincinnati Moeller High School) that was steeped in tradition and I know how much it helped. Right now, that's a motivating factor. We've got a group of very, very hungry players."
Among those players are offensive lineman Kevin Connaughton and Kevin Morrison. Connaughton, at 6'4, 265 pounds, was all-state last season, and Morrison, at 6'4, 255, will be one of the top lineman in the area this year, according to Wirth.
"They are two of the most athletic big min I've ever coached," he said. "They're both big kids who can really move."
Brayden Erpenbeck will start at quarterback for the Colonels, and Wirth considers him a threat both as a runner and a passer.
"Our best play might be a broken play with the way he can make things happen back there," Wirth said.
Alex Connelly will be one of Erpenbeck's targets this year, as will tight end Beau Disen. Both are 6'4, and Wirth believes can cause match-up problems for smaller defensive backs. The team did lose one of its top offensive threats and team leaders earlier this summer when wide receiver Mike Robinson suffered internal injuries during a passing league game. He is out for the season.
Defensively, CovCath is led by defensive tackle Ben Frisch, and linebacker Andy DeGlow. Defensive backs Neil Martin, Paul Ritter, and Chris Garnick also return for the Colonels in what Wirth thinks will be a much improved defense.
"We're night and day athletically from last year," he said. "We get to the ball much faster and we're creating turnovers when we get there. God willing, we won't give up 60."
Wirth is the third Colonels coach in four seasons, an obstacle he said the players have handled well.
"They've suffered through a lot of turmoil," he said. "We had to get that out of their system. But these seniors want to return the program to where it was.
"Our goals are very, very simple. Our approach is one game at a time, meaning our number one goal at the top and center is to beat Ryle (at Ryle Aug. 21). Our number two goal is to win the district. Our number three goal is to win state."
Dixie Heights (4-7)
Head coach: Tom Spritzky
2008: Lost to Ashland Blazer 35-24 in the first round of the playoffs
The “red” colonels on Dixie Highway are expecting big things from their senior-led team. Ten seniors will start on offense as well as ten seniors on defense, but all will not be two-way starters as the Colonels look to two-platoon as much as possible.
Starting quarterback Ryan Wilson (6’0 170, Sr.) returns after taking over the offense mid-season in 2008. He gave the offense a kick-start after an 0-3 start, leading the Colonels to a 4-7 record and into the playoffs where Dixie Heights fell 35-24 to Ashland in a shootout.
Senior running back Corey Klei (5-7, 200) also returns and will give the offense good balance. In ’08, he rushed for 737 yards and 14 touchdowns. The Colonels will be in their four receiver set most of the time, so there will be plenty of room for Klei to maneuver.
Heading up the receiving corps will be junior Bobby Leonard (5-10, 160). He is very athletic and will be a “go-to” receiver for Wilson.
Up front, the Colonels will be massive, as they usually are. Joel Lubrano (6’2 250. Sr.) will anchor the offensive line at center. Senior Wes Smith (6-4, 280) will solidify one side of the line, while senior Ryan Zumdick (6-3, 260) will be an interesting player for Dixie Heights. He could give them a set of bookend tackles or a huge, athletic target for Wilson at tight end.
On defense, the Colonels will be led by senior linebacker Ben Wolfe (5-11, 190) in their 4-4 or 3-5 alignment. Whatever the front, opponents know defensive coordinator Dave Sorrell will be bringing the pressure from anywhere and everywhere.
Klei will help bolster the linebacking corps at outside linebacker while Zumdick and Smith will create a ginormous defensive line for the Colonels. Leonard will lead the defensive backs and will give them tremendous athleticism at every level of the defense.
Dixie Heights should be a formidable foe for the heavily favored Bluebirds of Ft. Thomas, who are looking for their 3rd straight Class 5A state championship. If the Colonels can play with confidence and discipline, they could re-visit the magic of 2002 when they upset the Trinity Shamrocks in Louisville.
Doss (10-3)
Head Coach: LaKunta Farmer
2008: Lost to John Hardin 42-28 in the third round of the playoffs
The loss of 15 seniors – including at least three that are now playing at the next level – will be hard to overcome for the Dragons.
But former Male High School standout LaKunta Farmer is one of the state’s top young coaches and still has some athletes in the mix.
Donald Bethel and Tyrone Mack both had over 100 yards rushing last season as little-used options but will now play a lot on both sides of the ball.
Bethel was named all-district at linebacker and Mack at defensive back and they’ll be joined on the defensive side of the ball by another top tackler back from last season in senior linebacker Devan Segvich.
It won’t be easy to get another winning season for the Dragons, but it’s not out of the question with a number of athletes on the roster.