2006 Class 1A Kentucky High School Football Preview

[The Scribe]

1. Newport Central Catholic (13-2)

Head coach: Bob Schneider
2005: Won the Class A state championship over Mayfield 42-7

2005 proved to be quite a year for veteran NCC head coach Bob Schneider.

First, Schneider became the state’s all-time leader in coaching wins and later became the first coach to win 300 career games in the state.

Then, the Thoroughbreds won the school’s first state title since 1984 and first in Class 1A by rolling through the playoffs by an average margin of 34 points a game.

Whether the ‘Breds can become the first 1A team to repeat as state champs since Danville (2000-01) will depend on how well Schneider can replace quarterback Sam Diehl and receiver Josh Canafax.

Newport Central Catholic does return four starters on defense and six on offense, including three on his offensive line.

Zack Kiernan (6-6, 255, Sr.), Ziggy Niedzielski (6-0, 210, Sr.), and Bob Schneider (5-11, 215, Sr.) provide the ‘Breds with some consistency on a unit that will be full of turnover.

Michael Vicars (5-11, 175, Sr.) is one of the best running backs in the state regardless of classification after rushing for 1,443 yards and 14 touchdowns last year.

However, the ‘Breds will have to insert new players around Vicars, who suddenly becomes the main focal point of opposing defenses.

Jared Harris (6-2, 200, Sr.) is the likely replacement at quarterback, while Wes Diehl (5-10, 170, Jr.) could challenge for the job.

Jonathon Hellman (5-11, 180, Sr.) should take over at fullback.

Schneider must find a replacement for 109 catches, 2,000 yards, and 27 touchdowns that walked down the aisle at graduation in the persons of Canafax, Scott Gesenhues, and Kevin Bueter.

Phil Horan (5-10, 160, Sr.) and tight end Dustin Giesler (6-4, 190, Jr.) are the likely replacements at receiver.

Weir and Noah Litmer (6-4, 220, Sr.) are the only starting linemen returning on defense, while Chip Burks (6-0, 190, Sr.) is the lone linebacker returning.

Schneider is hoping a junior class that had no starters among them last year can develop and provide some depth.

NCC kicks off their season against 2A power Belfry in the Pike County Bowl Aug. 18 and will play on the new turf of Newport Stadium the following week against the school they share the stadium with, Newport High.

“Everything went our way last year, and we’ll need to work hard this year to match it,” Schneider said. “We have some quality players returning and some excellent prospects. We should be right in the thick of things again this year.”

2. Beechwood (8-4)

Head coach: Noel Rash
2005: Lost to Lexington Christian 42-20 in the second round of the playoffs

The winds of change are swirling through Edgar McNabb Stadium as the Tigers failed to reach nine wins for the first time in over two decades.

After 13 seasons, a 171-24 record, and eight Class A state championships, Mike Yeagle stepped down as head coach following last season.

The reins have been handed to defensive coordinator Noel Rash, who inherits six returning starters on each side of the football.

“There are numerous factors that led me to pursue this job. The most prominent are Coach Yeagle’s support, a staff that is second to none, will stay intact, and help make the transition as smooth as it can possibly be considering the loss of one of the greatest coaches in Kentucky High School history,” Rash said.

Don’t expect the Tigers fall off with Rash calling the shots.

“We will be high intensity and ground ourselves in the belief that commitment to one another and hard work are the cornerstones to success,” Rash said. “We will continue to focus on the process of getting better and know that the rewards are secondary.”

Rash has some major holes to fill at quarterback, in the backfield, and in the secondary.

Mike Moreton (5-11, 195, Sr.) is a two-way starter at fullback and linebacker, as is Jordan McFauls (5-9, 170, Sr.), who plays fullback and nose guard.

Tommy Bankamper, who played receiver last year, is expected to move into the backfield at tailback.

Three-year starter Zak Janning (6-2, 235, Sr.) and Matt Deye (5-11, 230, Sr.) anchor an experienced offensive line.

Junior Cody Elliott will be the likely starter at quarterback, replacing Pat Muth.

His targets include Pete Kayiatos (6-0, 170, Sr.), Ross Finan (5-10, 175, Sr.), and a tight end with the appropriate name for a receiver – Kevin Mitts.

Hamilton Brooks (6-1, 210, Sr.) has been a mainstay at linebacker the past two seasons and will be joined by Moreton.

While Rash has some inexperience on offense, he is expecting his defense to be a comfort zone of sorts as the Tigers make the adjustment to a new person calling the shots.

“I truly don’t feel any pressure right now, and I know that can change as we move into the preseason and season. But I don’t believe that will be a huge issue. The coaching staff we have in place and this group of kids coming through has brought me some peace-of-mind,” Rash said.

[The Scribe]

3. Danville (11-2)

Head coach: Sam Harp
2005: Lost to Bardstown 21-0 in the region championship

Danville’s run of five straight region titles came to an end last year as the Admirals struggled to win their two first-round games before falling to Bardstown 21-0 in the region title game.

The last time Danville went more than two seasons without claiming a region title was in 1996-97 when the Admirals were playing in 2A.

Don’t look for the Admirals to equal that streak in 2006.

Veteran coach Sam Harp returns eight starters on both sides of the football and has been pleased with what he has seen in the weight room in the offseason.

“We have to stay healthy, because we don’t have much depth. We also have to be mentally tougher than we were last year,” said Harp, who enters his 19th season at the helm at Danville with a career record of 216-37.

The Admirals will continue to use Jeffery Guest in a variety of ways on offense again this year.

Guest, a 5-11, 185-pound senior, ran for 711 yards and eight touchdowns last year while splitting time at quarterback and tailback.

When Guest isn’t presenting opposing defenses with the question of run or pass, he will line up in the backfield or in the slot with Rich Witten calling the plays under center.

Witten, a standout baseball player, passed for over 800 yards and threw 16 touchdowns last year.

In the backfield, Darren Ross (5-8, 195, Sr.) rushed for over 900 yards and seven touchdowns last year, splitting time with Guest.

Fullback B.J. Strode (5-8, 150, Sr.) also rushed for over 600 yards, giving the Ads a three-pronged attack when Guest lines up in the slot.

Danville also returns three starters on their line – Pierce Nesbitt, Nathan Farmer, and Jacob Frye -- an area that Harp is hoping for improvement in 2006.


4. Somerset (12-2)

Head coach: Jay Cobb
2005: Lost to Newport Central Catholic 35-10 in the Class A semifinals

Somerset advanced to the state semifinals for the first time in six years before losing to eventual state champion Newport Central Catholic.

While the Briar Jumpers lost some key players from last year, the cupboard isn’t bare for head coach Jay Cobb in 2006.

Somerset returns five starters on defense and six more on offense in addition to their punter and kicker.

While Ray Norman received the lion’s share of the defensive attention from Somerset opponents last year, John Cole (5-10, 150, Jr.) proved to be the Briar Jumpers’ top receiver with 49 catches for 1,131 yards and 15 touchdowns.

Quarterback Ross Deaton (6-0, 200, Sr.) passed for 2,175 yards and 28 touchdowns while throwing just six interceptions.

Somerset must replace Scott Newell in the backfield, with Kenny Hughes (5-11, 170, Jr.) and A.T. Hunter likely to get more carries in 2006.

Cobb has two returning starters on his offensive line – tackle Phillip Lowery and guard John Whitson.

Linebackers Cam Jones and Michael Hager return to a defensive unit that tended to give up chunks and yards against better opposition.

“We have to improve against the run. We were a little better last year, but we’re still giving up too many points,” Cobb said.

Somerset isn’t shying away from tough competition this year, opening the season against Franklin County and Mr. Football candidate Kaelin Ammons Aug. 19 at the St. Joseph Bluegrass Bowl.

The following week, the Briar Jumpers host Southwestern before traveling to a much improved Warren East squad (Sept. 1) and Danville on Sept. 8.

[The Scribe]

5. Bardstown (13-1)

Head coach: Joey Downs
2005: Lost to Mayfield 35-21 in Class A semifinals

Bardstown will have a tough time duplicating last year’s 13-1 team that ended the regular season ranked #1 in the BluegrassPreps 1A Poll and reached the state semifinals before losing to Mayfield.

While head coach Joey Downs returns just four starters on both sides of the football in 2006, the Tiger faithful that pack Garnis Martin Field each Friday night should still see a squad that will compete with Holy Cross and Campbellsville for a second straight district title.

Wenquel Graves (5-11, 175, Sr.) will likely move to quarterback and will give Downs an explosive option in his wishbone option attack.

Paul Downs (5-10, 160, Sr.) returns in the backfield, while Vinny Calhoun (6-0, 185, Sr.) provides Graves with an experienced receiver.

The Tigers will be a smaller unit up front as A.J. Lewis (6-3, 235, Sr.) is the lone returning starter from 2005. John Hicks (6-0, 185, Sr.) also returns on the line.

Downs and Graves return in the secondary for a Bardstown defense that recorded eight shutouts last year and allowed double digits just four times.
Lewis returns on the line, and Calhoun is a linebacker.

Downs is hoping a talented junior class can fill in the gaps left from last year, with Jeremy Gesser (6-1, 230, Jr.) and Jacob Carter (6-1, 205, Jr.) expected to shore up the Tiger line.

Kelvin Scott (5-10, 165, Jr.) and Ted Mattingly (6-0, 185, Jr.) should see time in the backfield, while sophomore Rashaun Phillips could have a breakthrough season in the backfield and secondary.

“Our backfield has been and will continue to be a strength for us,” Downs said. We have several running backs to share the load in our aggressive running attack. The line needs experience, and they will get plenty of it.”

While Downs has some holes to fill, he thinks the graduating senior class left its mark on the returning players in 2006.

“The newcomers have an incredible work ethic and are eager for the chance to shine. Last year’s senior class instilled a work ethic that has rubbed off on the younger players, and their improvements have been measurable,” he said.

You can expect Bardstown to be in the post-season mix once again this year.


6. Mayfield (11-4)

Head coach: Joe Morris
2005: Lost to Newport Central Catholic 42-7 in the Class A championship game

The Mayfield Cardinals will have a lot of fresh faces on the field when they open up the 2006 campaign on August 18 in the Alliance Bowl.

Gone are 10 seniors that played significant roles for the Cardinals on the 2005 state runner-up team.

Lost to graduation is most of the offensive and defensive lines and three of the four starting backs. To put it plain and simple, this year’s installment of Cardinal Football will be youthful and to be successful, the Cards will need these young Cardinals to step up.

Offensively, Mayfield returns multi-year starter Adam Shelton at quarterback. Shelton was rumored to not be playing this year to concentrate on basketball, but that is not the case. A gifted and intelligent athlete, Shelton is a threat to pass or run and is capable of making big plays with his arm or legs.

The rest of the backfield will be new with junior Andy Trevathen and seniors Travis Brown and Chad Saxton expected to step in. All three saw significant backup roles last year and have some starts between them.

In addition, junior Brent Simpkins returns after starting at fullback from time to time over the last couple of years but could to be needed on the line to help overcome the loss of four starters.

On the offensive line, only senior Landon Heath returns to play tackle and he is a good one. He will be joined at tackle by junior Scott Brimer.

The guards are still unsettled but sophomores Tyler Heathcott and Trevor Williams are expected to get time along with the versatile Brent Simpkins, who has previously started at fullback.

The job of center should fall to junior Ethan Kemp.

The tight ends will be manned by former junior interior lineman Levi Pruitt and sophomore Jonathan Lawson, while the wide outs will feature seniors Chance Sherill, Caleb Garascia, and Aron Williams.

The defense should be a little ahead of the offense early on as the defense was not as hard hit by graduation.

Mayfield should continue to run a lot of its preferred 5-3 with variations as required in both 40 and 50 series. The secondary will see a solid group with some experience in seniors Chance Sherill and Aron Williams, junior Andy Trevathan, and sophomore Gary Hall.

Adam Shelton should also get some time with this group, but Mayfield coach Joe Morris is not accustomed to taking many chances with his star quarterback on defense.

The linebacking corps is a solid group that have all notched significant playing time between them. Juniors Brent Simpkins, Logan Armstrong (Armstrong may also be utilized some at safety), and senior Travis Brown along with Chad Saxton, who will also play noseguard will make this a solid group.

The ends will see junior Levi Pruitt on one side while sophomore Jonathan Lawson is trying to get the nod at the other end spot.

The interior defensive line will see the return of senior Landon Heath and junior Scott Brimer, with senior Chad Saxton on the nose.

Special teams will be a plus as both their punter, Aron Williams, and kicker, junior Tommy McNutt, return. Both are exceptionally talented weapons. McNutt is always a threat for a touch back on kickoffs and is also one of the areas best field goal kickers with extremely good range for a high school kicker.

The Cardinal schedule will again be one of the best among 1A schools in the state. It begins on August 18 with a trip to Marshall County to play Caldwell County in the Alliance Bowl. Caldwell is under a new coach and is expected to air it out more than in the past.

After the Bowl, Mayfield returns to the friendly home surroundings of War Memorial Stadium for the next seven games, though their game against cross-town rival Graves County will see the Cardinals as the visitors this year.

In week two, 4A Marshall County visits followed by 3A Hopkinsville, 4A hometown rival Graves County, 3A Union County, and 3A Paducah Tilghman.

After Tilghman, the Cards will begin district play with Fulton County and Murray coming to Mayfield followed by trips to Fulton City and Ballard Memorial.

The outlook for the Cardinals this year is optimistic. The early part of the season will see a lot of young new faces, many of which are underclassmen, playing a schedule loaded, as always, with some of the areas better larger football schools.

The early part of the schedule will be difficult with a lack of depth early but by district and playoff time, the Cardinals hope to be battle-tested and poised for yet another deep run, and with a little of that Mayfield Magic, who knows how far they will go.

[The Scribe]

7. Louisville Holy Cross (9-3)

Head coach: Dave Weston
2005: Lost to Danville 32-31 in triple overtime in the second round of the playoffs

Holy Cross head coach Dave Weston is hoping thid is the year his team can get over the proverbial hump and make a deep run in the playoffs, which of course means getting past Danville.

The Cougars were once again dealt a heart-breaking loss by Danville in the playoffs, the latest a 32-31 triple-overtime defeat last year.

Weston has seven starters coming back on both sides of the football, including most of his line and skill players from last year’s 9-3 team that saw a six-game winning streak end in the playoffs.

Weston is able to use a rotation on his offensive and defensive lines, which may be among the best in 1A.

Darren Bright (6-4, 330, Sr.) anchors both sides of the line and will be joined on the offensive line by Matt Nail (6-1, 225, Sr.), Kyle Nauert (6-1, 205, Sr.), and Andrew Glenn (6-3, 300, Sr.).

Travis Cronin (5-10, 220, Sr.), Josh Vincent (6-0, 250, Sr.), and Daniel Switzer (6-1, 225, Sr.) also give Weston some beef up front.

The main beneficiaries of the Holy Cross plus-sized line should be running back Andy Rodman and receiver Ronnie McDermott.

Rodman (5-11, 195, Sr.) rushed for 595 yards and 12 touchdowns last year, while McDermott (6-0, 190, Sr.) caught 22 balls for 396 yards. McDermott was also one of the team leaders on the defensive side, hauling down a team-high nine interceptions.

Jay Bramer (5-10, 180, Sr.) will join tight end Jay French (6-1, 190, Sr.) in the receiving corps.

Aaron Knopp (5-11, 185, Sr.) appears to have the edge at quarterback, throwing for over 500 yards last year. However, his accuracy must improve.

With the wealth of experience returning for Holy Cross, this could be the year the Cougars have a breakthrough season and bring home the school’s first-ever region title in football.


8. Lynn Camp (9-3)

Head coach: David Mitchell
2005: Lost to Paintsville 28-27 in the second round of the playoffs

For most teams, and in most years for the Lynn Camp Wildcats, a 9-3 season would be considered a great year.

But the 2005 season didn’t end the way the Wildcats had hoped. A pair of one-point losses to Region 4 champion Somerset and region runner-up Paintsville put a damper on what could have been the best season in Lynn Camp history.

The Wildcats look to take those two heartbreaking losses and use them as motivation in 2006.

Head coach David Mitchell will need to look to younger players to step up if the Wildcats have a chance to take home a district and region title in 2006.

Gone are the likes WYMT player of year Jimmy Chaffin, two-time All-State nose guard Anthony Walters, and team leader Josh Reynolds.

Reynolds and Chaffin combined for over 2,500 yards of offense on the ground last season.

The Wildcats will also have a new signal caller as three-year starting quarterback Nick Scalf has graduated.

Lynn Camp returns five starters on offense, with the bulk of the returnees being on the line. This will be a huge strength for the Wildcats as four of the linemen will be in their third year as starters.

Lynn Camp has ranked among the leaders in the state in team rushing yards the last couple of seasons, and a big reason for that has been the play of the offensive line.

Seniors Bret Barrett (6-5, 250) and James Niece (6-3, 320) will be the tackles, while senior Brian Slusher (6-2, 270) and junior Michael Hall (6-0, 240) will play at guard. Hall is the newcomer to the group as he replaces Rick May, who graduated.

The center will be senior Jonathan Forman (6-1, 285).

The new starting quarterback for the Wildcats will be sophomore Jonah Mitchell (6-0, 150).

The tailback for the Wildcats will be junior Joe Roskopf (5-11, 185), who had over 1,200 yards rushing last season, with the majority of them coming in the final week of the regular season and in the playoffs.

Taking over the fullback duties will be senior Scott Bray (5-11, 180).

The halfback will be sophomore Sidney Wagner (6-0, 165).

Also seeing time in the backfield for the Wildcats will be senior Cameron Simpson (5-11, 210), junior Ricky Wynn, and junior Kyle Scalf (6-4, 225). When Scalf is not in the backfield, he will be playing the tight end position.

Junior Brandon Abner (5-10, 170) could play tight end when Scalf is in the backfield.

Replacing Nick Mills at spilt end will be either Ricky Wynn, J.D. Smith, or Brandon Abner.

On the defensive side of the ball, the Wildcats return five starters.

Cameron Simpson and Kyle Scalf will start at the ends, with Michael Hall and Brian Slusher playing the tackles.

Replacing Anthony Walters at nose guard will be sophomore Steven Davis (6-2, 190).

Also seeing time in the trenches will be Jonathan Forman, Bret Barrett, and sophomore Josh Baker (6-3, 300).

The starting linebackers for the Wildcats are pretty much the same as last year, with Scott Bray, and senior Justin Gorsuch (5-9, 190) returning. Bray had the most tackles in 2005, of all the returning players.

The defensive backfield will look a lot different with the only returning starter being cornerback Joe Roskopf.

Jonah Mitchell and Sidney Wagner will join Roskopf in the secondary after starting last season in the playoffs against Hazard.

The final defensive back spot is up for grabs with Ricky Wynn, J.D. Smith, Brandon Abner, and others battling it out.

The kicking duties will fall to Jonah Mitchell. This is one area the Wildcats really hope to improve. Three out of the last four losses Lynn Camp has suffered have been the result of mistakes in the kicking game.

The Wildcats open the 2006 campaign against Leslie County Aug. 18 in the first-ever Pioneer Bowl at Lynn Camp. The Eagles beat up on the Wildcats 44-18 in last season’s opener.

The Wildcats will also play Perry County Central and have two big non-district games against Middlesboro and Whitley County, who Lynn Camp beat last season to end long losing streaks against both teams.

District 7 appears to be as wide open as ever, with Lynn Camp having big showdowns with both Somerset and Harlan in games that could decide the winner of the district.

Williamsburg, Cumberland, Evarts and Pineville will also be tough games that Wildcats will need to win to return to the playoffs in 2006.

[The Scribe]

9. Pikeville (8-4)

Head coach: Mike Jackson
2005: Lost to Somerset 35-7 in the second round of the playoffs

Second-year head coach Mike Jackson feels his Panthers has what it takes to make a strong run at a Region 4 title with several key players returning from last year’s 8-4 squad.

John Michael Mayo (6-2, 195, Sr.) took over the quarterbacking duties from Chase Huffman late in the season and should have a solid 2006 season with a full compliment of preseason practices.

Also back are Jacob Sword (5-10, 160, Sr.) and Mitch Jackson at the receiver position.

Ted Honaker (6-0, 195, Jr.) and Tim Honaker (6-0, 195, Jr.) return in the backfield for the Panthers and help shore up a defensive unit that recorded six shutouts but gave up 40 points a game in their four losses.

Ryan Shurtleff (6-0, 210, Sr.) also returns on defense and could make the move from linebacker to the line.

Casey Rowe (5-11, 245, Sr.), Brad Bryant (5-10, 235, Sr.), and Jordan Tibbs (6-3, 270, Sr.) give Jackson some size on his front line.

Max Pafunda (5-11, 170, Sr.) also returns as one of the best kickers in the region.

With the Pikeville players now settled into a new coach and new system, things should go much smoother for Jackson and the Panthers in 2006.

Pikeville will find out just how far they have come since the end of last year when they play 4A contender Henry Clay Aug. 19 in the Pike County Bowl, followed by a trip to Corbin to play East Jessamine in the Cumberland Falls Pigskin Classic.


10. Russellville (7-4)

Head coach: Jon Myers
2005: Lost to Murray 27-17 in the first round of the playoffs

Russellville’s 7-4 campaign in 2005 was the school’s first winning season since 1999. This year, they hope to advance past the second round of the playoffs for the first time in a dozen years.

With 18 starters returning, chances are pretty good that John Myers’ Panthers could make a run for the school’s first region title since 1992.

Teams will be hard-pressed to match Russellville’s group of skill players, with Myers knowing the key to the Panthers’ season rests in the trenches.

Seniors Kevin Saunders and Wes Rutherford and junior Chris Starks return to solidify an offensive line that opened holes to the tune of nearly 210 yards a game last year.

Junior running back Dustin Sydnor was the beneficiary of the open space with 1,069 yards rushing and 11 scores last year.

Junior fullback Jamarcus Gordon will likely return at fullback, while senior Justin Rust will split time at fullback and tight end. Rust has three touchdowns on the ground and three scores receiving last year.

Senior Jordan Hinton returns at quarterback after throwing for 778 yards and ten touchdowns last year. He also showed his ability to scramble by rushing for five TDs.

If the line gives Hinton times to throw, secondaries will have a tough time keeping up with senior Jerrell Mayo, who caught 15 passes for 278 yards, and senior Kenton Cage, who caught 23 balls for 322 yards.

Cage is coming off a spring that saw him win the state high jump.

Five offensive players are expected to start on a defensive unit that allowed 22 points a game in 2005 against a less-than stellar schedule.

Also returning is junior defensive end and leading tackler Donnie Bigbee, who recorded 110 stops, including 12 for loss.

Rust returns at linebacker where he made 65 tackles last year, and senior lineman Kevin Saunders had 51 tackles, including ten for loss.

Myers is hoping for steady improvement from his line play and defensive unit by the time district play rolls around. If he gets that improvement, Russellville could become a major player in Region 1 by mid-November.

[The Scribe]

Previews of other Class A teams



Allen Central (2-8)

Head coach: Jeremy Hall
2005: Missed the playoffs

Allen Central was shooting for their first winning season in 15 years in 2005 but things didn’t go as expected for head coach Jeremy Hall.

The Rebels showed they could score in putting up over 40 points in losses to Phelps and South Floyd. However, the couldn’t stop many teams, giving up 43 points a game.

Hall has five starters returning on both sides of the football as he tries to improve his defensive unit.

Corey Click (5-11, 210, Sr.) returns at linebacker and will start in the backfield for the Rebels.

Brett Shepherd (6-2, 240, Jr.), Nathan Meade (6-0, 200, Jr.), and Josh Wright (5-11, 215, Jr.) will be expected to play on both sides of the Allen Central line.

On offense, their primary job will be to protect quarterback Josh Prater (6-3, 175, Soph.).

Hall will also be putting several freshmen on the field in 2006, making his squad one of the youngest in District 8.


Ballard Memorial (2-8)

Head Coach – Kevin Chatellier
2005: Missed the playoffs

After just six wins over the past three seasons, Ballard Memorial is ready to turn their program over to Kevin Chatellier.

The Bombers won just two games last year and will look to a young squad to compete in a district where their main competition for the final playoff spot the past few years are all expected to be improved.

Chatellier, who served as an assistant coach under Hall of Fame coach Dan Hailey before moving to Louisiana, is looking to rebuild the Ballard Memorial program from the ground up.

“We are totally revamping not only the varsity program here, but reaching back and reworking the middle school and the little league programs also. Everybody must be on the same track,” Chatellier said. “My little leaguers should develop a good foundation early on then build on that through the middle school years. By the time they reach high school, they should be ready to fine tune and step into a more complex role. You should not have to spend time learning basic fundamentals with your varsity players.”

Chatellier will have the services of his leading rusher and passer from last year, although he expects them both to be in the backfield in 2006.

Senior Nick Logsdon rushed for 942 yards and ten touchdowns last year, while junior Ricky Beard is expected to move to tailback.

Chatellier said senior James Jones and junior Jarred Carter will vie for the quarterback position in the preseason.

“Both players should be exciting – Jones with his passing and Carter as a scrambling threat,” he said.

Senior newcomers Chris Orazine and Jonathon McDaniel will see plenty of time at receiver, while Ronnie Giles and Bryan Tucker are expected to stabilize a small line.

After posting three straight winning seasons from 2000-02, Chatellier is trying to get the Bombers back that same level but knows it won’t be an immediate fix.

“You must have a strongly enforced discipline program. I have a strong belief in honesty and integrity. Everybody should be held responsible for their efforts or lack of. You need to think you are the best and put yourself into certain game situations and play it out in your mind as to how you will react. Having this positive approach will not only help them through adversity on the playing field but also with life in general.”

Ballard Memorial will get an early test when they face 2A up-and-comer Lone Oak in the Alliance Bowl Aug. 19 in Mayfield.


Bath County (1-9)

Head coach: Reed Fields
2005: Missed the playoffs

Bath County has won just five games in six years and hasn’t been to the playoffs since 1998.

However, Reed Fields has the Wildcat program on the upswing in just his second year on the sidelines.

He will be able to enjoy an impact transfer as Wayne Stevens, who rushed for over 1,800 yards and 18 touchdowns, moved from Rowan County in the offseason.

The Wildcats also return quarterback Zak Metz as they try and sneak into the playoffs in 2006.


Bellevue (9-3)


Head coach: David Eckstein
2005: Lost to Newport Central Catholic 45-7 in the second round of the playoffs.

After missing the playoffs for three straight seasons, Bellevue made a dramatic turnaround under first-year head coach David Eckstein.

Not only did the Tigers enjoy their first winning season since 2001, they knocked off district rival Beechwood for the first time in seven years.

However, Eckstein must again work some magic if his team is to repeat the same accomplishments in 2006.

Bellevue returns just eight starters and has some key holes to fill.

“We were able to establish high expectations and a strong work ethic in out first year,” Eckstein said. “We are hoping we hoping to be competitive this year after losing a lot of good football players, and following that up with a good offseason program.”

Despite losing Lincoln Adams, who rushed for 1,670 yards and 27 touchdowns last year, Eckstein feels he has some players who can fill the void.

Adam Tague, Justin Ross, Nick Daines, and Doug Wainscott will all compete for the carries Adams got last year.

“Our power should be good at running back. We won’t have a lot of speed, but our strength is good,” Eckstein said.

Ross and Tague return at linebacker as does James Duell.

Eckstein returns several linemen on defense, including Jeremy Johnson, Joe Hundemer, and Bobby Berns.

However, Bellevue has some holes to fill in the secondary.

[The Scribe]

Berea (1-9)

Head coach: Warren Mills
2005: Missed the playoffs

Most coaches want consistency in their teams but after four consecutive 1-9 seasons, Berea head coach Warren Mills could do without.

The Pirates return 13 starters in hopes of advancing to the playoffs for the first time since the 2001 season.

“I think we were more competitive last year and were able to get some more players out for the team. We will be stronger, deeper, and have more knowledge, both as a coaching staff and as a team, in playing our style of football,” Mills said.

The Pirates graduated leading rusher Kyle Johnson, and Mills isn’t sure who will step in and be the starter in the backfield.

Vincent Slone (6-1, 205, Sr.) is among the team leaders in tackles at the linebacker position and could be the starting tailback.

Phillip Clontz (5-11, 170, Sr.) returns at quarterback, while Brandon Anderson (6-2, 230, Sr.) and Erik Meadows (5-9, 295, Sr.) return on the line.

“Despite a 1-9 record, we made some great strides last year. Once the kids see how their improved work ethic translates into success, we will get into the winning habits we need so much in this program,” Mills said.

Berea hopes they don’t become the answer to a trivia question as they host first-year program Clinton County Aug. 19.


Beth Haven (8-0)

Head coach: Brad Street
2005: Do not compete in district play

Brad Street’s first season as Beth Haven head coach proved to be a successful one as the Bearcats went from winless in 2004 to unbeaten in the 2005 regular season, playing mostly 8-man football.

Street, a defensive coordinator at Florida state champion Jacksonville University Christian for seven years before coming to Louisville, has several skill people returning as well as linemen Gideon Brown and Greg Waddell.


Bethlehem (6-5)

Head coach: Steve Hart
2005: Lost to Danville 29-14 in the first round of the playoffs

By Hearsay

The Bethlehem Eagles may be a team this year primed to be a “sleeper” in Class A.

The Eagles return eight offensive and eight defensive starters from last year’s 6-4 team that played Danville tough, but fell 29-14 in the first round of the playoffs.

Bethlehem, which is entering only its fourth season of district football (making it to the playoffs in two of its first three), carries a lot of enthusiasm and energy from the end of last year into this season. That enthusiasm may translate into better numbers this year, as head coach Steve Hart expects 30-35 kids to come out for the team compared to 22 last year.

Leading the charge for Bethlehem on both sides of the ball will be senior co-captain RB/LB Billy Jackson (6-1, 195), who will be a four-year starter and is already Bethlehem’s all-time leading rusher.

Jackson, the Class A state track champion in the hurdles as a junior, ran for 1,354 yards and 14 TD’s, averaging nearly nine yards every time he touched the ball. Defensively, he led the Eagles in tackles and interceptions. He is receiving interest from several Division 1 and 1-AA schools.

Not to be outdone, however, is unheralded senior FB/LB Kent Simpson. The Eagles co-captain was a key cog in the inside rushing attack last year, going for over 800 yards, and really blossoming late in the season.

However, the highest praise for Simpson may have been defensively at middle linebacker where he earned praise from both Danville and Bardstown coaching staffs for his tenacity stopping the run and making plays behind the line of scrimmage.

The Eagles’ quarterback will be second-year starter Richard Kays. A veer-style quarterback in the Eagles’ Wing-T system, Kays, a senior, threw the ball only about 8-10 times per game, but will be called upon in this area more this year to keep defenses off-balance. Kays will also be called upon to keep the ball more this year due to Kays’ excellent speed and to give the Eagles a three-pronged rushing attack. He ran for over 500 yards as a junior.

Bethlehem has good depth in the backfield, with veteran junior Blake Stanley and reserve fullback Austin Carey all capable of carrying the ball effectively. When Bethlehem throws, they typically look for Jackson, Stanley or 6-foot-2 tight end Tim Williams. Williams and Simpson also provide a nice blocking tandem for Jackson when the Eagles jump to the “I.”

As always, the Eagles offensive consistency (or at times lack thereof) is highly dependent upon the performance of their offensive line.

Bethlehem started four brand new lineman last year, all of which are back to start with a year of experience under their belts. Hart notes that while not blessed with great size, the Eagle unit is smart and tenacious, characterized by senior John Martin, a Governor’s Scholar.

Also anchoring the unit will be Stewart Haydon (6-2, 210, Sr.) and Patrick Mudd (6-1, 220, Jr.).

Defensively, Jackson and Simpson lead a linebacking corps that is one of the most talented in the district. Hart expresses some concern about the number of two-way starters on his 4-4 aligned defense, but also says that better numbers this year could help.

With Haydon, Mudd, and Martin on the defensive line, Williams at defensive end, and junior Michael Kidwell, who had an outstanding game against Danville, at another end, the Eagles have a quick front line.

This year Bethlehem must not only be competitive, but must beat the better football teams they play.

In addition to the tough playoff loss against the Admirals, Bethlehem faltered in the fourth quarter of a tough game against Bardstown 35-3, was beaten by Holy Cross 35-7, and lost by a missed PAT in overtime to Campbellsville 27-26 last year.

This year, Bethlehem gets Bardstown and Holy Cross at home in addition to a favorable non-district schedule that includes Marion County, North Oldham, Casey County, and Clinton County.

[The Scribe]

Bishop Brossart

Head coach: Tim Carver

Bishop Brossart is one season away from likely playing a varsity schedule.

The Brossart Board of Education approved the school to begin a football program earlier this year.

"We kept getting a lot of prospective students from our feeder students saying they would come to Brossart if we had football," Brossart athletic director Mel Webster told the Kentucky Post. "Some decided to come anyway because they're involved in our other sports, but many didn't."

In approving the football program, the school board said any money for football must be raised privately and that the school would not raise tuition or delve into their current budget.

After playing at the junior varsity level for a season, the Mustangs could make the transition to varsity play next year when the new statewide alignment begins for a four-year span.

Brossart will practice and play games at Campbell County.

The Mustangs have hired former Pendleton County head coach Tim Carver to guide them through the early start-up period. Carver has been a coach at several Ohio schools and began the Pendleton County program in 2001.


Bracken County (0-10)

Head coach: Chuck Faust
2005: Did not make the playoffs

Veteran coach Chuck Faust takes over a Bracken County football team that did not win a game and scored just 63 points last year.

The fourth year program struggled in district play and much isn’t expected to change in 2006 against improved district competition.

The Polar Bears are expected to return several key players in 2006, including quarterback Justin Scott (5-6, 160, Jr.), lineman Joe Branam (6-5, 305, Sr.), linebacker Jon Cunningham (6-0, 195, Sr.), receiver Nick Abercrombie (5-9, 155, Sr.), and lineman Jon Hopp (6-2, 225, Sr.).


Campbellsville (6-5)

Head coach: Herb Wiseman
2005: Lost to Frankfort 49-28 in first round of the playoffs

Herb Wiseman has consistently called District 3 as one of the toughest 1A districts in the state. While some of the heavyweights may not be as strong as usual, the Eagles should be in the thick of the race as they try and win their first district title since 1998.

Wiseman has six starters on each side of the football returning, including the most visible – 6-foot-6, 260-pound senior lineman Justin Cox.

Elliot Despain (6-0, 190, Sr.) will be expected to take on more of a leadership role with the Eagles and joins Cox on the offensive line.

Campbellsville returns a wealth of talent at the skill positions, led by fiery quarterback Jordan Vaughn (6-2, 185, Sr.) and junior running back Shumari Bridgewater (6-2, 215), who Wiseman said is already attracting heavy college interest. Both Vaughn and Bridgewater will play linebacker in Wiseman’s 4-4 defensive scheme.

“Our success depends heavily on the development of our young linemen up front. Our skill kids are big and fast and our defense will be quick to the ball,” Wiseman said.

Anthony Anderson (5-11, 220, Sr.) will also see time in the backfield and at linebacker on defense, while Tim Smith (6-2, 180, Sr.) and Dion McClain (5-10, 155, Sr.) both provide 4.5 speed at receiver and in the secondary for the Eagles.

Wiseman is hoping that young linemen Chris Bridgewater (6-2, 270, Jr.), Casey Hines (6-0, 265, Soph.), Taylor Price (6-0, 220, Soph.) can improve quickly to give his line some stability and take the pressure off Vaughn and the stable of running backs.

Things also look bright for the Campbellsville program at the lower ranks.

“Our incoming freshman class won their eighth grade conference last year and won the championship game. When they get older, this group should be a force to be reckoned with,” Wiseman predicted.

Campbellsville should have no problem stacking up with Bardstown and Holy Cross in the athlete department this year. If their line can show steady improvement throughout the season, the Eagles have a good chance to advance past the first round of the playoffs for the first time in seven years.


Carroll County (3-8)

Head coach: Doug Barry
2005: Lost to Bardstown 56-0 in the first round of the playoffs

2005 didn’t quite go as expected for Doug Barry, who returned to the Carroll County sidelines for the first time in seven years.

The Panthers saw a streak of three straight winning seasons end with a 3-8 record and a first round playoff thumping suffered at the hands of Bardstown.

Barry has some talent returning in 2006 that should be enough for Carroll County to return to the playoffs.

Justin Blankenship (5-11, 180, Sr.) will be the key player for Barry this year after a 2005 season that saw him catch 42 passes for 726 yards and 11 touchdowns on offense and pick off seven passes on defense.

The Panthers should be set in the backfield with the return of running backs Daniel Rose (5-11, 175, Jr.) and Paul White (5-11, 175, Sr.).

Barry must find a replacement for quarterback Corey Stark, who passed for over 2,000 yards last year.

Whoever ends up under center, they will have the luxury of playing behind several experienced linemen, including Seth Hill (5-7, 185, Sr.).


Caverna (2-8)

Head Coach: Nick Stephens
2005: Missed the playoffs

Two years ago, Caverna posted the school’s first winning season in nearly two decades but couldn’t continue the momentum last year, falling to 2-8 and missing the playoffs.

Second-year head coach Nick Stephens does return the services of quarterback Bartley Weaver (6-2, 195, Sr.), who threw for 1,799 yards and 15 touchdowns last year. However, both of Weaver’s top targets have graduated.

Senior Chad Nickols (5-10, 170) is the lone returnee who saw extensive time in the backfield last year, while Curtis Adams (6-0, 195, Sr.) and Alex Vincent (6-0, 220, Sr.) headline a defense that allowed 34 or more points in four of their five district games.

If Stephens can cultivate some of the team’s talent in the junior class quickly, the Colonels could slip into the playoffs as a four seed.

[The Scribe]

Clinton County

Head Coach: George Hatcher

For the first time in nearly 30 years, Clinton County High School will be fielding a varsity football team.

The Bulldogs expect around 50 players on their roster when practice begins this month. Clinton County has a full schedule of ten games, which kicks off Aug. 19 against Berea in the Gridiron Classic Bowl in Berea.

George Hatcher is the head coach of Clinton County and is excited to bring football back to Albany after a hiatus that stretches back to the early 1980s.

“In 2004, a group of individuals in the community formed a football organization committee to explore the possibility of starting a football program. That fall, we fielded two middle school teams and a fifth and sixth grade team,” said Hatcher a football veteran of nearly 35 years.

Last year, the program bolstered their feeder program at the elementary level and played a junior varsity schedule. The team had 48 players on their roster at season’s end.

Hatcher still has some question about what scheme the Bulldogs will employ during the season.

“It’s still a work in progress. We’re attempting to determine how to get the most out of the athletes we have,” he said.

Running back Josh Choate (6-1, 175, Sr.) could be a 1,000-yard rusher if the line gives him some holes to run through, Hatcher said.

James Kempton, T.J. Shelton, and John Papineau are the expected starters on the offensive line.

Safety Michael Conner had ten interceptions at the J.V. level last year, and linebacker Drake Dow (6-3, 235, Soph.) led the team in tackles.

Wesley Smith (6-2, 230, Jr.) will start at defensive tackle, while Jimmy Glidewell (5-9, 180, Sr.) is one of the strongest players on the team.

The playing surface at Clinton County is complete, with crumb rubber expected to be added this month.

The new stadium also boasts a new scoreboard, and lights are expected to be installed by the time the new season kicks off.

However, there are some growing pains associated with the new stadium as a press box, concession stand, and restrooms have not been completed.

“From day one, we have had good support from the parents and the community. People here are very excited about the return of football to Clinton County,” Hatcher said.

After the season-opener at Berea, the Bulldogs host Spencer County in their first home game Aug. 25.

Assisting Hatcher on the sidelines will be Jackie Bybee, Keith Hatcher, Steve Pedicure, Mitch Latham, and Mitch Cowan.


Crittenden County (9-3)

Head Coach: Al Starnes
2005: Lost to Mayfield 34-6 in the second round of the playoffs

After graduating a large senior class that won 33 games in four seasons, Al Starnes enters his 16th season as Crittenden County head coach with the task of rebuilding the Rockets in a district full of up-and-coming teams.

The Rockets lost most of their offense with the graduation of All-State receiver T.K. Guess and quarterback Austin Berry.

Senior Taylon Polk will have a shot to replace Guess at quarterback, while sophomore Jeramie Sorina (5-10, 170) is the team’s leading returning rusher after gaining 215 yards on 35 carries last year.

Sophomore Rodney Roberston could earn a starting spot before too long.

Senior tight end Jacob Courtney (6-3, 220) caught eight passes last year and is the most experienced offensive player Starnes has returning.

On the line, Crittenden will feature some size compared to their district counterparts with Jared Asbridge (5-10, 250, Sr.) and A.J. Thompson (6-2, 270, Jr.) both returning.

Crittenden County has made the playoffs for 11 straight seasons. If their younger players can contribute by the time the district schedule begins, the Rockets should extend that streak to a dozen.


Cumberland (5-5)

Head coach: Jon Reynolds
2005: Missed the playoffs

With the impending creation of Harlan County Central High School, the Cumberland football team is trying to create some history of their own in their final seasons on the gridiron.

The Redskins were one of the few teams with a winning record not to make the playoffs for a second straight year (Cumberland later forfeited a game to Betsy Layne for using an ineligible player).

Jon Reynolds graduated only four players and has eight starters returning on both sides of the football as the Redskins appear primed to make some noise in District 7.

Sophomore quarterback Zack Blanton is hoping a year of experience in Reynolds’ Wing-T attack pays off this year after completing just 40-percent of his passes for 585 yards.

One of the areas of concern for Reynolds is an inexperienced backfield that sees Justin Cornett (6-0, 180, Sr.), Ryan Sergeant (6-0, 180, Jr.), and Jason Partin (5-10, 180, Jr.) competing for carries.

The Redskins do return some experience on the line in Josh Jones (5-10, 225, Jr.), Tyler White (6-2, 250, Jr.), Jonathon Fields (6-0, 220, Jr.), and William Marshall (6-0, 270, Jr.).

Reynolds is also expecting contributions from newcomers Lance Simmons and Darris McCombs.

On defense, Cumberland’s line doesn’t have much experience but their linebackers do with Fields and Cornett anchoring their 6-2 defense.

Chris Vicini (5-11, 170, Jr.) picked off seven passes last year and returns in the secondary.

While many people have Somerset picked to win District 7, Cumberland will likely end a four-year playoff drought in 2006.


Dayton (4-6)

Head coach: Stephen Lickert
2005: Missed the playoffs

Dayton’s four wins in 2005 were the most in a season since 1998 when the Green Devils were 6-6.

Stephen Lickert’s team lost some key players to graduation but brings back some experience with seven starters on each side of the football returning.

Now, he hopes that experience will translate into wins on the field.

“2005 was a year full of games that we were in contention to win, but when it was time to win or lose, we did not make the plays we needed to and lost,” Lickert said. Our sophomores and juniors got a lot of playing time last year and therefore should be ready for 2006.”

Senior quarterback Chris Hightchew (6-2, 180, Sr.) is a dual threat to run or pass after accounting for over 1,100 all-purpose yards last year.

“Chris is going to have to be the guy that takes over football games offensively for us, but he needs to make better decisions on the field,” Lickert said.

Junior Alex Brummett (5-10, 175) was penciled in as a starter in the backfield during the preseason last year, but a knee injury in the first scrimmage ended his 2005 season.

“His return will bring much needed intensity to both sides of the football. He’s a punishing runner on offense and has a great nose for the football on defense,” Lickert said of his linebacker.

Junior tight end Dustin Trimnell led the Green Devils in receiving last year and should be joined in the receiver corps by junior Richard Turner and junior Brian Ellis.

Lickert feels his offensive and defensive lines are improved despite returning just two starters.

Senior Ricky Leger (5-11, 205) anchors the offensive line as a three-year starter.

He will be joined by senior Nathan Dilts, junior Keith Searcy, and junior Tim McIntyre, who Lickert says is drawing some small college interest despite 2005 being his first year of football.

Other players expected to see plenty of action include senior David Foster (WR/DB), senior Robert Miller (RB/DB), junior Joe Wynn (RB/DB), and junior Ryan Brownfield (WR/DB).

Lickert feels Dayton will be strong at the skill positions but lack of depth could prove costly if any combination of players get injured.

“Right now our program is moving forward. The players have begun to understand the hard work and dedication it takes to be successful in the game of football. Our team has improved in the strength and speed factor which will help us compete,” Lickert said.

[The Scribe]

Eminence (9-3)

Head coach: Steve Frommeyer
2005: Won the National Eight-man Division 2 football championship

Eminence High School in Henry County may be one of the top football programs in the state that no one has ever heard of.

The Warriors have won multiple eight-man state titles and national titles and have put together 22 consecutive winning seasons – all under the direction of head coach Steve Frommeyer.

Eminence still splits their schedule between 8-man and 11-man football, despite the state dropping their 8-man championship a couple of years ago.

Frommeyer has between 20 and 25 players on his roster every year for a school that is the fourth-smallest in the state to field a football team.

The Warriors have 11-man games scheduled with Kentucky Country Day (Aug. 25), Bracken County (Sept. 1), Henry County (Sept. 8), Trimble County (Sept. 15), Clinton County (Sept. 22), and Evangel Christian County (Oct. 13).

While the Warriors graduated record-setting quarterback Randy Stalker, who threw for 5,002 yards and 66 touchdowns in his career, they do return his favorite target from last year. Sophomore Ed Berry caught 45 passes in 2005 for 812 yards, both school records.

While there may be uncertainty at the quarterback position, Frommeyer will have the services of several experienced linemen, including Brett Wadsworth (5-9, 170, Jr.), Coletin Rapier (5-10, 185, Jr.), Cameron Sharp (5-10, 215, Sr.), and Jeremy Leanhart (5-11, 220, Sr.).


Evangel Christian (0-10)

Head coach: Dave Thomas
2005: Did not compete in district play

Simply put, it wasn’t a good season for Evangel Christian in 2005.

They lost all ten games and lost them by a wide margin, allowing 64 points a game for the season.

The Warriors scored only 22 points and those came in the final two games of the season.

The Evangel Christian program is in its fourth season and second under head coach Dave Thomas, a former assistant coach at Doss, Manual and Pleasure Ridge Park.

Thomas will continue his task of building the Eagle program from the ground up despite finishing last year with 13 players, including a female lineman.

Running back Demarcus Blakemore and quarterback Dwight Trowell are scheduled to return for Thomas in 2006.


Evarts (4-7)

Head coach: Ovie Canady
2005: Lost to Paintsville 71-40 in the first round of the playoffs

Some schedule juggling has Evarts head coach Ovie Canady wanting his team to get off to a much quicker start in 2006.

The Wildcats lost their first games last season and never seemed to get on track, although Canady feels they improved each week.

An open date in the first week means Evarts will play district rival Harlan in the second week of the season before a pair of non-district games.

“We have to get off to a better start this year. Harlan is our biggest rival and a district game, and we play them early,” Canady said. “It is important that we get off to a good start in district play and keep improving.”

Evarts doesn’t return a wealth of experience on the line but have some skill kids back that could be impact players.

“We lost several starters, but could very well be better this year with the return of our quarterback and a very solid backfield. We will be small up front and have to rely on quickness to carry us through,” Canady said.

Jimmy Pike (5-10, 200, Sr.) makes the move from receiver to tailback and is a solid cornerback on defense.

Adam Helton (5-10, 185, Sr.) rushed for over 100 yards against Paintsville in the playoffs and is the fastest player on the Evarts roster.

Derek Cochran (6-0, 160, Jr.) returns at quarterback after leading the county schools in passing last year. With more size and strength, Canady said Cochran could throw the ball more in 2006.

James Shepherd (5-8, 200, Jr.) headlines a quick yet undersized offensive line.

“James is one of the best linemen I’ve ever had here,” Canady said.

On defense, three of Evarts’ five returning starters are in the secondary.


Fairview (5-6)

Head coach: Chad Tackett
2005: Lost to Beechwood 55-13 in the first round of the playoffs

One point was all that separated Fairview from a home playoff game against Bellevue or a road playoff loss to Beechwood. The latter occurred thanks to a 7-6 district loss to Raceland.

With 11 starters returning this year, head coach Chad Tackett realizes the importance of winning district games, especially with the new format that keeps them from seeing perennial powers Beechwood and Newport Central Catholic until the third round.

The strength of the Eagles will be their linebackers on a defensive unit that only allowed just over 200 yards of offense held six opponents to a touchdown or less last year.

Daniel Armstrong (6-3, 232, Jr.) and Cliff Stewart (5-11, 225, Jr.) return on the inside, while Keith McClelland (6-0, 195, Jr.) and Charlie Webb (6-0, 180, Sr.) will be on the outside.

On offense, Fairview returns a pair of offensive tackles in Robbie Cline (6-4, 275, Sr.) and Zach Pritchard (6-1, 305, Sr.).

They will try and open holes for running back Danny Stewart (5-10, 180, Sr.), who is ready for a breakout season after playing behind some talented backs the past two seasons, Tackett said.

Armstrong has the inside track at becoming Fairview’s third starting quarterback the past three years.

One of his main targets will be Jason Kouns (6-0, 170, Sr.), one of the most athletic players on the team.

Three juniors Tackett expects good things from this year include safety Casey Clark (5-7, 145), running back Justin McCoy (5-9, 175), and lineman Matt Thompson (6-1, 210).

“I think we have the potential to contend for the district crown, but Raceland and LCA have to be the leaders heading into the season based on what they both have coming back,” Tackett said.

[The Scribe]

Fort Knox (1-9)

Head coach: Tom Jaco
2005: Missed the playoffs

Like their military parents on the field of combat, the Fort Knox football team is hoping to ambush their district opponents this year and make the playoffs for the first time in three seasons.

Head coach Tom Jaco returns the bulk of last year’s team that avoided a winless season with a win over Green County in the final week.

Sophomore Xavier Bacon burst onto the scene with 460 yards rushing and seven touchdowns last year, while senior quarterback Troy Meno topped 1,000 yards passing in his first season at the helm of the Fort Knox Wing-T offense.

Bacon also proved his worth catching the football with 17 receptions for 206 yards.

Jaco is expected to have the services of two experienced linemen – Dustin Montgomery (5-10, 220, Sr.) and Michael Dickerson (6-1, 280, Sr.) – to open holes for Bacon and Meno.

Like their 2A counterparts at Fort Campbell, the Eagle roster could improve or take a hit depending on troop relocation and whether they have sons who can play football.

If Jaco still has most of his 2005 team intact in August, they could make a push for a playoff berth.


Frankfort (8-4)

Head coach: Craig Foley
2005: Lost to Bardstown 42-13 in the second round of the playoffs

Craig Foley has revived the football program at Frankfort.

The Panthers, who had 11 straight losing seasons from 1991-2001, have made the playoffs for three straight years for the first time since 1988-90.

Now, Foley wants his team to advance past the second round of the playoffs – something Frankfort hasn’t done since 1990.

The Panthers have a good chance of ending that streak with 14 starters returning from last year’s 8-4 team that lost to Bardstown in the second round of the playoffs.

“We just didn’t play up to par in that loss to Bardstown, but we think we can at least get that far in 2006,” Foley said.

A lot of eyes will be on senior tight end Josh Smith (6-4, 245) who is already garnering preseason honors as one of the top players in the state.

Antoine Robinson (5-10, 185, Sr.) returns after rushing for nearly 1,000 yards behind teammate Alonzo Tillman. With Tillman graduated, Robinson should have a breakout season in 2006.

E.J. Fields (5-11, 150, Jr.) can line up anywhere on the field and be a threat on offense, while Cameron Jouett (5-9, 175, Sr.) is also a threat in the backfield.

Wes Penn (5-10, 210) and Justin Walling (5-10, 215) headline an all-junior offensive line that returns in full from last year.

Foley is also excited about the additions of Conrad Garland and Quan Weaver to his team.

Garland (6-1, 195, Jr.) played running back at Anderson County last year, while Weaver (6-0, 165, Fr.) transferred in from Macon, Ga.

Frankfort has the skill players to compete for the school’s first region title since 1990, but the Panthers will have to show improvement and more toughness on defense if they are to make some noise in the postseason.


Fulton City (2-9)

Head Coach: Wayne Lohaus
2005: Lost to Metcalfe County 61-0 in first round of playoffs

A lack of numbers has always been a problem at Fulton City, which is one of the smallest schools in the state to field a football team.

However, Wayne Lohaus enters his sixth season at the helm with 15 starters returning from last year’s 2-9 team that lost to Metcalfe County in the playoffs.

Lohaus said his roster would feature around 24 players from a school with an enrollment of around 130.

He is hoping the returning experience can get the Bulldogs over the hump after losing three games by four or fewer points last year.

The Bulldog offense will revolve around junior Dae-ron Williams (5-11, 165), who rushed for 1,048 yards and 11 touchdowns last year.

Senior fullback Anthony Tipton (5-11, 180) and senior receiver Barry Graves (6-3, 190) also return for Lohaus, while Steve Clanahan (5-10, 175) will also gets some carries.

Antwain Porterfield (6-2, 200, Jr.) and Josh Hamrick (6-2, 200, Sr.) will be expected to anchor the Bulldog line.

Fulton City has four of their nine schedule games against out-of-state teams.

[The Scribe]

Fulton County (6-5)

Head Coach: Mancel Elam
2005: Lost to Crittenden County 39-8 in first round of playoffs

While Mayfield and Murray are usually listed at the favorites to win District 1, Mancel Elam’s Fulton County squad may be a sleeper to watch in 2006.

Elam, a member of Fulton County’s 1993 region title team, took over a team last year that had won eight games in five years and posted the school’s first winning season since 1998.

With Elam providing stability to a program that has seen its share of off-the-field coaching issues in recent years, the Pilots are looking to make the most of 16 returning starters.

“We were able to get a winning attitude established here last year, and hopefully the team will want to take it to another level,” Elam said.

There should be plenty of weapons at Elam’s disposal on offense, led by Tari Bishop (5-10, 195, Sr.) in the backfield and speedster LaDrekus Moffitt (5-8, 150, Jr.) and Jeffery McClain (6-4, 225) will provide contrasting targets for quarterback Jonathon Robertson.

For the Pilots to make a bid to host the school’s first playoff game in eight years, Elam needs quick maturation from his linemen that include Phillip Wilson, Ben Burnett, and Tony Udley.

“This is our best opportunity to challenge everyone in our district. We plan on being a thorn in the sides of the entire region,” Elam predicted.


Gallatin County

Head coach: Tim Browning

The small community of Warsaw won’t get to enjoy a local version of Friday night lights this year, but it’s not because they don’t have a football team.

Gallatin County is fielding a varsity football team for the first time in 2006 and will play their first game Aug. 18 at Carroll County.

Work is still taking place at the new home of the Wildcats, including the installation of bleachers.

Head coach Tim Browning is hoping everything is in place for their first-ever home game Sept. 2 against Spencer County.

The new stadium does not have lights, which means the Wildcats will play their four home games on Saturday afternoons.

Browning is hoping the success of last year’s 7-0 junior varsity team spills over to the varsity squad this year.

“The community support has been unbelievable. Last year’s success at the J.V. level brought a lot of interest to our team,” he said. “Our boosters, superintendent, athletic director, and parents have worked well together to get this program started.”

Gallatin County began pee wee football in 2000 and has played a middle school schedule the past two years in preparation for varsity football.

Because many of his players are new to the sport, Browning said he will keep things simple this year and stress fundamentals more than X’s and O’s.

“We have a pretty basic system on offense and defense. We will run some power-I and wishbone on offense and mix up a 4-4 and 5-3 on defense,” he said.

Assisting Browning will be Tony Jury, Tony Carlton, and Josh Campbell.


Green County (1-9)

Head coach: Mike Griffiths
2005: Missed the playoffs

After winning 29 games in three seasons (2000-02), Green County has fallen on hard times, winning just two games in the three seasons since.

Mike Griffiths returns for his second go-around as head coach of the Dragons and will have some pieces to work with.

Matthew Edwards (6-0, 180, Jr.) split time at quarterback and in the backfield last year and will likely move to receiver in 2006.

Justin Pendleton will get the nod at quarterback for the Dragons.

Junior Jessie Underwood (5-11, 185 Jr.) saw time in the backfield last year and is one of the top defensive players in the district at defensive end.

Joey Johnson (6-2, 255, Sr.) provides some size on the defensive line.


Hancock County (4-7)

Head coach: Brock Shoulders
2005: Lost to Mayfield 37-10 in the first round of the playoffs

With 14 returning starters, Hancock County was expected to challenge Mayfield for the Region I title. However, key injuries and some bad luck saw the Hornets lose to Mayfield much earlier than many expected – the first round of the playoffs.

Head coach Brock Shoulders is expected to return 15 starters in a much-improved district where home field advantage in the playoffs is coveted.

As their Hornet nickname would indicate, Shoulders is expecting big things from their swarming defense that returns eight starters.

Although Hancock County lost second-team All-State defensive lineman Ryan Lambert to graduation, they return leading tackler Brice Duncan, a junior linebacker who recorded 144 tackles last year.

Many of Hancock County’s skill kids play on both sides of the football, as well as linemen James Macy (6-1, 235, Sr.) and Matt Adkins (5-11, 245, Jr.).

“We thought our offensive and defensive lines would be a concern for us because we felt we lacked depth. However, we were pleasantly surprised during spring practice with the way some performed, and we’re not as worried as we were once were,” said Shoulders.

Jarrad McCormick (5-10, 185, Sr.) made the move from quarterback to running back and responded with 602 yards rushing and seven scores. Shoulders said he would like to use McCormick, who will be returning from off-season shoulder surgery, in a variety of ways on offense and special teams.

Derek Roach (5-11, 180, Sr.) returns after rushing for 709 yards and six scores, while Taylor Wall added 491 yards rushing and four touchdowns.
Levi Stenson (5-11, 170, Sr.) returns at receiver after catching 31 passes for 463 yards and five touchdowns.

Sophomore Tyler Magan started the last three games at quarterback last year and threw for 336 yards and two scores. Shoulders calls Magan’s progression under center as one of the keys to Hancock County’s season.


Harlan (5-6)

Head coach: J.B. Donahue
2005: Lost to Pikeville 29-0 in the first round of the playoffs

Harlan failed to advance past the second round of the playoffs for a sixth straight year, but head coach J.B. Donahue may have the horses to end that streak in 2006.

The Green Dragons return eight starters on both sides of the football and will have a senior-dominated team at his disposal.

Jon Lundy (5-10, 170, Sr.) makes the move from quarterback to running back to try and offset the loss of Teddy Thompson and his 1,600 rushing yards last year.

Jonathan Heck (5-9, 190), Hunter Luttrell (5-10, 170), and Casey Belcher (5-11, 180) will also see time in the Harlan backfield.

Chase Jones (6-3, 170) started to put things together at quarterback in the second half of last year and will lead the Green Dragon offense.

Will Pope (6-3, 170, Sr.) should see plenty of passes coming his way in 2006 and is a top defensive back after picking off five passes last year.

Josh Goodin (5-8, 150), Josh Johnson (6-1, 180), Thomas Farrow (6-0, 185), and Patrick Ball (6-1, 165) will also see time at the receiver position.

Donahue has a pair of experienced linemen to work his offense around, including three-year starters Derek Stephenson (5-9, 190, Sr.) and Westley Howard (6-3, 230, Jr.).

Blake James (6-2, 300, Sr.), Aaron Jones (6-0, 250, Jr.), and Brad Smith (6-3, 235) will also likely start on Donahue’s offensive line.

If Harlan can mesh together their returning players and new positions, they could be in contention to host a playoff game come November.


Hazard (9-2)

Head coach: Mark Dixon
2005: Lost to Lynn Camp 38-20 in the first round of the playoffs

2006 appears to be a rebuilding season for Hazard, which rolled through the regular season last year before getting upended in the first round of the playoffs.

The first task for head coach Mark Dixon is replacing All-everything Durrell Olinger, who accounted for 3,405 passing yards last year.

Senior Colby Hoskins will provide a nice target for the new quarterback after catching 39 passes for 434 yards and six touchdowns last year.

Seniors Dan Spaulding and Chase Short also return for Dixon, who opens the season Aug. 18 at Perry County Central.

[The Scribe]

Holy Cross (Covington) (5-6)

Head coach: Bruce Kozerski
2005: Lost to Lexington Christian 55-14 in the first round of the playoffs

Holy Cross has the horses to make some noise in district play this year, but the new KHSAA playoff format means they will likely meet Beechwood or Newport Central Catholic in the first round of the playoffs instead of a District 6 opponent.

That’s why head coach Bruce Kozerski knows his senior-dominated team must execute his game plan to near perfection to improve upon last year’s 5-6 season.

Matt Abeling (6-0, 155, Sr.) split time at quarterback with Bruce Arlinghaus (6-3, 220, Sr.) last year. Abeling threw for 320 yards and had a higher completion percentage than Arlinghaus, who threw for 413 yards but had nine picks.

Anthony Penny (5-11, 190, Sr.) topped 1,000 yards last year while splitting the carries with since departed Gerald Walker.

Jeremy Cross (6-0, 175, Sr.) led the Indians in catches with 12 for 166 yards. The return of Nate Reeves and Joe Sullivan should bolster the Holy Cross receiving corps no matter who the quarterback is.

Kozerski is hoping his line of Chris Schneider (6-1, 215, Sr.), Billy Gripshover (6-2, 260, Sr.), Chris Merritt (6-3, 305, Sr.), Joe Shaw (6-5, 265, Sr.), Johntai Scruggs (6-2, 225, Sr.), and Jake Staubitz (6-2,196, Sr.) make enough progress during the season to give the Indians a shot at a home field playoff game.


Jenkins (2-8)

Head coach: Mark Johnson
2005: Missed the playoffs

Jenkins ended the 2005 season on a high-note, winning the final two games after an eight-game losing streak.

Junior quarterback Chris Puckett and junior running back Jonathon Taylor are two players head coach Mark Johnson will look to in 2006 as the Cavaliers gun for their first winning season in 13 years.


Kentucky Country Day (5-5)

Head coach: Tim Green
2005: Missed the playoffs

Tim Green’s fourth season at the helm of Kentucky Country Day could produce the school’s first trip to the postseason since 2002.

The Bearcats bring back six starters on both sides of the football, led by tailback Terronce Adams (6-0, 180, Sr.). The junior rushed for 610 yards and seven touchdowns last year.

Junior Brian Cruse (6-0, 190) also returns after rushing for 703 yards and eight touchdowns.

They were two of several players Green had to take from the inexperienced heap and thrust into the starting lineup last year. He’s hoping that experience will pay off for his club in 2006.

Cassidy Cook (6-1, 205, Sr.) returns after throwing for 711 yards and five touchdowns last year.

One area where the Bearcats will not stack up with their district opponents is on the line where Noah Lucas (6-1, 205, Sr.) is one of the few returning players with experience.


Lexington Christian (11-2)

Head coach: Paul Rains
2005: Lost to Newport Central Catholic 40-14 in Region III championship

Looking back at 2005, Lexington Christian’s two losses came to 1A state champion Newport Central Catholic and 3A state winner Lexington Catholic.

In between, the Eagles ripped off 11 straight wins and won the school’s first-ever district title.

However, LCA graduated all of their skill players and have some important holes to fill on both sides of the football.

The good news for head coach Paul Rains is the return of three starters on his offensive line – Joe Hays (6-1, 245, Sr.), Colton Fick (6-0, 210, Sr.), and Matt Howard (5-10, 165, Sr.).

Steve Stoll (5-10, 175, Sr.) and Will Maupin (5-10, 170, Sr.) both start on defense and could challenge for a starting spot in the backfield.

Hunter Swaim (6-0, 170, Sr.) could get a look at quarterback and will play receiver if he doesn’t start under center.

After going 19-5 the past two seasons, LCA has some major questions to answer, and they’ll get them soon with the toughest non-district schedule among District 6 teams.

The Eagles open with Mercer County Aug. 19 in the St. Joseph Bluegrass Bowl at Lexington Catholic.


Ludlow (4-6)

Head coach: Randy Borchers
2005: Missed the playoffs

After three seasons and a 17-15 record at Ludlow, Steve Hensley moved on to the head coaching job at Cincinnati’s Taylor High School.

Enter Randy Borchers.

The Newport Central Catholic graduate spent seven seasons as a Ludlow assistant coach before accepting his first head coaching job in the spring.

Borchers is looking to spread things out offensively at Ludlow and run the option.

He’ll have to find a replacement at quarterback for Chase King, and their two leading rushers from last year.

John Garnett (5-8, 185, Sr.) and Cory Gilbert (5-11, 180, Sr.) give Borchers some options in the backfield, while Aaron Duncan (6-3, 240, Sr.), Paul McGlasson (5-11, 185, Sr.), and Matt Mullins (6-0, 185, Sr.) return on the line.

Kyle York (5-11, 160, Sr.) should see the football thrown his way quite a bit in 2006.

As the former defensive coordinator, Borchers doesn’t plan to deviate much from the 50 defense they’ve used in the past.

[The Scribe]

McLean County (5-5)

Head coach: Marshall Enoch
2005: Missed the playoffs

2005 was a tale of two seasons for McLean County.

The Cougars won five of their first six games and seemed destined for their first winning season in six years.

But they lost their last four district games and missed the playoffs despite a .500 record.

Marshall Enoch, a former McLean County assistant who had been at Owensboro the past several seasons, takes over for Marcus Kimbrell, who bolted for the Daviess County job.

Enoch inherits a near full cupboard after losing just four seniors to graduation.

Quarterback Nick Tanner (6-2, 185, Sr.) led the Cougars in rushing (640 yards) and passing (352 yards) while combining for 16 touchdowns.

Alex Lindsey (5-8, 190, Sr.) is a running back who also starts at linebacker on defense.

Scotty Woodburn (5-10, 200, Sr.) and A.J. Henderson (6-3, 200, Sr.) also return at linebacker for the Cougars.

Enoch will also have some experience returning on the line where Anthony Wilson (5-8, 205, Sr.), Nathan Wells (6-0 250, Sr.), and Marc Barnett (6-0, 230, Sr.) are expected to return.

With the new playoff format meaning teams will likely avoid Mayfield in the first two rounds, an experienced Cougar team could lead McLean County to the second round of the playoffs for the first time since 1993.

Metcalfe County (11-2)

Head coach: Larry Harbison
2005: Lost to Mayfield 34-0 in the Region I Championship

Larry Harbison enters his 20th season as head coach at Metcalfe County with a core group of players that could return the Hornets to the region title game again in 2006.

Metcalfe lost their season opener to Barren County before ripping off 11 straight wins. The Hornets’ bid for the school’s first-ever regional title was dashed by Mayfield in the regional title game.

Harbison will have ten starters coming back in 2006, led by junior quarterback Will Warf (6-3, 170) who threw for 1,300 yards and 20 touchdowns.

Jeffery White (5-9, 150, Jr.) was one of Warf’s main targets last year, catching 21 passes for 544 yards and a team-high five touchdowns.

Metcalfe must replace the backfield duo of Ryan England and Russ McMurtrey, who combined for 2,400 yards and 27 touchdowns in 2005.

Helping provide stability to the newcomers on the ground are returning linemen Daniel Bragg (5-10, 150, Sr.) and Ryan Coffey (5-10, 155, Jr.).

Six of Metcalfe’s returning starters are on a defensive unit that allowed just 166 yards of offense and 8.5 points a game, including five shutouts.

Senior safety Justin Bruce picked off eight passes last year and returned one for a score.

He’ll be joined in the secondary by White, while Bragg will help anchor the Metcalfe 4-3 defense at end along with defensive end Joe Neal (Sr., 50 tackles) and Josh Neal (Sr., 75 tackles).

“We are hoping to have breakout years from several juniors who are tremendous athletes that are getting the chance at the varsity level,” Harbison said. “We will be small on the line on both sides of the ball, but we had a sound defense in 2005 and could be better in 2006.”

Metcalfe County will get a good test early when they open the season with Glasgow at Barren County’s T.J. Samson Bowl.


Murray (5-7)

Head Coach: Lee Edwards
2005: Lost to Metcalfe County 52-6 in the second round of the playoffs.

Murray posted a losing record last year for the first time since 1996 and for only the third time in 18 seasons.

Second-year head coach Lee Edwards returns five starters on both sides of the football, including senior Jon Wilson who rushed for 1,684 yards and 15 touchdowns last year. Wilson finished second in the 1A state track meet in the sprint events and has 4.4 speed.

Wilson could get blocking help from fullback Drew Stephens (6-2, 220), who also sees time at defensive end.

Taylor Pierce (6-3, 200, Sr.) could replace Hugh Rollins at quarterback or could play receiver. He will help shore up the Tiger secondary on defense.
Will Pittman (5-9, 170) may also see time in the backfield and will handle the Murray kicking duties.

If Edwards has one less thing to worry about, it’s his line.

Matt Collins (5-10, 235, Sr.) was a two-way starter last year and anchors a line that helped open holes for 258 yards of rushing per night.

Will Kemp (6-1, 220, Sr.) started on the defensive line last year and should add center to his duties in 2006.

Jordan Belcher (6-0, 300) and J.J. Webb (6-2, 220) will also provide some beef up front for the Tigers.

Defensively, Murray gave up an uncharacteristic 33 points and 354 yards on defense last year.

Linebacker Wes Alexander (6-2, 200) is one of the players Edwards will hope leads an improved defense.

“We will be solid at every position, but where we will suffer is depth, or lack thereof,” Edwards said. “Every player on the field will be a solid player, but we cannot afford injuries.”

After playing two years on the turf at Murray State University, the Tigers will return home to historic Ty Holland Stadium for their 105th season of Tiger football this year. Construction on an adjacent school building caused the temporary move.

Edwards is also excited about a renovated weight room that he hopes pays dividends down the road.

“We were able to lay the foundation last year, but it is far from complete. The work ethic of this team improves daily, and we fully intend on winning the region. We have high expectations and will work accordingly,” Edwards said.


Nicholas County (1-9)

Head coach: Robert Hopkins
2005: Missed the playoffs

A 44-22 win over Berea was all the separated Nicholas County from a winless season in 2005.

The Bluejackets strung together four straight winning seasons from 1999-2002 but have lost 25 games in the three seasons since.

However, head coach Robert Hopkins saw his team graduate just four seniors and returns 17 starters, which is good news in a district where the top teams have suffered big graduation losses.

Jonathon Maddox (5-8, 155, Jr.) was the team’s leading rusher last year, while sophomore quarterback Jorden Mynear (5-11, 150) returns to lead the offense.

Both should have solid seasons behind an experienced line that includes David Little (5-9, 260, Sr.), Josh Hatfield (6-3, 350, Sr.), and Jesse Mitchell (6-1, 215, Sr.).

Hopkins should have a little more depth to work with this year as his roster exceeded 30 players last year for the first time in several seasons.


Owen County (2-8)

Head coach: Greg Ulasiewicz
2005: Missed the playoffs

2006 could be viewed as a good news/bad news scenario for Owen County head coach Greg Ulasiewicz.

The good: The merger of Harrodsburg into Mercer County means there is one less team to battle for a playoff spot.

The Bad: Owen County returns just nine starters, and only one of those is a lineman.

Ulasiewicz said Dustin Curtis (5-8, 190, Sr.) appeared to win the starting quarterback job after his performance in spring drills.

Jimmy Dalton (5-11, 185, Sr.) will start the season at fullback but could move to the offensive line if need be.

Both Curtis and Dalton will start at linebacker in Owen County’s 5-2 defensive scheme.

6-foot-3 Korry Mills will make a nice target for Curtis at tight end and will start in the secondary.

Owen County graduated a ton of seniors, and Ulasiewicz feels they may have implanted an attitude and work ethic into the returning players that could pay dividends down the road.

“While the record was not what we wanted last year, our core group of seniors brought the term ‘TEAM’ back into existence in Owen County. This year’s squad will need to carry this term even farther, especially in being unselfish in the positions asked to play, if we are going to have a shot at a winning season and playoff berth,” Ulasiewicz said.

[The Scribe]

Paintsville (10-3)

Head coach: Jim Tom Allen
2005: Lost to Somerset 26-12 in the Region 4 championship game

First year head coach Bill Mike Runyon led the Tigers to a district title, a regional title game appearance, and 10-3 record in 2005.

But Runyon’s basketball team had high expectations coming into the season and didn’t quite meet them. Many considered this due to the lack of time that Runyon was able to spend on the hardwood because of his gridiron duties.

Runyon resigned after one season as football coach, and the Tigers were left to make a coaching change for the second time in as many years.

Along with Runyon, the football Tigers lost Chuck Rowe and Jimmy Daniels from the staff. Rowe took an administrative position in the Floyd County School System. Daniels has been one of Runyon’s top assistants in basketball for many years and felt obligated to focus on basketball as well.

The Paintsville administration wasted no time in finding a replacement. Jim Tom Allen was named the Tigers’ head coach, having served previously as the Tigers defensive coordinator, offensive line coach and strength coach over the last decade.

He also has coaching experience in the college ranks, coaching the offensive line at Pikeville College in 2004.

Along with Allen returns the top defensive assistant in Joe Chirico, who also coaches offensive backs. A former Marshall defensive back, Chirico helped instruct a solid secondary who racked up a double digit total in interceptions last season.

Other returnees to the staff include line coach Milt Preston, linebacker coach B.J. Ward, line coach Matt Runyon (Bill Mike’s son), and WR/DB coach Dustin Hall. It has also been rumored that former Tiger standouts Matt Brown and Jason Kinner will also assist on the Tiger staff.

Allen’s offense is expected to be much like Runyon’s style of run and gun, which suited athletic senior quarterback Daniel Pugh (6-0, 180, Sr.), who is a threat both running and passing the pigskin.

The All-Area QB performer led the Tigers in scoring as he passed for 1,405 yards and 21 touchdowns while only throwing 9 interceptions. Pugh also rushed for 892 yards and 22 touchdowns, for a total of 43 offensive touchdowns.

Pugh will likely be backed up by junior J.D. Vanhoose (6-2, 205) and junior Corey Humphrey (5-9, 165).

But the Tigers are left to replace a lot as they lost the rest of their starting skill position players to graduation, the most crucial being the leading rusher from the past two seasons Hans Doderer, who rushed for 1,025 yards and 17 touchdowns in only 11 games last season.

Right now, the replacement for Doderer is up in the air with the top candidates being senior Shane Cantrell (5-11, 175), and sophomore Cody Reynolds (5-11, 210).

Cantrell has starting experience at the tailback position, while Reynolds has seen limited action.

Also possibly seeing action at tailback are juniors Hunter Preston (5-8, 150) and Humphrey.

Paintsville will also have to replace the other third of their backfield as they also lost the powerful fullback Wes Ward.

Senior Kyle Sublett (5-11, 215) is the most likely candidate to replace Ward as he has two years starting experience in the backfield, the most on the team at the running back positions.

Reynolds will also serve as a reserve at fullback.

At the other skill positions, the Tigers lost some valuable experience.
Receivers Andrew Brown, T.J. Freno, Stewart Lipps and tight end Kevin Williams were all lost to graduation.

The Tigers do return Vanhoose and senior Brian Walker (6-3, 180) with game experience at tight end and wide receiver, respectively.

The Tigers also have athletic junior Blake Bundy (6-0, 180) who will be relied on for his soft hands at receiver, although he hasn’t played since his freshman year.

Also to see playing time at receiver is Humphrey, Preston and sophomore Tyler Deaton (6-3, 190).

The Tigers are also forced to replace five of their top six offensive linemen from last season.

The Tigers do return junior center J.J Hensley (5-11, 225), who now has two years staring experience and has bulked up quite a bit in the offseason.

Also back are junior tackle Justin Stafford (6-3, 225), junior guard Bucky Bailey (5-9, 220), and sophomore, center Casey Brown (6-2, 215).

Stafford was thrown into the starting lineup early last season, as starter Blake Lemaster was out with an injury.

The Tigers also return junior Casey Leonard (6-33, 240), who has an excellent work ethic but missed most of last season with a bout of shingles.

The Tigers have also coaxed senior Justin Meek to come out and help the Tigers. Meek has soft hands and could be utilized as a tight end as well as a tackle.

Due to the graduation Lipps and Jeff Collett, the Tigers will be searching for some special teamers.

Although Pugh is likely to assume punting duties as he did his freshman season, the Tigers will be without a kickoff and field goal kicker.

On defense, Sublett returns to the MLB post with experience. Also returning at linebacker with experience is Bailey, Vanhoose, and Cantrell. Cantrell will move to OLB from being a safety for most of his career. Also possibly seeing time at linebacker is Reynolds and Casey Brown. Although most of Brown’s experience comes along the d-line, he along with Reynolds, Vanhoose and Bailey may also line up at DE. Stafford also has experience at defensive end but may move down inside to play DT due to his stature.

The Tigers will more than likely use their size up front, and utilize many defensive lineman keeping them fresh, which could include Bailey, Hensley, Brown, Meek, Osbourne, and Leonard.

The secondary probably possesses more experience than any other position. Paintsville returns, seniors Pugh and Walker, who both have starting experience in the secondary for the Tigers. Humphrey, a transfer player from Lawrence County, has experience in the secondary as he was a two year starter for the Bulldogs and will more than likely start at the Rover position.

The other corner position is up for grabs among Bundy, Preston and Deaton. It may be platooned but the other two will see significant action as reserves for the others in the secondary. The possibilities are unlimited in the defensive backfield.

Over the past 3 seasons, the Tigers have made the playoffs at a different position each year. Granted the team was young but in 2003 the Tigers ended the regular season on a 3 game skid placing them 4th in the district. This caused them to travel to Somerset in the playoffs, which were the champs of their district respectively and ousted the Tigers easily 62-6.

In 2004, Paintsville lost a big district game to South Floyd forcing them to go on the road in the 1st round of the playoffs against a tough Harlan team. After a close first three quarters, the Green Dragons pulled away to defeat the Tigers handedly in the fourth.

In 2005, Paintsville finally came into their own only losing two games before the playoffs. The bad news was of those two losses, one was to cross-town rival Johnson Central and the other was a big district loss to Pikeville. The Tigers tied with the Panthers and Hazard for the district lead with each team only losing one district game. Paintsville was crown district champs due to the tie breaker system, winning their first in 20 years.

As of right now, the Panthers are the team that’s circled on the Tiger schedule as the biggest game, which could very well be a District Championship game once again. Sadly enough it will be the last time the two squares off in district play, due to the new alignment Pikeville moves up to 2A. Paintsville has been mentioned to be in the regional title hunt as well, but the Class 1A Region 4 is strong again with teams such as Pikeville, Hazard, Harlan, Lynn Camp and Somerset.

Paris (4-7)

Head coach: Brian Washington
2005: Lost to Newport Central Catholic 51-6 in the first round of the playoffs

Brian Washington was able to take the Greyhounds to the playoffs his first season on the Paris sidelines.

With a large senior class and 16 returning starters, the former Paris player is looking to claim the school’s first district title since 2001.

The main cog for any success Paris will enjoy is 6-foot-5, 314-pound lineman Chase Dumphord, who has scholarship offers from Kentucky, Auburn, Louisville and Cincinnati as well as interest from Florida and Tennessee.

The Greyhounds return the bulk of their skill players, led by senior running back Marcus Hall (5-10, 170) who rushed for 1,011 yards and seven touchdowns last year.

Sammy Crump passed for 1,063 yards and six touchdowns last year and returns targets A.J. Cosby (6-0, 160, Sr.) and Justin McCarty (5-11, 175, Sr.).

Other linemen who will join Dumphord include Jon Thomas (5-11, 210, Sr.), Nick Wilson (6-1, 315, Sr.), and Erik Nason (6-2 245, Sr.).


Phelps (4-7)

Head coach: Chris Haggerman
2005: Lost to Somerset 52-7 in the first round of the playoffs

Sometimes, addition by subtraction is needed to better team chemistry, especially at the Class A level when roster sizes are smaller.

Phelps returns five starters on both sides of the football, but that number could have been higher had every returning player came back out for the squad.

“We had several starters from last year that chose not to participate in offseason workouts and will probably not be playing this year,” said second-year head coach Chris Haggerman. “But, we also have several kids that did not play last year that have been working hard in the offseason program that will start for us and actually make us better.”

The Hornets will key their offense around senior running back Russell Johnson, who rushed for 627 yards and scored a total of 12 touchdowns.

Junior Drew Lester (6-2, 275) will anchor the offensive and defensive lines.

“These two guys are the strongest players on the team and are out teams leaders,” Haggerman said.

One player Phelps may not have in the mix in 2006 is Third Team All-State receiver Charlie Hunt, who is still recovering from injuries suffered in a car crash in the offseason. Hunt, who caught 20 passes for 644 yards and eight touchdowns last year, is recovering fine but may not be able to play sports again, Haggerman said.

With an improved backfield and offensive line, look for Phelps to become more run-oriented this year and top their average of 130 yards on the ground per game from a year ago.

“I feel we will be more disciplined and committed, and the team chemistry will be much better this year,” Haggerman said. “We have some new kids out, some kids playing different positions, and some kids with greater roles this season. We will be a little green and inexperienced to start with, but I think we have the potential to be a strong team.”


Pineville (3-7)

Head coach: Bart Elam
2005: Missed the playoffs

Pineville has their third coach in as many seasons.

Bart Elam, who was the quarterbacks’ coach at Union College for two years, takes over a Mountain Lion program that has generated just two winning seasons in the past 16 years.

Elam, who was on Maurice Dixon’s high school staff in Florida, plans to throw the football more in 2006, which means quarterback Zack Churchwell (6-3, 205, Sr.) will be a busy man.

The new coach should also benefit from the return of running backs David Adams (6-1, 200, Sr.) and T.J. Lord and receivers Jeff Hollingsworth and Matt Combs.

Cain Sams, Alex Garland, Nick Frye, and Aaron Sinkhorn return on the Pineville line.

[The Scribe]

Raceland (7-4)

Head coach: Randall Vanderhoof
2005: Lost to Bellevue 49-23 in the first round of the playoffs

By oldrambler

Scott Grizzle is one of the best players you’ve probably never heard of.

The three-year starter threw for 2,188 yards and 25 touchdowns last year in helping lead the Rams to a 7-4 mark – the school’s third winning season in four years.

However, Grizzle will play around a new supporting cast as head coach Randy Vanderhoof tries to compensate for heavy losses in the receiving and line corps.

Grizzle's targets this year will be Benji Mullins (5-10, 155, Sr.), Jacob Sparks (6-4, 210, Jr.), and Scott McKenzie (6-0, 180, Sr.).

Also expected to see plenty of action are Daniel Pettrey (6-1, 170, Jr.) and sophomore Tyler Boyles (5-11, 150).

The Rams will be making some changes in their offense as two running backs – J.T. Forest (6-1, 240, Sr.) and Brad Rogers (6-2, 240, Sr.) – will move to the offensive line to help plug some holes. The duo combined to rush for over 600 yards and six touchdowns last year.

Caleb Caldwell (6-1, 225, Sr.), Kyle Rennie 5-10, 260, Sr.), Jarrod Smith (6-1, 215, Soph.), and Robbie Logan (6-2, 225, Soph) will also see time on the line.

With Rogers and Forest now opening holes instead of running through them, the bulk of the rushing load will fall on the shoulders of Brett Denton (6-2, 190, Jr.), who has impressed the coaching staff with his combination of power and speed, Joe Stevens (5-11, 235, Soph.), and John Scott Carver (5-10, 160, Soph.).

In order for the Rams to be successful in 2006, Vanderhoof said they must improve on defense after giving up over 215 yards rushing a game last year.

The linebacker corps of Forrest, Stevens, and Denton is expected to lead the hard hitting and much improved defense.


South Floyd (4-6)

Head coach: Donny Daniels
2005: Missed the playoffs

After winning a school-record eight games in 2004, the Raiders took a small step back in 2005 and will likely have a similar season in 2006.

Head coach Donny Daniels is looking for several underclassmen to step into starting roles in hopes the Raiders can sneak into the playoffs as a four seed.

Senior running back/linebacker Anthony Barker returns after rushing for nearly 500 yards and leading the team with six fumble recoveries.

In another type of recovery, Daniels is hoping that senior quarterback Anthony Thornsbury has recovered from a knee injury that sidelined him the second half of last year. It was the second straight year a Raider quarterback missed part of the season due to an injury.


Trimble County (3-7)

Head coach: Johnny Poynter
2005: Missed the playoffs

Johnny Poynter is looking to pull a 180-degree turn the folks in Bedford haven’t seen in years.

The Raiders ended a 25-game losing streak last year with a win over Nicholas County.

After losing just two seniors to graduation, Poynter has this team looking to make the playoffs for the first time since 2002 and bring home the program’s first-ever winning season.

“I’ve coached for 14 years, and I have never been involved in a situation like this,” Poynter said of his prosperity entering the season.

Confidence and adapting to a new system were the two main things accomplished last year other than ending the long losing streak.

This year, Poynter wants to go a step further, and he will have plenty of weapons to work with in his wishbone attack.

David Bird (5-10, 190, Jr.) rushed for 1,161 yards and 12 touchdowns last year, while Abram Moore (5-11, 210, Jr.) proved to be a dependable red zone back, reaching the end zone nine times on 91 carries.

Junior Justin Hawkes is expected to move to the backfield after finishing last season at quarterback.

Miguel Maldonado (5-10, 165, Sr.) threw for 501 yards and five touchdowns before breaking his leg in the fourth game of the season.

Maldonado’s top target will be Matt Jennings (6-5, 190, Sr.), who caught 32 passes for 887 yards and five touchdowns last year.

Jennings also proved to have a nose for the football, recovering ten fumbles last year, which is third-highest in state history. He will also handle the kicking duties for the Raiders.

Trimble County will also be helped out by two transfers from Shawnee – brothers Donte Jones (6-1, 280, Sr.) and Corey Jones (6-2, 300, Jr.).
Their additions will allow Poynter to Josh Jones (6-1, 280) to tight end.

Joining the brothers’ Jones on the offensive line will be Josh Boyd (6-3, 350, Jr.), Nathan Durrett (6-4, 250, Sr.), and Trent Mulliken (5-10, 215, Jr.).

“I feel that our skill guys were pretty good last year, and now our offensive line is starting to look better,” Poynter said.

Numbers have increased to near 40 for Poynter, who feels the excitement of winning is one of the reasons for the increase.


Walton-Verona

Head coach: Woody McMillen

Like several of their northern Kentucky neighbors, Walton-Verona is starting a football program from scratch with intentions on moving up to the varsity level in the coming years.

Former Ludlow assistant coach Woody McMillen is the man in charge of the Bearcat program, which will have a middle school team this fall.

Like Bishop Brossart, the money to fund equipment and other start-up costs is being raised privately.

Walton-Verona will likely play a freshman schedule in 2007 and a junior varsity schedule in 2008 before deciding when to make the jump to varsity competition.


Williamsburg (4-6)

Head coach: Jerry Herron
2005: Missed the playoffs

Williamsburg struggled through the school’s first losing season in four years and lost their head coach in the offseason.

Jim Black coached the Yellow Jackets to a 31-23 record in five seasons before taking the Whitley County job over the summer.

Assistant coach Jerry Herron was promoted to the top spot and will have a chance to direct one of the top quarterback/receiver combos in Class A.

Senior Thomas Frazier threw for 1,876 yards and 18 touchdowns and added another 712 yards rushing.

Senior Chase Hamblin hauled in 60 passes for 1,174 yards and 14 touchdowns. He also kicked 14 extra points and scored four two-point conversions for a total of 115 points last year.

Herron should also have the services of returning linemen Michael Bird, A.J. Jusino, and Aaron Root – all seniors – and receiver Tommy Helbig.