2009 Kentucky High School Football Preview - Class 6A

[The Scribe]

Apollo (2-8)
Head coach: Paul Bates
2008: Missed the playoffs

2008 marked the first time since the expanded playoff system began 18 years ago that Apollo failed to make the postseason in consecutive years.

The 2009 Eagles have some major holes to fill on offense, but have a couple of solid players returning.

Louisville commitment Harris Biven (6-3, 295, Sr.) anchors the line on both sides of the football.

Quarterback Hunter Cannon (5-10, 190, Sr.) set several school records last year and threw for 1,700 yards.

Tight end Ben Carlisle returns after catching 29 balls for 406 yards, while Donnie McHenry, Jr. hauled in 15 passes for 164 yards.

Defensively, the Eagles return linebacker Nick Laster and defensive back Matthew Johnson.

Apollo should be improved from last year and will likely end their playoff drought in 2009.


Ballard (6-6)
Head coach: Mike Jackson
2008: Lost to Trinity 37-13 in the second round of the Class 6-A playoffs

In his second season, Ballard coach Mike Jackson has the program on an up tick but the only problem this season is the district is loaded.

With Trinity, Seneca and Eastern all in the district, the Bruins could be one of the top 10 teams statewide in 6-A but still be third or fourth in the district.

Jackson saw a lot of talent – all five All-District performers and several others - walk out of the door last season after graduating.

But running back/defensive back Drew Hardin (6-2, 190) will be one of the best two-way starters in the district this coming season.

Quarterback Dominique Dickerson (6-1, 180) has a season under his belt and will find some weapons on the offensive side, including junior Devonte Parker. The latter is the son of former University of Louisville running back Anthony Shelman and at 6-foot-2, 175 pounds could be a star in the making for the Bruins.


Boone County (9-4)
Head coach: Rick Thompson
2008: Lost to Simon Kenton 14-7 in the region title game

Boone County features one of the top running games in northern Kentucky with the return of Charles Quainoo, who ran for 2,198 yards and 21 touchdowns in leading the Rebels to a district title and appearance in the region championship.

Quainoo came out of nowhere to put up monster numbers but knows opposing defenses will be keying in on him this year.

Junior Jordan Oppenheimer added 642 yards and five touchdowns and gives the Rebels a nice 1-2 punch in the backfield.

Despite Boone County’s strengths in the backfield, look for the Rebels to throw the ball more in an attempt to keep opposing defenses from stacking the box.

Senior quarterback Nate Alford threw for 484 yards in six games before an injury cut short his season. The coaches are high on Alford following a strong showing at Urban Meyer’s quarterback camp over the summer.

One issue confronting Alford is the loss of Boone County’s top five receivers from last year to graduation.

Up front, Boone County will boast a smaller and quicker offensive line than in years’ past. Drew Lipscomb and Tyler Potter anchor a crew that will be called on to open holes for Quainoo and Oppenheimer and give Alford time to throw the football.

Defensively, the Rebels lost several key players including most of their secondary.

Linebacker Jake Deason and end Adam Sunderhaus will try and sustain a unit that last year allowed just 14 points and 78 rushing yards a game.


Bryan Station (6-5)
Head coach: Oliver Lucas
2008: Lost to Highlands 28-22 in the first round of the playoffs

By Josh Claywell
The Elizabethtown News-Enterprise

Bryan Station was just a few minutes away from pulling off one of the biggest playoff upsets in recent memory before Highlands scored late and eliminated the Defenders from the postseason.

Head coach Oliver Lucas is hoping to carry over some of that momentum from the Highlands game to the 2009 campaign.

Brady Boling returns following a decent sophomore campaign for the Defenders.

Through nine games last season, Boling (6-foot, 180 pounds) threw for 832 yards and five touchdowns, while completing 45 percent (60-of-132) of his passes.

Boling's top target -- Muhammad Saifullah -- is gone, but senior Chaz Mitchell (5-10, 175) should evolve into the go-to receiver.

A pair of seniors -- lineman Haanz Nutter (6-3, 245) and middle linebacker Kris Bolton -- anchor the defense.


Butler (2-9)
Head coach: Scott Carmony
2008: Lost to Greenwood 27-13 in the first round of the Class 6-A playoffs

It can’t get much worse for Butler and Scott Carmony, who is in his second season of his second stint at the school on Dixie Highway.

The Bears went 0-11 two years ago and won just two games last season.

At least this time around, Carmony has a major weapon back on offense.

Senior running back DeAngelo Thomas (6-1, 195) rushed for almost 1,200 yards and 10 touchdowns last season as a junior.

Carmony, whose team will still be young at the line positions, said he hopes to start closing the gap on the competition this season.


Campbell County (5-5)
Head coach: Troy Styer
2008: Missed the playoffs

Five wins weren’t enough for Campbell County to make the playoffs in 2008 thanks to a late-season breakdown that left the Camels on the outside looking in.

Head coach Troy Styer has some experience back on offense, led by senior Andrew Eshman, who threw for over 1,100 yards last year.

Styer could opt to move Eshman to the backfield and start junior Michael Kremer under center, giving the Camels more options in the backfield.

Also back is senior Austin Johnson who rushed for over 800 yards last year.

Senior Ryan Steffen is one of the few receivers with experience returning for Campbell County.

On defense, linebackers Zak Koeninger and Joe Sauerbeck return to lead a unit that held six of their 10 opponents to two touchdowns or less last year.

Junior Jake Rebholz also returns on defense.

Campbell County will be tested early with a tough schedule that includes home games with Ohio schools Norwood and Roger Bacon before coming back across the river to face Covington Catholic, Newport Central Catholic, Boone County and Ryle in consecutive weeks.


Central Hardin (4-6)
Head coach: Mike Lawson
2008: Missed the playoffs

By JOSH CLAYWELL
The Elizabethtown News-Enterprise

Senior Dylan Beger is back to lead the Central Hardin Bruins back to a place they haven't been since 2005 - the KHSAA state football playoffs.

And now that Beger won't have to split as much time under center as he did last season with graduate Lincoln Pyles, third-year coach Mike Lawson is confident the Bruins will get there.

"I think we'll be able to compete in the district. That's the major goal," Lawson said. "We want to compete in the district and get a playoff spot. I think that's a huge step forward."

While splitting time with Pyles, Beger was the Bruins' top signal caller, passing for 1,410 yards and seven touchdowns. Beger completed 106-of-187 passes and was intercepted seven times.

"He has come so far in the last year," Lawson said. "He's able to do things now, pre-snap and make adjustments at the line. His maturity with the progressions and the reads is tremendous."

Junior Kevin Humphrey will serve as the backup, but Lawson said Beger will get the majority of the snaps during games.

Knowing the job is his has helped Beger's confidence, Lawson said.
"We're still splitting a lot of reps between him and Kevin Humphrey in practice, but he knows it's going to be his game," Lawson said.

Beger, who attended a Nike skills camp in Texas earlier this summer, has attracted the attention of several NCAA Division II and I-AA schools.

Lawson said Jacksonville State is close to offering Beger a scholarship.

"He's getting some looks, and I think he has the ability to play at the next level," Lawson said.

Coming off a 4-6 season, the Bruins have eight other returning seniors and starters on offense.

Also back are wide receivers Cameron Martin, Rex Kelly and Cameron Chaney, running back Tyler Williams, and linemen Michael Fields, Lamondre Butler, Parker Hendricks, Isaac Kennedy and Chris Monroe.

"We've got a lot of kids coming back offensively, and that showed in practice," Lawson said. "We're much further along than we have been in the first two years, and that's because of senior experience.

"It makes a huge difference," he added. "We're doing things now in practice that we haven't been able to do the first two years. We've expanded the package a little bit, and we're much better at the basics of it."

While the Bruins have a bevy experience back on offense, they are missing one key piece from last year - running back Jeremy Barr, who transferred to Raceland before Christmas.

Barr was Central Hardin's leading rusher (358 yards and 8 TDs on 91 carries) and receiver (844 yards and six TDs on 54 catches). But Lawson feels Martin, Kelly and Chaney can fill the void.

"All of three of those guys have progressed," Lawson said. "That just puts you so far ahead of the game when you have kids like them. You can't substitute for game experience. That's going to be one of our major assets going into the season."

On defense, the Bruins lost their top four tacklers in Seth Logsdon, Thomas Smith, Will Battle and Jacob Morgan.

The quartet accounted for 138 solo and 88 assisted tackles last season.

"We're going to be young on defense. We had to move some people around and we've changed defenses to a 3-5, going away from a 4-4," Lawson said. "That was a personnel decision, and it's going to be a learning process."

Lawson thinks the switch will better utilize his team's speed.

"I've been real pleased with it," he said. "It's a much more aggressive defense, and I think the kids like it more. It takes advantage of the athletes that we have. I think that puts them in a better situation."


Conner (7-5)
Head coach: David Trosper
2008: Lost to Simon Kenton 45-41 in the second round of the playoffs

Conner will look to ride the arm and legs of quarterback Nick West as far as they will take them.

The talented quarterback is one of five starters back on offense from last year’s team that put up 32 points and 366 yards of offense a game.

West threw for 2,702 yards and 30 touchdowns while completing 62-percent of his passes. He also ran for a team-high 622 yards and 11 scores.

His partner in the backfield also returns. Austin Pugh ran for 549 yards and five touchdowns and caught 15 passes for 209 yards and three more scores.

Michael Gill (36 rec., 612 yards, 6 TDs) and Ryan Delph (36 rec., 409 yards, 4 TDs) give West a couple of sure-handed receivers. Senior Anthony Boden and Mike Mueller will also challenge for a starting spot in the Conner spread offense.

However, Zack Perrin is the lone starter returning on the offensive line. Head coach James Trosper said junior Max Ingram and sophomore Johnny Gripshover should compete for a starting spot on the line.

On defense, the Cougars have six starters back, including all four linebackers in their 4-4 defense. Huston Dockery (71 tackles), Josh Lassiter (44 tackles), Austin Pugh (43 tackles), and Brady Fogle (58 tackles) should solidify a defense that must improve after giving up 166 yards rushing a game.

While the linebackers are a strength on defense, lack of depth on the line is a concern for Trosper. Tommy Hennessey is expected to be joined by Howard Watking on the line.


Cooper (2-8)
Head coach: Randy Borchers
2008: Missed the playoffs

Cooper High School experienced the normal growing pains of a first-year football program, winning two games and missing the playoffs – the result of a strong and deep district.

With the loss of just seven seniors from last year, Cooper could make a little noise this year although a playoff berth may be a long shot.

The main question for head coach Randy Borchers is who will play quarterback with the loss of Chad Romero to graduation.

Junior Ryan Klute is one of the top receivers in the region and could be pressed into duty at quarterback.

Jon Suthoff should see some carries in the backfield along with fullback Matt Rudd, who moves from the line to the backfield.

Junior Jordan Young and senior Brett Barry give Cooper some depth at receiver.

The Jaguars’ situation on defense appears more stable with the return of linebackers Tommy Earsing and Rudd, linemen Desmond Lemon and Cody Johnson, and defensive backs T.J. Bates and Nick Ballinger.


Daviess County (9-2)
Head coach: Marcus Kimbrell
2008: Lost to Seneca 35-34 in the first round of the playoffs

Daviess County has suffered late-minute, one-point playoff losses the past two years that has left an unsettled feeling on the Panther sidelines.

But the loss of a large and talented senior class will leave things a little more unsettled in 2009.

Gone are most of the offensive yardage and tackles on defense from last year’s 9-2 team.

Seniors Chad McCain and Cole Anderson should factor into the offense somewhere, and head coach Marcus Kimbrell is hoping a young group of linemen makes the season of rebuilding a tad easier.

[The Scribe]

duPont Manual (10-3)
Head coach: Joe Nichols
2008: Lost to St. Xavier 53-0 in the region championship game

After back-to-back 10-win seasons, Manual has some holes to fill on each side of the football with the return of just eight starters.

Head coach Joe Nichols appears to have settled on Senior Derek Woodmore as his starting quarterback. Woodmore saw time mainly as a receiver last year and gives the Crimsons athleticism in the pocket.

Junior Marcus Helm expects to see most of the carries in the backfield, with Craig Pearcy, Quintez Sutton, and tight end Adam Trevino returning to catch the football.

Up front, Manual is less experienced than normal with the return of Casey Barnes (6-1, 205, Jr.), Josh Stearns (6-3, 250, Jr.), Nate Allen (6-4, 230, Jr.), Tim Haag (6-2, 230, Jr.), and John Stepp (6-2, 220, Jr.).

One defense, Nichols says the Crimsons are deep at the linebacker position with the return of T.J. Gritton (6-0, 205, Sr.), Jamie Niekamp (6-2, 160, Sr.), David Schnur (5-11, 195, Sr.), and Evan Garrity (6-1, 185, Sr.).

In the secondary, leading tackler Travis Carroll (6-0, 170) is joined by cornerback Daquana Drain (5-8, 175, Jr.).

Up front, Brock Alstatt (5-10, 205, Jr.), Travis Batchelor (5-9, 225, Sr.), and Barnes will try and stop the pile from moving on them.

Manual will be playing one of the toughest schedules in the state that includes three Kentucky state champions from last year – Trinity, Central, and Highlands – as well as traditional Ohio power Colerain.


Eastern (11-2)
Head coach: Ken Whalen
2008: Lost to Trinity 63-15 in the third round of the playoffs

The Eagles had a great season that ended with a thud, a blowout loss to eventual 6-A state champion Trinity in the playoffs.

But coach Ken Whalen has a lot of talent back in the fold.

The best player is one of the state’s top juniors in running back/linebacker Jon Davis (6-3, 200), who is already getting a ton of college interest.

Davis ran 93 times for 636 yards and eight touchdowns as a junior, while also catching 40 passes for 654 yards and six more scores. He had two interceptions, two fumble recoveries and led the Eagles in tackles.

Senior Sean Corrigan ran 70 times for 527 yards and six touchdowns, while Chris Parks only carried 50 times but had 550 yards and four TDs.

Whalen will have to replace 1,800-yard passing quarterback Brent Carneal. But senior Josh Hayden is also another top receiving target after catching 21 passes for 446 yards and three scores.

Lineman Nick Bennett and linebacker Nick Hamilton also return.


Fern Creek (7-4)
Head coach: Curtis Higgins
2008: Lost to Scott County 41-35 in the second round of the 6-A playoffs

Fern Creek coach Curtis Higgins comes into the new season with a bevy of playmakers on offense, but the Tigers thought they were searching for a quarterback.

Bryan Hynes is a hard throwing, 6-foot-5 All-District quarterback who will look to senior Carlos Smith and junior Jalen Harrington as targets. Both had over 400 yards receiving last season.

Safety Taj Jarrett and nose guard Cortez Mack were the top two tacklers last season and will return, along with junior defensive lineman Jamon Brown and defensive back/wide receiver Victor Terry.

Junior Jerrell Moore could also be a nice weapon. He runs a 4.45 40-yard dash and will play wide receiver and be a return specialist. Na’Shawn Mills returns on the line.


George Rogers Clark (6-5)
Head coach: Paul Columbia
2008: Lost to Fern Creek 37-7 in the first round of the playoffs

George Rogers Clark doubled their win total from 2007 but fell in the first round of the playoffs.

Head coach Paul Columbia is hoping a tougher schedule coupled with the return of 13 starters will get the Cardinals past the second round of the playoffs for only the second time since their 1991 state championship season.

Quarterback Andrew Dini threw for 872 yards and eight touchdowns in a run-oriented offense that featured record-setting running back Ryan Williams (2,003 yards, 22 TDs).

However, Williams was one of 18 seniors that graduated, leaving several holes at the skill positions.

Columbia expects his offensive and defensive lines to be the strengths of the club while he gets the skill people in the right places.

Robert Bell (6-2, 255, Sr.) and Prentice Bruton (6-1, 240, Sr.) will line up at tackle; Daniel Schwendeman (6-1, 240, Sr.) and Cody Liggett (5-10, 280, Jr.) are at the guard spot.

On defense, Bruton plays end, Bell is the nose guard, and Corey Rogers (6-4, 250, Jr.) is at the other end.

Another area of strength will be the Cardinals’ secondary with the return of cornerbacks Darius Skinner (6 INTs) and Christian Adams (4 INTs).
Tavon Lay and Andrew Ware return at linebacker.

Columbia calls the 2009 GRC schedule the toughest in his 11 years as head coach.

“We play all five public Lexington schools in addition to Scott County, Madison Central, and Corbin,” he said.


Graves County (5-6)
Head coach: Lance Gregory
2008: Lost to Trinity 59-3 in the first round of the playoffs

Graves County ensured its program would have some continuity with the hiring of Lance Gregory as its new football coach. Gregory replaces Mike Rogers, a brother on the Mark Brown coaching tree — Gregory was an assistant under Brown at John Hardin, while Rogers was a Brown aide at Nelson County.

Gregory is keeping the same Wing-T offense that Rogers used for five seasons with the Eagles, and it was part of the reason he beat out other candidates for the position.

“We’ve been able to spend time working on our new defense,” Gregory said, referring to the 3-5 scheme utilized by new coordinator Brad Lawson at Mayfield and Paducah Tilghman. “If I had come to a school where they had never run the Wing-T before, I don’t know where we would be right now.”

The Eagles were 5-6 last season and finished fourth in the district race, sending them to Trinity (and a 59-3 loss) in the first round of the playoffs.

Despite heavy losses on the offensive side, the Eagles could contend for a second- or third-place finish in the district.

Only five offensive starters return, but four of them are on the offensive line — center Hunter McGuire (5-11, 210), guard Joey West (5-10, 205) and tackles Seth Thompson (6-2, 245) and James Smith.

“Games are won up front and in the trenches, so it’s nice to have experience there,” Gregory said.

In the backfield, Joe Bunch and Colby Riley (5-11, 185) are expected to compete for the fullback job. Riley has some experience there, having rushed for more than 200 yards in a game as a sophomore when he was filling in for an injured starter.

Zach Crawford (5-9, 155) and Chandler Williamson (5-9, 160) will see time at wingback, with Evan Smith and Cole Rowton at receiver. Larry Brown (5-10, 160), who is the backup quarterback, could also see action at wideout.

Quarterback Jake Clapp (5-11, 155) is back to run the offense.

Defensively, Gregory thinks the Eagles will be tough in the front eight.

“We’re really pleased with our defensive line and linebackers,” Gregory said. “I feel pretty good where we’re at defensively. The kids are picking it up quickly.”

Nose tackle Greg Holmes (6-2, 235) and ends Ragon Grimes (6-0, 190) and Holden Harris (6-0, 230) are back. Aaron Cooper (6-4, 180), one of the team’s best athletes, will play a monster position. Riley is back at inside linebacker and Williamson and Crawford were solid on the corners last fall.

Acey Riley (5-11, 175) will see time at inside linebacker and monsters Brandon Ray and Adam Rogers are expected to play key roles.

“The question mark is at safety,” Gregory said.

Rex Coleman (6-3, 190), an all-state punter last season, could be the answer there and he also figures in the mix at wide receiver.

“I feel like we’ll be able to compete in the district, but we don’t have a lot of depth right now — that’s what we’re really working on,” Gregory said. “Henderson County is definitely the number one team.”


Greenwood (7-5)
Head coach: Mark Nelson
2008: Lost to DuPont Manual 44-23 in the second round of the playoffs

Greenwood has gone from district cellar dweller to district champion since the switch to six classes two years ago.

The Gators have several key components that could allow them to repeat as district champs.

Senior Ty Downing appears ready to take over at quarterback after seeing limited action last year.

Greenwood suffered a blow in the offseason when Dee Anderson, who rushed for six touchdowns and was third on the team in receiving, decided to concentrate on basketball and forego football.

Senior Hunter Thompson (382 yds., 3 TDs) and junior Austin Howell expect to get most of the carries for the Gators this year.

Greenwood returns three of its top receivers from last year – junior Nehimiah Mkanta (13 rec., 148 yds.), Ricky Adams (32 rec., 382 yds., and Thompson (18 rec., 260 yds.).

Defensively, senior linebacker Sam Wilson had 165 tackles to lead the Gators last year. Linemen Michael Madison, Matt Smith, and Jeremy James also return as do Black Haswell at safety and Colton Shea at corner.

The Gators are hoping a large class of underclassmen linemen will continue to develop, which should see Greenwood back in the district title chase again in 2009.



Henderson County (7-4)
Head coach: Clay Clevenger
2008: Lost to Ballard 30-0 in the first round of the playoffs

Henderson County has seen both the roster numbers and wins increase in Clay Clevenger’s short tenure with the Colonels.

While the offense has some major holes to fill, Clevenger is excited about the return of six of his seven on the defensive front.

Dean Wathan (6-2, 230, Sr.), Cody Johnson (6-0, 240, Sr.), and Bryan Tapp (5-11, 245, Sr.) will try and improve a defense that gave up 34 points a game in their four losses last year.

On offense, Kolby O’Daniel (6-0, 210, Sr.) moves under center for the Colonels, who have opted for a more ground-based offense. Javaris Lewis and Brandon Schutt should see more carries in 2009.

Paden West will be a factor on both sides of the football as will running back/linebacker Casey Edwards.

The Colonels will benefit by playing in a district where most teams are rebuilding.


Henry Clay (10-2)
Head coach: Sam Simpson
2007: Lost to Trinity 50-14 in the region title game

By Josh Claywell
The Elizabethtown News-Enterprise

The Henry Clay Blue Devils didn't get off to the best of starts last
season.

Henry Clay began 0-4, following losses to Bowling Green, Boyle
County, LaSalle (Ohio) and Lafayette. But the Blue Devils rebounded in a
big way, winning its last six games before falling in the second round
of the state playoffs.

And with a solid nucleus from that team returning, Henry Clay coach Sam
Simpson feels his team won't get off to such a slow start.

Junior quarterback Jerry Williams takes over behind center for the
graduated Cole Mielcarek, who threw for 1,351 yards and 11 touchdowns
through the end of the regular season.

Williams has some talent to throw to in receivers Blake Green and
Brandon Johnson. Johnson, a senior, was Henry Clay's second-leading
receiver a year ago as he hauled in 28 passes for 329 yards and five TDs
through nine games. Johnson takes over the No. 1 receiver's spot from
the graduated Jason Rider, who caught 48 passes for 637 yards and five
TDs.

Seniors Aaron Akadil (6-foot, 192 pounds) and Terrell Johnson (6-2, 210)
anchor Henry Clay's linebacking corps, while senior Ryan McCray (5-11,
160) patrols the defensive secondary at defensive back.

Seniors Andrew Walter (6-4, 265) and Elijah Barnett (6-3, 275) anchor
the offensive line, which will be paving the way for junior running back
Bo Brooks.


Lafayette (8-3)
Head coach: Rob Sayre
2007: Lost to Paul Dunbar 8-0 in the first round of the playoffs

By JOSH CLAYWELL
The Elizabethtown News-Enterprise

Following a five-game winning streak, the Lafayette Generals were 7-2 entering the final week of the regular season. But Lafayette closed the season with an embarrassing loss to Louisville Trinity and fell to Simon Kenton in the first round of the playoffs.

With a senior-laden team, Lafayette coach Robbie Sayre expects his squad to bounce back in a big way.

"Expectations are high," Sayre said. "We have a senior-led team, with over 30 seniors playing a vital role in all facets of the game. We expect to be very competitive with everyone on our schedule and in our region."
Key returnees include senior running back/receiver/linebacker/ safety/returner Eric Shaw (5-foot-10, 190 pounds), senior two-way lineman Burt Mingey (6-8, 310), senior two-way lineman Joseph Mashni (6-0, 295), senior running back/linebacker David Kenner (5-9, 180), senior tight end/linebacker Brian Wade (6-0, 190) and senior middle linebacker Cody Perkins (5-9, 210).

"We lost our secondary last year, both corners and a safety," Sayre said. "They were good high school players, but having Shaw back there will help and the new kids are working extremely hard."


Madison Central (9-3)
Head coach: Kenny Turner
2008: Lost to Male 41-14 in the second round of the playoffs

Madison Central lost a good chunk of their offense from last year’s 9-3 squad that lost to Male in the playoffs.

Senior John Moncrief is expected to take over at quarterback, with Shane King getting the lion’s share of the carries in the backfield where he rushed for over 700 yards last year.

Darian Cox and James Ballew should split the other carries in the backfield.

On defense, Ballew and Austin Hunt were the leading tacklers from their linebacking positions last year. Hunter Harrison, David Neal, and Elijah Zimmerman should also play a role in the Indian defense.


Male (9-5)
Head coach: Bob Redman
2008: Lost 28-10 to Simon Kenton in the Class 6-A playoff semifinals

After making it back to the semifinals last season, veteran coach Bob Redman has some key pieces back but must replace All-State back Justin Green.

Green, who now plays at Illinois, was a key force for Male in the rushing and passing game, on defense and on special teams. Redman, who has coached four Mr. Football winners, said Green might have been his best ever.

Dexter Britt, who passed for 1,697 yards and 18 touchdowns as a junior, is back under center for the second consecutive season for the Bulldogs.

Stewart Brown, who ran for 625 yards and eight touchdowns a year ago, will be the starting running back for the Bulldogs. Kieran Pookie Story ran for almost 500 yards and will also be a major weapon for Male.

Defensive back Kevin Driesbach led Male in interceptions last season and is back, along with junior linebacker Solomon Logan and lineman Dominique Davis.


Marshall County (3-7)
Head coach: Scott Shelton
2008: Missed the playoffs

Second-year coach Scott Shelton will be one of the few familiar faces for the Marshals, who were hit as hard by graduation as anyone in western Kentucky.

Eighteen starters have departed from a team that missed the playoffs on a tiebreaker last season, leaving behind a massive rebuilding project and team that sorely lacks the depth and experience of a typical 6A program.

“One thing we’re committed to doing is two-platooning as much as we can,” Shelton said. “We had a lot of guys going both ways last year, and injuries really hurt us on both sides. We need to get our young guys as much experience as we can.”

Shelton is vowing to stay with a spread-type offensive scheme, albeit one “where the quarterback is under center more often and we can be a little more simplified.”

The only returning starter on offense is right guard Tyler Coriell (6-0, 260), although junior quarterback Connor Jones saw some time last season because of injuries. Chris Souders (5-7, 150) and Nathan Anderson (5-8, 160) will share time in the backfield and junior Blake Clark (6-0, 160) is the only receiver with much experience.

Marshall will be small up front by 6A standards aside from Coriell, with 200-pound Dakota Gibbs moving from tackle to center and Kaleb Wilkins (6-1, 235) moving from center to guard.

The defense returns three starters, none at the line of scrimmage. Linebackers Colby Wiseman (a 6-1, 190-pound junior) and Lake McGregor (a 5-11, 190-pound senior) are back, as is cornerback Keaton Burgess (6-0, 175).

Blake Turner and Austin Brian Morrison are expected to start at end, and 260-pound nose guard Brian Sallee has some experience.


Meade County (5-6)
Head coach: Larry Mofield
2008: Lost to Pleasure Ridge Park 27-7 in the first round of the playoffs

By Josh Claywell
The Elizabethtown News-Enterprise

Turnovers and stalled drives were the downfall of the Meade County Green Wave last season.

And in order for his team to improve upon its 5-6 season, veteran coach Larry Mofield knows what his team must cut down on to be successful.

"We turned the ball over too many times last year," Mofield said. "We must protect the ball better this season. Also, we must sustain drives this year. We had to punt way too many times last year."

Meade County lost 10 seniors off last year's team, which began the season 0-3 for the second straight year. The Green Wave started 0-3 in 2007, then reeled off 10 consecutive wins before falling to St. Xavier in the state semifinals.

Last year wasn't as kind to Meade County, which lost in the first round of the playoffs.

"We want to get better every game," Mofield said. "We want to improve on our 5-6 record from last year."

To do that, Meade County will have to replace its top running back in Alex Furnival, who rushed for 657 yards and caught 18 passes out of the backfield, and its top receiver in Michael Addesa, who caught 42 passes.

Also gone are offensive linemen Marcus Feemster and Anthony Ruelas. On defense, the Green Wave has to replace their top three tacklers in Furnival, Jimmy Crase and Kevin Carter.

The cupboards are far from bare, however, as the Green Wave return 12 starters -- six on each side of the ball.

Back to lead the offense is senior quarterback Tyler Mattingly, who completed 93-of-195 passes for 965 yards and five touchdowns.

Senior fullback Tyler Crow, who rushed for 442 yards and three TDs on 80 carries, will become the feature back in Meade County's double wing offense. Sophomore wideout Thomas Wilson, who caught 17 passes for 116 yards, takes over for Addesa.

A trio of seniors -- left guard Chip Robinson, right guard Chaz Nevitt and right tackle Brandean Kenealy -- will anchor the offensive line.

Nevitt, Crow and Kenealy, who combined for 117 tackles last season, will anchor the defensive line, while senior Ricky Funk will be the team's top linebacker.

Senior Alec Goodhart (safety) and Wilson (cornerback) lead the secondary.

"Our goal is to be like everyone else: We want to play hard and be fundamentally sound throughout the season," Mofield said. "Spring ball went well. We had good numbers, and the kids worked hard. We have a long way to go, but we will keep working."


Muhlenberg County (n/a)
Head Coach: Josh Staples
2009: First season of football

Normally a merger makes the new school a favorite to win their new district, but Muhlenberg County schools aren’t exactly rich in football tradition.

The consolidation of Muhlenberg South and North into one school will produce a decent team, but the jury is out on just how good they will be in their first year.

Josh Staples, the coach at Muhlenberg South last year, will have a tough task as the new Mustangs skipper trying fit all of the puzzle pieces into place.

From Muhlenberg South, quarterback Aaron Johnson returns after rushing for 983 yards and throwing for 1,367 yards.

MSHS running backs Brandon Stoudemire, also a defensive standout, and Charlie Casten should give a boost to the backfield.

Junior Dalton Oliver played quarterback at North and could see time there with the new school if Staples opts to make Johnson a featured back.

On defense, Josh McKinney and Thad Cartwright return as does Muhlenberg North linebacker Johnny Bilbro.

[The Scribe]

Nelson County (4-7)
Head Coach – Jamie Egli
2008 – Lost 72-7 at St. Xavier in first round of Class 6A playoffs

By Peter W. Zubaty
The Kentucky Standard

The Cardinals debut a new head coach and a new quarterback this year, but since both are familiar faces, the change shouldn’t be that traumatic.

One thing Nelson County could do well is move the ball on offense during Bart Bruner’s tenure, and when school administration looked to replace him, they didn’t have to go far in popular offensive coordinator Jamie Egli.

Egli has promised to open up the offense in his first year to feature more passing, mainly because of the performance of senior Tyler Martinez during spring practice. Egli feels so strongly, in fact, he doesn’t see any reason why his club shouldn’t win Class 6A District 2.

Martinez played almost exclusively on defense last year, but handled himself well as a sophomore during the occasional relief of graduated option quarterback Jordan Keene.

Martinez has some athletic targets in Josh Pride and Demarcus Collins.
Daniel Mudd played well as Keene’s backup last year, and will get some action out of the backfield this year. But Mudd may have to do most of his damage on special teams, where he has shown himself to be a big weapon as kicker, as the Cardinals return a potent 1-2 combo in 1,200-yard rusher Quentin Brooks and home-run threat Alex Downs, who pitched in another 650 yards.

Brent Brussell and Trey Franklin highlight a line rotation that has gained a great deal of experience through platooning the past few years, and figures to be solid in spite of graduation losses.

The defense has lots of questions surrounding it after permitting 360 yards and 35 points a game in 2008. Pride, Derek Cocanaugher, Derek Brunhammer and Cass Stanley were the top defensive playmakers last year.


North Hardin (4-7)
Head coach: Crad Jaggers
2008: Lost to DuPont Manual 47-13 in the first round of the playoffs

By Josh Claywell
The Elizabethtown News-Enterprise

Second-year North Hardin coach Crad Jaggers has a little bit of a rebuilding project in front of him.

The Trojans graduated 22 seniors and only return three key players from last season's squad, which finished 4-7 and lost in the first round of the Class 6A playoffs.

"Spring ball went well," Jaggers said. "We have had some kids move in and have also removed some that couldn't commit to our offseason program."

Senior two-way lineman Roosevelt Emerson (6-foot-5, 250 pounds), senior wideout Nigel Phelps (6-3, 220) and junior quarterback Vincent Davis (6-1, 170) are the Trojans' top returning athletes.

"We need to develop some leadership," Jaggers said. "Our work ethic and discipline has been much improved, but we must continue to develop some leadership."

With the departure of receivers like LaRod King, Jordan Bramblett, Justin Berry, Josh Stone and Cy'Shawn Jones, Phelps is the team's leading returning receiver.

Phelps caught 18 passes for 215 yards and one touchdown.

Davis, who saw action in all 11 games, replaces King, a wide receiver-turned-quarterback who signed with the University of Kentucky.

Davis completed 41-of-70 passes for 515 yards and three TDs while backing up King, who completed 115-of-216 passes for 1,352 yards and eight TDs, during the season.

"You don't replace an athlete like LaRod," Jaggers said.

Also gone are a pair of three-year starters in offensive lineman Marcus Arnold and running back Austin Berry, receiver Josh Stone, defensive lineman Ashton Little and running back/kick returner/receiver Justin Berry.

"You can't replace that type of experience," Jaggers said. "They will be very hard to replace."

Jaggers will have several new faces on his coaching staff this fall.

Joining him on the sidelines will be former Fort Knox assistant coach Tyrone Young (secondary), Will Sullivan (defensive line), Terale Harrison (secondary), former LaRue County athlete Jason Abell (running backs) and former Mercer County coach Marty Jaggers (defensive coordinator), who guided the Titans to the Class 4A state title in 2006 and retired following last season.


Paul Dunbar (4-8)
Head coach: Jason Howell
2007: Lost to Henry Clay 28-0 in the second round of the playoffs

By JOSH CLAYWELL
The Elizabethtown News-Enterprise

Junior quarterback Trent Martin (6-foot-1, 185 pounds) and senior receiver Kendall Davis (6-1, 190) are back to help the Paul Dunbar Bulldogs improve on last year's 1-10 mark.

Dunbar lost to Boone County in the first round of the 6A playoffs.
Martin threw for over 1,500 yards and 11 touchdowns, while Davis had 700 yards and four TDs.

"Kendall was our leading receiver last season. He leads a receiver corps, which has a tremendous amount of depth. He is our go-to guy," Dunbar coach Jason Howell said. "Trent has improved his footwork and arm strength during the offseason. He has also grown two inches and added about 15 pounds of muscle. I look for him to have a break-out year."

Also back are senior tight end Spencer McGuire (6-0, 210), junior running back Jamal McFarland (6-1, 215), sophomore linebacker John Rose (6-2, 215), senior linebacker Thad Johnson (6-3, 220), junior two-way lineman David Tooley (6-3, 255) and junior two-way lineman Beau Gilliam Jr. (6-2, 265).

"These players all started last year or received significant playing time," Howell said. "They are very athletic and give us more versatility offensively and defensively."


Pleasure Ridge Park (5-5)
Head coach: Jason Hiser
2008: Lost to St. Xavier 48-6 in the second round of the Class 6-A playoffs

It’s been a tough year for PRP.

The Panthers, who were devastated when sophomore Max Gilpin collapsed during practice last August and died, are trying to start over.

Jason Hiser, who was named interim coach in January, was hired on an official capacity in mid-July – the day before the start of practice.

Hiser, a graduate of Louisville Holy Cross and Campbellsville University, said the program wants to move on and try to win some games this season.

Junior running back Woody Cabbil and junior defensive back Willie Northington are the best players returning for the Panthers.

Two other top returnees will be Marcus Brown and Taylor Banks.


Ryle (5-6)
Head coach: Bryson Warner
2008: Lost Henry Clay 24-7 in the first round of the playoffs

Can Ryle be this year’s Simon Kenton? They have enough key people returning to make a run in the playoffs but will have to survive a tough district.

Head coach Bryson Warner feels this year’s team will be more diverse on offense with the return of junior quarterback Conner Hempel, who threw for over 1,400 yards and 17 touchdowns last year.

The Raiders feature a nice one-two punch in the backfield with sophomore Travis Elliott (600 yards) and Keifer Eubank (810 yards) returning.

Senior Trent Fugate and junior Taylor Thibadeaux will be the likely starters along with blocking tight end Tate Nichols who is Stanford bound.

The Raider offensive line returns just one starter – Logan Langsdale. Juniors Todd Vollett, Bill Schilds, and Logan Delaney are expected to challenge for starting spots on the line.

Ryle isn’t as experienced on defense where only three starters return.
Senior Bill Peterson returns on the line along with Clay Coleman. Senior Brandon Laschiavio has struggled with some injuries but should see time on the defensive line when healthy.

Court Mace and Korey Thibadeaux will man the linebacker spots, while All-NKY standout Logan Carney returns in the secondary after leading the Raiders in tackles last year.

Senior kicker Eric Pederson gives the Raiders a solid special teams threat.
Ryle will have to endure a tough non-district schedule that includes contests with the Catholics – Newport Central and Covington – as well as Dixie Heights and a pair of games with Highlands.


Scott County (10-3)
Head coach: Jim McKee
2008: Lost to Male 56-35 in the region championship game

Scott County has won 19 games the past two years but will have to overcome the loss of all five starting offensive linemen to meet that total the next two.

Whoever head coach Jim McKee puts up front to move the pile in his Wing-T offense, he knows he will have two talented running backs to find the holes in Josh Walls and Marcus Hill, who combined for over 1,000 yards last year.

Receiver Michael Weeks is the only other starter back for the Cardinals.

McKee said senior Tevin Buffin (6-5, 175) will be the quarterback for Scott County.

“He has waited in the wings for three years and should have a very good year,” he said.

On defense, the Cardinals return all three linebackers in their 4-3 scheme.

Chris Ramsey, Aaron Mudrak, and Cody Hudson are three of five starters back on that side of the football.

McKee said sophomore defensive end (6-3, 225) Jordan Kindred should compete for a starting job.

The Cardinals also boast one of the state’s top kickers in Jay Willmott.


Seneca (6-6)
Head coach: Louis Dover
2008: Lost to Eastern 31-14 in second round of the Class 6-A playoffs

Seneca has as much – if not more – individual talent than any other team in the Louisville-area but still have to find a way to get past Trinity.

The RedHawks, who lost 65-17 to the Shamrocks last season during the regular-season, were considered one of the top 10 teams in 6-A this preseason.

That was until junior standout quarterback DaMarcus Smith suffered a non-football knee injury that will sideline him for the entire season. Smith has already been offered a scholarship by a number of schools, including Tennessee, Kentucky, Louisville, Illinois, Indiana and Purdue.

Smith passed for 3,227 yards and 32 touchdowns, while also rushing for 457 yards and three more scores as a junior. Those will be tough numbers for the RedHawks to replace.

Senior wide receiver/athlete Aaron Nance is also one of the state’s top players. Nance caught 28 passes for 623 yard and nine touchdowns as a junior. He's also a standout basketball player.

Another receiver - Jordan Jacobs - actually led Seneca in receiving last season with 39 catches for 1,024 yards and 12 touchdowns. Dover also said senior big back Devin Mitchell (5-9, 240) - who caught a team-high 50 passes for 743 yards and also had 471 yards rushing – will be a big-time weapon.

The lines will be anchored by Andrew Toebby and Aaron White.


Shelby County (1-10)
Head coach: Todd Shipley
2008: Lost to Male 59-31 in the first round of the playoffs

Todd Shipley suffered through growing pains last year with a roster that didn’t have a single senior.

With 20 starters back, Shipley and the Rockets are hoping to dish some of that pain to their opponents in 2009.

Junior quarterback Brandon Cresap and a talented stable of receivers led by junior Tavis Elzy, junior Ben Axline, and seniors Matt Page and Edwin Thomas should put up huge numbers on offense. They will work behind a line that returns tackles Matt Axline and Alex Warford, guards R.J. Beitz and Will Finnell, and center Kurtis Mann.

Ten starters return on defense – six seniors and four juniors. Nigel Beach, Justin Hampton, and Seth Myatt anchor the line, while Jake Whitfill, Kris Taylor, Quentin Cotrell, and Logan Forrest return at linebacker.

“The program here is moving in the right direction. We were decimated by injuries last year,” Shipley said. “We need to stay healthy because we play in a tough district. It should be an exciting year.”


Simon Kenton (10-5)
Head coach: Jeff Marksberry
2008: Lost to Trinity 48-0 in the Class 6A state championship game

Simon Kenton became the first four seed to advance to the state title game in 13 years, losing to Trinity.

With 15 starters coming back, head coach Jeff Marksberry knows the Pioneers won’t sneak up on anyone this year.

Mr. Football candidate Miles Simpson burst onto the scene with 2,309 yards and 37 rushing touchdowns in helping lead a Simon Kenton team with a losing district record to the region title.

But Marksberry knows opposing defenses will be keying in on his star, which means creating more offensive balance.

“Miles will be counted on to improve on his 2008 numbers and will be our workhorse. But we must be able to take some pressure off of him by having a more effective passing game in 2009,” Marksberry said.

Junior Chad Lawrence takes over at quarterback after accounting for over 800 yards and seven touchdowns last year.

His main targets will be juniors Ryan Winkler and Zach Carroll.

Up front, four starters return, and all four are seniors. Adam Heidrich (6-0, 241), Jordan Hansel (6-4, 295), Josh Deason (5-11, 223), and Derek Piccirillo (6-0, 248) will be charged with the task of again opening holes for Simpson and the offense.

The Pioneers have seven starters back from a defense that began to click at midseason. Simon Kenton gave up 22.5 points in their first eight games and held five of their last eight opponents to two touchdowns or less.

“We will have great speed on defense and use it to pressure opposing offenses, but we must improve our pass defense in order to challenge for the district title,” Marksberry said.

A pair of 100-plus tacklers return in linebackers Nik Brown and Austin Baldwin. Zach Kaiser also returns at linebacker.

Marksberry said D.J. Rabe and Jon Hiles will both challenge for a starting job somewhere on the field.


Southern (2-9)
Head coach: Corey Crume
2008: Lost to Scott County 56-24 in the first round of the 6-A playoffs

Former Eastern Kentucky University player Corey Crume takes over a Southern program that has won just 15 games the past five seasons.

Crume is a 1996 graduate of Marion County High School and after playing at EKU he had short stints with two CFL franchises - Saskatchewan and Ottawa. He also coached high school ball in New Orleans.

He was Marion County’s offensive coordinator the past two seasons and now has his first head-coaching position at age 31.

Crume has one of the top tight ends around in Chris Richard and will also count heavily on lineman Gary Sulzer.


St. Xavier (12-1)
Head coach: Mike Glaser
2008: Lost to Trinity 28-21 in the state semifinals

By Oxnard

The 12-1 2008 St. X. football team was the most prolific in the long-storied history of the school. Over 13 games the average score was 51-6 in favor of the Tigers. The only downer was that in the 13th game, the Tigers lost a hard-fought 28-21 decision to their longtime rival Trinity in the 6A playoff semi-finals, after having defeated the Rocks earlier in the year 30-6.

This team was led by Mr. Kentucky Football and All-State RB Deuce Finch. The squad also had three other All-State players in safety D. J. Hall, defensive end Trevor Foy, and offensive tackle Seth Harvey.

In addition, quarterback Matt Brutscher was one of the ten finalists for Mr. Football along with Finch.

Sadly, all these primetime players, plus a large number of other starters, were seniors and have now departed the Tigertown campus.

With personnel losses of this magnitude, one would expect longtime Coach Mike Glaser (296-63 record) and his staff to be wearing long faces as they prepare to embark on the 2009 season. However, this is not the case, as the coaches feel that the Tigers will once again field an extremely talented team, which will compete for all the marbles in Class 6A.

Due to the wide margins of victory last season, many underclassmen received a significant amount of playing time and acquitted themselves quite well. In fact there are eight X-men who should potentially vie for some postseason recognition: Brian Buehner (QB), Jermiah Neal (RB), Zane Karrer (OL), Devontae Beach (LB), Nick Sears (DB), Daylen Hall (DB), Wyatt Gray (K/P) and Josh Jordan (DL).

Saint Xavier’s schedule for 2009 will once again be one of the strongest in the state. The Tigers will open with away games against always-strong Ballard and Lexington Catholic squads, before playing national powerhouse Cincinnati St. X. at home. They then tackle perennial 6A power Male and reigning 3A champion Central before their big annual battle with reigning 6A titlist Trinity at Papa John’s Cardinal Stadium. District battles with Butler, Manual, and Pleasure Ridge Park then follow before the Tigers conclude their season with a home game against a tough Covington Catholic team. With these stern tests behind them, St. X. should be fully prepared for a strong playoff run.

There has always been one constant in the St. X. offense over the years under Coach Glaser, and that is a powerful and diverse running attack. Although this will be true again in 2009, the X-men have also demonstrated a strong passing attack in 7-on-7 tournaments this summer. Teams overloading the box on defense this season may pay a heavy price.

Some longtime followers of Tiger football may think they are viewing a rerun of the 1974-1975 powerhouse veer-based teams when they see Brian Buehner (5-11, 175, Sr.) assume the controls at QB. His father, Rick, was named Player of the Decade in the 1970’s while playing QB at St. X.. Much like his father, Brian is very talented with both his legs and arm and is an outstanding leader. As a backup last season, Brian ran 47 times for 467 yards and 8 TDs, while also completing 24 of 34 passes for 336 yards and 5 TDs. Luke Brohm (6-0,195, Jr.) will provide solid backup at the quarterback position.

The RB slots will be loaded with speed, power, and depth. Jermiah “Woodis” Neal (5-10, 185, Sr.) started with Finch last year and gained 591 yards on 80 carries, while scoring 11 TDs. With Finch now graduated, the Tiger staff is expecting him to have a major breakout year and to be one of the best backs in Kentucky.

Likely joining Woodis in the backfield will be Michael Montano (5-10, 175, Sr.), who saw a lot of action also last year, as he ran 40 times for 246 yards and 3 TDs.

The weapons available at the RB position become even more intriguing, since the coaches can also call on Lamont McMurray (5-9, 165, Jr.) and Jeonta Hayden (5-8, 165, Jr.) as certified speed merchants who can cut on a dime and take it to the house.

Not to be forgotten is also the potential occasional appearance of two defensive demons, Daylen Hall and Devonte Beach in the St. X. backfield. Hall has recorded the fastest 40 times of any Tiger player in memory, while Beach is like a bulldozer at 225 pounds. Both played some offense last year.

Austin Jones (6-0, 165, Sr.) will lead the way at wide receiver after compiling 217 yards on 17 receptions last season. Based on 7-on-7 results this summer, Austin will probably be joined by former QB Ryan Loehnert (6-1, 170, Jr.). Ryan is just too good of an athlete to sit on the bench awaiting QB playing time.

Since St. X. has a history of rotating receivers, others will also see a lot of activity. Seniors Alec Jury, Colin Backert, Perry Snowden, Zac Limanni, and juniors Greg Milliner, Chris Buntin, and Quincey Floyd will press for action. Moreover, do not be surprised if some of the aforementioned running backs also take the field sometimes as wide receivers to stretch the defense with their great speed.

The Tigers will have to search hard to find a replacement at TE following the graduation of Brian Bauscher, who was the second leading receiver with 23 receptions for 5 TDs. Seniors Shane Stewart (6-1, 215), Clay Marrillia (6-2,180), Bryan Noltemeyer (6-0, 180), and Aaron Brink will lead the competition here. In an interesting move, backup QB Luke Brohm also played some at tight end during the summer 7-on-7 tournaments.

Despite having lost most of the starters from last year, the offensive line should once again be a major strength of the Tiger team. Zane Karrer (6-4, 270, Sr.) returns and should be one of the better linemen in the state. Joining Karrer in the starting rotation at the guard and tackle spots should be seniors David Noltemeyer (6-2, 265), Drew Nelson (6-5, 280), Taylor Forns (6-3, 260), and Luke Ervin (5-10, 230). Greg Eiden, Justin Arnold, and Bryan Miller will provide further outstanding senior support for the Tiger depth to wear out their adversaries.

Seniors Jackson Smith (6-0, 210), Shane Polio (6-2, 250), Lance Sublett (5-10, 205), and Chuck Lechleiter (5-11, 210) will battle it out for the vacant starting center position.

As noted earlier, last year’s potent 4-3 defense averaged surrendering only 6 points per game, which will be a significant challenge to repeat. Nevertheless, there is enough athletic talent present to once again approach this level of performance.

Big Josh Jordan (5-11, 300, Sr.), who returned a fumble for a long touchdown in 2008, will lead the charge in the front 4. Jacob Fields (6-0, 250, Sr.), Tyler Brown (6-3, 220, Jr.), Cornelius Jackson (6-2, 230, Jr.) and Jermaine Dorsey (5-10, 240, Sr.), all of who received a lot of experience in the line rotation last season, will vie for the other spots. They will be supported by seniors, Tyler Ledesma, Matt Schat, Josh Boehnlein, Colin Kremer, Nick Crask, John Miler, Phillip Gross, and Andrew Thompson.

The linebacker position should be superb, as the Tigers return their two leading tacklers from last season, Devonte Snellen (6-2, 195, Sr.) and Devontae Beach (5-11, 225, Jr.). Beach is quite a special talent and a definite All-State candidate. Jason Barito (6-1, 200, Sr.) and Will Lawson (5-10, 185, Sr.) should have a continuous battle for the other starting position. Seniors Ryan Jackson, Zack Hodge, Austin Egart, Trey Schweitzer, and juniors Jacob Bickle, John Allen, and Tyler Skaggs provide outstanding depth.

The Tiger secondary is loaded with outstanding athletes, two of whom, CB Daylen Hall (5-10, 170, Jr.) and SS Nick Sears (6-0, 190, Sr.), should also compete for All-State honors.

The speedy Hall, who Coach Glaser considers one of the best athletes he has ever coached, in spot duty last season as a sophomore, had 3 interceptions for 179 yards and two touchdowns, three fumble recoveries, and 39 tackles.

The powerful hitting Nick Sears led the secondary last season with 6 interceptions and 56 tackles.

Two excellent experienced seniors, CB Taylor Jones (5-11, 170) and FS Ben Kolb (6-1, 170) should round out the Tiger secondary.

Competitive pressure from seniors Ian Blair, David Pusey, John Purcell, Will Warren, Joe Cecil, and juniors Matt Wilson and Reid Wesley will keep the starters on their toes.

St. X. has always depended on their special teams play to give them an added edge against their opposition in both scoring and field position. Coach Glaser blocks out a lot of practice time for the kicking, kick coverage, and kick return aspects of football, and he has been rewarded many times with victories because of this. In 2009 this should once again be a significant team strength.

Wyatt Gray (6-1, 190, Sr.) returns for his third straight year as the starting kicker and punter for the Tigers. Wyatt participated in a number of national kicking clinics this spring and summer, and as a result of his performance, he has received a rating as one of the Top 10 Combo Kickers in the nation.

Given adequate blocking, the speed and quick moves of Jeremiah Neal, Daylen Hall, Lamont McMurray, and Jeonta Hayden should provide Tiger supporters with a lot of thrills any time the opposing kicker or punter does not get the ball into the end zone.

In summary, once again as the season opening approaches, the excitement in Tigertown is generating sparks, which are virtually visible in the heavens. The players have worked extremely hard in the off season because they realize the high demands of achieving greatness. This is a very good team, which should be heavily in the hunt for the 6A crown. Here come the Tigers!!


Tates Creek (2-9)
Head coach: Mike Harmon
2008: Lost to Conner 39-0 in the first round of the playoffs

By Josh Claywell
The Elizabethtown News-Enterprise

After struggling through a 2-9 campaign last year, Tates Creek coach Mike Harmon is hopeful his team can turn things around.

The Commodores return 17 players from last season, including quarterbacks Martrell Berry and Chris Kemplin.

"We are making progress and are on track to make great strides this year," Harmon said.

Kemplin completed 122-of-148 passes for 1,112 yards and 12 touchdowns, while Berry was 15-of-39 for 108 yards.

Jontez Jones, the team's second-leading rusher from a year ago, is also back. Jones rushed for 345 yards and two TDs on 77 carries. Running backs Tyler Love and Brandon Shrout, who combined for 272 yards and one score, are also back.

Other key returnees include receivers Larobert Bett and Cam Ruddell, linebackers Jacob Kadel, John Meadors and Shrout and defensive backs Damon Boggs, Jamison Hardin and John Diliberto.

"Our strengths should be at running back and defensive back," Harmon said.

The only problem for the Commodores, Harmon said, will be on the offensive line.

"A weakness is experience on the offensive line," he said.

Tates Creek opens the season Aug. 21 hosting Lafayette.


Trinity (14-1)
Head coach: Bob Beatty
2008: Beat Simon Kenton 28-21 in the Class 6A state championship game

Each year I write this preview, I use the following sentence “There are few constants in Kentucky high school football, but one resonates yearly: Trinity will be a favorite for the state title.” For the past four years and seven out of the last eight, that constant has held true, as Trinity has been the best team in the State.

The run Trinity is on right now may never be duplicated in the big school division (4A/6A). Since 2000, the Rocks have made it to the State Final every year but one, winning 7 of the last 8 titles. Trinity is the only 4A/6A school to have four-peated or even three peated, feats they have accomplished three times, 1988-1990, 2001-2003 and 2005-2008. This may be bad news for the rest of the state, but Trinity is in prime position to obtain the first five peat in big school history time having won the state title in 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008 only allowing 41 points in 16 quarters and 1 overtime of Championship play.

Similar to 2007, last year’s Shamrock squad avenged the Louisville St. Xavier regular season loss by defeating the 3rd best team in the country 28-21. The Rocks finished the season ranked 13th in the Nation, the only Kentucky school to be ranked nationally. Thus far in the 2000s, Trinity has amassed 7 state titles, which is 5 more than all other 4A/6A schools combined.

The Shamrocks from Trinity should be a contender for their state record 20th State Championship. Think about this: since Bob Beatty has been the head coach at Trinity, Trinity has more State Titles, more State Title game appearances, more wins, more practices (to the players’ chagrin) and more success than any other school in Kentucky, let alone 4A/6A. This will be Coach Beatty and Coverdale’s third year in a row with a 1st year starting quarterback. The prior two have won state titles.

Trinity has another challenging schedule this year. By reducing the number of teams in the district due to the six-class expansion, Trinity was forced to find out of county and state opponents. The Rocks will face Bowling Green, Lawrence North (IN) and Lexington Catholic during the regular season. Local foes include Manual, Seneca, Eastern, Ballard and Louisville St. X, but the Rocks’ toughest foes will be national powerhouses Cincinnati St. X and Cincinnati Elder. Look for both St. X games and the Elder game to garner national attention.

Trinity returns very few offensive starters from the 2008 title squad. Gone are Tim Phillips who may be the best running back to walk the halls of Floersh and Sheehan since Alan Hennessey, and efficient quarterback Cameron Smyth. Senior Xavier Thomas (5-11, 198) had an impressive offseason and will star at running back.

Junior Brad Kragthorpe is projected to be the starting quarterback. Kragthorpe’s arm strength has grown from last year, as he looked good in 7 on 7 competitions. Look for senior wide receiver Rob Melillo (5-9, 165) and Junior Darick Nix (5-11, 170) to employ their speed and have big years.

In the trenches, the Rocks lost many starters from the offensive line but do return Dylan Kupper who had an excellent junior year. While other schools seem to prefer “large” linemen, the Rocks have found success with agile, in-shape players.

As we all know, on defense is where state championships are won and that was never truer last year, as the Rocks shut out Mr. Football candidate Miles Simpson in the state finals. Coach Terry Bean has implemented an aggressive defense that will have a larger impact in its sixth year.

Unfortunately, Trinity has ZERO returning starters on defense. Look for Sam Shadowen (5-11, 205) to be one of the leaders on defense and anchor the linebacking core. Spencer Holloway (6-3, 215) returns after making major contributions from the defensive end position last year. Nick Robertson should continue to excel has Trinity’s most under appreciated weapon these past few years… the kicker.

The sophomore class has an abundance of talent, speed and strength and will potentially provide many contributors late in the year. For example, look for Tari Mtangi and Jackson Noe, among others, to be special team players early in the season, but earn more playing time as the year progresses and the Greenies become Rocks.

The Rocks have a fantastic senior class who has provided great leadership and guidance to the underclassmen during off-season workouts. Expect the Rocks to take some lumps early in the season as the inexperienced earn their clovers. To no one’s surprise, Trinity will be a well oiled machine come November and if you are a Trinity supporter, you may want to go ahead and mark your calendar for a football game on December 5, 2009 at Western Kentucky University – opponent to be announced at a later date. 19 is nice, but 20 is even nicer.