2008 Class 4A Kentucky High School Football Preview

 

 

 

Allen County-Scottsville (1-9)

Head coach: Brad Hood

2007: Missed the playoffs

 

The 2007 season was a step back for Allen County-Scottsville, who lost nine of ten games with a team that returned 13 seniors.

 

Head coach Brad Hood is welcoming back 15 starters and does not anticipate another 1-9 season.

 

“We are getting to where we need to be,” Hood said. “We are getting stronger, and if our young guys develop quickly, we will be able to compete with all of the teams on our schedule.”

 

The Patriots have nine starters back from an offense that averaged just 13 points a game.

 

Quarterback Cory Cooper (6-1, 180, Jr.) returns to run the offense with a backfield that includes Flint Lich (5-10, 210, Sr.).

 

Hood said Brandon Boards (6-0, 180, Jr.) and Hunter York (5-6, 135, Soph.) would also get a long look in the backfield.

 

Receivers Ben Mahaney (6-0, 160, Sr.), Allen Witcher (5-9, 160, Sr.), and tight end Jake Marr (6-2, 190, Sr.) will give Cooper targets to throw to.

 

The Pats return four linemen, including both tackles. Bookend tackles Tyler Arterburn (6-2, 260, Sr.) and James Allen Blankenship (6-1, 220, Sr.) along with center Cy Williams (6-2, 205, Soph.) and guard A.J. Biddle (6-2, 180, Sr.) will hold the key to the offensive success of the Patriots this year.

 

AC-S graduated some top tacklers at linebacker, and Lich and Marr are the lone returning starters. Zach Stinson (5-10, 160, Jr.) and Tyler Walker should move into the starting lineup.

 

Nose guard Travis England (5-10, 200, Sr.) and Biddle return on the line, and Josh Shimanek (5-11, 165, Sr.) and Mahaney are back in the secondary.

 

The defense also expects to improve with the hiring of former Muhlenberg South head coach Matt Mueller as defensive coordinator.

 

 

Atherton (4-7)

Head coach: Chris Collins

2007: Lost to Valley 53-7 in the first round of the playoffs

Chris Collins has the first head coaching job of his career, and he’s hoping to keep things rolling at Atherton, which made it to the playoffs for the first time in school history last season after getting four wins.

 

Collins replaces Matt Brown, who went 4-17 in two seasons and then left the position to become the head coach at his alma mater Oldham County.

 

Collins played football at the former Whitesburg High and graduated from Eastern Kentucky University in 2005. After three seasons as an assistant at Tates Creek, Collins spent last season as an assistant at South Oldham.

 

Curtis Toole (5-10, 185, Sr.) had almost 1,000 yards rushing last season and is the top player returning for the Rebels. Dijon Coleman (5-11, 215, Sr.) is a solid linebacker.

 

 

Bell County (12-1)

Head coach: Dudley Hilton

2007: Lost to Lexington Catholic 35-16 in the region championship game

Nothing short of a trip to the state finals will be good enough for the Bobcats this year with nine starters back on offense and seven on defense from a squad that opened 12-0 before falling to Lexington Catholic in the third round of the playoffs.

 

The Bobcats gave up less than nine points a game last season, the best in the state in 4A, and will bring several key players back, including senior linebacker Matt Simpson (5-11, 205), senior linemen Tyler Harbin (6-3, 238) and Robbie Slusher (6-1, 205) and senior safety Chase Ely (6-4, 170).

 

Senior running back Spencer Greer (1,549 yards rushing, 22 touchdowns) and senior split end Shawnta Zachery (30 receptions for 452 yards) are back to lead the offense, which must find a replacement for quarterback Kyle Nelson.

 

The Bobcats also feature one of the state’s top kickers as senior Monte Merrick is coming off a season during which he hit 63 of 68 extra points and made five field goals.

 

The offensive front is anchored by senior Jacob King (6-1, 305) and junior Cody Marcum (6-2, 220).

 

The Bobcats are led by veteran coach Dudley Hilton, who ranks third in the state in all-time wins with 305. He has helped build the Bell County program into a consistent winner.

 

“We are very proud of Bell County football. We have made a lot of good programs such as Corbin and Middlesboro refuse to play us anymore,” Hilton said.

 

 

Bourbon County (2-9)

Head coach: Rick Massie

2007: Lost to Franklin County 57-7 in the first round of the playoffs

Bourbon County did get one monkey off their backs in 2007 as their win over Jessamine County in the second week of the season ended a 34-game losing streak that dated back to the 2003 season.

 

Head coach Rick Massie welcomes back a couple of offensive weapons, including quarterback Taylor Barnes (5-9, 165, Jr.) who rushed for over 600 yards and threw for over 900. In all, he accounted for 17 touchdowns last year.

 

Dustin Purcell (5-9, 150, Sr.) was a dual threat in the backfield, and Lucas Yaste (5-11, 152, Sr.) was the Colonels’ leading receiver.

 

Massie is hoping a large class of sophomores and juniors continue to develop and stay with the program to help keep numbers high.

 

 

Boyd County (5-7)

Head coach: Lee Evans

2007: Lost to Greenup County 27-26 in the second round of the playoffs

 

The end to the 2007 left a bitter taste in the mouths of the Boyd County faithful following their controversial loss to Greenup County in the playoffs.

 

The Lions are hoping some talented seniors mixed in with a strong junior and sophomore class can erase the memories of last November.

 

Quarterback Zac Wilson (6-3, 180, Sr.) will look to shoulder more of the offensive load with the graduation of running back Ryan Crisp.

 

Donnie Bryant (5-10, 180, Jr.), a standout linebacker on defense, could see some carries in the backfield. So could Chase Miller (5-10, 180, Jr.).

Kevin Stewart (5-10, 160, Jr.) also returns at linebacker.

 

Boyd County should be deep in the trenches with only three seniors graduating off the line from a year ago.

 

 

Boyle County (5-7)

Head coach: Larry French

2007: Lost to Lexington Catholic 41-12 in the second round of the playoffs

 

Hundreds of people who live in Lincoln County drive to work in Boyle County every day, but none of them have drawn as much notoriety as Larry French.

 

French kept his home address but changed his work address, moving 15 miles up U.S. 150 to take over the Boyle program after four years at Lincoln County.

 

It was one of the most talked-about coaching changes of the last offseason, as Boyle engaged in an unsuccessful attempt to hire former University of Kentucky coach Guy Morriss before luring French from Lincoln to replace Chris Pardue, who resigned to become offensive coordinator at Campbellsville University.

 

French said Boyle has the ingredients to win, and he knows Boyle fans expect nothing less after watching the Rebels go 11-13 over the past two seasons and post their first losing record since 1993 last fall.

 

He said the Rebels have "a great chance" to win the championship in District 6, where they have to beat defending 4A champion Lexington Catholic. And if they're good enough to knock off the Knights, they're probably good enough to compete with anybody in their class.

 

Boyle's best-known player is senior tight end-quarterback-linebacker Jordan Aumiller (6-4, 195), who accepted a scholarship offer from Kentucky in June. Aumiller had 392 receiving yards and four touchdown catches in the first half of the season, then was moved to quarterback for the final six games and threw for 1,055 yards and 14 TDs.

 

French has plenty of options at quarterback, as seniors Phillip Mason (6-1, 180) and Jacob Smith (5-10, 180) return with experience at the position.

Boone Goldsmith, who started for Lawrence County for the last two years, moved to Boyle this summer, but his transfer is still pending.

 

Goldsmith's father, former Lawrence coach Billy Goldsmith, could join the Boyle staff if a position becomes available.

 

The Rebels also return their top rusher from last season in junior Rees MacShara (5-9, 160, 523 yards, 7 TDs) and their top receiver in senior Ron Crutchfield (5-11, 162, 660 yards, 4 TDs). Seniors Cody Morris (5-10, 170) and Bret Marshall (5-10, 165) round out a strong stable of receivers, junior Dre Cox, and sophomore Chris Cook could play larger roles in the backfield, and Boyle also returns its kicker, senior J.T. Ross.

 

The Rebels should be able to move the ball and put up points, while on defense the biggest question marks are on the line.

 

Aumiller is the top returning tackler, along with senior linebacker Jeremy Bardin (5-9, 170) and junior defensive back Josh Henderson (5-11, 160).

 

Other leaders on defense will include senior lineman Daniel Wiechart (6-1, 225), senior defensive end Ryan Coffey (6-0, 190), linebacker Crutchfield and defensive back Marshall.

 

French said he has made very few changes in the way the Rebels will play, but the one change the Rebels want most is in the win column. They started 0-5 last year, and a better beginning this fall in an early-season gauntlet that includes Warren Central, Henry Clay, Danville, Lafayette and Lexington Catholic in the first five weeks would be an indication that their fortunes are taking a turn for the better.

 

 

Breckinridge County (1-9)

Head coach: Scott Mooney

2007: Missed the playoffs

On paper, Breckinridge County won a game in 2007, although it was a game they lost on the field 55-6 as Western later forfeited their game to the Tigers.

 

Scott Mooney takes over the top spot from longtime skipper Walt Hildenbrandt. Mooney, a former assistant at Campbellsville University, also had a previous coaching spot at Western Hills.

 

Mooney expects to battle the same participation problem Hildenbrandt encountered in a school known for their exploits on the hardwood than the gridiron.

 

The first year coach is hoping for a boost in numbers to help him compete against a schedule of mostly Louisville schools.

 

Chase Colyer (6-0, 185, Sr.), Clint Board (5-8, 140, Jr.), and Tate Glasscock (5-10, 160, Jr.) are expected to be the offensive leaders for the Tigers in 2008.

 

 

Bullitt East (5-6)

Head coach: Doug Preston

2007: Lost to North Bullitt 40-14 in the first round of the playoffs

 

After helping take the Western High School program to new heights, coach Doug Preston takes over an already established team at Bullitt East.

 

The Chargers had a losing season a year ago, but in recent memory have been one of the most consistent public school teams in the Louisville area.

 

Preston, who went 14-9 in two seasons at Western, replaces Mike Settles who left to take the job at Lincoln County. Settles was 51-20 in six seasons.

 

Prior to coaching at Western, Preston was the head coach at Rowan County.

 

Bullitt East has some talent back in the fold, including experienced quarterback Matt Bowles (5-10, 170, Jr.), who had 1,500 yards passing and 15 touchdowns a year ago.

 

Claine Risinger (6-0, 155, Sr.) led the Chargers in rushing last year with 731 yards and five touchdowns.

 

 

Calloway County (7-5)

Head coach: Josh McKeel

2007: Lost to Lone Oak 56-22 in the second round of the playoffs

 

Calloway County has the skill people returning to compete with just about anyone in Class 4A this year, but the key to their season will be up front.

 

The Lakers don’t have a lot of size returning from last year’s team that took Lone Oak to overtime in the regular season before falling big to the Purple Flash in the playoffs.

 

They do have size returning in the backfield as Tyrrell Willis (6-3, 230, Jr.) tries to solidify himself as one of the top juniors in the state.

 

Willis rushed for over 1,000 yards last year and averaged nearly nine yards a carry. His emergence in the backfield allowed senior quarterback Casey Brockman to have a breakout year, tossing for over 2,200 yards and a school-record 30 touchdowns. He also proved accurate, completing 58-percent of his passes.

 

Brockman’s top targets are back and will allow the Lakers to spread the field to allow them a multi-faceted offense.

 

Speedster George Garner (6-1, 185, Sr.) caught 45 passes for 900 yards and led the Laker receivers with 17 touchdowns last year. Across from him is Chris Dobbins (5-8, 150, Sr.) who added 44 catches for 625 yards and five touchdowns.

 

Logan Burks (5-9, 175, Jr.), C.J. Dial (6-1, 170, Sr.), and Clay Choate (6-4, 165, Sr.) should also factor into the Laker offense.

 

Willis can be equally dominant at defense end, while Garner gives the Laker defense great speed at linebacker. Choate and Burks also play linebacker.

 

Dial, who picked off three passes, and Dobbins are back in the secondary.

John Garland (5-10, 180, Sr.) and Grant Williams (6-5, 260, Jr.) anchor a young line that will hold the key to the Lakers’ season.

 

 

East Jessamine (5-6)

Head coach: Mike Bowlin

2007: Lost to Boyle County 33-7 in the first round of the playoffs

 

East Jessamine has a handful of starters back from last year’s team that beat West Jessamine and finished third in their district.

 

Zack Minks (6-3, 210, Soph.) and receiver Zack Cantrell (6-1, 175, Sr.) are two of the skill people back on offense. Sophomore Austin Hager (5-8, 160, Soph.) could move into a starting role in the backfield.

 

Head coach Mike Bowlin thinks his offensive line could be a strength of this team this year.

 

Isaiah Powell (5-11, 235, Sr.), Justin Burger (5-8, 230, Sr.), and Josh Reidenbaugh (5-10, 190, Sr.) are three starters back on the line.

 

An improved front seven should see the Jaguars put a better defensive product on the field.

 

Burger and Reidenbaugh are back at linebackers, and Powell and Lajernio Robinson (5-9, 170, Sr.) return on the line.

 

“Our program is not where it should be. We need to play better against more talented teams if they are going to take the next step with their program,” Bowlin said.

Fairdale (9-4)

Head coach: Jonathon Miller

2007: Lost to Warren East 54-20 in the region championship game

 

Fairdale lost eight starters to graduation, but perhaps the biggest loss was all-district and all-region performer Jordon Mills. He helped guide the offense that scored a school-record 428 points.

 

Coach Jonathan Miller has a solid line on both sides of the ball, anchored by Division I prospect David Carter. C.J. Mack returns after leading the team with five interceptions and also hauling in 200 yards of passes.

 

Mack is likely to play quarterback and will be the key if the Bulldogs are to make another long postseason run.

 

 

Franklin County (9-3)

Head coach: Dennis Ledford

2007: Lost to Harrison County 30-6 in the second round of the playoffs

 

By JOSH CLAYWELL

The (Elizabethtown) News-Enterprise

 

The Franklin County Flyers have run the Tony Franklin system to near perfection the last few years.

 

And with quarterback Sean Thompson returning for his junior season, this year should be no exception.

 

“We have been very successful with this offense and we feel it suits all kinds of athletes,” said second-year coach Dennis Ledford. “We look to have an explosive group on offense.”

 

Through 10 games as a sophomore, Thompson completed 206-of-342 passes for 2,468 yards and 26 touchdowns.

 

Thompson’s favorite two targets, seniors Deron Hicks and Kevin Stiles, are back. Hicks, who is being recruited by several Division I and Division I-AA schools, caught 54 passes for 1,040 yards and seven touchdowns, while Stiles had 34 catches for 377 yards and eight touchdowns.

 

“Our receiving core will be our strength without a doubt,” said Ledford, who served as an assistant for five years under former coach Donny Walker. “They’re a very talented group with a lot of experience.”

 

Also back at receiver are seniors Brandon Meriweather and Ryan Conner and junior Damian Hicks, who was a back-up receiver last year.

 

Also back on offense is senior fullback Leland Robinson and sophomore fullback Lane Jackson. Anchoring the offensive line will be a trio of seniors in tackle Oakley Watkins and guards Pat Brown and Aaron Mayes.

 

On defense, the Flyers use a “rover” defense, which is a hybrid between the 4-3, 4-4 and 5-2 defenses.

 

Franklin County won the Class 4-A, District 5 regular season championship, but lost to Harrison County, 30-6, in the second round of the playoffs.

 

“We feel we have the talent to win the district,” Ledford said. “We know our opponents are improving each year and that Harrison County can beat us at any time. But it is our goal to win the district.

 

“We have been to the first round of the playoffs and the second round a few times,” Ledford added. “We want that third round pretty badly. If our young players and linemen step up, we feel we can have a shot at that goal.”

 

 

Franklin-Simpson (6-6)

Head coach: Tim Schlosser

2007: Lost to Warren East 47-14 in the second round of the playoffs

 

Courtney Dalcourt may be the best player you’ve never heard of.

 

The senior quarterback threw for 1,486 yards and 12 touchdowns and rushed for another 1,015 yards on 147 carries (7.0 yards per carry) and nine touchdowns.

 

The 6-2, 190-pound senior has been getting looks from several Division-I schools, including Kentucky, where Franklin-Simpson alum Joker Phillips is the offensive coordinator.

 

The athletic signal caller has started since his sophomore season and will have some weapons around him that should give the Wildcats one of the more explosive offenses in western Kentucky.

 

Junior Patrick Flippin is a scatback-type running back that rushed for 1,063 yards and 10 touchdowns. He also caught 27 passes for 236 yards.

 

Sophomore Jalen Bell (6-1, 175, Soph.) could gain some valuable experience in the Wildcat backfield getting carries behind Flippin.

 

Senior Zack Herrington and Jerron Patterson (6-5, 205, Soph.) could have breakout seasons at receiver if teams try and stack the line to stop Dalcourt and Flippin on the ground.

 

Franklin-Simpson also returns 6-8 tight end Jim Murphree.

 

The Wildcats have the size and experience to give Dalcourt plenty of protection on the line.

 

Josh Atkins (5-10, 245, Sr.), Jordan Jones (5-9, 175, Sr.), Caleb Carpenter, Josh Vaughn (5-11, 210, Sr.), and Dustin Jones (6-0, 260, Sr.) all return on the starting line.

 

Defensively, the Wildcats have quite a bit returning in their 5-2 defense.

 

Jacob Walton (5-8, 170, Sr.), Atkins, and Dustin Jones are back up front.

 

Cody Mann (5-8, 170, Jr.), Jalen Bell, and Jordan Jones should see most of the time at linebacker.

 

Hayden Williams, Herrington, and Flippin return in the secondary.

 

Justin Dyer (6-0, 165, Sr.) turned into one of the more productive kickers in central Kentucky last year and gives the Wildcats another scoring option in opponent territory.

 

Franklin-Simpson has advanced to the playoffs for 15 consecutive seasons. However, the Wildcats don’t just want to make the playoffs in 2008. They are looking at putting together a long postseason run.

 

 

Greenup County (5-8)

Head coach: Mike Sammons

2007: Lost to Harrison County 31-30 in the region championship game

 

Greenup County looks to build and improve on last year’s unexpected playoff run that saw them come within two points of winning the region and advancing to the state semifinals.

 

The Musketeers lost some key players from last year, including some key lineman and two of the better running backs in the area.

 

Greenup County will look to replace them with a few familiar faces from last year and a few talented sophomores.

 

Senior David Berry (6-0, 170) was the team’s leading receiver last year (467 yds., 6 TDs) in his first year at the position. He could return to the backfield this year, but must recover from offseason knee surgery.

 

Senior Zach Smith (5-10, 170) saw some snaps in the backfield last season and will probably get his chance to start this year.

 

Look for sophomore Corey Lyle (5-10, 180) to get a good look at running back after a stellar freshman year.

 

Greenup County welcomes back three-year starter Eric Craft (6-0, 170, Sr.) at quarterback.

 

In addition to Berry, Drew Hannah (5-9, 145, Sr.) and Michael Campbell (5-10, 170, Sr.) are also back at receiver in the Franklin offense style.

 

The offensive and defensive lines should look a lot alike this year. The O-line will be anchored by returning starters Joe Bob Greenslate (5-9, 185, Sr.) and Zach Sexton (5-9, 190, Sr.) along with Frank Sanders (6-3, 240, Sr.) and a couple of strong and very talented sophomores in Brian Grayson (5-10, 270, Soph.) and Johnathon Kitchen (5-9, 250, Soph.).

 

The Greenup County D-line should look about the same minus Greenslate, who will probably be starting at middle linebacker.

 

Greenslate will most likely be joined by Smith and Berry at the linebacker spots.

 

The secondary could be a huge question mark this year with a lot of youth getting action back there.

 

Another question mark could be the kicking game with Crockett Reed graduating.

 

It should be interesting to see if the Musketeers have enough coming back to make another run at a region title.

 

 

Harrison County (10-4)

Head coach: Aaron Stepp

2007: Lost to Lexington Catholic 34-0 in the state semifinals

 

After 25 years, there will be a new face roaming the sidelines at Ingles Stadium.

 

Aaron Stepp comes to Harrison County from Clay County where he replaces Ray Graham, who took a job on he staff at Lexington Christian.

 

Stepp directed one of the state’s most prolific passing attacks at Clay County with quarterback Zach Lewis.

 

At Harrison County, Stepp will guide Van Isaac (6-4, 200, Sr.) for his senior season. Isaac missed several games with a shoulder injury but still managed to pass for 1,084 yards and seven touchdowns.

 

Aaron Newby (5-11, 215, Sr.) rushed for 819 yards and 10 touchdowns, but missed the playoff loss to Lexington Catholic after he was injured in a car wreck.

 

Malcolm Thomas (6-3, 160, Jr.) is a two-way starter at receiver and in the secondary.

 

Cody Landrum (5-10, 170, Sr.) will join Thomas as a target for Isaac.

Josh Moss (5-9, 150, Jr.) backed up Isaac last year and could find his way into the offense at other positions.

 

On the line, Blake Niman (6-3, 235, Sr.) and David Luellen (5-11, 240, Jr.) are also back.

 

In the special teams area, Bobby Feeback (5-10, 150, Sr.) returns at kicker.

 

Stepp will also have the services of several juniors and seniors who have a wide range of experience in the trenches.

 

 

Hopkins County Central (6-5)

Head coach: Rick Snodgrass

2007: Lost to Calloway County 21-0 in the first round of the playoffs

 

With all of their top skill people back, a lot of people are projecting big things for Hopkins County Central in 2008. One thing is for sure – the new playoff alignment favors the Storm in a district that includes last year’s state runner-up Lone Oak and a vastly improved Calloway County team.

 

The Storm skill kids may be among the fastest in the state with five players who run a 4.7 (40) or faster. That has several Division-I schools trying to find Morton’s Gap on a map to check out the Storm players.

 

The Storm return Jacob Powell (5-11, 190, Sr.), a dual threat quarterback that thrived in the shotgun spread offense last year. He threw for 1,737 yards and 18 touchdowns and added 703 yards and seven touchdowns. He also runs a 4.6 40.

 

Powell benefits from the return of his top receivers from last year.

 

Kelsey Bowman (6-1, 180, Sr.) is a deep threat with speed who isn’t afraid to go across the middle for a pass. He caught 56 passes for 777 yards and six scores last year.

 

Kevin Couch (5-8, 165, Sr.) had 41 catches for 540 yards and six touchdowns.

 

In addition to Powell, the Storm have their top rushers back. Troy Dale Rorer (6-1, 200, Sr.) ran for 797 yards at over 10 yards per carry. While he runs between the tackles, speedster Keith Couch, who runs a 4.55 in the 40, can break runs to the outside. Couch (5-8, 170, Sr.) ran for 573 yards and 11 touchdowns last year.

 

Von Lovan (5-8, 160, Sr.) and Nikee Caldwell (6-0, 185, Jr.) could also see time in the Storm’s spread attack.

 

On the line, Hopkins Central has several of their big guns back, including Cody Summers (6-3, 285, Jr.), Austin Pryor (6-3, 270, Sr.), A.J. Morris (6-0, 225, Sr.), and Josh Muthlethaler (6-8, 325, Sr.).

 

The Storm have Dustin Grant (6-0, 205, Sr.) and Denzel Arrington (5-11, 190, Sr.) back on the defensive line.

 

Other than Trigg County and cross-county rival Madisonville, the Storm play a less-than-stellar non-district schedule which should inflate their win total, which went from one win in 2006 to six wins last year.

 

If Hopkins Central can avoid the injury bug, they could make a postseason run similar to what Lone Oak pulled off last year.

 

 

Knox Central (5-6)

Head coach: Wayne Mills

2007: Lost to Rockcastle County 21-0 in the first round of the playoffs

 

Wayne Mills brought the Panthers a long way in his first four years, earning what was reportedly the school’s first home playoff game last fall.

 

Knox Central started strong last year with five wins in its first eight games, including a rare victory over Rockcastle County. An injury to quarterback Cory Smith wrecked Central’s momentum and resulted in three straight losses to close the campaign, including a 14-0 loss against Rockcastle County in the opening round of the playoffs.

 

Smith returns for his senior season, one of six starters back on offense.

 

The Panthers also bring back senior tight end Josh Brown (15 catches for 275 yards), senior halfbacks Dexter Carnes (980 yards rushing) and Greg Phillips, and senior wide receiver Chris Cecil.

 

A pair of seniors, tackle Daniel Monroe (6-4, 220) and linebacker Adam Smith, will join Brown and Cecil as defensive leaders in a unit that gave up less than 13 points a game last year and returns seven starters.

 

 

Larue County (3-8)

Head coach: Rodney Armes

2007: Lost to Marion County 17-14 in the first round of the playoffs

 

Rodney Armes knew he would be rebuilding in 2007, but he wasn’t expecting it to be such an undertaking. The Hawks slipped from 10 wins in 2006 to just three last year.

 

And 2008 expects to be another season around the .500 mark with the loss of several key skill people.

 

Senior Travis Crim and junior Lucas Chaudoin both return, with one of them the likely successor for quarterback Alan Vass.

 

Jay Eastridge and Eric Patterson should also return to the offensive line as the Hawks look to try and duplicate their recent offensive success with an entirely new cast of characters.

 

 

Lawrence County (1-10)

Head coach: Luke Salmons

2007: Lost to Boyd County 19-0 in the first round of the playoffs

 

The good news for Lawrence County was that they were a playoff team last season. The bad news is that they finished the regular season 1-9 in doing so. Certainly, times were “Ruff” for the Bulldogs and in the offseason coach Billy Goldsmith stepped down, leaving the proud Eastern Kentucky program clearly and blatantly in a rebuilding phase.

 

With Goldsmith’s departure to take on an assistant coaching position at parts elsewhere, the Bulldogs also lost promising quarterback Boone Goldsmith.

 

Couple this with the loss of leading rusher Coty Roberts to graduation, and it is evident that Lawrence County has a tough road to establishing themselves back on the elite level in the mountains.

 

Luke Salmons takes over as the head man in Louisa, and with him comes the promise of restoring the glory days of Lawrence County football. The first major step towards reaching this goal was the excellent turnout for spring football.

 

The Bulldogs are also fortunate to have several underclassmen with tons of potential.

 

Shane Pack, a junior running back, will get the brunt of the handoffs from sophomore quarterback Chandler Shepherd.

 

Expect junior offensive tackle Ben Preston to open some holes.

 

Despite the 1-10 record last season, Lawrence County was right in the thick of every district game and in fact, defeated Boyd County who finished as the top seed for the regular season.

 

With the transition having to take place and the loss of skill players from last season, the path to a district title will not be easy, but don’t be surprised if the Bulldogs can rally and improve off last season’s mark.

Lexington Catholic (13-2)

Head coach: Bill Letton

2007: Beat Lone Oak 49-7 to win the Class 4A state championship

 

Despite losing 15 of 22 starters, Lexington Catholic expects to be in the thick of things when the postseason rolls around and could very well bring home the school’s third state championship in four years.

 

The Knights lost several impact players, but head coach Bill Letton believes he still has the pieces in place to make another run for a state title.

 

Junior quarterback Nic Ward (6-1, 190) is back again to lead the Knights’ offense after a sophomore campaign that saw him complete 63-percent of his passes for 2,488 yards and 23 touchdowns. One area Ward will need to improve on is his interception total – he threw 16 last year.

 

Ward lost his top receiver (Tyler Corvin) to graduation, but should have no trouble finding seniors Devon Williams (35 rec., 312 yds., 3 TDs) and Daniel Vogelsang (32 rec., 422 yds.) open in the spread offense.

 

Oba Wilson (5-11, 165, Sr.) and Justin Douglas (6-0, 170, Sr.) should compete for starting spots at the receiver position.

 

Williams (6-0, 225) returns in the backfield where he rushed for 276 yards and six touchdowns. He’ll be joined by Greg Raglin (5-5, 165, Jr.), who rushed for 781 yards and seven touchdowns. They will try and fill the rushing void left by the departed Shane Israel.

 

Letton said Lee Ramsey (6-2, 200, Jr.) and Ryne Least (5-10, 170, Jr.) could compete for another running back opening.

 

Loyd Amos (6-3, 250, Jr.) is the lone returning starter from an offensive line that helped the Knight offense average 38 points a game last year.

 

Ryan Cruse (5-11, 240, Sr.), Lloyd Alverson (5-10, 250, Sr.), and Will Whitman (6-3, 210, Soph.) will battle for the remaining starting spots on the line.

 

As Lone Oak can attest, the Knight’s swarming defense was stifling at times last year and a big reason for their run to the state title. However, Letton must replace nine starters, including the top seven tacklers, from his defensive unit.

 

Cruse will also play some on a defensive line that graduated everyone.

 

Alex Mesmer (6-0, 225, Jr.) could jump into the lineup at defensive end.

Vincent Foright (5-11, 190, Jr.) and Nate Letton (6-3, 205, Soph.) will see full-time action at linebacker.

 

Will Letton (6-3, 210, Sr.) and Jake Conner (6-1, 195, Sr.), the two returning tacklers from last year, solidify a LexCath secondary that recorded eight picks last year.

 

Lane Pumphrey (6-2, 185, Sr.), who kicked 12 field goals and 62 extra points, gives the Knights another special teams threat.

 

While Letton is pleased with the team speed he has returning, he knows the loss of 34 seniors and lack of size up front may be tough to overcome against a challenging schedule that includes St. Xavier, Boyle County, Highlands, Scott County, and Bishop Chatard, a three-time defending Indiana state champ.

 

But hardly anyone will be shocked to see the Knights back on the carpet at Louisville in December to defend their state title.

 

 

Logan County (3-8)

Head coach: Lee Proctor

2007: Lost to Franklin-Simpson 33-17 in the first round of the playoffs

 

Logan County ended the 2007 season with six straight losses, but head coach Lee Proctor saw enough bright spots to be encouraged by the product he will put on the field this year.

 

A solid nucleus began to form with the team’s sophomores last year, and as many as 15 juniors should be ready to lead the Cougars this year.

 

Quarterback Thomas Washington (5-9, 155, Jr.) broke into the starting lineup and accounted for over 1,500 yards of total offense and 15 touchdowns. The shifty signal caller nearly broke even in his offensive play calling, rushing 125 times (636 yards) and throwing 116 times (902 yards).

 

Reuben Rawlings-Watson (5-11, 165, Jr.), Cameron Collier (6-3, 185, Jr.), and Jonathon Barbee (5-9, 175, Jr.) also return on the offensive side of the football and can line up just about anywhere.

 

Proctor is also excited about a group of young but experienced linemen that could have breakout seasons this year.

 

 

Lone Oak (14-1)

Head coach: Jack Haskins

2007: Lost to Lexington Catholic 49-7 in the Class 4A state championship game

 

If Jack Haskins has his way, the memories of Lone Oak’s dream season will remain exactly that — memories.

 

“We don’t even talk about it anymore,” Haskins said of last fall’s magical playoff run — Lone Oak, which had only two winning seasons since 1984 and had won one playoff game in its history, ascended from a 5-5 season to a 14-0 mark before getting blistered 49-7 by Lexington Catholic in the state championship.

 

And with good reason. Most of the players who comprised the nucleus of the team, including record-setting quarterback Corey Robinson, have graduated.

 

Yet there is an optimism that fuels the 2008 campaign. Haskins insists that this team has better athletes at several positions, but lacks the experience and questions whether it will find the chemistry that characterized last year’s club.

 

“We’ll have more speed on the field, but the guys we had last year were tough kids,” Haskins said. “This group can be pretty good, but they have to prove they can get it done.”

 

Senior Jamarielle Brown (6-3, 170), who set the state record for receptions (106), yardage (2,021) and touchdowns (28) last season, is a

Division I prospect at wide receiver. But he is now the quarterback that gets the unenviable task of replacing Robinson, who was named Mr. Football and is now playing college football at Troy.

 

Likewise, Lone Oak’s pass-happy offense will have a different look this year. The Flash will keep the Franklin system, but the play calling may more resemble the spread option offense that Rich Rodriguez used at

West Virginia.

 

“He’s a much better running threat than Corey,” Haskins said, “and he’s got a strong arm. We’re still going to throw the ball a lot, but we’re going to be able to run it on people, too.”

 

Haskins won’t completely rule out a wrinkle or two that would move

Brown back to receiver on occasion with 6-4 sophomore Conrad Gholson

taking over at quarterback.

 

“Right now, Jamarielle is 100 percent the quarterback,” Haskins said. “I hate to rotate quarterbacks because it can mess up the rhythm of your offense.”

 

Juniors Matt Starks (5-11, 175) and Chayton Holland (6-0, 185) will split time at tailback in the one-back set, and both can also catch the ball out of the backfield. Senior Justin Jackson (6-0, 165) sat out last season and could be used as a running back and receiver.

 

Most of Lone Oak’s receiving corps is gone, but Logan Francis (5-9,150) filled in well for an injured starter during the postseason and Allen Haase (6-0,160) was productive in a reserve role. Juniors Cameron Looper (6-0, 175) and Carson Beyer (5-9, 165) are in the mix, too, as is newcomer Cameron Isenberg. Looper moves over from quarterback.

 

Haskins feels the offensive line can be a strength of this team.

 

Senior tackle Jeff Prescott (6-3, 300) is a Division I prospect and is joined on the right side by senior guard Nick Tavernaro (6-0, 200).

 

The line’s progress will count heavily on the development of junior center Jacob Porter (6-1, 215), senior Isaac Sluder (6-0, 210) and juniors Alex Lambert (6-2, 220), Jordan Ludovissie (6-2, 250) and Kenny Tomes (6-3, 240).

 

Lone Oak’s defense will revamp with only three returning starters, including senior linebacker Dylan Murphy (5-8, 192) and Brown, who will

move from cornerback to safety. Prescott and Chandler Holland (5-6,

250) split time at tackle last year and will be full-time defenders this season.

 

Porter will see time at defensive end, with Starks and Francis at outside linebacker and Haase and Looper at cornerback.

 

Jack Coorts was a dependable kicker as a freshman and booted the game-winning field goal against Warren East in the final seconds of the state semifinals. He will also take over the punting duties from Robinson.

 

 

Madison Southern (1-9)

Head coach: Dave Brumley

2007: Missed the playoffs

 

After falling to 1-9 last year and missing the playoffs, the Eagles will rebuild around Dave Brumley, a former assistant who takes over for Doug Carter.

 

Madison Southern will feature one of the district’s top playmakers in junior wide receiver Rico Brown (5-11, 170).

 

Senior Michael Mullin (5-10, 160) and sophomore Devon Johnson (5-5, 140) round out a strong group of receivers.

 

Senior Jared Harding (5-9, 185) will be counted on as the Eagles’ primary ball carrier at fullback.

 

The defense will feature senior Tyler Isaacs, a transfer from Berea, at middle linebacker. Harding and junior Caleb Morris, who also starts at offensive guard, are expected to serve as the outside linebackers.

 

 

Marion County (9-3)

Head coach: Jeff Robbins

2007: Lost to North Bullitt 20-13 in the second round of the playoffs

 

Marion County won their first eight games in 2007 before faltering down the stretch to lose three of their final four, including a tough playoff loss to North Bullitt for the district title.

 

Head coach Jeff Robbins only has six starters returning from that team and will be counting on a strong group of sophomores and juniors in 2008.

 

Eric Miles (5-10, 170, Sr.) threw for 867 yards and eight touchdowns in a run-oriented attack. However, most of his offensive weapons have graduated, including the starting backfield.

 

He should be afforded some protection up front with the return of starters Wes Stayton (5-10, 200, Jr.) and Dustin Crane (6-0, 260, Jr.).

 

Head coach Jeff Robbins likes what he has returning on the defensive line, which includes starters Chris Means (5-10, 255, Sr.) at nose tackle and Robby Burch (5-10, 210, Sr.) at defensive end.

 

However, the linebacker corps is inexperienced with only David Litsey (5-8, 155, Sr.) starting last year.

 

“We have steadily improved over the last four years and just need to continue to work and get better as a team,” Robbins said.

 

 

McCreary Central (3-8)

Head coach: Clinton Gay

2007: Lost to Bell County 72-0 in the first round of the playoffs

 

In the 21st year of the McCreary Central program, the Raiders reached uncharted territory last fall with their first trip to the playoffs.

 

Head coach Clinton Gay expects the Raiders to take the next step in 2008 with six starters back on both offense and defense from a 3-8 squad that was no match for Bell County in the opening round of the postseason.

 

With 6-2, 180-pound junior Aaron Watts in the backfield, the Raiders can cause headaches for opponents. Watts was last year’s district player of the year as he rushed for 1,136 yards while compiling 360 receiving yards.

 

Junior Zack Roark (5-8, 175, Jr.) rounds out the McCreary backfield, which will run behind what Gay says “could be the best line to ever play here.”

 

The offensive front will feature senior center Coty Ball (5-10, 250), senior tackle Rusty Neal (6-0, 260), sophomore tackle Vince Staten (6-3, 290), junior Terrance Snyder (5-11, 240), and senior tight end Casey Huston (6-4, 220).

 

McCreary’s defense will include senior tackles Travis Siler (5-9, 240) and Ball, and senior Casey Houston (6-4, 220).

 

Senior linebacker Brandon Myerhoff will be joined by James Ball (6-1, 175, Jr.) and Steven Snead (6-0, 200, 5-9, 185, Jr.).

 

Sophomore defensive back Dustin Goins will be joined by Watts in the secondary.

 

Thanks to a better work ethic in the weight room and more depth on the roster, Gay is hoping 2008 is when the Raiders can take the next step with their program and possibly win the program’s first ever playoff game.

 

 

Muhlenberg North (2-9)

Head coach: Shane Sams

2007: Lost to Lone Oak 54-0 in the first round of the playoffs

 

By Mark Mathis

Owensboro Messenger-Inquirer

 

Muhlenberg North will be one of the youngest football teams in western Kentucky. The Stars (2-9) will start about eight or nine sophomores.

 

One of those is Dalton Oliver at quarterback. He played about 18 snaps at the end of the year.

 

“We feel great about Dalton,” North coach Shane Sams said. “He is young but very poised.”

 

David Hocker is another young player in the backfield at running back. He picked up about 600 yards before going out for the season with a concussion.

 

Blocking for Hocker is fullback Chris Dunning, a 5-10, 240-pound senior who will add some experience for the offense.

 

North will be anchored defensively by senior Lason Leonard, a 6-2, 215-pound outside linebacker.

 

Johnny Bilbro is North’s middle linebacker and is a junior.

Edited July 21, 2008 by The Scribe

North Bullitt (8-5)

Head coach: Brett Newton

2007: Lost to Lone Oak 55-33 in the region championship game

 

North Bullitt has one of the state’s top players – Dalton Cissell – and enough of a supporting cast that the Eagles should be a formidable foe this fall.

 

Cissell (5-10, 200, Sr.) is already one of the top running backs in state history.

 

A four-year starter, Cissell has already amassed more than 5,000 careers yards and 50 touchdowns on his career. Cissell, who starts the season No. 28 on the state’s all-time rushing list, ran for 1,869 yards and 21 touchdowns as a junior.

 

Cissell has been the District Player of the Year two years in a row.

 

Jordan Mayberry (5-10, 175, Sr.), who combined to run and throw for 1,200 yards last season, returns at quarterback and will help keep some pressure off Cissell.

 

Shae Ellis (6-0, 180, Sr.) returns at receiver and should be the prime target for Mayberry through the air.

 

Zach Perkins (6-4, 285, Sr.), Steve Burba (5-11, 210, Sr.), and Ivan Tischendorf (6-3, 260, Sr.) anchor the line, while the defense is led by linebackers David Elmore (6-1, 225, Sr.), Ryan Tarter (6-0, 170, Sr.), and Brandon Campbell (6-1, 230, Sr.).

 

Travis Ridley (5-8, 165, Jr.) tied for the team lead with three interceptions last year.

 

Head coach Brett Newton knows two things must happen in 2008 for his Eagle team to again be successful.

 

First, he has to find a way to move the football when opposing defenses stack the line to shut down Cissell in the backfield.

 

Second, the defense, which allowed 25 or more points in five games, must improve, especially against teams that throw the football.

 

 

Pendleton County (4-7)

Head coach: Lee Teegarden

2007: Lost to Harrison County 48-14 in the first round of the playoffs

 

Despite dressing just 16 players in the postseason, Pendleton County was tied with Harrison County 14-14 at halftime before losing 48-14 in the first round of the playoffs.

 

Head coach Lee Teegarden is hoping to build on that small amount of success, but first he has to find some bodies to put in uniforms.

 

Of the four seniors on last year’s team, three were linemen.

 

Quarterback Austin Koeninger (6-4, 200, Sr.) is back to lead the offense, which centers on running back Ryan Stegman (5-9, 170, Sr.), who was the workhorse in the playoff loss to Harrison County, rushing 42 times for 177 yards.

 

Landon Wright (6-1, 220, Jr.) and Hunter Lawson (6-0, 225, Sr.) return on the Wildcat line.

 

 

Rockcastle County (6-6)

Head coach: Scott Parkey

2007: Lost to Bell County 35-0 in the second round of the playoffs

 

After over two decades and a pair of trips to the state finals (2001 and 2002), the Tom Larkey era is over in Mount Vernon.

 

Larkey left to take over the new Harlan County High School program, and former assistant Scott Parkey takes over as coach. He begins the task of getting the Rockets back to the top of the district after an uncharacteristically average 6-6 mark a year ago.

 

The Rockets always seem to have a strong running game and will be led this fall by senior running backs Casey Hayes (1,202 yards rushing) and Cody Mize (516 yards rushing), as well as senior wide receiver Dustin Bullock (6-1, 180) and junior quarterback Dustin Bishop (915 yards passing).

 

Hayes can also create havoc at linebacker, where he recorded 89 tackles and eight sacks last season.

 

The Rockets have two starting linemen back in Devon Mason (5-8, 190, Sr.) and Cole Abney (6-1, 212, Jr.).

 

Senior cornerbacks Steve Trimble (5-7, 155) and Mize, and senior lineman Mason are also leaders on defense.

 

Defensive linemen Abney and Derrick Thacker (6-5, 265) are also expected to play key roles.

 

Parkey is looking to Matt Bullens (6-2, 180, Jr.) and Patrick Kirby (5-11, 190, Sr.) to step into the linebacker role on defense and contribute immediately.

 

“The main focus this year is to improve and execute the fundamental aspects of the game. Through individual attention during practice and constantly stressing fundamentals, we hope to improve our game to levels Rock fans will not only notice, but be excited about,” Parkey said.

 

 

Rowan County (2-9)

Head coach: ShaDon Brown

2007: Lost to Greenup County 40-6 in the first round of the playoffs

 

ShaDon Brown is hoping his winning pedigree rubs off on his new team at Rowan County.

 

Brown takes over a Rowan County program that has won four games in two years and hasn’t produced a winning season in a decade.

 

The former Danville player and assistant coach at the University of the Cumberlands was an assistant coach at Boyle County last year.

 

“Taking over a down program will be a challenge to the new staff, but in time, Rowan County will be competitive and very physical football team,” said Brown, who added his goal is to win a state title with the Vikings.

 

The Vikings don’t have a lot of experience at their skill positions, but return four starters on the offensive line.

 

Bryan Ross (6-0, 225, Jr.), Robert Stegall (5-7, 225, Sr.), Jacob Glover (5-8, 255, Jr.), and Cody Wallace (6-1, 200, Soph.) will be charged with the task of protecting a freshman quarterback.

 

Adam Wing (6-3, 175) is a player Brown is already excited about in his short time in Morehead.

 

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

 

How Wing will wing it to could be one of the big questions for Brown.

T.J. Chin (5-7, 165, Jr.) is the only running back returning who saw considerable playing time, but several underclassmen could break through for the Vikings and impress.

 

On defense, Ross and Wallace return on the line, and Chin is back in the secondary.

 

Brandon Black (6-0, 190, Jr.) didn’t play last year but could make an immediate impact at inside linebacker for a defense that was “deuces wild” in allowing 22 points and 222 yards per game.

 

Brown is already pleased with what he has seen in the feeder programs at the middle school level in terms of numbers. He also thinks the addition of four new assistant coaches from outside of Rowan County will help get the program back on track.

 

 

Russell County (3-8)

Head coach: Bill Sharp

2007: Lost to Warren East 49-7 in the first round of the playoffs

 

Russell County won eight games in 2005 but has won just seven games in the two seasons since.

 

The return of most of their offensive playmakers has Laker fans hopeful the program can get back to the .500 mark and advance in the postseason.

 

Bryon Ellis (5-10, 190, Sr.) is a three-year starter at quarterback, accounting for over 1,200 yards of offense last year.

 

Leading rusher Timmy Coffey has graduated, but Landon Meece (5-8, 150, Sr.) was moved from receiver last year and should pick up most of the carries this year.

 

Receivers Quinton Warriner (6-2, 155, Sr.) and Cody Stephens (6-2, 160, Sr.) should see most of the footballs thrown their way.

 

Russell County should benefit from the return of most of their line, minus five seniors that graduated.

 

 

Valley (9-3)

Head coach: Roger Deskins

2007: Lost to Fairdale 18-7 in the second round of the playoffs

 

Valley has won nine games each of the past two seasons and while there is some youth this time around, the Vikings should still be successful.

 

Senior Gerwan Brewer (5-8, 160, Sr.) likely won’t come off of the field for the Vikings. He led Class 4A in scoring in the regular season as a junior at 16.4 points a game.

 

The speedy Brewer is likely to get a bulk of the carries for Valley.

 

Linemen Joey French (5-10, 275, Jr.), Sonny Jeffries (5-5, 195, Sr.), Frank Keen (6-3, 320, Sr.), and Nick Harper (5-11, 260, Sr.) are back to open holes for Brewer, while wide receivers Tyler Flener (6-4, 215, Sr.), Matt Kerperian (5-5, 160, Sr.), and Derek Kilgore (6-4, 190, Sr.) will also return to the Valley lineup.

 

Brewer will also star at cornerback, along with Kerperian and Kendrick Lancaster (5-8, 160, Jr.).

 

Linebacker Kevin Farris (5-10, 155, Jr.) and linemen Kilgore, Charles Washington (6-2, 225, Soph.) and Tre Walker (6-1, 250, Jr.) are also back.

 

 

Warren East (11-3)

Head coach: Ben Bruni

2007: Lost to Lone Oak 38-35 in the state semifinals

 

By Purple Haze

 

The Raiders of Warren East High School continued to build upon their newfound tradition in football in 2007, compiling an 11-3 record against a more ambitious schedule.

 

Indeed, half of Warren East’s losses over the course of the last two campaigns have been at the hands of their cross-town rivals, the Bowling Green High Purples. East came very close to earning the school’s first ever championship game appearance in 4A last season, falling short of Lone Oak by only 38-35.

 

True to his participation on BGHS’ 1995 3A Championship experience, head coach Ben Bruni feels no reason to alter the Raiders’ championship aspirations for 2008.

 

The losses from last season would cripple many programs, such as the loss of the most productive quarterback in school history in Jordan Ellis.

 

And few players had such an impact on both sides of the football the way Jon Yates did.

 

Those names are now part of what could become a springboard for bigger and better things in the future of Raider Football.

 

Bruni seems to have a solid nucleus coming back for 2008, with six offensive players, seven defensive players, and a total of 13 starters returning for 2008.

 

Far and away the biggest news is the return of one of the state’s brightest stars in senior RB/OLB Shenard Holton. Holton, who has committed to the University of Louisville, has collected 2,135 career rushing yards and 28 rushing scores in his illustrious career.

 

Holton will be a do-it-all kind of player, while fellow senior Antonious Owens will be the feature back in Coach Bruni’s spread offense.

 

Fullback Brandon Flynn will pound the middle for the tough yards.

Junior Andrew Alvey appears to have the inside track on replacing the departed Ellis at quarterback, but has some work to do before grasping the intricacies of the offense.

 

Senior tackle Rick Livingston (6-2, 240) was described as a “man among boys” in spring football.

 

Bruni likes the fact that the Raiders have a dearth of candidates to play in the offensive line. Senior P.J. Jones will be expected to inject some speed and experience into a group decimated by graduation.

 

Coach Bruni says to keep your eyes on sophomore Prince Bennett, as he could wind up being one of East’s greatest athletes in a long time.

 

There is a deep and experienced group of linemen vying for playing time up front, including sophomore Dylan Richardson, who is 6-5, 270, has good footwork, and plays with a “mean streak.”

 

There are also several candidates competing for playing time at tight end.

The aforementioned Holton has a nose for the football, and many offenses run plays away from him when they can.

 

Nose guard Nick Pearson is almost unmovable in the middle. Jones, who plays linebacker on defense, is the fastest player on the team and plays much bigger than his 5-9, 170-pound frame.

 

Senior Silas Jewell impressed during a move from the defensive line to the linebacking crew. Returning ILB Jeremy Werner recorded 13 tackles for losses last season and has a real nose for the ball. Emmanuel Robinson is a tall, rangy (6-2) free safety.

 

All in all, Coach Bruni is approaching the 2008 campaign much like he did in 2007 – with cautious optimism. He has some very big shoes to fill on East’s greatest offense ever from last year.

 

He likes what he’s seen from Alvey so far, and is anxious to see how he’ll do in a game situation.

 

The running game can be just as good or better this time around, and he loves his depth on the line.

 

He has a very solid core coming back on defense. However, he still must rely on several people playing both ways, and it will be a senior dominated squad.

 

On the bright side, he really likes the young talent he has coming in. He has plenty of shoes to fill on defense as well, but there is no shortage of tough, aggressive players who love to hit on defense.

 

The Franklin-Simpson/East game looms to be the game to decide 4A District Two in 2008. The Raiders’ only losses last season were to Owensboro Catholic 28-14, Bowling Green (5A Runner-up) 35-7, and to Lone Oak (4A Runner-up) 38-35.

 

East defeated eventual 2A Champion Ft Campbell during the season. Should the Raiders stay injury free again, another serious run at a state title is not out of the realm of possibility.

 

 

West Jessamine (1-9)

Head coach: Randy Wood

2007: Lost to Lexington Catholic 77-0 in the first round of the playoffs

 

Randy Wood hopes to accomplish something at West Jessamine that hasn’t happened in three seasons – complete the full season as head coach.

 

Wood, a former West Jessamine assistant who is credited with turning around the Morgan County football program in short time, becomes the fourth Colt head coach in three seasons.

 

Last year, Wayne Stevens resigned after three blowout losses. Jody Hamilton took over and saw the roster swell from 25 to 50 by season’s end. However, the Colts were winless in 2007 and have won just one game in two seasons.

 

Wood plans to install a spread option offense, similar to what Georgia Tech runs.

 

LeRonn Morton (5-5, 145, Jr.) and Mathew Carbol (6-0, 150, Soph.) both started at quarterback last year, but Morton’s speed gives him the inside track at the starting job.

 

Tom Cravens (5-6, 130, Jr.) and a bunch of underclassmen will compete for just about every starting job on the offense.

 

Up front, Kyle Rose (6-1, 180, Jr.) and David Sader (5-10, 235, Jr.) are a pair of starters that are returning.

 

 

Western (4-7)

Head coach: LaVell Boyd

2007: Lost to Fairdale 45-10 in the first round of the playoffs

 

Former University of Louisville wide receiver LaVell Boyd takes over a program that has been successful in recent seasons.

 

Boyd replaces Doug Preston, who went 14-9 in two seasons with the Warriors before taking the Bullitt East job.

 

It’s the second head coaching job for Boyd, who played for U of L from 1997 to '99. He had stints in the NFL with Cincinnati, Miami and Minnesota and played in NFL Europe and the Arena Football League.

 

Boyd was an assistant coach at Atherton in 2004 and Fairdale in '05 before being named the head coach at Shawnee last year. But Boyd lasted just three games, getting fired in September for using an ineligible eighth-grader in a junior-varsity game.

 

Now, he takes over a program with a lot of talent.

 

Running back Marquis Buckner ran for 1,070 yards and 14 touchdowns last season, while all-purpose back Cortez Ricketts ran for 750 yards and passed for 950 yards and 13 TDs. He also caught 12 passes for 272 yards and four scores.

 

Chris Morgan, Kenny McElroy and Lenny Melvin are three of the top players back on the Warriors’ defense.