2011 Kentucky High School Football Preview - Class 5A

1. Bowling Green - Two of the past three seasons have ended in a rare, second round exit for Bowling Green, but 2011 has all the makings of a banner year for the Purple and Gold. The veteran squad returns 28 seniors and 16 starters, including 9 senior starters on a defense that surrendered just over 9 points per game last year. The Purples return all major offensive statistical leaders and their line will be anchored by 6'6" 310 lbs. Louisville signee Joe Manley. Confidence is high in Bowling Green that the Purples can run the table in the regular season, which would include a victory over Louisville giant St. Xavier. With Highlands and Covington Catholic out of the picture, Bowling Green is looking to give abandon the role of perennial bridesmaid, this December.

2. John Hardin - The John Hardin Bulldogs were one of the hottest teams in the state last year. They charged to 13-0 and began dreaming of another trip to Bowling Green, for the Class 5-A state championship game. That dream turned to a nightmare when the Bulldogs met Christian County in the state semifinals at Radcliff. The Colonels shut down John Hardin's vaunted rushing attack and beat the Bulldogs, 45-20. With senior running back Jeremy Harness and senior quarterback Eli Mitchell back, the Bulldogs should be considered a frontrunner to play in Bowling Green – again – this December. Harness rushed for 1,526 yards and 20 touchdowns, while Mitchell threw for 1,678 yards and 20 scores. Harness becomes the team's No. 1 running back, following the graduation of Landon Savoy, who rushed for 1,454 yards and 19 TDs. History would suggest the Bulldogs are up for that challenge. John Hardin has fielded one of the state's most talented backfields in recent years, and the Bulldog linemen are determined to make sure that doesn't change.

3. Harlan County - Harlan County only lost six seniors from a team that finished 11-3 and advanced to the semifinals, before falling to eventual champion Highlands. The Black Bears return leading rusher Dylon Smith, who rushed for 1,300 yards. The enthusiasm is there, the excitement is there, and apparently, the playmakers are there. The absence of the Northern Kentucky powers from Class 5A this year could equal another long playoff run for the Black Bears.

4. Anderson County - Anderson County was clicking at the right time in the postseason, but came away disappointed by a close loss to John Hardin in the regional title game. Mark Peach's Bearcats return almost everyone from the 2010 team, including leading rusher Ethan Kelley, who had a nose for the end zone, scoring 30 touchdowns in 2010. Quarterback Seth Carmchael, who passed for 2,600 yards last year, will also be back. The big question for Anderson County: can they get past John Hardin – or will that game be their Super Bowl?

5. Christian County - The Colonels were pummeled and embarrassed by Highlands in the 2010 Class 5A State Championship. When an otherwise good team takes that kind of beating, you have to wonder if they will be able to bounce back the following year. The good news is, Highlands is gone, which makes 5A not only much weaker as a class, but wide open. The Colonels will never have a shortage of athletes to compete; however, they lost a ton of leadership, including quarterback Anthony Hickey, who seemed to will the Colonels to postseason victory when it seemed they were down and out. A return trip to Bowling Green is not likely, but the Colonels have been impressive in this year’s summer 7-on-7 camps. So you can’t count against them in 2011. Their biggest loss – leadership – will be their toughest obstacle to overcome.

6. Warren Central - The Dragons regained some glory last year, with a district title and regional final appearance. But their season ended on a failed 2-point conversion attempt in OT against Christian County. They will be bolstered in their attempt to advance further by some of the best numbers they've seen in years – losing only seven seniors. Second year starter JR, QB Michael Bush and SR, WB Eric Brown will be looking to add a third straight victory over Bowling Green in their district title defense. The Dragons are hoping for a return to the years when they were on the winning side of their annual battle with the Colonels.

7. East Jessamine - East Jessamine will be looking to improve on their 8-4 finish last year. And with the return of senior, "Mr. Everything" Cameron Thomas, expectations must be high. Thomas was the leading rusher in 2010, with over 2,400 yards. That wasn't all Thomas did though, as he scored 24 touchdowns and had three receptions, on a team that didn't throw much. Thomas was also the second leading tackler, with 33 solo tackles and 18 assists. Having an athlete like Thomas is a great asset, but will East Jessamine be able to put enough around him to make this a great season?

8. Pulaski County - What will Pulaski County do in 2011? It's a valid question, as the Maroons lost 27 seniors from 2010. They lose most of their offensive firepower, with leading rusher Alex Abner, double-threat quarterback Zack Eastam (4,000 total yards), and Stephen McQueen all lost to graduation. No one will argue about the talent and success of Pulaski County in 2010, but does Pulaski County really deserve to be ranked in 2011 – or are they just riding on past success?

9. Southwestern - Fourth-year starter Rob Lewis (6-4, 290) anchors a defense that returns eight starters. Lewis made 30 solo tackles and assisted on nine others through 10 games last season. Senior Zach Turpin returns to lead the offense at quarterback. Turpin threw for 1,127 yards and 11 TD’s with seven INT’s in ten games. Southwestern also returns its leading receiver, senior, tight end Alan Williams, who caught 34 passes for 613 yards and six scores. Southwestern coach Dale Anderson thinks his team will be challenged by a solid out-of-district schedule, which includes games against Boone County, Rowan County, Marion County and Danville.

10. Whitley County - The bad news for Whitley County: they lost their leading rusher and leading scorer Cody Bramlett, and their only receiver, Justin Goins. The good news: nearly everyone else is expected back, including their linemen. That experience should be the dretermining factor in Whitley County’s 2011 campaign. Whitley County flirted with the Top 10 last season, but always found a reason to drop out, finishing with a 6-6 record. Whitley will be experienced, but to be in the Top 10 in this class, they will need to play like an experienced team. Will they be able to do that – or will it be another .500 season for the Colonels?

Is this now the easiest class?

Originally Posted by Jumper_Dad

Is this now the easiest class?

Minus Highlands, I'd take the the top 3-4 teams in 5A over anyone in any class below 5A.

It seems like Conner would be in the top 10 in 5A after dropping down from 6A. Especially with a top recruit at QB with such a talented corps of receivers.

By easiest I meant lack of depth, their are 3-4 good teams but not much depth in 5a.

Originally Posted by Fan In The Stands

It seems like Conner would be in the top 10 in 5A after dropping down from 6A. Especially with a top recruit at QB with such a talented corps of receivers.

QB is a sophmore who's never started a varsity game. I think unless it's a traditional powerhouse, most people will take a wait and see attitude in those circumstances.

Originally Posted by Fan In The Stands

It seems like Conner would be in the top 10 in 5A after dropping down from 6A. Especially with a top recruit at QB with such a talented corps of receivers.

A sophomore who's never started a varsity game -- according to the poster above me -- is a "top recruit?"

ttt