article Bluegrasspreps' Class 6A Pre-Season Preview

Bluegrasspreps' Class 6A Pre-Season Preview

 

The question everyone asks every year when we begin to discuss Kentucky Football’s largest classification: Is anyone going to challenge the Trinity Shamrocks? Last season it looked like Trinity was on the ropes and Jefferson County public schools would stake claim to the title with the Male Bulldogs knocking off the Shamrocks in the regular season. Male’s claim to the top spot didn’t last long as Trinity claimed their 23rd State Title.

 

One thing we will have fun doing over the next 5 months is discussing many topics: Lafayette’s talented group of athletes; Central Hardin and Simon Kenton not getting enough respect from the Louisville schools; Scott County fans will want to brag about their 2014 Title.

 

So let’s get everyone’s keyboard smoking with the 6A Preview.

 

 

1. Male Bulldogs (11-1 6A Second Round)

 

There is a lot of excitement this summer coming from the Bulldog Camp. This summer Male travel to Alabama and came away with the National Select 7 on 7 tournament champs. Though winning 7 on 7 tournaments doesn’t always tell how well a team will do during the regular season, it does give you an idea of the talent that Male has returning this season.

 

On the offensive side of the ball the Coach Wolf must replace his quarterback. Hayden Shelton will take over the QB spot. Last season, Shelton was the back up and appeared in 7 games completing 24 of 34 passes for 401 yards. Shelton will be throwing the ball early and often to Louisville commit Keion Wakefield. Last year Wakefield had 40 catches for 634 yards. Also returning will be tight end Ethan Britt who had over 430 yards last season.

 

Demetrius Holt looks to be the leader on this Male defense. Last season Holt led the team in interceptions and was a one of the top tacklers on the team. Coach Wolf will need to find someone to replace last season top linebacker Stephen Miller. Defensive line should be pretty solid led by senior Tony Smyzer who recorded 40 tackles last season.

 

 

2. Trinity Shamrocks (10-5 6A State Champions)

 

The big question going into the fall campaign for Trinity is who will be the signal caller for this year’s Trinity squad. Looks like the QB position has been a competitive battle between Larry Harper and Jacob Woosley. They have had a few others mentioned but lately it looks like those two are starting to separate themselves. Harper last season completed 42 of 64 passes in 8 games. One would think those 8 games of experience will pay off for Harper this summer. Whoever stakes claim to the job will need Jalen Reed to have a solid season at running back this year. Reed steps in as the starter after being the back up last season. Last season Reed rushed for 375 yards on 91 attempts.

 

Early in the season look for Trinity’s defense to set the tone for the season. Trinity defense will be led by several players starting with University of Louisville Commit Rodjay Burns. Burns led the team with 4 interceptions last season. Burns also is an offensive weapon he had 41 catches last season for 590 yards. Burns is considered to be a Mr. Football Candidate. Trinity secondary looks to be very solid this season. Coach Beatty will look to senior linebacker Damon Lowe to be the run stopper on this physical Trinity defense and Connor Foos will be the anchor on the defensive line.

 

3. Scott County (10-2 Second Round)

 

Last season the Scott County Cardinals had an early exit in the playoffs. That isn’t something the Cardinal faithful is used too. Coach McKee has to replace a 3 year starter at quarterback this season. This season’s starter will be Josh Davis. Davis last season only threw 15 passes as the backup to Clay McKee. The good news for Davis is this year’s offensive line is full of experience. To go along with the offensive line, the Cardinals return Keith Guy at running back. Last season Guy rushed for 1296 yards and is a big, physical back who will not be taken to the ground by one defender. Guy also had 16 touchdowns on the season.

 

Defensively Scott County returns plenty of experience. They have two of the best defenders in their region in linebackers Keeshon Brent and Kendrick Hamilton. Also helping lead the Cardinal defense will be Tyler Braxton, disrupting opponents in the secondary.

 

4. Manual (8-4 Second Round)

 

Manual returns several experienced players this season as they look to knock off Male for the district crown. On Offense, Manual returns quarterback Tim Comstock you threw for 1700 yards and 16 touchdowns last year. Manual always has a steady running attack and that will be no difference this season as Reece West returns and should handle majority of the carries for the team this season. Last year West rushed for 315 yards on 85 carries.

 

But all eyes this season will be on the defensive side of the ball that will be led by University of Louisville commit Derek Dorsey. Dorsey is a major force for the Manual defense, but this defense isn’t just a one man show. Look for Dorsey to get plenty of defensive assistance from his teammates Terrell Scruggs and Omari Alexander as they look to put an end to any passing attack in the secondary.

 

5. Lafayette (8-4 Second Round)

 

The Lafayette Generals coming into the season may be the most talked about team in the east side of Class 6A; with good reason, as the Generals are load with prospective D-1 talent. Coach Eric Shaw really feels this year’s team has the potential to be a special group. Lafayette will be led by its massive offensive line this year. University of Kentucky commit Landon Young, who stands at 6-7 260lbs is joined by his smaller teammate Jedrick Willis, 6-5 300lbs. Having those guys in front of QB Walker Woods, who is coming off a solid season completing 116 of 215 passes for over 1800 yards, should get the Lafayette faithful pretty excited.

 

Lafayette also returns plenty of experience of the defensive side of the ball. This year the defense will be led by Mason Alstatt. Alstatt recorded 65 tackles with 3 fumble recoveries to go along with 3 interceptions. Alstatt is known for being around the ball at all times. Teams will also have to concern themselves with Xavier Douglas who will be disrupting opponents run game from his defensive line position.

 

6. Saint Xavier (8-5 Regional Runner-up)

 

Saint Xavier has been a traditional power in Kentucky football for decades. You can always expect a very bruising ground attack and stern defense. But there may be a little concern with the Tiger family. Coming into this season Coach Wolford is looking to fill many key positions on offensive side of the ball. Lost to graduation was starting quarterback, running back, and leading receiver. Not only are there many questions surrounding the “who” will be playing, but the Tigers have a new offensive coordinator this season.

 

Look for St. X to rely early on their defense to give their offense time to catch up. But the schedule doesn’t do them any favors as they will face Henry Clay, Bowling Green, and Highlands in 3 of the first 4 games.

 

7. Simon Kenton (11-2 Regional Runner-up)

 

Coach Marksberry of Simon Kenton is super excited about what he is returning this season on the offensive side of the ball. He returns a pretty good duo in Cameron Racke and Dillon Powell. Racke last season led the passing attack with 146 competitions and 1897 yards with 21 touchdowns. Powell led the ground attack with 1519 yards on 208 carries and 16 touchdowns.

 

Defensively, Simon Kenton looks to be pretty solid as they will start an experienced group of guys led by its defensive line. The defensive line will be anchored by Tucker Mueller and Blake Powell. Mueller last season recorded 88 tackles from his defensive end position.

 

8. McCracken County (9-2 First Round)

 

McCracken County enters the season with a new leader in Coach Shawn Jackson. Coach Jackson comes from Glynn Academy out of Georgia. What Coach Jackson has discovered about his team is that he has a potential Mr. Football candidate in University of Kentucky commit Zy’Aire Hughes. This dual threat athlete can play multiple spots. Last season Hughes and Cash Jones shared the quarterback duties and combined for over 3,000 yards passing. Jones is more of a passer who passed for 2,289 yards and 24 touchdowns.

 

The questions everyone wants answered are: How will Coach Jackson use his two most prized possessions? Will they continue to be the two headed monster from the Quarterback position or will we see Hughes focus more on running and catching?

 

9. Central Hardin (12-1 Second Round)

 

Central Hardin lost in the second round last season after going undefeated during the regular season. In his second season this year Coach Mattingly wants to make a deeper run in the playoffs. This year’s team has some holes to fill on the offensive side of the ball. The have to replace a 3 year starter at quarterback and the also must replace two at the running backs. Xavier Arnette should be able to fill the shoes at the running back position he rushed for over 1,100 yards and 19 touchdowns. Junior Reece Iler looks to be the favorite to win the starting QB position.

 

Defensively the Bruins will be very stout again this season. Last year they gave up only 15 points per game. Central Hardin return seven starters on defense. They will be led by a pair of linebackers in Seth Bryan and Dalton Parr. The two combined for over 224 tackles last season.

 

10. Ballard (10-4 Semi-finals)

 

Coach Mike Jackson took many by surprise last year during the playoffs reaching the final 4 in class 6A. This year Ballard is in a new district but surrounded by familiar foes. The Bruins return some core players to their offensive unit. Leading the offense will be running back David Daniels. Sharing the load on offense will be teammate Omardrick Douglas.

 

Defensively the Bruins return three key defensive players in Trey King, Hayden Smith, and William Mbumba. Last season the Bruins defense gave up an average of 17 points per game.

 

 

The next five

Henry Clay (7-3 First Round)

 

What’s not to like about the Henry Clay offense? They have one of the most entertaining running backs in Joquise Buford. The issue for the Blue Devils is the lack of experience coming back on defense. They do, though, return University of Kentucky commit Davonte Robinson.

 

Butler (9-3 Regional Runner-up)

 

Coach Gary Wheeler has to excited about the return of Gregory Bethel. The junior running back looks to lead this Butler Bear offense.

 

Bryan Station (7-5 Second Round)

 

Bryan Station returns their trigger man Andre Davis who threw for over 2600 yards last season. The only issue is they graduated the receiver core from last season. They have displayed this summer that they are going to be a talented bunch. The question is will lack of experience hurt them.

 

Meade County (11-3 Semi- Finals)

 

The last two seasons, the Green Wave has found itself in the Class 6A semi-finals. But last season’s senior class has left Coach Mofield many of holes to fill. Can the Green Wave make their way back to the final 4 of class 6A?

 

Pleasure Ridge Park (7-5 Second Round)

 

PRP has a new quarterback this year in Bonyell Bronuagh they will have to break in. They also have moved into one of the toughest districts in Class 6A. Will be interesting to see this team develop throughout the season.

 

 

Players to Watch

• Zy’ Aire Hughes – QB - McCracken County

• Keion Wakefield – WR – Male

• Rodjay Burns – DB – Trinity

• Davonte Robinson – LB – Henry Clay

• Derek Dorsey – DL – Manual

• Devon Key – DB – Bryan Station

• Mason Alstatt – RB – Scott County

• Will Ulmer – OL – Madison Central

• Cam Racke – QB – Simon Kenton

• Mitchell Bateman – RB – Ryle

 

 

Key early Games

• Male vs. Ballard – 8/28

• St. X vs. Henry Clay 8/28

• Simon Kenton vs. Bryan Station – 8/28

• Trinity vs. Lafayette – 9/4

• Scott Co. vs. Highlands – 9/4

• McCracken vs. Mayfield 9/11

• Central Hardin vs. South Warren – 9/11

As far as McCracken, they will not be using dual quarterbacks as they did last year. Hughes has moved to wide receiver and Jones is quarterback.

Gotta have Dillon Powell on your players to watch list. Exciting runner.

Put Kendrick Hamilton from Scott Co. on your radar. Young man is extremely athletic and can cover a lot of ground at linebacker. Plus, he's just a junior.

Should have several Scott co kids on ur radar. Keith guy, Dylan smith an trey binder. All will be huge this season.

I would switch St. X and Scott County, and move Ballard up a couple places. I think St.X will be better than most people are expecting, and Ballard is on the rise.

 

Personally I think Trinity should be number one, but they and Male are so close that it's no big deal either way.

Not for sure how X will fair this year against the top 2 teams, but I am confident that the Tigers are better than teams ranked 3-5.

Ram, I am almost positive Central Hardin played in week 3 of the playoffs last year against Meade County, anyhow, Central Hardin likes being the underdog. Their schedule should allow them to prove themselves, starting out with Boyle County on the road,then at Pudcah Tilghman, Bullitt East, South Warren, John Hardin, Bowling Green, Collins, Meade County, North Hardin and Woodford County.

Dillon Powell SK best running back in 6A!

IMO, the verdicts still out on McCracken Co with a new coaching staff.. They'll definitely have some really nice athletes, led by Hughes and Cash Jones, who's a very good passing QB with some scrambling ability. I always thought Haskins put all his best players on the offensive side of the ball and kind of filled in his defense, which has always been their Achilles heal.. If the new coach puts his athletes on D or allows a few to go both ways, they could be really good..

I would add Colin England and Tanner Morgan to players to watch list.

Mason Alstatt plays for Lafayette.

Simon Kenton should ranked higher than Lafayette. Lafayette struggles big time on defense.

Trinity should be ranked ahead of Male because Trinity is the defending champ. If you need any other evidence, look who has won the last 10 state titles!!! Until someone other that Trinity claims the crown in December, its all Rocks! Male may sneek up on um in the regular season, but its a different story in November. Time will tell . . .

St. X is ranked about where they should be. A lot to prove this season. A lot to accomplish this season. A lot at stake this season!!! This X fan is NOT satisfied with regional runner-ups !!!! Lets hope the TEAM is not satisfied with the same!!!!