article Class 6A Notebook 8/21: No surprises in the top 3, lots of movement elsewhere.

#9 Butler High School played their way into the BGP 6A top ten with a resounding defeat of Bullitt East. The 53-0 margin was surprising as the Chargers did not lose by more than 25 points in 2016. The 53 points scored by the Bears was their high point total since a 9/21/2012 drubbing of Fairdale 57-7. The Butler roster stands at 73 and does not include any freshmen. The Bears’ Gary Wheeler, Jr took the reins in 2013 from Scott Carmony. Wheeler is now 27-22 and coming off a 4-7 slate last season. Butler competes in what many believe to be the toughest district in the Commonwealth. Their district three includes #2 Saint Xavier, #3 Male, #7 Pleasure Ridge Park and #13 Manual. We’ll see if the Bears can withstand the onslaught of talented teams later in the year. The 2A #4 DeSales Colts are this Friday’s opponent in the road game for Butler. This will be a great indicator to see how the Bears may fare in 2017.

#10 Manual will have to optimize their efforts to defeat 5A #5 Fern Creek on the road. The Crimsons were held scoreless for first time since Male handed Manual a 36-0 whipping in the November 13, 2015 quarterfinal playoff game.

#8 Tates Creek moved up from the #15 spot with their 48-0 blanking of Henry Clay. The Commodores are coming off a 6-6 campaign in 2016. They currently field a roster of 71, including two freshmen. Tates Creek travels to Frederick Douglass for the Broncos home opener. Based on last week’s effort, the Commodores should be a great shape to start the season 2-0 and look to go undefeated heading into Danville on September 29.

#7 Pleasure Ridge Park hosts 5A #1 Bowling Green on Friday. The Purples have won 28 consecutive games since their September 4, 2015 loss to 6A perennial power Saint Xavier. The Panthers, as previously mentioned, compete in district 3 and are accustomed to playing talented opponents. This will be a tough test for Tommy Williams’ Panthers. Pleasure Ridge Park carries 81 young men on their roster, including 17 first year high school students.

#6 Simon Kenton moved up one spot in the BGP 6A rankings after they defeated Meade County 47-13. The Pioneers travel to Bryan Station Friday. The Defenders lost to Lafayette 28-0. Simon Kenton, should not have any trouble with Bryan Station as long as they stay focused and execute Coach Marksberry’s game plan.

#3 Male defeated Floyd Central IN 35-10. The Bulldogs host #14 Ballard thisFriday. The Bruins lost to 2A #4 DeSales 37-22 last week. The Bulldogs will face a much tougher opponent this week and should prevail in the Louisville 6A cross district match-up. The Bruins are still trying to find their way under second year head coach Adrian Morton. Ballard finished 9-4 last season, losing only to Trinity(2X), Manual and Male.

#2 Saint Xavier has Friday off as they prepare for their September 1 rumble at 5A #1 Bowling Green Purples. The Tigers handed the Irish from Indianapolis Cathedral a 35-28 loss this past Friday. The Irish boasted 5 Division 1 commitments and Saint Xavier was able to run out the clock after losing much of their early 21 point lead. The Tiger faithful are rejuvenated as their freshman and junior varsity squads went undefeated last season. Saint Xavier has 55 seniors and are expected to make it to Kroger Field in December.

#1 Trinity plays at Warren Central (IN) this Friday. This is the first meeting between these respected programs. Both are coming off of hard fought victories in their season openers. Warren Central defeated conference rival Center Grove 27-24. The Shamrocks defeated Carmel (IN) 31-3 in Saint Matthews.

Week One 6A Game of the Week:

#5 Lafayette travels to #4 Scott County. Scott County defeated North Bullitt 56-19. The Generals defeated Bryan Station 28-0. Can the Cardinals avenge their 1-0 forfeit from last season? Will the Generals keep their emotions under control in this hotly contested battle? The team that plays with more discipline and commits fewer turnovers and penalties will be victorious. Maintaining focus will be paramount. The officials will have to do their part getting the players attention and setting the tone for a great high school match-up.

Nice synopsis of the teams! Can't wait to see how things shake out after this Friday's results.

Nice synopsis of the teams! Can't wait to see how things shake out after this Friday's results.

I am hoping you all are ready to take down the Purples the following week! The streak must end! Nice open week! Albers has really progressed from his Holy Trinity days.

#9 Butler High School played their way into the BGP 6A top ten with a resounding defeat of Bullitt East. The 53-0 margin was surprising as the Chargers did not lose by more than 25 points in 2016.

The Chargers lost to Central Hardin last season 50-19.

The Chargers lost to Central Hardin last season 50-19.