article Class 2A Notebook 9/26- The Superlatives

It is common place at many High Schools to award "Senior Superlatives" to the departing Seniors at the end of their tenure as a way to close the book.

As an exciting regular season draws to an end in quiet possibly the best pound for pound class this year in Kentucky, it only seems fitting to adopt this policy and hand out some Superlatives to recognize specific teams, individuals, and moments that brought us to where we are.

Without further ado, here are your 2017 Class 2A Superlatives:

"Most Improved"- Todd County Central Rebels

This one was easy. The Rebels made history and kept making it en route to securing their first winning season in decades. Les Broady deserves a standing ovation for taking a team that went win less last season to where they are today.

"Overachiever Award"- Prestonsburg Blackcats

Entering the season the buzz was not favorable on the Big Sandy. Prestonsburg had struggled the past couple seasons, numbers were down, and a new school was drawing headlines. Prestonsburg did not help themselves by opening the year with back to back losses. The Blackcats got on track and rolled to a District Title and also defeat their newfound rival Floyd Central in the process.

"Best Work Ethic"- Metcalfe County Hornets

There are plenty of teams who no doubt deserve this award, but Metcalfe County deserves some special recognition. With a roster of only 30 players the Hornets fought to a winning season with several wins over schools from larger classes with many more jerseys on the opposing sideline.

"Most Dependable"- Mayfield Cardinals

Mayfield lost two legitimate Mr. Football candidates and their stud Linebacker, not to mention several other key Seniors from last year's team. Everyone outside of Western Kentucky expected some kind of drop off... any kind of drop off losing such talent at such a small school. Instead Coach Morris and his Cardinals just kept the beat going by playing at a Championship level against a solid schedule. It truly is a special program.

"Best in Drama"- Danville Admirals

The Admirals earn the honor on multiple levels. First, their win over rival Boyle County was one of the best games of the year coming down to an unbelievable kick with an unbelievable story-line. Secondly, their shootout nail-biting win against Waggener had everyone on edge. Finally, when you think drama you think of great individual performances along with great performances by the entire cast. The Admirals got all that and more from key contributors coming together to make the top ranked team in the Class.

"Most Likely to Succeed"- DeSales Colts

The Notebook is not saying DeSales will win the State Title, but we are saying that they certainly may be the team bets built for it. The Colts checked all the boxes you want from a team with a Championship pedigree. Great Defense? Check. Consistent Offense that controls tempo? Check. Excellent coaching? Check. Undefeated against a strong schedule? Check. Big game experience? Check.

"Best Prepared"- Eric Turner, Lloyd Memorial

It wasn't a total surprise to see Lloyd Memorial get the win over Newport Central Catholic. Both teams had similar results on paper for the most part and similar performances against shared opponents. What was surprising was the surgery-like dismantling that the Juggs executed to perfection behind Turner's game plan. Lloyd controlled all phases and secured the District Title and an ultra important homefield advantage that keeps them from travelling multiple hours in Round 2.

"Best Looking"- Lexington Christian Academy

The Eagles do rock some sweet uniforms when they take the field, this is is speaking more about the product itself that they put out on the gridiron. The Eagles have an Offense you just can't take your eyes off of. Great balance, great athletes, highlight reel plays, and a Runningback that is more apt to lower his shoulders and posterize a defender rather than try a finesse move. With potential Division 1 talent and three and four year starters, LCA may be the funnest team to watch.

"Most Well Rounded"- Dmauriae VanCleave, Daville

The Leatherman Tool of the Class. VanCleave literally did it all and no matter where lined up he was the best player at that position. VanCleave provided highlight reel plays running, catching, returning punts, returning kickoffs, and as a lock-down defender.

"Player of the Year"- Milton Wright, Christian Academy- Louisville

Everyone knows Wright is a special talent, but he had to go above and beyond due to circumstances out of his control. When CAL lost their veteran Quarterback they turned to Milton to "Wright" the ship until they could build stability at that position. Thought he Centurions took a pair of losses along the way, they are still firmly in the Championship picture and every time they take the field one truth remains. They have Milton Wright and you don't.

"Coach of the Year"- Harold Davis, DeSales

It is about time for Davis to start getting the respect he deserves. Unless you follow football closely, most casual fans could not name the Head Coach of DeSales or list his achievements in building a powerhouse program. Davis guided the Colts to an undefeated regular season against a brutal schedule and also took an Offense that was painfully pedestrian and turned it into a very efficient unit. If Davis can rally his team for a State Title maybe he can start getting the respect he deserves and get mention among the short list of coaches considered the best in the State.

I have some major disagreements with a few of the awards but still a great article as always :thumb:

Player of the year is VanCleave hands down. He has led his team to an undefeated regular season. He does as much or maybe more than Milton Wright. That kid never comes off the field, he's even on the kickoff team. I guess Wright got it because he's a big time recruit and Vancleace isn't.

VanCleave is absolutely the 2A player of the year and it's not really close. That's my opinion as well.

I have some major disagreements with a few of the awards but still a great article as always :thumb:

Share your disagreements... we do these for the discussion

Keep in mind how these superlatives usually work though. Often they are designed not to heap praise on a single person (or in this case team), but instead to hand out attention all around as much as possible.

For example I am sure you could give DeSales, Mayfield, or Danville multiple honors... but it is kind of a "spread the love" deal.

Share your disagreements... we do these for the discussion

 

Keep in mind how these superlatives usually work though. Often they are designed not to heap praise on a single person (or in this case team), but instead to hand out attention all around as much as possible.

 

For example I am sure you could give DeSales, Mayfield, or Danville multiple honors... but it is kind of a "spread the love" deal.

Player of the Year: D'Mauriae VanCleave; he's the most valuable player

Coach of the Year: Clay Clevenger; he led Danville to first undefeated regular season since 1994 (23 years)

Player of the Year: D'Mauriae VanCleave; he's the most valuable player

 

Coach of the Year: Clay Clevenger; he led Danville to first undefeated regular season since 1994 (23 years)

Against imo a harder schedule.

Wireman, Adstimes, I know one thing your Coach Cleverer did a heck of a job last Friday against LCA on that comeback win. You got a great argument with the claim of Coach of the year. And I know that Coach Davis has his young Colts one game away for DeSales first ever undefeated season in school history and it was against a strong schedule too. We're lucky fans to have such coaches to tudor our boys in football and in life.

Wireman, Adstimes, I know one thing your Coach Cleverer did a heck of a job last Friday against LCA on that comeback win. You got a great argument with the claim of Coach of the year. And I know that Coach Davis has his young Colts one game away for DeSales first ever undefeated season in school history and it was against a strong schedule too. We're lucky fans to have such coaches to tudor our boys in football and in life.

Very true. I think there are a few that can claim their coach as coach of year Danville Mayfield and Desales. I think Desales and Danville are tops but think the way Clevenger dealt with injuries and a tough schedule gives him one step up.

I think Danville's win over Boyle is the win of the year so far.

I think Danville's win over Boyle is the win of the year so far.

I think thier win over LCA is more impressive.

I think thier win over LCA is more impressive.

Either way, that's two very good wins. They have 3 other very good wins, too. 10-0 vs. their schedule is pretty impressive.