article NKY Power Rankings 11-01-17 - Sponsored by NKY Family & Cosmetic Dentistry

Thanks to Northern Kentucky Family & Cosmetic Dentistry -"Making Northern Kentucky Smile" for sponsoring our 2017 Northern Kentucky Power Rankings! We encourage everyone to patronize all of our sponsors, and you can visit Northern Kentucky Family & Cosmetic Dentistry at 2047 Centennial Boulevard in Independence, KY.

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THE RANKINGS:

1) 5A Covington Catholic (10-0) – Covington Catholic managed to pull off their second 10-0 regular season in their program’s 50 year history. The Colonels wrapped up their regular season competition for the year with a 49-13 win over 6A Campbell County (6-4). QB AJ Mayer was 7-14 passing with 103yds and 2 TDs, and he rushed for another 13yds and 1 YD. RB Casey McGinness had a solid game, breaking to 1,000 yard mark 77yds rushing for 3 TDs. TDs were also scored by WRs Malachi Pike & Jack Coldiron, and backup QB Tyler Reusch.

The Colonels 5A playoff battle begins against 4-6 Bullitt East, with a rematch against the 5-5 Highlands Bluebirds battle looming probable in the third round. Cov Cath will also have to get past 8-2 Bowling Green in the semifinals in order to reach the 5A finals in Lexington.

2) 6A Ryle (8-2) – The Raiders were undefeated in 6A competition during the regular season, and finished their season with a 43-18 win over Dixie Heights (3-7). QB Easton Pilyer was 7-12 with 78yds passing and 1 TD in the air. RB Jake Chisholm rushed for 182yds and 3 TDs, and Peyton Howorka ran for another 106yds and 1 TD. Jake Smith added another TD receiving, while Jackson Saladin led the D with 11 tackles and Spencer McKinney had another 10 tackles.

The Raiders star off their playoff hunt in 6A against the Butler Bears (6-4). It will be one of the tougher first round battles in the state in the 6A classification. Male (8-2), St. Xavier (8-2) and Scott County (8-2) will also stand between Ryle and a spot in the 6A finals.

3) 6A Simon Kenton (9-1) – The Pioneers had their bye week this last week, and undoubtedly spent their week off busily preparing for the first round of the 6A playoffs.

Simon Kenton has 7-3 Jefffersontown this Friday in the first round of the 6A playoffs, and will likely see 5-5 Ballard in the second round. Their biggest challenge of the season is the likelihood of facing 10-0 Trinity in the third round, two weeks before the 6A finals.

4) 1A Beechwood (8-2) – Beechwood finished out the regular season with yet another win against their out-of-district rival 2A Newport Central Catholic (5-5). The Tigers beat the Breds 34-6 on Friday, with QB Brayden Burch going 7-16 for 69yds and 1 TD passing. RB James Davis had 207yds rushing with 2 TDs, Logan Castleman added 1 TD rushing and another receiving, and RB Luke Jeffriesrushed for Beechwood’s remaining TD.

Beechwood begin the 1A playoffs with a bye, before starting their work for the 1A title against the winner of the Bellevue (5-5) vs. Frankfort (6-4) game in round 2. The biggest competitor on the Tiger’s side of the 1A bracket is the Kentucky Country Day Bearcats (9-1), which they will be up against in the 3rd round.

5) 6A Campbell County (6-4) – The Camels faced 5A Covington Catholic (10-0) on Friday, and suffered a disappointing senior-day 49-13 loss to the Colonels. QB Austin Hoeh was held to 70yds passing and 26yds & 1 TD rushing, while RB Alex Dowds ran for 123yds and 1 TD in the loss.

Campbell County takes on Eastern (5-5) in the 1st round of the 6A playoffs, and has a daunting 2nd round matchup against Trinity (10-0) lurking the week after. The Camels will have to dig deep for a hope at the 6A finals on December 3rd.

6) 5A Highlands (5-5) – The Birds managed to overt their second straight regular season losing record with a fifth win against the 6A Boone County Rebels (9-1). Highlands relied heavily on their running game, with a mere 60yds and no TDs passing. RB Larry Wilson ran for 142yds, while QB Cooper Schwalbach added another 91yds rushing and 2 TDs on the ground. The Bluebirds also had 2 TDs on Rebel turnovers, including a fumble recovery that junior Alex Starkey picked up and ran 67yds for a TD.

The Birds will start off the 5A playoffs against the 6-4 Oldham County Colonels. South Oldham (9-1) has a 1st round bye and will play the winner of that game, before a likely match against Covington Catholic (10-0) in round three.

7) 6A Conner (4-6) – The Cougars’ struggle to find a groove has plagued them all season long, and it continued on Friday in a 28-3 loss to 6A Frederick Douglass (8-2). Conner’s offense only managed a total 129yds against Douglass, with 87yds passing and 42yds rushing. Jared Hicks and Clayton Boyd led the defense with 8 tackles a piece.

Conner will have to put things together early in the 6A playoffs, as they face the 8-2 Male Bulldogs in the first round. If they make it past Male, they will be facing the winner of the Ryle (8-2) vs. Butler (6-4) game in round 2. The Cougars lost to Ryle 54-28 back on October 14th.

8) 4A Scott (7-3) – Scott put together a 7th win for their regular season, fending off the threatening 2A Lloyd Memorial Juggernauts late in the 4th quarter on Friday and pulling off a 23-22 win. The Eagles passing game struggled, with QB Chad Ohmer going 2-8 passing for 57yds and no TDs in the air. Nelson Perrin led the offense with 83yds rushing, and RBs Alex Thurza and David Patrick had TDs in the game. The remaining TD came on a short yardage rush by Chad Ohmer.

The Eagles will have Rowan County (3-7) in the first round of the 4A playoffs, and will see the winner of the Johnson Central (8-2) vs. Mason County (7-2) game in week 2. Ashland (8-2) and Wayne County (9-1) are also lurking on Scott’s side of the 4A bracket.

9) 2A Lloyd Memorial (7-3) – Lloyd Memorial fought hard on Friday in their game against 4A Scott (7-3), but came up just short, losing 23-22 after a 4th quarter interception on their final possession. QB Jordan Fann was 3-9 with 73yds passing, and rushed for 85yds and 1 TD. RB Travon Mason rushed 17 times for 185yds and 2 TDs.

Lloyd will see the 5-5 Green County Dragons in the first round of the 2A playoffs, and will have a likely game against Monroe County (7-3) if they make it past the Dragons. Glasgow (7-3), Newport Central Catholic (5-5), Lexington Christian (9-1) and defending 2A champs Danville (10-0) are all also on the Juggs’ side of the 2A playoff brackets.

10) 2A Newport Central Catholic (5-5) – The Thoroughbreds played three defending state championship teams this season, and came up with one win amongst the three, beating 2A Christian Academy Louisville (8-2) back on Sept 15th. They saw their third defending champ on Friday, and lost 34-6 to the 1A Beechwood Tigers (8-2). Stats have not been reported yet for the Breds’ loss, but the offense only managed a total 146yds against the Tigers.

New Cath will face the 7-3 Metcalfe County Hornets in the first round of the 2A playoffs. If they move past the Hornets, they will likely have the Glasgow Scotties (7-3) in the second round. On the same side of the brackets as Lloyd Memorial (7-3), the Breds also have Lexington Christian (9-1) and defending 2A champs Danville (10-0) to beat in order to get to Kroger Field on December 2nd.

HONORABLE MENTION:

1A Bracken County (8-2) – New Polar Bears coach Mike Brausch led Bracken County to a second straight eight win regular season, with the teams only losses coming from 1A Ludlow (8-2) and 1A Paris (9-1). Bracken County takes on Fairview (4-6) in the first round of the 1A playoffs.

1A Ludlow (8-2) – The Panthers had their best regular season in over two decades this year, with their only losses coming at the hands of 1A Beechwood (8-2) and 1A Paris (9-1). Ludlow takes on Louisville Holy Cross (5-5) in the first round of the 1A playoffs.

2A Walton-Verona (8-2) – The Bearcats bested their 2016 regular season by two wins this year, suffering their only losses to 1A Kentucky Country Day (9-1) and 2A Lexington Christian (8-2). Walton-Verona takes on Shawnee (0-10) in the first round of the 1A playoffs.

PLAYERS OF THE YEAR:

QB/LB Justin Blackburn (Ludlow) – During the regular season, Blackburn did it all for the Panthers. At QB, he went 56-103 with 1,060yds and 13 TDS passing, and rushed 197 times for 1,989yds and 33yds. That’s an average 199yds and 3.3 rushing TDs per game, on top of 1.3 TD passes per game. On the defensive side, he has led the team in tackles with 77 tackles, and also had 2 interceptions including one pick-6.

RB Jake Chisholm (Ryle) – In his 10 games played this season, Chisholm has carried 233 times for 2,159yds and 32 TDs. He has averaged 216yds and 3.2 TDs per game. He also made his way to #7 all-time in the KHSAA’s record book for yards gained in a single game in his 449yd/6TD performance against Simon Kenton on October 20th.

QB AJ Mayer (Covington Catholic) – During the regular season, Mayer has thrown for an average of 12 completions each game, with an average of 17yds per completion. Passing, he has gone 120-194 with 2,045yds and 23 TDs. He was only intercepted 3 times, and averaged over 200yds per game passing. He also rushed 38 times for 261yds and 9 TDs.

Thanks to Northern Kentucky Family & Cosmetic Dentistry -"Making Northern Kentucky Smile" for sponsoring our 2017 Northern Kentucky Power Rankings! We encourage everyone to patronize all of our sponsors, and you can visit Northern Kentucky Family & Cosmetic Dentistry at 2047 Centennial Boulevard in Independence, KY.

 

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THE RANKINGS:

 

1) 5A Covington Catholic (10-0) –

 

The Colonels 5A playoff battle begins against 4-6 Bullitt East, with a rematch against the 5-5 Highlands Bluebirds battle looming probable in the third round. Cov Cath will also have to get past 8-2 Bowling Green in the semifinals in order to reach the 5A finals in Lexington.

 

I'm expecting to see South Oldham in round 3 if CovCath is fortunate enough to make it that far.

Thanks to Northern Kentucky Family & Cosmetic Dentistry -"Making Northern Kentucky Smile" for sponsoring our 2017 Northern Kentucky Power Rankings! We encourage everyone to patronize all of our sponsors, and you can visit Northern Kentucky Family & Cosmetic Dentistry at 2047 Centennial Boulevard in Independence, KY.

 

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THE RANKINGS:

 

1) 5A Covington Catholic (10-0) – Covington Catholic managed to pull off their second 10-0 regular season in their program’s 50 year history. The Colonels wrapped up their regular season competition for the year with a 49-13 win over 6A Campbell County (6-4). QB AJ Mayer was 7-14 passing with 103yds and 2 TDs, and he rushed for another 13yds and 1 YD. RB Casey McGinness had a solid game, breaking to 1,000 yard mark 77yds rushing for 3 TDs. TDs were also scored by WRs Malachi Pike & Jack Lenihan, and backup QB Tyler Reusch.

 

The Colonels 5A playoff battle begins against 4-6 Bullitt East, with a rematch against the 5-5 Highlands Bluebirds battle looming probable in the third round. Cov Cath will also have to get past 8-2 Bowling Green in the semifinals in order to reach the 5A finals in Lexington.

 

2) 6A Ryle (8-2) – The Raiders were undefeated in 6A competition during the regular season, and finished their season with a 43-18 win over Dixie Heights (3-7). QB Easton Pilyer was 7-12 with 78yds passing and 1 TD in the air. RB Jake Chisholm rushed for 182yds and 3 TDs, and Peyton Howorka ran for another 106yds and 1 TD. Jake Smith added another TD receiving, while Jackson Saladin led the D with 11 tackles and Spencer McKinney had another 10 tackles.

 

The Raiders star off their playoff hunt in 6A against the Butler Bears (6-4). It will be one of the tougher first round battles in the state in the 6A classification. Male (8-2), St. Xavier (8-2) and Scott County (8-2) will also stand between Ryle and a spot in the 6A finals.

 

3) 6A Simon Kenton (9-1) – The Pioneers had their bye week this last week, and undoubtedly spent their week off busily preparing for the first round of the 6A playoffs.

 

Simon Kenton has 7-3 Jefffersontown this Friday in the first round of the 6A playoffs, and will likely see 5-5 Ballard in the second round. Their biggest challenge of the season is the likelihood of facing 10-0 Trinity in the third round, two weeks before the 6A finals.

 

4) 1A Beechwood (8-2) – Beechwood finished out the regular season with yet another win against their out-of-district rival 2A Newport Central Catholic (5-5). The Tigers beat the Breds 34-6 on Friday, with QB Brayden Burch going 7-16 for 69yds and 1 TD passing. RB James Davis had 207yds rushing with 2 TDs, Logan Castleman added 1 TD rushing and another receiving, and RB Luke Jeffriesrushed for Beechwood’s remaining TD.

 

Beechwood begin the 1A playoffs with a bye, before starting their work for the 1A title against the winner of the Bellevue (5-5) vs. Frankfort (6-4) game in round 2. The biggest competitor on the Tiger’s side of the 1A bracket is the Kentucky Country Day Bearcats (9-1), which they will be up against in the 3rd round.

 

5) 6A Campbell County (6-4) – The Camels faced 5A Covington Catholic (10-0) on Friday, and suffered a disappointing senior-day 49-13 loss to the Colonels. QB Austin Hoeh was held to 70yds passing and 26yds & 1 TD rushing, while RB Alex Dowds ran for 123yds and 1 TD in the loss.

 

Campbell County takes on Eastern (5-5) in the 1st round of the 6A playoffs, and has a daunting 2nd round matchup against Trinity (10-0) lurking the week after. The Camels will have to dig deep for a hope at the 6A finals on December 3rd.

 

6) 5A Highlands (5-5) – The Birds managed to overt their second straight regular season losing record with a fifth win against the 6A Boone County Rebels (9-1). Highlands relied heavily on their running game, with a mere 60yds and no TDs passing. RB Larry Wilson ran for 142yds, while QB Cooper Schwalbach added another 91yds rushing and 2 TDs on the ground. The Bluebirds also had 2 TDs on Rebel turnovers, including a fumble recovery that junior Alex Starkey picked up and ran 67yds for a TD.

 

The Birds will start off the 5A playoffs against the 6-4 Oldham County Colonels. South Oldham (9-1) has a 1st round bye and will play the winner of that game, before a likely match against Covington Catholic (10-0) in round three.

 

7) 6A Conner (4-6) – The Cougars’ struggle to find a groove has plagued them all season long, and it continued on Friday in a 28-3 loss to 6A Frederick Douglass (8-2). Conner’s offense only managed a total 129yds against Douglass, with 87yds passing and 42yds rushing. Jared Hicks and Clayton Boyd led the defense with 8 tackles a piece.

 

Conner will have to put things together early in the 6A playoffs, as they face the 8-2 Male Bulldogs in the first round. If they make it past Male, they will be facing the winner of the Ryle (8-2) vs. Butler (6-4) game in round 2. The Cougars lost to Ryle 54-28 back on October 14th.

 

8) 4A Scott (7-3) – Scott put together a 7th win for their regular season, fending off the threatening 2A Lloyd Memorial Juggernauts late in the 4th quarter on Friday and pulling off a 23-22 win. The Eagles passing game struggled, with QB Chad Ohmer going 2-8 passing for 57yds and no TDs in the air. Nelson Perrin led the offense with 83yds rushing, and RBs Alex Thurza and David Patrick had TDs in the game. The remaining TD came on a short yardage rush by Chad Ohmer.

 

The Eagles will have Rowan County (3-7) in the first round of the 4A playoffs, and will see the winner of the Johnson Central (8-2) vs. Mason County (7-2) game in week 2. Ashland (8-2) and Wayne County (9-1) are also lurking on Scott’s side of the 4A bracket.

 

9) 2A Lloyd Memorial (7-3) – Lloyd Memorial fought hard on Friday in their game against 4A Scott (7-3), but came up just short, losing 23-22 after a 4th quarter interception on their final possession. QB Jordan Fann was 3-9 with 73yds passing, and rushed for 85yds and 1 TD. RB Travon Mason rushed 17 times for 185yds and 2 TDs.

 

Lloyd will see the 5-5 Green County Dragons in the first round of the 2A playoffs, and will have a likely game against Monroe County (7-3) if they make it past the Dragons. Glasgow (7-3), Newport Central Catholic (5-5), Lexington Christian (9-1) and defending 2A champs Danville (10-0) are all also on the Juggs’ side of the 2A playoff brackets.

 

10) 2A Newport Central Catholic (5-5) – The Thoroughbreds played three defending state championship teams this season, and came up with one win amongst the three, beating 2A Christian Academy Louisville (8-2) back on Sept 15th. They saw their third defending champ on Friday, and lost 34-6 to the 1A Beechwood Tigers (8-2). Stats have not been reported yet for the Breds’ loss, but the offense only managed a total 146yds against the Tigers.

 

New Cath will face the 7-3 Metcalfe County Hornets in the first round of the 2A playoffs. If they move past the Hornets, they will likely have the Glasgow Scotties (7-3) in the second round. On the same side of the brackets as Lloyd Memorial (7-3), the Breds also have Lexington Christian (9-1) and defending 2A champs Danville (10-0) to beat in order to get to Kroger Field on December 2nd.

 

 

 

HONORABLE MENTION:

 

1A Bracken County (8-2) – New Polar Bears coach Mike Brausch led Bracken County to a second straight eight win regular season, with the teams only losses coming from 1A Ludlow (8-2) and 1A Paris (9-1). Bracken County takes on Fairview (4-6) in the first round of the 1A playoffs.

1A Ludlow (8-2) – The Panthers had their best regular season in over two decades this year, with their only losses coming at the hands of 1A Beechwood (8-2) and 1A Paris (9-1). Ludlow takes on Louisville Holy Cross (5-5) in the first round of the 1A playoffs.

 

2A Walton-Verona (8-2) – The Bearcats bested their 2016 regular season by two wins this year, suffering their only losses to 1A Kentucky Country Day (9-1) and 2A Lexington Christian (8-2). Walton-Verona takes on Shawnee (0-10) in the first round of the 1A playoffs.

 

 

PLAYERS OF THE YEAR:

 

QB/LB Justin Blackburn (Ludlow) – During the regular season, Blackburn did it all for the Panthers. At QB, he went 56-103 with 1,060yds and 13 TDS passing, and rushed 197 times for 1,989yds and 33yds. That’s an average 199yds and 3.3 rushing TDs per game, on top of 1.3 TD passes per game. On the defensive side, he has led the team in tackles with 77 tackles, and also had 2 interceptions including one pick-6.

 

RB Jake Chisholm (Ryle) – In his 10 games played this season, Chisholm has carried 233 times for 2,159yds and 32 TDs. He has averaged 216yds and 3.2 TDs per game. He also made his way to #7 all-time in the KHSAA’s record book for yards gained in a single game in his 449yd/6TD performance against Simon Kenton on October 20th.

 

QB AJ Mayer (Covington Catholic) – During the regular season, Mayer has thrown for an average of 12 completions each game, with an average of 17yds per completion. Passing, he has gone 120-194 with 2,045yds and 23 TDs. He was only intercepted 3 times, and averaged over 200yds per game passing. He also rushed 38 times for 261yds and 9 TDs.

Ludlow also went 8 and 2 in the 2004 season. With that said I do think its the best Ludlow team since the 1999 Ludlow team.

Ludlow also went 8 and 2 in the 2004 season. With that said I do think its the best Ludlow team since the 1999 Ludlow team.

Got myself mixed up there a little - they had their best starting record to a season in over 20 years, but you're correct about the '04 season also going 8-2. Thanks for pointing that out :thumb:

The value Blackburn, Chisolm, and Mayer are to their teams is immeasureable. These young men's stats are off the charts, and their team's records reflect the exceptional talents of these young men consistently hitting on all cylinders everyday and every game. Makes an oldtimer smile each time I watch them.