article 13 Reasons Why: 2A Danville Admirals

The popular Netflix show "13 Reasons Why" covers controversial topics.

As we look back at some of the defending 2017 State Champions as they head into a new season, we will give 13 Reasons Why they will either hoist the trophy again, come up short, or just generally be worth following.

Danville will win the 2018 Title Because:

Reason #1- Clay Clevenger is on fire and has the Ads playing like those teams of yester-year. Danville is 39-5 the last three years and under Clevenger have developed an Offense that is both consistent and lethal.

Reason #2- Title Town is Back. When Boyle County is up, it seems their cross-town rival Danville is up as well and the Rebels are certainly cooking with gas right now.

Reason #3- Zach Thornton returns at QB. Thronton grew into the signal caller position last season and threw for a remarkably efficient 2576 yards and 37 TD's. He only threw 5 INT's all season. Thornton also showed flashes of brilliance tucking the football as he ran for almost 500 yards and 9 more score son the ground.

Reason #4- Darrian Bell has superstar written all over him. As a Sophomore the LB was all over the field. He was the Ads' leading tackler and also right in the middle of forcing several turnovers. At 6'2 210 expect some colleges to start noticing Bell.

Reason #5- The Ads should still be solid up front. The skill spots were hit heavy by graduation, but Danville still has some experience and talent along the lines. Pierce Haines and Jaylon Brashear will both be back to settle the interior Offensive Line. Ryan Jackson will be strong outside. James Patton was superb on the Defensive side of the ball and Kishon Bartleson was very disruptive. Brashear served very well on Defense in dual action.

Reason #6- LCA will not be nearly as strong as last year and Danville opens the playoffs paired with District 8. With respect the the District 8 teams, none should be able to hang within 3 TD's of Danville. The Semi-Finals will be tough thanks to cross bracketing, most likely seeing either CAL or DeSales, but if that game happens it most likely will take place on Danville's home field.

Danville Will Not Win the 2018 Title Because:

Reason #7- One does not simply replace Dmauriae VanCleave. The Economy Sized speedster was Mr. Football and possibly the most valuable player in all of Kentucky. VanCleave was a true gamebreaker in Special Teams, Defense, and both running and catching the ball.

Reason #8- VanCleave is not the only key departure. Don Harris was a two-way stud and the primary rushing threat. Christian Hill was a stalwart on Defense and Tanner Ford had a standout season.

Reason #9- Even though Thornton returns, all his favorite receiving targets are gone. VanCleave was a 1000 yard receiver, but losing Jaleel Warren and David Walker may hurt just as much to their passing game. Danville completed 190 passes, only 6 of those were to players returning, one of which was to Thornton!

Reason #10- Even though they may have homefield advantage, the addition of Class 2A District 4 to the Eastern Semi-State is a tough road to walk. CAL won the Title two years ago and will be a Pre-Season Top 3 team led by Milton Wright. DeSales is always tough and would be a worthy Semi-Finals opponent. Last year Danville's primary hurdles were thier own District Competition to reach the Finals. Oh, by the way, even if they do reach the Championship....

Reason #11- Mayfield will be loaded. If the Cards are waiting the Ads will be playing a veteran team chock full of experienced playmakers and Coached by a guy who doesn't like making a habit of losing to the same team twice in a row. Most will crown Mayfield as the Pre-Season favorite for good reason.

Regardless Danville Will be Fun To Follow:

Reason #12- Yes the Admirals are going to have very few guys with substantial Varsity reps at the Offensive skill spots, but keep in mind most of those Seniors they lost were three or four year starters. There is no doubt talent is on the roster, it is just simply talent that has had to wait it's turn. Will the next Harris or VanCleave be ready to step up and make their name known?

Reason #13- If nothing else that August 31st trip across town has "must See" written all over it. Danville beat the 3A Champions on a dramatic last second Field Goal in a phenomenal football game. The Ads have won the past two against Boyle County and you know Chuck Smith has this one circled.

Great write up. Seeing the Ads win a title for the first time in 14 seasons last year was a great experience, especially for fans that suffered through some down years and disappointments after 2006. Coach Clevenger has done a fantastic job and I look forward to what the Ads can do this season!

The Admirals will be very good. You don’t replace Mr. Football, Harris, Warren, Hill, Tandy, Ford, Downey easily. But there will be athletes and there will be speed.

Really like this article. I think Danville will be just fine. They are well coached, have momentum and some key returning pieces.