article Central Kentucky/Lexington Power Rankings: Preseason

1. Frederick Douglass (11-1 6A Second Round)

Frederick Douglass May have dropped down a class but district foe “the team up north” joins them in 5A District 6. Returning talent Walker Parks (Clemson Commit), Jager Burton (multiple power 5 offers), Dekel Crowdus (multiple power 5 offers), Dane Key (WKU offer), Devin Neal (Cincinnati commit) and Ty Bryant (Marshall Offer) has Frederick Douglass at the top of the CKY/Lexington power ranking. That is just too much D1 talent on one team not to have them sitting at number 1. They will have to put up a better showing than they did in the Trinity scrimmage moving forward if they want to stay in this spot.

2. Scott County (9-4 6A State Runner-Up)

The Cardinals finally escape the Louisville big 3 and have their sights set on a return trip to Kroger Field. Even with the losses of OL Bryan Hudson and WR Glenn Covington, Scott County returns enough experience to show 5A why they should be concerned with their arrival. QB Cade McKee, RB Bronson Brown, linemen Austin Taylor and Peyton Saunders should keep the offense at its previous level. All signs point to a Scott County Frederick Douglass second round playoff matchup to determine the king of the bluegrass region.

3. Boyle County (13-1 3A Semifinals)

“Finish the mission” is the team motto for the Rebels this season as they move up to class 4A. Returning almost all of its starters from a 13-1 semifinal campaign including Mr. Football candidate WR/DB Reese Smith, QB Reed Lanter, DL Wilson Kelly and RB/DB Landen Bartleson, Boyle is favored to win the 4A title. Anything less will be considered a disappointment by the Rebel faithful. We will find out if Boyle has what it takes as they face a gauntlet in the middle of their schedule playing CAL, Highlands, Lexington Catholic and Anderson County in consecutive games. If they can survive don’t be shocked to see Boyle at the top of this list at seasons end.

4. Lexington Catholic (8-4 3A second Round

Lex Cath has never been one to shy away from scheduling tough opponents and this year is no different. Pulaski County, Covington Catholic, DeSales, Boyle County, Anderson County and Frederick Douglass all appear on the Knights schedule this year. Expect them to take some losses but be battle tested come playoff time. There are many questions as to who fills the numerous vacancies left by last years senior class but one not in question is QB held by UK commit Beau Allen. WR Jackson Corbett and RB Ryan Nichols look to have expanded roles within the offense this season.

5. Anderson County (10-1 5A Second Round)

Unfortunately for the Bearcats realignment did not do them many favors by placing them in the same district as Boyle County and Lexington Catholic. Anderson is coming off a spectacular 2018 regular season that ended in a disappointing turnover fest against Highlands in the playoffs. Despite 6 turnovers they still had a chance to win at the end. They return RB Zach Labhart who missed much of last year with an injury, QB Jagger Gillis, and DE Darian Dearinger who holds several D1 offers. They face a daunting task in winning the district title but a victory over Boyle or Lex Cath wouldn’t be a huge surprise.

6. Henry Clay (6-6 6A second round)

The Blue Devils will look to avenge last years 25-7 playoff loss to Simon Kenton to start the season. They return several key components off of last years 6-6 team including QB DJ VanHorn, WR Jakobi Godfrey, LB Chris Dabrey, LB William Webb and DE Jordan Kimball. Fayette County public schools needs Henry Clay to have a strong season along side Frederick Douglass to help improve the image of Lexington public school football.

7. Taylor County (12-2 4A semifinals)

Coming off of its best season in many many years Taylor County loses its former head coach Jason Foley to Southwestern but gains former Casey County coach Sam Marple. The Cardinals return RB’s Wes Oliver (1155 yds) and Mr. Versatility Tre Goodin (725 yds rushing, 213 Receiving, 150 Passing and a couple of returns for TDs). Taylor drops down to 3A and welcomes Glasgow as a district foe. The winner of that game will most likely be the district champion.

8. Franklin County (10-3 4A Regional Finals)

The Flyers return star Junior QB Nick Broyles (2796 yds passing 25 TD and 1113 yards rushing with another 13 TDS) and leading WR Fred Farrier (58 rec 868 yds 11 TD) to lead a potent Eddie James offense. It might be a year too soon for the Flyers to make serious noise in a loaded 4A class but they are one to keep an eye on as the season progresses.

9. Larue County (8-6 3A semifinals)

The Hawks shocked the state with their regional final victory over Etown in 2018. Returning is junior signal caller Connor Baker, junior RB Jeremiah Belton, senior DL Tucker Shelton, and junior DB Preston Shelf. Even with the loss of Anthony Adkins expect Larue County to build on the playoff momentum from last year and challenge Etown for the district crown.

10. Lexington Christian Academy (9-4 2A Region Finals)

New head coach Doug Charles inherits plenty of talent on both sides of the ball. QB Jayden Barnhardt (2159 yds 26 TD), RB’s Thomas White and Xavier Brown (1296 yds 18 TD combined), WR Dearious Smith (923 yds 11TD), WR Will Vernon (734 yds 10TD), and leading tackler LB Andrew Long. LCA gave Somerset all it could handle last year in their playoff matchup and I expect more of the same this season.

Teams ranked 11-15

11. Campbellsville

12. Mercer County

13. Danville

14. Madison Central

15. Tates Creek

Preseason players to watch

Walker Parks- Frederick Douglass

Jager Burton- Frederick Douglass

Dekel Crowdus- Frederick Douglass

Bronson Brown- Scott County

Reese Smith- Boyle County

Reed Lanter- Boyle County

Landen Bartleson- Boyle County

Beau Allen- Lexington Catholic

Darian Dearinger- Anderson County

Tre Goodin- Taylor County

Nick Broyles- Franklin County

Jeremiah Belton- Larue County

Kaelin Drakeford- Mercer County

Malachi Yulee- Mercer County

Darrian Bell- Danville

Malachi Corley- Campbellsville

Arren Hash- Campbellsville

Devin Lewis- Harrison County

Game of the Week

Lexington Catholic vs Pulaski County

This game should be of great benefit to both teams exposing weaknesses on film. Also showcases QB Beau Allen from LC and EKU commit Jake Sloan from Pulaski County.

Well done, @WestDanville. I can't really find fault with these rankings. And you're right, if Boyle runs the table versus that gauntlet of a schedule, it will be hard not to move them up regardless of what FD and Scott County do.

I'd like to see Wilson Kelly on the preseason players to watch. Especially after the season he had last year. But at the same time there are already 3 other Boyle County players mentioned so Rebel fans cannot complain too much.

And @WestDanville, you did an excellent job!

I'd like to see Wilson Kelly on the preseason players to watch. Especially after the season he had last year. But at the same time there are already 3 other Boyle County players mentioned so Rebel fans cannot complain too much.

 

And @WestDanville, you did an excellent job!

I was avoiding putting more than 3 per team on the list. Wilson Kelly & Reiley Colwick both are worth following!

So glad to see you take this over. You are built for this. Do your thing!!!!

So glad to see you take this over. You are built for this. Do your thing!!!!

I’ve got big shoes to fill!

I’ve got big shoes to fill!

Nah. You got this!

Great Job WestDanville and those shoes of PP92 and are not that big LOL. Just kidding PP92. Let me know if you need and help WestDanville. After watching the scrimmage, I think we might want to watch out for #22 Sacco.

Great Work West.....

Great Job WestDanville and those shoes of PP92 and are not that big LOL. Just kidding PP92. Let me know if you need and help WestDanville. After watching the scrimmage, I think we might want to watch out for #22 Sacco.

If you could PM me some info from the scrimmage that would be great!

Great Job WD! Central KY/Lex is in good hands again!

Awesome article! Thanks so much for putting this together.

#1 Fredrick Douglas took a big hit by losing one of their players transferring today.

#1 Fredrick Douglas took a big hit by losing one of their players transferring today.

I’ve been keeping an eye on that development since it was first reported on BGP last night. I think Dane Key can and will step up and help fill that void. He stood out to me most in their scrimmage against Trinity.