What does Lexington Catholic need to do to improve in 2012? What do they need to keep doing to be successful? Remember, please be constructive.

They will be good. Very good. I look forward to the first Boyle County/LexCath matchup.

 

Bluegrasscard will likely get this thread underway.

As PP92 says LexCath will be improved for 2012.

 

2 years ago about 10 of this senior class were starters. So this class includes good expierience with a number of 3 and 2 year starters. The major position that rebuilds this year is the O and D line.

 

 

Offense

 

The offense is lead by U of L commit QB Kyle Bolin. Bolin has started the last 2 years. He is a classic field general at QB and overall team leader. He should be on the list for Mr. Football this year.

 

Bolin's favorite receiver since middle school graduated this year - Adam Bush (#1). But Casey Nash (#26), grandson of UK legend Cotton Nash, returns as one of the many 3 years senior starters. Casey will be a primary target for Bolin in receiving core. Also in the wideout position will be David Bouvier (#12). David will be a junior. He was named top rising sophomore receiver at the recent NUC combine in Lexington. TE Michael Vogalsang (#42) returns. Vogalsang is another 3 year starting senior.

 

The running back corp is all juniors and all returning starters. FB Noah Mitchell (#22) has worked hard in the off season. TBs Amoh Kumengisa (#28) and Marcelis Logan (#10) are break away threats every time they touch the ball. Mitchell ran a sub 4.9 in a recent combine. And though I do not have 40s on Kumengisa and Logan they are likely around the 4.6 mark.

 

With 3 starters graduating last year this is where there might be a question mark. Starters Kurt Wilhelmus, Oscar Melendez and Cooper Headly have graduated. Seniors and returning starters Alex Buckles (#70) and Ridge Jackson (#53). But the lineman pipeline is much improved over the last couple of years and filling the 3 spots should not be hard.

 

So the Knights need to ensure Bolin is comfortable without his go-to guy Bush in the pattern and need to ensure the line is ready. This offense has experience and speed and can be very potent. But they can also get out of synch at times with odd play calls. The key will be getting the chemistry and balance of run and pass right.

 

Defense view later...

I remember Bouvier and Nash hurt Boyle County. Learning that they were coming back this season was not comforting. Very good chemistry with Bolin.

I remember seeing film of Bolin as a sophomore but didn't see him last year. How big is he now?

I remember seeing film of Bolin as a sophomore but didn't see him last year. How big is he now?

 

At least 6'2" and maybe 6'3".

 

Bolin 'worked out' in the recent NUC combine but did not actually participate for measurements but he is pictured here with Josh Mesmer and David Bouveir. Mesmer measured 75" at the combine. Same height it looks like.

 

I should have mentioned Marcelis Logan is the son of NFL Superbowler Marc Logan. Senior Logan is on the coaching staff.

At least 6'2" and maybe 6'3".

 

Bolin 'worked out' in the recent NUC combine but did not actually participate for measurements but he is pictured here with Josh Mesmer and David Bouveir. Mesmer measured 75" at the combine. Same height it looks like.

 

 

How did Gametime sneak in there? Actually now that I look a little closer, the short kid may be taller than GT.

LexCath Defense 2012

 

Like offense the most turnover is in the line. Big Oscar Melendez, Corey Mesmer, Kurt Wilhelmus and Cooper Headley who played Dline have graduated. Trey Mattingly returns (#51) as other 3 year starting senior. Mattingly's memorable 2011 play was the 4th and 1 stop in the playoff vs. Boyle Co (sorry PP92).

 

LexCath plays the 3-5 and the front 3 will often rotate. Will Chjlders (#72) will likely be in that rotation along with some up and coming sophomores and juniors.

 

In the secondary Jordan Artrip, Adam Wachs and Casey Labrun have graduated. But the top 2 tacklers from 2011 return. DB Alex Nash (#31) is the brother of Casey is another 3 year starter. He lead the team in tackles in 2011 with over 100 tackles. He is on track to set some career team records if he stays healthy. 2nd leading 2011 tackler LB Josh Mesmer (#11) returns as a junior. Mesmer was MVP Sophomore LB at the recent NUC combine. Other returning starters include DBs Mike Lynch (#38), Derek Hayden (#15), LB Anthony Kersey (#13). All are 3 year starting seniors. So the secondary returns top tacklers and a good amount of experience.

 

Expect Junior Marty Brown (#5) to join the DB/LB corp. Brown was out most of 2011 with injury but returned late in the year and posted some good numbers at the recent combine. Chris Noll (#37) and Alex Van Leeuwen (#25) may be in the defensive backfield.

 

The big improvement in 2011 was the much improved containment on the edge. The 3-5 can give up those plays if the LBs and DBs are out of position. There were far fewer big plays on the edge in 2011 compared to 2010. Also, team tackling and playing 'to the whistle' improved in 2011. Those things must happen again in 2012 for this defense to be successful.

LexCath underclassmen to keep an eye on in 2012

 

Reese Ryan - Sophomore QB. He will take over the reigns after Bolin graduates.

Sam Letton - Freshman TE. Comes in with size and skill. Big plays for KYMSFA team Kentucky in their run to San Antonio last year.

Chase Bolin - Freshman QB. Younger brother to Kyle.

Cameron Baily - Sophomore offensive line.

Woodford Lankford - Freshman offensive line.

 

All the above were combine MVPs or on the All-combine team at Lexington NUC combine in May. Letton made the All-World watch list.

I look forward to making the trip to Lex Cath this season.

I am assuming Letton is the Coach's son?

I am assuming Letton is the Coach's son?

 

That it is. That youngest of 3 brothers seems to make them a little meaner...

 

Sam's one-handers from MS would make a highlight reel: