Catspause

[All State Baseball]

This is from the CatsPause Preview (Note: If you would like to see a Class/District and do not have a copy of the CatsPause, feel free to ask and I'll post it)

 

 

 

 

Class 3A

 

 

District 5:

 

 

1. Bourbon County (13-1): The Colonels have plenty of weapons left from the team that had the school's best season ever to make another run in John Hodge's second season.

 

 

2. Garrard County (7-5): Mark Scenters will field a young team that, if it remains healthy, could have the first in a string of good seasons.

 

 

3. Powell County (2-9): The Pirates return all but seven players as Tony Burchett tries to turn around a team that slipped from eight wins to two.

 

 

4. Bath County (8-3): Reed Fields' Wildcats won more games last season than in the previous three years, but 18 of the 33 players on their roster were seniors.

 

 

5. Estill County (0-10): Mike Jones must repair an Engineers defense that allowed 50.2 points per game last year.

 

 

6. Western Hills (1-9): Don Miller's Wolverines won only one game last season and lost their top two scorers and their top tackler.

 

 

 

 

PRESEASON FAVORITE - BOURBON COUNTY

 

 

No, they don't have Kentayvous Hopkins anymore, but the Colonels do have just about every other key player back from a team that won it's first 13 games last year before losing in the semifinals.

 

 

Bourbon is now a senior-dominated team, and it has the talent and experience to be considered a solid favorite in this district and one of the best teams in 3A.

 

 

She star this season figures to be senior quarterback Dalton Pope, who threw for 1, 576 yards and 22 TDs and rushed for 578 yards and 10 TDs last year. Charles Johnson returns after leading the Colonels in receptions (22 for 479 yards) and interceptions (8) last year, and Brent Holman (397 yards, 8 TDs) is the top returning running back.

 

 

The Colonels also return the top two tacklers - linebackers Dakota Mitchell and Holman - to a defense that held seven opponents to eight points or less last season, as well as leading linemen Chase Berry and Lucas Rutledge.

 

 

 

 

BOUNCING BACK - GARRARD COUNTY

 

 

The Golden Lions won five fewer games last year than in 2011, when they reached the semi-finals. They have reloaded, however, and they're positioning themselves for a good season this year and in the years to come. There are only seven seniors, but the junior class is deeper and the sophomore and freshmen class are stocked with talent.

 

 

 

 

2013 PRESEASON PLAYER OF THE YEAR

 

 

Dalton Pope, Bourbon County, Sr., QB, 5-10, 175. Pope thrived in Hodge's system in his first year as a starter, completing about 60 percent of his passes and finishing as the Colonels' second-leading rusher. It's possible he and the passing game will play an even bigger role with Hopkins gone.

 

 

 

 

PLAYERS TO WATCH

 

 

Chase Berry, Bourbon County, Sr., OL/DL, 5-11, 215;

Brent Holman, Bourbon County, Sr., RB/LB, 5-9, 180;

Brett Goodwin, Powell County, Sr., WR/DB, 6-3, 175;

Charles Johnson, Bourbon County, Sr., WR/CB, 5-9, 160;

Trevor Jones, Estill County, Sr., QB, 5-9, 170;

Nick Lockett, Western Hills, Jr., WR/DB, 5-9, 145;

Dakota Mitchell, Bourbon County, Sr., LB, 5-9, 180;

Bradley Rector, Garrard County, Sr., OL/DL, 5-10, 205;

Curren Shrout, Bath County, Sr., RB/LB, 5-11, 190;

Jacob Smith, Garrard County, Sr., WR/DB, 6-4, 185;

Noah Williams, Garrard County, Sr., RB/LB, 5-10, 190;

 

 

 

 

 

 

District 6:

 

 

1. Mason County (8-5): The Royals reeled off seven straight wins before falling to Bourbon County in last season's regional final. With a solid senior group and possibly even stronger junior class, they'll likely retain the district crown.

 

 

2. Russell (6-5): The Red Devils dropped a couple of heart-breakers at home a year ago. How they rebound will depend heavily on the offensive line and backfield, as usual, in the Wing-T offense.

 

 

3. Fleming County (7-5): The air attack takes a hit, with the graduation of the Panthers' QB and top pass-catcher, but a good junior class led by Maverick Burnett should keep them competitive.

 

 

4. East Carter (2-8): The Raiders' record doesn't reflect the significant improvement they experienced last season. Most of their production, though, came from seniors.

 

 

5. Lewis County (4-7): The Lions couldn't follow up a record setting 2011 with much success in '12. Lewis County's strength should be its run game, paced by hefty fullback Mason Thurman.

 

 

6. West Carter (0-10): The youthful Comets have gained some seasoning, and with that should come at least a couple wins in 2013. They return their QB, leading rushers and top tacklers.

 

 

 

 

PRESEASON FAVORITE - MASON COUNTY

 

 

Mason County is quickly making that abysmal 2-8 in 2011 a distant memory. By the end of this season, the Royals may just forget about it altogether. Reigning district player of the year Rashon Nelson returns. While he leads the seniors, the juniors are chock full of talent. Some of them are:

 

 

Quarterback Jake O'Mara, who offers size (6-4, 215) and a growing competitive edge.

Defensive end Ashton Humphrey, who has possible Division-1 promise.

Linebacker John Combs Buchanan, who received an exclusive invitation to the elite Rivals/UA Camp in Cincinnati during the offseason.

 

 

 

 

 

 

NOT GOING AWAY - RUSSELL

 

 

While they return only four full-time starters from last season's 6-5 team, the tradition-rich Red Devils are never an easy out. Even after suffering a heart attack during the offseason, successful local legend Ivan McGlone is set to enter his 39th year at the helm. Junior Bronson Korzep (6-0, 210) averaged 7.1 yards per carry last season and will likley team up with Jackson McKnight as the team's feature running backs. McKnight and Korzep will fill vital defensive back roles as well. Other top contributors should be tight end J.T. Howell (6-0, 215) and offensive guard Landon Arnold (5-10, 225). Special teams is also a strong suit, as long snapper Pavin Downs and kicker Patrick Soucy return.

 

 

 

 

 

 

2013 PRESEASON PLAYER OF THE YEAR

 

 

Rashon Nelson, Mason County, Sr., RB, 5-9, 205. Nelson put up impressive numbers in 2012. He had 1,746 rushing yards and 19 scores.

 

 

 

 

 

 

PLAYERS TO WATCH

 

 

John Combs Buchanan, Mason County, Jr., LB, 6-2, 185;

Maverick Burnett, Fleming County, Jr., RB/DB;

Chase Felty, East Carter, Sr., RB/DB;

Jacob Gray, East Carter, Sr., OL/DL

Ashton Humphrey, Mason County, Jr., DE, 6-3, 215;

Bronson Korzep, Russell, Jr., RB/DB, 5-11, 190;

Austin Matheny, Mason County, Sr., C/DL, 6-0, 255;

Tyler McGlone, West Carter, Sr., RB/LB, 5-8, 175;

Jackson McKnight, Russell, Sr., RB/DB, 6-0, 170;

Tristen Mitchell, West Carter, Jr., RB/DB, 5-11, 170;

Jacob Nunley, West Carter, Sr., RB/LB, 5-10, 180;

Jake O'Mara, Mason County, Sr., QB, 6-4, 215;

Dalton Stamm, Lewis County, OL/DL, 5-8, 220;

Chase Steele, Fleming County, Sr., RB/LB;

Amani Thomas, Fleming County, Jr., WR/DB;

Mason Thurman, Lewis County, Jr., FB/LB, 5-8, 250;

Jacob Tompkins, Mason County, Sr., K/P, 5-10, 170;

[All State Baseball]

District 7:

 

 

1. Breathitt County (12-1): After 30 seasons and three state championships with Mike Holcomb in charge, the Bobcats will be under the microphone in 2013 following Holcomb's decision to leave for Letcher Central. Breathitt remains the favorite despite losing eight starters on both offense and defense.

 

 

2. Morgan County (8-3): After their second straight eight-win season, which tied the school record for victories, the Cougars have their sights set on overtaking Breathitt for the district title. Morgan brings back seven starters on offense and six on defense.

 

 

3. Magoffin County (4-7): While Morgan is looking to move up a spot, they have to keep an eye on the Hornets, who lost by only six to the Cougars last year and should be better in 2013 with eight starters back on offense and six on defense. Junior middle linebacker Josh Poe, who lead the Magoffin defense in tackles last year, returns. Ryan Jenkins is back at quarterback.

 

 

4. Jackson County (2-8): Eight starters return on offense, led by junior halfback Cody Hundley. All five starters are back on the offensive front. Junior linebacker Cody Byrd was Jackson's top tackler a year ago and returns to lead the defense.

 

 

5. Knott Central (2-9): Steve Hollon takes over as head coach of the Patriots and hopes to build on last year's improvement after a winless 2011 campaign. Senior end Chris Slone led Knott in tackles and is among the five starters back on defense. Senior quarterback Ben Rodgers and sophomore tailback Jaylen Williams provide a couple of weapons on offense.

 

 

 

 

PRESEASON FAVORITE - BREATHITT COUNTY

 

 

For the first time in a long time, the Bobcats aren't considered a sure thing to win the district. With Holcomb moving to Letcher Central and the graduation of eight starters on both sides of the ball, the Bobcats have plenty of questions to answer. Linebacker John Keith Collins, tackle Travis Smith and cornerback John Gilbert, all seniors, will be counted on to lead the rebuilding defense. Senior wide receiver Wes Noble is the most productive player back on offense after catching 22 passes for 470 yards and four touchdowns.

 

 

 

 

READY TO MOVE UP - MORGAN COUNTY

 

 

With all the uncertainty surrounding perennial champ Breathitt County, the Cougars believe this is their best chance to unseat the Bobcats and capture the school's first district championship. Senior wingback Kody Thornsberry led the team in rushing and receiving a year ago. Senior tight ends Chase Turner and Kordell Smith are also back, along with senior linemen J.T. Brown, Nick Clevinger, Tanner McGuire and Jared Short.

 

 

 

 

 

 

2013 PRESEASON PLAYER OF THE YEAR

 

 

Kody Thornsberry, Morgan County, Sr., WB/FS, 5-9, 145. A perfect fit for the Cougars' Wing T offense, Thornsberry has great vision to find creases in defenses and can change direction at full speed. He rushed for 1, 851 yards and 24 touchdowns as a junior and will be counted on for even more production this season with several key players in the backfield graduating.

 

 

 

 

 

 

PLAYERS TO WATCH

 

 

Jordan Brown, Magoffin County, Sr., G/T, 5-11, 220;

J.T. Brown, Morgan County, Sr., T/NG, 6-4, 290;

Cody Byrd, Jackson County, Jr., HB/LB, 5-10, 185;

Joseph Chaffins, Knott Central, Sr., LB, 5-9, 185;

John Keith Collins, Breathitt County, Sr., LB, 5-11, 195;

Seth Cornett, Jackson County, Sr., G, 6-4, 255;

Austin Hundley, Jackson County, Jr., HB/S, 5-9, 180;

Wes Noble, Breathitt County, Sr., WR, 6-5, 185;

Matt Patton, Magoffin County, Sr., HB/S, 5-9, 165;

Josh Poe, Magoffin County, Jr., T/LB, 6-5, 240;

Ben Rodgers, Knott Central, Sr., QB, 5-8, 150;

Jared Short, Morgan County, Sr., T, 5-10, 220;

Travis Smith, Breathitt County, Sr., G/T, 5-9, 265;

Jaylen Williams, Knott Central, So., TB, 5-11, 215;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

District 8:

 

 

1. Belfry (12-3): The Pirates have finished runner-in Class 3A for three straight seasons and a fourth consecutive appearance in the title game is very possible.

 

 

2. Pike County Central (8-4): The Hawks remain second in Class 3A, District 8 behind perennial frontrunner Belfry.

 

 

3. Lawrence County (5-7): The Bulldogs are back in the middle of the pack in the district.

 

 

4. Sheldon Clark (4-7): The Cardinals faltered last season after winning three of their first four games.

 

 

 

 

PRESEASON FAVORITE - BELFRY

 

 

After finishing runner-up to Central for three straight seasons, Belfry is back on the hunt for a Class 3A state title. Starting quarterback San Warren (990 passing yards, 11 touchdowns), leading rusher Justin Johnson and massive lineman Michael Barnes (6-4, 350) all return for the Pirates.

 

 

Senior Trenity Carr and junior Austin Hatfield are also back for the Belfry football team. The trio of Johnson, Carr and Hatfield combined to rush for over 2,600 yards in 2012.

 

 

Belfry outscored opponents 582-192 last season. Defensively, Belfry held six different opponents to a touchdown or less per game last season.

 

 

Tradition-rich Belfry is the frontrunner in a district that also includes Pike County Central, Lawrence County and Sheldon Clark. East Ridge will not compete in district play during the 2013 season.

 

 

 

 

 

 

CONTINUING TO PUSH - PIKE COUNTY CENTRAL

 

 

Pike County Central has been persistent in Class 3A, District 8. The Hawks will once again look to knock Belfry out of the district's top spot. Several key players are back for the Hawks.

 

 

Quarterback Mac Justice (2,480 passing yards and 932 rushing yards) and leading rusher Marcus Johnson (1, 329) are both back for Pike County Central, a squad that won seven of it's first eight games last season.

 

 

 

 

 

 

2013 PRESEASON PLAYER OF THE YEAR

 

 

Justin Johnson, Belfry, Sr., RB, 5-8, 180. Justin Johnson led a balanced Belfry rushing attack last season, racking up 915 yards and scoring 15 touchdowns via 64 carries. Johnson also hauled in one scoring reception for the Pirates.

 

 

 

 

 

 

PLAYERS TO WATCH

 

 

Michael Barnes, Belfry, Sr., OL, 6-4, 350;

Brandon Butcher, Sheldon Clark, So., RB/DB, 5-10, 160;

Ricky Goble, Lawrence County, Sr., FB/LB, 5-8, 185;

Trenity Carr, Belfry, Sr., RB, 5-10, 190;

A.J. Cyrus, Lawrence County, Sr., QB/LB, 6-1, 170;

Austin Hatfield, Belfry, Jr., RB, 5-10, 205;

Marcus Johnson, Pike County Central, Sr., RB/LB, 5-10, 190;

Mac Justice, Pike County Central, Jr., QB, 5-10, 160;

Dakota Ray, Pike County Central, Sr., RB/LB, 5-10, 190;

Sani Warren, Belfry, Sr., QB, 6-0, 170

 

 

 

 

District 5 - Mike Marsee (Danville Advocate-Messenger)

District 6 - Aaron Snyder (The Ashland Independent)

District 7 - John Henson (HarlanCountySports.com)

District 8 - Steve LeMaster (Floyd County Times)

[All State Baseball]

Couple Things.

 

1. Trevor Jones (Estill County) is a Junior not a Senior.

 

2. I look for Estill to finish better than 5th or 6th. Either 3rd or 4th. Heard very good things about them not to mention they had a very good summer in 7 on 7's.

[gchs_uk9]

2. I look for Estill to finish better than 5th or 6th. Either 3rd or 4th. Heard very good things about them not to mention they had a very good summer in 7 on 7's.

 

I agree. I think Estill should be better than both Western Hills and Bath County. Powell County and Estill should be similar and the game is at Powell, so I might give the Pirates a slight edge. Garrard has to go to Estill the next to last week of the season in a game that could be for first round home field advantage. If Estill can stay healthy, I think the Engineers can be a factor in the district race.

[All State Baseball]

I agree. I think Estill should be better than both Western Hills and Bath County. Powell County and Estill should be similar and the game is at Powell, so I might give the Pirates a slight edge. Garrard has to go to Estill the next to last week of the season in a game that could be for first round home field advantage. If Estill can stay healthy, I think the Engineers can be a factor in the district race.

 

Not only that but the Engineers will also have the week off (Oct 18th) before they play Garrard County on October 25. I'm sure the coaches will be in Lancaster on October 18 scouting the Garrard County/Western Hills game.