Is this the year that someone knocks off Central? The Jackets are still a very solid team and will be right in the hunt, but, they don't appear to quite as strong as the past few years, while several teams have really stepped up there games and look to be serious contenders. Most years, it's been Belfry and Bell who have been the biggest challenges to Central and in the Pirates case, they remain so. But, anyone who thinks this is a 2 team race really hasn't been paying attention. Wayne Co looks to have one its best ever teams, S.Warren is a new kid on the block, but, there defense is outstanding and they will be a force out west. Corbin, unranked to this point, look to be much better than given credit for and have more depth than they've had in several years and a defense that'll keep them in every game. Bourbon Co is coming off its best season in years and even look better this year. Tilghman is still very talented and even though off to a 1-3 start, not many teams have faced the type competiton the Blue Tornado has and they've been right in every game and could easily be 3-1 vs 1-3. That schedule will pay dividends once they get into 3a competition. Mason Co is likely going to be undefeated and even though there schedule leaves a bit to be desired, they're still a team to keep an eye on. Ft Campbell is another really athletic team that has played a solid schedule and if they can cut down on the penalties and shore the D a little, they could be a scary matchup for anyone. I also wouldn't sleep on Monroe Co. They replaced a lot of srs from last years team, but, make no mistake, the young guys they bring up can play, they just need some experience and they have some solid depth. Bell and Breathitt look to be down, but, they're still capable of playing with any 3a team on a given night.

 

With all this said, how's 3a going to shake out? I have no idea, but, I do know that 3A football is as deep as it's been since the change to a 6 class alignment and should be a lot of fun to watch. There will likely be a lot of change between now and seasons end, but, right now, I'd probably rank the 3a Top 10 something like this:

 

1) Belfry

2) Wayne Co

3) Central

4) S.Warren

5) Bourbon Co

6) Corbin

7) Tilghman

8) Mason Co

9) Monroe Co

10) Ft Campbell

 

Bell Co probably the best of the rest.

 

Thoughts ?

You could probably put all 10 teams name in a hat and start pulling names out and still come up with a good list.

Not sure if Bell is the best of the rest at this point...but you are right 3A looks to the most competitive class in the state at this point. It's still Belfry and Central until someone can beat them in November though.

Belfry is the odds on favorite from the east, with Bourbon Co. being their main challenger and Mason Co. as the sleeper.

 

Central still has to be the favorite from the west, although I believe that several teams will be in the mix. Wayne Co. seems to be the primary threat, with South Warren and Tilghman right there as well. Corbin may be the sleeper from the west, but must navigate through district and region foes Wayne Co., Bell Co. and Central to get there.

3A is the most wide open since the switch to six classes. You can never count out Central, however, Central would have to travel in the semifinals.

I think Bourbon Co. deserves respect as well. Even though they lost a great back thru graduation, this team may be better. Anyone overlooking them is making a mistake.