Too much love for Lex Cath, The loss of Letton (both Coach and the player) will be hard to overcome. They also lost a key backup player that if something was to happen to the starter, their season is over.

Here would be my rankings.

 

1. Highlands -- OPEN

2. Collins at 6A #9 Simon Kenton

3. Boyle County vs. 5A #10 Bullitt East at Lincoln County

4. Johnson Central -- OPEN

5. Covington Catholic vs. 6A Boone County (8/23)

6. Lexington Catholic vs. Allen County-Scottsville at Western Kentucky University (8/23)

7. Mercer County vs. 5A #1 Bowling Green at Western Kentucky University (8/23)

8. Ashland vs. 2A Newport Central Catholic

9. Owensboro vs. 6A Daviess County

10. Russell County vs. 2A Danville at Campbellsville University

Here would be my rankings.

 

1. Highlands -- OPEN

2. Collins at 6A #9 Simon Kenton

3. Boyle County vs. 5A #10 Bullitt East at Lincoln County

4. Johnson Central -- OPEN

5. Covington Catholic vs. 6A Boone County (8/23)

6. Lexington Catholic vs. Allen County-Scottsville at Western Kentucky University (8/23)

7. Mercer County vs. 5A #1 Bowling Green at Western Kentucky University (8/23)

8. Ashland vs. 2A Newport Central Catholic

9. Owensboro vs. 6A Daviess County

10. Russell County vs. 2A Danville at Campbellsville University

 

I agree with you about Lex Cath. They are going to be strong, no doubt, but they have a lot to prove with a new head coach, among other things.

 

As for 3, 4, and 5...I can see an argument for both Boyle and Cov Cath at #3, but I'm curious what makes you put Johnson Central over Cov Cath, seeing as Cov Cath has beaten them by 4+ touchdowns both of the past two seasons.

Collins should be #1 in till Highlands can beat them.

I agree with you about Lex Cath. They are going to be strong, no doubt, but they have a lot to prove with a new head coach, among other things.

 

As for 3, 4, and 5...I can see an argument for both Boyle and Cov Cath at #3, but I'm curious what makes you put Johnson Central over Cov Cath, seeing as Cov Cath has beaten them by 4+ touchdowns both of the past two seasons.

 

Having seen what Johnson Co has had coming up the ranks that last 3 years or so its very talented group. Sometimes that means nothing, I think it means more. If Johnson was to knock off Cov Cath, this IMO would be the year.

 

Cov Cath is on the up as well, dont get me wrong. Just from what I have seen, Johnson Co is my choice.

Too much love for Lex Cath, The loss of Letton (both Coach and the player) will be hard to overcome. They also lost a key backup player that if something was to happen to the starter, their season is over.

 

And who might that be? This key back up player that was lost.

About those 4A rankings, though....

 

uk#1fan has this hatred for FTH and Cov Cath. Can't seem to take that those 2 program are superior/ dominant in the NKY area year in and year out. Consistent winners, even with lost in the finals by FTH. Oh well back to the 4A topic.

Having seen what Johnson Co has had coming up the ranks that last 3 years or so its very talented group. Sometimes that means nothing, I think it means more. If Johnson was to knock off Cov Cath, this IMO would be the year.

 

Cov Cath is on the up as well, dont get me wrong. Just from what I have seen, Johnson Co is my choice.

 

I'm curious what it is that Collins has that makes you rate them about those two and Boyle County? It was my understanding they were gutted with regards to last season. I know they've established a good program and have a lot of talent coming through the ranks, but still, prior to last year they weren't on the standing with any of those teams.

I'm curious what it is that Collins has that makes you rate them about those two and Boyle County? It was my understanding they were gutted with regards to last season. I know they've established a good program and have a lot of talent coming through the ranks, but still, prior to last year they weren't on the standing with any of those teams.

This explains it pretty well. Specifically whey Collins is built to withstand time. Not just the "Preview" but the following posts. Collins

Having seen what Johnson Co has had coming up the ranks that last 3 years or so its very talented group. Sometimes that means nothing, I think it means more. If Johnson was to knock off Cov Cath, this IMO would be the year.

 

Cov Cath is on the up as well, dont get me wrong. Just from what I have seen, Johnson Co is my choice.

 

I'm guessing by "coming up" you might be referring to the middle school state championships that Johnson Co has won the past couple years- or so I hear?

 

I respect your ideas- I just have a couple thoughts though:

 

1) Johnson lost a lot of experience and production from last years team- and CCH still put a beat down on them

 

2) This whole middle school state champion thing is a little overblown IMO. For one thing, it's a state championship for the schools that are members and participate. It certainly doesn't cover all middle schools in Ky- for instance not from the FTJL, not from the NKMSFL , and probably not most teams from the Louisville area as an example. I don't know of any team from the N Ky area who participates other than Union. I think it's cool that they have a "Championship" and I'm sure the success bubbles up to the High School level to some degree- just not as much as touted IMO.

Having seen what Johnson Co has had coming up the ranks that last 3 years or so its very talented group. Sometimes that means nothing, I think it means more. If Johnson was to knock off Cov Cath, this IMO would be the year.

 

Cov Cath is on the up as well, dont get me wrong. Just from what I have seen, Johnson Co is my choice.

 

Plantman, JC and CCHS are split at 3-3. Yes they have been drug around the past two times they have played and could possibly be this year as well. I think JC is one year away from being able to contend. A lot of it is centered around Highlands and CCHS leaving but if they were still there I think they would be able to hold their own. A lot of younger guys will be seeing time this season, primarily on offense. They return 5 guys on O and 8 on D. Most of those returning on D started last year as Freshmen. Probably will start another duo of Sophs at backer and maybe a freshman or junior to complete the secondary. JC is still probably the best team in the district and will better than some anticipated by the time the season rolls around into week 3 or 4 when district play begins. The loss of Belcher was not as big as most think, I actually think they will be much quicker in that aspect as in years past. They could very easily lose a game or two, just depends on how quick they all buy in, adapt and learn the system.

Blue,

 

My replies to your comment.

 

1) CCH is on a different level than JC at the current moment. Last year's game had an odd feeling to it to say the least. With the rain putting a drag on the atmosphere I didn't know if I was at a funeral or stuck at a red light because it sure wasn't a football game. The score was 21-14 at the half. Two busted plays by the JC D gave up 14 easy ones during the 1st half. Personally, it seemed like the team went in the locker room and never come out. They will miss the tough nosed Jordan Ray Young more than anyone. Some of those guys had never been hit like CCH did to them last year and bent over and took it. A lot of those guys that played in the game last year will be back and the replacements for those lost got a decent amount of reps in. It will just take time to get them up to snuff on the playbooks and assignments. The backfield will not have the size as in years past but they will definitely be much quicker.

 

2) I totally agree. Many middle schools do not consolidate until high school so it doesn't give an accurate representation of the future in my opinion. Just a money hunt for the FBU.

Blue,

 

My replies to your comment.

 

1) CCH is on a different level than JC at the current moment. Last year's game had an odd feeling to it to say the least. With the rain putting a drag on the atmosphere I didn't know if I was at a funeral or stuck at a red light because it sure wasn't a football game. The score was 21-14 at the half. Two busted plays by the JC D gave up 14 easy ones during the 1st half. Personally, it seemed like the team went in the locker room and never come out. They will miss the tough nosed Jordan Ray Young more than anyone. Some of those guys had never been hit like CCH did to them last year and bent over and took it. A lot of those guys that played in the game last year will be back and the replacements for those lost got a decent amount of reps in. It will just take time to get them up to snuff on the playbooks and assignments. The backfield will not have the size as in years past but they will definitely be much quicker.

 

2) I totally agree. Many middle schools do not consolidate until high school so it doesn't give an accurate representation of the future in my opinion. Just a money hunt for the FBU.

 

Thanks Tony- I think we see things similarly.

I think rankings are what they are.......an opinion. To get in step I will say that this year is more interesting than recent years with the obvious domination by Highlands culminating with the great upset by Collins, the field has leveled out. The cool thing is we will see a number of these teams play in the regular season and provide a gauge of where they stack up before playoffs. I do believe HHS and CovCath are probably 1&2 initially but also believe CCH could win the district and change the conversation to HHS v JC in playoffs first. I think Boyle is next in the mix with Smith notching them up a little (certainly agree with Sweeper that Smith will have their goal of being #1 !) LexCath is interesting in that many feel they lost too much but with a great QB and receiving corp they could suprise everyone. I think this year does bring the same in some regards though.....NKY or Central Ky teams then Mtn, then way back West w/exception of Collins who will play in the finals again this year.

The rest will battle it out to get there.........

I'm guessing by "coming up" you might be referring to the middle school state championships that Johnson Co has won the past couple years- or so I hear?

 

I respect your ideas- I just have a couple thoughts though:

 

1) Johnson lost a lot of experience and production from last years team- and CCH still put a beat down on them

 

2) This whole middle school state champion thing is a little overblown IMO. For one thing, it's a state championship for the schools that are members and participate. It certainly doesn't cover all middle schools in Ky- for instance not from the FTJL, not from the NKMSFL , and probably not most teams from the Louisville area as an example. I don't know of any team from the N Ky area who participates other than Union. I think it's cool that they have a "Championship" and I'm sure the success bubbles up to the High School level to some degree- just not as much as touted IMO.

 

Why dont those schools become members and participate? There is more than just state championships as part of being a member.

 

The FTJL is just that, a junior football League, IE youth league, just like NKYFL and Boone County Pee Wee.

 

20 Teams from Jefferson Co are members, that pretty much covers all of Louisville are except for the Catholic Youth League teams.