In 2015, BluegrassPreps is excited to roll out weekly football Power Rankings for each of the regions around the state. With each week's Power Rankings, we will be looking to rank the top ten teams in each region - regardless of class - against the other teams in their region. Throughout the season, we will be accounting for the results of all the games throughout the region, including the strength of each opponent played, points scored, points allowed, along with several other statistics on each side of the ball.

 

Additionally, we will be highlighting a "Game Of The Week", and moving forward, will be re-capping the previous games of the week, as well as highlighting regional "Big Risers" and "Big Droppers" as various teams improve their performance and other teams fall back. Also look for a featured "Player Of The Week". Are you ready for some football? Put your cowboy hat on and come out WEST:

 

Preseason Top 10:

10) Owensboro Catholic (2A) – [2014 Record 10-2; District Record 4-0] The Aces return the State’s 2014 Top Producing Passer. JR QB Ray Zuberer recorded 3,661 yards (305 yds/gm) with 56 TDs and 13 INTs. Stud WR Jansen Riney is gone, but Sr WR Shamari Moore looks to pick up the slack. The 2A West bracket is much more difficult with the addition of Mayfield. Plus, a potential playoff rematch with Murray would be away this season. Still OCath is the class of 2A District 2 and if the defense can find some answers, they should travel to Murray the second week of the playoffs looking for revenge. Week 0 vs. Louisville Holy Cross at Home at 8pm.

 

9) Caldwell County (3A) – [2014 Record 11-2; District Record 3-0] Tough to replace Mr. Sindelar (D1 QB second in state with 3,609 yards – 278 yds/gm with 49 TDs – now playing for Purdue), but Dee Cain is a terrific player (just signed with WKU!!!) that should get the ball a lot his senior year after catching 37 balls for 718 yards, 8 TDs and running for 211 yards and 8 TDs on a team that spread the ball around to say the least. SO Caleb Perkins may get the call at QB if Coach Barnes doesn’t see the need to call Cain’s # first. The defense has several key players back but others will need to step up if the Tigers want to make a deep run in the playoffs. Week 0 August 21 at home vs. Christian County at 7PM.

 

8) Hopkinsville (4A) – [2014 Record 4-8; District Record 3-1] The Tiger’s record would have been much better had they not had to forfeit 3 games, but they were clearly better than this record shows. Moving down to 4A, Madisonville seems to be the only foe in their way for the district championship. Talent has never been Hoptown’s problem. Back to lead the way in 2015 are 2 QBs that played quality minutes last season. SR Jalen Johnson is a dual-threat leftie that’s probably a better athlete than QB. SR Tyler Graham is less athletic, but very savvy, surprisingly tough to bring down, and very smart when called to run the option. When Madisonville comes to the Stadium of Champions on Oct. 2, the district title should be on the line. Week 0 at Graves County at 7PM.

 

7) Murray (2A) – [2014 Record 9-5; District Record 2-1] The Tigers are always a tough out, as evidenced by a close 14-7 Semi-Final playoff loss at Desales last fall. Overshadowed by their former 1A neighbors, Mayfield comes back into their district for the first time since 2006 – YEAH!!! Key contributors Keshon Love (RB/LB) and Johnathon Curd (MLB) are gone, but team leader SR QB Desjahvonni Miles (spelling test to follow) (1,094 rush yards, 20 TDs; 1,331 pass yards, 13 TDs, 7 INTs) wants to make a statement his senior year. Duke signee Tre Hornbuckle is back to anchor a defense that returns 3 players with 100+ tackles from 2014. They will all be needed in an upgraded 2A West Bracket. Week 0 the West Greene, TN Buffalo’s come calling at 7PM on the Murray High campus.

 

6) Christian County (5A) – [2014 Record 4-8; District Record 2-2] The 8 losses were to teams with a combined record of 80-27. Kolbe Langhi is a 6’5” QB who started every game as a Freshman for the Colonels last year. The Big Leftie had 2,338 yards, 24 TDs and 14 INTs. He is joined by the 2014 KY #3 WR SO Keyron Catlett with 61 catches 1,241 yds and 12 TDs. Ultra-versatile SO Ziyon Kenner (43 catches and 7 TDs) forms a great Young Gun Trio. Several key defenders return, but maybe it’s a good thing they all don’t because the Colonels gave up over 31 pts per game last year. Their offense will improve with the experience gained last season for sure. But Colonels fans get a little nervous if they have to score 5 TDs every game to beat quality opponents. Week 0 August 21 at Caldwell County at 7PM.

 

5) McCracken County (6A) – [2014 Record 9-2; District Record 3-0] The Mustangs are hard to know where to put honestly. On the one hand, returning is ultra-athlete, 6A District 1 Player of the Year, Zyaire Hughes (1,135 yards passing, 8TDs, 8 INTs; 585 yards rushing, 11 TDs; 573 yards receiving, 5 TDs), who has signed with UK. Mr. Hughes played QB for much of last season, but things really started to click when JR Cash Jones (Best Name in the West!) took over that spot and allowed Hughes to play elsewhere. JR DLine Quamea Jones and SR LB Davarious Jones are back to anchor the defense. On the other hand, 2 of the top 3 producing RBs are gone along with the top receiver, and the two other linebackers.

Available Mustang talent appears plentiful (from afar) so filling the referenced holes seems doable. But McCracken lost the 13th winningest coach (Jack Haskins - like him or not) in KY history to retirement and hired Mr. Shawn Jackson who has little head coaching experience. Many have questioned some of the play calls from last year’s Manual playoff game. Anticipate the magnifying glass to be over Coach Jackson most of the season. Ultimately, I think McCracken County is a good to very good team and will have a very good season and record this year. Will they be able to compete with any Louisville Old Super District team in the playoffs? Simply No. Week 0 at Home vs. Paducah Tilghman – August 22, 2015 at 7PM.

 

4) Owensboro (5A) – [2014 Record 12-3; District Record 3-0; Class 4A State Runner-Up] The Red Devils did what most didn’t think they could do – reach the 4A State Championship game and initially control the State Championship game against the Highland Bluebirds. Unfortunately, they just ran out of gas, but that doesn’t diminish a terrific last year for Coach Joe Prince and under-heralded QB Nick Locher. Also, remember that ESPN Top 10 last play against North Oldham to go to WKU!!!

Other than Locher, most key members of last year’s team are back for the move up to Class 5A. Key starters returning include 2014 All-State Honorable Mention RB TJ James (1,283 yards and 18 TDs) and Monster LB Gekove Gardner (led the team with 88 tackles). SR Jahil Barret is an ultra-versatile receiver, runner and defender, who makes an impact on big games (my favorite Red Devil). I had the Red Devils higher initially, as I know they have talent. Who will be their QB? And how will new, first-time Head Coach Jay Fallin handle things if adversity comes? Those two things were big enough questions to drop them here in the Preseason. The schedule is challenging, but they can move up especially with a successful trip to Bowling Green on September 11. Week 0 at Warren Central on August 21 at 7PM.

 

3) South Warren (4A) – [2014 Record 13-1; District Record 4-0] Coach Brandon Smith became Spartan Head Coach in the 2013 season. Since that time he has methodically guided his Spartans to a 24-3 record. Last year’s Semi-Final effort, at always tough Louisville Central, was timely to give those coming back in 2015 valuable playoff experience as the Spartans return just about everyone except Stud RB Julius Allen who will be missed. Ultra-versatile Austin McElwain will likely be called to carry the ball more this year in addition to improving on his 68 tackles and 4 INTs from last year. Also look for SR Devante Colton to once again anchor the 2014 fifth ranked defensive squad (9.6 pts given a game). And finally, JR QB Ryder Litten was exceptional last season (rushing for 1,152 yds. on 155 carries and 23 TDs while passing for 1,460 yards and 17 TDs with 4 INTs). Moving up to 4A will challenge South. Just what they need. We will find out plenty in one of the best games in the State on August 22 when John Hardin meets the Spartans at the Rafferty’s Bowl at WKU. Just the spot where the Spartans would like to end their season! Week 0 vs. John Hardin – August 22, 2015 - Rafferty’s Bowl 5PM at WKU.

 

2) Mayfield (2A) – [2014 Record 14-1; District Record 3-0; Class 1A State Champions] Coach Joe Morris’ team is the model of consistency. Six straight State Championship games. Four Titles. That’s POWER! The move to 2A has already caused controversy with Desales Colt’s fans or did Jason Frakes do that? Mayfield always has star players and this year is no different with JR RB Trajon Bright (12th in the State last year in scoring at 13 points/game with 234 carries 1,885 yards and 31 TDs while also chipping in with 48 tackles) and JR QB Landon Arnett (114 completions on 186 attempts for 1,984 yards, 23 TDs and 5 INTs). Several contributors are gone on both sides of the ball, but Mayfield has proven their system can plug other capable guys in and keep rolling. An example for 2015 could be SR WR Michael Walker to get a shot at filling the void left behind by departed Stud WR Marshall Bacon. It worked ok last year when only 3 starters returned on each side of the ball and they still won the State Championship. The usual suspects are on the schedule, but that potential Black Friday match-up with DeSales is what most want to see. Week 0 August 21 at Fort Campbell at 7PM.

 

1) Bowling Green (5A) – [2014 Record 11-2; District Record 4-0] Go ahead call me a homer! However, since 2010, BG is 55 and 2 with the two losses coming by a combined 8 points. That’s powerful! Most BG fans think BG let one slip last year (no disrespect to a memorable Graves County team – see below) and therefore, I think the hunger factor to book end this season with a second trip to WKU is very high! Gone are 3 studs on the defensive line and QB Campbell Gott.

Back are 5 starters on offense highlighted by one of the better 1-2 punches in the state at RB with JR Jamele Carothers (1,033 yards and 16 TDs) and SR Jacob Yates (862 yards and 8 TDs). 2 starters return on the offensive line highlighted by 3 year starter and WKU signee Jordan Meredith. At WR, ultra-athletic Deangelo Wilson will be featured and I am hearing Tre Boards (stalwart CB/S with 5 INTs last year) may get some looks at the other WR spot this season. Look for Dane Drobocky to have a breakout year at TE. Concerning QB, JR Clark Payne (6’2” 170 lbs.) gets the call. I am told Mr. Payne is a very accurate passer, maybe the best at BG since Trent Stillman. When BG gets tested during tough games throughout the season and playoffs, I fully anticipate every team to load the box and force Clark Payne to make plays. BG just got back from the Dalton, GA Southeastern 7v7 Tournament (32 teams across the southeast and good competition). BG went 4-3 on the first day putting them in the championship bracket. They lost twice in that bracket to teams that either went to the final or semi-final of the whole tournament. I am told Payne competed well. I’m just glad he is getting quality snaps in July against good competition, which should bode well for the future, as the progression of the young QB (experience and confidence-wise) may be the key for the Purples in the playoffs.

On defense, Coach Spader will have to work his magic with 3 new starters on the D-line. I am hearing promising words about several young (experience-wise) D-lineman, especially JR DeCarlo Halcomb and SR John James. Also, LB Joe McIntyre (125 tackles) will be sorely missed. Look for SR Jake Bush to step into the lead LB position. Schedule highlights, beside a visit from Owensboro, include a trip to Louisville to face the St. Xavier Tigers. McCracken County comes to El Donaldson Stadium to finish off the regular season. Week 0 vs. Monroe County – August 22, 2015 - Rafferty’s Bowl 8PM at WKU.

 

Next 10 - Teams on the Brink (Not in particular order):

 

Adair County (3A) – See Below.

 

Daviess County (6A) - JR Adam Bouchard was a 2014 Top 10 producing QB with 2,509 yards and 24 TDs. 6’4” SR WR John Stratton was the 2014 #9 producing WR. The Panthers can score, but giving up 80 more points than you scored last season is concerning to say the least. Not to mention hiring a new head coach with no head coaching experience. (I know everyone deserves a chance, but when was the last time Daviess County had a QB invited to the Elite 11 camp in Columbus, OH?) Time is of the essence for Daviess County.

 

Franklin-Simpson (4A) – Lost starting QB and RB from a terrific 2014 campaign. Coach Preston has the Wildcats going in the right direction. Will JR QB Jackson Caudill step up to the challenge of upgraded district challengers?

 

Graves County (5A) – Class 5A State Runner-ups (see below); Even though many are gone from the 2014 team, 2-way stud Dakota Dixon is back to lead the Eagles for his Senior season. Two QBs (JR Conner McKee and SO Tristian Bonnstetter) that played some last season are back too.

 

Henderson County (6A) – As the Carter Family goes, so goes the Colonels. SR QB and MLB Richard rushed for 151 yards, 8 TDs and passed for 1,478 yards, 13 TDs and 8 INTs. Brother Kobe was the #6 WR in the state last year with 71 catches, 1,054 yards and 11 TDs. Then there’s Damion 1,178 rushing yards and 10 TDs. But unfortunately, the ceiling is the same as it’s been in as long as I can remember.

 

Madisonville NH (4A) – Super season in 2014, unfortunately the heart and soul of that team graduated. Still think they can make a run into the Top 10 and get 2nd in the district, but hard to see a deep run in the playoffs.

 

Paducah Tilghman (3A) – 3A District 1 Player of the Year and 1,000 yard rusher Djaun Sherrill is gone, but SR QB Jessie Dunigan returns to lead the charge in Coach Rogers second season. A win again county foe McCracken County in Week 0 would be HUGE!

Russellville (1A) – The old 1A Beasts are gone. Can the Panthers get over the hump this year? Josh Bigbee (800+ yards 8 TDs) and Johnny Drumgole (700+ yds, 10 TDs) will try to prove Bac2369 right for a very good season and playoff run.

 

Warren Central (4A) – Toughest consecutive 5 game stretch in the West, maybe the State (Owensboro, @McCracken County, John Hardin, @Meade County, @Bowling Green –WOW!) Talent is available, but is there a captain to guide the ship?

 

Warren East (4A) - The bad news Mr. Everything - Eli Brown will now be suiting up for UK on Saturdays in Lexington. The good news SO RB Sensation Willie Reynolds (1,373 yards on 169 carries in 10 games!) will still be suiting up for the Raiders. Another plus - new Coach Justin Chaffin, who is an East alum with deep area roots, is a Great hire for WE. Another minus – their district is considerably more difficult with the addition of Warren Central and South Warren.

 

Game of the Week – Week 0: Paducah Tilghman at McCracken County 8/22/15 @7PM

I LOVE the South Warren vs. John Hardin game (I plan to attend), but rivalry games to start the season is the way to get the season started right! Paducah Tilghman Coach Rodgers wants to show progress this season - taking bragging rights and a 2-1 series lead in the intra-county series will sure help get things off and rolling! For McCracken County, Coach Jackson wants a win to get his first group of Mustangs going in the right direction early in the 2015 campaign.

 

Pre-Season “Big Droppers”

Graves County (5A) – Down – This is as much a curtain call salute for Cody Crider (2,566 rush yards and 31 TDs AND 86 Tackles!!!) and at least 8 other quality 2014 SRs than a current roster downer. Did anyone else do more for their team last year than arguably the best player (Crider) to ever play for the Eagles? They won playoff games at BG and at John Hardin in back to back weeks. Went farther in the playoffs than any Eagles team EVER! I just can’t fathom how this year’s team can reach the same heights.

 

Grayson Co (5A) – Down – The Cougars had a terrific year in 2014 going 9-3. The 3 losses were @Desales and twice to John Hardin. No shame there. But QB Talon Gray and top WR Taylor Wright graduated. This season they move over into Bowling Green’s district. YEAH!!! While the early season schedule looks manageable, their new district games will really challenge them.

 

Pre-Season “Big Risers”

Monroe County (2A) – Up – Did any Kentucky team have more injuries than Monroe County last year? Our friend tsyoung7 reports as many as 19 contributing players were injured for significant time last season. Fear not, as it’s a new season! And the Falcons drop to 2A, which is usually terrific news, except the west bracket of 2A is loaded! But Monroe only got 2 wins last year, so the ceiling for this year is high comparatively. Are they the Graves County of 2015?

 

Adair County (3A) – Up – Everybody is back on offense including JR QB Chase Melton who passed for 1,024 yards, 14 TDs and 3INTs; and rushed for 841 yards and 14 TDs. Most are back on defense! South Warren is gone to 4A! Is this the best Adair County Team Ever? Very manageable schedule. Paducah Tilghman would have to come to Columbia this year if there were a playoff rematch!

Western Kentucky

 

Adair County

Allen County-Scottsville

Apollo

Ballard Memorial

Barren County

Bowling Green

Brackinridge County

Butler County

Caldwell County

Calloway County

Caverna

Christian County

Clinton County

Crittenden County

Daviess County

Edmonson County

Elizabethtown

Fort Campbell

Franklin-Simpson

Fulton County

Fulton City

Glasgow

Graves County

Grayson County

Greenwood

Hancock County

Hart County

Henderson County

Hopkins County Central

Hopkinsville

Logan County

Madisonville-North Hopkins

Marshall County

Mayfield

McCracken County

McClean County

Metcalfe County

Monroe County

Muhlenberg County

Murray

Ohio County

Owensboro

Owensboro Catholic

Paducah Tilghman

Russellville

South Warren

Todd County Central

Trigg County

Union County

Warren Central

Warren East

Webster County

 

52 Teams in the West - What would you change? Who's Too High? Who's Too Low? Who isn't mentioned that should be?

Not complaining but wondering how is Elizabethtown considered as a team in the West, while teams in the same county (John Hardin, Central Hardin, North Hardin) are not?

Not complaining but wondering how is Elizabethtown considered as a team in the West, while teams in the same county (John Hardin, Central Hardin, North Hardin) are not?

 

Fair question Justafan2, but I simply got the above list and went with it.

I don't think I'd take any of 7-10 over Franklin-Simpson and probably not over Warren Central either.

 

I think you could lock in the top 2-3 spots for the duration.

Great job Purple88. I agree on the South Warren-John Hardin game, to open up the season, to be a real gage setter for each team.

 

If the Payne kid (QB) for the BG Purples can hold his own then I think the Purples will have a very strong year. I know a couple of teams across the Bluegrass has had similar runs, but 55-2 doesn't occur often. People will think I am nuts but I am guessing the Purples will reach 70 wins, starting this year, before they will have 10 losses. What is scary is they (BG) will get a couple of those losses this season. Meaning, the future looks really good!

 

See everyone this Fall. Good luck to the West teams!

I don't think I'd take any of 7-10 over Franklin-Simpson and probably not over Warren Central either.

 

DFire, I went back and forth with some in this area of the rankings and will be watching Franklin Simpson for sure as I know they are good. I know Warren Central has talented players as well, but I had to consider coaching staffs too along with season ending "inconsistencies", plus their brutal schedule. BUT this is a FLUID list and teams will move in and out of the Top 10.

I think Caldwell has kind of become an after thought in 3A..most I think are viewing them in the 8-12 range... but most also are thinking Tilghman will be the clear cut #5 team in the State.

 

I dont see Tilghman though listed in the Top 10... do you expect Caldwell to beat Tilghman for the District?

 

Is Tilghman being overrated or Caldwell underrated by most in 3A?

 

I think even I have possibly even overstated the significance of Sindelair leaving... Caldwell and Corbin are pretty similar teams if you think about it. Both have massive rosters and took some graduation hits, and both were pretty comparable quality of teams in 2014.

 

Could Caldwell be the biggest sleeper in 3A?

DFire' date=' I went back and forth with some in this area of the rankings and will be watching Franklin Simpson for sure as I know they are good. I know Warren Central has talented players as well, but I had to consider coaching staffs too along with season ending "inconsistencies", plus their brutal schedule. BUT this is a FLUID list and teams will move in and out of the Top 10.[/quote']

 

At the end of the day, if Hopkinsville lines up against Warren Central Week 0, you're telling me you would take the Tigers? I surely wouldn't. But as you say, everything is fluid.

With all due respect to Purples88, to put an incoming QB with no career starts in a category above Devin Hayes and Scooter Hollis is borderline insanity. Hayes was 29-0 as a starter and BG won their pool both years he QB'd at the SE 7 on 7 in Dalton. Hayes is the best pure passer EVER at BGHS (numbers don't lie), and in my opinion, it is not even close. It is unfair to put those kind of expectations on Payne.

 

As for the rankings

 

TOO LOW: Christian County (could be the biggest surprise in KY, great young talent), Paducah Tilghman (a recurring theme of good young talent in WKY and too much speed to be left out of the top 10), Warren Central (will benefit from the move to 4A), Franklin-Simpson (another team with outstanding young talent)

 

TOO HIGH: Bowling Green (youth/inexperience in both lines could spell trouble early), Hopkinsville (cant see them above several teams that are left out)

 

TEAMS THAT WILL BE BETTER THAN YOU THINK: Christian County, Russellville, Glasgow

TEAMS THAT WILL BE BETTER THAN YOU THINK: Christian County, Russellville, Glasgow

Can you give us some more information about these three teams? Why do you think they will be better then people think?

Christian County has a legit Division I WR (2017) and QB (2018) that no one in KY knows about. Lots of returning starters and lots of speed. Still young, but very experienced, and well coached.

 

Russellville- Class A is set up for a run to the state semifinals...a team with speed and talent that can be a threat in Class A

 

Glasgow- This is a reach considering how tough their region will be (CAL, DeSales, Monroe) but they do have good young talent. Coach Wood is a big loss and the prediction might be a year early.

Damion Carter is back for Henderson County kinda seems like they are saying he is gone. He has a chance to become Henderson County All time rusher.

If these rankings are right then Henderson has one of the toughest schedules in western ky. They play Christian, Caldwell, Mccracken, and Owensboro. Plus Evansville Reitz, Memorial, and Gibson Southern out of Indiana. Only weaker opponents will be district games that they have to play. With that said Henderson will be lucky to finish 5-5.

Fair question Justafan2, but I simply got the above list and went with it.

 

Fair enough. You put in a lot of work doing this. Thank you for that. Good luck to the Purples this season.