article Bluegrasspreps' Class 2A Pre-Season Preview

[Ram]

Bluegrasspreps' Class 2A Pre-Season Preview

 

The Wild, Wild, West just got little crazier.

 

Anytime the KHSAA adopts a new alignment there is a chance for chaos and shuffling of teams, particularly in the smaller classes. Class 2A somehow managed to remain relatively intact, losing only Bardstown and Caldwell County of notable stature. The heavy hitters are all back including defending State Champion DeSales and Runner-Up Newport Central Catholic .The buzz though in 2015 is not going to be about who left the class… but rather who joined and how stacked the side of the bracket is they will be joining. Everyone I present the Mayfield Cardinals… your Pre-Season #1 team in 2A

 

1. Mayfield Cardinals (14-1, Class A State Champions)- The Cardinals have become a small school dynasty and now welcome the competition from a move back to 2A. Mayfield is well equipped for their move as the cupboard is far from bare. Leading the way will be HB Trajon Bright (JR). Bright ran for just shy of 2000 yards and scored 33 Total TD’s. Joining him will be QB Landon Arnett (JR) who passed for over 2000 yards and 24 TD’s. The Cardinals lose game breaking receiver Marshall Bacon, but return Arnett’s favorite target in WR Lane Kennemore .

 

Kennemore is also a big returnee on defense where he amassed 60 Tackles and a team high 5 INT’s. The Cardinals also return leading tackler LB Johnny Hernandez (SR) and his partner in crime LB Nick Workman (JR) along with game breaking S Jaime Tapia (JR). The Cardinals return 6 Defensive Starters all told.

 

The biggest question mark with the Cardinals comes on the offensive line where they must make a wholesale change at every starting position. With a plethora of talent at the skill positions the Cardinals get the slightest of edges in one of the State’s most competitive classes.

 

2. DeSales Colts (14-1, Class AA State Champions)- If DeSales football were a stock it would be very wise to buy in. The Colts have erupted into a small school powerhouse and with the current structure of the program it doesn’t appear to be a train that is slowing down in the near future. The 2014 Colts were perhaps the best “small school” in Kentucky and leave big shoes to fill.

 

Gone are gamebreakers like Bryant Pirtle, Austin Craig, Adam Nord, Frankie Tharp, and Matt Ruxer. In fact, the Colts have the dubious task of filling the void left by 8 offensive starters including their two top rushers and their Fullback. RB Austin Tharp (JR) will be asked to pick up the slack after rushing for only 335 yards in 2014. What the Colts do have the luxury of having is one of the top QB’s in all of 2A in Austin Johnson (SR). Johnson was a Dual Threat nightmare for the opposition passing for 1372 yards and rushing for another 641 while combining for 27 TD’s.

 

The strength of the Colts will be their Defense once more. Despite losing some of the best individual talent to ever come through DeSales the cupboard is not entirely bare as 7 quality starters return. FS Alex Brothers (JR) and DE Ryan Smith (SR) combined for 143 Tackles. The middle of the DLine will be stout as well with DT’s Dylan Mumford (SR) and Blake Distler (SR) returning in the midst.

 

Though the Colts may not have the playmakers or number of starters that Mayfield seemingly returns, there is little doubt that interchangeable parts, some even with the same last name, are willing to step into their new roles and once again make DeSales a top contender for the hardware.

 

3. Newport Central Catholic Thoroughbreds (8-6, Class AA Runner-Up)- It was a roller coaster season for NCC in 2014 that at times left fans scratching their heads and at the same time optimistic. After starting the year 0-4 against a stout Non-District schedule the Breds found their footing before small school rival Beechwood put a 30-13 beat down on them. NCC recovered and rolled through the playoffs in dominating fashion before facing the irresistible force known as the DeSales defense which held NCC to negative rushing yards and only 50 total yards of Offense.

 

NewCath has their work cut out for them again in 2015 with another murderous schedule ahead, but the Throughbreds have high hopes thanks to a strong returning cast. It all begins in the backfield led by RB with Jacob Smith (SR) who many NKY schools feel has to be in his sixth year of eligibility. Smith accounted for over 1900 all-purpose yards and 29 TD’s in 2014. Smith also returns his running mate John Harris (SR). Joining them again under Center is 6’4 QB Patrick Henschen who threw for over 1400 yards.

 

NCC also has one of the State’s top two way linemen returning in Maleek Lawrence (SR). Lawrence helped anchor the Bred’s Oline while also dominating at times on Defense with 93 tackles. He has help on that side of the ball returning as well with bookend DE’s Austin Neff (JR) and Luke Kues (SR). Also back is undersized tackling machine Koby Tallon (SR) at MLB. Tallon racked up 143 Tackles and gets the benefit of Peyton Davis (SR), another 100 tackle man, to join alongside. The secondary will be anchored by Eric Anderson who led the team with 4 INT’s.

 

The biggest concern for the Breds will be a Secondary that only returns Anderson, as well as an O-line and Receiver corps that was hit substantially by graduation. Expect an improved Offense come Playoff Time in November and a battle tested Defense.

 

 

4. Christian Academy of Louisville Centurions (10-2, lost in Regional Finals)- CAL tasted the pinnacle in 2014. From October 18th until the morning of November 21st the Centurions were the pride of Class AA. A Convincing 17-0 win over DeSales and a 9-1 record with their only blemish a competitive 29-10 loss to 6A’s then #1 ranked Male had CAL to favorite to take home the hardware. After a First Round “BYE” and a win over a solid Bardstown team though it all came to a halt with a painful one point loss in a defensive struggle to eventual Champion DeSales.

 

In 2015, CAL now has to rebuild their offense after losing their top rusher and a very efficient Quarterback that between the two accounted for all but 859 yards of their total offense and 33 of their 46 total offensive TD’s. Expect RB Tanner Lopez (SR) to step into a starring role after gaining 394 yards and 5 TD’s in a limited role. The Centurions still must find a new QB, but whoever steps in will have some talent including the top two receivers from last season 6’3 Clay Davis (SR) and aptly named “Cal” Lewellyn (SR). The two combined for just shy of a thousand receiving yards and 12 TD’s.

 

Defensively the Centurions have a strong foundation...necessary to contend with the powerhouses of AA-WEST. Chiefly, Davis and Cody Morton (SR) a 6’2 205 Safety combined for 119 tackles and 9 INT’s. Lewellyn doubles as a CB as well.

 

There is no denying CAL has enough firepower to muddy the waters in 2015, but the questions remains whether they can once again get over the hump and finally reach their first Championship appearance in School History.

 

 

5. Owensboro Catholic Aces (10-2, Lost in Round 2)- In a Class dominated by big time Defense and hardnosed running games, the outlier is the green team from Owensboro. The Aces put up a staggering 588 points in 2014 led by QB Ray Zuberer (SR) and his Spread Attack. Zuberer was simply stellar as a Junior, accounting for a blistering 3859 total yards and a video game-esque 73 Touchdowns! Unfortunately though, a Murray defense held them to a mere 9 points as they felt elimination at Home.

 

Zuberer has most of the old gang back, and records will be challenged. Jonathan Garner (SR) should take over at RB after rushing for 529 yards and 8 TD’s in 2014. Zuberer loses his favorite target Jansen Riney, but returns 3 of his top weapons to throw to in Shamari Morton (SR), Johnah McCormack (SOPH), and Micah Norcia (JR).

 

Defensively the Aces were nothing to write home about in 2014, but they do return a strong contingent. Leading the way is MLB John Mark Boarman (SR) and his 163 Tackles. Other key returnees are Chris McKay, Michael Mills, and Weston Jacob.

 

There is little doubt OCath will welcome a “Wild West Shootout”, but will they have enough bullets for the posse that will await them in the playoffs?

 

6. Shelby Valley Wildcats (11-3, Lost in Semi-Finals)- When the brackets were posted for the AA Playoffs on November 22nd you could hear a collective “WHO?!?!?!?” as the Region 4 Winner was penciled in.

 

“The Basketball School?”, “Shelby County or Shelby Valley?”, “Where is the Shelby River?”

 

Though the Wildcats run came to a screeching halt against Newport Central Catholic, don’t expect this team to remain a surprise much longer. No team in the entire AA Classification returns a mix of experience and production like the boys from Pike County (for those still trying to locate it on a map). A stout 8 starters return on both sides of the ball, but more importantly it is the backfield that you should take notice of and two specific numbers. 4639 and 55.

 

That is 4,639 yards of offensive production and 55 combined Touchdowns. QB Donavon Layne (SR) returns his entire three headed monster backfield of Jordan Hampton (JR), Kasey Tackett (SR), and Chandler Rowe (SR). Rowe came a hair from joining the 2000 yard club and punched in 27 rushing scores alone. The Wildcats Oline remains essentially intact promising for another strong season of smashmouth football.

 

Defensively the Wildcats bring back just as many playmakers it seems. Ballhawking LB Trevor Wright (SR) racked up 158 tackles, 2 INT’s, and 2 Fumble Recoveries while CB Austin Elswick (SR) accounted for 7 INT’s and 48 tackles. The Wildcats bring back their #2 and #3 leading tacklers as well in ILB Chris Gunter (JR) and DB Jordan Hampton (JR).

 

The Wildcats have significantly improved their schedule adding bigger schools such as Franklin County, Pike Central, and Magoffin County along with a Top 5 1A team in Paintsville. The big question remains whether the ground and pound attack will be enough to put them in the discussion with the elites of the class, especially considering essentially the only two receiving options both graduated.

 

 

7. Murray Tigers (9-5, Lost in the Semi-Finals)- What is the value of having a couple elite players, but not necessarily the depth as the rest of the classes top teams? As my Grandpa would say, “Murray is fixin’ to just find out!”

 

When compiling the short list of the Top 20 players in 2A...there is a chance Murray would have 3 or 4 names on that list. Senior QB Desjahvonni Miles may have a name that is a beast to spell, but his game is a beast to try and stop. Miles eclipsed the 1K mark rushing and passing and accounted for 33 TD’s. He is a big play waiting to happen and has equal big play weapons at his disposal. TE/DE Tre Hornbuckle (SR) is a man child at 6’3 225 and is on his way to play football in the ACC for Duke. WR Peyton Glynn (SR) is a threat running or catching as well and returns as the Tigers’ top receiver.

 

Defensively the Tigers have a bit of rebuilding to do from a very powerful unit, but Hornbuckle is exactly the cornerstone you want to build around. Joining him is CJ Dickerson (SR) who had 118 tackles of his own.

 

For a program whose hallmark has been great defense and a grinding offense, 2015 may be a bit of a departure from the norm. If the Tigers can put the pieces around their stud Athletes their potential is huge, but at the same time most of the young Tigers stepping in will be asked to “earn their stripes”.

 

8. Lloyd Memorial Juggernauts (8-3, Lost in Second Round)- The Juggs have experience on their side, but remain one of the bigger mysteries in the class entering 2015. The 2014 edition benefitted from a very soft non-district slate but took it on the chin to District foes NewCath and Newport for all three of their losses. They went on the road and took down Carroll County before an eventual demise at the hands of the Breds.

 

Lloyd returns their top rusher Justin Durham (JR) who hit the 1000 yard mark. Dual threat athlete Lashunn Townshend (JR) combined for over 700 all-purpose yards and 13 TD’s, while leading receiver 6’4 Charles Gaines (SR) returns as well.

 

On the other side of the ball the Juggs Top 3 tacklers return including Alex Runion (JR), Jesse Hatton (JR), and Durham . Lloyd is a team loaded with young talent and sophomores who made their mark in 2014. The Coaching Staff has also stepped to plate better preparing them with their schedule with games against Beechwood, Holmes, Garrard County, and Conner or note. We will get to see pretty early if Lloyd is for real as they take on Walton-Verona on August 21st.

 

9. Monroe County Falcons (2-9, Lost in the First Round of 3A Playoffs)- Mayfield may be the new addition everyone is buzzing about, but Monroe County is the one who may surprise the most people. The Falcons staff probably wishes they could forget the 2014 season. Expectations were high entering the campaign as the Falcons were loaded with sophomore talent from a team that went 8-4. Between bad breaks, close losses, bad injuries, and ultimately inconsistent football as a product of the lot; the Falcons literally limped into the playoffs 2-8 before losing to a solid Paducah Tilghman team.

 

For the 2A casual fan, it might not even be known that Monroe has entered the picture…but overlooking this squad is a very scary proposition.

 

The Falcons return not only 8-9 starters each way, but because of injuries forcing players into action, expect a significant amount of experienced depth as well. QB Lincoln Arnett (SR) is a crafty dual threat QB, all the Falcon’s top running threats join him in Caleb Veach (SR), Jordan Phillips (SR), and Ty Mink (JR). Mink is a player to keep your eyes on… he is a threat running, passing, and receiving as he accounted for a TD doing each. Arnett also gets back WR Kale Rich (SR) who was his favorite target last season.

 

On Defense the Falcons showed promise and bring back the farm. Expect Dalton Emmert (SR), Trey Whitlock (JR), and Tucker England (JR) to help anchor it along with guys like Mink and Veach who play both ways. The Falcons made a handful of nice runs in 3A and thrived by building Senior laden groups led by a veteran QB and would seemingly lay in wait until November. A quality schedule that opens with superpower Bowling Green, and continued rehab from existing injuries, may make that Monroe camouflage even heavier. Keep this team in the back of your head come October and November.

 

10. Danville Admirals (8-4, Lost in the Second Round)- The toughest spot in these ranking for me was figuring out who should be #1 0 among a group of about 6 or 7 teams with similar claims. At this point it is no secret that the lure of the vaunted Danville Admirals is in a bit of a rebuilding phase, but for all the doomsday prophecies and stones cast I think maybe the 2015 edition still has a little something left to say.

 

Danville does not have a laundry list of All-State players, but they do return some solid athletes and some playmaking ability. QB Zack Dampier (JR) is the straw that stirs the drink and was efficient in 2014 at protecting the football. ATH Dmauriae VanCleave (SOPH) and RB Stephen Ray (SR) know how to find the end zone and WR Triston Coffey (SR) gives Dampier a nice target. Tyrek Bradshaw (SR) is a strong runner stopper at ILB and DL James Houston (SR) is solid in the trenches.

 

 

 

THE OTHER TEAMS TO KNOW:

Leslie County (8-3)- The Eagles were right in the thick of the District race and bring back QB Kevin Whitaker. A home playoff game is well within reach. Austin Smith will be a solid secondary weapon for Whitaker. Blake Asher is a beast on the line and is getting some significant D-1 attention.

 

Walton-Verona (10-2)- It was a watershed year for the Dub-Vee, but now they must replace essentially all their firepower on Offense. Halsey Page will be asked to step up along with Scott Pettyjohn. Hunter Ruber and Colton Catlett give a nice base to build from on D.

 

Somerset (0-10)- The best winless team in Kentucky had to deal with a very young roster and still were a handful of scores from winning a District Title. The Jumpers welcome back Jordan Doan who averaged over 100 rushing yards per game when he played for Somerset as a freshman. Castle Hatcher will be in his third season under Center as the starter and Cannon Reynolds should really help the Defense improve. Cross County foe Southwestern made a memorable turnaround in 2014...will the Independent school emulate that success in 2015?

 

Newport (8-5)- The dynamo known as Paul Price is gone. Many expect the Wildcats to return to the struggling state that had plagued them, but the Wildcats still have enough chess pieces to move around the board. Tyree Bolden is an adept RB who can also catch the ball out of the backfield. Ryan Ochoa was the Wildcat’s top receiver but also a stalwart on Defense. The Wildcats faced heavy graduations on both sides of the ball but should still have enough gas to at least challenge Lloyd for the 2nd Seed.

 

Lexington Christian Academy (6-6)- Much like Newport, the Eagles have to adjust to life without one of the State’s top individual talents. Nick Whitman was the consummate Iron Man and an All-State level talent on both sides of the ball. In addition LCA lost versatile Dima Ballard, leaving the offense without the brunt of its force. Dillon Wheatley will be asked to take on a larger role after having a nice season on each side of the football. Clay Ach is one of the better returning Defensive talents in the Region and with a wide open District anything is possible.

 

Glasgow (8-4)- Replacing Marquez Trigg meanwhile is the elephant in the room in the land of the Scotties. Glasgow has built one of the quieter programs in the State that has been able to maintain consistently solid teams. Dessi Austin can stretch defenses with his versatility and Ben Hughes was his favorite option in the passing game. Jasper Mundy will most likely be called upon to step in for Trigg. Glasgow has a tough hill to climb to maintain the level of success they have been accustomed to.

 

Butler County (7-4)- If you are a fan of under the radar game changers take a trip to Morgantown. The Bears have steadily grown into a formidable opponent and in 2015 they may be able to maintain that growth behind the Arm and Feet of Rex Henderson. Henderson accounted for over 2500 yards and 31 TD’s. He will need some help on Offense as Butler will have numerous voids. Blake Graham will be assist in that department as well as Dillion Kirby. The Bears Defense will be the biggest question mark.

 

Prestonsburg (10-3)- The Blackcats have been a 2A Fixture and exclusion from the Pre-Season Top 10 may come a bit foreign. The truth is Prestonsburg was hit hard with graduation. Most notable QB Jarredd Jarrell who had been the signal caller since the 80’s I am fairly sure. The Blackcats only return 3-4 Starters each way, and with a loaded Shelby Valley and an “up” Leslie County in their District the sledding may be tough. If all that was not enough, one of their top returning playmakers ATH Chatlin Jarrell transferred down US 23 to Pikeville. All hope is not lost though, Austin Peay commit Dalton Frasure is as good of a player as you will find in 2A and returns after a 1600 yard rushing season.

 

Middlesboro (5-5-1)- The Yellowjackets were riding sky high for a while in 2014. They were receiving pub for their veteran team, they had defeated their arch nemesis Bell County…. Then the bottom fell out. Middlesboro lost 5 of their next 7 games and exited in the First Round. With that also exited the brunt of their starting lineup as well. The Jackets may have to rebuild in 2015 but they have Chase Elliott to build around.

 

Gallatin County (5-6)- If you need a dark horse to ride and an unfamiliar name to follow, let me introduce the Wildcats of Gallatin County. Trent Brock, Noah Hanson, and Issiah Streine form a solid nucleus and Jeffrey Bowling will add help on Defense. Though Gallatin seems to have a hard road to ride, they should be able to close the gap a little in their District and at least compete for a 1 Seed.

 

 

 

 

TOP 15 2A PLAYERS TO WATCH:

1. Ray Zuberer, QB- Owensboro Catholic

2. Trajon Bright, RB/DB- Mayfield

3. Tre Hornbuckle, TE/DE- Murray

4. Jacob Smith, RB- NewCath

5. Dalton Frasure, TE/DE- Prestonsburg

6. Chandler Rowe, RB- Shelby Valley

7. Maleek Lawrence, DL/OL- NewCath

8. Desjahvonni Miles, QB- Murray

9. Austin Johnson, QB/K- DeSales

10. Clay Davis, WR/DB- CAL

11. Jordan Doan, RB- Somerset

12. Clay Ach, OL/LB- LCA

13. Lane Kennemore, WR/DB- Mayfield

14. Blake Asher, DL/OL- Leslie County

15. Johnny Hernandez, DE- Mayfield

[Ram]

Class 2A

District 1 – Ballard Memorial, Mayfield, Murray, Webster County

District 2 – Butler County, Hancock County, McLean County, Owensboro Catholic, Todd County Central

District 3 – Clinton County, Glasgow, Green County, Metcalfe County, Monroe County

District 4 – Christian Academy-Louisville, DeSales, Shawnee, Washington County

District 5 – Carroll County, Gallatin County, Owen County, Trimble County, Walton-Verona

District 6 –Holy Cross (Covington), Lloyd Memorial, Newport, Newport Central Catholic,

District 7 – Danville, Lexington Christian, Middlesboro, Somerset

District 8 – Allen Central, Betsy Layne, East Ridge, Leslie County, Prestonsburg, Shelby Valley

[DevilMayCare]

One of the most anticipated potential match-ups this coming season seems to be Mayfield vs. DeSales in the semi's. A lot of things have to transpire before that can happen, though. The Cardinals can't overlook Murray or OCath. The Colts can't(and I'm sure won't) overlook CAL.

 

I can't see the east threatening the west in Bowling Green this year in this class.

[Toothpick]

Nice job, thanks for doing this

 

Mf was 14-1 last season, a 1 point loss to McCracken in OT

[Jumper_Dad]

One of the most anticipated potential match-ups this coming season seems to be Mayfield vs. DeSales in the semi's. A lot of things have to transpire before that can happen, though. The Cardinals can't overlook Murray or OCath. The Colts can't(and I'm sure won't) overlook CAL.

 

I can't see the east threatening the west in Bowling Green this year in this class.

 

Welcome to BGP @DevilMayCare looking forward to reading more from you.

[DevilMayCare]

Thanks. I got tired of lurking. Thought I'd add my two cents.

[Ram]

Nice job, thanks for doing this

 

Mf was 14-1 last season, a 1 point loss to McCracken in OT

I made that correction in the preview.

[theguru]

Wow! Great Preview!

[gchs_uk9]

Is there any chance Murray can knock off Mayfield? It seems like Murray typically gives the Cardinals a decent game in the regular season, although in separate classes it was never for anything other than pride.

[uk#1fan]

Great job.

[ATLCat]

Is there any chance Murray can knock off Mayfield? It seems like Murray typically gives the Cardinals a decent game in the regular season, although in separate classes it was never for anything other than pride.

 

IMHO they have the individual pieces to give Mayfield problem. It could be argued that in terms of pure talent Murray may be the most talented 2A team.... but Murray has some big holes up front and on defense left from graduation.

[Toothpick]

Is there any chance Murray can knock off Mayfield? It seems like Murray typically gives the Cardinals a decent game in the regular season, although in separate classes it was never for anything other than pride.

 

They certainly can and this year would be a year I would say their chances are better than normal though I think they have to do more to beat Mf. I have long watched better teams from Murray from time to time lose to Mayfield. I believe Mf is in their head and not just at the HS school level. Murray has only managed to defeat Mf 1 time since the early 1970's. It was in 1997 in a bit of a fluke they won 7-0 after returning a opening kick to the house then somehow surviving countless Mf trips inside their redzone. The communities are so close by that you know lots of their people and just their expectations tell the story every year before they even play. That said, Murray has played MF much better the last couple of years even taking big leads to the half only to watch Mayfield come back and win.

[gchs_uk9]

They certainly can and this year would be a year I would say their chances are better than normal though I think they have to do more to beat Mf. I have long watched better teams from Murray from time to time lose to Mayfield. I believe Mf is in their head and not just at the HS school level. Murray has only managed to defeat Mf 1 time since the early 1970's. It was in 1997 in a bit of a fluke they won 7-0 after returning a opening kick to the house then somehow surviving countless Mf trips inside their redzone. The communities are so close by that you know lots of their people and just their expectations tell the story every year before they even play. That said, Murray has played MF much better the last couple of years even taking big leads to the half only to watch Mayfield come back and win.

 

Of course the big difference this year is that with realignment Murray would now likely have to beat Mayfield twice to make it far in the postseason. And as we saw with Fulton City in 2007, beating Mayfield twice in one season is a really big challenge.

[Colonels_Wear_Blue]

Thanks. I got tired of lurking. Thought I'd add my two cents.

 

Glad to have you. I've found that I've added WAY more than two cents worth over the years :lol2:

[75center]

Glad to have you. I've found that I've added WAY more than two cents worth over the years :lol2:

 

Nah, I wouldn't give you two cents for all your 17000 posts combined.