Several Week #1 games that perhaps noone cares about but are intriguing nonethless:

 

Larue County @ Bardstown - the Tigers lost a bunch of players, have a QB question mark and a patchwork OL, but the defense looked very solid in scrimmages and they've got some potential speed-burners as always. The Hawks may be ready for a rebound. 20+ seniors, some strong lineman, a QB Chris Singleton who could be a dazzler, and a RB named Thurman who can be really good if he'd hang on to the ball. This is a natural border rivalry that had some great battles early in the decade when Bardstown was in 2A. Bardstown putting $1M+ into their field, which is not done yet, which poses some interesting logistics.

 

Metcalfe Co. @ Glasgow (Barren Co.) - The Scotties have really dropped off of late, but are on the rebound. The Hornets have had great records for many years, but have a very weak schedule traditionally and get stomped against good teams. This will be one of the few early season games they have played that are challenging. Bethlehem's Billy Jackson ran roughshod over them in a scrimmage, but Hornet QB Will Warf gets a lot of good press.

 

Ohio County @ Elizabethtown (Central Hardin) - E-Town went to state a couple of years ago throwing the ball. Their strength now is on the ground. Struggled versus Breck Co. and Henderson Co. in scrimmages, but clearly trying to play bigger squads. Ohio County is a 4-A team that has come a long way and now is a playoff regular. Very young this year, but very strong. This game should feature a 4-A trying to grind it out and run over a 2-A school.

 

Marion County @ Bethlehem - I have never understood why Marion County is so lousy at football, with fantastic facilities, decent demographics, a growing county with solid numbers, it never made sense. This year, nearly 70 kids are out for football, and they have a bunch of returning starters. 3-A Marion beat Class-A Bethlehem last year in the opener 20-19 on a hail mary with less than a minute left. Bethlehem believes it is poised for its best season ever, with 8 returners on both sides of the ball including all of their skill people and one of the states top backs in Billy Jackson. Game #1 is Bethlehem's first test - Marion is improved but if Bethlehem can't beat them they won't be able to play with Class A's top teams, either.

 

Anyone else have any other thoughts, predictions, or other intriguing but under-the-radar matchups around the state?

Marion Co. 34-14.

Marion will be much improved this year. I think Bethlehem will take their lumps on this one, but still be okay for class A play. Marion is on the rise