Every year there are teams around the state worth keeping an eye on that begin the season slightly off the radar. They might not be legitimate championship contenders, but they're more than capable of upsetting someone's apple cart in the playoffs. Here are six "sleeper" teams(one for each class) to keep tabs on for the 2016 season...

 

1A - Nicholas County Bluejackets

 

Coach Robert Hopkins and his Bluejackets went 6-5 in 2015, losing by a point to Fairview in the 1st round of the playoffs. They're primed to make some noise this season with the return of RBs Zach Richardson(1345 yds, 14 TDs) and Dalton Dailey(778 yds, 14 TDs). They should find plenty of running room behind an OL featuring returning starters Wes Neace(6'2", 280) and Shane Crump(6'4", 290).

 

The defense will be bolstered by the return of several starters, including SS Aaron Conyers(6 ints), FS Austin Parton, LBs Hunter Brown and Cody Moon as well as DE Chase Tincher.

 

With what Paris lost to graduation, that district could be wide open for the taking, along with multiple playoff wins.

 

 

2A - Butler County Bears

 

The Bears return one of the best kept secrets in the Commonwealth in QB Rex Henderson(6'2", 205), who accounted for 3917 yds of offense and 50 TDs. He'll have two excellent targets to throw to in the form of 6'2" Blake Graham(716 yds, 13 TDs) and 6'0" Brendon Shanklin(591 yds, 9 TDs).

 

Defensively, Butler County returns one of the best LB duo's in 2A. Ty Smith(6'0", 200) and Dillon Brosnan(5'10", 170) each registered over 100 tackles last year. Henderson, proving he's not just a great QB, chipped in 5 ints from the secondary. DE Kaleb Hunt(6'1", 235) will anchor the D-line for a team that went 9-3 in 2015 and saw its season end at the hands of eventual champ Mayfield.

 

 

3A - Adair County Indians

 

QB Chance Melton, who put up 2473 yds of total offense and 34 TDs, returns to lead the way for coach Travis Gay's Indians. Speedster Shymez Brabson(907 yds, 13 TDs) returns as a big time playmaker at WR, averaging 22 yards per catch. RBs Jordan Lasley(1090 yds, 13 TDs) and Lonnie Grant(610 yds, 15 TDs) provide a versatile 1-2 punch out of the backfield. Offensive linemen Isaac Carter, Jacob Doss and Brady Hixson return to round out what should be one of 3A's most explosive offenses.

 

Adair's 2015 campaign ended at 10-2 with a 2nd round playoff exit at Caldwell County. With heavy graduation losses at Elizabethtown, their district could be up for grabs.

 

 

4A - Mercer County Titans

 

Year two under Head Coach David Buchanan begins with expectations of improving on a .500 season that saw the Titans start slowly(0-5), but finish strong(6 wins in a row before a 2nd round playoff exit).

 

Lightning quick RB Donald Smith(5'6", 160) returns to lead a quality backfield that should also include Dustin Baker(6'0", 170) and Grayson Blevins(5'11", 205). The trio combined for 1419 yds rushing and 20 TDs last season.

 

On the defensive side of the ball, Mercer returns two of the most productive defenders in 4A. Grayson Blevins(175 tackles) is a tough, physical, instinctual LBer and the leader of the defense. DT Tyus Short(6'0", 260) has a quick first step and excellent technique. He also has quite a nose for the football, as evidenced by his 106 tackles from his interior position. Short will be joined on the D-line by Jerrard Smith(6'2", 255), who was also a force on the interior with 84 tackles. Austin Logdon(5'10", 185) and Seth Tatum(5'9", 160) return in the secondary to solidify a defense that should be very formidable.

 

 

5A - South Oldham Dragons

 

The Dragons 2015 campaign ended with a one point loss to Fern Creek in the regional championship game, capping the programs first 10 win season in 23 years. They have numerous pieces returning in 2016 to help them reach even greater heights.

 

Rising junior signal caller Drew Zaubi(6'3", 190) looks to take the next step after passing for 1240 yds and 16 TDs, while adding an additional 378 yds and five scores on the ground. He'll have mammoth gaurd Graham Ashkettle(6'6", 270) anchoring the OL and leading receiver Keanan John(546 yds, 6 TDs) as his top target. The backfield should be comprised of leading returning rusher Brandon Elsbury(450 yds, 6 TDs), Bryce Kelly(5'11", 215) and possibly Payden George(6'0", 180), a talented sophomore.

 

Defensively, Jared Cotton(6'2", 290) and Darren Weathers(5'11", 225) will anchor the DL. OLB Drew Baetens(6'1", 210) is the leading returning tackler with 68. Keanan John pulls double duty on defense at DB, totaling 62 tackles and 4 ints.

 

 

6A - Ryle Raiders

 

Ryle is probably the most well known program on this list. But, with so many eyes fixed on the Louisville powers and Lafayette, Ryle exists in the peripheral vision of 6A. The 2015 season ended at Simon Kenton in the second round of the playoffs in what could prove to be a winnable region for the Raiders.

 

The offense should be outstanding with several starters returning from a unit that averaged 37 ppg last season. It all starts with star QB Tanner Morgan(6'1", 205), who threw for 2674 yds and 21 TDs in 2015. He'll have several familiar faces around him, including the team's leading rusher, top two receivers and three offensive linemen returning.

 

RB Jake Chisholm(5'9", 175) is back after rushing for a team high 713 yds and 9 TDs and is a solid receiver out of the backfield. Bryce Ashley(5'10", 170) and Jake Long(6'0", 200) combined for 1139 yds and 9 TDs as Morgan's go-to targets. Parker Bisek(6'5", 260), Chase Ross(6'3", 290) and Ryan Principate(6'0", 260) return to form a strong nucleus on the OL.

 

Jackson High(6'0", 225) will lead the defense from his MLB position after tallying 92 tackles in 2015. Cooper Sherr(6'2", 190) is a proven playmaker at CB with 4 ints and 3 fumble recoveries last season.

 

I'm not bold enough to predict that this list will produce a surprise state champion. However, I do believe that each of these six teams will be a force to be reckoned with by season's end. If your team has one of these schools on their schedule this upcoming season... don't sleep on'em.

Edited June 30, 201610 yr by DevilMayCare

Bump.

Great stuff DMC. You have a talent there and there is lots of good information in that article. Thanks for posting it.

Ryle will be very interesting this year. I think they may have a run in them to reach BG this year. They have the talent in their team and unlike SK over the years, actually may have just what it takes to break through to get a NKY team to the 6A finals.

Glasgow in 2a they have some size and athletes .Dezi Austin may be most improved player i have seen in awhile big and strong and very strong and accurate arm .

Ryle will be very interesting this year. I think they may have a run in them to reach BG this year. They have the talent in their team and unlike SK over the years, actually may have just what it takes to break through to get a NKY team to the 6A finals.

 

Seems like Cooper and SK have had Ryles number for the past several years. Some of the games I watched Ryle was simply out coached IMO.

I will let you know on Glasgow next Friday... Campbellsville goes to the Scottie Bowl to play the Scotties for the second time in as many years. The home standing Scotties are big and scary good... I look for Glasgow to have a huge season...