BluegrassPreps 2016 Western Kentucky Power Rankings – Preseason Edition

 

In 2016, we go for Round 2 of the BluegrassPreps 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 game(s) 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(s) Of The Week". In the Preseason, I’m pretty amped up SO: Are you ready for some football? Put your cowboy hat on and come out WEST:

 

Preseason Top 10:

 

10) Greenwood (5A) – [2015 Record 9-3] The Gators had a great season last year only losing to South Warren, Owensboro and BG. No shame there. JR QB Jackson Adams (District 2 Player of the Year; SKY Conference 1st Team QB) is the engine that makes the Gator’s go. As a sophomore (1,677 yards, 24 TDs, young man averaged 2TDs a game!), Adams is ALREADY the all-time leading rusher in Gator history. Impressive. It will be interesting to see how super-talented athlete transfer (from Warren East) Willie Reynolds gels with his new team. Chemistry issues? You tell me. The Gators are well coached and should be a solid 2nd in their district and host another playoff game this year. Schedule Highlight: September 9 at home vs Franklin Simpson. It is unlikely the Gators get it done in Week 1 vs South Warren, but getting on a 2 game losing streak in the early stages of the season is something Coach Seabolt will try to avoid vs a quality opponent in a similar area of the Power Rankings. Week 0 at 4A Allen County-Scottsville at 7pm.

 

9) Hopkinsville (4A) – [2015 Record 10-2] If you recall, the Tiger’s started the 2015 season with the heaviest of hearts when Jayvon Quarles (SR LB/FB) was tragically killed in a pre-practice accident at their practice facility. Hoptown rallied admirably for their fallen comrade winning 10 games and losing a tough playoff game to the Franklin-Simpson Wildcats in OT. JR QB Jalen Johnson is one of the top QBs/athletes in the West. Most of the skill guys and majority of the lineman are back. Athletes never seem to be in short supply in Hopkinsville. My issue with Hoptown has always been their schedule. This year isn’t much different. Outside of a very interesting game right out of the shoot against gritty 5A Graves County, not much meat on the bone besides the annual grudge match vs 5A Christian County. A 6-week stretch of overmatched teams isn’t my preferred prescription for preparing for better playoff competition. Schedule Highlight: Week 0 vs Graves County (5A) at the Stadium of Champions in Hopkinsville, KY 5:30PM. Big game for both teams. Winner gets momentum very early in the season.

 

8) Franklin Simpson (4A) – [2015 Record 8-5] Tough to replace departed SRs Isiah Hall and Nick Groves who combined at the RB/DB spot to produce almost 2,000 yards rushing, 20 TDs and 50 tackles. SR QB Jackson Caudill will be called on to lead the Wildcats Wing T offense. Will Coach Preston add a passing wrinkle? We shall see. Quick note that after Coach Preston’s first season at FS in 2012, the Wildcats have won at least 8 games every season since. Impressive! Look for ultra-talented RB/DB Saul Brady to break out this year above his SO year production of over 1,000 yards rushing, 9 TDs and 77 tackles. Top lineman SR Cole Kirby is a D1 prospect getting looks from Power 5 conferences. The Wildcats should improve on their 8-5 2015 record, but they play in arguably the toughest 4A District. I see them a solid 2nd in the district and get the top team in Franklin this year for one of the highlights of the entire 4A regular season schedule. Schedule Highlight: August 26 at Caldwell County (3A). Big game for both teams. If the Wildcats can pull it off, they should go into their much anticipated match with South Warren undefeated. Week 0 August 19 at home vs. Portland, TN at 7PM.

 

7) Owensboro (5A) – [2015 Record 11-2] The Red Devils were a VERY formidable squad in 2015 only losing twice to BG. 16 seniors depart from a very strong senior class that finished up on Frederica Street with a 41 and 14 record. 7 of those SRs signed LOI to continue playing football. Great Careers! MOST notable losses are some monsters along the DLine, WR/S Keshawn Walker, ultra-versatile TE/LB Tavion Board, the LB I think they missed most (due to injury) Gekove Gardner, and my favorite Red Devil Jahlil Barret (WR/DB/Kick Returner), who was a breakaway threat any time he touched the ball. Back to lead the charge in 2016 is speedy SR RB Landon Board, who gained over 1,800 yards and 21 TDs last season. SR QB Zach Gross played well last year in most games and will need to be at his best for the Red Devils to challenge in their tough district, arguably the best in 5A top to bottom. SR LB Malik Munday stepped in for Gekove Gardner last year and should be a Red Devil D leader. Schedule Highlight: September 2 vs. cross town rival Owensboro Catholic - will be an important early benchmark for Coach Fallin, entering his second season as Head Coach. Both teams were stronger on paper last year, but this is important for the younger Red Devils confidence (not to mention City bragging rights) as the competition will only increase after this game. Will we see heralded Frosh Imonte Owsley this early? We shall see. Lots of good young Red Devils in the program, but are they too young for the 2016 season? Week 0 vs 4A Warren Central at home (Rash Stadium) at 7PM.

 

6) Caldwell County (3A) – [2015 Record 10-3] 2015 was a great year for Coach Barnes’ Tigers, but I know it ended sooner than their liking. 16 seniors are gone from last year’s squad, most notably WKU signee Dee Cain, who did it all for the Tigers on both sides of the ball. Also gone are stellar WRs Elijah Anderson and Josh Young and several OLinemen. Trevor Davis is another big name on defense that will be sorely missed. Never fear Tiger fans! As you have one of the best JR QBs returning in Shane Burns who threw for over 3,000 yards and 34 TDs. One of his main targets this year will be SR Javonte Riley who is a real handful with over 1,000 yards and 13 TDs on the ground along with 5 more through the air. According to our good friend @TackleTrap, “the defense returns 9 starters” anchored by two 100+ tackle producers in LBs Kylan Gray and Hunter VanHoose. One of the things I like most about the Tigers is they are not afraid to schedule anybody. They have 1 4A, 1 5A and 2 6A opponents on their non-district schedule, not to mention the Mayfield Cardinals, who are no regular 2A squad, rounding out the regular season. Schedule Highlight: Week 0 August 20 vs. 5A Christian County at the Stadium of Champions at 8pm. First game right out of the gate. Big game for both teams to establish momentum. I think the Tigers have what it takes to get to BG this year, but getting better every week heading toward their district matchups will be key.

 

5) Christian County (5A) – [2015 Record 8-4] Only lost to John Hardin, Owensboro and BG last year. All very good teams. The Colonels 2015 roster I reviewed didn’t have 1 SR. Can that be right? I don’t think so. Regardless, the Colonels have been grooming this group that will be 2016 upper classmen for at least 2 seasons. JR Kolbe Langhi is the 6’5” QB and D1 prospect who has started every game since his freshman year. The Big Leftie had 2,386 yards, 22 TDs and only 7 INTs in 2015. He is joined by WKU signee SR WR Keyron Catlett with 62 catches 797 yds and 7 TDs. RB Ziyon Kenner decided to transfer to BG for his JR year, which will provide RB Trequan Taylor (600 yards rushing and 7 TDs) with ample opportunity to break out his SR year. The sometimes maligned Colonel defense of days gone by have some fine players returning led by WKU signee SR DB Kenneth Major. They will be called upon in a hurray as the Colonels start the season off with a bang by hosting very tough Caldwell County followed by a trip to BG for some Chaney’s Dairy Barn ice cream (Well maybe after the game!). Christian plays in IMO the toughest 5A District with Owensboro and Graves County. This is Christian’s year, as they get both those teams at home. The time is now Colonel fans! Make an effort to go to the Wood Shed for some great barbeque before the game and come out and support your team! Schedule Highlight: Week 0 August 20 vs 3A Caldwell County at the Stadium of Champions at 8pm.

 

4) McCracken County (6A) – [2015 Record 10-3] The Mustangs continue to be hard to know where to put honestly. Entering their 4th varsity season, they lose 15 SRs including exceptional talent Zyaire Hughes and lineman Wells Perdom who will be helping the KY Wildcats on Saturdays this fall. SR QB Cash Jones (10 rushing TDs with 2,319 yards in the air and 29 TDs vs 7 INTs) will be called on to lead the 2016 campaign. SR WRs Daniel Tyce and Darren Woods each had 10 TDs last year with SR RB Corey Fike in the backfield hoping to expand on his 670 yards and 4 TDs. SR DLine Quamea Jones and SR DB Kyle Garner with 4 INTs are back to anchor the defense. Talent appears plentiful from afar. How about team chemistry? I think Coach Jackson may owe The Clash royalty fees for his use of “Should I Stay or Should I Go” this off season. If this fence is mended, they have some nice pieces to work with to improve on last season’s Regional Final loss to gritty Central Hardin. Schedule Highlight: Outplayed at home last season against City rival 3A Paducah Tilghman; 2016 offers a rare opportunity to give the Blue Tornado’s shiny new, high-flying Head Coach Kurt Barber his first loss conversely similar to last year’s game. The district is yours for the taking, but take it now as Henderson County is likely to improve in the coming years. Week 0 at arch-rival 3A Paducah Tilghman – August 20, 2016 at 7PM.

 

3) South Warren (4A) – [2015 Record 15-0] First, congratulations to Coach Smith and the Spartans for as complete an inaugural state championship season as I can recall. Few speak about how truly difficult it is to go 15 and 0. Special Season! The Spartans were easily the best team in 4A last year, so what do they lose personnel wise? 19 seniors depart from the best team South Warren has ever fielded, including All-BGPs Austin McElwain (ATH) and Jacob Wilde (DLine). Our good friend and ever-knowledgeable @DragonFire added this from a nearby thread concerning talent returning for South’s 2016 campaign ”South Warren returns three starters on both sides of the ball from their two deep chart, and one of those is overlapping (CJ Hayes). Every single one of their offensive linemen is gone, including starting TE Chase Japp, and they also lose two backups from the two deep. They return backups at Center, RG, RT, and TE, with both the RG (Jacob Lacey) and TE (Haynes) currently starting on the defensive line. They'll either go both ways - something no starting lineman was asked to do (though they did rotate in some) - or they'll be using someone else rather than the current stated backup. The entire linebacking corps will be replaced with only Chris Sheppard returning from their backups. Hayes is the only returning player from the secondary. In all, five backups from the two deep also return, and one of those (Thrasher) is also a backup on the offensive line, which is where I expect he would actually play since he's backing up current starter Jacob Lacey on the defensive line. Or, he'll shift over to the other DT position.” Great insight… Well Purple88, they lose ALL that production, why do you have them at #3? I’m glad you asked. First, who comes back: SR QB Ryder Litten (846 rushing yards with 16 TDs; 1,285 passing yards with 19 TDs vs 12 INTs) will be a clear leader on this team. Kayron Namvong (1,243 yards and 11 TDs) should be the capable lead back this fall. CJ Hayes is a terrific D1 athlete (committed to Purdue University) that can line up most anywhere on the field and contribute and Coach Smith will likely ask much of him this season. SO Jacob Lacey is one of the better DLineman in the entire state and will anchor the defense this season. Zach Haynes is another gifted player, especially on defense as he recently committed to Ball State University. Second, their JV and freshman teams were both undefeated last season and those kids are good and have waited their turn. Now is it! Finally, Coach Smith is no dummy. He has carefully, meticulously guided this program from day 1, most notably from a scheduling standpoint. South’s schedule will not win awards at the All BGPs Schedule Days, but it is intended to develop players, build confidence and win State Championships. But, such a schedule is open to evaluation within these Power Rankings. Schedule Highlight: September 2, 2016 at 5A Greenwood. This is the first game of the season the Spartans will face any real resistance and it is on the road. Will be a good early test for Sparty! Ultimately, I am pulling for the Spartans to win out this year too and make it to the first BG District Game with a BIG Winning Streak on the line….. not that that 2017 game will need any more hype!!! Week 0 vs. Monroe County (2A) – August 20, 2016 - Rafferty’s Bowl 5PM at WKU.

 

2) Mayfield (2A) – [2015 Record 14-1] As I said in a previous post, for the “6 seasons from 2010 thru 2015, Mayfield has lost a total of 4 games. 3 of those are to larger class schools (and 2 of those in OT). 5 State Titles and lost to Hazard in the 2011 (1A) State Championship game”. Coach Joe Morris’ team continues to be the model of consistency. Will they make it 5 Straight is the question! 16 SRs depart from the well-oiled machine; most notably K Sidney Herndon, who was a real weapon for Big Red and WR/DB Lane Kennemore who did everything but park cars and sell popcorn. Mayfield returns a lot; most notably SR QB Landon Arnett and Mr. Football Candidate SR RB Trajon Bright both behind a very solid returning OLine. On defense, all 3 starting LBs return and they are good ones led by SR Kincer Arnett. The DLine and secondary “also look to be well stocked”, according to our good friend @Toothpick. Sorry but my stats source doesn’t have 2015 Mayfield season stats so if Mayfield fans want to add them, please do. So Mayfield will be looking to integrate some new WRs and a kicker but other than that it seems business as usual for the 12 Time State Champions!

Well I know they are good Purple88, but how can you put them above other higher class schools on this Power Ranking list? Well, I’m glad you asked. First, having a higher classification # doesn’t mean you’re a better football team, it means you have more kids (male kids that is) at your school. I honestly think that Mayfield is the Best Program in the State “Pound for Pound”. Yes, there are others I would put above them if # of players is not an issue, but VERY few. Second, Mayfield doesn’t take a week off. What do I mean by this? They ALWAYS schedule up for their out of district competition. Every week for “at least” the past 6 seasons they play out of district schools that are larger than them. This and a great coaching staff IMO has galvanized this program for success. And finally, they are a more complete team returning than any above. Add the return of OCoordinator Steven Hatchell (back from a stint in South Carolina) to an already terrific offense/offensive scheme and you are loaded and looking for your 5th Straight State Championship. Schedule Highlight: September 9 at 6A McCracken County. The Mustangs have had Mayfield’s # the last 2 seasons, but just barely, winning both games in OT by a combined 8 points. This year’s game is sure to entertain all Purchase Area Fans. Week 0 August 19 at home vs 3A Fort Campbell at 7PM.

 

1) Bowling Green (5A) – [2015 Record 14-1] And here come the Purples! The defending 5A State Champions are 69 and 3 since 2010. 18 SRs graduate, most notably ultra-talented S/RB/Punt Returner Tre Fant, RB/Wildcat Jacob Yates, and WKU signee OLine Jordan Meredith. Not to mention the entire starting back 7 on D (including talented LBs Jake Bush and Andrew Spader). What’s to like? On offense, look out! 16 of the 22 2-deep chart guys are back, most notable include 2015 All-BGP, 2016 Mr. Football Candidate and recent Navy signee SR RB Jamale Carothers (1,341 yds rushing and 20 TDs with 719 yds receiving with 6 TDs). SR QB Clark Payne is clearly undervalued across the state, all the while completing over 65% of his passes last season gaining 2,560 yards and 32 TDs vs 7 INTs. SR WR, 1st Team AP All-State Deangelo Wilson gained 982 yards with 16 TDs last season. Two starters are gone on the OLine, but SR OT Chazz Tooley should step in as the leader of the OLine with MANY other experienced guys looking for a shot to play. SR TE Garrett Strickler is very solid both blocking and receiving and with the likely addition of SR 6’6” basketball star Kyran Jones to the slot/TE – it would seem the sky’s the limit for the BG offense. I almost forgot Christmas came early for the Purples in 2016 when ultra-talented JR RB/WR Ziyon Kenner (formerly of Christian County) transferred to BG. Young man can really run as I saw first-hand in Dalton, GA. I do have to say here that I feel for the Colonels in this deal though, but you play the cards you’re dealt! Let’s talk BG D! The leader of the 2016 edition of “Jungle D” is SR, 2015 5A State Championship Game MVP, All BGP Team, and 1st Team AP All-State DE Dalan Cofer. Also returning to the DLine (strength of this year’s defense) are SR starters Decarlo Halcomb and Christian Hotchkiss. Look for JR Jason Beason and SR Jhamir White to step into the lead LB roles. The secondary will be anchored by SR DB/S Tyler Stahl. Look for Frosh DB Vito Tisdale to step in quickly as a shutdown corner. Finally, SR K Lee Ramsey has only been getting better and should shine in his senior season. It can’t go without saying that BG is blessed (as are all of these Top 10 teams) with an outstanding Head Coach (Kevin Wallace) and talented coaching staff. Schedule Highlight: September 2, 2016 at home vs 6A St Xavier. St X put it on the Purples last fall in Louisville. With the X SR QB signing with Cincinnati and expecting a big year in their own right, it shapes up to be a very entertaining game! Week 0 vs. Old Rival 4A John Hardin – August 20, 2016 - Rafferty’s Bowl 8PM at WKU. The Bulldogs are always well coached and have a talented roster this year. Look for your standard tough game between these two.

 

Good Enough to Make the Top 10 This Season:

 

Russellville (1A) – SR QB/DB Jaylyn McMurray and SR RB/DB Johnny Drumgole lead the Panthers for a highly anticipated season. Solid O and D Lines are forecast. This team is well-coached and should be hungry to make it all the way to BG this year. 2A Butler County, 2A Murray and 4A Franklin-Simpson look to be the toughest teams on the Panther’s 2016 schedule. Best 1A squad in the West by a lot!

Owensboro Catholic (2A) - Losing studs like QB Ray Zuberer, WR Shamari Moore and tackling machine John Mark Boarman will take time to overcome. But Coach John Edge has done a flat out terrific job off W Parrish Avenue. Look for young athletes to fill in the gaps, but how long will that take to gel? Still OCath is the class of 2A District 2 and I think they will be a very tough team come playoff time with the real potential for home field during most of the playoffs.

Butler County (2A) – Low The King Approaches! SR QB/DB “King” Rex Henderson (897 yds rushing with 19 TDs, over 3,000 yds passing 31 TDs, on D he had 5 INTs and 21 tackles) is likely the best player in the state few know about. He has some help in SRs WR Blake Graham, LB Dillon Brosnan, and JR Ty Smith. The road is always tough in 2A West with OCath and Mayfield being the primary local road blocks.

Graves County (5A) – Stud RB Dakota Dixon graduated, but QB Ryan Mathis (372 yds rushing with 2 TDs. 1,716 yds passing with 15 TDs vs 16 INTs) will only get better in his SO campaign. Look for JR WR Trevor Grant (35 catches, 11 TDs) to improve and SR LB Brennen Culp to lead the Eagle D. 7 and 3 to 5 and 5 seems the Eagles range this year. 7 and 3 and you’re knocking on the Top 10 door wanting in; 5 and 5 and you’re busing tables and thankful to be on the second page of this list.

 

Top 20 Tier:

 

Henderson County (6A) – New Coach Josh Boston is a former Colonels player who will bring much needed enthusiasm and effort to the Colonel program coming off a 4-7 2015 campaign that loses 21 SRs, most notably RB Damion Carter (over 1,500 yds rushing and 25 TDs). Henderson only had 4 TD passes all last season. One would think that has to improve to make Coach Boston’s first season a success.

Paducah Tilghman (3A) – Team Casino brings in high profile alum Kurt Barber as new Head Coach. It will be the Blue Tornado’s 3rd Head Coach in 4 years. Lots of enthusiasm and talented players is a good combination down off Washington Street, but you can roll the dice on predicting how this season will turn out for the revered program with the 4th most All-Time wins in the Commonwealth.

Allen County-Scottsville (4A) – Coach Brad Hood has been at ACS since 2006. Not many programs have such stability and I applaud the ACS administration for showing loyalty in our current day and age of instant gratification. Since that time, the Patriots earned a trip to the 2010 4A State Championship game and played respectably in a 21-14 loss to perennial power Boyle County. The 6 wins in 2015 were the most since that 2010 campaign. They really came on my radar when they beat a solid Franklin-Simpson squad last season in district play. This is a team to watch out for in the very tough 4A District 2.

Adair County (3A) – See Below.

Murray (2A) – See Below.

Glasgow (2A) – LB Stephen Franklin is getting multiple D1 looks. Graduation wasn’t devastating for the Scotties as most contributors are back. I can see them making a strong run to the 2nd week of the playoffs. But just beat Barren County and it’s a good year, right!

 

Other Western Kentucky Notes:

 

Daviess County (6A) – SR QB Adam Bouchard is a very nice high school QB, but the lion share of his help graduated. Time was of the essence, but I feel that ship has sailed. But hey, you did get a nice cross-town win against OCath out of the deal!

Logan County (4A) – On a 33 game losing streak! I am going ALL-IN on September 23rd at home vs Hopkins County Central! Although our good friend @Racer89 says they have a shot to beat Todd County Central later in the year as well. I agree!

Fulton County (1A) – On an 18 game losing streak! I am going ALL-IN for the Pilots (great nickname!) on September 2 at cross-town arch-rival Fulton City.

Todd County Central (2A) – Team Soap Opera kept the TV viewership high over the off-season with the new AD and coach search committee declining all applied candidates only to reveal the selection of the acting Todd County Middle School Principal as Head Coach. Soap Opera directors didn’t feel that story line had enough ZING, so they made the Middle School Principal a member of the search committee… AND the husband of the AD. As The World Turns…. In Todd County.

Trigg County (3A) – All Name Team – QB/DB Tyreke “Taco” Wilson returns for his senior season. Love that name!

 

Game of the Week – Week 0: #6 Caldwell County at #5 Christian County 8/20/15 @8PM

I LOVE the Paducah Tilghman vs McCracken County game, but highlighted that one last year. This game is critical for both teams who each have high aspirations for the 2016 season. Last year Christian County won a nail-bitter 23-21 with Caldwell missing a late field goal, I believe. I expect a similar hard fought contest with both teams desperate to start 1-0 with Caldwell returning home to face 4A Franklin Simpson and the Colonels traveling to BG for a matchup with the Purples the following week.

 

Pre-Season “Big Droppers”

Murray (2A) – Down – QB Desjahvonni Miles and Duke Signee DE Trey Hornbuckle were the heart and soul of an always scrappy; no quit team. Remember that 2015 Mayfield game! They aren’t the only ones gone, however. SR RB/LB Andrew Pajor is a really nice player, but he will need help. But I just don’t see it and I look for the Tigers to take a step back this year. Not a huge step, but a step none-the-less.

Adair County (3A) – Down – This is really a curtain call for the 2015 Indian squad that went 10 and 2. Arguably the best Indian’s team ever. The 2016 squad lose 13 seniors from last year. All the good players aren’t gone however, but the 2016 squad will have to integrate new Head Coach Clay Stephens, who comes to Columbia “drip-dry” off an internal washing machine ride along Morgantown Road thanks to the Warren Central/WCBE Admin folks. Do I expect a poor year for the Indians? No, just not as good as last year.

 

Pre-Season “Big Risers”

Russellville (1A) – Up – Time is of the essence Panther Fans! Climbing to the summit of High School Football takes talent, good coaching, planning, dedication, and luck. Russellville is on that climb. Could this be the year Panther fans? It seems 4 of the 5 ingredients mentioned have assembled along West 9th Street this year. Add a little of the other ingredient and Look Out 1A!

Butler County (2A) – Up – In 3 seasons at Butler County High School, Rex Henderson has rushed for 1,450 yards and 32 TDs, passed for 5,109 yards and 50 TDs, made 79 tackles and intercepted 10 passes on defense. There’s not many Bears in the Butler County woods that can do that. This young man is a true talent and deserves all he gets. They will face the usual 2A West gauntlet, but think they have a real shot against a reorganizing OCath this year. The King’s Court is soon to be in session!

 

ALL WEST – Pre-Season Team (22 Players Total, plus Coach)

 

QB – Kolbe Langhi, Christian County

RB – Trajon Bright, Mayfield

RB – Jamale Carothers, Bowling Green

WR – Keyron Catlett, Christian County

WR – Deangelo Wilson, Bowling Green

WR/TE – CJ Hayes, South Warren

OL – Cole Kirby, Franklin Simpson

OL – Chazz Tooley, Bowling Green

DL – Jacob Lacey, South Warren

DL – Dalen Cofer, Bowling Green

DL – Quamea Jones, McCracken County

LB - Malik Munday, Owensboro

LB – Kincer Arnett, Mayfield

LB – Stephen Franklin, Glasgow

DB – Kenneth Major, Christian County

DB – Saul Brady, Franklin Simpson

ATH – Rex Henderson, Butler County

ATH – Ryder Litten, South Warren

ATH – Javonte Riley, Caldwell County

ATH – Jalen Johnson, Hopkinsville

ATH – Johnny Drumgole, Russellville

K – Madison Alexander, Franklin Simpson (only girl I know playing varsity HS ball!)

Coach – John Myers, Russellville

 

It’s going to be a GREAT YEAR sports fans! What do you think/like/dislike? Pitch all together? What would you change & why?

Western Kentucky Teams

51 Teams in the West – would make for a heck of a 7 on 7 tourney!

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

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

Great article. Could NOT be more ready for the season to start

This is fantastic work!

Tremendous work @Purple88

This is a FANTASTIC preview! Great work Purple 88! One team I have an eye on is the Greenwood Gators. This team has a ton back from a squad that pushed OHS and BG for a half. Throw in super talented athlete Willie Reynolds and this Gators team now has the homerun threat to go along with the ground and pound option attack. There are many talented QB's in Western Kentucky but maybe the most underrated is Jackson Adams. I don't know about the Gators defensively, but I'm telling folks, watch out for this team. If we get a cold spell during the playoffs and you gotta go against that brutal option attack....... :eek:

 

I think Hoptown is going to be vastly improved. Caldwell intrigues me because I don't get to see them at all. I could be wrong, but I think McCracken is probably a little overrated. Owensboro is about right where I think they should be. The Devils have to replace a ton of defense but their line is MASSIVE. Bowling Green is still the standard, and anything less than another state title would be a failure for the Purps.

Someone told me about a month ago that Willie was already gone from Greenwood. I don't know that 100%, but it wouldn't surprise me. With or without him, Greenwood will be solid. Their ceiling would be higher with him, so long as he bought in.

Purple 88 for President. He is the Bluegrass finest prep insider for Western side of the state. Lots of work and effort P88, great job.

 

I think everyone is more than ready to pull in to the parking lot in a few Friday nights hearing the band warm up and smelling the burgers cooking. Nothing like High School football.

 

A bit of a bias statement, but the Purples are going to be an absolute terror on the gridiron. I believe they average 48 per contest while making probably 90% of all drives from opponents have to travel 80 yards - Ramsey should put the ball on all kickoffs in the back of the end zone. The future looks bright for the Purple and Gold.

 

Awesome article and let the games begin!

2-4 could be interchangeable in my opinion.. But excellent top 10.

Great Article!

Very nice...well done!

Great Job P88 can't wait for the next 3 weeks to pass and we really see what everyone has.

@Purple88 just knocked this out of the park. Great job my friend!

BluegrassPreps 2016 Western Kentucky Power Rankings – Preseason Edition

 

Adair County (3A) – Down – This is really a curtain call for the 2015 Indian squad that went 10 and 2. Arguably the best Indian’s team ever. The 2016 squad lose 13 seniors from last year. All the good players aren’t gone however, but the 2016 squad will have to integrate new Head Coach Clay Stephens, who comes to Columbia “drip-dry” off an internal washing machine ride along Morgantown Road thanks to the Warren Central/WCBE Admin folks. Do I expect a poor year for the Indians? No, just not as good as last year.

 

 

I beg to differ that the Indians will not be as good as last year. They return all but 300 or so yards of their offensive output from last year. They will have to replace some players on the defensive side, however, Coach Stephens appears to be utilizing more ironman players this season, where Coach Gay platooned almost exclusively. This will most likely make a difference on some offensive numbers, but I believe in the long run this will pay off for Adair this year as they should be more athletic defensively.

 

This is the season that Adair fans have been looking for since this senior class were in youth football. If the Indians are ever going to win a district crown this is the year. It all comes down to the Etown game for a perfect regular season.

Nice read, enjoyed it.