article Opening Season Power Rankings for the Louisville Area

[Bert]

Hello everyone. Many of you have probably noticed Power Rankings for the teams in sections of the state of Kentucky. Well, the Louisville area has not been skipped, you coordinator (me) has been tardy due to new work responsibilities, apologies.

 

On the opening season ranking, I will be doing things a little different. I will be asking YOU to submit your opening season top ten with a few (one to three should suffice) honorable mentions. I am doing this for two reasons: First, I am hoping it will spark a little more preseason converstation. Second, I won't lie, outside of a several teams in Louisville, I am not very fimiliar with what each team has coming back, especially those outside of Jefferson County so I will relying on your rankings to help me out. So saying that, of the teams listed here:

 

Louisville/Metro Area

Atherton

Ballard

Bardstown

Beth Haven

Bethlehem

Bullitt Central

Bullitt East

Butler

Campbellsville

Central

Central Hardin

Christian Academy of Louisville

Collins

DeSales

Doss

DuPont Manual

Eastern

Elizabethtown

Eminence

Evangel Christian

Fairdale

Fern Creek

Fort Knox

Green County

Henry County

Iroquois

Jeffersontown

John Hardin

Kentucky Country Day

Louisville Holy Cross

Male

Meade County

Moore

North Bullitt

North Hardin

North Oldham

Nelson County

Oldham County

Pleasure Ridge Park

Saint Xavier

Seneca

Shelby County

Shawnee

Southern

South Oldham

Spencer County

Thomas Nelson

Trimble County

Trinity

Valley

Waggener

Western

 

You are invited to make your own version of a preseason top ten power ranking. With your ranking, please add a sentence or two justifying why you think that team deserves the ranking you gave it. You are welcome to critique each others rankings but such critiques must be CIVIL and RESPECTFUL and follow the rules of BGP. By Wednesday, I will go over your rankings you have listed in this thread along with what is in my gut feeling for now, and make the "official" one, probably in a seperate thread. I want to thank all of you how put for your own ranking, looking forward to your contributions.

 

Bert

[Bert]

P.S. - Jim Shue, your participation would be very much appreciated.

[psychicscubadiver]

Purely my opinion, but then I'm always willing to share that.

 

1 - Trinity

Always a perennial powerhouse, the Shamrocks have a lot of players returning. They lose some very skilled players on defense and the QB Jake Woosley but they have new faces ready to step up. It helps that the JV had an undefeated season and that the Trinity secondary had so many chances to play teams throughout the 2015 season

 

2 - Male

An exceedingly strong program and definitely in the running for another title. I put them behind Trinity because of how many they lose to graduation; only two starters are returning.

 

3 - St. X

A solid team that has slipped a little recently, but still threatens for a title. They return ten starters, including D-1 recruit QB Desmond Ridder. Wolford has the pieces he just needs to assemble them into a great team.

 

4 - Fern Creek

They lost some significant skill positions, but return 12 starters overall including their senior QB Shamar Byrant. They have a strong defense, and good coach and growing confidence after reaching the 5A semifinals last year.

 

5 - Manual

A team that beat Fern Creek, but I feel like losing their coach will hit them hard. Still they have some D-1 athletes and aren't to be underestimated.

 

6 - Louisville Central

Ty Scroggins is one heck of a coach and his yellowjackets put the hurt on several much larger schools last year. This year they have lost some important pieces, but I look for them to remain relevant.

 

7 - Central Hardin

They lose little from a team that beat McCracken County and made it to the 6A semifinals. I look to see some improvement from the Bruins.

 

8 - Christian Academy of Louisville

CAL has 13 returning starters, depth on the line and a D-1 prospect TE Jacob Paulson. Last season, they had plenty of experience against strong teams, including a game with SK that was very close until the fourth quarter.

 

9 - DeSales

It hurt to rank my Catholic brethren behind their rivals, but they are returning only 3 defensive starters and need to replace their QB. Still, this is only a preseason rank and having a 8-1 JV record last year (with the only loss coming to St. X) is a reason for hope. The shiny new stadium should help to keep the team fired up.

 

10 - Shelby County

A solid core remains, though the Rockets will need to replace some key positions. Still, they did well last year and look to return to form this year.

 

HM - Pleasure Ridge Park

A better team than their 5-6 record would suggest. They play a hard schedule with Trinity, Male, St. X, Manual, and Louisville Central on the list. They definitely have the ability to break into the top ten after close games with Manual and St. X last year.

 

HM - Ballard

Another team that's better than their record. They lost two close games to Manual last year, but replacing their head coach (even though he is staying on as an asst.) will probably hurt them early in the season.

 

HM - John Hardin

Last year was down for them, but they seem likely to rebound this year and can't be overlooked in the 4A scene.

[theguru]

Purely my opinion, but then I'm always willing to share that.

 

1 - Trinity

Always a perennial powerhouse, the Shamrocks have a lot of players returning. They lose some very skilled players on defense and the QB Jake Woosley but they have new faces ready to step up. It helps that the JV had an undefeated season and that the Trinity secondary had so many chances to play teams throughout the 2015 season

 

2 - Male

An exceedingly strong program and definitely in the running for another title. I put them behind Trinity because of how many they lose to graduation; only two starters are returning.

 

3 - St. X

A solid team that has slipped a little recently, but still threatens for a title. They return ten starters, including D-1 recruit QB Desmond Ridder. Wolford has the pieces he just needs to assemble them into a great team.

 

4 - Fern Creek

They lost some significant skill positions, but return 12 starters overall including their senior QB Shamar Byrant. They have a strong defense, and good coach and growing confidence after reaching the 5A semifinals last year.

 

5 - Manual

A team that beat Fern Creek, but I feel like losing their coach will hit them hard. Still they have some D-1 athletes and aren't to be underestimated.

 

6 - Louisville Central

Ty Scroggins is one heck of a coach and his yellowjackets put the hurt on several much larger schools last year. This year they have lost some important pieces, but I look for them to remain relevant.

 

7 - Central Hardin

They lose little from a team that beat McCracken County and made it to the 6A semifinals. I look to see some improvement from the Bruins.

 

8 - Christian Academy of Louisville

CAL has 13 returning starters, depth on the line and a D-1 prospect TE Jacob Paulson. Last season, they had plenty of experience against strong teams, including a game with SK that was very close until the fourth quarter.

 

9 - DeSales

It hurt to rank my Catholic brethren behind their rivals, but they are returning only 3 defensive starters and need to replace their QB. Still, this is only a preseason rank and having a 8-1 JV record last year (with the only loss coming to St. X) is a reason for hope. The shiny new stadium should help to keep the team fired up.

 

10 - Shelby County

A solid core remains, though the Rockets will need to replace some key positions. Still, they did well last year and look to return to form this year.

 

HM - Pleasure Ridge Park

A better team than their 5-6 record would suggest. They play a hard schedule with Trinity, Male, St. X, Manual, and Louisville Central on the list. They definitely have the ability to break into the top ten after close games with Manual and St. X last year.

 

HM - Ballard

Another team that's better than their record. They lost two close games to Manual last year, but replacing their head coach (even though he is staying on as an asst.) will probably hurt them early in the season.

 

HM - John Hardin

Last year was down for them, but they seem likely to rebound this year and can't be overlooked in the 4A scene.

 

Nice post!

[FootballBobcat]

Purely my opinion, but then I'm always willing to share that.

 

1 - Trinity

Always a perennial powerhouse, the Shamrocks have a lot of players returning. They lose some very skilled players on defense and the QB Jake Woosley but they have new faces ready to step up. It helps that the JV had an undefeated season and that the Trinity secondary had so many chances to play teams throughout the 2015 season

 

2 - Male

An exceedingly strong program and definitely in the running for another title. I put them behind Trinity because of how many they lose to graduation; only two starters are returning.

 

3 - St. X

A solid team that has slipped a little recently, but still threatens for a title. They return ten starters, including D-1 recruit QB Desmond Ridder. Wolford has the pieces he just needs to assemble them into a great team.

 

4 - Fern Creek

They lost some significant skill positions, but return 12 starters overall including their senior QB Shamar Byrant. They have a strong defense, and good coach and growing confidence after reaching the 5A semifinals last year.

 

5 - Manual

A team that beat Fern Creek, but I feel like losing their coach will hit them hard. Still they have some D-1 athletes and aren't to be underestimated.

 

6 - Louisville Central

Ty Scroggins is one heck of a coach and his yellowjackets put the hurt on several much larger schools last year. This year they have lost some important pieces, but I look for them to remain relevant.

 

7 - Central Hardin

They lose little from a team that beat McCracken County and made it to the 6A semifinals. I look to see some improvement from the Bruins.

 

8 - Christian Academy of Louisville

CAL has 13 returning starters, depth on the line and a D-1 prospect TE Jacob Paulson. Last season, they had plenty of experience against strong teams, including a game with SK that was very close until the fourth quarter.

 

9 - DeSales

It hurt to rank my Catholic brethren behind their rivals, but they are returning only 3 defensive starters and need to replace their QB. Still, this is only a preseason rank and having a 8-1 JV record last year (with the only loss coming to St. X) is a reason for hope. The shiny new stadium should help to keep the team fired up.

 

10 - Shelby County

A solid core remains, though the Rockets will need to replace some key positions. Still, they did well last year and look to return to form this year.

 

HM - Pleasure Ridge Park

A better team than their 5-6 record would suggest. They play a hard schedule with Trinity, Male, St. X, Manual, and Louisville Central on the list. They definitely have the ability to break into the top ten after close games with Manual and St. X last year.

 

HM - Ballard

Another team that's better than their record. They lost two close games to Manual last year, but replacing their head coach (even though he is staying on as an asst.) will probably hurt them early in the season.

 

HM - John Hardin

Last year was down for them, but they seem likely to rebound this year and can't be overlooked in the 4A scene.

 

1. Trinity. Just too strong and the addition of the WR and DE transfers only strengthens an already strong team.

 

2. Male -- They don't rebuild they reload. Very good Freshman and JV teams last few years give them an edge.

 

3. St X -- Lots of starters in key positions.

 

4. Manual -- Coaching changes can be good or bad. Lots of athletes in those halls gives them an opportunity for a new start and a good year.

 

5. Central Hardin -- Like what they have returning and should see them build on last seasons success.

 

6. CAL -- Like what they return also, especially on the D-Line. Paulson is a beast on both sides and Milton Wright is an explosive player on both sides also. Defensive secondary could be an issue from what I have been told but we will see.

 

7. Fern Creek -- Not as high on them until I see how they replace the firepower of Kinslow and White. They do have athletes all over but the loss of some asst coaches could also have an effect.

 

8. South Oldham -- Returning 12 starters from last seasons team that only lost by 1 to Fern Creek in the regional final, including the QB, WR, 2 RB's and 3 OL. Lot of others saw significant time over the course of the season.

 

9. Central -- Always a powerhouse that seems to just win for Scroggins even when they lose key players.

 

10. Shelby County -- Gave them the edge over DeSales because they return some very good athletes along with their QB.

 

HM

 

DeSales

PRP

Ballard

Waggoner (thats a lot of good athletes to ignore!)

[hoss403]

Purely my opinion, but then I'm always willing to share that.

 

1 - Trinity

Always a perennial powerhouse, the Shamrocks have a lot of players returning. They lose some very skilled players on defense and the QB Jake Woosley but they have new faces ready to step up. It helps that the JV had an undefeated season and that the Trinity secondary had so many chances to play teams throughout the 2015 season

 

2 - Male

An exceedingly strong program and definitely in the running for another title. I put them behind Trinity because of how many they lose to graduation; only two starters are returning.

 

3 - St. X

A solid team that has slipped a little recently, but still threatens for a title. They return ten starters, including D-1 recruit QB Desmond Ridder. Wolford has the pieces he just needs to assemble them into a great team.

 

4 - Fern Creek

They lost some significant skill positions, but return 12 starters overall including their senior QB Shamar Byrant. They have a strong defense, and good coach and growing confidence after reaching the 5A semifinals last year.

 

5 - Manual

A team that beat Fern Creek, but I feel like losing their coach will hit them hard. Still they have some D-1 athletes and aren't to be underestimated.

 

6 - Louisville Central

Ty Scroggins is one heck of a coach and his yellowjackets put the hurt on several much larger schools last year. This year they have lost some important pieces, but I look for them to remain relevant.

 

7 - Central Hardin

They lose little from a team that beat McCracken County and made it to the 6A semifinals. I look to see some improvement from the Bruins.

 

8 - Christian Academy of Louisville

CAL has 13 returning starters, depth on the line and a D-1 prospect TE Jacob Paulson. Last season, they had plenty of experience against strong teams, including a game with SK that was very close until the fourth quarter.

 

9 - DeSales

It hurt to rank my Catholic brethren behind their rivals, but they are returning only 3 defensive starters and need to replace their QB. Still, this is only a preseason rank and having a 8-1 JV record last year (with the only loss coming to St. X) is a reason for hope. The shiny new stadium should help to keep the team fired up.

 

10 - Shelby County

A solid core remains, though the Rockets will need to replace some key positions. Still, they did well last year and look to return to form this year.

 

HM - Pleasure Ridge Park

A better team than their 5-6 record would suggest. They play a hard schedule with Trinity, Male, St. X, Manual, and Louisville Central on the list. They definitely have the ability to break into the top ten after close games with Manual and St. X last year.

 

HM - Ballard

Another team that's better than their record. They lost two close games to Manual last year, but replacing their head coach (even though he is staying on as an asst.) will probably hurt them early in the season.

 

HM - John Hardin

Last year was down for them, but they seem likely to rebound this year and can't be overlooked in the 4A scene.

 

I like the list, but replace Central Hardin with John Hardin. CH lost several key players and JH returns a lot including most skill positions and their entire D-line.

[Bert]

Purely my opinion, but then I'm always willing to share that.

 

1 - Trinity

Always a perennial powerhouse, the Shamrocks have a lot of players returning. They lose some very skilled players on defense and the QB Jake Woosley but they have new faces ready to step up. It helps that the JV had an undefeated season and that the Trinity secondary had so many chances to play teams throughout the 2015 season

 

2 - Male

An exceedingly strong program and definitely in the running for another title. I put them behind Trinity because of how many they lose to graduation; only two starters are returning.

 

3 - St. X

A solid team that has slipped a little recently, but still threatens for a title. They return ten starters, including D-1 recruit QB Desmond Ridder. Wolford has the pieces he just needs to assemble them into a great team.

 

4 - Fern Creek

They lost some significant skill positions, but return 12 starters overall including their senior QB Shamar Byrant. They have a strong defense, and good coach and growing confidence after reaching the 5A semifinals last year.

 

5 - Manual

A team that beat Fern Creek, but I feel like losing their coach will hit them hard. Still they have some D-1 athletes and aren't to be underestimated.

 

6 - Louisville Central

Ty Scroggins is one heck of a coach and his yellowjackets put the hurt on several much larger schools last year. This year they have lost some important pieces, but I look for them to remain relevant.

 

7 - Central Hardin

They lose little from a team that beat McCracken County and made it to the 6A semifinals. I look to see some improvement from the Bruins.

 

8 - Christian Academy of Louisville

CAL has 13 returning starters, depth on the line and a D-1 prospect TE Jacob Paulson. Last season, they had plenty of experience against strong teams, including a game with SK that was very close until the fourth quarter.

 

9 - DeSales

It hurt to rank my Catholic brethren behind their rivals, but they are returning only 3 defensive starters and need to replace their QB. Still, this is only a preseason rank and having a 8-1 JV record last year (with the only loss coming to St. X) is a reason for hope. The shiny new stadium should help to keep the team fired up.

 

10 - Shelby County

A solid core remains, though the Rockets will need to replace some key positions. Still, they did well last year and look to return to form this year.

 

HM - Pleasure Ridge Park

A better team than their 5-6 record would suggest. They play a hard schedule with Trinity, Male, St. X, Manual, and Louisville Central on the list. They definitely have the ability to break into the top ten after close games with Manual and St. X last year.

 

HM - Ballard

Another team that's better than their record. They lost two close games to Manual last year, but replacing their head coach (even though he is staying on as an asst.) will probably hurt them early in the season.

 

HM - John Hardin

Last year was down for them, but they seem likely to rebound this year and can't be overlooked in the 4A scene.

 

Outstanding list. The list in my head (that I wasn't very confident in) resembles this closely. Just wondering what you guys think of Spencer Co. They had a pretty nice season last year for such a young team, can they keep building this year or did they lose alot?

[CoachJ]

 

HM - Ballard

Another team that's better than their record. They lost two close games to Manual last year, but replacing their head coach (even though he is staying on as an asst.) will probably hurt them early in the season.

 

Slight correction: the former head coach won't be an actual assistant. I'd said I'm 'helping out' and have with the off-season training, some administrative things, and the myriad of transitional things to be helpful to a coach new to the school & area.

 

As was my original intent when stepping down in December, I will be spending my time after school working with my son and his middle school team this fall.

 

Incidentally, Ballard should be good this year. The head coach is new but the transition was pretty seamless in terms of off-season work, discipline, etc. The offense will change a bit but should be a good fit for the players' strengths that are returning from last season--most important it is being run by a person that has experienced success as a head coach and has great attention to detail in Chris Engstrand.

 

Coach Copley has a TREMENDOUS defensive mind and has hired a DC I really respect in Adrian Morton (formerly at Manual). Some carry-overs from last year's defensive staff too who are VERY good coaches.

 

I'd have expected we'd have been 20-25% better this year than last with the returning group (this year's class will have over 30 seniors--more than half with at least a year starting varsity experience). Sometimes a head coaching change can actually illicit a better season even with the changes (new energy, different knowledge-base/experience vs. certain schemes, etc.)--I definitely look for that to be the case with Coach Copley. I also look for Ballard to surprise a lot of people this year.

[psychicscubadiver]

Slight correction: the former head coach won't be an actual assistant. I'd said I'm 'helping out' and have with the off-season training, some administrative things, and the myriad of transitional things to be helpful to a coach new to the school & area.

 

As was my original intent when stepping down in December, I will be spending my time after school working with my son and his middle school team this fall.

 

Incidentally, Ballard should be good this year. The head coach is new but the transition was pretty seamless in terms of off-season work, discipline, etc. The offense will change a bit but should be a good fit for the players' strengths that are returning from last season--most important it is being run by a person that has experienced success as a head coach and has great attention to detail in Chris Engstrand.

 

Coach Copley has a TREMENDOUS defensive mind and has hired a DC I really respect in Adrian Morton (formerly at Manual). Some carry-overs from last year's defensive staff too who are VERY good coaches.

 

I'd have expected we'd have been 20-25% better this year than last with the returning group (this year's class will have over 30 seniors--more than half with at least a year starting varsity experience). Sometimes a head coaching change can actually illicit a better season even with the changes (new energy, different knowledge-base/experience vs. certain schemes, etc.)--I definitely look for that to be the case with Coach Copley. I also look for Ballard to surprise a lot of people this year.

 

Ah, I misunderstood you then. Still great to hear that about Ballard. I'm looking forward to seeing what they can do this season.

[CoachJ]

Ah, I misunderstood you then. Still great to hear that about Ballard. I'm looking forward to seeing what they can do this season.

 

No problem -- you're not alone. Some took the phrase "I'll still be helping out" as I'd be a full-time assistant. It even looked for a while he would need me to be on board to run the offense, but fortunately he was able to get a great coach he also trusts to come on board and so now I can concentrate almost exclusively on helping my son after school each day.

[Dark Horse78]

Family comes first...well done Coach J! I have no doubt Ballard will miss you roaming the sideline!

[CoachJ]

Family comes first...well done Coach J! I have no doubt Ballard will miss you roaming the sideline!

 

Thank you for that. You're a very respected and knowledgeable poster so that means a lot!

 

Now...enough about me -- let's keep talking about HS football in Louisville!

 

Good article up now on Scott Carmony at Manual and moving away from 2-platoon football -- thoughts?

 

DeSales has a new facility and has already proven they can compete at top level of their own class but also against bigger schools. Can they keep this up?

 

Waggener has gotten some very talented players transferring to them over the last two years. Can that talent infusion help them compete with already talent-rich Central? And then, what about that region -- from Central frying pan into the Boyle/LexCath fire every November.

 

Christian Academy -- those of us in the know have always said it's just a matter of time a lower-cost private school situated at the east end of Jeff. Co, near Shelby and Oldham lines becomes a major player. Now with a top-shelf head coach, some YOUNG players destined to play on Saturdays in a few years, and a major upgrade in facilities could this be the year for the Centurions?

[cols]

Better stay with two plantoon. Henderson has lost 3 or 4 region title games with leads going into the fourth and lost the game in ot. Its not good when you play 17 kids and other team is playing 45 and if your going play with the big boys you have to have players. Henderson will never win another region title unless they luck up and get a superstar qb and a few to go around him and everybody else is down and only playing 17-20 kids is one big reason why.

[CoachJ]

Great point w/ basis in fact/evidence Cols.

 

But...what if it doesn't mean only playing 17 players total. In other words, you still have 9 kids who pretty much only play offense or defense & that's what they work on 80% of the week in practice so you have them IF NEEDED (major injury to a main player, kid needs a two-play break,etc), but those 5-7 STUD athletes do more of a 50/50 Split in practice each week & are thus available at any point in time (critical 4th down, game-winning drive, etc) on their "second" side of the ball?

 

What Carmony's suggesting I think, is not "iron-man" football where only 17-20 kids total play EVERY snap O/D/K.