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Bluegrasspreps' 2016 Class 2A Pre-Season Preview

ATLCat

By ATLCat
in KY Football (High School)

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ATLCat

ATLCat

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The Year of the Gunslinger

One of the first Stephen King novels I ever read was The Dark Tower my Freshman Year of High School. The captivating tale is considered one of King’s greatest works and is now in full fledged major motion picture status. What though has brought such allure to this novel? None other than the main character Roland, more affectionately known as the last of the gunslingers.

 

Everyone loves a gunslinger! From King’s protagonist to Eastwood and Wayne, the gunslinger has been deeply rooted in America’s culture long before any of us reading this were even born. The confidence and bravado to face all comers and take the shot, even in the face of seemingly brutal odds. In the world of football, it is the Quarterback who earns the gunslinger mantra. The man calling the shots, the man fitting perfect shots into traffic, and the man you want leading that last minute drive in the clutch.

 

In 2016, nothing sums up the excitement for the Class 2A season more than the crop of talent at the Quarterback position that enters this season. It starts at the top with defending champion Mayfield and their Senior star Landon Arnett who is entering his 7th season as the Cardinals leader (I jest, but seriously this guy seems like he has been starting since 6th Grade). Another player who also seems to be on the five-year plan is Newport Central Catholic’s Patrick Henschen, the tall face of the Bred program is looking for his third straight Title game appearance. CAL’s Austin Carr excelled as a Freshman and will be the next of this club as he will be haunting 2A Defenses for years to come.

 

Danville has a three-year starter back as well in the ultra-talented Zack Dampier continuing a legacy of outstanding Admiral signal callers. One of the most under the radar QB’s poised for a monster year is LCA’s Brayden Miller fresh off a 2300 yard passing season.

 

With that said, a gunslinger doesn’t have to be a pocket passer like the above mentioned players. In the world of the Spread the dual threat QB has become king and there is no shortage of dangerous weapons utilizing both their feet and arm. Butler County’s Rex Henderson is so good that dual threat doesn’t even do him justice. Henderson did everything but play the snare drum in the band last season and is a legitimate Mr. Football candidate. Henderson nearly amassed a remarkable 4000 yards in 2015. You can also easily take a chance knowing that Owensboro Catholic will have one of the state’s most prolific Quarterbacks as well.

 

1.Mayfield Cardinals (14-1, Class 2A State Champions) It is hard to say anyone was surprised when the small school power stepped up in Class and promptly dethroned DeSales as the King of the Hill in 2A, but at the same time I am sure many across the State took notice. The Cards return solid core to build around including a legit Mr. Football candidate in RB Trajon Bright and multi-year starter QB Landon Arnett. The Cardinals calling card in the playoffs though was their Defense which held four of 2A’s top Offenses to a combined 39 points. Mayfield returns LB Kincer Arnett and tackling machine Jamie Tapia. On paper Mayfield looks stacked, but they do have some questions. Notably who will catch Arnett’s perfect spirals after graduating essentially the entire receiving corps. Mayfield also lost a sensational Kicker in Sidney Herndon.

 

2. Christian Academy of Louisville Centurions (10-3, Lost to Desales in Regional Finals)- On November 19th all was right with the world for Stefan LeFors’ team. They were considered by many the slight favorite in their class, their lone losses were to two bigger schools who were also highly thought of, and they boasted Home Field advantage thanks to defeating rival DeSales. Then Groundhog’s Day struck on November 20th and history repeated itself leaving CAL once more watching the rival Colts advance to the Semi-Finals. The 2016 edition of CAL looks to get over the hump with some very talented returning stars. Chief of the list is TE/DL Jacob Paulson, the D-1 prospect should help anchor both units. When CAL started Freshman QB Austin Carr it seemed to be a liability, but Carr was superb. LB Logan Young will be asked to step up more after a solid 2015 season as Cal’s biggest issue is replacing the dynamic duo of Cal Lewellyn and Clay Davis. The two accounted for 10 INT’s over 140 tackles, and also starred on Offense.

 

3. DeSales Colts (11-3, Lost to Mayfield in the Semi’s)- I think most have seen the State Farm Insurance commercial where the old man dangles a dollar and remarks “You almost had it, you have to be quicker than that”. At this point DeSales could play this part with the way they have tormented CAL. The Colts once again made a deep playoff push before a hard fought loss to Mayfield ended their season. For most school’s a Semi-Final push would be cause for celebration, but for DeSales it seemed a let down after being the Defending State Champs. So can DeSales return to the throne? Maybe. It starts with a backfield with some excellent talent returning in the form of FB Gilly Simpson and HB Austin Tharp that combined for around 1800 all purpose yards. The concern though is how do you replace Louisville signee and consummate winner Austin Johnson as well as the brunt of an excellent Defense? With their top three tacklers gone it will be a tall task but history tells us to ride with the Colts for a full lap around the track.

 

4. Danville Admirals (12-2, Lost to NewCath in the Semi’s)- One of the best stories of 2015 was Danville’s return to the top of the heap in 2A. Kentucky blueblood royalty at it’s finest, most had to cheer the Ads on a bit as they went 12-1 entering a matchup with NewCath. In the end though Danville came out on the short end of a Defensive struggle where they missed numerous chances. This year though the Ads will be at the helm of the ship once again behind probably the best 1-2 punch in 2A (outside of Mayfield). QB Zack Dampier and playmaker Dmauriae VanCleave are dangerous every snap and present matchup problems for anyone on their schedule. The Ads do have some holes to fill with the loss of Steven Ray and Tyrek Bradshaw. One of the pleasant surprises of 2015 was the play of Junior LB Donlevy Harris. Will 2016 be the year that those familiar silver pants return to the Title Game?

 

5. Newport Central Catholic Thoroughbreds (9-6, State Runner-Ups)- For most teams a 6 loss season gets a coach fired, but then again when your still play for a State Title I guess that doesn’t make NewCath just any team. You are hard pressed to find anyone who challenges themselves more with their Non-District slate than the Breds and often it leads to 4+ loss seasons as a direct result, but it also typically hardens them for deep playoff pushes. Expect nothing less in 2016 than another gauntlet, but with QB Patrick Henschen returning along with some weapons at WR the Breds should once again have enough gas to challenge in November. On Defense LB Kurtis Sutkamp is a star and Trent Wrobleski excels as a WR, a DB, and an All-State Punter.

 

6. Lexington Christian Academy Eagles (8-5, Lost in Regional Finals to Danville)- Youth can be so unpredictable some times. In 2015 LCA was on a youth roller coaster that had lows of surprising upsets and highs of making it to the Third Round. What never ebbed though was the play of standout RB Dillon Wheatley who exploded for over 2100 rushing yards. Joining Wheatley in LCA’s scoreboard explosion was QB Brayden Miller who added a 2300 yard season passing with WR Ryan Stucky being his favorite target accumulating over half of those yards. There is no denying that you can expect this trio to once again put up video game numbers, but LCA’s fortunes will shift as their Defense goes. The Eagles allowed 362 points in 2015 and must replace their top Defender Clay Ach. If LCA can find their talons on D, there is no limit to how high they can soar this season.

 

7. Covington Holy Cross Indians (6-6, Lost in the Second Round to NewCath)- Only one team has advanced to the State Finals via 2A East not named NewCath since the calendar turned to 2010, that team was Holy Cross. The Indians had mottled in mediocrity, but found something in the 2015 season that brought optimism. After giving NewCath all they wanted though and pushing Lloyd Memorial to the brink disaster stuck when their mammoth star RB Xavier Abernathy was lost for the season with an injury. Abernathy returns in 2016 and will be a force few will be able to stop. Derrick Barnes becomes the second head of the beast and the Indians have a stout crew returning on Defense. If you need a dark horse to make a run, Holy Cross may be the team to keep an eye on.

 

8. Owensboro Catholic Aces (10-3, Lost to Mayfield in Regional Finals)- It is hard putting Owensboro Catholic anywhere outside of 2A’s top 5 after the success they have enjoyed under Coach John Edge’s guidance. A transition year falls on the Aces as they must replace a group of guys who single handily caused statisticians to have to go into therapy. Ray Zuberer, Shamari Morton, Jonathan Garner, and John Boarman drained more ink pens than tax season, and OCath is left looking for replacements. The lone holdover from the Stat Pack is WR Weston Jacob who Edge will look to cultivate yet another top flight QB around.

 

9. Butler County Bears (9-3, Lost in 2nd Round)- Trajon Bright isn’t the only Mr. Football candidate in 2A, King Rex Henderson of Butler County is a kid you want to see. Noone in the State did more for their team than Henderson in a historic 2015 season: 3000 Passing, 900 Rushing, 5 Defensive INT’s, and accounting for 51 total TD’s. WR”s Blake Graham and Brendan Shanklin should be counted on as his favorite targets. The goal for Butler? Win their District! With Mayfield looming it is imperative to get the home field advantage and force a matchup in Round 3. To achieve this though it takes knocking off OCath who beat the Bears 53-14 last season.

 

10. Murray Tigers (7-5, Lost in 2nd Round)- Murray just seemingly could never put the pieces together in 2015. The Tigers had the talent, and they gave highly thought of teams all they could handle, but at the end of the day 4 hard fought losses in the regular season and a decisive loss to OCath left Murray with a rather un-remarkable 7-5 record. Murray says goodbye to some fantastic individual talents, but they do have enough star power to make matters difficult again. Malik Britt was perhaps their most consistent player on both sides of the ball. Andrew Pajor will be a viable rushing threat and also returns as Murray’s leading tackler. With a loaded District and Region though it will take more than these two stepping up to hope to play ball once the temperatures drop.

 

OTHER TEAMS TO WATCH

 

Lloyd Memorial Juggernauts (9-4, Lost in Regional Finals)- The Juggs have some holes to fill but also returns one of the best backs in 2A in RB Justin Durham. Alex Runion will be asked to take on a greater role and play some QB as Lloyd will have their hands full in a very tough District race.

 

Somerset Briarjumpers (6-5, Lost in First Round)- If anyone can talk about tough districts it is Somerset. The Bunnies lose four year starter Castle Hatcher at QB but do return the dynamic RB Jordan Doan as well as a pair of WR’s named Cornett.

 

Leslie County Eagles (9-3, Lost in 2nd Round)- Leslie County has some mighty big shoes to fill in QB Kevin Whitaker, Linemen Blake Asher, and RB Justin Collett, but aside from those departures they remain relatively in tact from a team that finished 9-3 and reached the 2nd Round. Seth Melton, Austin Smith, Taten Smith, and Lucas Vance should help their Offense pick up where it left off. Expect Leslie to be the early favorites in District 8.

 

Glasgow Scotties (6-6, Lost in 2nd Round)- Glasgow should emerge as the District favorites with Monroe County taking a significant hit to graduation. Steven Franklin is a physical monster and a D-1 prospect, but the Scotties will have to find some Offensive firepower. QB Dessi Ausitn has graduated and with him the majority of their production.

 

Walton-Verona Bearcats (6-6, Lost in 2nd Round)- Gone are RB’s Page and Richardson who accounted for over 2800 all-purpose yards. The Bearcats should have enough firepower to contend for a District Title, but will face an uphill battle against District 6 come playoff time.

 

East Ridge Warriors (4-7, Lost in 1st Round)- If you need a surprise story or a feel good story keep a close eye on the Warriors. East Ridge is a program that has struggled to find football success, but 2016 is shaping up nicely for them to make a run. RB Brody Johnson averaged over 200 rushing yards per game and is on pace to be the best thing to come out of the Southern Pike County area since the Elkhorn City days.

 

Monroe County Falcons (7-5, Lost in 2nd Round)- There aren’t many hard luck stories worse than Monroe County. The Falcons had a solid Senior Class but injuries, timing, and downright rough competition never measured to the success some were hoping to see. Not only has the Senior class departed but also leaving was John Petett after doing an admirable job at the rural school. ATH Ty Mink is a good place to try and rebuild though.

 

Owen County Rebels (6-5, Lost in 1st Round)- Owen County started 0-3 but got it together to win 6 of their next 7 games and get a home playoff game. RB Austin Riggs should have a nice year toting the rock, and Ty Smith may be the District’s top player. The Rebels should be able to give Walton-Verona a run for their money.

 

TOP 20 2A PLAYERS TO WATCH:

1. Rex Henderson, QB/DB- Butler County

2. Trajon Bright, RB/DB- Mayfield

3. Landon Arnett, QB- Mayfield

4. Jacob Paulson, TE/DL- CAL

5. Dillon Wheatley, RB/LB- Lexington Christ. Academy

6. Xavier Abernathy, RB- Cov. Holy Cross

7. Steven Franklin, LB- Glasgow

8. Kincer Arnett, LB- Mayfield

9. Zack Dampier, QB- Danville

10. Brody Johnson, RB/DB- East Ridge

11. Patrick Henschen, QB- Newport Cen. Catholic

12. Dmauriae VanCleave, WR/RB/DB- Danville

13. Justin Durham, RB/DB- Lloyd Memorial

14. Derrick Barnes, RB/LB- Cov. Holy Cross

15. Malik Britt, ATH- Murray

16. Gilly Simpson, FB/LB- DeSales

17. Kurtis Sutkamp, LB- Newport Cen. Catholic

18. Weston Jacob, WR/LB- Owensboro Catholic

19. Brayden Miller, QB- Lexington Christ. Academy

20. Jordan Doan, RB- Somerset

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ATLCat

ATLCat

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Is 2A the most competitive class in Kentucky High School football? I think there may be more quality competitive teams within their own class in 2A than any other class.

 

4A is pretty competitive once you get past South Warren with about 10-15 teams that could beat each other on any given night... but 2A is right with it in terms of parity through the middle of the class.

Plumber

Plumber

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Nice read ATLCAT. I have to ask which Ka-tet do you think is the most formidable? I would have to assume that the Crimson King reigns supreme until its knocked off but who else's season is Ka? For who has the world moved on?

 

Had to nerd up this thread a little. Long days and pleasant nights.

LouisvilleRacer

LouisvilleRacer

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Well written article! Just curious about the omission of Milton Wright. He was outstanding as a freshman last year. Is he still at CAL?

 

Still there...I was wondering why he was left off as well. If there are people that haven't heard of him yet, they will soon. He will be the best player in 2A in my opinion.

Toothpick

Toothpick

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Still there...I was wondering why he was left off as well. If there are people that haven't heard of him yet, they will soon. He will be the best player in 2A in my opinion.

 

Maybe in Louisville, Mayfield's Trajon Bright and King Rex over in Butler County are better

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