article Bluegrasspreps' 2016 Class 4A Pre-Season Preview

[DragonFire]

Heading into last year, 4A was a completely changed landscape, entirely devoid of the old guard that had dominated the class. It was seen as a time for schools that had long lived in the shadows to step out and finally achieve glory. In a way, that’s what we got, because we basically had to. But the real story of 4A became the coronation of a new state power in the South Warren Spartans, who absolutely pummeled everyone in their way en route to a perfect 15-0 record. No other school in the class finished with even just 1 loss. But relief will soon be on the way for 4A as realignment will take the Spartans to 5A. A pity for all those other teams that they’ll have to wait until 2017 for that to happen……

 

1. South Warren (2015: 15-0; State Champions)

Head Coach: Brandon Smith

 

Just how impressive was South Warren’s run last year? The Spartans won by an average of 31 PPG while racking up the #4 offense in 4A, and the #1 defense in all classes. South Warren gave up 70 points less than any other team in 4A despite playing at least one more game than every single team. No team got within 21 points of beating the Spartans, and only two teams even got to double digits. It truly was breathtaking dominance.

 

But, as they say, tomorrow is another day. 2015 was built largely upon the backs of a very experienced group, a few of which were three year starters. They’ll be tasked with replacing their entire offensive line plus tight end, their strong linebacking corps, and most of their secondary. In all, they return three starters on each side of the ball, with five players total covering those six positions. A lot of the backups departed as well. All great news for the rest of the class, right? Sure, they won’t have to contend with those players, but the Spartans proved a couple of years ago that they could reload, and this is no different. They return Ryder Litten at the QB position, who will be in his third season under center leading the Spartans. Litten is a dual-threat QB that got a little banged up at times last season, but still accounted for over 2100 yards in combined offense and had his fingerprints on 35 scores. Joining him in returning to the backfield will be RB Kayron Namvong, who rushed for 1,243 yards last season in 12 games, averaging just under 6 YPC. They’re a powerful 1-2 punch in the read option offense, and Litten will also have the services of WR CJ Hayes, a dynamic athlete that recently gave his verbal commitment to Purdue. On the defensive side, the line will be anchored by sophomore Jacob Lacey, a 6’2”, 290 lbs beast at the DT position. Lacey holds offers from the likes of Notre Dame, Tennessee, Louisville, and Kentucky. Next to him will be senior Zach Haynes, a Ball State commit. The Spartans received some transfer help with the arrival of lineman Eddie Graham from Jeffersontown, and LB/WR John Ford moving over from Warren Central (should he be ruled eligible), to go with the next men up they already had. In short, the Spartans may not have all the familiar names you’re used to, but they have D1 athletes and a very talented crew ready to step up.

 

The Spartans open in the Rafferty’s Bowl on August 20th, squaring off with Monroe County. Road trips to Central Hardin and Pope John Paul II (TN) are likely the toughest games on the schedule, but they will be heavily favored to add another 15-0 campaign.

 

2. Johnson Central (2015: 12-2; State Runners-Up)

Head Coach: Jim Matney

 

While the Golden Eagles didn’t get the ultimate prize at the end, 2015 was still an end to years of frustration in the early rounds of the postseason. For four straight years, Johnson Central had languished behind Highlands and Covington Catholic, going out in the second round each time despite sterling regular season records. But last year it was finally time for the Golden Eagles, winning not only their region, but advancing to their first appearance ever in a state final. That they ran into a 36-6 loss at the hands of South Warren in the finals does not diminish the breakthrough, especially when you consider they were down to their final play before a 30 yard TD against Scott in the closing seconds of their region final.

 

The 2016 edition will be without the services of 13 seniors from the state runner-up team, including the bulk of their offensive production in QB Bryce Workman (1,071 yds passing, 422 yds rushing), RB Connor Ratliff (1,033 yds rushing), and RB Bryce Skaggs (703 yds rushing). The Golden Eagles ran a very balanced rushing attack, and while they will be missing those key components, they return almost everyone else, including nearly their entire line. Only LT Daniel Meade departs from last year’s O-Line, and in all, 8 starters return on offense. QB will be a question. WR Geordan Blanton produced almost 80% of all production from the wide receiver corps last year, but also served as backup QB. If he steps into that spot, who moves in to take up the slack out wide? FB Gunner Slone is the leading returning rusher, and should be joined by Joe Jackson, who averaged over 10 YPC in spot work last season, taking almost 1 out of every 4 carries to the house. Defensively, 7 starters return from a unit that allowed a respectable 13.9 PPG on the year, but needs to tighten up late, giving up almost 1 TD per game more than that in the final six games of the year, including both their losses. The key playmaker on that side of the ball from last year was also Geordan Blanton, leading the team in solo tackles from the free safety position.

 

Johnson Central made a couple of changes to their schedule from last year, picking up South Charleston (WV) during their unwanted second bye week, as well as another WV team in Capital (WV). The main games to circle are an early season home contest with Lexington Catholic, and then a revenge quest at home against Belfry, who knocked them off 41-0 last season. An experienced group will be favored to take JC back to the finals, but they’ll have their work cut out for them to make up 30 points from last season against South Warren.

 

3. Wayne County (2015: 11-3; State Semifinalist)

Head Coach: Shawn Thompson

 

It’s been an up and down experience the last three years for the Cardinals, sandwiching a terrifyingly low 2014 season between the dizzying highs of 2013 and 2015. The Cards were off the radar to start last year, and did little to move up it after an early 2-2 start, albeit one that included a respectable 14-10 loss at Bell County. But then came nine straight wins as they clinched homefield advantage through the playoffs, and rode that to a state semifinal finish before coming up short in a 21-14 loss to Johnson Central.

 

But there is strong momentum coming into this season for a team that has won 15 of their last 19 games. Only 12 seniors departed from last season, and the bulk of the team’s offensive production returns. That includes QB Lorenzo Linsey, coming off a sophomore campaign that saw him throw for 1,425 yards and 14 TDs. He’ll have his receiving corps largely intact with his top four targets returning, including leading receivers Grant Shoemaker (23 receptions/435 yards/7 touchdowns) and Stetson Simpson (26 receptions, 351 yards/3 touchdowns). Five of the six leading rushers from last season come back, including bellcow Dalton Garner (176 rushes/1,092 yards/18 touchdowns). They will have to replace the majority of the line in front of him, but the Cardinals have typically reloaded with great size in the trenches. Defensively they’ll miss Nathan Garner’s 61 solo tackles, but return LB Clay Shelton’s 60 solo and 101 tackles, as well as Aubrey Weaver’s 5 INTs from the secondary. In all there are 13 returning starters from both sides of the ball, which should bode well for the Cards’ chances to improve upon last season’s surprisingly successful campaign. Adding to that, in many regards, Wayne County will still be decently young, with a large upcoming junior class that is almost as large as last year’s senior and junior classes combined.

 

Wayne County’s schedule sets up favorably, with their likely toughest challenges coming in a home contest against Bell County, and a crucial road game at Knox Central, considered their primary challenger in the district.

 

4. John Hardin (2015: 9-4; Region Runner-Up)

Head Coach: Chad Lewis

 

Hopes were sky-high for the Bulldogs entering last season, as they’d finally escaped the shadow of Bowling Green and other 5A frustrations. Considered perhaps the favorites in the west for 4A, that thought came to a sudden and brutal end at the hands of South Warren and a 43-12 loss in the opening game. After a 2-3 start, John Hardin reeled off seven straight wins prior to bowing out in the region finals to Shelby County, salvaging what had a chance to be a mega-disappointment of a season, settling for the minor disappointment of ending a streak of seven straight region titles.

 

And yet, despite two straight years of stumbling out of the starter blocks, we find John Hardin here again, among the contenders. A big reason for that is that despite their rough starts, by playoff time, the Bulldogs have continued to show their potential. Another reason is that John Hardin, which has seemed perpetually young of late, returns almost everyone of significance from last season. This includes a strong RB corps led by Robert Shorter, Steven Livers, and FB Antonio Ayers. Livers in particular showed up strong late last year, rushing for 337 yards on 38 carries in the final regular season game and first two rounds of the playoffs. They’ll run behind an offensive line that loses just two men from the five man + TE front. Exactly who will be at QB is a bit of a question mark. Early speculation was that returning Anthony Witherspoon would replace Shay Stone, but it appears that his athleticism will be used elsewhere. Defensively they’ll have to deal with the loss of their entire secondary, but 4A is a class that is not noted for the proliferation of passing offenses. The entire front four on the D-Line returns as the Bulldogs look to shore up a defense that allowed over 20 points a game, which climbed to 31 PPG in objectively their 8 toughest contests. In other words, they’ll score a lot, but they need to find a way to not have to do that.

 

The Bulldogs face mostly a mirror of last season’s challenging schedule, but on the plus side, they won’t have to play South Warren out of the gate. No, they trade that beast for their old nemesis Bowling Green. Out of the frying pan and into the fire, as it were. The schedule is frontloaded as it was last year, before the Bulldogs coast through district play, wrapping up with a tough road trip to Christian County. John Hardin will be road warriors this year, playing six games away from home.

 

5. Franklin-Simpson (2015: 8-5; Region Runner-Up)

Head Coach: Doug Preston

 

Speaking of the perpetually young, the Wildcats never do seem to have a huge graduating class, but yet never seem to have a large class come through any of their years. Last year the Wildcats had a very uneven start to the year, alternating wins and losses through their first nine games. It wasn’t until October 30th that they had an actual winning streak, part of a four game run at the end. But when you look at who they were playing, really only their loss to Allen County-Scottsville, a rather stunning 21-20 upset, was a black mark. Their other losses were to 10-3 Caldwell County, 9-3 Greenwood, and two losses to state champion South Warren. Franklin-Simpson managed to stay closer than most to the Spartans, and while the odds are against it, will look to try to overtake South Warren this season.

 

Let’s start with the bad: among the 10 departed seniors were leading rusher Isiah Hall and third leading rusher Nick Groves. The good news is that the Wildcats have typically not had trouble finding rushers in the Wing-T attack, and they return stud junior RB Saul Brady and his 1,012 rushing yards. He led the team in per carry average with just over 9 YPC. A strong downhill runner, they’ll want big things from him. Trigger-man Jackson Caudill also returns for his senior year, with a modest 477 yards on 32/87 passing last season. The strong desire from the fanbase is that they install more passing plays in the offense this fall, to attack South Warren in a different dimension than the rushing attack that has usually been a complete non-starter against the Spartans – the Wildcats rushed for 84 yards total in the two games combined. The offensive line returns an experienced unit, with only center Allen Chandler absent from last year’s unit. The defensive line is mostly intact as well, returning standout Dion Pearson (31 solo tackles, 67 total), and the linebacking corps returns both Tyler Doss and Cade Harvey, the leading tacklers on last year’s team. If experience counts, the Wildcats have it, although they do have a good deal of two way players, making endurance a concern at times. And it is a defense that allowed on average 22 PPG last season.

 

Their schedule is a mirror of last year, setting up difficult road games at Caldwell County, Greenwood, and Russellville, but they do at least get to host South Warren during the regular season. Franklin-Simpson is unlikely to beat South Warren in either the regular season or the postseason, but if they do have tricks up their sleeves, they will have to ask themselves, are they more concerned with a game on September 23rd, or one three weeks into the playoffs?

 

6. Spencer County (2015: 10-2; Second Round)

Head Coach: Mike Marksbury

 

The Bears will look to improve on a stellar 2015 campaign that featured the #1 offense in 4A, but came up a bit short on the promise that had developed. The Bears started 8-0, and jumped on Shelby County 14-0 to open their crucial district game. But they couldn’t hold the lead, and after tying it at 28 all in the 4th, faltered 42-28, and ceding the district crown with it. That put them on a collision course with John Hardin in the second round, where they held a 15-14 lead entering the 4th, and had driven deep into Bulldog territory. But an interception in the end zone followed by a 91 yard touchdown run buried Spencer County and their playoff hopes.

 

But there is a veritable wealth of returning talent for Spencer County. They lost only 8 seniors from last year, and while one of those losses was leading rusher Logan Holbrook, they return Brandon Leff and his 1,611 yards on 129 carries – good enough for a better per carry average than Holbrook – as well as another 1,000 yard rusher in Kadin Smith (1,254 yards on 89 carries). Four starters return on the offensive line to open up gaps for them, and it is conceivable that Spencer County could improve on last year’s eye-popping 4,595 total rushing yards. The defense returns three strong linebackers in Hunter Brown, Austin Ashley, and Dakota Waldridge, their three leading tacklers from a year ago. The Bears rated just 11th in the class in scoring defense, and will likely need to improve upon that to realize their dreams of a region title, and perhaps more. Key games are basically their entire district slate – district 4 is the best district top to bottom in all of 4A.

 

7. Hopkinsville (2015: 10-2; Second Round)

Head Coach: Marc A. Clark

 

The proud Tiger tradition is almost back – almost. The Tigers brought home their first title of any kind since 2005, winning district for the first time in a decade in dominant fashion – no District 1 team got within 31 points of them. Aside from a respectable loss to a good Christian County team, the Tigers ran the regular season table, posting a 9-1 campaign that equaled their most wins since 2005 even before the playoffs. When they notched a tight win over Warren Central for their 10th win, it became their winningest season in 13 years. But despite racking up over 300 yards of offense against Franklin-Simpson, they fell short of advancing and hosting South Warren in a region final, 28-21 in 2OT, in no small part thanks to a trio of turnovers. 16 seniors depart, but Jalen Johnson is not one of them.

 

QB Jalen Johnson enters his junior season for the Tigers coming off a steallar 146/297 for 2,189 yards and 31 TD campaign. It is that stat line that makes the Tigers so intriguing, especially in a region with South Warren. They are practically the only team in all of 4A that looks to pass first, run second. It is that second dimension that is sorely needed to challenge the upper echelon in the class. Two of his top three targets return, including the team’s leading receiver by yardage and primary TD target CJ Henangan, who posted 691 yards on 32 receptions, with 12 of those going for scores. Stephen Cager posted 360 yards receiving out of the backfield to go with 365 yards on the ground, and leading rusher sophomore RB JaTorion Darden (756 yards/7 TDs) returns as well. Four of five hogs up front return to pass protect and open up the lanes, giving the Tigers all the potential that a very experienced and talented offense belies. Three linemen go both ways, which hurts depth, but does mean that the defensive front of the 3-4 returns as well, with team leader for tackles Jaxon Janes (66 solos) returning alongside Andrew King (17 solos) to give the Tigers half of their linebacking corps as well. The Tigers have a lot returning to a team that posted the #2 offense and #2 defense last year, and are the most likely dark horse in the chase to knock off South Warren. The Tigers likely only have Graves County and Christian County (both home) as speed bumps on the way to the playoffs. They’ll have to hope it’ll be enough to test them.

 

8. Scott (2015: 10-3; Region Runner-Up)

Head Coach: Dan Woolley

 

A great year was oh-so-close to being even better for the Eagles. Scott had already knocked out 10 wins, a district title, and what was considered an upset victory over highly regarded Ashland in the second round. They held a 26-21 lead over Johnson Central, at home, with 7 seconds remaining and the Golden Eagles on the 30. But a touchdown pass on that last play shattered the Scott dreams, and it was Johnson Central that ended up advancing all the way to the final. Still, it’s hard to be disappointed if you’re a Scott fan, considering they lost two games by a combined two points and another to a 6A semifinalist.

 

So Scott enters 2016, less 18 seniors from that stirring playoff run, and a small upcoming senior class behind them. Gone is QB Danny Fitzgerald, with Nelson Perrin the expected replacement having only thrown a single pass all year. Gone is Roberto London and his 1,296 rushing yards, and the second leading rusher? That was QB Nelson Perrin, who averaged over 10 YPC in racking up 746 yards. In fact, Nelson Perrin is the only returning back to rush for over 200 yards, and he led the team in receiving as well – he can’t very well throw it to himself. Which is to say, Scott will need a lot of guys to step up and fill those gaps. They do return the majority of their offensive line, and should have some good size on the defensive line as well. The linebacking corps have been decimated, so the defense will have rebuild aspects. The good news is that the district should be a relative breeze, and only Johnson Central is expected to be a significant power in District 8 this season. Scott will have plenty of time to bring this group up to speed, and while they’ll take their lumps from teams like Newport Central Catholic and Simon Kenton, they should be fine in the 4A playoffs.

 

9. Knox Central (2015: 8-5; Region Runner-Up)

Head Coach: Scott Russell

 

Last season was a strong statement year for the Panthers, stronger than their 8-5 record might imply. They played a strong out of district schedule, playing two 6A Lexington powers, Southwestern, and notching a win over 3A titan Louisville Central. Two losses to Wayne County are all that prevented them from taking home a title, but the season was a building block to something better.

 

Only 10 seniors departed from the 2015 Knox Central edition, leaving a veteran and experienced group to lead the way in 2016. Four of five offensive linemen return, paving the way for junior RB Donavan Arthur, who will look to improve on his 185/1,274/12 line from last season. Complimenting him in the backfield will be junior RB Jermel Carton (64/584/7), who also excelled on defense, leading the team in takeaways with 3 interceptions and two fumble recoveries. Knox Central is not particularly known for their passing game, but did open it up at times last season as returning Sr. Jaxon Stewart threw for nearly 1,000 yards and 10 TDs. Leading receivers Adam Renfro (12/258/3) and Tanner Wells (18/236/5) also return. Renfro in particular is a name you will see over the coming years – he’s just a sophomore. There’s a little less experience returning to a defense that allowed nearly 23 points a game last season. The departures included leading tacklers Jared Hall, Matthew Smith, and Casey Patterson, all from the linebacking corps. Senior defensive ends Tanner Wells and Casey Diamond return, as well as a strong secondary with standouts Jeremy Stewart (43 tackles) and the aforementioned Jermel Carton.

 

The Panthers open with Madison Central this year, another 6A Lexington school, and continue to face challenges from top teams such as Corbin, Henry Clay, and Southwestern. The game to circle is a home match against Wayne County on October 7th which should serve as a de facto district title game.

 

10. Shelby County (2015: 12-2; State Semifinalist)

Head Coach: Todd Shipley

 

The Rockets turned back the clock last season, experiencing success they had not enjoyed in quite some time, especially since the opening of Collins High. Shelby County advanced to their first region final in 8 years, and won their first region final in 22 years. Their 12 wins represented more than their previous two seasons combined, their first double digit win season in nearly 30 years, and quite possibly a school-record win total (certainly is since 1975, the furthest back I could find). Not a bad haul for a school that was coming off a 3-8 season and had won three games or less in four of their previous seven years. They lose only 11 seniors from that team, but it’s who they lost that hurts. Primary among the losses was Malik Manica (176/1,560/17) and Michael Perry (83/1,000/13). Losing those two also means the loss of their defensive impact, where they led the team in tackles. Add Jordy Osorto to that list, and it means replacing the top three leaders in tackles. Four offensive linemen are gone in the trenches as well.

 

So who comes back? Junior Tyler Drane returns at quarterback, where he posted a respectable 40/86 for 785 yards and 12 TDs line last year in a triple option offense that heavily prioritizes the run. He is also the second leading returning rusher behind senior Brandon Davis (71/540/10), who will be expected to shoulder far more of the load than the 71 carries he had last season. Only one lineman returns, although it’s a good one in Hayden Tedford, who checks in at 6’0”, 270 lbs. LB James Bradley (37 solo tackles) and FS KeShawn Catlett (36 solo tackles, 1 INT returned for TD) will be expected to anchor the defense. The Rockets have enough talent to potentially make another run at a district title, but it would be surprising to see them reach their lofty perch from last year. They do have a favorable schedule in-district, with a trip to Spencer County being their only trip outside the county borders in district play.

 

Just Outside

 

11. Rockcastle County (2015: 5-7; Second Round)

Head Coach: Scott Parkey

 

The Rockets were oh-so-close last year to spoiling the Wayne County party. Twice, in fact, playing the Cardinals to a 21-13 decision in early October, before falling in the second round 27-24 in November. The playoff loss was especially bitter, as an 18-6 halftime lead for the Rock went wanting after a bad snap on a punt led to the winning score for Wayne County. But almost literally EVERYONE returns for Rockcastle, with only two seniors listed on last year’s roster. Junior RB Brent Lovell racked up almost 1,000 yards last season to spearhead the rushing attack, while Chayse McClure and Dakota Bishop split time at QB to combine for almost 1,300 yards through the air. Depth is a real problem, but if they can stay healthy, a very experienced team may lead the way to a return to glory for Rockcastle.

 

12. Franklin County (2015: 7-4; First Round)

Head Coach: Nicholas Sheridan

 

The Flyers rolled to a 6-0 start last season, including a win over eventual state semifinalist Shelby County, but crashed from there, dropping three of four in the regular season, and getting crushed by John Hardin 37-7. New coach Nicholas Sheridan has a small senior class (nine) to lead an incredibly youth-oriented team. Senior RB Denzel Vance was the bellcow for the Flyers last season, and is one of the very few skill players coming back.

 

13. Collins (2015: 5-7; Second Round)

Head Coach: Jerry T. Lucas

 

2013 and the strong early years run by the fledgling school is becoming a bit of a fading memory for the Titans. Last year they fell to rival Shelby County for the first time, and it happened twice, as the Rockets put them out of the playoffs in the second round. Still, Collins turned in a modest improvement in what was a brutal district, and will continue to enjoy the stellar play of junior QB JR Lucas, who enters off a season where he threw for 1,538 yards and 22 touchdowns. Junior RB Nasean Roseberry also returns, turning in 933 yards and a healthy 9.2 YPC average a year ago. Senior WR Dalton Maggard completes the returning skill trifecta, leading the team with 35 receptions for 709 yards and 12 TDs last season. A large junior class means this team may still be a year away, but will be good enough to spoil some goals for a few teams this year.

 

14. Ashland (2015: 9-3; Second Round)

Head Coach: Tony Love

 

20 seniors departed a strong Ashland team that had a disappointing second round exit a year ago, but none more crucial than Quenton Baker and his nearly 2,000 rushing yards. Second leading rusher Kurtlen Brown also was lost to transfer, leading to a team in a very transitional state. With that comes perhaps a change in focus, as the Tomcats are expected to focus a bit more on the passing game this time around. They were one of the most unbalanced offenses in the state, racking up 4,102 rushing yards against only 539 passing yards.

 

15. Mercer County (2015: 6-6; Second Round)

Head Coach: David Buchanan

 

It was a tale of two halves last season for the Titans. After starting 0-5 against a challenging schedule, Mercer County reeled off six straight wins en route to a district title, narrowly falling to Knox Central in the second round. With only six seniors departing from a small class last year, a lot of experience returns, especially in a large upcoming senior class, though Mercer does have to replace Drew Davis at QB. Leading rusher Donald Smith returns, and they add a strong athlete in Tanner Robbins, who had previously focused only on baseball.

 

Next Five

 

16. Greenup County (2015: 6-6; Second Round)

Head Coach: Scott Grizzle

 

Scott Grizzle takes over a Greenup County program that won its first playoff game since 2007 and won as many games as the previous four years combined. Junior RBs Jake Wright (357 yards) and Caden Warnock (337 yards) will try to lead the Musketeers to their first winning season in 14 years.

 

17. East Jessamine (2015: 7-4; First Round)

Head Coach: Michael Bowlin

 

The Jaguars eclipsed the combined win total of the previous three years with 7 wins last year, grabbing a home game along with their winning season, their first since 2010. Leading rusher Justin McIntylre (667 yards) and expected QB Kyle Gann lead 15 seniors who will look to improve on that, and bring home their first playoff victory since that same 2010 season.

 

18. North Oldham (2015: 3-7; Missed Playoffs)

Head Coach: Joe Gamsky

 

The Mustangs drew the short straw in District 4 last year, ending the season 1-7 after starting 2-0, a sharp decline from their state semifinal appearance the year before. New HC Joe Gamsky will have to replace his QB and top two rushers, but will have services of 17 seniors.

 

19. Allen County-Scottsville (2015: 6-6; Second Round)

Head Coach: Brad Hood

 

The 2015 Patriots had their most wins and first playoff win since their run to the 2010 state finals. Over 90 players have been in practice after the dead period, and returning QB-RB duo Chase Wilson and Jaylon Mcpeak will be looking to put the Pats over .500 and grab a home playoff game.

 

20. Taylor County (2015: 5-6; First Round)

Head Coach: Dudley Hilton

 

The Cards closed a respectable 5-3 after opening the year 0-3. Senior HB Justice Harrison returns, seeking to improve on his 971 yards rushing a season ago. Brother Hunter Harrison also returns at QB, where he threw for 425 yards and rushed for 236 last year.

[fastaslightin]

Great job!

[15th Region]

Very nice work! Great read!!

[Purple88]

Very nice job DFire! Will be interesting how it plays out!

[dognation]

Spot on assessment; good job. Looking forward to the season.

[plantmanky]

Probably the weakest classifications of the 6 this year. A few really good teams and the rest are mediocre.

[Spinstopshere]

i say 5a take out BG nothing else

[AreLinz]

Was told that Bourbon County might turn some heads this year, could be a real sleeper. They return the house for the next two years apparently.

[Hardin County Preps]

Hard to imagine any team with more athletes on the field than John Hardin this year. They bring back the house from last year, add Anthony Witherspoon, who is arguably the best athlete in the region and add an athletic QB transfer from Ohio. Will the coaches be able to bring some discipline to a team that is notorious for their lack of discipline,being penalty prone and making too many mistakes? If so this team has the potential to finally win it all!

[Tommy2tone]

Very nice write up on everyone. Do not agree with rankings but a lot of information given. 4A football is great. I don't care who thinks which class is weaker or the greatest.

The west side of the state will again dominate even without SW. District 4 is loaded with 4 of your top 13 and 5 top 18 teams.

[Spinstopshere]

same thing was said last year about district 4 but honestly if Shelby Co was the best then sorry but every team except Warren East was better and every team except Warren Central got better this year .

[Big Saucy]

Hardin county preps sorry to tell you but South Warren has the BEST talent in 4A. They have several d-1 kids who have been already offered. I think their talent speaks for itself. I haven't heard of any John Hardin kids with d-1 offers. I wouldn't make comments like that if they aren't true. I'm sure they have good talent, but South Warren is on a different level.

[hoss403]

Hardin county preps sorry to tell you but South Warren has the BEST talent in 4A. They have several d-1 kids who have been already offered. I think their talent speaks for itself. I haven't heard of any John Hardin kids with d-1 offers. I wouldn't make comments like that if they aren't true. I'm sure they have good talent, but South Warren is on a different level.

 

Athlete wise I disagree with you. Not saying JH is better or has more talent, but they are very athletic. And HCP didn't use the word talent, he used the word athletic. There is a difference.

[Spinstopshere]

agaIn yOu saId the same thIng last year that John Hardin was so athletic but undisapline but being discipline is part of being an athlete but saying that John is the ONLY team that will challenge south

[fastaslightin]

South will be challenged by FS also.