article Bluegrasspreps' 2016 Class 1A Pre-Season Preview

[Voice of Reason]

The New King of 1A?

 

Heading into last season, most 1A watchers assumed the Beechwood Tigers would return to their place as king of 1A after Mayfield moved up in class to 2A. Outside of 1 playoff loss to Frankfort, Mayfield was the only 1A team to beat Beechwood in the 6 class era. It was easy to assume Beechwood would step right up for title number 12.

 

The Pikeville Panthers had different thoughts. Behind the bruising power running of Daric Pugh and the ascent of Wyatt Battaille to one of the top QB’s in 1A, Pikeville avenged a 2014 upset playoff loss and deflating OT regular season loss to rival Paintsville; then wore Beechwood down in the second half of the title game to claim their first title since their impressive three year run ending 1989. With a talented team returning, this year it is Pikeville who is the clear favorite. Beechwood defeated Pikeville in the 1991 title game and went on to win 4 straight titles. Can Pikeville repeat in 2016, perhaps even put together another multi year title run and lay their claim as the new king of 1A?

 

While Pikeville is the favorite entering 2016, there is no shortage of good teams in 1A that are capable of getting to that coveted title game. Class 1A is as deep in quality teams as it has been in a number of years. In years past, there were perhaps 3 or 4 teams who had title potential. This year it is not unrealistic that a team at the bottom of the top 10 could win a title. A team like Campbellsville for example is ranked #10 but returns a talented, experienced team that is capable of contending for a title. A young team like Beechwood could lose 6 games and still be the team walking away with the trophy at the end of this season. Nicholas County and Kentucky Country Day also have plenty of experience back and could surprise people. Anything could happen. This should be an excellent year for watching 1A teams and the twists and turns that happen along the way.

 

1. Pikeville Panthers (13-2; 1A State Champion) – Pikeville hopped on the Daric Pugh train and rode it to a state title. How do you replace Daric Pugh? Do you go with another bruising runner like Blake Charles? Do you change to a speed back like Evan Rhodes? Rhodes averaged almost 10 yards a carry as the backup to Pugh in 2015. Good problems to have.

 

Even better for Pikeville, Jr. Wyatt Battaile grabbed the starting QB job as a sophomore and never looked back. He returns as an experienced junior who just might be the best QB in 1A. Andrew McNamee and Clay Stone are his top returning WR. Pikeville had the top scoring offense in the state last year in all classes. They look like they will be just as explosive this year. Charles is a tackling machine at MLB. A strong junior class is looking to repeat as champion and they have the firepower to do it.

 

Pikeville will test themselves with one of the tougher schedules in 1A. They play up in class opponents in their non-district schedule. Circle Sept. 16 when the Panthers host defending 3A champ Belfry. The loss to Belfry in 2015 is the only game Pikeville looked overmatched and they will be looking to redeem themselves in 2016. Pikeville is the defending champ and a worthy pre-season #1.

 

2. Russellville Panthers (11-3; lost in state semis to Beechwood) – Russellville is another team who relished the opportunity before them in 2015 as Mayfield, their playoff nemesis moved to 2A. Unfortunately, they ran into a team that may be their new playoff nemesis, the Beechwood Tigers. The Panthers were unable to get to that coveted title game as they were eliminated from the playoffs by Beechwood.

 

This year may be the year the Panthers get over the hurdle. MJ Jones rushed for over 1,200 yards in 2015 and will be joined by RB Johnny Drumgole, returning starting QB Jaylyn McMurry and several other starters. That strong returning cast has Russellville as the west bracket favorite in 2016. Russellville should once again be a team with speed at the skill positions and enough up front to get the job done.

 

Every non-district opponent is a higher class team, highlighted by a Sept. 16 matchup against 2A power Murray. Russellville will be battle tested when playoff time rolls around. Is this the year these Panthers get to that championship game?

 

3. Beechwood Tigers (13-2; lost in title game to Pikeville) –A very talented group of seniors graduated, including 4 year QB Kyle Fieger, top RB Ethan Stringer and Mr. Everything WR/LB Brett Slusher. The Tigers returned to the title game in 2015 after a 7 year absence but Pikeville denied the Tigers that 12th title.

 

For the second season in a row there will be a complete rebuild of the line due to graduations. Like several other teams in 1A, there are some very big holes to replace for the Tigers. This year’s line rebuild will be even more challenging than last year’s. But the Beechwood program is one of the model programs in the state and there is always talent in the pipeline. The skill players are there – RB/WR Aiden Justice, outstanding Soph. RB/DB Logan Castleman who started as a freshman, RB/LB Trevor Soward, CB Elijah McKinney. The two big areas of concern for Beechwood are QB and that young line. The defense will be anchored by two top DE's, Lucas Benson and Dalton Everett.

 

Beechwood always plays a tough non-district schedule and this year is no exception. Not only are all opponents higher class level teams, but most are teams that will likely be ranked in their class. With the young line, this will be a bigger than usual challenge. Don’t be surprised if there are more than a couple losses than usual, but expect this team to be a title contending Beechwood team at playoff time.

 

4. Raceland Rams (7-5; lost in round 2 to Paintsville) – Hopes were higher than usual in 2015 for the Rams but the Rams could not find their footing. There were tough losses and a winless district record, then the second round playoff loss to district rival Paintsville. The passionate Ram fans certainly had thoughts of more success in 2015.

 

Maybe this year. Raceland has a deep and experienced roster. Not many 1A teams will have a roster the size of Raceland’s with over 60 players in uniform. The line will be led by outstanding Sr. Isaac Wallace, 6’1” 278 lbs. Starting QB Nathaniel Davidson threw for over 1,200 yards in 2015 and is back for his senior season. RB Bailey Walker should be the primary ball carrier. There are plenty of returning starters on both sides of the ball.

 

Raceland played the toughest schedule in 1A in 2015 and that schedule lines up the same way this year. The Rams also play higher class teams in all their non-district games. Because of that, like Beechwood, expect some losses along the way. Oct. 16 versus Paintsville is the game that has to be circled on the calendar in Ram country. Raceland has the experience to finally get over the playoff hump in 2016.

 

5. Hazard Bulldogs (10-3; lost in round 3 to Pikeville) – Hazard has faced more than their fair share of injuries over the past couple seasons. In spite of the multitude of injuries, the Bulldogs posted a fine 10-3 record with two of those three losses to eventual champ Pikeville.

 

In 2016, if you are looking for a dark horse pick, Hazard is your team. It seems like every 3 or 4 years Hazard puts together a championship game team. This could be their year. If they stay healthy this year, look out. Not many teams in the state return a 1,600 yard RB and 1,000 yard WR. Cory Smith is the RB and Jason Johnson is the WR. The Bulldogs are another team looking for a new QB so that is one question mark. The defense should be improved with most starters returning.

 

The schedule has some challenges with a couple higher class teams that might be ranked in their class. There are also a couple tough non-district 1A opponents, including the opener against a Pineville team that may be one of their best teams ever. The key game for Bulldog fans though is district rival Pikeville on Sept. 30.

 

6. Paintsville Tigers (13-1; lost in state semis to Pikeville) – The tables got turned on Paintsville in 2015. In 2014 it was Paintsville upsetting undefeated Pikeville in the playoffs. After Paintsville pulled out an incredible OT win in the regular season game, they may have thought they had Pikeville’s number. However, in the playoff rematch Pikeville returned the 2014 favor defeating undefeated Paintsville, and then went on to the state title.

 

Mr. Football Kash Daniel graduated and that is a very big hole to fill. There are other key players that need to be replaced as well at WR and along the line. Star RB Kent Phelps is back after rushing for 1,579 yards and 19 TD’s in 2015 and he will be the leader of this team. DE/RB Tyrese Allen transfers over from Johnson Central and is a big addition – literally - on both sides of the ball. There are question marks for sure. Will some added talent help Paintsville keep this program on its upward trend? Is Paintsville now a program that reloads versus rebuilds? Can all the new parts be put into a winning package? Paintsville’s success the past two years has them ranked here but the questions keep them from being ranked any higher.

 

Paintsville has a tough schedule that should have enough challenges to help them prepare for the playoffs. The must see game is the Sept. 2 battle versus Pikeville. These two teams have played some classics in the past few years highlighted by last year’s regular season comeback OT win by Paintsville.

 

7. Frankfort Panthers (3-9; lost in second round to Beechwood) – Frankfort was a little thinner in talent in 2015 but they had one of the best players in 1A leading them, QB Anthony Robinson. When he was lost for the season in their opening game, Frankfort had a tough time recovering. The team played the third toughest schedule in 1A in 2015 so don’t let the 9 losses deceive you. The Panthers still finished second in their district.

 

This year looks like a step back to the perennial top 5 1A team. Two way lineman Hunter Conway, 6’3” 315 lbs, is back and leads a solid group of returning linemen. Frankfort always has quality skill players and some new talent has moved over to Frankfort this year as well. Tremayne Jones looks to be the player tabbed to live up to Frankfort’s top notch RB legacy. Lineman Tommy Jako and athlete Preston Pearl are two other key players for Frankfort. The Panthers are another team looking for a QB and there is no frontrunner for the job. The roster is not deep but Frankfort knows how to get the most out of their players. There will be many players going both ways but that isn’t unusual for 1A teams. Like so many other teams there are question marks but Frankfort looks ready to get back in the hunt in 1A in 2016.

 

Frankfort likes to put some challenges in their schedule. In game 2 on Aug. 26 they will travel to Paintsville and that will be a good indicator on both teams. The absence of Franklin Co. from the schedule is notable, but North Oldham and Danville will be tough upper class challenges.

 

8. Kentucky Country Day Bearcats (6-6; lost in round 2 to Lou. Holy Cross) – The 2015 season was an up and down ride for the Bearcats. A win over a good Bethlehem team put them at 3-2 and feeling they were headed the right way. Then they lost 3 of their next 4. A season ending win over Campbellsville and playoff win over Ludlow gave hope for a round 2 face off versus district rival Holy Cross, but they fell short in that game.

 

There are a lot of returning starting players in 2016 who rode that ride and are ready to turn the tables. Last year’s starters were a mix of seniors and sophomores, mostly sophomores. Those sophomores are now experienced juniors. The core of the offensive line is returning starters - juniors Zach Ellis, Blake Robbins and Robert Thomas. They aren’t big by today’s standards but they are solid and experienced. The Bearcats’ big guy in the trenches is on the other side of the ball anchoring the defensive line – 6’ 287 lb Jr. NG Brandon Leonard, who has started since his freshman year. The key playmaker for the Bearcats is Sr. QB Jared Frank who threw for 1,366 yards and 16 TD’s in 2015. Other returning starters to watch are Jr. TE/LB Josh Lifson, Jr. ILB Chris Scott and Jr. RB/LB Ashton Robinson. This is another team to keep your eye on.

 

The schedule has several upper class opponents, albeit not real strong ones. Exception to that is game 2 on Aug. 26 against Lexington Christian. That game will be a tough one to win but how competitive Country Day is will give us insight into their chances for a district title and how deep their playoff run might be.

 

9. Nicholas County Blue Jackets (6-5; lost in round one to Fairview) – The Blue Jackets young and learning team took a nice step forward in 2015. After going 2-9 in 2014, they posted a winning record and put scares into two ranked 1A teams (Paris, Fairview) late in the season.

 

Hopes are high at Nicholas County. The upperclassmen have experienced success at various levels in football and the feeling is this is their time. Nearly all starters return and most of them have 2 years of starting under their belt. Sr. RB Zach Richardson rushed for 1,345 yards and 14 TD’s last year and will lead the way on offense. He is joined in the wishbone by fellow seniors Cody Moon and Dalton Dailey in a formidable backfield. Sr. linemen Wes Neace, 6’2” 280, and Shane Crump, 6’4” 290, are the key men in the trenches. This is an experienced, powerful team that could make some noise in 1A. If you don’t agree with Hazard as the dark horse to pick, then this is your team.

 

Nicholas County has a good test in their opener versus a solid Bethlehem team. The only other non district game against a challenging opponent is a mid-season battle versus 3A West Carter. Expect Nicholas County to top last year’s total of 6 wins, but it is questionable whether this schedule will get them playoff ready.

 

10. Campbellsville Eagles (8-4; lost in round 2 to Russellville) – Campbellsville was rolling along undefeated when standout RB Kendon Young went down to a season ending injury. The Eagles lost 3 of their final 4 and then went down fighting in round 2 in a tough loss to Russellville.

 

This team grew up in those tough losses. In 2016, Jr. QB Devonte Cubit is back for his second year at the helm of the offense. Sr. Austyn Thornton was the team’s top WR in 2015 and also played very well at RB following the loss of Kendon Young. Look for Thornton to have a big year for the Eagles. Fellow Sr. Arick Groves is another playmaker on offense with a nose for the end zone who will play WR and get some carries at RB. The offensive line returns virtually intact, including 2015’s top lineman Sr. Logan Brown. The Eagles look like the whole package with speed at the skill positions, an experienced returning line and an established QB leading the way.

 

The Eagles will face a challenging opener versus 2A Glasgow. There are other games versus higher class teams with the feature game being a Sept. 30 contest versus Danville. The schedule has just enough challenges to get this team playoff ready.

 

The Next 5

 

11. Bethlehem Eagles (9-4; lost in round 3 to Russellville) – Last year’s pre-season number 11 was the Paris Greyhounds who went on to an undefeated regular season and top 5 ranking. Bethlehem is a worthy pick at #11 that could repeat that Paris run to the top 5. Bethlehem has a luxury not seen very often in high school football; a QB returning for his third year as the starter. Sr. QB Matthew Hagan threw for over 1,000 yards as a sophomore and then almost 1,300 yards as a junior. He is joined by returning Sr. RB Hunter Downs who rushed for over 1,000 yards. Jr. RB Tyler Oehler is a shifty runner who makes plays out of Bethlehem’s counter and misdirection running game. Jr. WR Chris Osborne is another playmaker. The Eagles have the skill players. They lost size and experience up front and that will be where their work will need to happen to repeat last year’s success. They will face a serious challenge in defending their district title against Campbellsville. If the line develops, the skill is there to take the Eagles to another district title.

 

12. Fairview Eagles (7-5; lost in round 2 to Paris) – Fairview will have a very different look in 2016. Three year starting QB Alex Roy was one of the best in 1A but has now graduated. WR Antwan Washington and top lineman Billy Davis also graduated, along with several other starters. This is the definition of a rebuild season. The Eagles have some tools to work with. There is some beef up front to hopefully plug the holes left from graduations. There are two returning experienced seniors to lead the way in the backfield. Sr. RB/LB Jonathon Ruggles is the key player on both sides of the ball. Look for a big season out of him. Sr. Mason McIntyre was a standout at WR but is expected to be named the QB. There are other skill players with potential who need to step up. The Eagles always seem to get it together. They play in a tough district and haven’t had a losing season in 10 years. Expect them to be a tough opponent and don’t be surprised if they find a way to move up in these rankings.

 

13. Louisville Holy Cross Cougars (7-6; lost in round 3 to Beechwood) – The Cougars had experienced leaders in the backfield in 2015 and rode that experience to a district championship. They gave Beechwood all they could handle before bowing out in round 2 of the playoffs. Those experienced leaders have graduated and there is a new coach at the helm as well after Coach Crumbacker resigned to spend more time with family. This is another solid program going through a rebuild. The Cougars are excited by the young talent in the pipeline and they are going to need to grow up fast. Jr. RB Mario Convenuto is strong runner and standout LB. With QB Alec Greenwell’s graduation after three years as the starter, it looks like the Cougars will try to groom another three year starter with So. Jarren McDonald expected to step in at QB. The Cougars usually have size up front and 6’2” 327 lb. Sr. C Jamie Wheatley will be the anchor. New head coach Bob Bronger is respected for knowing how to build a line. There are more question marks than expectations with the Cougars and this team’s success depends on young talent growing up quickly.

 

14. Harlan Green Dragons (9-3; lost in round 2 to Hazard) – This is where it gets difficult. How good is Harlan? Yes, they went 9-3 and won their district – their first district title since 1999. Yes, they return a strong line and their QB. But they had the worst strength of schedule in 1A in 2015, did not beat one team with a winning record, were the only team Middlesboro defeated in 2015 and play in the lowest rated district in 1A. Based on what they have returning and last year’s record, some may believe they should be ranked higher. Until they beat a quality team, this ranking is where they should be – at best. The top players for the Green Dragons are up front – Sr. T Thomas Morgan, 6’2” 275; Sr. T Bryce Browning, 6’2” 225. Sr. Tanner Parks will likely get the QB job, but So. Killian Ledford also may get snaps. Jr. Kendal Brock should get the TB job and will enjoy running behind the big line which produced two 1,000 yard rushers in 2015. Harlan will likely generate some debate on their ranking throughout the season. With another weak schedule they should rack up plenty of wins. Game 3 against an improved Bracken County might help us get a better feel for how good the Green Dragons. If that proves no test, then the October 7 match versus Williamsburg and Oct. 21 versus Pineville are the games that Harlan needs to win to prove they have what it takes.

 

15. Pineville Lions (7-4; lost in round 1 to Hazard) – Much of what was said above can be repeated here for Harlan’s district rival Pineville. The Lions strength of schedule was just a little better than Harlan’s. The big disappointment last year was a district loss to Williamsburg that cost the Lions a district title. The good news for Pineville is they have almost everyone back. Leading the way is third year starting QB Tuck Woolum. Woolum threw for over 1,200 yards as a sophomore and then topped that with 1,865 yards and 25 TD’s as a junior. Woolum is a duel threat QB who can hurt you running the ball as well as throwing it. He has a quick motion, throws very well on rollout passes and is a good decision maker. Woolum’s top target is returning Sr. WR Will Adams who had 45 catches, 904 yards and 13 TD’s as a junior. The top RB also returns – Jr. Lawrence Simpson. Only one starting lineman graduated so this team is loaded with experience. The schedule is again a weak one but not the opener. The Lions face #5 Hazard in their season opener. That game will set the tone for the season – and perhaps prove that Pineville is a team to contend with which should be ranked higher than this #15 pre-season ranking.

 

Keep Your Eye On …

 

Paris Greyhounds (11-1; lost in round 3 to Paintsville) – An 11-1 record and district title in 2015 were a testimony to a very good group of seniors who worked the program back to success. Those seniors are gone though and that is a lot to replace. The first three games are versus Frankfort, Ludlow and then Pineville. The new kids can show us very quickly that there is still talent in place at Paris.

 

Ludlow Panthers (6-5; lost in round 1 to Ky. Country Day) – Jr. QB Justin Blackburn is one of the most dynamic players in 1A. As a sophomore starting for the first time he threw for 1,287 yards and ran for 1,315 yards. If Blackburn gets some help, Ludlow is a team that could jump into the top 15.

 

Williamsburg Yellow Jackets (5-6; lost in round 2 to Pikeville) – Williamsburg won 5 of their last 6 games before falling to Pikeville in the playoffs. If the young players continue that growth, Williamsburg may spring a surprise in their district. Sr. Hagen Hawn was one of the top WR in 1A in 2015. Their first 5 games are Lexington Christian, Somerset, Leslie County, Frankfort and Paintsville. They could be 0-5 and still be a contender for their district.

 

Players to Watch:

 

QB Wyatt Battaille, Pikeville

RB/LB Blake Charles, Pikeville

RB Cory Smith, Hazard

WR Jason Johnson, Hazard

RB MJ Jones, Russellville

RB Johnny Drumgole, Russellville

RB/WR Aiden Justice, Beechwood

RB/WR/DB Logan Castleman, Beechwood

RB/LB Trevor Soward, Beechwood

QB Nathaniel Davidson, Raceland

RB Kent Phelps, Paintsville

RB/DE Tyrese Allen, Paintsville

RB Tremayne Jones, Frankfort

QB Jared Frank, Ky. Country Day

RB Zach Richardson, Nicholas County

QB Devonte Cubit, Cambellsville

RB/WR Austyn Thornton, Campbellsville

QB Matthew Hagan, Bethlehem

RB Hunter Downs, Bethlehem

RB/LB Jonathon Ruggles, Fairview

QB Tucker Woolum, Pineville

QB Justin Blackburn, Ludlow

WR Hagen Hawn, Williamsburg

 

Linemen to Watch:

 

Isaac Wallace, Raceland

Hunter Conway, Frankfort

Brandon Leonard, Ky. Country Day

Wes Neace, Nicholas County

Shane Crump, Nicholas County

Jamie Wheatley, Lou. Holy Cross

Thomas Morgan, Harlan

Bryce Browning, Harlan

Edited August 10, 2016 by Voice of Reason

[That One Guy]

I'm going to throw 2 more linemen to watch

 

Jake Martin, Bishop Brossart

6'2, 280 pounds. Had 88 tackles last season. Very quick run blocker

 

Matt Blank, Bishop Brossart

6'4, 290 pounds. Pretty good pass blocker

[Purple88]

REALLY Nice Job VOR! Great read!

[CoachBuckett]

Great Job VOR

[Big Five -0-]

Thanks for a very good job VOR.

[AreLinz]

I'm going to add Jekobi Wells and Aaron Maggard as players to watch, both play for Paris.

[ColonelPride]

Give me a Russellville-Hazard state final.

[Voice of Reason]

Give me a Russellville-Hazard state final.

 

That is one of the more likely possibilities for sure. I say flip a coin between that one and Russellville vs Pikeville.

[Horace]

According to KHSAA website Beechwood only has 40 players on their roster. Doesn't this make it one of the smallest Tigers squads in a long time?

[Bac2369]

That is one of the more likely possibilities for sure. I say flip a coin between that one and Russellville vs Pikeville.

 

Voice are you not sold on your Beechwood team? I'm a little shocked?

[DevilMayCare]

Well done, VoR. The top 3 seem to be the consensus picks by most people. Raceland, Hazard, and Paintsville are virtually interchangeable at 4-6.

 

Despite what Beechwood lost, they've earned the benefit of the doubt and then some. They'll have to have a really bad year before I doubt their ability to contend for a championship.

[Voice of Reason]

Voice are you not sold on your Beechwood team? I'm a little shocked?

 

I honestly don't know what to expect out of this year's Beechwood team. Too much new - players and coaches. They will be young and inexperienced on the line. I expect early struggles, some losses (maybe even a lopsided one, or two) and then playoff time they will be ready to compete for a title. But they are a clear underdog to Russellville.

[Bac2369]

I honestly don't know what to expect out of this year's Beechwood team. Too much new - players and coaches. They will be young and inexperienced on the line. I expect early struggles, some losses (maybe even a lopsided one, or two) and then playoff time they will be ready to compete for a title. But they are a clear underdog to Russellville.

 

I think beechwood will have a stout defense and keep them in games until the offense adjusts.

[blackgoldredwhtigers]

I think Beechwood in for a rough year. The line is small and young

[Voice of Reason]

I think Beechwood in for a rough year. The line is small and young

 

Rough year maybe by Beechwood standards. The entire season will be a work-in-progress to get the team ready for the playoffs. I think they will figure it out like they always do and be a challenge to whoever they face in the playoffs.