article Bluegrasspreps' 2016 Class 3A Pre-Season Preview

[gchs_uk9]

1. Belfry Pirates (2015: 14-1; Class 3A State Champions)

Belfry is the prohibitive favorite in Class 3A this season and will also look to join Beechwood (1991-94), Boyle County (1999-2003), Trinity (2005-08), Highlands (2007-12), and Mayfield (2012-present) as the only schools to win four straight championships, cementing themselves among the royalty of Kentucky high school football.

 

The Pirates are stacked with talent, returning nine starters on each side of the ball and five different players who were named All-State in some capacity in 2015. Numerous Belfry players are receiving attention from Division I schools and US 119 will be well worn with scouts looking to snag a prize. Slick handling quarterback Noah Corbett returns for his second year under center and will operate behind behemoth linemen Cole Bentley, Austin Dotson, and Jordan Scott. Belfry returns several talented runners but replacing the explosiveness of departed Xondre Willis could take some time. Senior defensive tackle Rayquan Horton is expected to continue giving opposing offenses nightmares.

 

As always, Belfry will face a challenging schedule with four road games against teams that either won or played for a state championship last season (Pikeville, Newport Central Catholic, Knoxville Catholic, and Johnson Central). An undefeated season would be an incredible feather in the cap of what should be a fantastic year.

 

Game of the Year: Cabell Midland, WV (September 30)

The only team to knock off the Pirates in 2015, Cabell Midland themselves was upset in the West Virginia state semifinals. After taking a 49-7 beating on the road last season, look for Belfry to have this Big Sandy clash circled on the calendar.

 

2. Corbin Redhounds (9-5; lost to Belfry in state semifinals)

If it were any other year, there might be some talk of Corbin as a state championship favorite. But with the Pond Creek monster sitting atop 3A, Corbin will have to settle for preseason #2. With that said, however, the Redhounds should be very good. Corbin returns a bevy of starters on both sides of the ball and junior quarterback Cameron Sizemore is back to direct Coach Justin Haddix’s high-octane attack. Sizemore threw for 1,271 yards and 21 touchdowns last season, while also running for 523 yards and another 10 scores.

 

If there is a question mark for this team it is on the defensive line. Three starters graduated and Corbin will have to find a way to fill that void. The schedule is challenging, with perennial 3A power Central coming to town for the Cumberland Falls Pigskin Classic, and road trips to 2A Danville and 5A Southwestern, both expected to be near the top of their class. There is also a mid-season return to Lindsey Wilson College to take on defending 2A state champion Mayfield. Those matchups should help solidify the question marks facing this Redhounds team and will help prepare for a potential Thanksgiving matchup with Belfry.

 

Game of the Year: Central (August 26)

This is probably too early in the season to be a game of the year, especially considering Central laid a bit of an egg in the Pigskin Classic last year, but Central has typically provided the best challenge to Belfry in Class 3A and while this version of the Yellowjackets might not be as strong, Corbin should have a better read on where they are and where they need to be once this one is complete. Oh, and it might also provide a touch of revenge for the stinging loss to Central in the 2014 regional final.

 

3. Lexington Catholic Knights (11-4; lost to Belfry in state finals)

Let’s look at the 2015 checklist real quick: Beat annual powers Covington Catholic, Southwestern, and Central? Check. Broke up Elizabethtown’s perfect season? Check. Won a fifth consecutive regional title? Check. Beat arch rival Boyle County? Oh, absolutely a check. So why might there have been a sour taste in the mouths of Lexington Catholic at the end of the year? Likely because it all ended with a 43-0 demolition at the hands of the Belfry steamroller in the state championship game.

 

Now it’s a new year and the Knights are looking to return to Bowling Green for a second straight season. Gone are a plethora of offensive stars, including Jaylen Jones, JJ Ogbogu, and Andy Thompson, who took the reins of the offense late in the season and was masterful. What returns, though, is quarterback Kirk Fagot who played significant minutes under center during the regular season and should have command the entire go-around in 2016. He’ll look to pass to a slew of wide receivers (it is Catholic) including his twin brother Jack, and will operate behind a line that returns several starters.

 

Much of the defense returns and will have to stop a typically formidable schedule. But the Knights do get Boyle County at home and with a district title, could assure themselves home field advantage throughout the playoffs and a bold step toward six straight region titles, and just perhaps, another shot at Belfry.

 

Game of the Year: Boyle County (October 14)

When discussing marquee games, Lexington Catholic-Boyle County is always near the top. Last year’s matchup was a classic, with Catholic winning on the road with a late hook-and-lateral play. This time the game is in Lexington and could set up a playoff rematch, something these two have done eleven times in the last nineteen years.

 

4. Boyle County Rebels (10-2; lost to Central in second round)

It was all going so well for Boyle County through the middle of October 2015. That was when Lexington Catholic came to town and won another classic with Boyle, knocking off the Rebels with a late score. Boyle never seemed to get their mojo back after that, struggling to beat Paul Dunbar, taking until late in the third quarter to put away Waggener, and then losing at Central in the second round. Now some of the big names from that crew are gone, names like Josiah Robbins, Mack Cox, and Hagen Ellis.

 

But one name remains the same and that is Chuck Smith. In the second year of his second stint at Boyle County, Smith is developing players at the lower levels to step into varsity action. How quickly those kids can acclimate to his requests could spell the difference between a good and great season. Boyle should again be strong on the lines, with Wade Acey, Will Bramel, Hunter Floyd, and Tucker Kilby all providing strength. There are questions in the backfield, with Sam Tiller and Nick Walker competing for the quarterback position. Whoever is the signal caller will be handing off to Trintin Ashburn and will need to find a way to get the ball in the hands of do-everything player Evan Tarter.

 

Game of the Year: at Lexington Catholic (October 14)

The schedule is rugged for the Rebels this season, with 6A opponents North Hardin, Lafayette, and Paul Dunbar, 5A Anderson County and Lincoln County, 4A Collins, and cross-town 2A rival Danville. District games with Garrard County and Western Hills could also provide challenges. But the big game is at Lexington Catholic. If Boyle County can go to Lexington and win, they’d take a huge step toward the prize all of District 4 will be shooting for – home field advantage throughout the playoffs.

 

5. Caldwell County Tigers (10-3; lost to Elizabethtown in regional finals)

I’ll admit I didn’t see it coming. Last year’s Caldwell County Tigers came into the season having to replace a Mr. Football at quarterback and an all-purpose back that could score any time he touched the ball. How did it go? Well, Shane Burns took over at quarterback and threw for 3,191 yards and 34 touchdowns and Caldwell County finished 10-3, losing a heartbreaker in the regional final to Elizabethtown.

 

Now Burns is back and is likely the best passing quarterback in Class 3A. Javonte Riley, who ran for 1,087 yards and 13 touchdowns, also returns. Caldwell has to replace a number of offensive linemen and will need to find another receiver, but the defense returns nearly everyone and should perform better than last year’s unit, which allowed just less than 21 points per game. With more questions than answers in western Kentucky 3A in 2016, Caldwell County seems like a solid bet to reside among the top of the class this year.

 

Game of the Year: at Paducah Tilghman (September 23)

There are some early season big games with Christian County, Franklin-Simpson, North Hardin, and Henderson County, but for this bunch of Tigers, none is bigger than the road trip to Paducah Tilghman. Tilghman lost a number of key players, but has a new coach and will have had time to adjust to his changes. If Caldwell can win at Tilghman, a fifth consecutive district title should be all but a formality.

 

6. Central Yellowjackets (10-3; lost to Lexington Catholic in regional finals)

There were questions in the offseason about whether Ty Scroggins would return to the Central sidelines in 2016, but he’s back, and because of that alone, you can expect the Yellowjackets to field a solid club. Last year’s Central squad fell to Lexington Catholic at home in the region final, and a large number of seniors player their last game that night. There are some question marks this season, but the sheer number of athletes Central typically fields should solidify their spot in the top 10.

 

Returning rusher Cory Johnson should carry the load for Central this time around. Johnson ran for 558 yards and nine touchdowns in 2015. The Yellowjacket defense, traditionally a strong suit under Scroggins, returns all-District performers Quincy Baines, John Dooley, and Carlos Woodson.

 

Game of the Year: Waggener (September 23)

Central went across town and won at Waggener by 15 last year, but Waggener still had some transfers that had yet to be ruled eligible and were adjusting to a new coach. Now Waggener is considered a top-10 team with Division I talent, while Central is facing a challenge of replacing several graduated starters. But the district has ran through Central every year since 2006 and the Jackets won’t be dethroned without a fight.

 

7. Waggener Wildcats (6-5; lost to Boyle County in first round)

Last year was a tale of two seasons for Waggener. Early season losses to Iroquois, Corbin, Central, and Bardstown showed the club’s youth. A late season charge of four consecutive wins was spurred on in part by the eligibility granted to a few transfers. Because of those early losses, however, Waggener had to settle for a three-seed in the playoffs and fell in the first round at Boyle County after putting up a strong fight for two-and-a-half quarters.

 

Now those players all have a year under their belt and some think this crew of Wildcats is a 3A dark horse. The last deep playoff runs by Waggener were in 2000 when they fell to Owensboro in the semifinals and 1998 when they lost to Highlands in the state championship game. Junior wide receiver/defensive back Jarius Brents and junior defensive end Tahj Rice are being recruited by numerous Division I schools and should dominate on both sides of the ball. Quarterback Larry Harper returns after throwing for over 1,100 yards and 13 touchdowns in only four games last season. Larry’s brother Manny joins Brents as a terrific receiving threat. There are still questions about depth, but this team may be the second most talented team in 3A.

 

Game of the Year: at Central (September 23)

The schedule is less than taxing for Waggener, with likely only two matchups all season against ranked teams - a bowl matchup early with Knox Central and the game at Central. Central has dominated this district for years, winning the last ten titles. If Waggener is to supplant the Yellowjackets and place themselves in the conversation for 3A challenger, they’ll have to go win on Muhammad Ali Boulevard.

 

8. Garrard County Golden Lions (7-5; lost to Lexington Catholic in second round)

At first blush it might appear that Garrard County will take a step back in 2016. The Lions must replace their starting quarterback, two wide receivers/defensive backs, a key linebacker, and a couple linemen. But there is enough talent on the roster, including two experienced and talented running backs, to warrant consideration in the top 10.

 

For Garrard County, it will start with their two running backs. Senior Jacob Foley ran for 1,376 yards and 14 touchdowns last season and the hard-nosed runner should be primed for another big season. Fellow senior Devan Logan ran for 834 and 10 scores in 2016 and, like Foley, should challenge for 1,000 yards. Linemen Colton Barker, Jarreth Davis, Matt Morris, and Daylan Logan provide plenty of size up front. If Garrard can improve athletically, develop some depth, and avoid injuries, it could be a very strong season in Lancaster.

 

Game of the Year: at Boyle County (October 7)

If Garrard County wants to be considered a challenger in District 4, they’ll need to perform well at Boyle County in the district opener. Last season’s matchup was over quick, with Boyle scoring early and often en route to a 48-0 victory. If Garrard can’t knock of Boyle County or Lexington Catholic, then they’ll face yet another tough playoff schedule all on the road.

 

9. Paducah Tilghman Blue Tornado (8-4; lost to Elizabethtown in second round)

Kurt Barber, a former Mr. Football at Paducah Tilghman, returns home to coach his alma mater after a long stint a several colleges across the country. Barber, who played at Southern California, inherits a team that lost much of its offensive firepower but returns most of their defense.

 

Talent has never been an issue at Tilghman, but there are question marks all over the offense. Dalton Ferrell, last year’s backup quarterback, is the favorite to step under center this year, though there is competition. Running backs Jordan Overstreet and Colbe Crim are talented but inexperienced. On the defensive side, Bryson Brooks, Wallace McCoy, and Chance Orr should all play a key role in helping a defensive unit that held six opponents to single digits, but also allowed 37 or more points on four occasions. The Tornado has struggled with lack of size and depth up front in recent years to compete with the best in the class.

 

Game of the Year: Caldwell County (September 23)

On talent alone, Paducah Tilghman should always challenge for a district title. However, 3A newcomer Caldwell County took the title last season and if the Tornado are to get the trophy back, they’ll need to stop the Tigers and their vaunted offensive attack.

 

10. Russell Red Devils (8-4; lost to Belfry in second round)

Russell started strong last season, picking up early wins over Greenup County, Ironton, and West Carter, before falling to Fleming County in a game that ultimately cost the Red Devils a district championship. This year’s version loses quite a bit, but does return senior running back Nick Conley who has reached the 1,000 yard march each year of his career and should finish this season as the second leading rusher in school history.

 

Several key wide receivers return, including senior Landon Brewer, who hauled in seven touchdown receptions in the last five games of 2015. Questions abound on the offensive and defensive lines where only OT/DE Jacob Pierce returns. If Russell can get improvement from Alex Adams, Jensen Smith, Aaron Hill, Austin Braden, and perhaps a couple underclassmen, then the Red Devils will stand an excellent chance at winning another district crown.

 

Game of the Year: at Fleming County (September 30)

Last year’s surprise loss at home to Fleming County kept Russell from a one-seed in the playoffs and led to a second round loss to eventual state champion Belfry. With West Carter, last year’s district champion, rebuilding, District 5 should again come down to Fleming and Russell.

 

11. Elizabethtown Panthers (13-1; lost to Lexington Catholic in state semifinals)

First, the bad news. Gone are quarterback Jack Wilson, running back Bernil Cecil, and a multitude of starters on both sides of the ball. Asking for a repeat of last season’s undefeated regular season and run to the state semifinals might be too much.

 

Now the good news: Coach Mark Brown returns and is bringing with him a talented junior class. Expect big seasons from running backs Derek Smith and Jay Becherer, and a host of others who have had success at the middle school and junior varsity levels. If the lines can improve on both sides of the ball and the Panthers can develop some depth, look for this team to win another district title and make a strong playoff push once again.

 

Game of the Year: at North Hardin (September 9)

Perhaps an odd choice for such an early game, but with three winnable games to start the season, the matchup with 6A county rival North Hardin should give everyone an early glimpse at the development of this year’s Panther squad. E-town doesn’t have to win the game, but if Brown’s club can give a good account of themselves, the schedule eases significantly and another magical run could be on the doorstep.

 

12. Adair County Indians (10-2; lost to Caldwell County in second round)

Few teams have put up regular season numbers as impressive as Adair County over the last two years. An 8-2 season in 2014 was followed up with a 9-1 record in 2015. But the Indians were several rungs below South Warren and Elizabethtown, respectively, in their district each year and lost in the second round of the playoffs both years. With a new coach, and a hefty contingent of returning talent, could this be the year Adair gets over the hump?

 

Clay Stephens comes to Columbia from Warren Central, where his 2015 Dragons finished 3-8. Stephens will have senior Chance Melton returning to run the offense after passing for 1,689 yards and 22 touchdowns last season. The versatile Melton also ran for 784 yards and 12 touchdowns. Running back Jordan Lasley is back having rushed for over 1,000 yards each of the last two seasons, while wide outs Shymez Brabson and Cameron Lasley should again provide big play capability. The line returns several starters, including Isaac Carter, Jacob Doss, and Brady Hixson.

 

Game of the Year: at Elizabethtown (October 14)

If Adair County is going to be considered as anything more than a big stats/weak schedule team, they have to win a meaningful game against a typically superior opponent. Elizabethtown lost much of their state semifinal team last season, while Adair returns much from their 2015 campaign. If the Indians could go to Elizabethtown and win, many questions from the last couple of seasons will begin to be answered.

 

13. Bell County Bobcats (10-3; lost to Corbin in regional finals)

By almost any measuring stick, Bell County is one of the top 25 programs in Kentucky high school football history. Log Mountain houses 21 district championships and two state championship trophies. Tradition has dictated that this would almost always be a top 10 team. So why is this year different? Because the Bobcats graduated a ton of players, saw off their coach after a couple of unfortunate events, and hired an out-of-state coach from seemingly off the radar after what seemed like an eternally long search. There were rumors of all previous assistant coaches quitting and allegations that the current administration had no interest in football and might have even wanted to see the program fail. In a word: drama.

 

With all of that said, however, Bell County and new coach Amos McCreary does return running back Treyton Humfleet, one of the best players in 3A football. Humfleet, a senior, amassed 1,950 yards on the ground in 2015 and struck pay dirt 39 times. While there were numerous graduation losses, Bell does return ten seniors who have some experience.

 

Game of the Year: at Corbin (October 14)

Bell County fell twice to Corbin last season, blowing an early lead in the regular season meeting and losing by a lone score in the regional final. With the Redhounds expected to field one of their best teams in recent years, how Bell competes at Campbell Field in mid-October will go far in determining the state of the Bobcat program.

 

14. Fleming County Panthers (7-4; lost to Lawrence County in first round)

Fleming County shocked much of Class 3A with an 18-7 victory at Russell last season, only to completely cave in the next week, being shut out by West Carter, 43-0. Tiebreakers declared Fleming to be the three seed and their season ended in the opening round at Lawrence County. Now the Panthers come into 2016 with seven starters returning on each side of the ball, including quarterback Josh Crump who threw for 1,326 yards and 16 touchdowns last year.

 

Fleming has shown progress in their program over the last few years and posted an undefeated junior varsity campaign in 2015. If the experienced players returning can improve from last season and avoid any ugly pratfalls like last year’s West Carter loss, then a district championship could very well be in the cards.

 

Game of the Year: Russell (September 30)

Last year’s win over Russell ultimately did nothing for Fleming County in the district standings. It was, however, a meaningful victory over the Red Devils, the first for Fleming since 2001. With the district seemingly wide open this season, a second straight win over Russell could assure the Panthers a first district title since that 2001 season and only their fourth in school history.

 

15. Trigg County Wildcats (2-8; missed playoffs)

This might be too high of a ranking for a team that finished last season 2-8 and missed the postseason, but the Wildcats return six starters on offense and nine on defense, and in a district with some questions, it might be enough to push Trigg to a winning season.

 

Quarterback Tyreke Wilson, an all-Purchase Area performer on defense last season, is receiving some high level collegiate interest, as is teammate D’Avion Phillips, a lineman. Trigg County has size and skill returning, but will need to put all the pieces together, something they were unable to do last season.

 

Game of the Year: Paducah Tilghman (September 30)

Caldwell County could be a bridge too far for Trigg, but a home game with rebuilding Paducah Tilghman might be a chance to pick up an early “name” win for the Wildcats. Knocking off the Tornado would also give Trigg an inside shot at hosting a playoff game and avoiding a long trip to either Elizabethtown or Adair County.

 

16. Bardstown Tigers (5-6; lost to Lexington Catholic in first round)

Bardstown is a strong name in Kentucky football history, holders of four state championships and 21 district titles. But the Tigers haven’t won a district since 2009 and haven’t advanced to a regional final since 2007. Playing in a district with traditional power Central and resurgent Waggener, along with a region that includes Lexington Catholic and Boyle County, the odds of a deep run for Bardstown are slim.

 

Last year saw the Tigers finish 5-6 with an opening round playoff loss at Lexington Catholic. Bardstown developed some linemen last season and much of that crew returns. The Tigers should also field a much stronger defense this time around. Playmakers Tariq Armour, Quintez Barbour, and Deondre Boggs should help an offense that struggled to put points on the board against quality opponents in 2015. There is quite a bit of talent in the lower classes, too, which means the future is bright for Coach David Clark.

 

Game of the Year: Elizabethtown (September 16)

While not a district game, the matchup with Elizabethtown should give Clark and indication of where his team is and where it needs to be moving forward into district play. Last year Bardstown was outclassed by the Panthers, losing 38-7. But with E-town graduating a large number of contributors, Bardstown could make an early name for themselves with a big win and show that District 3 might be more than just a two-horse race.

 

17. Breathitt County Bobcats (4-7; lost to Casey County in first round)

They might not be ready to start singing “Happy Days are Here Again” in Jackson this season, but for a program that was so dominant in the 1990s and 2000s, the return to competitiveness is something to get excited about. Talented sophomore quarterback Cameron Stacy passed for 1,072 yards and 12 scores last year, but also tossed 11 interceptions, something coach and former Breathitt quarterback Kyle Moore will hope to remedy this time around.

 

Breathitt is young but does return quite a bit of experience, although it was gained as something of a trial by fire in 2015. The Bobcats should show some improvement this time around, and while they might not be a top 10 team, Breathitt should compete for their first district title since 2013 in what looks to be a wide open district.

 

Game of the Year: at Estill County (September 30)

District 7 looks to be anyone's guess yet again this year and with Breathitt County hosting three district games and only playing two on the road, the first of those road trips could be the most important. Kyle Moore’s club will travel to Irvine to meet an Estill County team that also has eyes on the district crown. Breathitt beat Estill last season and if they can do it again this year, the path to a playoff one-seed begins to open up nicely.

 

18. West Carter Comets (9-3; lost to Lawrence County in second round)

How do you top the best season in school history, one that saw the Comets win their first ever district championship? Well, you probably can’t. But long time coach Kevin Brown does have some new pieces to plug into his offense and if all goes according to plan, another winning season could come to Olive Hill.

 

Ethan Brown will step into the gigantic shoes left behind by Braden Brown. Ethan only attempted two passes last season, but did run for 293 yards and four touchdowns. West Carter also returns Peyton Brown, Braden’s brother, who rushed for 642 yards and five scores. District foes Russell and Fleming County might be a step ahead of the Comets, but West Carter is making positive strides with their program.

 

Game of the Year: Fleming County (October 7)

District 5 went to tiebreakers last year and West Carter was the beneficiary. The Comets fell to Russell before routing Fleming County, fresh off their upset victory of Russell, on the road. This year, West Carter gets Fleming County at home and a win there could go far in determining who gets a home playoff game. If Fleming isn't focused after their game with Russell, be it a win or loss, the Comets could be waiting to pounce.

 

19. Casey County Rebels (5-7; lost to Corbin in second round)

In 1999, Steve Stonebraker came to Casey County to take over a team that had just endured a 46-game losing streak and had never posted a winning record. Stonebraker promptly led the Rebels to a 4-5 record his first season and followed that with a 6-5 record in 2000, replete with the program’s first ever playoff appearance. Stonebraker then left for Garrard County, where he spent seven seasons before making stops at Centre College, Woodford County, and Jeffersontown. Now he’s back in Liberty, looking to bring the same success a second time around.

 

The program Stonebraker inherits this time is a far cry from what he came to the first time. Last year, Casey County won five games, including a first round playoff game at Breathitt County, the second playoff win in school history. The Rebels return seven starters on offense and eight on defense. Quarterback Breece Hayes threw for 1,150 yards and 12 touchdowns in 2015, while running back Colin Miller toted the ball for 563 yards. Both should add explosiveness to an offense that averaged just over 22 points per game.

 

Game of the Year: Bell County (September 30)

The gap between Casey County and their two primary district opponents was wide last year, with Corbin shutting out Casey twice, and Bell County beating the Rebels 47-12. However, with questions surrounding the Bell program and with Casey hosting the Bobcats this year, could this be the year the Rebels knock off the Bobcats and host a playoff game?

 

20. Edmonson County Wildcats (6-5; lost to Paducah Tilghman in first round)

Edmonson County has a new coach in Nathan Smith, but returns an experienced roster with a number of players who saw significant action in 2015. Last year’s club lost four regular season games, including a heartbreaker to Barren County in the finale, and was well behind district pace setters Elizabethtown and Adair County. However, senior running back Daniel Caudill returns and with him his 1,311 yards on the ground and 10 touchdowns. Junior quarterback Tucker Cole also returns and should be much more seasoned after an up-and-down campaign that saw him throw for 734 yards and seven touchdowns, but also toss five picks. Caudill and Cole will operate behind massive (6’6”, 350) lineman Logan Hagan.

 

Game of the Year: at Hart County (October 7)

With Elizabethtown and Adair County expected to again be solid, Edmonson is likely still competing for a third place spot in the district. The trip to Hart County, immediately on the heels of games against the two district powers, will be a difficult challenge, but Hart lost much from last year and the Wildcats could pick up a very important district road win.

 

 

 

 

Top 25 Players in Class 3A

 

Cole Bentley, OL - Belfry

Jarius Brents, WR/DB - Waggener

Shane Burns, QB - Caldwell County

Nick Conley, RB/DB - Russell

Noah Corbett, QB/DB - Belfry

Austin Dotson, OL - Belfry

Kirk Fagot, QB - Lexington Catholic

Jacob Foley, RB - Garrard County

Manny Harper, WR - Waggener

Rayquan Horton, DL - Belfry

Treyton Humfleet, RB/DB - Bell County

Cameron Jones, QB - Knott County Central

Woodford Lankford, OL - Lexington Catholic

Jordan Lasley, RB - Adair County

Chance Melton, QB - Adair County

A.J. Moore, WR - Corbin

D'Avion Phillips, OL/DL - Trigg County

Tahj Rice, DE - Waggener

Jevonte Riley, RB - Caldwell County

WinDale Robinson, RB/DB - Western Hills

Cameron Sizemore, QB - Corbin

Cameron Stacy, QB - Breathitt County

Devin Varney, DB - Belfry

Tyreke Wilson, QB/DB - Trigg County

Austin Woolum, K/WR/DB - Belfry

[Thor of Asgard]

Good preview. The only part I disagree with is having Central ranked so highly. They lost too much to even be in the ballpark of the top 10 in 3A. This will probably be a losing season for Central.

[gchs_uk9]

Good preview. The only part I disagree with is having Central ranked so highly. They lost too much to even be in the ballpark of the top 10 in 3A. This will probably be a losing season for Central.

 

We discussed this thoroughly. Their biggest advantage is Scroggins and the fact that much of 3A also lost quite a bit. It will be interesting to follow their progress.

[Purple88]

Great work GC!!!

[strongopenyon]

Outstanding job!

 

I must point out one oversight on the top players in Kentucky 3A football.

 

Lexington Catholic's Jack Fagot (his twin brother Kirk is on the list) should be on your top 25 list. I would argue, Jack might be a top 10 player in this class.

[ColonelPride]

Until someone knocks Belfry off their perch 3A is theirs. Lex Cath is likely to come out and meet them again, but do not count out Caldwell Co. But Belfry runs this show.

[85_Rebel]

Very strong article. Should be another great year for 3A

[DevilMayCare]

Excellent job, @gchs_uk9. The rankings look pretty spot on.

 

A few observations:

 

It's Belfry's world, the rest of 3A is just living in it. At this point, the only thing missing from Belfry's resume is an undefeated season. I'm sure that's not the #1 goal for Haywood and Co., but it's just about the only thing they haven't accomplished.

 

I agree that Waggener might be the second most talented team in the class. They'll likely be the most interesting team to follow this season in 3A. If that talented roster can gel, they could very well represent the West in BG.

 

If Fleming County can produce a running game capable of taking some pressure off of Crump, the Panthers could work their way into the top 10 at some point this year.

 

Line play will make or break Russell's season. If the lines are good, Russell could potentially be a very good team. If not, they'll be about the same as last year. The Red Devils return several good skill people on offense and a very experienced secondary. I'm also excited to see what the new QB can do. He's got plenty of physical ability.

 

If I have one reservation about the top 10, it's Tilghman at #9. It's just a gut feeling, but, at this point, I'm hardwired to expect PT to underacheive. Maybe Barber can be the spark they need. I just need to see it materialize on the field first.

[gchs_uk9]

If I have one reservation about the top 10, it's Tilghman at #9. It's just a gut feeling, but, at this point, I'm hardwired to expect PT to underacheive. Maybe Barber can be the spark they need. I just need to see it materialize on the field first.

 

I'm in a very similar boat. These rankings are done through conversation with the ranking staff at BGP. We were all in agreement that Tilghman usually underachieves, but they also always have tons of talent. We're giving the new staff a flyer this year but will be watching with a close eye.

[4chs]

Corbin is ranked a little high, probably would have them in the #4-6 range. They have a lot of starters back and have plenty of depth, but have some spots that are unproven.

[Jim Schue]

District 3 is going to be ridiculous. I saw a little bit of first team v. first team in Bardstown's scrimmage tonight with Central Hardin, and they have the makings of a pretty good defense. I feel for whoever ends up being the 3 and 4 seed in this one. Somebody good could be left out as well.

[charlesw88]

It's going to be an interesting season in 3A. I'd like to see teams 2-6 make a run at Belfry but I don't feel like that will happen.