I'm not really looking for a top 10 prediction thread here, there will be time for that later. What I am hoping is we could just talk about some individual teams in Class 3A and have a discussion about them as well as the class overall.

 

What teams do we think will be improved in 2017?

What teams may take a step back?

What teams will compete for their district, regional, semi or state title?

Who may be the surprise team that steps it up that maybe we wouldn't expect?

 

 

Here are the final records and district standings from 2016...

[TABLE=width: 311]

[TR]

[TD][/TD]

[TD]Overall[/TD]

[TD]District[/TD]

[/TR]

[TR]

[TD]Class 3A, District 1 [/TD]

[TD][/TD]

[TD][/TD]

[/TR]

[TR]

[TD] (1)Caldwell County [/TD]

[TD]8-5[/TD]

[TD]4-0[/TD]

[/TR]

[TR]

[TD] (2)Paducah Tilghman [/TD]

[TD]6-6[/TD]

[TD]3-1[/TD]

[/TR]

[TR]

[TD] (3)Union County [/TD]

[TD]6-5[/TD]

[TD]1-3[/TD]

[/TR]

[TR]

[TD] (4)Fort Campbell [/TD]

[TD]2-9[/TD]

[TD]1-3[/TD]

[/TR]

[TR]

[TD] Trigg County [/TD]

[TD]3-7[/TD]

[TD]1-3[/TD]

[/TR]

[TR]

[TD]--

[/TD]

[TD][/TD]

[TD][/TD]

[/TR]

[TR]

[TD]Class 3A, District 2 [/TD]

[TD][/TD]

[TD][/TD]

[/TR]

[TR]

[TD] (1)Elizabethtown [/TD]

[TD]10-4[/TD]

[TD]4-0[/TD]

[/TR]

[TR]

[TD] (2)Adair County [/TD]

[TD]8-4[/TD]

[TD]2-2[/TD]

[/TR]

[TR]

[TD] (3)LaRue County [/TD]

[TD]5-6[/TD]

[TD]2-2[/TD]

[/TR]

[TR]

[TD] (4)Hart County [/TD]

[TD]3-8[/TD]

[TD]1-3[/TD]

[/TR]

[TR]

[TD] Edmonson County [/TD]

[TD]4-6[/TD]

[TD]1-3[/TD]

[/TR]

[TR]

[TD]--

[/TD]

[TD][/TD]

[TD][/TD]

[/TR]

[TR]

[TD]Class 3A, District 3 [/TD]

[TD][/TD]

[TD][/TD]

[/TR]

[TR]

[TD] (1)Central [/TD]

[TD]9-6[/TD]

[TD]5-0[/TD]

[/TR]

[TR]

[TD] (2)Bardstown [/TD]

[TD]10-2[/TD]

[TD]4-1[/TD]

[/TR]

[TR]

[TD] (3)Moore [/TD]

[TD]7-4[/TD]

[TD]3-2[/TD]

[/TR]

[TR]

[TD] (4)Waggener [/TD]

[TD]6-5[/TD]

[TD]2-3[/TD]

[/TR]

[TR]

[TD] Thomas Nelson [/TD]

[TD]4-6[/TD]

[TD]1-4[/TD]

[/TR]

[TR]

[TD] Henry County [/TD]

[TD]2-8[/TD]

[TD]0-5[/TD]

[/TR]

[TR]

[TD]--

[/TD]

[TD][/TD]

[TD][/TD]

[/TR]

[TR]

[TD]Class 3A, District 4 [/TD]

[TD][/TD]

[TD][/TD]

[/TR]

[TR]

[TD] (1)Lexington Catholic [/TD]

[TD]7-6[/TD]

[TD]3-0[/TD]

[/TR]

[TR]

[TD] (2)Boyle County [/TD]

[TD]7-5[/TD]

[TD]2-1[/TD]

[/TR]

[TR]

[TD] (3)Western Hills [/TD]

[TD]7-4[/TD]

[TD]1-2[/TD]

[/TR]

[TR]

[TD] (4)Garrard County [/TD]

[TD]5-6[/TD]

[TD]0-3[/TD]

[/TR]

[TR]

[TD]--

[/TD]

[TD][/TD]

[TD][/TD]

[/TR]

[TR]

[TD]Class 3A, District 5 [/TD]

[TD][/TD]

[TD][/TD]

[/TR]

[TR]

[TD] (1)Russell [/TD]

[TD]10-2[/TD]

[TD]5-0[/TD]

[/TR]

[TR]

[TD] (2)Fleming County [/TD]

[TD]8-4[/TD]

[TD]4-1[/TD]

[/TR]

[TR]

[TD] (3)West Carter [/TD]

[TD]6-5[/TD]

[TD]3-2[/TD]

[/TR]

[TR]

[TD] (4)Bath County [/TD]

[TD]4-7[/TD]

[TD]2-3[/TD]

[/TR]

[TR]

[TD] Lewis County [/TD]

[TD]1-9[/TD]

[TD]1-4[/TD]

[/TR]

[TR]

[TD] Pendleton County [/TD]

[TD]2-8[/TD]

[TD]0-5[/TD]

[/TR]

[TR]

[TD]--

[/TD]

[TD][/TD]

[TD][/TD]

[/TR]

[TR]

[TD]Class 3A, District 6 [/TD]

[TD][/TD]

[TD][/TD]

[/TR]

[TR]

[TD] (1)Belfry [/TD]

[TD]14-1[/TD]

[TD]2-0[/TD]

[/TR]

[TR]

[TD] (2)Pike County Central [/TD]

[TD]5-7[/TD]

[TD]1-1[/TD]

[/TR]

[TR]

[TD] (3)Lawrence County [/TD]

[TD]4-7[/TD]

[TD]0-2[/TD]

[/TR]

[TR]

[TD] Sheldon Clark[/TD]

[TD]2-6[/TD]

[TD]n/a[/TD]

[/TR]

[TR]

[TD] Floyd Central[/TD]

[TD]n/a[/TD]

[TD]n/a[/TD]

[/TR]

[TR]

[TD]--

[/TD]

[TD][/TD]

[TD][/TD]

[/TR]

[TR]

[TD]Class 3A, District 7 [/TD]

[TD][/TD]

[TD][/TD]

[/TR]

[TR]

[TD] (1)Estill County [/TD]

[TD]9-3[/TD]

[TD]5-0[/TD]

[/TR]

[TR]

[TD] (2)Breathitt County [/TD]

[TD]4-7[/TD]

[TD]4-1[/TD]

[/TR]

[TR]

[TD] (3)Powell County [/TD]

[TD]4-7[/TD]

[TD]3-2[/TD]

[/TR]

[TR]

[TD] (4)Knott County Central [/TD]

[TD]5-6[/TD]

[TD]2-3[/TD]

[/TR]

[TR]

[TD] Magoffin County [/TD]

[TD]2-8[/TD]

[TD]1-4[/TD]

[/TR]

[TR]

[TD] Morgan County [/TD]

[TD]1-9[/TD]

[TD]0-5[/TD]

[/TR]

[TR]

[TD]--

[/TD]

[TD][/TD]

[TD][/TD]

[/TR]

[TR]

[TD]Class 3A, District 8 [/TD]

[TD][/TD]

[TD][/TD]

[/TR]

[TR]

[TD] (1)Corbin [/TD]

[TD]12-2[/TD]

[TD]3-0[/TD]

[/TR]

[TR]

[TD] (2)Casey County [/TD]

[TD]10-2[/TD]

[TD]2-1[/TD]

[/TR]

[TR]

[TD] (3)Bell County [/TD]

[TD]4-8[/TD]

[TD]1-2[/TD]

[/TR]

[TR]

[TD] (4)Jackson County [/TD]

[TD]2-9[/TD]

[TD]0-3[/TD]

[/TR]

[/TABLE]

Belfry graduates that monster class and conventional wisdom says they will fall back to the pack. They still return a solid core of players and some really talented younger guys who will contribute. The most felt losses will be on the line of scrimmage, and it may take a while to find the right combination and gain some experience there. I think they will be just fine come November, but they may take some lumps in the season.

 

The Pirates return FB/LB Derrick Wellman who was MVP of the finals with 195 rushing yards. They also return RB Taveon Hunter and RB Justin Adkins who missed most of the season with broken ribs. QB Avery Browning has seen a lot of playing time over the past two years and he will step into that role with no problems. Barker returns on the OL and Rash started several games this past season.

 

On defense, Wellmans LB mate, Austin Fields returns and outside LB Grayson Cook. Browning, Hunter, Adkins and Devin Varney have all played considerable time in the secondary and they all return. Chase Runyon returns on the DL.

 

That is a good core to build around

FWIW...... I think we'll see improvement across the board for Paducah Tilghman next season. Look for them to make a move in that district. I think E-town will continue to lead the way in Dist 2. I think at this point Central, in District 3, should be the favorite to once again make it to Bowling Green and seriously contend for the Title. They have ALOT coming back. I see real improvement coming for a fast maturing Boyle Co team in District 4. That will be a dog fight between Central and Boyle. Honestly....on the Eastern side....while I do think Fleming and Russell will both be much improved....I cannot see either challenging Belfry. Corbin will have a walk thru straight to the State Semi finals...and bring about World War III. Barring unforeseen injuries.....a potential Act 3 from Corbin and Belfry on Pond Creek would definitely be A MUST SEE GAME. I could easily see 6,000-7,000 in attendance. Definitely a long way off....and a lot of things can happen. But it's fun to speculate

FWIW...... I think we'll see improvement across the board for Paducah Tilghman next season. Look for them to make a move in that district. I think E-town will continue to lead the way in Dist 2. I think at this point Central, in District 3, should be the favorite to once again make it to Bowling Green and seriously contend for the Title. They have ALOT coming back. I see real improvement coming for a fast maturing Boyle Co team in District 4. That will be a dog fight between Central and Boyle. Honestly....on the Eastern side....while I do think Fleming and Russell will both be much improved....I cannot see either challenging Belfry. Corbin will have a walk thru straight to the State Semi finals...and bring about World War III. Barring unforeseen injuries.....a potential Act 3 from Corbin and Belfry on Pond Creek would definitely be A MUST SEE GAME. I could easily see 6,000-7,000 in attendance. Definitely a long way off....and a lot of things can happen. But it's fun to speculate

 

I think you are pretty spot on with all. E-town won't miss a beat. They are locked an loaded for the next few years.

 

As to the bolded; if only that were the case. Fact is, we could all fill out our Final 8,4,finals teams in every class for next year RIGHT NOW & we'd all be in the All A/B honor roll or likely all 'A' (with a few 4.0's or more). :lol2:

Boyle County was pretty young, right? What do they return for 2017? I think they may be on the verge of a run of dominance in that district/region.

I'm going to go out on a limb and say that the district standing will be the same next year. Maybe not the records, but I think every district plays out the same way.

I'm sure a Boyle follower can shed some additional light on this...but I believe they return6-7 starters on both sides of the ball. Their cupboard is bursting at the seems from what I've been told. I know their soon to be sophomore class is loaded for bear and should really begin to make it's mark on the program next season.

 

IMO, Central and Boyle will be in a flat dog fight to move on to BG.

I'll take it District By District:

 

District 1:

Caldwell County should be solid once more with Shane Burns returning and one of the Riley's. When watching video on Caldwell they just seemed to lack a toughness at the LOS, for them to be a serious threat that will have to change. You aren't winning 3A without competing at the LOS.

 

Paducah Tilghman.... ole Tilghman... every year the same song and dance. Everyone claims PT is turning the corner, I caution that I can't take them serious given their track record, people call me a hater and try to convince me I am wrong... Tilghman then proceeds to do the same old thing. Here's the deal... Tilghman will have Top 5 talent, but until we see them improve at the LOS get better disciplined, and the coaching improve I can't see them as a viable threat for a State Title.

 

District 2

Etown is the team to beat in Region 1 and Coach Brown, for all intents of purposes, did a great job in 2016 and I felt they even overachieved a bit. This was a very Junior heavy team and return their three top rushers, their QB, and their top receiving threat.

 

Long story short I really, really like Etown. They will be tough on Defense, solid on Offense, and they bring great athleticism. They also have some young talent coming up that will be very good in the Sophomore and Freshman Class. The big knock on Etown, and what will keep my expectations tempered, is they just don't have a ton of size and have more guys playing Iron Man than the top contenders in 3A. Still, this is a team that has potential to make big noise.

 

Adair County has elevated themselves the past few years but they lose a lot with this Senior Class. I think they take a step back, but still remain at a level that is higher than the Indians have been accustomed to.

 

District 3

Central wasn't necessarily a shock to reach the Finals, but they also weren't the team I think most was expecting... especially in the fashion in which they beat some very good teams. The Yellowjackets have a lot to look forward to with a good portion of their line and outside skill players returning including Ukari Baker. Central will lose their backfield and their best Defensive Player in LB Jonathan Dooley. The other question is if Scroggins is back... last year there was a lot of smoke he was thinking of being a fan in the stands and I expect that temptation to grow. If Scroggins returns they will be a legitimate Title Threat.

 

Bardstown was the most pleasant surprise of the 3A year as they finished 10-2 and were right in the thick of the race in the West. The Tigers lose the majority of their Offensive and Defensive firepower to graduation. They should still be very competitive, but those losses will be tough in an "up" year for 3A.

 

Waggener has the talent for sure... but as we saw this year don't hold your breathe that they will put it together to contend in a brutal region. Waggener may very well have the two top individual talents in 3A, but until they can build depth and battle in the trenches they are at best a darkhorse.

 

District 4

Boyle will be improved... probably a by a good amount... but will they improve enough to close the gap with the other heavy hitters? Reese Smith, Landen Bartleston, and Tanner Crawford are a trio anyone wish they could build around, but the Rebels will have to play catch up to both Central and LexCath that have had their number and look to be solid teams once more.

 

LexCath's hopes of a 2nd straight title game were derailed by injuries and a lightning fast Central Defense. The Knights will be on the short list of 3A Title Contenders led by Dameon Jones. Beau Allen is a promising young QB but he will have to show a lot of maturation.

 

District 5

Russell had a much more "Russell-esque" type of year going 10-1 until meeting Belfry in the Regional Finals. Russell returns QB Austin Smith who played very well, but they lose their three top playmakers in Maxx Blackburn, Landon Brewer, and most importantly Nick Conley, one of Russell's better backs in recent memory. The Devils still have nice pieces around the field and on what was a stingy D in 2016, the Devils might not have the juice to be a Title Threat, but they will fit comfortably in the second tier of teams.

 

Fleming County will win games in 2017. They get back QB Josh Crump who is dynamic, and his two favorite receiving threats. The Panthers will be tough for lesser opponents to match-up with, but will need to become a much more complete team on D and Special Teams to knock off the heavyweights Russell and Belfry.

 

District 6

Expect both Pike Central and Lawrence County to take a step back toward their normal levels as Top 10-15 type of teams. Both were very young and took lumps this year, but should both be stronger in year number two of their Head Coaches.

 

Belfry is, and will remain, the team everyone is chasing. The Pirates lost a great Senior Class but the cupboard is far from bare as the Pirates had great depth and great youth waiting. Derek Wellman may be the best all-around player in 3A next year and the Pirates still have some game breakers returning on each side of the ball. Don't expect total domination as we have seen the past two years, but Belfry will firmly be amongst the teams with the best shot at a Title.

 

District 7

This District has struggled to compete at the higher level of the class in recent years. Estill County won the District Title and will most likely once more be the team to beat. They Engineers two headed rushing attack returns one of those heads in Beckler.

 

Knott Central should continue to improve under John Chapman and will have a veteran QB in Cameron Jones. Breathitt should be a little better. All in all though, this will be tough to advance past the 2nd Round no matter who wins.

 

District 8

The Hounds were howling for 3 Quarters against Belfry, but then the bottom fell out. Coach Haddix will have to replace a solid Senior Class including some of his top Defenders, his two top running backs, and his excellent WR AJ Moore, but Corbin still has plenty in the tank. Cameron Sizemore is KY 3A's version of Tim Tebow and the Hounds have numerous quality weapons to get the ball in the hands of. Remember the name Chase Estep.. I expect a big year from him. Corbin will be a Pre-Season Top 3 or 4 team.

 

Casey County was without a doubt the surprise of the year in 3A. The Rebs only lost two times to Corbin and secured the best season in school history. Casey will have some big shoes to fill but you have to love the momentum and expect them to continue to be competitive.

 

Bell County is on hard times. Talent pool is down and cohesion is missing. They should be able to close the gap on Casey County some, but I don't see the Bobcats threatening for the District.

I think you are pretty spot on with all. E-town won't miss a beat. They are locked an loaded for the next few years.

 

As to the bolded; if only that were the case. Fact is, we could all fill out our Final 8,4,finals teams in every class for next year RIGHT NOW & we'd all be in the All A/B honor roll or likely all 'A' (with a few 4.0's or more). :lol2:

 

Etown is a program in great shape for the near future.

 

Brown is doing a great job and their Middle School team was excellent last year (2015), andthis year was the first Middle School not named Belfry to win the Division 2 State Title over the past 5 or 6 years. That team has some serious young talent

 

Etown will be a tough out for anyone in 2017, and a State Title would not surprise me at all over the next 4 years with the cupboard getting as stocked as it is.

FWIW...... I think we'll see improvement across the board for Paducah Tilghman next season. Look for them to make a move in that district. e

 

I am sorry... but I just have to see it happen first at this point with Tilghman.

Couple of EARLY 3A Nuggets:

 

1. If the 2016 Belfry team would not have won the 3A State Championship, I would have felt it would have been a HUGE collapse for them to not win it with the special SR Group they had. With those Hosses graduated, it's more of a level playing field.

 

2. Of all the teams that I have followed over the past couple years, I have missed the most on Etown. I have picked against them on numerous occasions and have been wrong on just about everyone of them. Well, I'm not going to make that mistake in 2017, I look for the Panthers to have a Big year.

 

3. I look for Caldwell County and Paducah Tilghman to again be the cream of the Western Kentucky crop next year but just don't have a great feeling they can make a big splash beyond the 2nd round of the playoffs.

 

4. Boy District 4 (LexCath, Boyle, Western Hills and Garrard) is a tough district.

 

5. If Central Coach Scroggins coaches in 2017, it will be tough to keep Central out of the finals again IMO.

 

6. Corbin will be very good again, but would have to go to Pond Creek and win to make it to WKU. Tough task there.

 

7. Who plays the most difficult 3A non-district schedule? Who has won the most 3A championships since the mid-2000s? I don't think its any coincidence that the 2 teams that IMO play the toughest out of district schedule have won the most championships. Don't be surprised if it isn't Central and Belfry again for the title next year. Not a given, but they both schedule awfully hard to get there!

I'm sure a Boyle follower can shed some additional light on this...but I believe they return6-7 starters on both sides of the ball. Their cupboard is bursting at the seems from what I've been told. I know their soon to be sophomore class is loaded for bear and should really begin to make it's mark on the program next season.

 

IMO, Central and Boyle will be in a flat dog fight to move on to BG.

 

Boyle's freshman and sophomore classes were absolutely loaded this year, I've been told by one of the coaches that Smith had made the comment that this years freshman class was the best he's seen in both of his tenures at Boyle , the freshman class as 8th graders beat Lexington Catholic 54 to 14 and the score could have been a lot worse. I think a lot depends on who's the starting QB at Boyle next season if it's Reed Lanter I expect a good season. Boyle's only losing 9 seniors and the fact that Central and Lexington Catholic both are graduating around 17 or 18 seniors which makes around 40 to 45 seniors these two schools have lost over the past two seasons IMO should start to catch up with them. I expect Boyle to be in the hunt next year.

I am sorry... but I just have to see it happen first at this point with Tilghman.

 

Agree completely. I do think they'll have top 4-5 talent in 3A. But definitely think you're spot on with their play at the LOS.

Love the breakdown by ATLCAT. Never too early to begin to look at next season!

For snots and giggles, just to throw it out there:

 

1. Central- Return a great core of talent from the State Runner-Up including a playmaking WR, one of the best LB's in 3A, and the brunt of a solid Defense

 

2. Corbin- Return 3A's Tim Tebow at QB and some nice complimentary pieces on each side of the ball

 

3. Belfry- Lose a stellar Senior Class but the cupboard is far from bare. Offensive Backfield and majority of Defense should be very good, but huge holes to fill and questions at the LOS where they lose "all-time" type of talents

 

4. Etown- Most likely going to be the most experienced team in 3A returning after a strong Semi-Final push. Darkhorse for a State Championship if you want one.

 

5. LexCath- Really nice talent returning at the skill spots but they will have big holes to fill.

 

6. Boyle County- The Wildcard team. Boyle is going to be very young and very talented... will this be the year they make the huge strides or will it have to wait til next year in a tough Region?

 

7. Caldwell County- Return one of 3A's best QB's and some nice pieces for him to work with, can Caldwell improve enough up front to contend?

 

8. Paducah Tilghman- Some may want them higher but until they prove otherwise this is almost an optimistic ranking

 

9. Western Hills- May have 3A's best Offensive Player back and they really improved in 2016, can they put enough around him to close that gap more?

 

10. Russell- Red Devils lose Mr. Everything Conley and will take a little step back