1. Will Coach Weinrich right the ship in Fort Thomas?

 

 

 

9. Little Recognition, Big Stats

What Kentucky lacks in high profile Offensive players, they make up in guys who may be off the radar with a massive opportunity to post video game style numbers from the RB position.

 

A few in particular who all had over 2,000 Yards Rushing and Receiving:

RB WanDale Robinson, Western Hills (2449 yards)

RB Cory Smith, Hazard (2,946 yards)

RB Joe Jackson, Johnson Central (2080 yards)

RB Brandon Troxell, McCreary Central (2296 yards)

RB Dillon Wheatley, LCA (2096 yards)

 

In addition throw in a handful of receivers who finished among the State's best statistically such as Daviess County's Marquel Tinsley, Knott Central's Tyler Kidd, and Southwestern's JP Vaught.

 

 

 

I saw a friend of the family of Hunter Perdue, 2028 yards Bullitt East. He said he is now 190 lbs, last year 165. Apparently the kid was banged up most of the season an put those numbers. He is getting clocked around 4.5 in his 40's. Could be a sleeper. Not to mention it is Coach Mark Sander's 2nd year at Bullitt East. Coach Sander is one of the great coaches in the state.

1. I can't believe there hasn't been a change by now. He has got more time than many have expected..

2. Mayfield misses the state finals and then everyone freaks out... They are human and the team that beat them won it so that says a lot. 7 straight finals is just unreal and some teams would just love to make it. Mayfield will be in the thick of things as always.

Right after the season ended I was less optimistic but a closer look leaves me pretty confident that the Cards can be right there. Their O line is expected to be the best in years and there great depth at RB so they should be a better running team and the receiving core is expected to be outstanding but the question will be how well the new young QB play progresses. The defense is expected to be better and very physical. The schedule is the toughest they have had is as long as I can recall so they will get thrown straight into the fire starting in week 1. Out West CAL returns their stars but lost the bulk of their starters and DeSales was young and should be better. Closer to MF in the far West I expect OC to have one of their best teams ever. I think its 1 of these 4 and could be anyone of them but I am feeling pretty good about the Cards chances if the QB play comes along as it has the last decade under 3 really good QB's

 

I see Mayfield as a system offense. They have a quick hitting passing game that is less reliant on top talent at QB than it is on just executing the system itself. A lot of the passes are bubble passes and similar quick short routes that it doesn't take a great arm to complete. Correct if I am wrong - but because of that I would not be worried about QB in the Mayfield offense like I would be in a lot of other offenses.

I see Mayfield as a system offense. They have a quick hitting passing game that is less reliant on top talent at QB than it is on just executing the system itself. A lot of the passes are bubble passes and similar quick short routes that it doesn't take a great arm to complete. Correct if I am wrong - but because of that I would not be worried about QB in the Mayfield offense like I would be in a lot of other offenses.

Yes and no.

When Mayfield plays good teams, you have to be able to throw the ball down field and with accuracy. The QB's are getting better, I'm told.

On item 5 1A title match, Beechwood and Hazard are going to be the heavy favorites. It will be an upset if there isn't a rematch. Both teams were very good and very young last year. Both teams are going to have outstanding tailbacks. Smith was great last year for Hazard. James Davis is going to have an outstanding season for Beechwood. He will be one of the top 2 or 3 backs in 1A this year.

I know I'm very biased but there has to be mention of Trinity chasing title number 25. After claiming sole possession of the mountain top last season will they get some separation from their nearest challenger? Trinity has a whole lot to replace offensively but their defense looks to be stout. The cupboard of returning offensive talent isn't completely bare. Sr. Rondale Moore will get to play at the outset this year. Defensively Jr. Steven Herron will cause problems for opponents offenses. Trinity's early schedule will be packed with strong regional competition and they could take their lumps early but they will be prepared for another playoff run.

 

Interesting fact Bob Beatty's first championship at Trinity was the schools 13th overall. If Trinity wins number 25 it will be Beatty's 13th title as head coach, more then any head coach in KY history. Symmetry.

AT---

What does the QB situation look like? Will the Rocks - for the 3rd or 4th year in a row - likely start a first-year-starting senior? Trinity's offense must be a good system.

I see Mayfield as a system offense. They have a quick hitting passing game that is less reliant on top talent at QB than it is on just executing the system itself. A lot of the passes are bubble passes and similar quick short routes that it doesn't take a great arm to complete. Correct if I am wrong - but because of that I would not be worried about QB in the Mayfield offense like I would be in a lot of other offenses.

 

I see the QB as the key to the Cards offense. We don't go for a necessarily "top talent guy" but we do look for the kid with the highest ACT in the school to play QB. Our QB's usually don't make a lot of mistakes, especially when they are Jr and SR's. The quick thinking and ability to read defenses has been huge. None of the last 3 guys have got athletic scholarships despite getting some level of All State awards but all 3 have gotten academic scholarships. I fully expect a strong run for a title but that is the expectation here every year. I could see us starting out slow and maybe taking some losses early while getting all the pieces together.

AT---

What does the QB situation look like? Will the Rocks - for the 3rd or 4th year in a row - likely start a first-year-starting senior? Trinity's offense must be a good system.

 

There will be competition for the starting spot. Nick Bohn has the early lead because of experience but Seth Jutz, who's currently playing baseball, will push him once he comes out in the summer. Jake McKean will also get some looks. All three of them have their own strengths and weaknesses so it will be fun seeing who comes out on top.

There will be competition for the starting spot. Nick Bohn has the early lead because of experience but Seth Jutz, who's currently playing baseball, will push him once he comes out in the summer. Jake McKean will also get some looks. All three of them have their own strengths and weaknesses so it will be fun seeing who comes out on top.

 

Thanks, All Tell.

3. This could be the year to get Belfry but belfry always has kids step up and they still have plenty of skill kids to get it done..

 

4. South Warren will have trouble with Bowling Green as they will be loaded. but who wouldn't have trouble besides the Trinitys and some of the bigger 6A schools..

Will Johnson Central be able to make a third appearance in the finals? Is 4A currently threadbare with the likes of BG, CCH, and HHS all up in 5A?

Will Johnson Central be able to make a third appearance in the finals? Is 4A currently threadbare with the likes of BG, CCH, and HHS all up in 5A?

 

I would list Johnson Central as a significant favorite in 4A to open the season with the talent they return alongside the margin of which they dominated the class in 2016.

 

Wayne County will be stout, I think you see Mercer County get better, John Hardin should be a little stronger.

 

Franklin-Simpson was hit hard by graduation, South Warren is gone to 5A, and truth be told I really don't see any other 4A teams who can play at the level of JC.

 

Much like Belfry, that was a special JC team last year and I don't think they will be at the same level and will take a minor step back... but the distance of their step is still going to be a long way for the rest of the class to have to step forward.

I would list Johnson Central as a significant favorite in 4A to open the season with the talent they return alongside the margin of which they dominated the class in 2016.

 

Franklin-Simpson was hit hard by graduation, South Warren is gone to 5A, and truth be told I really don't see any other 4A teams who can play at the level of JC.

 

ATL,

 

I think you would have to add Hopkinsville into this list. I'm not saying they would or will beat JC, but I am saying they have the potential (IF all come back for new coach) to advance to the State Championship game and meet JC.

You left off Elijah Mckenney CB from Beechwood he led the State in Ints. Basically shutting down Hazard's 6'2 All State Wide Out. He will help lead a very Deep and Talented Defensive Team Beechwood will field. One of the States best for sure!