The Kentucky High School Football season is almost here. The 2018 season in Class 6A will have two very interesting questions to answer. Can Defending Champions Trinity win the title again and complete a three peat? And how long before they lose a game? For those who don’t know, Trinity is on a 30 game winning streak and counting. So 6A will be an interesting class to keep an eye on. The playoff format for this year will put District 1 playing District 4 and District 2 playing District 3. The other side of the bracket will have District 5 playing District 8 and District 6 playing District 7.

 

1. Trinity (15-0: 6A State Champions)

 

Trinity finished last season by winning its 25th State Championship. Trinity will start the season after title number 26 and also be looking to continue its very impressive 30-0 winning streak. So the question is, How long can they keep their streak going?

 

Trinity will look to continue the streak on the shoulders of Senior Stephen Herron (Stanford Commit) who will anchor a very stingy defense, alongside fellow Senior Jacob Dingle. The offense will be returning its top two rushers from last season in Seniors Luke McGuire and Gereimah Smith, who accounted for more than 1000 yards rushing and close to 20 Touchdowns. The quarterback job is up for grabs but we all know that as usual, Trinity will have a kid in the running for all major awards. Who ever wins the job will have a pretty good target to throw to in Junior Ryan Miller, who accounted for over 500 yards last season.

 

As always, Trinity will have a very difficult schedule as they open up on the road against Carmel (IN) on August 17th.

 

They will return home after that for Warren Central (IN), and the week after that they will be back on the road again, traveling to ArchBishop Moeller (OH). They will also play other State Powers in Louisville Male and Saint Xavier, as well as Naperville Central (IL) before getting started with district play. A schedule this tough will prepare them for another long playoff run.

 

2. Saint Xavier (12-3: State Runner-Up)

 

Saint Xavier fell short of their goal by losing in the title game to rival Trinity 38-21. Coach Kevin Wallace hopes to bring promise and championships back to St. Xavier after a very impressive stint at 5A Power Bowling Green.

 

Coach Walllace should have a good start on the defensive side of the ball with Seniors Patrick Owen, Samuel Boarman, William Carlon and Harrison Pate returning on what will be a very tough hard nose defense. The offensive side of the ball will be looking for some new leaders in key spots. Keegan Sullivan will take the role as Quarterback who saw limited action last season as back up. One big strength is the return of the leading rusher from last season, senior Anthony Moretti, who rushed for over 900 yards and 13 touchdowns and will take a lot of pressure off the new quarterback.

 

Saint Xavier will open the season against fellow Louisville small school power, DeSales. The week after, Coach Wallace will get to tangle with his old school, Bowling Green. They will also face Louisville Central and other big name schools. Two dates I know for sure that will be circled on everyone’s calendar are September 28th, against Rival Trinity, and October 26th, against Saint Xavier (OH).

 

3. Scott County (11-3: State Semi loss to Saint Xavier)

 

Scott County came up short in the 2017 season, losing to Saint Xavier in the State Semifinals, but the hopes in 2018 are very high with possibly the best one two punch in 6A, and best offensive lineman in the state.

 

Scott County will open the season with a new Quarterback. Cade McKee will be the new starter. It’s always good to have a big target to throw to in Senior Glenn Covington, who hauled in over 40 catches for 852 yards and 9 Touchdowns last season. Scott County will be anchored by its one two punch in Seniors Payton Brown and Austin Barnett, who racked up over 1800 yards and 30 touchdowns last season, behind (Virginia Tech commit) Bryan Hudson, who anchored both the offensive and defensive lines.

 

Scott County will open the season on August 17th against North Bullitt at Home. Scott County will also play two Ohio powers in Archbishop Moeller and La Salle in back to back weeks in September, which should tell them exactly what they will need to work on for a deep playoff run before district play starts. October 5th will be a key game against Frederick Douglass.

 

 

4. Male (9-3: 2nd Round loss to Butler)

 

Male will be looking to go deeper in the playoffs in 2018. They were upset last season in the 2nd round by Butler 14-6. They beat the same Butler team in regular season by 28 points. They definitely will probably be a star or a check mark on the schedule for the rematch.

 

Male will return its top two rushers from last season in seniors Henry Vestal and Garrett Dennis, who racked up over 1600 yards and 20 touchdowns. Garrett Dennis will also be the quarterback, so the team will have to respect him as a runner. He will have a solid target to throw to in Izayah Cummins, who was 2nd on the team last season in receiving yardage and touchdowns. The defense will be lead by junior Joe Kuerzi, and seniors Dallas Douglass and Jack Lucas, who accounted for well over 200 tackles last season. Help will also come from several more returning starters as well.

 

Male opens its season on August 17, on the road against Floyd Central (IN). Male will also play Trinity on September 7. They will open District play two weeks later against Butler, who sent them home last season. Male will end its last two district games against Saint Xavier and DuPont Manuel, followed with a bye week before the playoffs start.

 

5. Butler (8-5: Regional Final loss to Saint Xavier)

 

Butler was a surprise team last year who didn’t even start in the BGP top 15. They came out of no where and beat two great teams, falling to State Runner up Saint Xavier in the Regional final.

 

Butler will not be overlooked this season, especially with Senior (Kentucky Commit) Devontae Crumes at Wide Receiver. Devontae and Senior Frank Caldwell accounted for over 1200 yards receiving and 19 touchdowns last season. Chaz Burks will be back for his Junior season at Quarterback. Chaz threw for over 1900 yards and 22 touchdowns last season. They will also return the top two rushers from last season in Seniors Eric Jackson and Jalan Ward, who accounted for over 1300 yards and 19 touchdowns. They also added transfer Jordan Watkins from DeSales who accounted for over 900 yards both running and Receiving. Preparing for this team may be a nightmare for defensive coordinators. Defense will be the question, but Seniors leaders Detrick Trotter, Emir Leonard, Cortez Thomas and Junior Greg Jackson will look to lead the defense after losing the top 3 tacklers from last season to graduation.

 

As of now, Butler still doesn’t have a 10 game schedule. They will play teams like DeSales and Fern Creek, which are powers of there own classes, to better prepare for district play and a deeper playoff run.

 

6. Manual (3-8: 1st Round loss to Saint Xavier)

 

Manual had a very disappointing season in 2017 as they posted a 3-8 record. The good thing about most of those losses was all but two were competitive.

 

The 2018 season has spirits high for Manuel as they return (Louisville Commit) Aidin Robinson back at running back for his Senior season. Aidin ran for over 600 yards and 6 touchdowns last season. Quarterback Junior Zach Recktenwald will be back as well as he threw for over 850 yards last season. Senior Graham Overstreet will look to fill the void at Receiver. Defense was pretty solid last Season, not allowing many points to opposing teams, except the elite 6A teams. Seniors Jalen Riley, Sterling Patillo, and Kameron Kiesal hope to continue that success for the 2018 season.

 

Manuel also doesn’t have their schedule completed yet, but it helps that they play in the toughest district in 6A.

 

7. Frederick Douglass (10-3: Regional Final loss to Scott County)

 

Frederick Douglass’ first season was pretty successful. They posted a 10-3 record and 3rd round exit in the playoffs to Scott County.

 

Frederick Douglass will look to reload again on offense, especially after a big transfer in 6 foot 8 inch (Cincinnati Commit) Cameron Jones who threw for over 2600 yards and 27 touchdowns. Douglass also returns their quarterback from last year who may move over to the running back position this year after being 2nd on the team with over 500 yards and 7 touchdowns. It also helps to return several playmakers at wide out in Seniors Haiden Hunt, Micah Lowe, Briton Thomas, and Sophomore stand out Dekel Crowdus. Crowdus holds offers from Western Michigan and Kentucky. The offensive line also adds more beef with Lexington Christian transfer Junior Walker Parks. In other words, the offense could be very explosive. The Defense will be lead by Senior Frederick Jewett and Juniors Jaylin Bybee and Devin Neal, who accounted for most of the tackles last season.

 

Frederick Douglass will open up the season on August 18th against Wayne County at the Bob Allen Pigskin Classic. They will also have several other 6A opponents and recent 1A Power, Paintsville on the schedule to help build a playoff run. I’m sure the date, October 5th, will be circled on the Calender as they hope to avenge both a regular season and playoff loss to Scott County.

 

8. Simon Kenton (11-2: Regional Final loss to Trinity)

 

Simon Kenton had an impressive season in 2017, putting up huge numbers on the scoreboard and the yardage category.

 

In 2018, Simon Kenton will be in a bit of rebuilding mode on the offensive side of the ball. The good thing is they return a strong nucleus at the running back position with leading rusher Junior Austin Hammack, who ran for over 800 yards and 10 touchdowns, and Senior Jon Sargent, who added over another 400 yards and 10 touchdowns. The new Quarterback, Caleb Farfsing, also added to the rushing attack from last season with over 200 yards and 3 touchdowns, but only threw for 80 yards and a touchdown. The biggest question for Simon Kenton is who will fill the void at Wide Reciever since they lost 98% of it from 2017? The defense returns a good core with Seniors Bryson Pernell, JJ Courtney, and Treyvon Nash, who will carry the team early until the offense finds its identity.

 

Simon Kenton will open the season August 17th at home against Meade County. They will play their district games plus other NKY teams like Highlands, Cooper and Defending 1A Champions Beechwood Tigers, to prepare for a playoff run.

 

9. Central Hardin (10-4: State Semifinal loss to Trinity)

 

Central Hardin is another team that came out of no where in 2017 to make a playoff run that took them all the way to the State Semifinals before losing to 6A State Champion Trinity.

 

The 2018! Bruins have high hopes once again as they bring back their powerful ground game with Seniors Josh Volentine, Jacob Hobbs, Chris Bellin and Juniors Deonco Wilkerson and Gavin George, who accounted for over 2500 yards last season. Quarterback Jacob Hobbs returns to run the offense with all his favorite targets returning. The defense will be lead by two way Seniors Josh Volentine and Chris Bellin. Senior Chase Elmore and Junior Noah Page will also help the defense in 2018 as they make a push for another playoff run.

 

Central Hardin hasn’t completed its schedule yet but it will open the season August 18th against Bowling Green at Western Kentucky University. They will also play 2A power CAL and South Warren .

 

10. Ballard ( 6-6: 2nd Round loss to Simon Kenton)

 

Ballard played a brutal schedule in 2017, losing to some solid Kentucky powers in their own class while winning some of those games.

 

Ballard will return some playmakers at Wide Receiver in Senior Elijah Downing, and Juniors Josh Minkins and Rashad Bishop, who accounted for over 1200 yards and 12 touchdowns. Ballard picked up Transfer Senior Austin Carr in the off season who will try to get the ball to those receivers. The defense should be a strong point with D-1 stand out Senior Jared Casey and Seniors Gary Brown, and Elijah Downing and leading tackler Sophomore Justice Thompson.

 

Ballard will open the season against Defending 3A Champs Boyle County Rebels on August 18th in the Little Caesars Ft. Harrod Bowl. They will play other powers in Collins, Central and several other 6A schools.

 

11. Ryle (8-3: 1st Round loss to Butler)

 

Ryle will be in a rebuilding mode in 2018. Senior Jake Smith will take over at Quarterback and Junior Kyle England will be the feature back in the offense. Seniors Stephen Clarkson ,Max Inabnit and new addition Vince Rankin will be solid targets for the new Quarterback. It will also help Senior Jake Giddeon (Western Michigan Commit) will anchor the offensive line. Another weapon will be Senior kicker Mason Molique. Senior Jackson Saladin should anchor the defense as he was the leading tackler last season.

 

12. Daviess County (7-6: Regional Final loss to Central Hardin)

 

Daviess returns the most of any team in 2018. They return Senior Quarterback Joseph Cambron who threw for over 4000 yards last season. It also helps to have a D-1 athlete in Marquel Tinsley to throw to who had over 1400 yards receiving last season. Senior Blake Baker added another 1000 yards and Seniors Jaquarius Fletcher and Landon Newman also add another 1000.

 

13. Madison Central (6-5 1st Round loss to Henry Clay)

 

Madison Central returns over 2761 yards of offense in 2018. Seniors Freddy Chennault, Ethan Hahn, Antwan, and Derrick Miller will carry the offense while Senior Jackson Juett will anchor the defense.

 

14. Cooper (2-9: 1st Round loss to Pleasure Ridge Park)

 

Cooper returns its top 2 rushers in Anthony Witschey and Jeremiah Lee who accounted for 1200 yards last season. Senior Mikey Armour will be the top returning receiver. Cooper used 3 different quarterbacks last season, so not sure who will be primary but it could be hard to scheme against. Senior Michael Attabary will be the leader for the defense.

 

15. McCracken County (7-5: 2nd Round loss to Daviess County)

 

Junior Quarterback Elijah Wheat threw for over 1700 yards last season. Senior Zander Hamby will lead the rushing attack along with Junior Franklin Hayes. Hayes will also be a key target in the passing game along with Senior Alex Miezio. Senior Kiael Waldon will be the leader of the defense.

 

Watch List

 

 

Campbell County (7-5: 2nd Round Loss to Trinity)

 

The Camels will be lead by Senior headliners Reid and Grant Jolly on the offensive side of the ball as they accounted for over 800 yards last season. Seniors Brady Singleton and Logan Harold will be key contributors as well. They will also be key defensively as the Camels will be breaking in a new Quarterback.

 

Henderson County (5-7: 2nd Round Loss to Central Hardin)

 

Henderson County will be lead by Senior Quarterback Skip Patterson who accounted for over 600 yards on the ground and 1,100 in the air. Senior Ian Pitt will be the top target and Juniors Isaiah Easley and Logan Green will look to carry the ground game.

 

Tates Creek (9-3: 2nd Round Loss to Frederick Douglass)

 

Tates Creek will be looking for new Junior Quarterback Luke Duby to keep the success rolling. He will have solid targets to throw to in Senior Devonta Clay and Junior Miles Thomas. They will need a big year from Junior Marcus Bosley on the ground to post another year like 2017.

 

Henry Clay (6-6: 2nd Round Loss to Scott County)

 

The Devils will be looking for a big year out of Junior Quarterback Darrin Van Horn, who threw for over 900 yards last season. Seniors Langston and Ramond Jackson will look to carry the offense as the main weapons returning. They will also anchor the defense alongside Senior Cameron Maynard.

 

 

North Hardin (3-8: 1st Round Loss to Daviess County)

 

North Hardin will be lead by Senior Quarterback Eric Moore who put up over 1,700 yards last season. He will have Junior Josh Moore back, who accounted for over 450 yards last season. It will help to have leading rusher Lavell Wright back for his Sophomore season, who put up over 350 yards last season.

Great preview! Can’t wait to see how the season shakes out.

Butler will be an intriguing team to follow this year. They made a major breakthrough last season, upending Male in the playoffs to snap a 19 game losing streak to the Bulldogs. The Bears return a lot of firepower.

 

Ballard has plenty of individual talent. The question is, can the team as a whole play up to its talent level, or are the Bruins lesser than the sum of their parts?

 

How far can Daviess County's aerial assault carry them this year? Can they reach a potential regional final vs. Trinity?

I don’t believe Elijah Downing for Ballard plays both sides of the ball. He has a brother Isaiah who plays defense.

I just don't understand the hype for Butler... What have they done to deserve any pre-season hype for 2018? If they hadn't beaten Male in the playoffs, would so many people be so high on them?

I just don't understand the hype for Butler... What have they done to deserve any pre-season hype for 2018? If they hadn't beaten Male in the playoffs, would so many people be so high on them?

 

I think because they beat Ryle and Male in playoffs and return a lot on offense plus get the RB transfer from DeSales.

I think because they beat Ryle and Male in playoffs and return a lot on offense plus get the RB transfer from DeSales.

 

Beating Ryle isn't a big deal, IMO. I expect most of the 6A Louisville teams to beat the 6A NKY teams the majority of the time.

 

Male was a good win, but for me not enough to propel them into the Top 10, at least not pre-season.

Beating Ryle isn't a big deal, IMO. I expect most of the 6A Louisville teams to beat the 6A NKY teams the majority of the time.

 

Male was a good win, but for me not enough to propel them into the Top 10, at least not pre-season.

 

6A coaches who returned ballots in the Courier Journal poll had them 9th. Will find out 2nd week when they play DeSales how good they are.

6A coaches who returned ballots in the Courier Journal poll had them 9th. Will find out 2nd week when they play DeSales how good they are.

 

Agreed that they will have an opportunity to show how good they are.

Cooper seems ranked a bit high for me at #14.