The majority opinion seems to be that a line exists under Covington Catholic, Bowling Green, and South Warren, separating them to some degree from the rest of 5A. The second tier includes the likes of Highlands (5-1), Southwestern (5-0), Anderson County (5-0), South Oldham (4-1), and Owensboro (3-2).

 

Two part question… who's the best of that second group? And secondly, is that team a legitimate championship threat?

I think Highlands may prove to best of that group and a team not to be overlooked. Bowling Green has the best player with Vito Tisdale so wouldn’t count them out. Although, I really don’t see any team beating Covington Catholic.

The majority opinion seems to be that a line exists under Covington Catholic, Bowling Green, and South Warren, separating them to some degree from the rest of 5A. The second tier includes the likes of Highlands (5-1), Southwestern (5-0), Anderson County (5-0), South Oldham (4-1), and Owensboro (3-2).

 

Two part question… who's the best of that second group? And secondly, is that team a legitimate championship threat?

 

What / who determines top tier from the second tier? :popcorn:

What / who determines top tier from the second tier? :popcorn:

 

It's largely subjective. But for the purposes of this thread, BGP decided. If you peruse this forum, you can see the divide. There appears to be a measure of separation between CovCath/Bowling Green/South Warren and everybody else. Are they really head and shoulders above the rest? I believe they are. That's why I'm posing this question in the first place. Here's your chance to tell me I'm wrong.

 

The next group down have consistently been hovering in the 4 to 8 range all season in the rankings. I had to cut the list off somewhere. No one else outside of that group of five has the quality wins or consistency to make it a group of six or seven (Possibly Christian County, but CC and Owensboro will settle that this Friday). That's what I believe. Here's your chance to tell me I'm wrong.

I think Highlands may prove to best of that group and a team not to be overlooked. Bowling Green has the best player with Vito Tisdale so wouldn’t count them out. Although, I really don’t see any team beating Covington Catholic.

 

Highlands feels like the easy answer here, but I agree. I'll go with the Birds too. I am intrigued by Anderson County, though.

There are tiers within the 2 tiers. Cov Cath is a couple TDs better than BG. And BG is a TD+ better than S Warren. It’s not like a pickem of those 3, there is a hierarchy.

 

Highlands may not be too far behind S Warren, S Warren seems good but hasn’t had a marquee win. Still unproven to me. Southwestern seems like they’d give Highlands a run for their money but they are like an 100% iron man team, their QB is the safety and returns punts and stuff. I think Highlands would shut that down and wear them down. That said, I think Highlands is equal distance from both of the “tiers”.

 

Cov Cath 70% chance of state

Bowling Green 17% chance of state

South Warren 9% chance of state

Highlands 4% chance of state

Highlands is the best of that pack. I believe Cov Cath, BG, SW, and HHS all have a shot. Cov Cath is certainly the front runner, but football is a physical sport and we’re only half way through the season. Is Cov Cath the same team if McGuiness sprains and ankle? How does Tisdale going down effect BG Or Huddy with HHS? I don’t want any of this to happen, but my point being, these teams are all good enough to win, but it’s football and things can change quickly. Great teams are always ready and capitalize on opportunities.

I see three tiers. CovCath is clearly head and shoulders above the class. Bowling Green and South Warren are in the next tier. The teams you mention are in the third tier. If I read the playoff brackets correctly Highlands, Southwestern and Anderson County would have to get past CovCath to get to state. All very good teams but not in the same tier as CovCath nor do I believe they would beat BG or SW.

Then there is Bowling Green and South Warren. Both have some high end talent on the team and can run and throw effectively but to me not near the same level as CovCath. Owensboro and South Oldham would have to get past them to get to state. Owensboro had a shot to beat BG but came up short. South Warren vs BG Oct 19 will provide a little more on who is better right now of the two. South Oldham has a better defense than last season, their running game is a little better in my opinion but their passing game is nowhere near what is has been. A little too one dimensional to compete for a title. Their O-Line is good, just not dominant like a Scott County to make that work against top teams.

To answer the question Highlands has the best case with the schedule they have played but that doesn't make them the best of the group. Any of the teams mentioned could beat each other on any given night. None of them are championship contenders in my opinion. I will vote for my Dragons as the best of the group!