Historically, the two schools are near the opposite ends of the spectrum of Kentucky high school football. Somerset has a long, rich history and has been at the precipice of a state championship on five occasions, but come up short each time. Frederick Douglass is only in its third year of existence and has yet to advance beyond the third round.

 

They're each ranked #1 in their respective class and, so far, have looked the part. Somerset leads the state in scoring at 53 ppg, and Douglass ranks #1 in points allowed with a remarkable 2.3 ppg, including five shutouts in six games. Both teams are winning by an average margin of 40+. The other four top ranked teams - Male, Boyle County, DeSales, and Pikeville - have combined for 22 titles, but the Briar Jumpers and Broncos are on the outside looking in on the championship fraternity.

 

They both look like title favorites at the moment, but a championship precedent has yet to be set at either school. Is this the year the Jumpers finally claim that elusive title? Can Frederick Douglass bring its meteoric rise to a crescendo with a championship in year three? Do they both get the job done this season, or will both coronations be put off for at least another year?

Tough call. History tells us to never expect a title from a Fayette County Public School, but this is the first time since the early 1970s that a Fayette County contender wasn't competing in the largest class.

 

History also says that if there is any way for Somerset to not win the title it will probably happen. Five losses in five tries, including the inexplicable defeat to Tilghman in 2009. Along with Glasgow, the Jumpers are probably the best program in the state without a championship.

 

However, I think I'll pick Somerset. 5A has a lot more minefields (South Warren/Bowling Green, CovCath/Highlands, Scott County) than does 2A (Mayfield, LCA, maybe Beechwood).

Somerset is more likely.

I picked both but Somerset is the most likely. I truly think both get it done this year.

Tough call. History tells us to never expect a title from a Fayette County Public School, but this is the first time since the early 1970s that a Fayette County contender wasn't competing in the largest class.

 

History also says that if there is any way for Somerset to not win the title it will probably happen. Five losses in five tries, including the inexplicable defeat to Tilghman in 2009. Along with Glasgow, the Jumpers are probably the best program in the state without a championship.

 

However, I think I'll pick Somerset. 5A has a lot more minefields (South Warren/Bowling Green, CovCath/Highlands, Scott County) than does 2A (Mayfield, LCA, maybe Beechwood).

 

Great summary of my thoughts @gchs_uk9

 

Ideally both of them will win a state championship this year, spreading titles around is a good thing.

Tough call. History tells us to never expect a title from a Fayette County Public School, but this is the first time since the early 1970s that a Fayette County contender wasn't competing in the largest class.

 

History also says that if there is any way for Somerset to not win the title it will probably happen. Five losses in five tries, including the inexplicable defeat to Tilghman in 2009. Along with Glasgow, the Jumpers are probably the best program in the state without a championship.

 

However, I think I'll pick Somerset. 5A has a lot more minefields (South Warren/Bowling Green, CovCath/Highlands, Scott County) than does 2A (Mayfield, LCA, maybe Beechwood).

 

I remember that there’s been more than 5 with Somerset. They were the best team in AA in 1982 but a 1 point loss to Boyle kept them out of the playoffs.