#25 Pulaski County

#26 Belfry

27 Lexington Catholic

#28 Logan County

#29 Raceland

#30 Louisville Central

#24 PRP

#25 Pulaski County

#26 Belfry

27 Lexington Catholic

#28 Logan County

#29 Raceland

#30 Louisville Central

I think I'll wait and check in on this thread in about 24 days.

2 minutes ago, Voice of Reason said:

I think I'll wait and check in on this thread in about 24 days.

No way!  I check it every day, I want to see what @teeroy thinks, he knows more than most. 

Howell Rankings Countdown - KY High School Football Team #23 Bowling Green

The Kentucky High School football season starts in 23 days and, just like last year, I'll be counting down one team each day starting at number 30. Today's countdown features the #23 Bowling Green Purples. Though numerous coaches throughout the state have provided information and projections to me throughout the summer, these rankings are solely my own. Also, consider subscribing to the Premier High School Sports Podcast where I'll have an across the state preview of the college football season before the season kicks off.

Last year the main complaints regarded me having Ashland (not ranked), Covington Catholic (30) and Bowling Green (14) all too low. People loved to talk trash about the rankings in the preseason until I had the last laugh after none of these teams finished in the final top 25. They had all suffered heavy graduation losses from 2020.

 

The preseason rankings ended up being very accurate. I had the champion (South Warren in 5A, Belfry in 3A, Beechwood in 2A, and Pikeville in A) ranked first in their respective class to start the year. I also had the runner-up in 5A (Frederick Douglass) and 2A (LCA) ranked #2 in their class in the preseason. For 4A I had the finalists right but I had Johnson Central just ahead of Boyle County in the preseason rankings. Boyle eventually defeated the Golden Eagles in the state championship.

 

I did make one colossal mistake by ranking the St. Xavier Tigers way too low at number 13. I'll own that one for sure. Jack Sivori missed 2020 due to injury causing the Tigers to struggle and I didn't account for his return being as big as it was. Sorry, St. X fans. Y'all got the last laugh, though! Almost everyone picked Male to beat them but the Tigers proved us all wrong by winning the 6A state title.

 

A few more points:

 

- No matter where Trinity is ranked half the people will say they are too low, half the people will say they are too high

 

- Just because you won a state title in 2021, doesn't mean you will automatically be ranked #1 in your class in preseason 2022 (sorry South Warren fans!)

 

 

On to the countdown:

 

 

30. Central

 

2021 Record: 7-5

 

2021 Playoffs: Lost to Franklin County 14-8 in 4A 2nd Round

 

2021 Final Ranking: Not Ranked

 

Players to Watch: QB Xavier Brown (SR), RB Cortez Stone (SO)

 

Key Losses: WR/DB D Jure Johnson, LB Cylen Brown

 

Game to Watch: October 21 at Franklin County

 

 

 

The Yellow Jackets return their top QB (Xavier Brown 46-for-82 for 54 yards, 5 TDs, 4 INT) and running back (Cortez Stone 141 carries for 1,377 yards and 21 TDs) from a team that defeated 3A champ Belfry 37-6 and played well in close losses to 5A champ South Warren (20-6) and 6A powerhouse Manual (14-12). With the playoffs changing to the cross district format this year (yay!) that could be good news for both Central and district rival Franklin County.

 

 

 

29. Raceland

 

2021 Record: 12-2

 

2021 Playoffs: Lost to Pikeville 36-7 in A Semifinals

 

2021 Final Ranking: Not Ranked

 

Players to Watch: QB Logan Lundy (JR), RB/DB Noah Wallace (JR), WR/DB Conner Hughes (SR), K Peyton Ison (SR)

 

Key Loss: LB Cole Conlon

 

Game to Watch: October 21 vs Paintsville

 

 

 

The Rams return almost every key player from the 2021 team that made it all the way to the state semifinal in Class A before falling 36-7 to eventual champion Pikeville. Junior QB Logan Lundy (126-for-209 for 1,966 yards, 23 TD, 10 INT) leads the charge. I wouldn't be surprised to see the Rams at Kroger Field this year in the state championship game.

 

 

 

 

 

28. Logan County

 

2021 Record: 10-5

 

2021 Playoffs: Lost to Boyle County 54-16 in 4A Semifinals

 

2021 Final Ranking: Not Ranked

 

Players to Watch: QB/DB Davin Yates (JR), RB Ryan Rayno (SR), RB/LB Elijah Hawkins (JR)

 

Key Losses: WR/DB Wyatt Blake

 

Game to Watch: September 2 vs Russellville

 

Check back tomorrow for #27

 

 

 

The senior dynamic duo of QB Davin Yates (116-for-187 for 1,319 yards, 16 TDs, 9 INTs, 8 rushing TDs ) and RB Ryan Rayno (154 carries for 1,173 yards and 14 TDs ) look to lead the Cougars on another deep playoff run. Last year was one of the best seasons in program history, highlighted by a run to the semifinals where they lost to eventual champion Boyle County. Top tackler Elijah Hawkins (127 tackles, 14 TFL, 5 sacks) also returns.

 

 

 

27. Lexington Catholic

 

2021 Record: 9-3

 

2021 Playoffs: Lost to Boyle County 47-13 in 4A 2nd Round

 

2021 Final Ranking: #22

 

Players to Watch: RB Walker Hall (SR), K/P/WR/DB Max DeGraff (SR)

 

Key Losses: QB Jack Gohmann (Centre), WR/DB Jack Monday (University of Kentucky)

 

Game to Watch: October 7 vs Boyle County

 

 

 

 

 

Lexington Catholic lost a lot of firepower including QB Jack Gohmann (Centre) and WR/DB Jack Monday (Kentucky) along with their coach Nigel Smith. Coach Bert Bathiany takes over has RB Walker Hall returning. He can run right over defenders or juke them out of their shoes and is a good player to build around. Max DeGraff is one of the top kickers in the state. Due to the new cross district format, they can avoid Boyle County in the first two rounds, which should certainly help.

 

 

 

https://twitter.com/teeroyhowell/status/1431434309878046726?s=20&t=oGSKYlRQBdlhlFNwuPeRvg

 

 

 

https://twitter.com/teeroyhowell/status/1431473267571892225?s=20&t=xf53piWhsOKsL05xDBPS5g

 

 

 

https://twitter.com/teeroyhowell/status/1431479318014726149?s=20&t=xf53piWhsOKsL05xDBPS5g

 

 

 

 

 

26. Belfry

 

2021 Record: 9-6

 

2021 Playoffs: Defeated Paducah Tilghman 33-28 in 3A Finals

 

2021 Final Ranking: #24

 

Players to Watch: DT/LG Brayden Spears, C Max Dotson, RB/LB Braxton Hatfield

 

Key Losses: RB/CB Isaac Dixon (Kentucky), RB/S Zayne Hatfield

 

Game to Watch: September 16 at Pikeville

 

 

 

 

 

After starting off 0-5 last year the Pirates regrouped and took advantage of a less than stellar 3A field to win another state championship. Fifth year senior and last year's Mr. Football Isaac Dixon has graduated and joined the roster at UK, but legendary coach Philip Haywood is back along with Brayden Spears and Max Dotson from last year's dominant offensive line. Look for Belfry to make another run in Class 3A again this year. Don't expect the Pirates to pass much. They were 5-for-13 all of last season.

 

 

 

https://twitter.com/teeroyhowell/status/1467198764502994949?s=20&t=oGSKYlRQBdlhlFNwuPeRvg

 

 

 

 

 

25. Pulaski County

 

2021 Record: 7-5

 

2021 Playoffs: Lost to Southwestern 27-7 in 5A 2nd Round

 

2021 Final Ranking: Not Ranked

 

Players to Watch: WR Chandler Godby (SR), WR Barek Williams (SR), TE/LB Layton Abbott (SR), RB/S Cody Nichols (SR)

 

Key Loss: QB Drew Polston

 

Game to Watch: October 21 vs Southwestern

 

 

 

Injuries derailed the Maroons last year including Barek Williams serious injury early in the season. QB Drew Polston has graduated but most of the other key players return. This year Williams and Chandler Godby (75 catches for 1,061 yards and 15 TDs) to form a strong receiving duo. A regular season showdown with Southwestern looms large. North Laurel is also much improved so it will be a deep and competitive district.

 

 

 

The Maroons have a small team but will rely on speed and quickness. They will have an improved offensive line and several weapons at the skill positions.

 

 

 

https://twitter.com/teeroyhowell/status/1431474038669447169?s=20&t=oGSKYlRQBdlhlFNwuPeRvg

 

 

 

24. Pleasure Ridge Park

 

2021 Record: 6-5

 

2021 Playoffs: Lost to Manual 35-20 in 6A 2nd Round

 

2021 Final Ranking: Not Ranked

 

Players to Watch: WR Jakob Dixon (SR) (Kentucky), QB Kayden Anderson (SR), WR Kendrick Jackson (SR)

 

Key Losses: CB Elijah Reed (Kentucky), RB Deshawn Barkley

 

Game to Watch: October 21 at St. Xavier

 

 

 

The Panthers are forming a nice pipeline of players to UK. Elijah Reed will be suiting up for the Wildcats this year and senior Jakob Dixon (33 catches for 663 yards and 9 TDs) has committed to UK. QB Kayden Anderson returns after passing for 1,898 yards and 24 TDs last season.

 

 

 

 

 

23. Bowling Green

 

2021 Record: 6-6

 

2021 Playoffs: Lost to South Warren 28-3 in 5A 2nd Round

 

2021 Final Ranking: Not Ranked

 

Players to Watch: QB Deuce Bailey (SO), WR/DB Bert Kibawa (SR), LB Jake Napier (SR), OL/DL Austin Anderson (SR) WR/DB Augustin Nyembo (SR)

 

Key Losses: DL Jeremiah Lightfoot, DE Amario Wilson

 

Game to Watch: September 30 vs South Warren

 

Lineman Austin Anderson and defensive backs Bert Kibawa and Augustin Nyembo are all back after starting on the Purples’ 2020 championship squad. After seeing rival South Warren blow out Bowling Green and win state last year, look for a much more even matchup between the Spartans and Purples this year. QB Deuce Bailey threw for 1,100 yards and 8 touchdowns as a freshman last season.

 

https://twitter.com/teeroyhowell/status/1340407920945745923?s=20&t=wtHX-5dDA_WUb-mhsitnSg

 

 

 

Check back tomorrow for #22

20 minutes ago, teeroy said:

Howell Rankings Countdown - KY High School Football Team #23 Bowling Green

The Kentucky High School football season starts in 23 days and, just like last year, I'll be counting down one team each day starting at number 30. Today's countdown features the #23 Bowling Green Purples. Though numerous coaches throughout the state have provided information and projections to me throughout the summer, these rankings are solely my own. Also, consider subscribing to the Premier High School Sports Podcast where I'll have an across the state preview of the college football season before the season kicks off.

Last year the main complaints regarded me having Ashland (not ranked), Covington Catholic (30) and Bowling Green (14) all too low. People loved to talk trash about the rankings in the preseason until I had the last laugh after none of these teams finished in the final top 25. They had all suffered heavy graduation losses from 2020.

 

The preseason rankings ended up being very accurate. I had the champion (South Warren in 5A, Belfry in 3A, Beechwood in 2A, and Pikeville in A) ranked first in their respective class to start the year. I also had the runner-up in 5A (Frederick Douglass) and 2A (LCA) ranked #2 in their class in the preseason. For 4A I had the finalists right but I had Johnson Central just ahead of Boyle County in the preseason rankings. Boyle eventually defeated the Golden Eagles in the state championship.

 

I did make one colossal mistake by ranking the St. Xavier Tigers way too low at number 13. I'll own that one for sure. Jack Sivori missed 2020 due to injury causing the Tigers to struggle and I didn't account for his return being as big as it was. Sorry, St. X fans. Y'all got the last laugh, though! Almost everyone picked Male to beat them but the Tigers proved us all wrong by winning the 6A state title.

 

A few more points:

 

- No matter where Trinity is ranked half the people will say they are too low, half the people will say they are too high

 

- Just because you won a state title in 2021, doesn't mean you will automatically be ranked #1 in your class in preseason 2022 (sorry South Warren fans!)

 

 

On to the countdown:

 

 

30. Central

 

2021 Record: 7-5

 

2021 Playoffs: Lost to Franklin County 14-8 in 4A 2nd Round

 

2021 Final Ranking: Not Ranked

 

Players to Watch: QB Xavier Brown (SR), RB Cortez Stone (SO)

 

Key Losses: WR/DB D Jure Johnson, LB Cylen Brown

 

Game to Watch: October 21 at Franklin County

 

 

 

The Yellow Jackets return their top QB (Xavier Brown 46-for-82 for 54 yards, 5 TDs, 4 INT) and running back (Cortez Stone 141 carries for 1,377 yards and 21 TDs) from a team that defeated 3A champ Belfry 37-6 and played well in close losses to 5A champ South Warren (20-6) and 6A powerhouse Manual (14-12). With the playoffs changing to the cross district format this year (yay!) that could be good news for both Central and district rival Franklin County.

 

 

 

29. Raceland

 

2021 Record: 12-2

 

2021 Playoffs: Lost to Pikeville 36-7 in A Semifinals

 

2021 Final Ranking: Not Ranked

 

Players to Watch: QB Logan Lundy (JR), RB/DB Noah Wallace (JR), WR/DB Conner Hughes (SR), K Peyton Ison (SR)

 

Key Loss: LB Cole Conlon

 

Game to Watch: October 21 vs Paintsville

 

 

 

The Rams return almost every key player from the 2021 team that made it all the way to the state semifinal in Class A before falling 36-7 to eventual champion Pikeville. Junior QB Logan Lundy (126-for-209 for 1,966 yards, 23 TD, 10 INT) leads the charge. I wouldn't be surprised to see the Rams at Kroger Field this year in the state championship game.

 

 

 

 

 

28. Logan County

 

2021 Record: 10-5

 

2021 Playoffs: Lost to Boyle County 54-16 in 4A Semifinals

 

2021 Final Ranking: Not Ranked

 

Players to Watch: QB/DB Davin Yates (JR), RB Ryan Rayno (SR), RB/LB Elijah Hawkins (JR)

 

Key Losses: WR/DB Wyatt Blake

 

Game to Watch: September 2 vs Russellville

 

Check back tomorrow for #27

 

 

 

The senior dynamic duo of QB Davin Yates (116-for-187 for 1,319 yards, 16 TDs, 9 INTs, 8 rushing TDs ) and RB Ryan Rayno (154 carries for 1,173 yards and 14 TDs ) look to lead the Cougars on another deep playoff run. Last year was one of the best seasons in program history, highlighted by a run to the semifinals where they lost to eventual champion Boyle County. Top tackler Elijah Hawkins (127 tackles, 14 TFL, 5 sacks) also returns.

 

 

 

27. Lexington Catholic

 

2021 Record: 9-3

 

2021 Playoffs: Lost to Boyle County 47-13 in 4A 2nd Round

 

2021 Final Ranking: #22

 

Players to Watch: RB Walker Hall (SR), K/P/WR/DB Max DeGraff (SR)

 

Key Losses: QB Jack Gohmann (Centre), WR/DB Jack Monday (University of Kentucky)

 

Game to Watch: October 7 vs Boyle County

 

 

 

 

 

Lexington Catholic lost a lot of firepower including QB Jack Gohmann (Centre) and WR/DB Jack Monday (Kentucky) along with their coach Nigel Smith. Coach Bert Bathiany takes over has RB Walker Hall returning. He can run right over defenders or juke them out of their shoes and is a good player to build around. Max DeGraff is one of the top kickers in the state. Due to the new cross district format, they can avoid Boyle County in the first two rounds, which should certainly help.

 

 

 

https://twitter.com/teeroyhowell/status/1431434309878046726?s=20&t=oGSKYlRQBdlhlFNwuPeRvg

 

 

 

https://twitter.com/teeroyhowell/status/1431473267571892225?s=20&t=xf53piWhsOKsL05xDBPS5g

 

 

 

https://twitter.com/teeroyhowell/status/1431479318014726149?s=20&t=xf53piWhsOKsL05xDBPS5g

 

 

 

 

 

26. Belfry

 

2021 Record: 9-6

 

2021 Playoffs: Defeated Paducah Tilghman 33-28 in 3A Finals

 

2021 Final Ranking: #24

 

Players to Watch: DT/LG Brayden Spears, C Max Dotson, RB/LB Braxton Hatfield

 

Key Losses: RB/CB Isaac Dixon (Kentucky), RB/S Zayne Hatfield

 

Game to Watch: September 16 at Pikeville

 

 

 

 

 

After starting off 0-5 last year the Pirates regrouped and took advantage of a less than stellar 3A field to win another state championship. Fifth year senior and last year's Mr. Football Isaac Dixon has graduated and joined the roster at UK, but legendary coach Philip Haywood is back along with Brayden Spears and Max Dotson from last year's dominant offensive line. Look for Belfry to make another run in Class 3A again this year. Don't expect the Pirates to pass much. They were 5-for-13 all of last season.

 

 

 

https://twitter.com/teeroyhowell/status/1467198764502994949?s=20&t=oGSKYlRQBdlhlFNwuPeRvg

 

 

 

 

 

25. Pulaski County

 

2021 Record: 7-5

 

2021 Playoffs: Lost to Southwestern 27-7 in 5A 2nd Round

 

2021 Final Ranking: Not Ranked

 

Players to Watch: WR Chandler Godby (SR), WR Barek Williams (SR), TE/LB Layton Abbott (SR), RB/S Cody Nichols (SR)

 

Key Loss: QB Drew Polston

 

Game to Watch: October 21 vs Southwestern

 

 

 

Injuries derailed the Maroons last year including Barek Williams serious injury early in the season. QB Drew Polston has graduated but most of the other key players return. This year Williams and Chandler Godby (75 catches for 1,061 yards and 15 TDs) to form a strong receiving duo. A regular season showdown with Southwestern looms large. North Laurel is also much improved so it will be a deep and competitive district.

 

 

 

The Maroons have a small team but will rely on speed and quickness. They will have an improved offensive line and several weapons at the skill positions.

 

 

 

https://twitter.com/teeroyhowell/status/1431474038669447169?s=20&t=oGSKYlRQBdlhlFNwuPeRvg

 

 

 

24. Pleasure Ridge Park

 

2021 Record: 6-5

 

2021 Playoffs: Lost to Manual 35-20 in 6A 2nd Round

 

2021 Final Ranking: Not Ranked

 

Players to Watch: WR Jakob Dixon (SR) (Kentucky), QB Kayden Anderson (SR), WR Kendrick Jackson (SR)

 

Key Losses: CB Elijah Reed (Kentucky), RB Deshawn Barkley

 

Game to Watch: October 21 at St. Xavier

 

 

 

The Panthers are forming a nice pipeline of players to UK. Elijah Reed will be suiting up for the Wildcats this year and senior Jakob Dixon (33 catches for 663 yards and 9 TDs) has committed to UK. QB Kayden Anderson returns after passing for 1,898 yards and 24 TDs last season.

 

 

 

 

 

23. Bowling Green

 

2021 Record: 6-6

 

2021 Playoffs: Lost to South Warren 28-3 in 5A 2nd Round

 

2021 Final Ranking: Not Ranked

 

Players to Watch: QB Deuce Bailey (SO), WR/DB Bert Kibawa (SR), LB Jake Napier (SR), OL/DL Austin Anderson (SR) WR/DB Augustin Nyembo (SR)

 

Key Losses: DL Jeremiah Lightfoot, DE Amario Wilson

 

Game to Watch: September 30 vs South Warren

 

Lineman Austin Anderson and defensive backs Bert Kibawa and Augustin Nyembo are all back after starting on the Purples’ 2020 championship squad. After seeing rival South Warren blow out Bowling Green and win state last year, look for a much more even matchup between the Spartans and Purples this year. QB Deuce Bailey threw for 1,100 yards and 8 touchdowns as a freshman last season.

 

https://twitter.com/teeroyhowell/status/1340407920945745923?s=20&t=wtHX-5dDA_WUb-mhsitnSg

 

 

 

Check back tomorrow for #22

Thanks for all of that teeroy. 

1 hour ago, theguru said:

Thanks for all of that teeroy. 

Your welcome.

 

#22 Ryle 

 

2021 Record: 9-4

 

2021 Playoffs: Lost to Trinity 38-18 in 6A Quarterfinals

 

2021 Final Ranking: Not Ranked

 

Players to Watch: QB Logan Verax (JR), WR/DB Kaden Gardner (SR), OL Drew Dickerson (SR)

 

Key Losses: LB Gabe Savage (USMA), LB Jackson Belk (Thomas More)

 

Game to Watch: September 16 vs Highlands

 

The offense returns a ton with QB Logan Verax (190-for-333 for 2,395 yards, 18 TDs, 8 INTs) WR Kaden Gardener (56 catches for 786 yards and 7 TDs, and OL Drew Dickerson all back. However, the defense must replace linebackers Gabe Savage and Jackson Belk who were two of the top tacklers in the state last season. Ryle, who played state champ St X within 10 points last year, could be the top 6A team in northern Kentucky this year.

#23 Bowling Green

#24 PRP

#25 Pulaski County

#26 Belfry

27 Lexington Catholic

#28 Logan County

#29 Raceland

#30 Louisville Central

 

Check back tomorrow for #21

So Ryle is the first one out of the NKY Region, which is interesting..... a lot of bold predictions by people in the NKY Preseason thread had Ryle at the top or close to it....Will be interesting to see your point of view on how many NKY teams are plugged in front of Ryle on your countdown.  If there are too many you might upset a lot of Ryle's fan base with HIGH expectations.....

O the anticipation!!!!

 

1 hour ago, FrankNicodemus said:

So Ryle is the first one out of the NKY Region, which is interesting..... a lot of bold predictions by people in the NKY Preseason thread had Ryle at the top or close to it....Will be interesting to see your point of view on how many NKY teams are plugged in front of Ryle on your countdown.  If there are too many you might upset a lot of Ryle's fan base with HIGH expectations.....

O the anticipation!!!!

Feel free to guess how many NKY teams I have in front of Ryle and who they are (if any).  I suppose once I get down to the top 15 or so, many will be able to identify who all those 15 teams will be, though they might have different order than I do.

4 minutes ago, teeroy said:

Feel free to guess how many NKY teams I have in front of Ryle and who they are (if any).  I suppose once I get down to the top 15 or so, many will be able to identify who all those 15 teams will be, though they might have different order than I do.

Here are some guesses:

 

7 hours ago, theguru said:

Here are some guesses:

 

2 NKY teams just missed my top 30. 
 

IMO there is only 1 option for the top preseason team in NKY!

 

 

7 minutes ago, teeroy said:

2 NKY teams just missed my top 30. 
 

IMO there is only 1 option for the top preseason team in NKY!

 

 

I KNOW RIGHT!!!

GO BIRDS!

21. Southwestern

 

2021 Record: 11-2

 

2021 Playoffs: Lost to Frederick Douglass 37-6 in 5A Quarterfinals

 

2021 Final Ranking: #19

 

Players to Watch: RB Tanner Wright (SR), RB Christian Walden (JR), OT Braiden Myers (SR)

 

Key Losses: RB/LB Giddeon Brainard, TE/DL Cody Harmon

 

Game to Watch: October 21 at Pulaski County

 

 

 

The Warriors return their top rusher (Tanner Wright 133 carries for 1,083 yards and 11 scores) from a team that ran for 3,770 yards last year,, which was 11th in the state and 1st in 5A. Big Braiden Myers anchors the offensive line who was honorable mention All-State last year. Look for a breakout year from junior running back Christian Walden. Southwestern always has a stable of running backs. Southwestern lost to powerhouse Frederick Douglass in the quarterfinals of the playoffs the last two years, including a close heartbreaker in 2020. Look for another run to the quarterfinals again this season.

 

 

 

Check back tomorrow for #20