Below is the Lexington Herald-Leader's pre-season top 10 for class 4A.

1. Boyle County (Last year 13-2, 4A State Champions)
2. Corbin (Last year 14-1, 4A State Runners-Up)
3. Covington Catholic (Last year 9-3)
4. Johnson Central (Last year 10-3)
5. Paducah Tilghman (Last year 6-7)
6. Franklin County (Last year 8-6)
7. Ashland Blazer (Last year 9-5)
8. Bardstown (Last year 14-1, 3A State Runners Up)
9. Warren East (Last year 12-1)
10. Wayne County (Last year 8-4)

OTHERS RECEIVING VOTES In order of votes received: Hopkinsville, Mason County, Spencer County, Logan County, Boyd County, DeSales, Letcher County Central, John Hardin, Shelby County, Taylor County, Allen County-Scottsville, Calloway County, Nelson County and North Oldham. Survey method: These rankings reflect the participation of coaches from 31 of the 42 Class 4A teams (73.8%). Every coach in the division was given the opportunity to participate in the @HLpreps annual survey via email. Multiple attempts were made to contact each coach.

https://www.kentucky.com/sports/high-school/article277179553.html

I think Ashland should be ahead of Johnson Central. I’m not really advocating for a position in the ranking for Ashland, but I think, wherever they are, they should be in front of Johnson Central. 

 

And, it surprises me that Greenup County didn’t get any votes at all. Last year they played Ashland closer than any team in the first three rounds of the playoffs and finished in the third round themselves; and return quite-a-but. Not saying they should be in the top 10, but really surprised they didn’t get any votes to be in the lower part of the top 10. 

Why is Ashland better than JC?  What both teams return?

46 minutes ago, BEChargers said:

Why is Ashland better than JC?  What both teams return?

I just believe Ashland to be better.  It's like porn, I can't define it, but I know it when I see it.  

Well, maybe I exaggerated a little, I may not be able to define it, but.......

I think Stader is going to be more of a force this season and will provide a duel threat that may be harder to contain.  Jennings was just coming in to his own last season and I expect him to be a force to be reconned with.  

Yes, McCourt is going to be great.  But, with the loss of Price and Lawson he isn't going to fly under the radar.  Johnson Central was pretty one demential in 2022, maybe they can incorporate a few passes in 2023, but I think Ashland is going to be better, just my opinion. 

Essentially it’s just Boyle County and then everybody else, or does Corbin have enough to takedown the perennial powerhouse? However my eyes are on HC David Clark and his Bardstown Tigers to continue their success after joining 4A, returning a very versatile RB Tyleeq Williams (SR) who scampered for 1,882 yards with 25 TD’s on 8.9 YPC and also hauled in 32 receptions for 475 yds with 6 TD’s in the 2022 season, look for the Tigers to be the representatives of Region 1 and a potential state finalist this 2023 season.

I like Boyle's chances but it will not be a walk.  Corbin's QB is very good.  Had a BIG season last season as a soph.  I like what Bardstown did last season but I don't think they have anything for Boyle, Corbin, CovCath or Johnson Central. 

51 minutes ago, BEChargers said:

I like Boyle's chances but it will not be a walk.  Corbin's QB is very good.  Had a BIG season last season as a soph.  I like what Bardstown did last season but I don't think they have anything for Boyle, Corbin, CovCath or Johnson Central. 

Finishing in the top 2 of RPI will be a huge storyline in 4A this year. I'm not sure there is a huge gap between 1-4, but getting to host the Semifinals will be an advantage.