20 minutes ago, theguru said:

1 hour ago, GBR said:

Why are you so down on Owensboro Catholic?

This is simply a guess right now, and I could be completely wrong, but I'm just not sold on O Cath as being a force because Atwell returns. In my opinion, the best returning QB in 2A is Hayden. The Aces may prove me wrong, and I will celebrate them when they do.

43 minutes ago, Cousin Chris said:

I agree with GBR.  Tigers are absolutely loaded.  They have their record setting QB back and 3 potential D1 receivers in Erdman, Cusick and Fryman who can all fly.  They also have a great RB in Chase Flaherty and one of the biggest and most athletic lines they have had in many years.  If they stay healthy Beechwood will be a really tough out for anyone in 2A.

How is the Defense looking? We know the skill guys are back but no one mentions the defense. Will the O Line guys play both ways? Who replaces Xavier Campbell? Just curious as all anyone seems to post about is the QB and some speedy receivers. 

Staff is trying to not play all the linemen both ways.  They have some depth up front this year so should be able to rotate guys in and stay a little fresher.  2 of their linemen have D1 offers and 3 others are returning starters.  I was at the radio show last week and Coach Volker said their average size this season is around 6’2” 235 lbs so much bigger than last season.  The new kid is 6’4” 265 and he started at Moeller last year.  Most of the players were there and they look much bigger.  Based on that I would say the Beechwood line should be pretty good this season.  They moved the Waddell kid to middle linebacker where Campbell played last season so we really don’t lose much there.  Hopefully Maddox Kelly and the kid from Moeller can create some pass rush to pressure the QB.  DBs are almost all returning so should be really solid on the back end. OLB is only question on defense and one of the younger kids (Aylor) has really stepped up there.  So based on this I think the Beechwood defense and O Line should be really solid this season.

Its no way you can rank Mayfield higher than Beechwood with their awesome QB, all the play makers coming back and that speed evidence of them winning 100 meters, 200 meters and one of the relay state championship. Or higher than Owensboro Catholic with their all world QB and the transfers that came in..both played a much better last year Mayfield team to the wire last year. Then factor in all that Mayfield lost including their legendary head coach...I like Mayfield but just not this year (next year)...they will be out by 3rd round and forsure in the semis by losing big to one of these teams....mark this prediction down to revisist in November. This team mirrors the 2021 team that lost big to Beechwood in the semis.

10 minutes ago, DaTruth said:

Its no way you can rank Mayfield higher than Beechwood with their awesome QB, all the play makers coming back and that speed evidence of them winning 100 meters, 200 meters and one of the relay state championship. Or higher than Owensboro Catholic with their all world QB and the transfers that came in..both played a much better last year Mayfield team to the wire last year. Then factor in all that Mayfield lost including their legendary head coach...I like Mayfield but just not this year (next year)...they will be out by 3rd round and forsure in the semis by losing big to one of these teams....mark this prediction down to revisist in November. This team mirrors the 2021 team that lost big to Beechwood in the semis.

Well they did and bring it on!!

To me, you would rank Beechwood #1  but I get it , Mayfield starting out #1 from last season, why not? It's all gonna shake out in the next few weeks and who starts at #1 will be irrelevant. 

I'd start out the season with Beechwood at #1. Great nucleus returning, including a star QB. Lots to like about this team. I'd have the Cardinals at #2. Deep, talented line on both sides of the ball and, IMO, the best defensive team in 2a. Nice speed and several athletic guys capable of making plays. I'd have OB Catholic at #3. Atwell alone, puts them in the Top 3, but, they have other talented players. The thing that keeps them below the other 2 is there D. LCA has a very deep and talented line but doesn't possess the same offensive firepower as the other 3, so, I'd start them at #4 with Somerset rounding out the Top 5.. 

JJ I 100% agree with your breakdown.  You didn’t mention the Beechwood line and I think Beechwood’s O line and D line are going to be bigger more athletic and much improved.

Beechwood

OCath

Mayfield

LCA (haven’t heard much hype about them this pre season but unless they got another equivalent to Hensley, I don’t see them being in the top 3)

3 minutes ago, 55RedDog said:

Beechwood

OCath

Mayfield

LCA (haven’t heard much hype about them this pre season but unless they got another equivalent to Hensley, I don’t see them being in the top 3)

I heard they were very competitive against Station in their scrimmage and I watched some of their scrimmage against Woodford County.  I think LCA is flying under the radar but they play Boyle Saturday so if they are a force this year we will know right away. 

Beechwood

OCath

Mayfield/LCA

Somerset

Hmmmm.

I think Boyle will put a running clock on LCA this year.  With no Boley and no Hensley I don’t care if they have the Dallas Cowboys O line Boyle is going to put it on them.

I expect Boyle to handle LCA by 28 or so, but, I'm not sure any other 2a team would do much better against this Rebels team. I don't think the outcome has much barring at all in the bigger picture, if nothing else, playing great competition early in the year, certainly helps you get prepared for the playoff run. 

Just now, jeff jackson said:

I expect Boyle to handle LCA by 28 or so, but, I'm not sure any other 2a team would do much better against this Rebels team. I don't think the outcome has much barring at all in the bigger picture, if nothing else, playing great competition early in the year, certainly helps you get prepared for the playoff run. 

I think LCA playing Boyle close would be the attention getter for 2A.  Beyond that, I agree with you.