The first thing I want people to realize is this, Mercer can't and won't be able to replace, Cory Jackson and Brandon Ford. Those types of kids are the ones you hope to have on your team just ONCE in your life, if that, so you could say they contributed just a little...if people are expecting to see that same kind of talent next year to make their judgement on whether or not Mercer is the "real deal", then you'd have a better chance in comparing apples and oranges. 5A football will be different. That's nothing more than just pointing out the obvious, but it's not like the teams are going to be foreign, especially to Jaggers and his staff, it might to the players, but they couldn't care less who they'll be playing.

 

Heres some fact, of the 37 teams in 5A, Marty Jaggers has coached and beat 15 of them, at either, Danville, Lincoln or Mercer.

 

Barren County, Highlands, Bowling Green, Anderson Co., Oldham CO., South Oldham, Montgomery County, Woodford, South Laurel, Southwestern, Lincoln Co., Clay Co., North Laurel and Warren Central.

 

I didn't say anything about Mercer replacing it's talented departures. What I said was, "5A is diff. than 2A and that it's a great chance to prove that for 5A they are the "real deal". Those teams you've listed, some have gotten alot better, some have gotten worse.

One factor that mercer has that Boyle also had when they moved up is confidence. they "believe" they can play at any level and this is a BIG reason Boyle was successful. When a team truly believes something, and I'm not talking about the false talking and chest pumping that goes on before evey game, I'm talking about a genuine belief that you are better than an opponent it covers a multitude of sins. I also think that even a loss or two will not dim the confidence of the titans. As an outside observer mercer has the kind of swagger that boyle did and it carried the rebels quite a ways. As I posted earlier I do not think mercer will be 5A state champs but I do think they will be a consistent challenger for a while to come.

 

They don't have the same confidence that Boyle had, nor the same type players, so don't make that comparison. Even after the fact they merged with another school filled with talented skill players. Will their schedule show that they feel they can play at any level? Will they play 6A or out of state opponents like Boyle?

They don't have the same confidence that Boyle had, nor the same type players, so don't make that comparison. Even after the fact they merged with another school filled with talented skill players. Will their schedule show that they feel they can play at any level? Will they play 6A or out of state opponents like Boyle?

 

 

 

Unless you work directly with the kids everyday, how are you going to sit behind a computer and tell others that the kids at Mercer don't have the same confidence that Boyle or any other school with success has. Secondly, how do you know they dont have the same type of players?! Im not going to make this into a Boyle/Mercer thread, but I dont know how you can sit here and make that claim, especially after the game last year. Like I said, I dont want this to turn into a Boyle/Mercer thread, because you can bet your butt that I pull for Boyle every game except when they're playing a certain couple schools.:thumb:

 

Mecer's non district includes the likes of Boyle, Rockcastle and Hopkinsville. I dont think those games would have been scheduled if they feeled were not winnable. To answer the out of state question, yes, they have an out of state game this comming year, Watertown, TN..at Watertown.

I didn't say anything about Mercer replacing it's talented departures. What I said was, "5A is diff. than 2A and that it's a great chance to prove that for 5A they are the "real deal". Those teams you've listed, some have gotten alot better, some have gotten worse.

 

 

I realize you didnt say that, wasnt saying that you were. That thought just came to mind to put out there (about their departures).

Im done with this board, though. I've spoke my peace..not worth wasting anymore time of my life that I won't ever get back.haha

Ashland did take a huge hit by graduation but the Tomcats have alot of young talent that will be very hungry. IMO Ashland would be either 2nd or 3rd in the district as of now with Bryan Station being the other. I think Woodford would be 4th and Montogomery Co. 5th. I look for Bryan Station to surprise some ppl in this district this year but Ashland is Ashland so you know they are going to put forth a strong team that will demand respect.

 

This seems like a really competitive district. You're right, Ashland is Ashland and they will find a way to compete with each team they play. So basically this district is JC's to lose and the rest fighting for second ? I dont know much about Montogomery or Woodford, I know Bryan Station has had good teams in past years and Ashland finds ways to be good. Sounds like this should be a fun district.

 

How is JC this year ? I know they lost a few key players from last years team. Would you say that JC is better than last year ? Weaker than last year ? Or just about the same ?

How is Ashland looking this year ? I know they lost a ton of seniors last year. I know JC is pre season favorite but is Ashland even second in that district ?

 

 

Ashland's should have alot of playing time available to inexperienced but soon to be talented players,especially the incoming junior class. This years team may have their struggles early but should be competitive later on in the year.

This seems like a really competitive district. You're right, Ashland is Ashland and they will find a way to compete with each team they play. So basically this district is JC's to lose and the rest fighting for second ? I dont know much about Montogomery or Woodford, I know Bryan Station has had good teams in past years and Ashland finds ways to be good. Sounds like this should be a fun district.

 

How is JC this year ? I know they lost a few key players from last years team. Would you say that JC is better than last year ? Weaker than last year ? Or just about the same ?

 

JC's toughest task this year IMO will be to replace the stud LB combo of Tackett and Johnson and replacing the tremendous blocking that Taylor and Meeks provided at the WR position. JC has all the pieces in place to be better than last year, its just time to show it.

 

Nathanial Dials will be at one of the LB positions for JC this year and the other is still up for grabs. Dials who was named 2nd team All State last year at the DE position was named one of the top 26 players this year across the state so the talent is still there. JC also has RB's Shawn Grimm and Chase Richardson back this season along with QB JK Ratliff. Last year as a Jr Grimm rushed for 2600 yds. Those #'s may be hard to repeat but I expect he should be close barring injury. Ratliff showed at times he could be very effective throwing the ball around so I suspect that you may see a little more of the passing attack from JC this year. I look for another big year from the JC defensive unit.

JC's toughest task this year IMO will be to replace the stud LB combo of Tackett and Johnson and replacing the tremendous blocking that Taylor and Meeks provided at the WR position. JC has all the pieces in place to be better than last year, its just time to show it.

 

Nathanial Dials will be at one of the LB positions for JC this year and the other is still up for grabs. Dials who was named 2nd team All State last year at the DE position was named one of the top 26 players this year across the state so the talent is still there. JC also has RB's Shawn Grimm and Chase Richardson back this season along with QB JK Ratliff. Last year as a Jr Grimm rushed for 2600 yds. Those #'s may be hard to repeat but I expect he should be close barring injury. Ratliff showed at times he could be very effective throwing the ball around so I suspect that you may see a little more of the passing attack from JC this year. I look for another big year from the JC defensive unit.

 

What does JC's schedule look like?

I dont know who you think you are, but you don't have a clue in the world. Unless you work directly with the kids everyday, how are you going to sit behind a computer and tell others that the kids at Mercer don't have the same confidence that Boyle or any other school with success has. Secondly, how do you know they dont have the same type of players?! Im not going to make this into a Boyle/Mercer thread, but I dont know how you can sit here and make that claim, especially after the game last year. Like I said, I dont want this to turn into a Boyle/Mercer thread, because you can bet your butt that I pull for Boyle every game except when they're playing a certain couple schools.:thumb:

 

Mecer's non district includes the likes of Boyle, Rockcastle and Hopkinsville. I dont think those games would have been scheduled if they feeled were not winnable. To answer the out of state question, yes, they have an out of state game this comming year, Watertown, TN..at Watertown.

 

This is awful. Your saying that a Mercer team, with no mr. football even mentioned is or should be on the same confidence level as the Boyle team who was undermanned for the class that they moved up to. Lets not forget that your beloved Mercer team barely (and taking nothing away from Russell) won the 2A title with a (last year) 4A roster, an indoor practice facility, and the one thing that makes people on preps mad, TALENTED TRANSFERS. Plus Mercer was one-dimensional. I'll promise you that won't work in 5A.

What does JC's schedule look like?

 

 

Generally it's a list with 10 dates and 10 different high schools on it.

This is awful. Your saying that a Mercer team, with no mr. football even mentioned is or should be on the same confidence level as the Boyle team who was undermanned for the class that they moved up to. Lets not forget that your beloved Mercer team barely (and taking nothing away from Russell) won the 2A title with a (last year) 4A roster, an indoor practice facility, and the one thing that makes people on preps mad, TALENTED TRANSFERS. Plus Mercer was one-dimensional. I'll promise you that won't work in 5A.

 

 

I never knew you had to have a Mr. Football candidate on your squad to win a state championship, or for fans, coaches or players to have confidence in their team. Secondly, Mercer had 3A numbers in roster and enrollment (middle range of 3A schools). The Indoor practice facility wasnt exactly complete until halfway through the season. Mercer was one-dimensional because they could be. Have a nice one.:thumb:

Bryan Station will be the biggest surprise next year, but they will not get past JC, they just have too much returning. BS has more athletes walking their hallways than any school in this whole class and the coaching staff moving in their 2nd year, will be looking to make big strides. BS will probably be in 5A for 2 or 3 years and then to 6 A. The new school (which looks great!) will grow with zoning changes in Lexington.

I once heard a quote one time, "Don't argue with ignorance, because they'll win due to experience." That pretty much somes up this.

 

I never knew you had to have a Mr. Football candidate on your squad to win a state championship, or for fans, coaches or players to have confidence in their team. Secondly, Mercer had 3A numbers in roster and enrollment (middle range of 3A schools). The Indoor practice facility wasnt exactly complete until halfway through the season. Mercer was one-dimensional because they could be. Have a nice one.:thumb:

 

Nobody said that you have to have a Mr. football candidate to win a state title. I simply said that the Boyle team that YOU, and primarily YOU, are comparing Mercer to had two Mr. Football winners at some point on that team and a third that could've easily won it. Mercer had a small 4A/ largest 3A enrollment. Mercer had something happen just at the right time in their favor for a state championship. You want them to have that confience, because you as the fan want more titles for your team.

^^ Can we can't play nice.