5A looks to be a class that is loaded with good teams and solid districts. Its hard to put together a complete Top Ten not knowing what everyone returns from last season. District 5 is definately the most competitive district with Highlands, CCH, and Dixie Heights with all the being 3 of the best teams in this class. My top ten would look something like this:

 

1.) Highlands- a hungry bunch of BlueBirds isnt good for this class and of course for pure tradition

2.) CCH- lost alot of talent but where state-champs in 3A last season.

3.) Bowling Green- always loaded with the talent, but seem to fall short when it counts.

4.) Johnson Central- had its best season last year in school history and with nearly all its talent returning, could sneak up on some ppl this year.

5.) Dixie Heights- has nearly all its players back, but could be a tough task to make it through that district.

6.) Mercer County- even though they won state, they played 2A with a 5A enrollment, lets see what they do with teams their own size.

7.) Owensboro- returns alot from last year. Could take some by surprise this year.

8.) Warren Central- solid team that has to come out of a tough district. Could this be the year the take BG?

9.) Southwestern- a solid team year in and year out that many seem to forget about.

10.) Hopkinsville- tough team from the west.

Looks good to me:thumb:

Mercer's district has two other district champs in Lincoln (4a) and Southwestern(3a-a district that included Boyle). That is a district that is hard to beat.

Ya'll have yall's opinion and I got mine. In the end we'll found who was right and who was wrong and if I'm wrong, and I hope I am because I'm a big Owensboro fan and we need all the help we can get just like any team, I'll be the first one to say Shemwell's the man.

Hopkinsville won't possess that "star" name/player (E.T., Pulley, Lopez, & Dodd) like they have had the last 8-10 years but they will have more depth thanks in large part to the increase in numbers. Their Offensive Line returns

4 starters and they return 2 of their top 3 RB's from a year ago. The WR position will possess to potential playmakers in Junior Darrick Dillard who transferred in from Atlanta and Vic Moulden who transferred to Hopkinsville from Ft. Campbell a year ago. Kyle Graham & Logan Adams give the offense 2possession WR's neither is going to out run any defense. Antwon Crayton 6'2 180 TE/WR will get the early call at TE. He's a physical player that likes going over the middle. If he can give the offense some pass catching consistency it will keep things open on the outside. Then that will allow the running game to eat up yardage. Cardell McGregor and Joe Harris both saw lots of action last year at the RB & FB positions but this year will be asked to carry more of the load. DeShawn Johnson will get his RB reps. A small speedy runner with good lower body strength. Marshall Stewart 6'2 180 will be the man under center. Smart and physical QB. Possesses a good and accurate arm. Will allow Hopkinsville to still utilize the QB in their running game but not a QB that will out athlete opposing defenses.

 

Defensively they will be solid. Last year Hopkinsville relied on 7 sophomores to either start or be 1st rotation players. Transfer Dee Allen gives them quickness, strength, and an attitude up front. The LB core has good upside especially if Joe Harris could emerge and lign up next to Jacob Johnson and allow Cardell McGregor to move back to his natural position of SS. Hopkinsville could have a 19 man rotation on defense when it's all said and done and compared to years past that's huge for Hoptown. The defensive play will be key at the Safety positions.

 

This Hoptown team won't have the speed burners they've had over the years but will still be above average in the speed category. They have the potential to have a strong season and do well in the playoffs especially if Marshall Stewart keeps progressing along.

 

 

Hopkinsville will benefit this year from having a true fulltime O-Line Coach. Last year Doug Gloyd resigned from the position in late July to take the Asst. Principals job at Trigg Co. High School. Hopkinsville has hired a Offensive Line Coach from Oklahoma. He also has a son that could be a pretty good player for the Tigers before all is said and done.

5A looks to be a class that is loaded with good teams and solid districts. Its hard to put together a complete Top Ten not knowing what everyone returns from last season. District 5 is definately the most competitive district with Highlands, CCH, and Dixie Heights with all the being 3 of the best teams in this class. My top ten would look something like this:

 

1.) Highlands- a hungry bunch of BlueBirds isnt good for this class and of course for pure tradition

2.) CCH- lost alot of talent but where state-champs in 3A last season.

3.) Bowling Green- always loaded with the talent, but seem to fall short when it counts.

4.) Johnson Central- had its best season last year in school history and with nearly all its talent returning, could sneak up on some ppl this year.

5.) Dixie Heights- has nearly all its players back, but could be a tough task to make it through that district.

6.) Mercer County- even though they won state, they played 2A with a 5A enrollment, lets see what they do with teams their own size.

7.) Owensboro- returns alot from last year. Could take some by surprise this year.

8.) Warren Central- solid team that has to come out of a tough district. Could this be the year the take BG?

9.) Southwestern- a solid team year in and year out that many seem to forget about.

10.) Hopkinsville- tough team from the west.

 

 

How would they sneek up on anyone if they have nearly all their talent back this year? And who would they sneak up on?