2007 Class 3A Kentucky High School Football Preview

[The Scribe]

1. Central (11-3)

Head coach: Ty Scroggins

2006: Lost to Bowling Green 21-14 in the state semifinals

Former University of Louisville player Ty Scroggins comes to Central after a successful stint as the head coach at Doss.

 

And Scroggins takes over a program that – if not rocked by injuries – will be one of the main contenders for the Class 3A. Central could be even better this year that it was a year ago when the Yellowjackets finished 11-3 and lost in the state quarterfinals.

 

Quarterback Leland Banks is the senior leader. He’s a three-year starter, threw for 1,500 yards and ran for 300 more last season while totaling 19 touchdowns.

 

Running backs Dre Wesley and Teryl Wadlington are among 17 seniors on the roster, while Justin Burrus, Mister Cobble and Brandon McKinney will anchor the lines.

 

The top player on defense will be junior linebacker Ridge Wilson (6-4, 210), who is already drawing major Division I attention, and sophomore linebacker Tim Patterson.

 

Click here for the 2007 Central schedule

 

 

2. Paducah Tilghman (6-6)

Head coach: Perry Thomas

2006: Lost to Hopkinsville 24-16 in the second round of the playoffs

 

No team benefited more from six-class realignment, it can be argued, than Paducah Tilghman.

 

Hopkinsville and Bowling Green no longer stand in the Tornado’s postseason path. Instead, Tilghman is the heavy favorite in District 1 and a good bet to reach the state semifinals.

 

Under the new alignment, Tilghman’s only familiar foe is Union County, a team it’s beaten 23 times in 24 meetings. None of the other three district opponents — Webster County, McLean County and Muhlenberg South — have won a playoff game since 2002.

 

“We’re always going to be the favorite based on reputation,” coach Perry Thomas said, “but our guys don’t really pay attention to all that. They just go out and play, and they’re hungry because we haven’t been up to Tilghman standards the last two years.”

 

The Tornado was 6-6 last season, rebounding from an 0-5 start that included overtime losses to Fort Campbell and a close call against a Graves County team that upset state-ranked Christian County in the first round of the Class 4A playoffs. Tilghman beat Hopkinsville during the regular season, but lost to the Tigers in the district championship game.

 

As usual, the Tornado has speed to burn. Tilghman’s track program has won seven consecutive Class 2A state titles and the football team will have as much speed as anyone in Class 3A.

 

Offensively, Tilghman will share the football between as many as a dozen players after losing quarterback David Jones and tailback Michael Jones (a Southeast Missouri signee) to graduation, two guys that accounted for a large chunk of the team’s offensive output.

 

New quarterback Dwayne Jones is more of a running threat than a drop back passer, and he will have a slew of fleet backs and receivers at his disposal. Malik Curtley will get the early nod at tailback with sophomores Deray Edmonds and Jim Hank sharing time at fullback.

 

Thomas insists his receiving corps goes nine-deep, led by Demarcus Topp, Denzel Powell, Bradley James and Dontell Jefferson. Isaiah Holt (6-3, 250), a running back as a sophomore, is back for his senior season after moving out-of-state and will see action at tight end, along with Taylor Brown.

 

The offensive line, a question mark in recent years, is still rather young. Lee Hundley is the only senior. Sophomore Kirk Sanderson (6-5, 270) returns at right tackle and has the tools to be a star down the road, and juniors Sam McDowell (5-11, 230) and Coleman Conner are experienced returnees.

 

On the defensive side, Hank (5-11, 175) had a solid freshman campaign, and he and Holt give the Tornado a formidable 1-2 punch at linebacker. McDowell rounds out the trio, and the secondary is solid with Jones at safety and James and Jarrod Jones at the corners.

 

Tilghman could be vulnerable against a big offensive line with its mighty-mite defensive front. Curtley, Trae Rouse, Kristian Prather and Daniel Powell average about 170 pounds, but their quickness caused some problems and contributed to Tilghman’s midseason turnaround.

 

“We went with the smaller, quicker guys, and it flipped our whole season around,” Thomas said. “We really don’t have much choice but to do it again this year because we just don’t have much beef.”

 

Tilghman’s non-district schedule is fairly difficult, particularly early in the season with games against Christian County, Graves County, Fort Campbell and Mayfield.

 

“This bunch came in pretty hungry, and they want to win those close games they’ve been losing the last year or two,” Thomas said. “We’re not real big, and we could have trouble with big teams, but we can run and these guys have some toughness about them.”

 

Click here for the 2007 Paducah Tilghman schedule

[The Scribe]

3. Belfry (11-3)

Head coach: Phillip Haywood

2006: Lost to Russell 19-0 in the Class 2A semifinals

 

Belfry finds themselves in good shape as they return to Class 3A football for the first time since 1998.

 

The Pirates return a solid nucleus for head coach Phillip Haywood, who will likely pass 300 career wins this year. In 32 seasons, his teams have won 292 games and lost just 109.

 

Back for Haywood and the Pirates is senior running back and workhorse Dustin May (6-2, 165), who could make the move to halfback. May rushed for 1,425 yards and 17 touchdowns but won’t be alongside the graduated Corey Chapman and Gerald Epling.

 

Seniors Heath Varney, Ryan Preston and Phillip Hickman, and juniors Charlie Dotson and Ivan Lee should compete for carries alongside May in the backfield.

 

Junior quarterback Andrew Elkins steadily improved as 2006 wore on, throwing for 827 yards and eight touchdowns in the run-heavy Pirate offense. Elkins will be looked at to keep defenses from pinning their ears back and focusing on May.

 

Adam Bowens and Corey Coleman should split time at tight end, while Jon Young and Ryan Preston should compete at wide out.

 

Belfry has long prided themselves on a blue-collar, lunch pail-type offensive line. However, they will have several new faces in the trenches this year with senior Will Sutherland (6-2, 200, Sr.) the lone returning starter.

 

On defense, the line in Haywood’s 5-2 defense will be a strong point with the return of leading tackler Phillip Hickman, Will Sutherland, and Ivan Lee. Adams Bowens and Corey Coleman return at defensive end.

 

May and Doston comprise one of the strongest linebacking duos in the mountains. They are physical, experienced defenders who have enough quickness to cover sideline to sideline.

 

Elkins is the only starter returning to the secondary, with Preston and Timmy Lovern expected to battle for the other starting spots.

 

After winning a pair of state titles in Class 2A, the Pirates move back to 3A for the first time in almost a decade. They will be joined in their district by former emerging rival Sheldon Clark and could face Somerset in the playoffs should both teams advance that far.

 

Click here for the 2007 Belfry schedule

 

 

4. Russell (13-2)

Head coach: Ivan McGlone

2006: Lost to Mercer County 15-12 in the 2A state championship game

 

After back-to-back trips to the carpet, one might think Russell will be going through a rebuilding phase. This is especially true given the graduation of all everything Kasey Clark.

 

But, this was also the case in 2005 when the Devils had to contend with the graduation of all-everything Josh Gross. All the Devils did that year was win state. As they are fond of saying on Red Devil Lane, "We don't rebuild, we reload.”

 

The Devils season will depend on the performance of returning QB/DE Tyler Jones (5-10, 185). Speculation has him possibly moving to the backfield, but look for him to begin the season under center unless back up AJ Cordle comes on strong in practice.

 

With the loss of Clark, look for junior David Bailey to step up in the backfield along with fellow junior Drew Abrams. Others who will get opportunities in the backfield include senior Josh Hopper and junior Adam Bates.

 

Juniors Derek Fosson and Justin Mitchell will be expected to pick up the receiving slack left by the graduation of Marcus Frazier, Jacob Sizemore and Clark.

 

Big changes are in store on the line, literally as well as figuratively, with the graduation of center Ethan Gullett, guard Josh Wills, and the transfer of junior man-child (6'5", 340) Seth Harvey.

 

Line coaches Jeff Smith and Denny Locey will have their work cut out for them, but with their experience, they will have the line working for the wing-T long before the playoffs roll around.

 

Returning to the line are senior tackle Toby Hicks (6-3, 290) and senior guard Adam Foster (5-10, 190). Names to look for up front include juniors Mike Dillon, Drew Miller; seniors Laike Allen, Brandon Castle, Brandon Barnes, and Jonathan Cornwell (returning after a season-ending injury in game two). There may also be some sophomores in the mix here as well.

 

On defense, one thing stays the same...Coach Garry Morris. Many fans believe he is one of the best defensive coordinators around the state regardless of class and one BGP thread even indicates the Red Devil faithful may see him as the heir apparent to Ivan. He looks to replace three-year starters in the secondary in Sizemore and Clark while also replacing linebacker Josh Wills.

 

Look for the many of same names on offense to be given opportunities here again with some sophomore thrown into the mix.

 

While the team will be young in some areas, they are generally not lacking for experience as the coaching staff always makes sure to get the back-ups plenty of reps during the season.

 

With the restructuring into six classes, look for the Red Devils to make another strong run in the playoffs with another visit to Belfry to determine who goes to the carpet...again.

 

Click here for the 2007 Russell schedule

 

 

5. Mason County (7-4)

Head coach: David Buchanan

2006: Lost to Ashland Blazer 17-0 in the first round of the playoffs

 

By Philip Hay

WFTM Radio

 

In a perfect world, when a high school football team goes from being one of the smallest teams in their class to being one of the largest in a new classified realignment all would be great. For Mason County and many other teams there is no such thing as a perfect world.

 

The Royals played 3A last year as one of the smallest teams. This season they will be one of the largest playing in the new 3A class. If only it was that easy. Now instead of battling Ashland and Johnson Central, the Royals will face always-dangerous Russell in district play. Since the last time these two teams were in the same district, Russell has ONLY won a state championship in 2005 and a runner-up finish in 2006. So the road to the carpet is going to be even tougher. And that is just inside the district.

Coach David Buchanan knows that he has a solid nucleus returning and it starts with senior quarterback Richie Cox.

 

“He’s benching about 335, been clocked at some of the off season camps 4.7, and he is extremely athletic. Several schools are recruiting him as a strong safety. Duke, Kentucky and Louisville are showing the most interest. Duke is interested because he is got a 4.0 and a 31 on his ACT. Those guys don’t come around too much. He is also being recruited by Harvard and Yale because of his academics. I don’t know that quarterback is his best position at the next level but for the things we do here I think he is going to do a tremendous job for us.”

 

One guy that Cox will be looking to throw the ball to will be senior Jackson Tolle. Eastern Kentucky, Carson Newman and Indiana State are showing a lot of interest in Tolle. The strong tight end has worked hard to make himself a recruitable player.

 

“Team speed and quickness is not great, but with a good effort and attitude, it should be good enough for us to win.”

 

One player that will help in that area is Ryan Foley, a transfer from Garrard County. “Having him transfer in has given us another fast guy. And then it seems like we’ve had a lot of guys get faster. Our perimeter, our wide outs, our running backs. Our interior are moving a lot better their 40's are not where we would like them to be, but they are moving a lot better.”

 

There will be many bright spots for the Royals that are returning. Jeremy Thompson showed many bright spots a year ago and will look to improve on his sophomore season. While the line will not be overly large it will feature some good size.

 

Ray Huron (260), Wylie Brace (250), and Chris Temple (285) all will be quick coming off the ball and that should help tremendously.

 

The schedule will look to prepare the Royals for the playoffs in November. Out of district opponents will include Paris, Boone County, Campbell County, Bourbon County, Greenup County and rival Fleming County.

Then add to that Lewis County, East Carter, West Carter, and Russell, and the Royals will have their hands full.

 

Then if they are lucky enough to make it to the region there are teams like Belfry, Breathitt County and Somerset that all await who ever advances to the point.

 

Buchanan added “I hope that we get to talk about that in November. That’s a long way off for us and we’ve got a lot to address before then. I think we are where we belong. Those are all teams that we are comparable to and we belong there with them and we need to get better everyday to compete.”

 

Ahh, if we only lived in a perfect world then all would be right, and the carpet would be in sight. Instead there is much work to be done and some very good football teams that could cloud that view.

 

Click here for the 2007 Mason County schedule

[The Scribe]

6. Breathitt County (8-3)

Head coach: Mike Holcomb

2006: Lost to Leslie County 28-14 in the first round of the Class 2A playoffs

 

It’s been 15 years since Breathitt County failed to make it past the first round of the playoffs in three straight seasons. Don’t look for that streak to end this year.

 

Mike Holcomb’s Bobcats return several players from last year’s team that won eight games and doubled their win total from the previous year.

 

The Bobcats are back in 3A for the first time since 1994 and should be the heavy favorites in a new district that includes Cawood, Estill County, Fleming County, and Powell County.

 

Senior Colby Fugate returns to direct the Bobcat offense after throwing for 1,939 yards and 14 touchdowns last year.

 

Although Beckham Herald has graduated from the backfield, Breathitt returns sophomore Channing Fugate and Chris Jackson – sort of a thunder and lightning combo.

 

Seniors Rusty Herald and Ryan Allen also return in Breathitt’s big play offense. The duo combined for 63 catches and over 1,100 yards last year.

 

Only two starters return on the line, with senior Hunter Morgan being one of the returnees.

 

Defensively, the Bobcats should be much improved with Chris Jackson returning at linebacker.

 

Jade Haddix and Fugate will roam the secondary along with Herald and junior Alex Strong.

 

Breathitt County’s 2007 schedule features and interesting mix of big and small, with Lexington Christian, Prestonsburg, Lawrence County, and Boyd County among the non-district opponents.

 

Should the Bobcats advance out of their district, they could face a friendly rival from 2A in Russell, who also moves up to Class 3A this year.

 

Click here for the 2007 Breathitt County schedule

 

 

7. Somerset (9-5)

Head coach: Jay Cobb

2006: Lost to Newport Central Catholic 40-24 in the semifinals of the 1A playoffs

 

It’s been a bizarre eight months for Somerset, who moves to Class 3A for the first time and had two head coaches – the same guy.

 

Jay Cobb decided after nine seasons and a 73-38 record at Somerset to accept the coaching job at Henderson County. Days later, he announced he had changed his mind, resigned, and was rehired at Somerset.

 

The Briar Jumpers return five starters on offense, led by Mr. Football candidate John Cole (6-1, 170, Sr.), who caught 86 passes for 1,891 yards and 28 touchdowns. The yards and touchdowns were new single-season state records. Cole needs only 17 touchdowns to break Montrell Jones’ career mark of 59 receiving touchdowns.

 

However, who will be throwing Cole the football is one of the biggest questions Cobb will have to answer before their season opener.

 

Senior Chase Hall has the inside track for the position after backing up Ross Deaton last year.

 

Kenny Hughes (6-0, 205, Sr.) returns to the backfield after rushing for 766 yards and five touchdowns.

 

The Somerset line lost three starters but return center Tyler Cobb and tackle Jordan Gossett (6-0, 215, Sr.). Michael Phelps is a player that could earn a starting position on the Jumper line.

 

Coach Cobb is hoping that receiver John Coomer can help take some of the attention away from Cole in the passing game. He would also like another player to become an offensive threat on a team that averaged 400 yards and 39 points a night last year.

 

Big holes will have to be plugged on a defensive unit that lost three starters on the line and returns jus four overall.

 

Hughes will anchor the Somerset defense from the linebacker position, which is the strongest area of the Jumper defense. He’ll be joined by Chad Shoemaker, Scott Spears, and Coomer.

 

Cole and senior Justin Oursler return in the secondary, but replacing the defensive line will be Cobb’s biggest task on defense.

 

The Jumpers move into the only six-team district in 3A. The other five teams combined to win 18 games and were 1-3 in last year’s playoffs.

 

If Cobb can overcome the offseason distractions and develop some depth on the line, the Briar Jumpers could be looking at hosting both Belfry and Russell in the postseason.

 

Click here for the 2007 Somerset schedule

 

8. Sheldon Clark (9-2)

Head coach: Shawn Hager

2006: Lost to Prestonsburg 35-6 in the first round of the 2A playoffs

 

Sheldon Clark returns one of the more potent backfields in the state in senior Adam Dials and junior Ryan Kelly.

 

Dials (6-1, 195, Sr.) rushed for over 1,200 yards and 16 touchdowns last year, while Kelly 5-11, 185, Jr.) added 1,180 yards and 13 touchdowns.

 

Also back for the Cardinals is quarterback Damon Hensley (6-1, 215, Sr.), who completed 50-percent of his passes for 550 yards in the run-oriented Cardinal offensive attack.

 

Dials and Kelly also anchor the Sheldon Clark defense that struggled at time against the better competition last year.

 

The Cardinals will have some experience on the line in addition to a talented group of freshmen who have tasted success at the middle school level.

 

Everyone was looking ahead to a potential meeting with Belfry in the playoffs that never materialized thanks to a pair of losses to Prestonsburg. Despite the move to 3A, the Cardinals again find themselves looking ahead to a potential showdown with the Pond Creekers thanks to a new alignment that pits the two district favorites in the same group with Pike County Central, Magoffin County, and East Ridge.

 

Click here for the 2007 Sheldon Clark schedule

[The Scribe]

9. Elizabethtown (7-4)

Head coach: Brad Todd

2006: Lost to Western 34-19 in the first round of the 2A playoffs

 

By Josh Claywell

The (Elizabethtown) News-Enterprise

 

A familiar face has taken over for the Elizabethtown Panthers.

 

Brad Todd, who served as an assistant under former coach Brett Burnett, takes over for Paul Gray, who went 11-10 in two seasons.

 

“We’re real tickled,” Todd said. “We’ve got a long ways to go, but we’re real pleased with where we’re at right now.”

 

Todd’s staff will include defensive coordinator Jim Noblin, wide receiver’s coach Jose Rivera, line coach David Boone, secondary coach Jimmy Knight, and junior varsity coordinators Adam Kinney and Mike Savage.

 

Senior J.D. Tanner, who threw for 1,348 yards and 16 touchdowns last season, is back at quarterback.

 

Tanner was a freshman the last time Todd was at Elizabethtown.

 

“I had a good understanding with him before,” Todd said. “He’s picked up the offense quickly and he’s working hard.”

 

Tanner’s backup will be junior Micheal Thomas.

 

“Their field presence and their leadership on the field has been great,” Todd said. “They both have been coming in and doing all the little things every quarterback has to do to get better.”

 

In the backfield will be fullback Cody Withers and halfbacks Tyler Dewitt and Jaron Skillman.

 

Withers is the team’s returning leading rusher, amassing 601 yards and 5 TDs last fall. Skillman rushed for 575 yards and 5 scores last fall.

 

“They all three do a good job in pass/receive stuff,” Todd said. “They’re doing a lot of good things.”

 

Leading receiver Chris Gohman, who caught 46 passes for 662 yards and 8 TDs, is back, along with Trevor Deneen (27 receptions, 446 yards, 4 TDs) and Chance Boone (27, 270, 4).

 

Darius French, Titus Sublett, Thomas and Joe Allen could all see time at either wide receiver or tight end.

 

“It’s a good group of receivers,” Todd said.

 

Anchoring the offensive line will be Henri Baker, Cameron Hamilton, Cody Chapman, Jordan Schooler, Justin Butler, Anthony Edwards and Thomas Jacobs.

 

“We’re running quite a few in an out on the line,” Todd said. “We’re still trying to find out who can do what.”

 

Baker, Edwards, Boone and Jacobs will see time on the defensive line, while Withers, Thomas, Dewitt, Allen, Skillman and Darrien Williams will rotate at linebacker.

 

Sublett, Gohman, French and Deneen will play patrol the secondary. Gohman and French each had four interceptions last fall.

 

“They’re all fairly experienced (on defense), but we’ve got some young kids in there,” Todd said. “It’s not a senior-dominated group.”

 

Tanner and Boone could handle the punting duties, while Jack Goblirsch will be the place kicker.

 

Sublett, Deneen, Gohman and Dewitt will be the primary return men.

Elizabethtown, which is four years removed from playing in the Class 2-A state championship game, wants to get back to that point this year.

 

“We’re trying to win a district title and win region and make it back to the state championship,” Todd said. “Expectations are pretty high.”

 

Elizabethtown opens the season Aug. 25 against Lloyd Memorial in the R Cubed Printing Bowl.

 

Click here for the 2007 Elizabethtown schedule

 

10. Russellville (8-4)

Head coach: John Myers

2006: Lost to Metcalfe County 29-20 in the second round of the 1A playoffs

 

There was one main reason for Russellville opting to play up from Class 1A to 3A this year – geography. The Panthers would have been relegated to a district that would have meant a minimum two-hour bus ride for every game.

 

Their new 3A district includes teams within a short drive of Russellville. Of course, the fact their four district opponents were a combined 15-26 last year also made the decision an easy one.

 

It marks the first time in the 72-year history of Russellville football that the Panthers will be playing outside of Class A.

 

Head coach John Myers and the Panthers have steadily increased their win total each of the last four seasons and look to extend that streak another year with seven starters returning on each side of the football in 2007.

 

Dustin Sydnor (5-9, 155, Sr.) rushed for 1,392 yards and 13 touchdowns, while backfield mate Jamarcus Gordon added 871 yards and eight TDs. They’re both back in ’07.

 

Sydnor was the state champion in the 200-meter dash at the Class A State Track Meet in June.

 

Those two should add to those numbers with the return of four starters on the O-line.

 

Replacing Jordan Hinton at quarterback will be one of Myers’ top priorities, although the task should be made easier with the experience the Panthers return on that side of the football.

 

Myers expects Damien Elam, who has started on the Russellville basketball team since middle school, and sophomore Dudley Bouldin to make immediate impacts for the Panthers this year.

 

On defense, Donnie Bigbee (6-1, 190, Sr.) has led the Panthers in tackles the past two years from his defensive end position. He leads a quick, but undersized unit that can get to the football quick.

 

“I really like the nucleus of our team and the senior leadership we have,” said Myers. “I feel like we have a shot to contend for a district and regional championship.”

 

With the new alignment, the Panthers have put together a schedule that includes several area rivals and tradition-rich programs.

 

Franklin-Simpson, Glasgow, and Todd County are on the Panther schedule, as is Danville, which makes an Oct. 11 trip to Rhea Stadium.

 

Click here for the 2007 Russellville schedule

[The Scribe]

Other Class 3A Teams...

 

 

Adair County (4-6)

Head coach: Clark Teague

2006: Missed the playoffs

 

Adair County rebounded from a winless 2005 season to win four games last year.

 

Despite the loss of a big graduating class, things appear to be looking up in Columbia.

 

Head coach Clark Teague appears to have the Indian football program headed in the right direction. The team began play in a new stadium last year and plans for a new athletic facility have taken shape.

 

What should take shape next is the Indians’ first trip to the playoffs since 2004. Helping matters is the new realignment that has Adair County sharing a district with teams that were in Class 1A and 2A last year.

 

Click here for the 2007 Adair County schedule

 

Butler County (6-5)

Head coach: Robert Tuck

2006: Lost to Owensboro Catholic 42-6 in the first round of the 2A playoffs

 

Butler County is breathing some fresh air into a program that has made the playoffs four of the past five years.

 

The Bears move up to Class 3A, which may be a good thing given they won’t have to face Owensboro Catholic or Glasgow in their district anymore.

 

Head coach Robert Tuck, known for running the wishbone offense, will look to spread the field with Junior quarterback Jesse Stivers, who threw for less than 300 yards last year.

 

“We will look to spread teams out more this year,” Tuck said. “Stivers started five games last year and did a great job. We’re also deep at the skill positions.”

 

Senior fullback J.R. Ford rushed for 699 yards and 11 touchdowns last year and figures to be a key member of the Butler County offense again this year.

 

Junior receiver Matt Hudnall, senior end Ethan Vincent, senior tailback Kent Madison, and sophomore running back Jason Byrd also to figure to contribute in the new look Bear offense.

 

Tuck must replace three starters on the offensive line, although senior Aaron Beasley and Steven Neighbors return.

 

Defensively, Butler County has seven starters back from a unit that held four opponents to a touchdown or less.

 

Ford was the leading tackler from his linebacker position. He will be joined on the outside by Kent Madison.

 

Beasley, Neighbors, and senior Lauren Kane return on the line, while Vincent, Hudnall, and Kirk Madison return in the secondary.

 

“We won’t be as big on the defensive line, but I look for us to be more athletic there,” Tuck said.

 

Some newcomers that could break into the starting lineup before the year is over include senior running back Tyler Overstreet, junior lineman John Washer, and junior linebacker Chris Sebastian.

 

Butler County now plays in a district where the teams are close to equal on paper. Russellville, Edmonson County, Adair County, and Hart County will battle the Bears for the four playoff spots.

 

“The new alignment should make for a very competitive district. If we can get our offensive and defensive lines worked out, we should be in the mix of things,” Tuck said.

 

Click here for the 2007 Butler County schedule

 

Casey County (3-8)

Head coach: Andy Stephens

2006: Lost to Wayne County 20-14 in the first round of the 2A playoffs

 

Despite making the move from Class 2A to 3A, Casey County head coach Andy Stephens doesn’t feel like the switch will overwhelm his squad that won just three games last year.

 

“We are pretty familiar with most of the teams in our new district. At one time or another, we have shared a district with everyone except Somerset and Jackson County,” he said.

 

The Rebels have 11 starters back, including six on defense led by linebackers Shane Spears (5-10, 205, Sr.) and Zack Cochran (5-9, 185, Sr.).

 

Defensive ends Brandon Lee (6-1, 190, Sr.) and Joe Evans (5-11, 175, Jr.) provide bookends to the line, while tackle Sean Collins (5-9, 180, Sr.) also returns.

 

Shannon Wethington (6-1, 200, Sr.) is the lone starter back in the secondary.

 

Stephens has several players who he feels can step in and contribute right away despite the fact they have very little or no playing experience.

Spears and Evans will start in the Rebel backfield, while Omar Gonzalez (5-10, 185, Jr.) and Cody Ray (5-10, 175, Fr.) could challenge for playing time.

 

Cochran, Lee, Cain Rodriguez (6-2, 315, Jr.), and Mariano Gonzalez (6-0, 255, Jr.) should give Stephens some options on the lines.

 

“We feel like we had a productive winter and have added a few players that can help us out,” Stephens said. “We’re still going to have to rely on young players and others who have not played football. We’ll have a steep learning curve early in the season.”

 

Click here for the 2007 Casey County schedule

 

 

Cawood (3-8)

Head coach: Eric Perry

2006: Lost to Middlesboro 49-13 in the first round of the 2A playoffs

 

Eric Perry takes over a Cawood team that moves back up to 3A in what will likely be a short-term move with the impending consolidation into Harlan County High School with Evarts and Cumberland.

 

With an apparent abundance of running backs, sophomore T.J. Green is expected to move under center after rushing for over 750 yards last year.

 

Shadow Westfelt and Chuck Howard will start in the backfield alongside senior fullback Brad Howard.

 

Perry will have some size and experience to work with in the trenches as seniors Jonathon Kinder (6-1, 245), D.J. Wilson (5-10, 250), and junior Royal Bargo (5-10, 270) all return.

 

As always, the Trojans will have to rely on some underclassmen to step forward throughout the season to provide depth. The good news is that Cawood should make the playoffs for one final time as a school.

 

Click here for the 2007 Cawood schedule

 

East Carter (5-6)

Head coach: Aaron Baldwin

2006: Lost to Russell 48-8 in the first round of the 2A playoffs

 

Don Damron stepped down after six seasons at East Carter, and assistant Aaron Baldwin is now the new coach of the Raiders.

 

The new coach will likely center his offense around quarterback Nathan Carroll (5-10, 160, Sr.) and running backs Derrick Carper (6-0, 165, Sr.) and Mav White (6-2, 250, Sr.).

 

Cory Ferguson (5-10, 210, Jr.) and Bobby Smith (5-8, 270, Sr.) return to a line that will have the task of creating holes for the Raiders’ talented backs to run through.

 

Baldwin will have plenty of experience returning as just five seniors graduated off last year’s team, including leading rusher Caleb Waugh.

 

The Raiders will find out just where they stack up among the area’s best against a schedule that includes district opponents Mason County, Russell, and West Carter in addition to non-district opponents Boyd County, Raceland, and Belfry.

 

Click here for the 2007 East Carter schedule

 

East Ridge (2-8)

Head coach: Bobby Branham

2006: Missed the playoffs

 

There are a lot of question marks at East Ridge right now. Nobody’s sure about what kind of team the Warriors will have.

 

Bobby Branham (former Betsy Layne head coach) was named head coach the first week of practice and he didn’t know what kind of personnel he had.

 

The Warriors lost a lot due to graduation, but have Caleb Epling back in the tailback position. Mike Rowe will also be back as tight end on offense. Rowe was a terror as a linebacker/defensive end.

 

Branham said he would implement a system depending on his personnel and said he would have to evaluate his players before he could start working on what schemes he would run on offense and defense.

 

Branham said that he had some very athletic players at East Ridge and guaranteed a spot in the playoffs. Only one team out of Class 3A District 8 won’t make the playoffs.

 

Belfry and Sheldon Clark are the two favorites to take the top two seeds in the district. Pike Central, East Ridge and Magoffin County will be left battling it out for the last two spots.

 

The Warriors are confident that they’ll be one of the four teams in the playoffs and want to set the tone for the season in the Pike County Bowl against Phelps.

 

Click here for the 2007 East Ridge schedule

 

 

Edmonson County (5-5)

Head coach: Kyle Pierce

2006: Missed the playoffs

 

Five wins weren’t enough for Edmonson County to make the playoffs in their Class 2A district last year.

 

Despite the bump to 3A, the Wildcats are excited about the prospects that a new season and new district alignment brings.

 

Head coach Kyle Pierce begins his fourth season with one of the district’s most experienced teams as nine starters are back on offense and seven on defense.

 

Quarterback Brent Smith (5-9, 160, Jr.) completed over 50-percent of his passes for 1,187 yards and nine touchdowns.

 

His favorite returning targets through the air are Dustin Barbour (6-0, 160, Sr.) and T.J. Massey (6-1, 170, Jr.).

 

Fullback Coty Batteiger (5-9, 185, Sr.) returns to a backfield that must compensate the loss of Brandon Poteet (601 yards, 12 TDs). Batteiger rushed for 601 yards and six scores, while Smith added 516 yards and nine touchdowns rushing. Zach Vincent (5-9, 160, Jr.) will see more carries in the backfield this year.

 

Pierce is excited about the return of five linemen on the O-line – tackles Andy Vincent (6-2, 285, Jr.) and Austin Meredith (6-0, 235, Sr.), guard Steven Guntle (6-0, 240, Sr.), center Nathan Smith (5-11, 220, Sr.), and tight end Cody Hatler (6-1, 240, Jr.). Steven Caudill (6-2, 230, Soph.) should start at the other guard spot.

 

If there is an area where Edmonson County must improve if they are to compete with the district’s best teams, it’s on the defensive side of the football.

 

The Wildcats gave up 155 points in their five losses last year. Pierce hopes the return of seven starters and some athletic newcomers can make the Wildcats more competitive on defense.

 

Edmonson returns three members of their secondary – Zach Vincent (5-9, 160, Jr.), Adam McPeak (5-8, 155, Sr.), and Barbour, who picked off three passes last year.

 

Smith is the lone linebacker returning after leading the Wildcats with 99 tackles last year. Nick Sanders (5-11, 285, Sr.), and Steven Caudill (6-2, 230, Soph.) return on the D-line.

 

Look for Andy Vincent and Cody Hatler to split time at the nose guard positions and Meredith and Guntle to play more on the line.

 

Tyler Cannon (6-3, 180, Sr.) recorded 63 tackles in his first season at linebacker last year.

 

“We have a large number of sophomores and juniors that are non-starters who have the potential to be solid backups,” Pierce said. “We are excited about the new alignment and think we can compete in our district if we stay healthy.”

 

Click here for the 2007 Edmonson County schedule

 

Estill County (3-7)

Head coach: Mike Jones

2006: Missed the playoffs

 

Estill County struggled through six straight losses to begin the 2006 season before a switch to the double-wing offense saw them win three of their final four games and just miss out on the playoffs.

 

Now the Engineers are hoping to carry their late-season success over into a new district that includes Breathitt County, Cawood, Fleming County, and Powell County. Estill is looking to end a three-year playoff drought.

 

Derrick Collins (5-11, 175, Sr.) returns at quarterback and will be flanked in the backfield by juniors Ben Benedict (5-10, 190), Clay Baber (6-0, 230), and Justin Covey.

 

Benedict and Baber return at linebacker to a defensive unit that gave up just 33 points in their three wins last year.

 

Jones is hoping a junior class that took their lumps last year have developed into a stronger class this year that will help lead the Engineers back to the playoffs.

 

Click here for the 2007 Estill County schedule

[The Scribe]

Fleming County (8-4)

Head coach: Gene Peterson

2006: Lost to Russell 48-6 in the second round of the 2A playoffs

Gene Peterson has consistently overcome the loss of keys seniors to have the Panthers in the thick of the district race in each of his seven seasons at Fleming County. 2007 will be no different.

 

Sophomore Tyler Newsome takes over the reins of Fleming’s multiple look offense, following the graduation of Bailey Ellison who threw for over 2,000 yards last year.

 

Ryan Jackson (6-1, 240, Soph.) becomes the feature back this year, and Peterson expects him to make an immediate impact in the running game.

 

“Our receivers will be our weakness early in the season because of their inexperience. We need someone to rise up and become a playmaker for us,” Peterson said.

 

Adam Bailey and Jamie Little are expected back on the Panther offensive line.

 

Click here for the 2007 Fleming County schedule

 

 

Garrard County (2-9)

Head coach: Steve Stonebraker

2006: Lost to Corbin 55-6 in the first round of the 2A playoffs

 

Count Garrard County head coach among those in favor of the new 6-class football format.

 

“I feel the format will eventually be great for all of Kentucky high school football,” he said. “You will see new schools deeper in the playoffs and better matchups during the regular season as more powerhouse teams must play each other.”

 

Of course, another reason he likes the new format is the return of 17 starters from last year’s 2-9 team that competed in Class 2A.

 

“We started seven freshmen last year, but we should be better at every position this year,” Stonebraker said of his roster, that includes just four seniors and six freshmen.

 

All four of Garrard’s seniors start on offense, led by quarterback Steven Debord (6-1, 170) and receiver Jordan Phillips.

 

Look for junior Jamarious Merritt to make an impact at tailback.

Daniel Slone and Josh Gibson (6-4, 315) will be joined by junior Chris Hendrix on the line.

 

Sophomores Tyler Ray and Corey Lay are back at receiver, and Jansen Penman returns at fullback.

 

Defensively, Slone anchors a line that includes sophomores John Shoemaker (6-3, 330), Tyler Perkins, John Gillespie, and Zach Webb.

Phillips, Ray, and sophomore R.J. Lasoya return in the secondary.

 

“If our sophomore class continues to develop on the fly and our juniors and seniors can provide good leadership, we are capable of a breakout season,” predicted Stonebraker.

 

Click here for the 2007 Garrard County schedule

 

 

Hart County (0-10)

Head coach: Tim Nichols

2006: Didn’t make the playoffs

 

The bad news for Hart County is they didn’t win a game in 2006.

 

The good news for Hart County is just about everyone from that team is back in 2007 as the Raiders compete in the new Class 3A district that includes Russellville and Adair County as well as former 2A district mates Edmonson County and Butler County.

 

Quarterback Thad Highbaugh (6-2, 175, Sr.) threw for 1,128 yards and nine touchdowns last year but must improve his 42-percent completion percentage.

 

Nick Walters, who caught 30 passes for 386 yards and four scores, also returns behind a line that includes Aaron Puynter (6-2, 260, Sr.), Derik Mudd (6-2, 225, Sr.), Lance Reynolds (6-0, 220, Sr.), Justin Roten (6-0, 200, Jr.), and Anthony Riffle (6-0, 205, Sr.).

 

Tailback Justin Thornton (6-0, 175, Jr.) also figures to play a more prominent role in the Raider offense this year.

 

Roten and Mudd also return at linebacker, looking to improve a defense that allowed more than 35 points a game last year.

 

Click here for the 2007 Hart County schedule

 

Henry County (3-7)

Head coach: Chris Engstrand

2006: Missed the playoffs

 

Henry County made strides throughout Chris Engstrand’s first season as Wildcat head coach and with 17 starters back, he’s hoping those strides turn into leaps in 2007.

 

Quarterback Hayden Yancey (5-10, 150, Jr.) won the starting job midway through the season and threw for 903 yards and 16 touchdowns in the Tony Franklin offensive scheme.

 

Cari Dunaway (6-0, 185, Sr.) hauled in 30 of those passes for 250 yards.

Travis McClanahan (5-10, 175, Sr.) led the Wildcats in rushing with 319 yards and should see a bigger role in the offense this year.

 

Receivers Michael Parrish (5-7, 165, Sr.), Josh Rahm (5-10, 175, Sr.), Erich Butler (6-0, 195, Soph.), and Cody Miracle (5-10, 175, Jr.) are among the players who should contribute more to the offense, while Engstrand returns Steven May (5-10, 250, Jr.), Avery Wardrup (6-2, 245, Jr.), and Kevin Quire (6-0, 270, Jr.) on the line.

 

In a new district that includes Western Hills, North Oldham, and Spencer County (who combined to win nine games last year), the Wildcats should be the district favorite.

 

Click here for the 2007 Henry County schedule

 

Jackson County (2-8)

Head coach: Todd Harris

2006: Did not compete in district play (first season)

 

It was a tough first season for Jackson County football although the Generals did piece together a couple of wins.

 

Head coach Todd Harris is pleased with the number of players who have opted to keep playing despite an inaugural season that saw them practice wherever they could find a patch of grass and play all ten games on the road.

 

The Jackson County School Board approved construction on a new field in May, which means another season on the road for the Generals.

 

Despite the hardships, Jackson County was placed in a district that includes Somerset, Wayne County, Garrard County, Taylor County, and Casey County. The latter four teams combined to go 16-28 last year.

 

Click here for the 2007 Jackson County schedule

 

Lewis County (2-8)

Head coach: Brandon Combs

2006: Missed the playoffs

 

Brandon Combs finds himself in the midst of a major rebuilding project at Lewis County.

 

The Lions lost a ton of senior starters from last year’s squad that managed only a 2-8 record and missed the postseason for the 13th straight season.

 

Combs is hopeful that a talented group of underclassmen can learn and develop quickly in order to end Lewis County’s playoff drought.

 

Quarterback Andy Dowling (5-11, 180, Jr.) returns after throwing for nearly 300 yards in his first season under center.

 

Shawn Zornes and Nathan Clark could get a chance to start in the backfield for the Lions, who averaged 235 rushing yards a game last year.

Wes Bloomfield (6-2, 210, Sr.), Jacob Griffith (5-10, 225, Sr.), and Jake Bolander (5-10, 225, Jr.) all return on the line.

 

Click here for the 2007 Lewis County schedule

 

Magoffin County (3-7)

Head coach: Chester McCoy

2006: Missed the playoffs

 

For the first time in four years, a Magoffin County football coach is returning for another season on the sidelines.

 

Chester McCoy has vowed to turn the Hornet football program around and return them to the playoffs for the first time in a dozen years.

 

The Hornets lost a good bulk of their offense and will be looking to some underclassmen to fill the holes. McCoy is also hoping players from a successful middle school program will stick through the program at the high school level.

 

Magoffin will likely battle Pike Central (4-6) and East Ridge (2-8) for one of the two final playoff spots in their new district.

 

Click here for the 2007 Magoffin County schedule

 

 

McLean County (7-4)

Head coach: Marshall Enoch

2006: Lost to Metcalfe County 40-6 in the first round of the 1A playoffs

 

McLean County opted to bypass Class 2A for a new 3A district that features a pair of teams the Cougars had on recent schedules.

 

While Paducah Tilghman is the heavy favorite to win the new 3A District 1, McLean County head coach Marshall Enoch feels his team may have enough to finish second behind the Tornado.

 

The Cougars posted a 7-4 record – their most wins since 1999 – with just five seniors last year. The 2007 roster also features five seniors, with just two of those among the 18 starters Enoch welcomes back.

 

Raymond Humphrey (6-0, 160, Sr.) will be one of McLean’s biggest offensive weapons after catching 12 passes for 207 yards and two scores last year.

 

Quarterback Miles Puckett (6-0, 165, Jr.) is looking to have a breakout season after a sophomore campaign that saw him throw for 905 yards and six touchdowns and add 454 more yards on the ground.

 

Troy Woodburn (5-8, 156, Soph.) and Spencer Phillips (5-7, 170, Soph.), who rushed for 594 yards last year, will join Puckett in the backfield, while Jake Tanner (5-9, 158, Jr.) can play multiple positions and will be scattered around the field.

 

McLean has four linemen returning who started at times last year although they will have to find a replacement at right guard.

 

Michael Burden (5-10, 217, Soph.), McKinley Heflin (6-1, 205, Jr.), Aaron Wilson (6-4, 245, Sr.), and Wesley Mapes (6-1, 215, Jr.) were good size linemen in 1A but will play against larger lines in 3A.

 

Many of the same players will line up on defense, with Burden, Heflin, Wilson, and Mapes on the line, and Phillips, Puckett (three interceptions), Kody Render (6-0, 177, Jr.), and Humphrey back in the secondary.

 

Woodburn and Tanner return at linebacker and could be joined by freshman Derrick Hardin, who has looked good in early workouts, Enoch said.

 

With a roster of just 45 players, McLean will struggle with depth early but could equal their seven wins of last year, given their non-district schedule.

 

Click here for the 2007 McLean County schedule

 

Moore (4-6)

Head coach: Robert Johnson

2006: Missed the playoffs

 

Moore hasn’t visited the playoffs since 2001, but a new four-team district in Class 3A guarantees them a spot this year.

 

The Mustangs return a large senior class from last year’s 4-6 team and could challenge for second place in their new district behind 3A favorite Central.

 

Brandon Gordon (6-0, 190, Sr.) put up huge numbers at times last year, including rushing for 311 yards against Western and 209 yards vs. Shawnee.

 

He’s joined by Alonso Battle (6-0, 185, Sr.), who provides a nice compliment to Gordon in the backfield.

 

Quarterback Jimmy Wade (6-1, 175, Jr.) won the starting job early in the season and looks to direct the run-oriented Mustang attack.

 

When they do throw the football, Marquis Howard (6-2, 166, Jr.) will be one of the main targets.

 

Defensively, Gordon, Battle and Nick Ferran (5-8, 228, Sr.) return at linebacker, while Howard and Wade are in the secondary.

 

Up front, the Mustangs return Derrick Farley (6-3, 319, Sr.), Scott Armstrong (6-3, 272, Sr.), Don Highfil (5-8, 259, Jr.), and Bruce Herring (5-11, 246, Sr.).

 

With a senior-laden team, head coach Robert Johnson is looking for Moore’s best season in six years.

 

Click here for the 2007 Moore schedule

 

Muhlenberg South (2-8)

Head coach: Matt Mueller

2006: Missed the playoffs

 

Muhlenberg South was a team looking for an identity last year. This year, they will have to find it in Class 3A.

 

The Suns have struggled in recent years, missing the playoffs five straight years.

 

Head coach Matt Mueller has a good mix of size and speed returning but not much depth.

 

Sophomore Aaron Johnson (5-10, 140) returns at quarterback, where he was utilized in both the spread and option offense last year.

 

Andre Hawkins (5-10, 160, Sr.) and Tyler Whitney (5-11, 215, Jr.) return in the backfield, while Caleb Winders (5-10, 170, Sr.), and Derek Tyler (5-11, 175, Jr.) will also be utilized in the Sun offense.

 

Logan Stevenson (6-7, 230, Jr.) is more of a blocking tight end but can catch the football in short yardage situations. He’ll be joined on the line by Chris Smith (6-0, 250, Jr.), Nathan Arnold (6-1, 255, Sr.), Colton Bowling (5-11, 245, Jr.), and Thomas Vincent (6-3, 295, Jr.).

 

Jordan Cottingham (6-5, 240, Sr.) and linebacker Adam Fauver (6-0, 185, Jr.) return for Mueller’s 5-0 defense that was prone to give up lots of yards on the ground last year.

 

Click here for the 2007 Muhlenberg South schedule

[The Scribe]

North Oldham (0-10)

Head coach: Billy Martin

2006: Did not make the playoffs

 

Things are looking up for North Oldham for a variety of reasons.

First, there’s nowhere to look but up after an 0-10 mark in Billy Martin’s first season on the Mustang sidelines.

 

Second, North Oldham moves into a four-team district that includes Henry County, Western Hills, and Spencer County, assuring the Mustangs of their second-ever trip to the playoffs and first since 2003.

 

Third and most important, Martin has 19 starters coming back as North Oldham looks to end a three-year winless streak in district play.

 

Quarterback Dylan Grandon (6-2, 170, Sr.) has thrown for over 2,600 yards the past two seasons and will benefit from the return of his offensive line and top two receivers.

 

Grandon, who missed the final two games of the 2006 season with a concussion, saw his stock rise by attending the University of Colorado Football Camp over the summer.

 

His targets will be Andrew Tuller (5-10, 155, Jr.) caught 30 passes for 379 yards, while Ryan Gallas (6-2, 180, Sr.) brought down 29 passes for 222 yards.

 

Chris Dudley (5-9, 10, Sr.) returns in the backfield and should be more of an offensive threat after leading the team with 212 rushing yards last year.

 

The key for North Oldham will be their line play. If they can hold their own in the trenches, the Mustangs should be ready to make a 180-degree turn in 2007.

 

Click here for the 2007 North Oldham schedule

 

 

Pike County Central (4-6)

Head coach: Chris McNamee

2006: Missed the playoffs

 

The Hawks will return nearly everybody from last season.

 

Pike Central lost two players last season, Gordan Varney and Corey Carter. That’s it.

 

Varney was the team’s standout running back, but he was injured all season and quarterback Quirvon Merchant was the team's leading rusher and passer, he also had to play linebacker.

 

Merchant is expected to move back to his natural position at tailback for the Hawks. The speedster is always a threat to score on every play.

 

Even though the Hawks haven’t announced their new starting quarterback, rumors are that they’ll use more of an air attack than in the seasons before. The Hawks have a lot of receiving weapons with Joe Nichols, Tyler Hamilton and Merchant catching balls out of the backfield.

 

The Hawks haven’t made the playoffs in coach Chris McNamee’s first two seasons back at Pike Central, but the third season should be a charm.

 

The Hawks should the favorite to make the playoffs with the No. 3 seed in District 3A District 8 after Belfry and Sheldon Clark.

 

Click here for the 2007 Pike County Central schedule

 

 

Powell County (1-9)

Head coach: Mike Whitaker

2006: Missed the playoffs

There hasn’t been much football tradition at Powell County, but new head coach Mike Whitaker is hoping to change that.

 

The former Leslie County head coach left Christian County after a 47-25 record the past six seasons.

 

Now, he’s in charge of a Pirate program that hasn’t had a winning season since starting football in 1991.

 

However, help may be on the way soon as Powell’s lower level teams have shown promise.

 

Junior quarterback Billy Rice, who threw for over 600 yards last year, should have a more prominent role in the Pirate offense this year.

 

Whitaker is also blessed with some size up front, but he won’t have much depth.

 

Click here for the 2007 Powell County schedule

 

 

Shawnee (2-8)

Head coach: LaVell Boyd

2006: Missed the playoffs

 

The revolving door of Shawnee football coaches continued to spin in the offseason and stopped with former Louisville and NFL receiver LaVell Boyd, who replaced Jason Hawkins who didn’t return after a 2-8 season last year.

 

Boyd is the third coach in as many seasons and fifth Shawnee head coach since the turn of the century.

 

He inherits a team with some talent in spots, but must overcome the usual obstacles a program that hasn’t had a winning season since 1970 faces.

 

Receiver Kris Bush (6-2, 205, Sr.), Demetrius Maze (6-0, 165, Jr.), Ronyal Britton (5-5, 125, Sr.), DaShawn Carter (5-9, 140, Sr.), and Lemarcus McAlmont (5-5, Soph.) are all players that saw time at skill positions for Shawnee last year. Boyd can mix and match the positions that best meet their talents.

 

On defense, tackle Deshawn Green (6-0, 290, Sr.) and linebacker Daryl Thompson (6-0, 200, Sr.) are slated to return.

 

If there is a silver lining to the season before it starts, it’s that Shawnee, which began playing football in 1950, will advance to the playoffs for the first time in school history thanks to their new four-team district alignment.

 

Click here for the 2007 Shawnee schedule

 

Spencer County (6-5)

Head coach: Matt Powenski

2006: Lost to Newport 34-0 in the first round of the 2A playoffs

 

Spencer County is the relative new kid on the block, but new doesn’t necessarily translate into bad.

 

The Bears were 6-5 and made the school’s first-ever playoff appearance.

A bump to Class 3A in a district that saw four teams combine to win 12 games has second-year head coach Matt Powenski optimistic about a district title.

 

The Bear offense will again revolve around power back Chris Riggs (6-1, 220, Sr.), who rushed for 908 yards and seven touchdowns a year ago.

 

However, receiver Adam Snyder and tackle Vincent Biller (6-3, 280, Sr.) are the only other starters back on offense.

 

Powenski is looking at either Carmon Smith or Kevin Hume at quarterback, and Chris Taylor at running back. He said Jeremiah Smith had a good shot at earning a starting job on the line.

 

Riggs (LB), Biller (DT), and safety Cory Hartman are back on defense for the Bears.

 

“We’re going to be young and inexperienced, and we need a lot of people to step up for us this year,” Powenski said, adding “We’re in a competitive district that should be a toss-up every year. We will have a chance to compete in both.”

 

The numbers bode well for the Bears, who had over 60 players come out for practice this year.

 

However, work still needs to be done to transform the stadium into one that is fan and player friendly. A new press box should be ready in time for the season opener, but the stadium still does not have bleachers. The roughly 1,500 fans who attend Bear home games must bring their own lawn chair or sit on the ground.

 

Powenski is hoping future improvements will include new bleachers and a watering system for the playing field.

 

Click here for the 2007 Spencer County schedule

 

 

Taylor County (4-6)

Head coach: Rodney Turpin

2006: Did not make the playoffs

 

District realignment comes at a good time for a Taylor County program that is rebuilding following the loss of 11 seniors and eight starters off last year’s 4-6 team.

 

While run-and-gun and pass happy offenses in vogue these days, Taylor County head coach Rodney Turpin knows his smash-mouth approach is important in order to keep the clock running and keep his inexperienced defensive unit off the field.

 

“We want to pound the football and manage the clock,” Turpin said.

The players given the responsibility of running the football are Chris Thomas (5-11, 180, Jr.) and fullback Austin Blakeman.

 

Thomas rushed for 1,144 yards and 15 touchdowns last year, and will benefit from the blocking of Blakeman and the return of quarterback Lance Turpin (6-0, Soph.).

 

Taylor Cox (6-2, 175, Sr.), receiver Dillain Thompson, and fullback Skyler Edelen will be other players Turpin will look at to plug some holes created by the graduation of 1,300 passing yards and 800 receiving yards.

 

Junior Justin Hoosier returns on the line and should get help from Andy Hunt and Cody Ford (6-0, 260).

 

“I recognize we’ll be rebuilding and look to compete for the final playoff spot this year,” said Turpin, who has four assistant coaches who have been with him at Taylor County for his entire 12-year tenure.

 

“They all know the game well and are great teachers of the game. The greatest compliment I could give regarding my staff is that any one of them could be a head coach somewhere.”

 

Click here for the 2007 Taylor County schedule

 

 

Union County (3-7)

Head coach: Nick Eckert

2006: Missed the playoffs

Union County has replaced their head coach and now must find a way to replace the school’s all-time leading rusher.

 

Nick Eckert, who coached at North Posey High in Indiana replaces Danny Bean, who resigned after five years as head Brave.

 

Eckert’s first duty is to figure out how to replace Justin Foster, who rushed for over 4,000 yards in his Union County career.

 

Jordan Robinson returns at quarterback, while Josh Courtney (5-10, 160, Jr.) and Darrian Smith (5-5, 160, Soph.) should compete for the carries Foster got last year.

 

Athletic junior Daymond Foster (5-11, 155, Jr.) should start at receiver, where the Braves lost their top two pass catchers from 2006.

 

Marcus Wilson (6-3, 275, Sr.), senior Nathan Goben (6-0, 230), and Levi Griggs (6-5, 220, Jr.) are some big boys returning up front.

 

Nathan Hedgepath (6-1, 190, Jr.) returns at linebacker for the Braves, who graduated 11 seniors.

 

However, the new coach is looking ahead to an incoming freshman class that was unbeaten last year as middle schoolers.

 

Click here for the 2007 Union County schedule

 

 

Wayne County (7-5)

Head coach: Shawn Thompson

2006: Lost to Corbin 27-0 in the second round of the 2A playoffs

 

Wayne County has won playoff games in consecutive years for the first time in over 27 years and there is a good shot they can make it three in a row in 2007.

 

Head coach Shawn Thompson has several key players returning from last year’s 7-5 team that beat Casey County in the first round of the 2A playoffs before losing to Corbin.

 

Senior Jordan Steele (5-11, 175) returns at quarterback where he threw for 1,013 yards and six touchdowns last year. He also led the Cardinals in rushing with 803 yards and nine scores on the ground.

 

Chris Burks (5-10, 170, Jr.) burst onto the scene with 587 yards and two scores, and D.J. Hall (5-9, 165, Soph.) added seven touchdowns.

 

Alan Dobbs (5-11, 220, Jr.) and Nathan Elam (5-11, 165, Jr.) are expected to return on the Wayne County line, and tackle Anthony New is back on the defensive side of the football.

 

The Cardinals have some issues with depth but should have no trouble making the playoffs for the seventh straight season.

 

Click here for the 2007 Wayne County schedule

 

 

Webster County (5-6)

Head coach: Andy Corbin

2006: Lost to Caldwell County 45-7 in the first round of the 2A playoffs

 

Webster County has a wealth of skill players returning but graduated it’s starting offensive line. That could pose a problem for the Trojans and running back Deadrian Rollins, who rushed for over 1,600 yards and 19 touchdowns last year.

 

Rollins (5-11, 215, Sr.) showed he could be the feature back in an offense that had few other weapons. The stout back had four games of 200-plus rushing yards and two games where he scored five touchdowns rushing.

 

Head coach Andy Corbin is hoping that changes as quarterback Steven Turner (6-2, 205, Sr.) returns under center for a third season. Turner tossed for 1,021 yards and eight touchdowns last year as defenses keyed in on stopping Rollins. Very few did.

 

Three of the weapons Turner will have at his disposal are receiver Darrion Terrell (5-10, 175, Sr.), running back Adam McClure (5-11, 170, Soph.), tight end Jordan Cottingham (6-4, 220, Sr.), and fullback David Gill (5-8, 205, Jr.).

 

The Trojans graduated a solid, experienced line, but the cupboard isn’t bare.

 

Zack Traylor (6-5, 215, Sr.) and Dustin Watkins (5-10, 220, Jr.) are among the candidates to challenge for starting jobs on the offensive line.

 

There is one interesting storyline to watch in Dixon this year. Over the summer, the consolidation of Providence High School into Webster County became official. Providence is long known for producing athletes in their basketball and track programs that could have been decent football players had the school had a football program. How many Providence students actually come out for the football team remains to be seen, but a significant number could prove the difference in a winning and losing season in Class 3A for the Trojans.

 

Click here for the 2007 Webster County schedule

 

West Carter (5-6)

Head coach: Kevin Brown

2006: Lost to Fleming County 33-6 in the first round of the 2A playoffs

 

West Carter made the playoffs for the first time in a dozen years in 2006. With 13 starters back, head coach Kevin Brown is hoping the Comets can get the school’s first-ever playoff win in 2007.

 

Brown has three skill players and three linemen returning from a team that averaged 25 points and 262 yards of offense a game last year.

 

Center Chris Barker (5-10, 240, Sr.), and guards Nick Hicks and Cody Roe (6-0, 275, Sr.) return up front for the Comets, and they’ll be expected to protect returning quarterback Ace Puckett (6-1, 195).

 

The junior threw for 919 yards and nine touchdowns in an offense that averaged 178 ground yards a night.

 

Stephen Carroll (6-0, 195, Sr.) should get the bulk of the carries in the backfield this year, while Andrew Owens (6-2, 290, Jr.) is back at receiver. Newcomer Eric Whitfield could provide offense at several different positions.

 

Defense is where the Comets must improve, especially in a new Class 3A district that includes Russell and Mason County. The Comets allowed 30 points a game and over 2,000 rushing yards last year.

 

West Carter appears set at linebacker with the return of Carroll, Billy McGlone (5-11, 210, Jr.), and James Minor (5-9, 170, Jr.).

 

Travis Cundiff (5-10, 165, Sr.) is the lone starter returning in the secondary, while the defensive line has three – Barker, Roe, and Zack Brasington (6-0, 220, Sr.).

 

“We’re strong with our quarterback and offensive line nucleus, but we’re inexperienced at most of the skill positions,” Brown said. “I think the new alignment will suit us better, but having Mason County and Russell in our district will make things a little tougher.”

 

Click here for the 2007 West Carter schedule

 

Western Hills (3-7)

Head coach: Don Miller

2006: Missed the playoffs

With a full summer under his belt, Western Hills head coach Don Miller is hoping the extra time will give him the advantage he needs in his second season at Western Hills.

 

Miller was named the Wolverines’ head coach last summer, which didn’t give him time to implement his passing schemes on offense and new look on defense. As a result, Western Hills struggled to a 3-7 record and missed the playoffs for a sixth straight season.

 

Miller is looking for an improved season from sophomore quarterback Dylan Curry, while linebacker Ryan Belcher (6-2, 195, Sr.) returns to lead the defense.

 

In addition to the summer instruction, Western Hills benefits from moving into a new district with Henry County, North Oldham, and Spencer County.

 

Click here for the 2007 Western Hills schedule