1.Belfry

 

Everybody else.

 

I just wanted folks to see where we were coming from, just to add upon what you were saying. Again, I apologize if our enthusiasm has offended anyone.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(whispers...go black bears)

Don't really want to get into the consolidation thing, there is NOTHING that can be done. I do think the KHSAA could very easily have taken the numbers of each school and done something about the consolidation, but is water under the bridge. No matter how hard we complain, we cannot do a dang thing about it. Much like the Mercer issue, or even when Georgetown consolidated with Scott Co. many moons ago, it's now precident and probably won't change. Anyway, Harlan still has to go through Belfry or Russell to get there...no easy task! Let's not hand out the trophy just yet.

 

My top ten:

 

Central-until you beat the champ, there is no disputing it!

Russell

Paducah

Belfry

Breathitt

Mason

Russellville

Sheldon Clark

E'Town-Lost the QB and majority of OL, but they are usually tough

North Oldham-Sleeper pick!

I moved all the Harlan Co merger posts (43 of them :irked:) into a thread of their own. If you want to discuss that issue, do it there.

 

Lets keep this thread focused on the 3A rankings. :thumb:

1. Central - Defending champs should be very good again.

2. Belfry - A lot back from last year's runner-up, not to mention they've been dominant for 3 years.

3. Paducah Tilghman - Lost a heartbreaker to eventual champ Central. Should be a major factor in the 3A title picture.

4. Breathitt Co. - Return a lot of talent from state semi-finalist. I think Haddix will be an improvement at the QB position...if he isn't, they won't be this good.

5. Russell - Should be right there again after a close loss in the regional title.

6. Mason Co. - Should be solid again after a close loss to Russell in last year's playoffs.

7. Harlan Co. - Could be even better than this, but I couldn't rank them there yet because of the unknown.

8. Elizabethtown - Some questions with a new QB, but they have some talent. Could be better than this if the new starters step up.

9. Sheldon Clark - Return a lot from a 9-3 squad. They won't be an easy opponent for anyone.

10. Russellville - Some rebuiding to do, but they could surprise some people.

There are three teams who intrigue me in 3A this year:

1. Harlan County- Everyone knows this story

 

2. Estill County- Very productive offense that returns nearly everyone.

 

3. Henry County- Won their district, return nearly everyone.

 

All three of these schools could be Top 10 teams but it is jsut too hard to rank them right now.

3A is a pretty weak class other than a few exceptions (Belfry, Central). However saying that, it seems like some of the schools in this class are starting to make strides to improve but still IMHO the weakest class in football.

3A is a pretty weak class other than a few exceptions (Belfry, Central). However saying that, it seems like some of the schools in this class are starting to make strides to improve but still IMHO the weakest class in football.

 

What makes it so weak?

 

If you pair 1-10 in 3A vs. 1A and 2A, I'd like 3A's chances... I'd also like them fairly well against 4A where you really only have 2 legit contenders (who Belfry and Central could very easily match up with themselves)

 

You forget that Russell, Paducah Tilghman, and Breathitt aren't no slouches..they have been good programs for a long time.

Edited August 1, 200818 yr by Ram
Rule 13

There are several 1a schools I would pick over 3As. There are exceptions to the rule and I am sure there are some Eastern Kentucky and Western schools I am not familiar with. Are there better 3As then 1As? Sure, but I think overall it is the weakest of the classes in overall good quality teams, why else would a 2A school move up a class so they could play in what is a weak district instead of competing with the tougher 2A schools in their district. That being said I think there are several schools that are improving and 3A will get much tougher. Of Course I could be completely wrong but I think a few other would agree with my humble opinion of 3A football in Kentucky.

There are several 1a schools I would pick over 3As. There are exceptions to the rule and I am sure there are some Eastern Kentucky and Western schools I am not familiar with. Are there better 3As then 1As? Sure, but I think overall it is the weakest of the classes in overall good quality teams, why else would a 2A school move up a class so they could play in what is a weak district instead of competing with the tougher 2A schools in their district. That being said I think there are several schools that are improving and 3A will get much tougher. Of Course I could be completely wrong but I think a few other would agree with my humble opinion of 3A football in Kentucky.

That team who skipped 2A was Russellville..do you blame them? The toughest 2A district in the state is the one they would have been in.

Here's a list of 1A vs. 3A matchups..tell me how many you honestly think the 1A team would win the majority

 

1. Beechwood vs. Central

 

2. LCA vs. Belfry

 

3. Mayfield vs. Paducah Tilghman

 

4. Hazard vs. Breathitt County

 

5. Lou. Holy Cross vs. Russell

 

6. Frankfort vs. Mason County

 

7. Pikeville vs. Etown

 

8. Raceland vs. Sheldon Clark

 

9. Campbellsville vs. Russellville

 

10. Crittenden County vs. Harlan County...

 

I see ZERO match-ups I would take the 1A team to win the majority.

 

From a WKY point of view 3A would be the weakest class.... the only contender is Paducah Tilghman.. but 3A is by far the strongest class for teams east of I-75

That team who skipped 2A was Russellville..do you blame them? The toughest 2A district in the state is the one they would have been in.

Here's a list of 1A vs. 3A matchups..tell me how many you honestly think the 1A team would win the majority

 

1. Beechwood vs. Central

 

2. LCA vs. Belfry

 

3. Mayfield vs. Paducah Tilghman

 

4. Hazard vs. Breathitt County

 

5. Lou. Holy Cross vs. Russell

 

6. Frankfort vs. Mason County

 

7. Pikeville vs. Etown

 

8. Raceland vs. Sheldon Clark

 

9. Campbellsville vs. Russellville

 

10. Crittenden County vs. Harlan County...

 

I see ZERO match-ups I would take the 1A team to win the majority

 

I see about 4 where I would probably peg the 1A team.

I see about 4 where I would probably peg the 1A team.

 

Which ones?

I like Raceland and Hazard in those matchups.

 

There are a couple others that would be good ballgames but I think are tossups.

With all due respect guys, that stuff needs to go in its own thread.

1) Tilghman

2) Belfry

3) Central

4) Breathitt Co

5) Russell

6) Mason Co

7) Etown

8,9,10 No idea

I think by the time Harlan County plays Breathitt we will know where they stand. That will be our 5th game and Coach Larkey should have the team where he wants them by then. We play Letcher Central in our first game, but emotions will be high so I think it can go either way with that one. The Breathitt game will be our first home game so emotions will be running wild again but with four games under their belt Coach Larkey should have carved his little chunk of coal into a respected football team by then. Sorry for getting of course! I think Harlan County will be right in front of Breathitt or second behind them in our district!