In looking over some of the football districts in my neck of the woods, this 3A district may be one of the most competitive and fun to watch. It has very quietly become one of the most competitive districts in the state in any class. Whether any of the four teams makes the top ten this year, as NOrth Oldham did last year, remains to be seen...but it will be a lot of fun to watch!

 

North Oldham returns a lot of key players - particularly on the line - and has a pretty good shot at repeating as district champs. The Mustangs will be deep, with a roster of nearly 70+ kids - a rarity in 3A. The 'Stangs return a couple of key runners from last year's team that averaged nearly 240 yards rushing a game, and a new runner who promises to give the team the speed back they've lacked.

 

Western Hills is coming off one of the best seasons in school history, and will be led by Louisville signee QB Dylan Curry. The Wolverines lost a hard-fought district to NO last year, but return plenty of pieces. With four starters on the line returning, plus the QB and leading rusher, the offense should be potent again. The defense was questionable last year, but young - 8 starters return. The key to WH's success this year would seem to be whether that defense improves or not.

 

Spencer County will likely feature a strong running game again, and if the Bears can remain healthy, they will be contenders. Lots of returning starters...question is whether the Bears are deep enough to withstand an injury bug... Cameron Smith was an effective runner last year with over 1500 yards, and the new QB was a RB last year (600+ yds). The new coach plans an option-based system that may suit the Bears well.

 

Speaking of healthy, Henry County wants to avoid last year's nightmare, when they started 4-0, but suffered a massive wave of injuries that helped lead to a downward spiral the rest of the season. Like the other three teams, Henry Co returns enough key components of last year's team to be a threat this year. Henry County lost a great defensive coordinator in Mount Hadden, who re-joined Mike Jackson at Ballard (the two coached together at Oldham County), but they picked up last year's Franklin County head coach as DC; we'll see how that changes things.

 

There's an awful lot of returning talent coming back this year on these teams, one year after an extremely competitive 2008 district...

 

Game of the year: North Oldham at Western Hills

 

Prediction: Are you serious? :lol:

1. WHHS

2. North Old.

3. Henry Co.

4. Spencer

1. WHHS

2. North Old.

3. Henry Co.

4. Spencer

 

Very possible. I'm thinking that you could toss the four names up in the air and let them fall where they may, and you could make a case for that...

 

These district games may wind up like many of them last year - decided by a few points. The kind of game that could go either way and come down to one or two key plays. Although my gut tells me that North or WH should be the two favorites, I could see Spencer's running game playing "keep-away" from the others and winning three close contests to win the district... Or Henry County coming out with a chip on its shoulder after a disappointing 2008...

 

It's going to be fun...

Having seen 3 of the 4 teams play last season and knowing what 2 of them have coming back is what I based my prediction on.

 

WHHS is solid. They have a good Coach leading this program and he is doing things the right way. They have some talent and depth to go a long with quality schemes.

 

Spencer is a growing program. I believe they have a new coach, but have lots of kids returning. I have them at 4 but could easily be first.

 

Only seeing Henry Co. on local TV replay. They too have a good staff and plenty of kids. They have the resources and support to continue building on what this coaching staff has developed.

 

I don't know much about N. Oldham other than they have a quality coach.

 

I will agree that this district could end up in any order.

GO Mustangs!!

Hills has all of the parts to win the district and host a play-off game, but as COL Mike indicated this is a wide open district. Hills will be in their second season with their new office so with 4 lineman and most skill players back, should improve in point production. Curry (6'6" 245 lbs) and Justin Wright (6'0" 190 lbs) return at the skill positions. Defense actually played well most of the season, but struggled against the pass. Defense returns 8 starters including Arie Slone (6'2" 210 lbs) at LB with Curry and Wright - as well as all of the defensive line. With 2 of the 3 district game in Frankfort this season, could be a deciding factor in who wins the district crown.

Western Hills will beat everyone in the district easily this year. Too many horses.

Hills has the horses, now just has to use them. Last season they started to play more consistantly after implimenting the I formation with the Jet. Able to run the ball late in the game with the lead. I should be more effective this season with Wright at RB and Quetin Martin (5'9" 205lbs) at FB. Also have two good size TE in I with Cody Hecker (6' 215 lbs) and Slone(6'2" 205 lbs). Curry has a big-time arm and moves well for a kid his size. Hills also has good speed on corner with Chris Pugh, but must find another WR. Defense is the key. D-line looks to be strong and LBs are a team strength. Must do a better job stopping pass, but if d-line gets good rush will help DBs. Helps to have Noth Oldham and Spencer Co at home. Huge rivalry game at Henry Co for last district game!!!

Western Hills will beat everyone in the district easily this year. Too many horses.

 

Hi, OldOne! I agree...WHHS has a lot of horses this year...but it looks like that may be the case in Goshen, New Castle, and Taylorsville as well. Lots and lots of returning starters everywhere...

 

I saw all but Spencer last year...I will see them play North this year and am looking forward to seeing the Bears. I'll also see the North - Henry game, which has become quite a rivalry game. Hate to miss the North-WH contest, which I think will likely settle the district crown (maybe), but I just can't be everywhere every week...

 

The question might be: Who improved the most in the off-season?????

North Oldham are the champs until they are knocked off.....2 be the man you have 2 beat the MAN....

North Oldham are the champs until they are knocked off.....2 be the man you have 2 beat the MAN....

Not according to the Cats Pause Preview- they picked Hills, Spencer, North, and then Henry. North Oldham was the only District Champion in 3A to not be picked first or second. So I guess, after winning 18 games the past two seasons the Mustangs still have little respect.

Not sure it is a lack of respect for North Oldham, just a fact that they lost a great deal from last season due to graduation. The Cats Pause looks purely at returning players in relation to last years results. Hills played every district game within 10 points ( 2 decided by 3 points), as well as beating two 5A and three 4A teams; and has the bulk of its starters and primary back-ups returning. Does not hurt that one of the only Division I recruits in the district plays for Hills. Will be a very competative district and might also hinge on injuries by the time the district games begin.

Also, saw that Oldham was not favored to win their district either in the cats pause preview...don't worry Knute

Not according to the Cats Pause Preview- they picked Hills, Spencer, North, and then Henry. North Oldham was the only District Champion in 3A to not be picked first or second. So I guess, after winning 18 games the past two seasons the Mustangs still have little respect.

 

 

A wise man believes half of what HE sees, and nothing that HE hears......:sssh: