2009 Kentucky High School Football Preview - Class 5A

[The Scribe]

Anderson County (7-5)

Head coach: Mark Peach

2008: Lost to Doss 49-41 in the second round of the playoffs

 

Mark Peach has taken the Anderson County program from one that won three games in three seasons to one that has advanced to the second round of the playoffs the past two years.

 

Now, he wants the program to take the next step.

 

The Bearcats have 13 starters returning – six on offense and seven on defense – from last year’s 7-5 team that lost to Doss 49-41 in the postseason’s second round.

 

Peach, whose spread offense can put bunches of points on the scoreboard, will again see the play calling duties handled by senior and four-year starter Jake Russell, who threw for nearly 2,000 yards last year.

 

Two of his main targets – Grant Cox and Dusty Combs – also return at receiver.

 

Peach feels like the Bearcat offensive line should be improved this year with the return of guards Steve Sims and Josh Peach, and center Todd DeWoody.

 

Senior Josh Estes and junior Scotty Watts will also press for playing time on the line.

 

Seven starters are back on defense for the Bearcats, including Peach, Sims, and DeWoody on the line.

 

Russell, Neil Wells, and Hunter Correy are back in the secondary.

After two years of advancing to the second round of the playoffs,

 

Anderson County will look to win two playoffs games in the postseason for the first time in school history.

 

 

Ashland Blazer (7-5)

Head coach: Leon Hart

2008: Lost to Highlands 53-6 in the second round of the playoffs

 

Head coach Leon Hart returns for his seventh year at the helm of the Tomcats for the 2009 season. He says the Tomcats will once again be an I-formation football team on offense with some one-back sets and a 6-2 team on defense.

 

“We have plenty of depth and experience on both sides of the ball at the small skilled positions,” Hart said. “We are not as deep on the lines with experience, but we do have guys on both sides who have been starters for us. We are very solid at the inside and outside linebacker positions. We will not be nearly as big a team as last year but we will have much better overall speed.”

 

Hart expects offensive key players to include Sam Hunter (QB, sophomore), Josh Alber (FB, senior), Rashard Carter (TB, senior) and Dom DeMartino (TB, senior). Left tackle Nik Kosakowski (senior) and center Proc Robinson (senior) will lead the offensive line. Kosakowski, Carter and Alber have been starters since they were sophomores. Hunter started from the third game on as a freshman last year.

 

On defense Hart plans to make good use of inside linebackers Connor Swift (senior) and Josh Alber, all-area players last year. Hard-hitting Trent Hardy (junior) and Kosakowski will solidify the defensive line.

 

The defense will also feature DeMartino at outside linebacker and defensive backs Ryan Whetsel (sophomore) and Carter, an all-area pick the last two years.

 

Hart believes the Tomcats have several up-and-coming players, including Ben Stringer (senior), who he said has had an outstanding off season and could see significant playing time on both lines.

 

Drew Royalty (senior) will switch to WR and DE and has gotten bigger and stronger, Hart said. Trey Rogers (junior) will have an impact in both backfields, as will John Stafford (junior).

 

C.J. Suttles and Kyle Wessell, both juniors, will battle for starting spots on the offensive line. R.J. Johnson (junior), Chase Ward, Patrick Williams and C.J. Ball, all sophomores, will add depth to both lines. Hunter, Matt McLeod and Chase Lucas, also sophomores, will vie for starting spots in the secondary.

 

“Unless you are winning state championships, I don't think your program is where you want it to be yet,” Hart said. “We rebounded nicely last year from a horrible year in ’07. We expect to challenge for the district championship every year and go as far in the playoffs as possible.”

 

The coach is optimistic about the upcoming season because of “a very good group of young men returning from last year’s team who have had an exceptional off season.”

 

Hart isn’t sure how the Tomcats fit into the district scheme for 2009.

 

“We don’t play any of them (teams) in JV or below,” he said. “I can’t tell you anything about any of them except I know Johnson Central has another strong team returning. As always, Highlands will be the team to beat in our region.”

 

 

Barren County (2-9)

Head coach: Jeff Richey

2008: Lost to Christian County 43-7 in the first round of the playoffs

 

Barren County hasn’t enjoyed much gridiron success in recent years, but the return of all but eight seniors from last year has the Trojan faithful excited about their chances in 2009.

 

Gill Thomas and Colton Phelps split time at quarterback last year, with Thomas having the slight edge in the numbers game.

 

Seniors Tim Snead and Kris Aquino return in the backfield, and tight end Hunter Jones was the leading receiver last year.

 

Matt Thibault and Willie Steenburgen return on the line.

 

Defensively, the Trojans should be a much stronger unit with the return of Snead and Jud Perkins at linebacker and Aquino and Thomas in the secondary.

 

 

Bowling Green (9-3)

Head coach: Kevin Wallace

2008: Lost to Owensboro 28-21 in the second round of the playoffs

 

by Michael “Bulldog” Drake

 

The 2008 edition of the Bowling Green High Purples fell short of their lofty goals. They were eliminated in the second round of the KHSAA Region One Playoffs by Owensboro. It was particularly heartbreaking because the Purples fought hard to tie the game in the fourth quarter. The Red Devils managed a late score and ended BGHS’s season at 9-3.

 

Despite their earliest playoff exit in four years, the Purples were still highly regarded, being ranked sixth in the combined Litkenhous Ratings. Their only two other losses were at the hands of Trinity (ending a 21-game win streak at their home venue, Donaldson Stadium/Beard Field) and at Henderson County in the regular season finale.

 

The Purples’ head coach, Kevin Wallace, enters his 14th season as the Purples’ mentor with a spectacular 140-29 record. Still, the big prize has constantly eluded BGHS, losing three consecutive championship games in 2005-2007. Coach Wallace, in an effort to get the Purples better prepared for the postseason, has further toughened their schedule for 2009.

 

BGHS will host highly regarded Christian County, the state runner-up in 5A last year, in The Rafferty’s Bowl at WKU in the opening game. They will appear in the Independence Bank Border Bowl, playing co-host Owensboro Catholic in Week Two Friday night (Owensboro will host another doubleheader the following night). The long, bitter rivalry with Franklin-Simpson has been moved up to Week Three, and they showed no quit at all against the Purples last season, falling far behind before finally losing 49-34.

 

In back-to-back weeks in late September, they will play two teams that beat them in 2008, hosting Owensboro, and traveling to Marshall Stadium to take on Trinity. After their open date October 9, the Purples will make another trip to Louisville to take on Doss. They will follow that with a district game with another traditional rival, Warren Central.

 

BGHS will have to face this stronger schedule without one of their greatest running backs in a program loaded with superb backs. Tevin Barksdale was an outstanding player the last two seasons and will be moving on. They will also lose other key performers such as quarterback J.P. Jackson, kicker Max Oldham, and Dane Hilliard, Austin Yates, and Sam Baker from the offensive line.

 

The leading candidates for the quarterback position are junior Chandler Sears and sophomore Scooter Hollis. Both did a fine job on the J.V. and freshman teams respectively last year.

 

Returning starting running back Lavance Anderson brings plenty of credentials to the table in this, his third season as a starter. The senior is a strong and fast runner and is a superb receiver out of the backfield.

 

Expected to compete for playing time to compliment him are junior Tevin Anderson, sophomore Brandon Green, sophomore Montel Carpenter, and senior Tyreon Clark.

 

The receiving corps should be one of the deepest in team history in terms of the number of legitimate targets. Returning as starters are seniors Sam Howard and Wes Cole.

 

Added to the mix are seniors Zack Williams and Jay Beard, and sophomore Will Kilgore.

 

Junior tight end Tyler Gibbs saw plenty of time on the field last year, but suffered an injury during the basketball season. Should he make sufficient progress recovering, he will battle junior Jake Hodges and sophomores Alex Epley and Will Porter.

 

Two seniors, center Will West and guard Cameron Adams, return to lead the offensive line. Adams became a starter last year when starting senior Taylor Shipley suffered a season ending knee injury in the second game last season. Seniors Elliott Quick, Lance Goodrum, and Tanner Hall saw significant playing time last year.

 

Senior Matt Beeler, junior Adam Hoffman, and sophomore Joe Manley should also compete for playing time.

 

Zack Williams filled in admirably for Oldham last year during the time Oldham was out with an injury and is expected to handle all kicking chores this season. Should Williams become injured, sophomore Luis Stoner is yet another very capable kicker.

 

Bowling Green shuffles in defensive linemen in order to keep them fresh, and there’s always experienced players coming back in the following seasons. 2009 is no different. Though the Purples graduated all three starters (one was All-Stater Elijah Young, who signed with Alcorn State), the Purples return with two players with a great deal of experience.

 

Beeler will join with fellow senior Terrance Barksdale (Tevin’s younger brother) to man two of the positions. Senior Tanner England, Hodges, and sophomores Jerrett Ingram and Joseph Hoffman should see considerable time on the gridiron.

 

Senior Alfred Gilbert, who is getting his share of attention from college scouts, moves from OLB, where he started the last two seasons, to the inside. Senior Sean Kovanda and sophomores Houston Natcher and Chase Proctor will compete for the other ILB job. Also, Beard will get a serious look at this position.

 

Bowling Green has moved a defensive back up to a linebacker position the last two years with excellent results. Senior Josh Blaine returns at outside linebacker and should be joined by senior Manuel Estrada at the other OLB position. Senior transfer Henry Lynn could enter the picture at either OLB or defensive back.

 

All four starters in the defensive backfield return in Beard, Clark, Howard, and sophomore Michael Bailey. Clark led the team in interceptions last season and is starting to command the kind of attention from college recruiters that Beard and Gilbert enjoy.

Others who could see substantial playing time are L. Anderson, juniors Jack Miller and Devon Daniel, and sophomore Jackson Sowell.

 

Head coach Kevin Wallace, as mentioned earlier, is entering his 14th season as mentor of the Purples, the second longest tenure of any head coach ever at BGHS. He owns the program’s best record and highest win total at 140-29. Combined with his win total at Warren East, he’s only 15 wins away from the magic 200 win mark.

 

Though the challenges are numerous and great for the 2009 season, Wallace and the young men in Purple and Gold would love to be able to punctuate the 40th anniversary of their home, Elvis Donaldson Stadium/Monie Beard Field, with a state championship in Class 5A. To do so, they not only have to survive a tougher schedule in 2009, but they will have to most likely get through some rematches in the postseason. They could face Owensboro, Christian County, and/or Warren Central within the Region One Playoffs.

 

Then, although John Hardin might be the favorite in Region Two, the Purples could face yet another rematch in Doss for the trip to Feix Field/Houchens Stadium for the 5A Commonwealth Bowl. Even if the Purples don’t have all of those rematches, one can be sure that it will, once again, be a grueling road to a championship for anybody coming out of the west.

 

If the Purples can get the football consistently to their numerous receivers and be able to sustain their traditionally powerful ground attack, they should be able to move the ball with authority. They should field their usual tough, swarming defense that gets to the ball quickly and effectively. If all of this can be done, the Purples should continue to be one of the favorites to challenge for that elusive 5A brass ring.

 

 

 

Bullitt Central (8-3)

Head coach: Dan Leasor

2008: Lost 38-28 to Madison Central in the first round of the 6-A playoffs

 

After years of losing ways at the school, coach Dan Leasor has rebuilt the program from the ground up – a few winless seasons will do that – and now has the Cougars competing in district competition.

 

Bullitt Central has a number of key players returning, including Jeremy Bennett, who rushed for 1,392 yards and 14 touchdowns on 210 carries last season. Bennett, who also plays defensive back, is one of the best running backs in the Louisville area.

 

All-District linemen Andrew Casey and Mike Johnston both return on the offensive line, while defending linemen Larry Brown and Shane Brown are also back.

 

Leading tacklers from the linebacker spot Cory Brown and Andrew Dodd also make a return to the lineup for the Cougars.

 

Leasor will count on junior quarterback Damion Wibbles and senior all-purpose back/defensive back T.J. Flener heavily on the offensive side of the ball.

 

 

Christian County (13-2)

Head coach: Steve Lovelace

2008: Lost to Highlands 35-15 in the Class 5A state championship game

 

Christian County played the cardiac role to the hilt in 2008, using late game heroics several times to snatch victory of the jaws of defeat.

 

However, for the Colonels to make another deep run in the playoffs in 2009, they will need several newcomers on their rebuilt offensive and defensive lines to shine.

 

Head coach Steve Lovelace only has a handful of starters back on the line, which has been his main focus in the preseason.

 

Devarte Bell (5-9, 235, Sr.), Max Davis (5-11, 225, Jr.), Benjamin Prevette (5-11, 305, Sr.), Alan Martin (6-1, 260, Jr.), and Dre Killebrew (6-0, 255, Sr.) are among those expected to challenge for starting spots on the line.

 

One area Lovelace will have few concerns is in the backfield where 1,600-yard rusher Vashun Banks returns where he reached the end zone 21 times. Rontez Manning, T.J. Grimes, and Anthony Hickey also shared carries last year and give the Colonels solid depth in their running game.

 

Junior Bubba Tandy emerged as a deep threat in the Colonel passing game after hauling in 36 passes for 370 yards last year. Senior Tre Gayle could move into the other starting slot at receiver.

 

James Bauer transferred in to Christian County two years ago and won the starting quarterback job from then sophomore Malcolm McDuffen. After two solid years, Bauer has graduated and taken his game to Western Kentucky University as a walk-on.

 

McDuffen (6-4, 220, Sr.) is a dual threat, and his size will give opposing defenses fits outside of the pocket.

 

But his game isn’t primed for offense only. McDuffen has received several Division I offers because if his play at linebacker and defensive end.

 

Antonio Hollowell and Shakir Moore return in the secondary, and Jamal Howard and Max Davis should see time on the defensive line.

 

Christian County again has that explosive ability to erase deficits in a hurry. Coach Lovelace’s main priorities are to develop line play and keep his best players on the field for every game.

 

 

 

Clay County (6-5)

Head coach: Shannon Arnett

2008: Lost to Pulaski County 43-15 in the first round of the playoffs

 

After being known as a passing team during Zach Lewis’ record-breaking career at quarterback, the Clay County Tigers will shift to a more balanced attack this season with a strong running game provided by juniors C.J. Miller (5-10, 195) and Noah Reid (5-9, 185), who coach Shannon Arnett calls “two of the best running backs in the mountains.”

 

“We will be multiple on offense,” Arnett said. “We are going to run the ball a lot more than we have in the past several years. Defensively, we will stay in our 4-4 but will be adding a little 46 defense in it as well.”

 

Miller rushed for 884 yards and nine touchdowns last season on 92 carries. Reid added 218 yards on 36 carries to help Clay post a 6-5 mark in 2008.

 

John Vernon Hooker (6-3, 175) shifts from receiver to take over for Lewis at quarterback. The son of former Clay County star quarterback Sean Pennington, Hooker brings tremendous athleticism to the position.

 

“Our skill guys on both sides of the ball will be our strength this year. Almost all of them return,” Arnett said.

 

“Our weakness will be our line on both sides. While it looks like we have a lot of lineman returning, we could end up very inexperienced there. Of the four kids returning on the OL, we have one coming off of ACL surgery that started both ways last season and another that is dealing with a medical condition that could prevent him from playing this year. So we could end up being very young on both sides of the ball.”

 

Junior Tanner Gilbert (6-4, 230), who suffered a broken hand last season, moves from the line to tight end.

 

Returning linemen include Justin Foster, Bill Ed White, Isaiah Collins and Chad Bulloch. Shane Gibson and Chris Gilbert will play receiver.

 

The defense will be led by senior middle linebacker Ethan Nolan (5-8, 205) and Gilbert at end. Other starters coming back include tackle Houston Gilbert, Logan Westerfield and Corey Nicholson at cornerback, Collins at tackle, Delbert Collins at free safety, John Wilson at strong safety and Ben Jackson at outside linebacker.

 

“Jacob Hyde, Christian McNeal and Landon Weaver are three very promising ninth grade linemen that will play in some capacity this year,” Arnett said. “Joey Dezarn and Darron Copeland are two skill guys coming in that will contribute in some way also.”

 

Arnett has lofty goals for the program.

 

“Our program is nowhere near where we want it to be. Until we are a serious contender for a state championship on a yearly basis, we won’t be where we want to be,” he said. “I think we have made great strides toward reaching our goal in the short term. We are so much stronger now than we were last season, and our kids have really worked hard this offseason. That is where programs are built.”

 

 

Covington Catholic (5-7)

Head coach: Dave Wirth

2008: Lost to Johnson Central 49-14 in the second round of the playoffs

 

By Kevin Bundy

 

When Dave Wirth was named Covington Catholic High School coach in January, he knew one of his most important jobs would be reviving the Colonels storied tradition by tackling the team's recent lack of success head-on.

 

Covington Catholic has won six state football championships, the last coming in 2006. But, consecutive 5-7 seasons have left this year's seniors eager to restore their legacy at the school.

 

"I think tradition is another bullet in the clip," Wirth said. "I come from a program (he played and coached at Cincinnati Moeller High School) that was steeped in tradition and I know how much it helped. Right now, that's a motivating factor. We've got a group of very, very hungry players."

 

Among those players are offensive lineman Kevin Connaughton and Kevin Morrison. Connaughton, at 6'4, 265 pounds, was all-state last season, and Morrison, at 6'4, 255, will be one of the top lineman in the area this year, according to Wirth.

 

"They are two of the most athletic big min I've ever coached," he said. "They're both big kids who can really move."

 

Brayden Erpenbeck will start at quarterback for the Colonels, and Wirth considers him a threat both as a runner and a passer.

 

"Our best play might be a broken play with the way he can make things happen back there," Wirth said.

 

Alex Connelly will be one of Erpenbeck's targets this year, as will tight end Beau Disen. Both are 6'4, and Wirth believes can cause match-up problems for smaller defensive backs. The team did lose one of its top offensive threats and team leaders earlier this summer when wide receiver Mike Robinson suffered internal injuries during a passing league game. He is out for the season.

 

Defensively, CovCath is led by defensive tackle Ben Frisch, and linebacker Andy DeGlow. Defensive backs Neil Martin, Paul Ritter, and Chris Garnick also return for the Colonels in what Wirth thinks will be a much improved defense.

 

"We're night and day athletically from last year," he said. "We get to the ball much faster and we're creating turnovers when we get there. God willing, we won't give up 60."

 

Wirth is the third Colonels coach in four seasons, an obstacle he said the players have handled well.

 

"They've suffered through a lot of turmoil," he said. "We had to get that out of their system. But these seniors want to return the program to where it was.

 

"Our goals are very, very simple. Our approach is one game at a time, meaning our number one goal at the top and center is to beat Ryle (at Ryle Aug. 21). Our number two goal is to win the district. Our number three goal is to win state."

 

 

Dixie Heights (4-7)

Head coach: Tom Spritzky

2008: Lost to Ashland Blazer 35-24 in the first round of the playoffs

 

The “red” colonels on Dixie Highway are expecting big things from their senior-led team. Ten seniors will start on offense as well as ten seniors on defense, but all will not be two-way starters as the Colonels look to two-platoon as much as possible.

 

Starting quarterback Ryan Wilson (6’0 170, Sr.) returns after taking over the offense mid-season in 2008. He gave the offense a kick-start after an 0-3 start, leading the Colonels to a 4-7 record and into the playoffs where Dixie Heights fell 35-24 to Ashland in a shootout.

 

Senior running back Corey Klei (5-7, 200) also returns and will give the offense good balance. In ’08, he rushed for 737 yards and 14 touchdowns. The Colonels will be in their four receiver set most of the time, so there will be plenty of room for Klei to maneuver.

 

Heading up the receiving corps will be junior Bobby Leonard (5-10, 160). He is very athletic and will be a “go-to” receiver for Wilson.

 

Up front, the Colonels will be massive, as they usually are. Joel Lubrano (6’2 250. Sr.) will anchor the offensive line at center. Senior Wes Smith (6-4, 280) will solidify one side of the line, while senior Ryan Zumdick (6-3, 260) will be an interesting player for Dixie Heights. He could give them a set of bookend tackles or a huge, athletic target for Wilson at tight end.

 

On defense, the Colonels will be led by senior linebacker Ben Wolfe (5-11, 190) in their 4-4 or 3-5 alignment. Whatever the front, opponents know defensive coordinator Dave Sorrell will be bringing the pressure from anywhere and everywhere.

 

Klei will help bolster the linebacking corps at outside linebacker while Zumdick and Smith will create a ginormous defensive line for the Colonels. Leonard will lead the defensive backs and will give them tremendous athleticism at every level of the defense.

 

Dixie Heights should be a formidable foe for the heavily favored Bluebirds of Ft. Thomas, who are looking for their 3rd straight Class 5A state championship. If the Colonels can play with confidence and discipline, they could re-visit the magic of 2002 when they upset the Trinity Shamrocks in Louisville.

 

 

Doss (10-3)

Head Coach: LaKunta Farmer

2008: Lost to John Hardin 42-28 in the third round of the playoffs

 

The loss of 15 seniors – including at least three that are now playing at the next level – will be hard to overcome for the Dragons.

 

But former Male High School standout LaKunta Farmer is one of the state’s top young coaches and still has some athletes in the mix.

 

Donald Bethel and Tyrone Mack both had over 100 yards rushing last season as little-used options but will now play a lot on both sides of the ball.

 

Bethel was named all-district at linebacker and Mack at defensive back and they’ll be joined on the defensive side of the ball by another top tackler back from last season in senior linebacker Devan Segvich.

 

It won’t be easy to get another winning season for the Dragons, but it’s not out of the question with a number of athletes on the roster.

[The Scribe]

Grant County (7-4)

Head coach: Mike Davis

2008: Lost to John Hardin 55-7 in the first round of the playoffs

 

After back-to-back winning seasons, Grant County is in rebuilding mode with only four starters back for head coach Mike Davis.

 

Three of the starters – Randy Salyers, Tyler Sheffield, and Justin Loomis – are on defense.

 

Salyers will likely get the starting nod at quarterback with newcomer Adam Keller making a push for a starting job at receiver.

 

Lineman Brandon Epperson is the lone starter back on offense.

 

 

Grayson County (7-4)

Head coach: Ed Smart

2008: Lost to Hopkinsville 42-14 in the first round of the playoffs

 

By JOSH CLAYWELL

The Elizabethtown News-Enterprise

 

Under Ed Smart, the Grayson County Cougars are starting to turn things around.

 

The Cougars, who had one winning season (1986) before 2007, have finished 7-4 the last two years and hosted a playoff game for the first time since 1982.

 

And if Grayson County can finish above the .500 mark this season, it will mark the first three-year stretch of winning seasons in the school's history.

 

"In the district, we could finish anywhere from second to fourth," Smart said. "Bowling Green will again be the team to beat in the district. Warren Central has a new coach and is always athletic. Barren County is always huge and that gives us problems."

 

Smart and the Cougars must replace seven seniors off last year's team, but they have nine starters back on offense and 10 on defense.

 

Leading the way on offense is junior quarterback Hunter Gary, who rushed for 609 yards and eight touchdowns in Grayson County's veer offense.

Gary also threw for 696 yards and six TDs.

 

Gary is also a starter on the other side of the ball, and had nine interceptions last season as a strong safety.

 

The offensive line is anchored by seniors Brian Beeler, Michael Bounds, and Desmond Petty and juniors Coty Yeager and Mark Williams.

 

Smart also must replace fullback/linebacker Brad Harrison, who rushed for 920 yards and 12 TDs, tight end Matt Thurner and reserve slot back Johnathan Higdon.

 

"We have four possible fullbacks this year, and this is important because in our veer offense, that position is the primary ball carrier," Smart said. "Our fullback spot is a concern because we will have a new starter and four players competing for that spot."

 

Jake Clemons returns at slot back, and Smart said the split end position is between juniors Jared Tomes and Desmond Goldsberry.

 

On defense, the Cougars have two new starters on the defensive line.

"That is an area of concern," Smart said.

 

Smart said there has been an influx of talent from Grayson County's seventh- and eighth-grade teams, but he doesn't expect any of those players to step in and have an impact immediately.

 

"Since we have so many returning starters, I don't see any newcomers making a huge impact," he said. "However, our eighth-graders coming up are very talented and didn't lose a game during their seventh- or eighth-grade seasons."

 

 

Harlan County (8-4)

Head coach: Tom Larkey

2008: Lost to Breathitt County 62-34 in the second round of the Class 3A playoffs

 

After a successful first season under coach Tom Larkey that included a playoff win and an 8-4 record, the Harlan County Black Bears move to 5A where they expect to immediately contend for the District 8 title.

 

With several big-play threats graduating on offense, the Bears will need an improved defense to top their performance from a year ago. With James Ball and James Phillips returning for their senior seasons, Harlan County will be strong up front.

 

Senior Dwight Burgan and junior Jordan Calton are back at the ends. Senior T.J. Green will be joined by senior Tyler Stewart, who missed all of last season with a back injury, at linebacker.

 

Junior Dylon Smith is back at free safety and senior Shequille Clark returns at strong safety. Junior linebacker Jeremiah Eldridge, junior tackle Travis Fields, senior defensive backs Alex Carr, Robbie Halcomb and Raven Ison, sophomore safety Devin Burgan and freshman linebacker Tucker Lewis could also play key roles on defense.

 

Green, who rushed for 472 yards last year after splitting time at quarterback and running back, is expected to play a bigger role in the offense this season. Smith may be the fastest of the Bears and can play both receiver and running back.

 

Standout sophomores Marcus McMillian and Cody Taylor will also see action in the Harlan County backfield after big seasons last fall on the freshman and junior varsity teams. Senior Larry Williamson and sophomore Jordy Brewer are candidates at quarterback.

 

Senior Austin Short and Ball return on the right side of the offensive line with senior George Shoemaker back at left guard. Junior Alex Haywood is the probable starter at left tackle, and junior Jesse Hensley is the early favorite to start at center. Junior Brian Owens is also expected to battle for a starting job on the offensive front.

 

 

Highlands (14-1)

Head coach: Dale Mueller

2008: Beat Christian County 35-15 to win the Class 5A state championship

 

By Kevin Bundy

 

Coming off a 14-1 class 5A state championship campaign in 2008, Highlands High School coach Dale Mueller isn't shy about the team's ultimate goal heading into its season opener Aug. 21 at Louisville Manual.

 

"Right now we're ranked 24th in the country in the MaxPreps poll," Mueller said. "We want to be No.1 in Northern Kentucky, the best team in the tri-state, and state champions. Our ultimate goal is to be national champions. Maybe that's not realistic for a little school in Kentucky, but that's our goal. And, if we go 15-0 with the schedule we have we know we'll be one of the best teams in the country."

 

Considering the array of talent Highlands returns on both sides of the ball, Mueller's optimism is well founded. Mr. Football candidate Austin Collinsworth moves to running back this season after earning all-American honors as a wide receiver a year ago, and all-state honors at safety as a sophomore. He will continue to play in the defensive backfield for the Bluebirds.

 

"I think (running back) is his best position," Mueller said. "He's a pro running back."

 

Collinsworth is joined by a slew of talent on both sides of the ball. Offensive tackle Tyler Grubbs is committed to Miami (Ohio), and tight end Kyle Wells is garnering Division I offers as well, Mueller said. Brandon Roller returns at linebacker and tight end, and the receiving corps will include Nick Buten, David Hogue, and Daniel Gold.

 

Tyler Combs and Hunter Schlosser return along with Grubbs on the offensive line. Along with opening holes for Collinsworth and running back Tyler Fennell, they'll be protecting quarterback Will Bardo. Bardo is starting for the first time, but Mueller said he's not at all worried about the Bluebirds passing attack.

 

"Will's been putting on a show this summer," he said. "He has a great arm and he has great speed. He was a great runner for the track team. He won races against very good competition."

 

Cam Dierig, Brian Beck, and John Drennen, a transfer from the Chicago area, also figure to be key players as Highlands attempts to win a third consecutive class 5A state title.

 

"Our biggest strength is that we have a lot of really good football players," Mueller said. "We have great depth all over the field. And we have great leadership from our seniors. "When you have a guy like Collinsworth going through every single drill full-speed on every single rep, it is contagious."

 

Mueller said the Bluebirds schedule concerns him more than any aspect of his team.

 

"We play Manual, Withrow, Cincinnati St. X, Beechwood, Ryle twice, Covington Catholic, we've got to play that schedule," he said. "We feel really good about our team, but we play a lot of great teams."

 

The schedule, coupled with the team's goals, keep his players grounded, Mueller said.

 

"We like to have big goals because when you have big goals you have to practice well every day," he said. "You can't have big goals and not work hard to back it up. You have to go all out every play."

 

 

Hopkinsville (7-5)

Head coach: Dixie Jones

2008: Lost to Christian County 28-21 in the second round of the playoffs

 

There are a lot of questions surrounding Hopkinsville this year with the return of just two starters on each side of the football.

 

Lefty John Cessna takes over at quarterback for the Tigers, who will work under new offensive coordinator Tim Bush this year.

 

Senior Corey Thomas figures to be a bigger part of the offensive equation for the Tigers, who saw most of their running backs graduate from last year.

 

Jamarius Bussell and Perry Allen should see most of the carries early for the Tigers, while Raphael Catlett could make an impact at receiver. Catlett, a starter on the basketball team, hasn’t played much football but brings athleticism to the offense.

 

Linemen Michael McKeague (6-0, 195, Jr.) and Shane Poe (5-10, 210, Sr.) are the only starters back on offense.

 

Allen, at the cornerback position, and tackle Stetson Humphries (6-0, 252, Jr.) are the lone starters back on defense.

 

The Tigers may endure some knocks early, but should get better once the new players adapt to their roles on both sides of the football.

 

 

Iroquois (3-7)

Head coach: Dwayne Waters

2008: Lost to Anderson County 47-13 in the first round of the playoffs

 

Iroquois has another new coach, this time taping 27-year-old former Bullitt Central High School player Dwayne Waters.

 

Jeff Norman resigned after one season and a 3-7 mark. Waters played at Union College and was an assistant coach at Bullitt Central (2005-06) and Western (2007) and was the offensive coordinator at Iroquois last year.

 

Senior Mercedes Hudson ran for 885 yards and passed for 445 yards last season, accounting for nine touchdowns.

 

Tim Smith and Anthony Smith also both rushed for more than 400 yards last season, while Tim was the leading receiver and Anthony led the team in interceptions.

 

Dionte Jones is the top lineman returning for Iroquois, which lost 17 seniors and will likely only have about 30 players on the roster.

 

 

Jeffersontown (3-7)

Head coach: Gary Weiter

2008: Lost to Doss 61-31 in first round of the playoffs

 

The numbers are up in the Jeffersontown program, but the Chargers lost five all-district performers off last year’s team and it will be another challenge.

 

J’town hasn’t had much luck with wins in recent years.

 

Running back Richard Kennedy was named all-district last season and is a major weapon, while linebacker Chase Gorman is solid.

 

With the success of the school’s basketball program, it would seem J’town should fare better on the gridiron but that hasn’t been the case.

 

Can the Chargers do it this season?

[The Scribe]

John Hardin (12-2)

Head coach: Mark Brown

2008: Lost to Christian County 35-29 in the state semifinals

 

By JOSH CLAYWELL

The Elizabethtown News-Enterprise

 

Mark Brown has a daunting task in front of him.

 

Not only did the John Hardin Bulldogs lose running backs Elias Camper and David Morehead, but the team also lost its top four receivers in Tim Marcum, Sherrod Moore, Chris White and Joe Procter.

 

The offensive line took a hit as well, as the Bulldogs lost three of their starting front five.

 

"We have been almost able to two-platoon the past couple of years, but we are not going to be deep enough to do that this year," Brown said.

 

"We will probably have more players going both ways early in the year.

If we have injuries, it could really hurt us this year. We have to stay healthy."

 

The good news for John Hardin, however, is it returns 5-foot-10, 183-pound senior Alex Dingle at quarterback.

 

Dingle has thrown 49 touchdown passes in his two years under center.

"We expect big things out of him again this year," Brown said.

 

Also back is junior Landon Savoy at running back. Savoy, who rushed for 1,057 yards and 10 TDs on 86 carries, was John Hardin's second-leading rusher behind Camper.

 

The Bulldogs almost must replace their top two cornerbacks in Orlando Mouncil and Marcum.

 

John Hardin also has six of its seven defensive linemen returning, and two of its three starting linebackers.

 

"Losing our CBs on defense has really hurt in the secondary," Brown said. "But we have some young guys trying to fill in. Our secondary will be the spot that will be new and will get tested early in the season."

 

John Hardin is coming off its most successful season. The Bulldogs went 12-2 and lost to Christian County in the 5A semifinals.

 

If his team is to replicate that success, Brown pinpointed a few things it must improve on.

 

"We have to stop the run better this year," Brown said. "Our offensive line has to do a better job of getting off the ball. And we have to do a better job on special teams in stopping other team's return game."

 

 

Johnson Central (11-2)

Head coach: Jim Matney

2008: Lost to Highlands 35-21 in the region championship game

 

Johnson Central lost some top-flight talent from a year ago, but the Golden Eagle following are excited about a group of underclassmen that should keep them in the region hunt in 2009.

 

Junior J.K. Hall enters the season as the starting quarterback and will direct the offense ahead of running backs Nathan Dillon, fullback Tanner Bratton, and sophomore J.J. Jude, who is expected to shine in a full-time role for head coach Jim Matney.

 

The question is who will handle the blocking for the JCHS offense following the loss of most of the starters on the line.

 

Bratton, junior D.J. Ousley, and senior Justin Bangudi should anchor the defense at the linebacker spot, while Ryan Harlow and Brandon Caudill are back on the defensive line.

 

The Golden Eagles feature one of the toughest schedules in the mountains with road games at Boyle County, Breathitt County, and Belfry, and home games with Bell County and Sheldon Clark.

 

 

Letcher County Central (10-3)

Head coach: Hillard Howard

2008: Lost to Whitley County 38-8 in the region championship game

 

It didn’t take Hillard Howard very long to turn Letcher Central into one of the top programs in eastern Kentucky, and the Cougars should remain in the mix for the District 8 title after posting a 10-3 mark last year that included district and regional runner-up finishes.

 

Even though they lose five starters on both sides of the ball, including star quarterback Charlie Banks, the Cougars will remain a strong, physical team with several starters back up front, led by junior tackles Justin Garrett (6-0, 305) and Dakota Cornett (6-3, 260).

 

Logan Johnson (6-1, 190), who will take over at quarterback after directing the Letcher freshman team to an undefeated campaign last fall, is expected to be a future star. Johnson completed 12 of 15 passes for 251 yards in limited varsity action on offense.

 

Senior Greg Collins returns to the backfield after rushing for 692 yards last year and will be joined by senior Dustin Brown and sophomore Drew Bentley. The receiving corps will feature seniors Chase Adams, McKenzie Smith and Nathan Maggard.

 

Returning starters on defense include sophomore Ryan Hall (6-0, 255) at middle linebacker, senior McKenzie Smith at linebacker, Garrett and Cornett at tackle, Johnson at strong safety and Collins at cornerback.

 

Smith, with 45 solo tackles, Johnson, with 42 solo tackles, and Cornett, with 32 solo tackles, were among the team leaders last season.

 

 

Lincoln County (1-9)

Head coach: Mike Settles

2008: Missed the playoffs

 

Lincoln County went from the state semifinals in 2007 to missing the playoffs in 2008 for the sixth time in eight seasons.

 

Second-year head coach Mike Settles has more in the cupboard this year than we he arrived last year, which has him optimistic for the 2009 season.

 

Junior Austin Hinds expects to be the starting quarterback ahead of senior Julian Calhoun in the backfield. Junior Matt Carrier and senior Tanner Edgington will also be factors for the Patriots’ offense.

 

The offensive line will be anchored by senior Scotty Bradford.

 

Lincoln County appears stronger at linebacker with the return of Carrier, Edgington, Hinds, and Danville transfer Ryan West.

 

Clayton Cooper and Daniel Swinney will start on the defensive line.

Settles is hoping to bring some stability to a program that has seen a couple of coordinator changes since the end of last season.

 

 

Madisonville-North Hopkins (7-4)

Head coach: Will Weaver

2008: Lost to Eastern 19-9 in the first round of the Class 6A playoffs

 

Madisonville drops to Class 5A, which should make the rebuilding process a tad easier for Will Weaver, who had an interesting summer.

 

The third-year head coach accepted the Mercer County job over the summer, only to resign after less than 48 hours and return to Madisonville.

 

The Maroons have to replace many of their starters on offense, but boast one of the top secondaries in the region.

 

Martinez Davis (5-11, 170, Sr.) had a solid summer and has a college offer from Army, with others expected to flow in.

 

Isiah White and J.C. Wade should join Davis in the secondary.

 

Offensively, the Maroons have to replace 2,000-yard passer Matt Levin, as well as the top two rushers and receivers.

 

Sophomore Tray Carr should fit somewhere on the offense as should tight end Joe Kington and junior Rashad Combs.

 

 

 

Mercer County (6-6)

Head coach: Bill Mason

2008: Lost to Letcher County Central 13-12 in the second round of the playoffs

 

There’s a lot of uncertainty in Harrodsburg these days, which Bill Mason hopes comes to an end quick.

 

Mason was promoted to head coach following the resignation of two coaches – Marty Jaggers and Will Weaver, who took the job following Jaggers’ departure and returned to Madisonville the next day.

 

Mason’s timetable didn’t begin until after the July dead period, which has put him and his staff behind the 8-ball.

 

The Titans are unsettled at the quarterback spot, with senior Tre Dunn, junior Adam Gooch, and sophomore Alex Gauy competing for the spot.

 

Russell Mays figures to be the prime ball carrier in the backfield.

 

Donovan Patton (5-8, 220, Sr.) and Devan Majors (6-2, 360, Sr.) return on the line for Mason, who expects a few subtle changes on defense.

 

 

 

Montgomery County (4-6)

Head coach: Dan Gooch

2008: Did not make the playoffs

 

Montgomery County saw their win total drop in half in 2008, which in turn saw the Indians miss the playoff for the fifth time in seven seasons.

 

Coming back is quarterback Seth Dotson (6-1, 170, Jr.), who passed for over 1,000 yards and 11 touchdowns and added 224 rushing yards.

 

Senior Tyler Murphy rushed for nearly 400 yards and scored five touchdowns, while junior Justin Covey hauled in a team-high 19 passes for 187 yards.

 

The Indians will have to work with a rebuilt line that was hit hard by graduation.

 

On defense, Murphy and senior Zac Hood return at linebacker for a Montgomery County defense that must improve from their 2008 numbers.

 

They allowed 29 points and 218 rushing yards a game.

 

 

North Laurel (2-8)

Head coach: Chris Larkey

2008: Missed the playoffs

 

After 19 years of working with one of the state’s most successful coaches, Chris Larkey will get his first chance as a head coach as he takes over at North Laurel.

 

Larkey was an assistant for 19 seasons under his dad, Tom Larkey, the highly successful coach at Rockcastle County who moved to Harlan County last season.

 

A father-son game will be a yearly occurrence with North Laurel and Harlan County in the same district of 5A, but the younger Larkey is more concerned with turning around the fortunes of the Jaguars, who struggled through a 2-8 campaign last fall.

 

North Laurel returns seven starters from last year’s offensive squad.

 

Adrian Wardrup (6-0, 205, Sr.), who is arguably one of the best athletes in the region this year, will be featured as a tailback where he rushed for more than 1,200 yards in six games last season.

 

Johnny Ray Fugate (6-0, 200, Jr.) will be the quarterback for the second season in a row.

 

Trent Prewitt (6-3, 240, Sr.) will anchor the line from the tackle position.

Raymond Shears, a senior split end who led the team with 24 catches and 350 yards a year ago, has grown to 6-3 and could provide even bigger matchup problems for opponents.

 

Brody Creech (6-4, 240, Sr.) will be seen on the offensive side of the ball as a tight end.

 

Josh Miller (5-11, 220, Sr.) who played fullback last year will be moved to the offensive line at the guard position, and Hughie Wagers (6-2, 195, Jr.) will make the move to fullback this year.

 

Newcomers this season will feature Jaylin Baker (6-1, 270, Jr.) as a tackle, Brandon Ball (6-4, 280, So.) as a guard, and Cameron Costello (5-9, 220, Jr.) and Tyler Marcum (5-11, 230, Sr.) at center.

 

Ronnie Rotundi (5-10, 155, Jr.) will also be a new face as a split end.

 

Bobby Caldwell (6-0, 185, Sr.) will be seeing a lot of action as a wide receiver, and Austin Adams (5-8, 153, Jr.), Phillip Dezarn (5-10, 140, Jr.), Robin Collette (5-10, 164, Sr.), Blake Hughes (6-3, 277, So.) and Josh Weaver (5-10, 162, Jr.) will see action also offensively.

 

Defensively, the Jaguars will return eight starters. Enoch Smith (5-9, 165, Jr.) will be back at nose guard, Josh Miller (5-11, 220, Sr.) will be at defensive end, and Trent Prewitt (6-3, 240, Sr.) will be at defensive tackle.

 

Cody Gibbs (6-3, 175, Sr.) is at defensive end and Gus Sulfridge (5-9, 185, Jr.) will start from the linebacker position alongside Hughie Wagers (6-2, 195, Jr.).

 

In the secondary, Raymond Shears (6-3, 185, Sr.) will be back as a safety, and Bobby Caldwell (6-0, 185, Sr.) will return as cornerback.

 

Other defensive players will include newcomer Jason Williams (5-11, 210, Jr.) at defensive end and Ronnie Rotundi (5-10, 155, Jr.) at cornerback.

 

Larkey will serve as offensive coordinator for the Jaguars where multiple sets will be utilized based from the Pro-I.

 

Shane Sams will be the defensive coordinator and will use a 50 front. Coach Sams comes to North Laurel from Muhlenberg North where he was the head coach for the past two seasons.

 

North Laurel’s strengths will be their experience at several key positions offensively and defensively. Having lost several starters from the offensive line last season, North Laurel’s weakness and toughest task will be to get their line playing together and in sync with the running backs.

 

 

Ohio County (1-10)

Head coach: Todd Houston

2008: Lost to Bowing Green 63-6 in the first round of the playoffs

 

Ohio County only has eight starters back from last year’s 1-10 team, but head coach Todd Houston still feels like his program is heading in the right direction.

 

“Our kids are working hard, and they have good attitudes,” Houston said. “I am proud of where we have come in a year. We still have a ways to go, but we will get there. It will just take time, patience, and hard work.”

 

Cody Murphy (5-9, 185, Soph.) ran for over 800 yards last year and is one of the few offensive starters returning.

 

Junior Derrick Griffin is expected to step in at quarterback, and senior Cody Likens and Allan Grubbs should also see time in the backfield. Senior R.J. Anderson is back at tight end.

 

Houston is hoping his team’s offseason program in the weight room pays dividends up front. Center Heath Garner (6-3, 230, Sr.), guard Justin Autry (5-10, 195, Jr.), and Chevy Minton (6-2, 240, Soph.) should start on the offensive line, while tackles Daryll Peck (5-10, 215, Sr.) and Sanders Burden (5-10, 230, Soph.) should start on the defensive line.

 

Juniors Joel Skipworth and Thad Robinson will help at the linebacker spot.

[The Scribe]

Oldham County (9-3)

Head coach: Matt Brown

2008: Lost to John Hardin 43-23 in the second round of the playoffs

 

By Mike Montgomery

Pegasus Sports Network

 

In 2007, Oldham County HS alumni and former assistant coach Matt Brown returned to his alma mater to try to resurrect the glory of past Colonel teams.

 

After a quick tenure at Atherton in which he oversaw a dramatic one-year turnaround in the fortunes of that school's football team, Brown was asked to try to build on the late-season push by the 2007 team, which - despite a losing record - rallied in the post-season, stunning Anderson County in the district championship, and narrowly failing to upset Owensboro in the regional.

 

Brown wasn't exactly sure how the team would react.

 

"We didn't really know anything (about how the team would perform). We knew we had some good players, but we had no idea how the morale of the team would be (several returning players had publicly protested the firing of the former coach) or how quickly they would pick up the new offense. Frankly, we were hoping to get to 6-4, with the schedule we were playing."

 

After dropping games to 6A powerhouses St. X and Madison Central, Oldham took a 1-2 record to 6A top 10 Scott County on the road and came away with a stunning 24-17 victory that may have been the catalyst for what turned out to be a remarkable season, according to Brown. Oldham finished the regular season on a 7 game tear, won the district, was ranked as high as #8 in the Class 5A BluegrassPreps poll, and advanced to the second round of the playoffs before falling to John Hardin.

 

This year, expectations are a little higher, despite a rugged schedule featuring four 6A teams, including Eastern and Scott County, plus a powerful Anderson County team that figures to be the Colonels' chief obstacle to repeating as district champs. Brown acknowledges that having the first year under his belt is helping.

 

"Things are coming easier for the kids now. They know what we want to do. It allows us to tweak our offense and defense a little better,” he said.

 

Having some experienced players will also help the Colonels. 55 varsity players return from 2008, and Brown expects a total roster with between 85-90 players. And there will be several starters or part-time starters returning to the lineup, giving Oldham the chance to pick up where they left off last season. Nevertheless, there are some big holes to fill.

 

Offensively, six starters return, but four of the departed starters earned all-district or honorable mention all-district honors on a team that averaged 36.4 points per game and ranked in the top 10 in Class 5A.

 

At quarterback, all-district performer Chad Dennis (over 1,300 yards passing and nearly a 4:1 TD:INT ratio) is gone, as is all-district running back D'lan Underwood (over 1,000 yards). Another key skill player, WR Austin Middaugh, honorable mention all-district, was the team's number two wideout.

 

Senior Joel Hennings looks to take over for Dennis, and Brown is excited about his prospects, citing the senior's elusiveness and decision-making ability. Although not possessing quite the powerful arm Dennis had, “he can make all the throws we've asked of him," according to Brown.

 

At running back, Oldham County looks to employ more of a running back by committee approach this season, with a number of backs with similar skills.

 

5'10" 170 pound junior Tyler Oldham was very productive as a sophomore, with over 800 all-purpose rushing and receiving yards. Kirk Yepko, a 5'11" 165 pound senior, is the team's most experienced back, and rushed for over 300 yards in 2008.

 

Brett Leary looks to also see a number of carries, after a strong JV season in 2008. Although he saw limited carries on the varsity last year, Leary gave the Colonel fans a glimpse of what he could do as he averaged a whopping 7.6 yards per carry.

 

Chase Hamby returns for his senior season to lead the receiving corps after topping all Oldham receivers in catches, yards, and touchdowns in 2008. Hamby boasts 4.5 speed in the 40-yard dash, and tremendous hands. He'll be joined by Brandon Cook, a seldom-used receiver last year who shows potential to be a big-play receiver, 6'0" senior Kiley Obradovich, and converted defensive back Tony Brown, who also possesses 4.5 speed in the forty and may be the Colonel's most-improved threat.

 

On the line, the Colonels look to try to continue having the success they had last year, when they averaged nearly 230 yards per game on the ground behind an under-sized, but aggressive offensive line. All-district performer Matt Hogue is gone, but Brown will have a veteran line to protect his new quarterback and open holes for the runners.

 

6'2" 254-pound senior Austin Fletcher will likely start at center, with seniors Derrick Lewis and Billy Taylor at guard and juniors Zach Littlefield and Dean Showalter at tackle. Although the average size of the line is somewhat small, that will be less of an issue in the Colonels' zone-blocking scheme.

 

The 2008 Colonel defense ranked in the top 10 in Class 5A in scoring defense, allowing just 18.8 points per game. After a 25-0 loss to 6A Madison Central in the third game, the defense did not allow over 22 points until John Hardin scored 43 in the second round of the 5A playoffs.

 

Brown expects the strength of the defense to be the secondary, where every starter is back. Tony Brown, Kiley Obradovich, Chase Hamby, and Brandon Cook. In a district that features the spread offense of South Oldham and Anderson County's star senior quarterback Jacob Russell, the secondary looms large if the Colonels are to repeat as champs.

 

The Colonels will again use the 3-5, with Tyler Oldham and Kirk Yepko returning at outside linebacker. The bad news for Brown is that Ichiro Chiba, the Colonels' monster middle linebacker who was a three-year all-district performer, is gone to play for Eastern Kentucky.

 

The good news is that Oldham has a veteran in Dylan Simms, a hard-hitting 6'1" 180 pound junior who played well in 2008. Chris Campbell, a 5'10" 195 pound nose guard in 2008, has shown promise at linebacker - "We think he'll be recruited as a linebacker" (Brown) - and looks to move to that position. Jared Combs, a 6'1" 195 pound junior looks to be the fifth linebacker after a promising JV career.

 

If there's a question mark on defense, it's the line, where Brown expects to take a committee approach as the newcomers get their feet wet. Moving into Campbell's spot in the middle will likely be Austin Fletcher.

 

"It'll be an attacking, in-your-face defense - at least, as much as we can make it," according to Brown.

 

On special teams, Brown expects a greater emphasis on special team scoring.

 

"We averaged 36 points per game last year, and didn't score a single special teams point," he said.

 

"The key this year is to get out of the gate early," he added. "We want to compete. The younger kids have to learn how to compete. To be honest, what matters is our district schedule. The purpose of the non-district schedule is to challenge them (the players), so we've been in spots where we've faced adversity."

 

 

 

Owensboro (11-2)

Head coach: Joe Prince

2008: Lost to Christian County 16-0 in the region championship game

 

Owensboro has won 32 of 38 games the past three years, and Red Devil head coach Joe Prince feels like 2009 is the year his team gets over the hump.

 

“We have been knocking on the door to go to state, and I feel this may be the year if we avoid injuries. I believe that we are the team to beat in our region,” he said.

 

The Red Devils lost talented athletes Yorell Shemwell and Yante Williams but have 12 starters back from last year’s 11-win team.

 

Prince expects this year’s team to be more explosive than last year’s team that averaged 28 points a game.

 

Junior Kal Prince – the coach’s son – accounted for over 1,500 yards and 16 touchdowns last year. Although Shemwell has moved on, senior Quado Douglas should step into the ball carrier role for the Devils.

 

Senior Khiry Maddox is the team’s leading returning receiver, but he makes his name more on defense where he had over 130 tackles last year.

 

Prince says last year’s defensive unit, which held eight opponents to two touchdowns or less, was a young group that should be better this season.

Zac Brown and Douglas join Maddox at linebacker in the 5-2 slant and angle defense that resembles a 3-4.

 

Dakota Blanton and Chris Ferguson return at defensive ends, and Tony Davis is the nose guard.

 

Owensboro boasts one of the state’s top kickers in junior Trey Cain, who nailed seven field goals last year.

 

Prince said Ryan Bowling and Marcus Winstead should give them some depth at receiver, while Dradell Johnson could see some carries in the backfield.

 

If there is a glaring weakness, at least early in the season, it is an inexperienced secondary that saw four players with 18 interceptions graduate.

 

Owensboro will find out early just how good they are early with games against Evansville Reitz Memorial, Owensboro Catholic, Daviess County, and Bowling Green in their first four games.

 

 

Perry County Central (5-6)

Head coach: Bert Browne

2008: Lost to Mercer County 57-21 in the first round of the playoffs

 

Perry Central quarterback Jordan Amis is “the best football player in eastern Kentucky,” according to his coach, Bert Browne, and Amis has the numbers to back it up with 1,174 yards rushing and 15 touchdowns last season to go with 1,596 yards and 13 touchdowns passing.

 

With star running back Demetri Travis graduating, finding help for Amis will be the primary objective for the Commodores in the preseason as they strive to improve on last year’s 5-6 mark.

 

Junior tight end J.R. Robinson and senior wide receive Chance Ashworth will be counted on to play bigger roles this year. Ashworth had 24 catches a year ago for 418 yards and three touchdowns.

 

Sophomore linebacker Matthew Robinson and junior tackle Dillion Cornett (6-7, 280) will lead the defense, along with Amis at cornerback and J.R. Robinson at linebacker.

 

 

Pulaski County (8-4)

Head coach: John Hines

2008: Lost to Whitley County 44-35 in the second round of the playoffs

 

The return of 19 starters has the folks surrounding the Pulaski County program excited about their chances in 2009.

 

The goals for the Maroons are simple, according to their head coach.

 

“We want to win the district title, the region title, and the state title. We’ve never won any of those. That’s the goal,” John Hines said.

 

The Maroons lost talented running back and linebacker Winston Hines to graduation but welcome back quarterback Chris Muse, who rushed for 1,349 yards and 15 touchdowns and threw for another 1,708 yards and 18 scores.

 

Alex Abner, who ran for 612 yards last year, figures to be the main cog in the backfield.

 

Senior R.C. White led the Maroons in catches last year with 37, good for 725 yards and four touchdowns. Abner also proved a dual threat with 27 catches for 376 yards and five touchdowns. Tight end Mikey Shepherd caught 19 passes for 339 yards and four touchdowns.

 

Daryn Meece (6-2, 245, Sr.) anchors an offensive line that should include newcomer Tanner Burnett (5-11, 262, Soph.).

 

Defensively, the Maroons return talented linebackers Logan Joseph and Mason Flynn in their 3-4 scheme. Abner and White, who combined for five picks in the secondary, return along with Shepherd, who recovered six fumbles last year.

 

The Maroons are also solid in special teams with the return of All-Mountian Team kicker Tyler Lester.

 

If Pulaski County’s skill people can stay healthy and the linemen gradually develop by the district schedule, there’s a good chance the Maroons can meet some of goals their coach has put down for them.

 

 

Scott (4-6)

Head coach: Dave Campbell

2008: Missed the playoffs

 

Scott head coach Dave Campbell is hoping a big senior class can offset a lack of experience returning at the skill positions.

 

One area not void of experience is at quarterback where senior Zach Sowder returns after combining to run and throw for more than 1,000 yards and 10 touchdowns.

 

Who Sowder will hand the football off to will be a question for the Eagles, who lost their top ground gainers from a squad that averaged 271 rushing yards a game.

 

Senior Kyle Jones and Scotty Campbell may see most of the carries behind Sowder. Senior Jon Gaupel could see time both in the backfield and at tight end.

 

Campbell and Gaupel will be among the leaders on defense, with Doug Patton and Sowder in the secondary.

 

Campbell is hoping the large number of seniors on both the offensive and defensive lines, led by 245-pound senior Aaron Wilson, will make the offensive transition for the new skill players a smooth one.

 

 

South Laurel (4-7)

Head coach: Larry Welch

2008: Lost to Whitley County 48-0 in the first round of the playoffs

 

Veteran coach Larry Welch takes over a South Laurel program that hasn’t won a playoff game since 2005.

 

One of his first tasks will be to replace record-setting quarterback Ricky Bowling, who threw for over 3,600 yards and 37 touchdowns last year.

 

Sophomore Ty Cobb is the only player returning who threw more than two passes last year.

 

Junior Tyler Vaughn rushed for 444 yards and seven touchdowns last year and should help spearhead an offensive attack that’s likely to feature the run more in 2009.

 

Nick Miller could also see some time in the backfield.

 

Despite the expected increase in run plays, the Cardinals return several talented receivers in J.D. Wright, Kody Baker, and Brandon Hacker.

 

Finding some depth on the line and improving a defense that gave up 38 points a game will be among Welch’s top priorities.

 

 

South Oldham (0-10)

Head coach: Clay Holbrook

2008: Missed the playoffs

 

By Mike Montgomery

Pegasus Sports Network

 

South Oldham coach Clay Holbrook experienced every coach's worst nightmare in 2008: an "o-fer" season. The Dragons possessed some talent, but not nearly enough size and experience, as they fielded a team with just eight seniors on the roster, with only four starting. A typical Friday saw the Dragons starting eight underclassmen on offense and nine on defense - including six sophomores.

 

That was a recipe for trouble against a schedule that featured five teams that were ranked in the top 10 of their class at some time or other: 6A Eastern, 5A Oldham County, 3A North Oldham, 5A Anderson County, and 4A North Bullitt. In addition, South tangled with two additional 6A teams in Shelby County and Nelson County.

 

In the end, South was just too small, too inexperienced, and not deep enough to compete on a weekly basis, and the Dragons lost all ten games by an average margin of 28 points, including their second-straight loss to archrival North Oldham.

 

Holbrook, however, sees light at the end of the tunnel.

 

"We had a lot of young kids in the weight room over the summer. We're going to have one of the fastest teams we've ever had at South Oldham, and lots of sophomores and juniors will be able to contribute."

 

"It comes down to leadership," he continued. "And that's something we've focused on in the off-season."

 

Holbrook - the former offensive coordinator at South Oldham, who's in his third season as head coach - says that the mix of personnel this year could make a difference as well.

 

"My first two years as an assistant coach, we set scoring records for South Oldham High School," he said. "People tend to forget that. The last two years, the personnel we've had simply hasn't permitted us to fully implement our spread offense."

 

The coach thinks this year will be different, beginning with what he expects to be a strong offensive line.

 

Trafton Holder (5'10", 215 pound junior), Brandon Bramer (6'1" 265 pound junior), and Nick Ballard (6'4" 321 pound senior) return to anchor the offensive line, with Ballard starting at center and Holder and Ballard at tackle. All three started all or part of the 2008 campaign. Holder's "...motor is always running..." according to his coach, and can play all three offensive line positions. A tremendously strong player, Holder benches 290 pounds.

 

Adam Brown, a 6'2" 215 pound junior who was limited in 2008 due to shoulder surgeries, is expected to start at one guard, with Jerrod Good, a 5'11" 190 pound junior at the other guard spot. The starting five should be one of the better units in the district, and will be further strengthened by a level of quality depth that South hasn't had in a while.

 

Holbrook expects to keep 2008 starter Evan Jorgensen (6'3" 180 pound senior) in a reserve role on the O-line, allowing him to be more rested on defense. Jeremy Muse, a 5'11" 175 pound junior, and Jon Derringer, a 5'9" 185 pound junior, provide additional, experienced depth.

 

A part-time starter in 2008, Christian Wallace returns at quarterback. Wallace only threw 82 passes in 2008, completing 34 for 304 yards, 2 TDs, and 4 interceptions, but Holbrook says the 6'4" 200 pound junior has shown tremendous improvement in '09.

 

"He's been invited to attend one of the 'top 100 underclassmen' combines in Atlanta in July," Holbrook stated. "He's corrected a glitch in his throwing motion, and the result is that he's gotten a much quicker release."

 

Wallace will be joined by a committee of five running backs who all look to contribute in 2009. Gone is star running back Brandon Kollenberg, who managed to rush for 1,120 yards and 6 touchdowns, while averaging over five yards a carry last year. Kollenberg has signed to play at Murray State. Nobody returns who rushed for over 200 yards, but some significant talent is there.

 

Jay Gatto is an under-sized (5'8" 160 pound junior) back, but pound-for-pound is one of the toughest players on the squad. Gatto is the leading returning rusher, having rushed for 191 yards and a touchdown on 56 carries in 2008. Jake Nichter, a 5'7" 155 pound junior, is an aggressive, hard-charging runner with big-play ability.

 

Michael Gray - a 5'8" 155 pound sophomore who is only now fully recovered from a broken femur suffered two years ago - brings 4.7 forty speed to the running back corps. Sophomore Stuart Williams and senior Corey Goodlett will also see time at tailback.

 

South's spread formation typically includes only one running back, but Holbrook expects to use the "I" formation more often this season, with Adam Brown and Jarrod Good sharing time at fullback.

 

At wideout, senior R. J. Grazuil had 26 catches for 240 yards and a score in 2008 and figures to be Wallace's go-to receiver this season. Despite facing double-teams and even triple-teams in seven on seven drills this year, Grazuil still found ways to make plays. The South staff hopes that Christian Academy of Louisville transfer Justin Brandon and senior Bryce Jackson will make plays to help take the load off of Grazuil.

 

Expect South to continue to throw to the runners out of the backfield. Gatto (17 catches for 173 yards and a score in 2008), Williams, and Nichter are all quality receivers.

 

"Our goal is to average 28 points per game," Holbrook said. "We didn't do that in 2008." (The Dragons' high score in 2008 was 27 points versus North Oldham.)

 

The Dragons' biggest question mark is defense, however. For the Dragons to make much improvement in 2009 against a schedule that includes the likes of Woodford County, Oldham County, North Oldham, North Bullitt, and Anderson County, the defense must show marked improvement. Although a number of players return from last year's unit, they must show significant maturation in 2009 after allowing 43 points per game in 2008. Only season-opening opponent Eastern - which scored 28 points - failed to score over 31 against the Dragons.

 

Holbrook will continue to use the 3-3 stack as his base defense, and the defensive line looks solid with Holder, 5'9" 185 pound junior Jon Derringer and 6-3" 180 pound senior Evan Jorgensen. All three were impressive in 2008.

 

5'10" 200 pound senior Corey Goodlett, Jorgensen, Good, Muse, Brown, Nichter, and Gatto all figure to see action at linebacker, and the defensive backfield will also be a revolving door of players.

 

At defensive back, Holbrook is especially high on smallish Cam Baugh, who he says is one of the best tacklers on the team, despite his lack of size.

 

A lack of size across the roster is one of the reasons Holbrook is using the 3-3 stack.

 

"We just don't have a lot of big kids," he pointed out. "It's a lot easier to find a linebacker than it is to find a defensive lineman."

 

Although South Oldham has had some solid teams in the past, Holbrook knows that a strong football tradition has not yet taken root in the school's 20-year existence. He points out the fact that South has had just six winning seasons and has never hosted a playoff game or won the district. (The Dragons would have in 1992, but field conditions forced the game to be moved to the old Cardinal Stadium in Louisville).

 

And oh yeah, the current 17-game losing streak, dating back to the 2007 season, weighs on his mind.

 

The schedule is challenging, but not overwhelming, even though it features six way games and only four home contests. Unlike 2008, when South faced three 6A teams, the 2009 schedule includes no teams from the larger class. With Waggener, Henry County, and Owen County replacing Eastern, Nelson County, and Shelby County, the 2009 schedule is more user-friendly and provides the basis for a solid rebuilding season.

 

"We have to win and win early. We've been on a long dry spell with 17 straight losses", he said. "We open with Woodford County, so that doesn't guarantee (a win). We're just going to 'turn the players loose'. We've tried to show the kids that they're not losers, that 0-10 is just a record that happened."

 

 

Southwestern (5-6)

Head coach: Dale Anderson

2008: Lost to Letcher County Central 34-6 in the first round of the playoffs

 

Southwestern is again expected to challenge Mercer County and Pulaski County for district title, with Warrior head coach Dale Anderson hoping the return of eight starters on defense will be enough to slow down their challengers.

 

“Our defensive line will be one of our strengths,” Anderson said. “We’ve got great skill players (on both sides of the ball) with speed at all levels and positions.”

 

Nathan Kidd (58 tackles) and Zac Fowler (94 tackles) make nice bookends on the defensive line, while Rob Lewis returns at tackle.

 

Dalton Wilson and Johnson Renfro are two of the linebackers returning in Anderson’s Split-4 defense.

 

Alex Jones and newcomer Chad Beard will start in the secondary.

 

On offense, Anderson is concerned about the lack of depth on his offensive line. Guard James Schultz is the lone starter returning ahead of running back Taylor Mote, who rushed for 669 yards and five touchdowns.

 

Mason Douglas and sophomore Zach Turpin are competing to replace three-year starter T.T. Wooldridge at quarterback.

 

“We have a great shot to be district champions again, and should challenge for the region,” Anderson said. “We just need them to be focused more in the playoffs to get past the region finals.”

 

Southwestern is boasting upgrades to the Reservation to include more seating and a new press box.

 

 

Waggener (0-10)

Head coach: Robert Ross

2008: Lost to Oldham County 58-6 in the first round of the playoffs

 

Just before last season, it looked like Waggener was on the upward tick. But the Wildcats head into this season with a 13-game losing streak and a new coach.

 

Former Trinity linebacker Robert Ross, who has been on the Waggener staff for a number of years, takes over from Wade Williams. The latter resigned after two seasons and a 2-19 record at the school.

 

It could be a long season for the Wildcats.

 

 

Warren Central (3-8)

Head coach: Mike Rogers

2008: Lost to Owensboro 22-14 in the second round of the playoffs

 

Bill Cox stepped down as head coach at Warren Central after the Dragons’ second losing season in a decade.

 

Mike Rogers moves over to Warren Central from Graves County where he had a 34-22 record in five seasons.

 

He has a few skill players returning on offense, including quarterback Troy Halcomb, who threw for 293 yards and a pair of touchdowns in a relief role last year.

 

Senior L.A. Rigsby ran for over 400 yards and four touchdowns as the number two back last year.

 

Senior Denzil Carpenter led the Dragons in receiving last year with over 400 yards and four touchdowns.

 

Warren Central appears more stable on defense with the return of linebackers Jonathon Thompson, Jonathon Deel, and junior Demonte Smith.

Senior Houston Oldham returns on the line, while junior Cortez Barber picked off four passes in the secondary a year ago.

 

Rogers, a former coordinator at Nelson County, has utilized the wing-T offense in his previous stops. The Dragons are hoping a new scheme in addition to increased numbers (60 kids out for practice) can get them past the second round of the postseason for the first time in three years.

 

 

Whitley County (12-2)

Head coach: Jim Black

2008: Lost to Highlands 42-16 in the state semifinals

 

After an amazing turnaround last season from 2-9 to 12-2 and a regional title, the Whitley County Colonels hope to stay at the top of District 8 with eight starters back on defense and six on offense.

 

“We’ve got a chance to make a run again, but it’s a competitive district,” noted Whitley coach Jim Black. “The kids finally got over the hump last year and came together to play as a team.”

 

Senior Josh Wynn (5-9, 175), who also plays halfback, and Cody Bramlett return to lead the defense as one of the top linebacking duos in the region. Bramlett had 120 solo tackles last year, and Wynn added 70.

 

Senior Jamie Labanion (6-2, 205) returns at quarterback after passing for 773 yards and rushing for 493 last year. The Colonels will feature one of strongest offensive fronts in the mountains, anchored by senior tackles D.J. Centers (6-2, 200) and Dan Burnette (6-2, 230) and senior guard Nathaniel Davis (6-2, 300).

 

 

Woodford County (5-6)

Head coach: Chris Tracy

2008: Lost to Covington Catholic 42-13 in the first round of the playoffs

 

By Josh Claywell

The Elizabethtown News-Enterprise

 

The Woodford County Yellowjackets went 5-6 last season, and lost a ton of talent due to graduation.

 

Senior tight end Bobby Neal (6-foot-4, 230 pounds) returns to lead an offense, which averaged just over 27 points per game last season. Through seven games, Neal led Woodford County with 29 catches for 332 yards and two touchdowns.

 

The Yellowjackets must replace quarterback Steven Duckworth, who threw for 1,667 yards and 18 TDs through seven games last year.

 

Jordan Carter, a running back/linebacker, is also gone. Carter had 303 yards and four scores through seven games.