Hard to believe Jake Smith from NewCath was not at least honerable mention. I didn't see a better defensive lineman all year.

 

I completely agree. Had NewCath made it back to the state final he would have been at least second team. He got no press this year. A lot of selection comes from names that the media recognize and see often.

Congrats to all players and coaches.

 

Special congrats to the Bell County players Matt Raines and Billy Lawson for making First team. Cody Marcum for making second team. John Dudley and Cory Davenport for making honorable mention.

Let's ask ourselves a question: How do two teams (North Laurel, South Laurel) with a combined record of 9-11 and lost to Corbin by a combined score of 55-8 get five guys on the honorable mention squad?

 

The answer probably tells us a lot about what is screwed up about the AP poll and all-state teams.

 

It is not about what team they played for, but what kind of player they are. I know that Shears from NL was one of the top WRs in 5A (#2 in YPG and averaged 24 yards per reception) on a team that is a 55/45 run/pass team. Wardrup from NL was only the 3rd back in NL history I am aware of that had over 1,000 yards in 2 straight seasons (Durham & Blair were the other 2) and was #6 in 5A in yards per game. Vaughn from SL was #4 in rushing yards per game in 5A.

 

However, the problem with the system is that the AP voters who bother to vote, usually only vote for the kids they have seen. It is a shame that so many worthy kids are left off the list, but it is what it is.

It is not about what team they played for, but what kind of player they are.

 

Then tell me what kind of players were they?

 

Call me skeptical, but I find it hard (REALLY HARD), to believe that both North Laurel and South Laurel had two of the best running backs in the state and worthy of even honorable mention. Anyone have any stats to back up their selection or did they make it more on intangibles?

 

Not to mention North Laurel alone had 4 honorable mention all-state players all on the offensive side of the ball. They must have had been great on the offensive side of the ball with that kind of talent. Wonder if the stats bear that out?

Congrats to all players and coaches.

 

Special congrats to the Bell County players Matt Raines and Billy Lawson for making First team. Cody Marcum for making second team. John Dudley and Cory Davenport for making honorable mention.

 

Mike Howard was 2nd team OL as well.

Mike Howard was 2nd team OL as well.

 

Sorry forgot about Mike. Congrats

It is not about what team they played for, but what kind of player they are. I know that Shears from NL was one of the top WRs in 5A (#2 in YPG and averaged 24 yards per reception) on a team that is a 55/45 run/pass team. Wardrup from NL was only the 3rd back in NL history I am aware of that had over 1,000 yards in 2 straight seasons (Durham & Blair were the other 2) and was #6 in 5A in yards per game. Vaughn from SL was #4 in rushing yards per game in 5A.

 

However, the problem with the system is that the AP voters who bother to vote, usually only vote for the kids they have seen. It is a shame that so many worthy kids are left off the list, but it is what it is.

 

It absolutely is about who they played for, unless the kid is a no-doubter. In general, there are a group of players that benefit from the attention that their teams get. A kid from a good CovCath or Highlands team will get a lot more press than a kid from a decent rural small school. The kid from the rural school may actually be a better player, but he doesn't get the coverage that a kid from the city gets. The more a kids name gets mentioned, the better of a player they seem. Its the nature of the beast.

Congrats to the deserving players and coaches that made this list -- especially to one of our own, DeVante Parker.

 

Curious to me though, how our DREW HARDIN could be evaluated as good enough to get a full-ride to a Big-10 school for football (one of only how many in Ky. this year to merit a full-ride to a Div. 1 BCS school...5?) but not even merit Honorable Mention AP All-State?

 

Oh well, glad he gets a chance to prove these media people might have been in error on Saturday afternoons in the future.

It absolutely is about who they played for, unless the kid is a no-doubter. In general, there are a group of players that benefit from the attention that their teams get. A kid from a good CovCath or Highlands team will get a lot more press than a kid from a decent rural small school. The kid from the rural school may actually be a better player, but he doesn't get the coverage that a kid from the city gets. The more a kids name gets mentioned, the better of a player they seem. Its the nature of the beast.

 

Mexitucky,

Playing for a school like Cov. Cath or Highlands also hurts some of the players believe it or not. It appears that the selection committee only allows so many players per school. I feel there could of been more players mentioned from these schools in the past and present that were not.

Mike Howard was 2nd team OL as well.

 

Wow, with that many ALL STATE players on one team, Bell County must have had a great season. What division did they win?

Congrats to all the young men, but special congrats to Dusty Brown & Justin Goins.

Mexitucky,

Playing for a school like Cov. Cath or Highlands also hurts some of the players believe it or not. It appears that the selection committee only allows so many players per school. I feel there could of been more players mentioned from these schools in the past and present that were not.

 

Case in point, St. X. You are correct. However, I believe that the odds are in the favor of a kid from a traditional power getting more press than a good player from an obscure team. As a result, all things being equal among the players, the kid from the traditional power will get pushed through.

Case in point, St. X. You are correct. However, I believe that the odds are in the favor of a kid from a traditional power getting more press than a good player from an obscure team. As a result, all things being equal among the players, the kid from the traditional power will get pushed through.

 

I see your point and experienced that on a team you are very familiar with.:thumb:

What makes that play even more special is listening to the half time talk/plan from Mueller.:thumb:

 

How did they get that video? Wow... totally awesome. Coach draws it up on the white board.... seconds later. Touchdown Bluebirds! Great Youtube material...

Congrats to the Bryan Station Defenders who made the All-State Teams!

 

Darrian Miller - 2nd team OL

Chaz Mitchell - HM Wide Receiver

Kris Bolton - HM Linebacker

 

However, how does Tevin McCaden not make even Honorable Mention?

Over 2,000 yards through the 1st nine games of the season while playing a strong 6A schedule!