Apollo (6-5)

Head coach: Paul Bates

2009: Lost to Meade County 35-13 in the first round of the playoffs

 

Apollo began 2009 strong with five wins in their first six games but faded down the stretch. Four of their five losses were by single digits.

 

The Eagles lost several playmakers from last year, including quarterback Hunter Cannon.

 

Elijah Dillard should see time in the backfield behind and experienced line.

 

Defensively, Nick Laster returns at linebacker, and Adam Burns, Matt Johnson, and Andrew Owen expect to factor in on both sides of the football.

 

 

Ballard (8-4)

Head coach: Mike Jackson

2009: Lost to Male 35-23 in the second round of the playoffs

 

The Bruins have one of the state’s elite teams this season with some whispers suggesting they might be able to knocked off the Catholic school powers.

 

Don’t expect any kind of bold predictions from the Ballard folks but they have the talent to back it up.

 

Wide receiver DeVante Parker, a University of Louisville commitment, is one of the state’s bets players. Parker caught 73 passes for 1,439 yards and 12 TDs - averaging 19.7 yards a catch for the Bruins as a junior.

 

Indiana University commitment Flo Hardin will play running back and linebacker, while defensive lineman Scott Malone is also getting Division I attention.

 

The biggest addition to the roster is quarterback Christian Wallace, who transferred from South Oldham. Wallace has a strong arm and performed well in the spring at several college combines. Mo Crawford is another quarterback that will see time for the Bruins this season.

 

Ballard’s defense is loaded with talent.

 

Hardin led the team in tackles and is one of five returning starters. Linebacker Denzel Young is another stalwart.

 

 

Boone County (4-7)

Head coach: Rick Thompson

2009: Lost to St. Xavier 49-0 in the first round of the playoffs

 

Boone County has some big holes to fill on offense with the graduation of 1,600-yard rusher Charles Quainoo and quarterback Nate Alford.

 

The quarterback job appears to be up for grabs. So does the backfield, although Jordan Oppenheimer, who rushed for 638 yards and nine touchdowns, and Drew Stuck appear to be the starters at running back.

 

Trevan Brown and Caden Doyle are the leading returning receivers for the Rebels, who only threw 11 times a game last year.

 

Head coach Rick Thompson is banking on a large class of juniors and seniors to gather up starting roles on the offensive line to open holes for the backs.

 

Defensively, Stuck, Cody Loudon, and Kameron Schwartz return in the secondary. Chris Fookes is back on the line.

 

The Rebels will be a smaller version that what their fans are used to, and a tough schedule could mean another sub-.500 season.

 

 

Bryan Station (9-3)

Head coach: Kenny Turner

2009: Lost to Henry Clay 7-6 in the second round of the playoffs

Former Madison Central skipper Kenny Turner takes over at Bryan Station after Oliver Lucas left for duPont Manual in Louisville.

 

Many of last year’s playmakers have moved on, but the cupboard isn’t bare for the veteran coach.

 

Opposing defenses last year tried to center on the Defender workhorse Devin McCaden, who rushed for over 2,000 yards.

 

This year, there are several options in the backfield, including Josh Arnett, Elijah Burdette, and Ledarius Jackson. Senior Michael Winkler is expected to be the quarterback.

 

The Defenders boast one of the state’s top linemen in Darrian Miller. The 6-6, 290-pound Miller has committed to the University of Kentucky.

 

However, Turner has some serious holes to fill on defense.

 

Bryan Station returned to some respectability in recent years under Lucas. Look for Turner to continue to carry the torch for the program in Lexington.

 

 

Butler (6-5)

Head coach: Scott Carmony

2009: Lost to Simon Kenton 49-7 in the first round of the playoffs

 

The Bears were one of the success stories in Jefferson County, starting 6-0 before losing its final five games. It was still a winning season, the first at Butler since 2004, and likely not the last.

 

Coach Scott Carmony has some holes to fill – mainly 1,200-yard rusher DeAngelo Thomas – but has eight starters returning and some solid young kids.

 

On offense, the offensive line has to be rebuilt but Tyler Sharp is back after nine rushing touchdowns and Tony Overall and Brenton Caldwell are also top backs.

 

The linebacker position is solid for the Bears with Sharp, Caldwell and William Hampton leading the charge. Brooks anchors the line for Carmony’s squad.

 

 

Campbell County (3-7)

Head coach: Troy Styer

2009: Missed the playoffs

 

After two straight years of missing the playoffs, Campbell County appears ready to get back into the postseason behind the arm of quarterback Michael Kremer, who threw for over 2,600 yards and 20 touchdowns last year.

 

Kremer benefits from the return of four of his top receivers from last year. Nate Geiman led the Camels with 53 catches for 584 yards and four touchdowns. Matt Smith added 49 catches for 744 yards and five touchdowns. Also back are Corey Cox (37 rec., 378 yards) and Joe Franzen (17 rec., 159 yards).

 

Defensively, Cory Hodge and Jake Rebholz return in the secondary. Mitch Miller is back at linebacker along with leading tackler Joe Sauerbeck and junior Austin Mosley.

 

Andrew Johnson and T.J. Jett return on the line.

 

 

Central Hardin (6-5)

Head coach: Mike Lawson

2009: Lost to Henderson County 35-21 in the first round of the playoffs

 

By JOSH CLAYWELL

The Elizabethtown News-Enterprise

 

The Central Hardin Bruins are breaking in a new quarterback in junior Kevin Humphrey, who takes over for the graduated Dylan Beger.

 

The Bruins also return senior Tristan Long, who had 899 yards and eight touchdowns on 59 catches, and junior Tyran Hopson, who had more than 600 yards combined rushing and receiving and scored seven TDs.

 

Junior Jared Cromartie had 24 catches for 340 yards and three TDs.

 

Central Hardin has to replace four of five starters on the offensive line.

 

Long moves from corner to safety. He had four interceptions last season.

 

The Bruins must replace all three starters on the defensive line and two linebacker, but return top LBs Ben Milligan, a senior, and juniors Adam Thompson and Andy Ross.

 

Russ Morse returns to middle linebacker after sitting out last season. Morse will also serve as backup to Humphrey, but isn’t expected to see much time at that position.

 

 

Conner (8-3)

Head coach: David Trosper

2009: Lost to duPont Manual 50-39 in the first round of the playoffs

 

By Josh Claywell

The Elizabethtown News-Enterprise

 

Coach James Trosper has four players returning on each side of the ball at Conner, which started 5-0 last season before faltering down the stretch and losing in the first round of the 6-A playoffs.

 

Conner returns wide receivers Mike Mueller and Taylor Miller and linemen Max Ingram and Johnny Gripshover on offense, while Mueller, Howard Watkins, Jarod Simpson and Brandon Ernstes return on defense.

 

Trosper expects WR Cameron Fogle and running back Eric Sowder to make an impact in Conner’s spread offense.

 

“Our goal is to be state champions,” Trosper said. “We have not reached that goal yet, but we are constantly improving.”

 

 

Cooper (3-7)

Head coach: Randy Borchers

2009: Missed the playoffs

 

By Josh Claywell

The Elizabethtown News-Enterprise

 

In their third season, the Cooper Jaguars are still trying to build their program up.

 

Third-year coach Randy Borchers has seven offensive starters and seven defensive starters back last year’s team, which finished 3-7.

 

Senior running back Dvontae Bradley and senior wide receiver Ryan Klute are two of the top returners. Bradley rushed for 1,608 yards and 17 touchdowns on 230 attempts, while Klute caught 13 passes for 271 yards and four touchdowns.

 

The team also returns all of its defensive backfield, which combined for five interceptions last season.

 

The bad news is Cooper must replace its starting quarterback for the second straight season, its top three leading tacklers, its top three linebackers and its top three offensive linemen.

 

 

Daviess County (4-6)

Head coach: Marcus Kimbrell

2009: Missed the playoffs

 

Daviess County missed the playoffs for the third time in five years, but the return of several playmakers should have the Panthers back in the postseason this year.

 

Quarterback Zach Cox threw for 610 yards and led the Panthers with 405 rushing yards and four touchdowns.

 

Devin Dickens and Mark Kemper were also among the team leaders in rushing last year.

 

Cameron Moore led Daviess County with 12 catches for 148 yards last year.

 

On defense, Mark Wathan and Gage Hocker return on the line, while Ethan Stone is back at linebacker – just three of seven starters back on defense for the Panthers.

 

 

duPont Manual (5-7)

Head coach: Oliver Lucas

2009: Lost to Simon Kenton 39-29 in the second round of the playoffs

 

Oliver Lucas takes over the Manual program from Joe Nichols after Lucas helped restore the winning tradition at Lexington Bryan Station.

 

When Lucas took over at Bryan Station in 2006, the school had just seven wins in the previous five seasons.

 

In 2008, Lucas helped the Defenders to a 6-5 record and last season the team finished 9-3 despite a late-season injury to star back Tevin McCaden, who led the state in rushing.

 

The Crimsons will have some offensive weapons returning, including running back Marcus Helm and Darmontre Ware and wide receiver Quintez Sutton.

 

 

Eastern (3-8)

Head coach: Ken Whalen

2009: Lost to Male 16-6 in the first round of the playoffs

 

After a disappointing three-win season a year ago, many across the state feel like the Eagles can be one of the most improved teams this season.

 

And that’s for good reasons.

 

A roll call of Eastern’s talent shows the Eagles have perhaps the state’s most versatile player in running back/wide receiver/linebacker Jon Davis.

 

The 6-foot-3, 245-pound Davis, who has already committed to the University of Kentucky, amassed over 500 all-purpose yards as a junior. He’s a top candidate for Mr. Football honors this season, according to coach Ken Whalen.

 

Lineman Nick Bennett is getting serious looks from some Division I colleges at 6-1, 275 pounds. Lateef Cox is another returning player from the line.

 

Quarterback Tanner Evans is back after over 600 yards last season, while linebacker Kyle Durbin led the team in tackling and junior Nick Stamford is another top linebacker.

 

 

Fern Creek (7-4)

Head coach: Curtis Higgins

2009: Lost to Ballard 28-21 in the first round of the playoffs

 

The Tigers have three seniors that have committed to the University of Louisville and should have plenty of talent to challenge Male for the district title.

 

Lineman Jamon Brown, running back Jerrell Moore and safety/tight end Jalen Harrington are the trio of stars and future U of L football players.

 

Moore had over 2,000 all-purpose yards as a junior when he 23 total touchdowns on the season. Moore has a 4.4 40-yard dash time and ran for 829 yards and had 879 in receiving.

 

Brown had five tackles for a loss and three sacks, while Harrington missed time with an injury but still had almost 700 all-purpose yards as a junior.

 

Coach Curtis Higgins has some holes to fill but with the trio of stars and several other returning players it should be a big-time season for the Creek.

 

 

George Rogers Clark (8-4)

Head coach: Paul Columbia

2009: Lost to Scott County 18-15 in the second round of the playoffs

 

By Josh Claywell

The Elizabethtown News-Enterprise

 

Things didn’t get off to a great start last season for George Rogers Clark and coach Paul Columbia.

 

GRC started 2-3, with losses to Bryan Station, Dunbar and Scott County. But GRC closed the regular season with five straight wins to secure the No. 1 seed in District 8.

 

GRC knocked off Dunbar in the first round of the 6-A playoffs, but met up again with Scott County in the next round. GRC’s season came to an end with an 18-15 loss.

 

Eight starters are back to help the Cardinals make a deeper postseason run this fall: quarterback Andrew Dini, wide receiver/strong safety Mykal Barnes, tailback/cornerback Darius Skinner, tight end/defensive end Corey Rogers, fullback/linebacker Mason Jones, center Cody Liggett, offensive tackle Wes Banks and WR/free safety Pokey Harris.

 

With those players back, GRC hopes to once again be in contention for the district title and perhaps even a region championship.

 

“Each year is a new challenge,” Columbia said. “This season we need a few new OLs, DLs and LBs to step up. Our goal is to win the district and be ready for the playoffs.”

 

 

Graves County (7-4)

Head coach: Lance Gregory

2009: Lost to Nelson County 31-14 in the first round of the playoffs

 

Graves County lost a slew of skill players on both sides of the football, but appear to be in better shape on defense where the Eagles allowed just 12 points a game last year for first-year head coach Lance Gregory.

 

Defensive end Ragon Grimes was an honorable mention all-state selection last year. However, he’ll have some new faces alongside him this year.

 

Aaron Cooper and Acey Riley return at linebacker, and Zack Crawford, Evan Smith, and Larry Brown are back in the secondary.

 

On offense, wingback Zack Crawford is the lone skill player back after a 2009 campaign that saw him rush for over 1,000 yards.

 

Senior Larry Brown will take over at quarterback. One of his targets will be senior Aaron Cooper, who is 6-foot-4 with good speed.

 

Junior Steven Thomas will get the nod at fullback, while junior Justin Jones will be the tight end.

 

Three starters are back on the offensive line – center Hunter McGuire, tackle Carter Deasel, and guard Nathan Jackson.

 

 

Greenwood (10-4)

Head coach: Greg Cavanah

2009: Lost to St. Xavier 28-6 in the state semifinals

 

Greenwood set a school record with 10 wins last year and the school’s first trip to the state semifinals.

 

However, the winds of change are blowing through Bowling Green with the creation of South Warren High School, which is playing a JV schedule this year and a varsity schedule next year.

 

Greenwood and Warren Central will be affected by the new school boundaries. In fact, Greenwood has already been affected.

 

Mark Nelson left Greenwood to become the new head coach at South Warren. Assistant Greg Cavanah has been promoted to become the new Gators’ coach.

 

However, the combination of the new school and the loss of several key starters to graduation may make it a tough go at Greenwood for the next couple of years.

 

Junior Hunter Neveras ran for nearly 500 yards last year and is the leading returning rusher. No one else had more than 50 yards last year.

 

The Gators have to replace record-setting quarterback Ty Downing and hope that B.J. Sweat can step into those shoes.

 

Jeremy James and Tanner Thompson both return for the Greenwood defense along with linebacker Austin Howell.

 

 

Henderson County (9-4)

Head coach: Clay Clevenger

2009: Lost to Greenwood 31-7 in the region championship

 

Henderson County continued their turnaround under head coach Clay Clevenger with a trip to the region title game.

 

However, getting back there will be a major task for Clevenger following the loss of many of his starters from last year.

 

Andy Proctor is expected to take over at quarterback, but his surrounding cast will consist of mostly new starters. Brandon Townsend will be one of his targets at receiver.

 

Mitchell Gabe, Conner Berry, and Nate Dorsey are three of the starters back on defense.

 

Clevenger is hopeful large numbers of underclassmen will get some experience this year that will pay off in the coming years as the rebuilding task continues at Henderson County.

 

 

Henry Clay (10-3)

Head coach: Sam Simpson

2009: Lost to Scott County 16-13 in the region title game

 

Henry Clay has some high expectations for 2010 and may just have the personnel to back it up.

 

The Blue Devils have most of their skill people back from a team that has won at least 10 games four of the last five years.

 

Dual threat quarterback Jerry Williams is back to lead the Blue Devil offense after rushing for 920 yards and throwing for 1,380 yards. He accounted for 23 touchdowns and an extra year under his belt should pay huge dividends this year.

 

Bo Brooks and Vinny Miller return in the backfield, and Henry Clay has most of their receivers back. Blake Green had five TDs last year. Ryan Duzyk makes the switch from defense to receiver, and Ryan Smith provides a large target at tight end.

 

Justin Rivers is one of the few starters returning on the offensive line, but several others saw considerable time in back-up roles last year, including Allen Moore and Tim Hadlock.

 

Defensively, the Blue Devils have as much speed as anyone in the state. Many of the skill players on offense also see snaps on the defensive side of the football. Nick Miller and Charles McCarty return at linebacker. Carwell Gardner is back in the secondary.

 

The Blue Devils possess speed on both sides of the football.

 

With a little discipline and luck with injuries, the Blue Devils should make another deep postseason run.

 

 

Lafayette (6-5)

Head coach: Carl Hayden

2009: Lost to Henry Clay 47-10 in the first round of the playoffs

 

By Josh Claywell

The Elizabethtown News-Enterprise

 

Their quarterback is out until at least mid-September and they’re under their third coach in four seasons, but the Lafayette Generals are optimistic not much else will change this season.

 

Longtime assistant Carl Hayden takes over for Rob Sayre, who resigned in June for an administrative position.

 

Senior quarterback Matthew Britt, who saw some playing time last season behind the graduated Brett Durbin, is out with a knee injury. Until he comes back, junior Jeremy Smith will be under center.

 

Smith has some pieces to work with in running backs David Kenner, Marlon Johnson, William Johnson and Shamon Brown, receiver Jalen Sleet, tight end Andy Hampton and lineman Bruce Robinson.

 

Trey Benson will anchor the offensive line, which may take a while to mesh after losing several starters.

 

 

Madison Central (0-9)

Head coach: Bert Browne

2009: Lost to Bryan Station 42-0 in the first round of the playoffs

 

Bert Browne takes over at his alma mater and inherits a team that went from nine wins in 2008 to no wins last year.

 

While the Indians will begin his tenure lighter in numbers that in years past, they will have some talent back on offense.

 

Seniors Justin Williams and Darian Cox are expected to line up in the backfield behind quarterback Nick Ford.

 

Seniors Clint Daughtery and Anthony George return on the line.

One of Browne’s biggest priorities is to get his team stronger in the weight room.

Male (10-3)

Head coach: Chris Wolfe

2009: Lost to Male 31-6 in the region championship game

 

Bob Redman won 190 games and three state championships during his tenure at Male High School.

 

But now Redman is coaching at Jeffersonville High School, just across the river from Louisville in Southern Indiana.

 

Chris Wolfe will try to pick up where Redman left off.

 

After two years out of coaching, Wolfe takes over a program that has been considered the third in the “Big Three” large school powers for more than a decade.

 

A graduate of Fort Thomas Highlands, Wolfe has a career record of 80-48 in 11 seasons at Hancock County, Waggener and Pleasure Ridge Park. He went 17-16 in three seasons at PRP from 2005-07, resigning for family reasons.

 

In his return to the sidelines, Wolfe has some experience back off a team that lost to Trinity in the playoffs.

 

Running back Ronjae Morris carried for 950 yards and 10 touchdowns, while John Giddens had 850 yards rushing and 20 TDs. The other starter on offense is lineman Jason Veto.

 

On defense, linebacker Solomon Logan will anchor things. Jerry Long is a returnee at defensive end, while Giddens and Jalon Kemp played a lot in the defensive backfield.

 

While replacing a legend – Redman is one of the winningest coaches in state history – will be tough at least Wolfe has a little experience to help guide him through it.

 

 

Marshall County (1-9)

Head coach: Ron Barnard

2009: Missed the playoffs

 

Marshall County missed the playoffs for the second straight year and has turned to former Campbellsville University assistant coach Ron Barnard to lead the program back to the postseason.

 

Sophomore Chase Clark has won the quarterback job in the preseason, beating out among others his brother Blake. Conner Jones and Nathan Anderson are expected to get most of the carries in the backfield alongside Blake Clark, who can line up just about anywhere on offense.

 

Patrick Harvey will also see some carries, and Noah Steele and Ryan Morris are back at receiver.

 

Up front, Austin Morrison, Levi Sanders, and Marshall Dowdy return.

 

Noah Willett and Blake Meyer anchor the defensive line for the Marshals. Nolan Nichols and Kevin Newcomb are back at linebacker.

 

Barnard has been an assistant coach at Mayfield, Graves County, Paducah Tilghman, and Mercer County. The Marshall County job is his first high school head coaching job.

 

 

Meade County (6-6)

Head coach: Larry Mofield

2009: Lost to Henderson County 24-13 in the second round of the playoffs

 

By Josh Claywell

The Elizabethtown News-Enterprise

 

The Meade County Green Wave is making the Wing-T a thing of the past.

 

Meade County is finally converting to a more modern offense with a switch to the spread offense.

 

Running the spread will be junior quarterback Thomas Wilson, who saw limited time as a backup last season.

 

Wilson will have a couple of solid targets to throw to in Bo Wilson, Blake Robinson, Ryan Hogan, Ronald Wilson, Tylor Pinkard and Jake Wilson.

 

The switch should also benefit senior running back Rex Liverman, a heady player who can burn teams with his speed and athleticism.

 

 

Muhlenberg County (3-8)

Head Coach: Josh Staples

2009: Lost to Greenwood 40-12 in the first round of the playoffs

 

Muhlenberg County made the playoffs in their first season after the two county schools – North and South – consolidated.

 

The Mustangs lost top offensive playmaker and quarterback Aaron Johnson, but return senior Dalton Oliver, who stepped in for Johnson when he was injured.

 

David Hocker returns in the backfield for the Mustangs, while linebacker Josh McKinney should lead the defense.

 

 

Nelson County (6-6)

Head coach: Jamie Egli

2009: Lost to Greenwood 28-17 in the second round of the playoffs

 

By Peter W. Zubaty

Sports Editor, The Kentucky Standard

 

Nelson County gave new coach Jamie Egli a 2-0 start last year, using a high-powered shotgun spread offense to roll up 87 points in those contests.

 

Then, the rains came, and they never really stopped in one of the wettest football seasons in Kentucky history. With the Cardinal offense ground to a halt in the mud, Nelson County lost five of its next six games before making a quarterback change and returning to the familiar option attack the team used the previous three seasons under Bart Bruner — two of those while Egli was offensive coordinator.

 

The move paid immediate dividends as the Cardinals scored an emotional, come-from-behind win in the final minute to beat North Hardin 14-13 and secure a spot in the playoffs. Nelson followed that up with a road wins over Bullitt East to close out the regular season and Graves County in the first round of the playoffs before succumbing to eventual state semifinalist Greenwood.

 

Despite losing a number of starters among the 17 seniors who departed from the 2009 squad, Egli feels like he has the bullets available to reload thanks to a 2010 group of seniors that is 27 strong.

 

“This is a great class,” Egli said. “I think we'll be right there competing for a district championship.”

 

One big reason for that is the return of senior Daniel Mudd, who returns to guide the option attack for the Cardinals after taking over the starting spot and going 3-1 to finish 2009. Mudd also plays a strong defensive back, and has a booming leg that is drawing recruiting interest from several major Division I-A programs vying for his services as a placekicker.

 

Mudd will have an excellent option at running back in the form of senior Quentin Brooks, who tallied 11 touchdowns and more than 1,150 yards rushing and receiving despite missing several games to injury.

 

Wideout figures to be a question mark, with senior John Harrison the most experienced returning receiver.

 

The Cardinal line is led by seniors Cody Gant, Brent Brussell, Matt Hillard and Jake Snellen, all of whom have starting experience.

 

The defense grew into a stout unit as the season wore on last year, but the linebacking corps and the secondary were hit especially hard by graduation, and may be a work in progress.

 

 

North Hardin (2-8)

Head coach: Crad Jaggers

2009: Missed the playoffs

 

By Josh Claywell

The Elizabethtown News-Enterprise

 

Fans in Radcliff were feeling great after the North Hardin Trojans began last season 2-0 with wins over Bardstown and LaRue County.

 

However, things quickly unraveled.

 

The Trojans lost eight consecutive games and missed out on the 6-A playoffs after going 0-4 in district play.

 

“It was disappointing after that 2-0 start,” North Hardin coach Crad Jaggers said. “We thought we had the team to compete for a district championship.”

 

With eight starters back on each side of the ball, the Trojans could do just that this season.

 

Leading the way is senior quarterback Vincent Davis, who threw for 2,080 yards and 10 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. Also back is senior wide receiver Trevino Coney, who had over 700 receiving yards, and athletic sophomore Mike Brunson, who Jaggers said could play running back, wideout, QB or free safety.

 

Other returners include junior fullback/outside linebacker David Hickman, senior two-way linemen Danny Ray, Juan Cornett and Dontrez Dawson, junior offensive lineman Darren Woods, junior offensive lineman Aaron House, junior DeVon Eiland, senior LB Alik Rucker, junior linebacker Antonio Simmons and senior defensive back Marcus Shepherd.

 

“They have worked extremely hard to get this program back on the winning track,” Jaggers said. “Leadership has been better and mentality has been very positive with the kids. Those guys will dictate how our team is led, focuses, and finishes tough games and a long season. Leadership has been the missing ingredient to our team.”

 

 

Paul Laurence Dunbar (2-9)

Head coach: Bob Lawson

2009: Lost to George Rogers Clark 28-13 in the first round of the playoffs

 

Paul Laurence Dunbar is looking for some stability in their program, and they are hoping that Bob Lawson can provide it.

 

Lawson was hired to head the Bulldogs after spending three years as defensive coordinator at Henderson County. Before that, Lawson served as an assistant coach at Pelham, Alabama High School with former Elizabethtown coach Brett Burnett.

 

Lawson is the fifth coach at Dunbar in the past 10 years and takes over a program that has won just seven games in the last four years.

 

Dunbar is hoping the return of Trent Martin and Jamal McFarland on offense can help make Lawson’s transition smoother.

 

Seniors David Tooley and Beau Gilliam return as two-way starters on the line.

 

 

Pleasure Ridge Park (3-8)

Head coach: Jason Hiser

2009: Lost to Ryle 52-22 in the first round of the playoffs

 

The Panthers had a tough time early last season with the off-field news. But this preseason the past is the past and these Panthers are ready to win.

 

Coach Jason Hiser has some talent coming back into the fold, including sophomore quarterback Spencer Sumpter. He started five games last season as a freshman.

 

Hiser believes three-year starting linebacker Keonte Reynolds is his best prospect and he is a very physical player.

 

Defensive end Kevon Richardson is also a three-year starter, while linebacker Mark Bowling and defensive back Marcus Brown are other top defenders.

 

 

Ryle (8-4)

Head coach: Bryson Warner

2009: Lost to St. Xavier 66-17 in the second round of the playoffs

 

Does Ryle have what it takes to break through to Bowling Green?

 

The return of several starters from last year’s 8-4 team has hopes high in Union that this Raider team could make a long postseason run.

 

Quarterback Conner Hempel threw for 1,894 yards and 18 touchdowns last year and looks to put up even bigger numbers this year.

 

Junior Travis Eliott ran for 1,600 yards and 24 touchdowns and caught 17 passes out of the backfield.

 

Senior Deion Mullins can line up in several spots and had two long touchdown passes last year.

 

Senior Taylor Thibodeau could also see a bigger role in the offense.

 

Up front, the Raiders return four of their five linemen, making the Ryle offense an explosive one as long as they take care of the football.

 

While last year’s team had big holes to fill on defense, the return of six starters gives them a better unit right off the bat.

Tanner Teepen returns on the line along with linebackers Thibodeau, Elliott, and Mace Court.

 

Luke Boggs and Zach Senvisky give the Raiders experience in the secondary.

 

Ryle will have to endure a tough non-district schedule that includes contests with the Catholics – Newport Central and Covington – as well as Dixie Heights and a pair of games with Highlands.

 

 

Scott County (10-4)

Head coach: Jim McKee

2009: Lost to Trinity 42-13 in the state semifinals

 

By Josh Claywell

The Elizabethtown News-Enterprise

 

The Scott County Cardinals return running backs Marcus Hill and Josh Walls, but must replace four of their five starting offensive linemen.

 

Also back is wide receiver James Happy, tight end J.T. True and center Griff Baker.

 

Scott County has seven starters back: linemen Blake Irvin and Tyler Fitch, linebackers Cody Campbell and Jordan Kindred, Avery Ford, Hill and Walls.

 

Kicker/punter Jay Willmott, two-time first team All-State honoree, is also back.

 

“As good a group of skilled guys as we have had in several years,” coach Jim McKee said.

 

 

Seneca (4-7)

Head coach: Louis Dover

2009: Lost to Shelby County 37-14 in the first round of the playoffs

 

Things didn’t go the way Louis Dover figured they would during the 2009 campaign.

 

Star quarterback DaMarcus Smith suffered a season-ending knee injury in the preseason and the injuries mounted as the season went on for the RedHawks.

 

But a new year brings new hopes.

 

Smith is back and healthy after knee surgery and is likely to be a major contender for Mr. Football honors. The University of Louisville commitment passed for 3,227 yards and 32 touchdowns as a sophomore when he burst onto the scene.

 

Smith is bigger, stronger and faster than he was prior to the injury and should be solid under center.

 

He’ll be joined on offense by five returnees, including wide receiver Jordan Bender, running back Tyrone Lott and offensive guard Carlos Coffey.

 

Four-year starting linebacker Mikquail Baskett, tackle Tyrone Peterson and safety Mikal Moore are three of the seven starters returning on the defensive side of the ball.

 

 

Simon Kenton (11-2)

Head coach: Jeff Marksberry

2009: Lost to St. Xavier 48-34 in the region championship game

 

 

Simon Kenton came up a couple of scores short in their bid to knock off eventual state champion St. Xavier. Despite the loss of All-State running back Miles Simpson, the return of 14 starters has the Pioneers looking for another shot at Bowling Green.

 

Senior quarterback Chad Lawrence and three starters at receiver – Ryan Winkler, Zach Carroll, and Jake Krummen – comprise four of the six offensive starters returning. Lineman Colin Patrick and tight end D.J. Rabe are the other two.

 

Lawrence threw for 1,796 yards and ran for another 1,165, accounting for a combined 33 touchdowns.

 

The trio of Carroll, Winkler, and Krummen combined for 76 receptions, 1,191 yards, and 18 touchdowns.

 

Head coach Jeff Marksberry said Beechwood transfer Corey Crane and Danny Wetter should see time in the backfield in the absence of Simpson. He is also high on Sage Powell, who saw limited time in the backfield last year but could earn a starting job this year.

 

Three linebackers – Parker Deters, Bo Lockard, and Austin Baldwin all return. Baldwin had 133 tackles and seven sacks last year.

 

Powell joins Carroll and Trey Pinkleton in the secondary. Danny Williams and Derek Mills return on the defensive line.

 

“The key to our season, especially early, will be our defense,” Marksberry said. “One of our defensive strengths will be great speed on defense, and we will use it to pressure opposing offenses. We must improve our pass defense and should be able to with three returning starters in the secondary.”

 

Simon Kenton has a couple of new faces on the schedule with Ohio schools Middletown and New Richmond replacing Newport Central Catholic and Shroder, Ohio.

 

Southern (1-10)

Head coach: Corey Crume

2009: Lost to Trinity 55-0 in the first round of the playoffs

 

It should be another challenging season for the Trojans. The lone win last season came against Iroquois and there’s not a ton of experience returning.

 

In his second season at the helm, Corey Crume is hoping he can change things around at Southern.

 

 

St. Xavier (14-1)

Head coach: Mike Glaser

2009: Beat Trinity 34-10 in the Class 6A state championship game

 

Not many team can lose 54 seniors and 18 starters and expect to make any kind of noise in the postseason.

 

But not every team is St. Xavier, who rolled through the state unbeaten last year en route to a convincing state title.

 

The Tigers have plenty of playmakers returning, including two Mr. Football candidates in running back Lamont McMurry and defensive back Daylen Hall.

 

McMurry stepped into a starter’s role last year and responded with 981 yards and 10 touchdowns while averaging nearly 10 yards a carry.

 

Senior Jeontea Hayden added 559 yards and six touchdowns.

While the Brohm name was made famous at rival Trinity, its cousin Luke Brohm’s turn to continue the tradition at St. X.

 

In mop up duty last year, Brohm completed just under 50-percent of his passes for 406 yards and seven touchdowns.

 

Head coach Mike Glaser expects Lincoln Goodwin to be one of Brohm’s top targets. Last year, Goodwin caught two passes – both for touchdowns. McMurry led the Tigers in receptions out of the backfield.

 

The Tigers should again be stout in the trenches on both sides of the football.

 

On defense, Cornelius Jackson should hold down an end spot and be one of the top tacklers on the squad.

 

Daylen Hall led the Tigers with seven picks in the secondary and should be St. Xavier’s second Mr. Football candidate.

 

Beach and John Allen are back at linebacker, while Andrew Polston returns at tackle. Anthony Brutscher provides a nice bookend to Jackson on the line.

 

“Our strength should be our defense and overall team quickness,” Glaser said. “We have most of our experience back on defense.”

 

Scott Raque will handle the kicking duties for the Tigers.

 

 

Tates Creek (5-6)

Head coach: Mike Harmon

2009: Lost to Scott County 27-17 in the first round of the playoffs

 

Five wins doesn’t sound like much but for Tates Creek, it was one more than the previous two seasons combined.

 

The return of 15 starters has the Commodores looking to break the .500 mark and win a playoff game for the first time in six years.

 

Jontez Jones returns after rushing for 507 yards and seven touchdowns and fellow backfield mate Brandon Shrout added 522 yards and four scores.

 

Quarterback Dee Christopher threw for 1,354 yards and added 238 yards on the ground.

 

Will Sweet and tight end Johnny Meadors are the leading returning receivers behind an offensive line that includes tackle Alex Bradley guard T.D. Jemison, and center Jasir Rayyan.

 

Mike Harmon’s defense has to improve after giving up 27 points a game last year.

 

Charged with improving the unit are Meadors, Aubrey Lewis, and Kalin Poe at the linebacker spot.

 

Jemison and Aaron Mullins return on the line.

 

“Our defensive line and linebackers are very strong this year,” Harmon said. “We are slowly growing our program and still a couple of years away from where we need to be. But I think we will surprise some people this year.”

 

 

Trinity (10-5)

Head coach: Bob Beatty

2009: Lost to St. Xavier 34-10 in the Class 6A state championship game

 

The Shamrocks looks to rebound from a disappointing 2009 season this fall.

 

OK, so 10-5 and a loss in the state championship game might not appear to be a disappointing season for many. But we’re talking about the team in St. Matthews here.

 

All kidding aside, the Shamrocks were not elated with a loss to archrival St. Xavier in the title game. Trinity has won seven of the past nine big-school state titles.

 

But if they want to claim the school’s overall 20th state title, Bob Beatty’s bunch will do it with youth.

 

Almost three-fourths of Beatty’s roster is made up of sophomores and juniors and expect about 16 of the 22 starters to be non-seniors for the Shamrocks.

 

The Shamrocks will also have to do it against a brutal schedule that includes national powers Cincinnati Elder and Cincinnati St. Xavier – in back-to-back weeks – Louisville St. Xavier, Indianapolis Lawrence North, Bowling Green and I perhaps the toughest district in the state with top-10 6-A foes Ballard, Seneca and Eastern.

 

But still expect Beatty to have the talent to add to his gaudy 126-20 record in his 11th season at Trinity.

 

The biggest question mark will be at quarterback with four sophomores battling to replace Brad Kragthorpe, who transferred when his father lost his job as the head coach at the University of Louisville.

 

Travis Wright is the likely starter after leading the undefeated freshman team last season. Cody Wolfe is also challenging for the starting spot.

 

The running game is stacked with senior Derek Bishop, who ran for 1,568 yards and 17 touchdowns as a junior. Roger Johnson and Dalyn Dawkins are capable backs. Dawkins is the son of former U of L running back Ralph Dawkins.

 

Sophomore James Quick is one of the best prospects in the Bluegrass State after catching 25 passes for 473 yards and five touchdowns as a freshman. He won a state track title in the 200 and is also one of the state’s top basketball players.

 

Quick could be tough for opponents to guard. Hunter Kopp and Ryan Steffey are two other top targets. The offensive line is anchored by juniors John Heile and Joey Warburg.

 

The defense has a new leader with former Louisville player and Oklahoma assistant coach Craig Swabek taking over. He’ll be joined on the defensive side of the ball by longtime Trinity assistant Mickey Kahlbin.

 

The defense should be rock solid.

 

Defensive end Jason Hatcher is a sophomore who made a name for himself by being named MVP at several national combines during the spring and summer.

 

Linebacker Adam Reynolds is a junior and a Division I prospect, while Ryan White is a defensive back and Brandon Weyhing a linebacker that will aid in the defense.

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