I'd say #3-9 could more or less switch at the drop of a hat. If you look at records though, I see no problem putting Johnson Central in at number three. They've been able to put up 21 points against Highlands the last two years in a row - and that was the most points Highlands had scored against them last year.

 

I've seen them play twice. They're physical, they're very well disciplined, and their fundamentals are exceptional. At a glance they reminded me of some of the Moeller teams I played against in the 90's, and they're not too dissimilar from the Highlands teams of late. Dale Mueller was absolutely right when he said Johnson Central is becoming a big rival, and I have a feeling they're going to continue getting tougher and tougher in the coming years.

JC is legit. Period.

Agreed Highlands should be no.1 I think Whitley should be a few notches higher. Picked up an outstanding coach from McCreary.

Lost in the region championship to the state champion by less than anyone else in the postseason. Gosh they suck. :sssh:

 

I was thinking the same thing. Yeah, Johnson Central isn't on the "Highlands" level, but no one else in 5A is either. The Eagles have more than proven themselves a consistent Top 5 team in the state in 5A.

I love my JH bulldogs to death, but to be realistic we should be ranked lower than that. Around 4 or 5 in my opinion because we have alot of young faces and we're breaking in a new QB.

The Eagles have more than proven themselves a consistent Top 5 team in the state in 5A.

Other than playing Highlands close, who have they beaten that makes them a consistent Top 5 team?

How the top 10 faired in week 1:

 

1. Highlands beat 6A Manual

2. John Hardin DNP

3. Johnson Central lost to 4A Boyle Co.

4. Bowling Green beat #21 Southwestern

5. Pulaski Co. DNP

6. Covington Catholic lost to 6A Ryle

7. Christian Co. beat #16 Warren Central

8. Owensboro DNP

9. Letcher Co. Central beat #25 South Laurel

10. Whitley Co lost to 4A Lexington Catholic

 

4 wins, 3 losses, and 3 did not play

I realize Ryle is a top notch 6A program, but after the way they handled Covcath, I'm not sure the Colonels are a legit top 10 team right now in 5A.

 

Maybe later in the season, but I don't see it right now.

Just to clarify:

 

How the top 10 faired in week 1:

 

1. Highlands beat 6A Number 6 Manual

2. John Hardin DNP

3. Johnson Central lost to 4A Number 1 Boyle Co.

4. Bowling Green beat #21 Southwestern

5. Pulaski Co. DNP

6. Covington Catholic lost to 6A Number 5 Ryle

7. Christian Co. beat #16 Warren Central

8. Owensboro DNP

9. Letcher Co. Central beat #25 South Laurel

10. Whitley Co lost to 4A Number 4 Lexington Catholic

 

4 wins, 3 losses, and 3 did not play

How the top 10 faired in week 1:

 

6. Covington Catholic lost to 6A Ryle

 

Should the #6 team in 5A lose to the #5 team in 6A by 54pts? I'm in agreement with Walter.

Should the #6 team in 5A lose to the #5 team in 6A by 54pts? I'm in agreement with Walter.

 

It depends. How would the top 5 teams in 5A fair against that number 5 6A team?

It depends. How would the top 5 teams in 5A fair against that number 5 6A team?

 

I would bet NONE would get beat by 54 pts.

Other than playing Highlands close, who have they beaten that makes them a consistent Top 5 team?

 

-2006: 10-0 in the regular season before losing to Covington Catholic in the state semifinals (finished 13-1)

-2007: 8-2 in the regular season before losing to Lincoln County in the regional final (finished 10-3)

-2008: 9-1 in the regular season before losing to Highlands in the regional final (finished 11-2)

-2009: 6-4 in the regular season before losing to Highlands in the regional final (finished 8-5)

 

So they've went 42-11 over the last four seasons, have made it at least as far as the regional final every season, and have lost both meetings with Highlands by an average of 17.5 points. In comparison, Highlands' scoring margin in all playoff games besides Johnson Central is 30.3.

 

So to answer the question, they can be considered a top five team because they win in the regular season, win in the postseason, and have played the best team in the class closer than anyone else.

I am not saying Johnson Central hasn't won. I'm asking who have they beaten in the playoffs (or regular season) that has been a really good team. Use the criteria of 10 wins to judge that. They just seem to get a lot of credit for playing good teams close as opposed to beating some of those "good" teams.