Allen Central (10-2)

Head coach – Jeremy Hall

2009 – Lost to Hazard 49-16 in the second round of the playoffs

 

Allen Central put together one of the most successful seasons in school history with 10 wins and a trip to the second round of the playoffs.

 

However, the Rebels graduated three 1,000-yard rushers and their quarterback and have several other holes to fill on both sides of the football.

 

Senior Mickey Parsons and junior Travis Atkins figure to pick up the slack in the backfield.

 

If there is good news for Allen Central, it’s that the Rebels graduated only three linemen from last year’s team.

 

Ballard Memorial (4-8)

Head coach – Chris Cooper

2009 – Lost to Mayfield 48-0 in the second round of the playoffs

 

If they were in District 2, Ballard Memorial would likely have a record closer to .500. Since the KHSAA switched back to playing teams in opposite districts in the first round, the Bombers have won their first round game both years.

 

Do-everything quarterback Alex Mallory returns after throwing for 2,210 yards and 22 touchdowns and added 427 rushing yards and eight touchdowns.

 

Senior receiver Alex Hill turned in an impressive season with over 1,000 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns but must be more consistent in the Bomber offense this year.

 

However, head coach Chris Cooper must develop some line play ahead of Mallory if the Bombers want to make it three straight first round playoffs wins.

 

 

Beechwood (9-5)

Head coach: Noel Rash

2009: Lost to Mayfield 38-0 in the state semifinals

 

While Beechwood put together another strong season against their Class 1A schedule, they were exposed for their lack of depth, especially in the latter playoff rounds.

 

But the Tigers lost only eight seniors to graduation and return a wealth of experience at some keys spots, especially on the line.

 

Head coach Noel Rash is expecting big things from a large and talented senior class in 2010.

 

Two main cogs – quarterback Matt Rigdon and running back Joe Colosimo – were lost to graduation.

 

Joe’s younger brother Michael could move into the starting role at quarterback but could see some competition from junior Taylor Davis.

 

Junior Cameron Vocke could be the X-factor on offense after rushing for 587 yards, catching 18 passes, and reaching the end zone 10 times.

 

Junior Jake Kremer also figures to be a bigger part of the Beechwood offense this year.

 

Senior Tyler Schmitt anchors a deep and experienced line that should put together a much-improved effort in 2010.

 

Darrick Brilz and Josh Genal are also expected to bolster the Beechwood line.

 

Rash is also expecting the return of junior kicker Joey Nussbaum, who converted four field goals and 52 PATs.

 

Beechwood should again be the class of their region, and Tiger fans should circle the schedule for November when they could meet 1A favorite Mayfield in the state semifinals again.

 

 

Bellevue (9-4)

Head coach: Russell Shearer

2009: Lost to Beechwood 41-20 in the region championship

 

The winds of change have blown through Bellevue where popular coach Dave Eckstein stepped down after a 35-23 record in five seasons.

 

Russell Shearer, who was an assistant coach at the University of the Cumberlands among other stops, takes over a team that likely won’t be as deep as last year’s squad that lost to Beechwood in the region title game.

 

While Bellevue lost talented back Ricky Buckler, who rushed for nearly 3,000 yards last year, there are some who believe that senior D.J. Slater could aptly fill the void. In the shadow of Buckler last year, Slater ran for 500 yards and six touchdowns.

 

One of the big questions Shearer will have to answer is who will line up under center following the graduation of Richard Wills.

 

Senior Rick Allen leads a line that could prove to hold the key to the success of Bellevue’s season.

 

 

Berea (6-5)

Head coach: Keenan McWhorter

2009: Lost to Lexington Christian 70-31 in the first round of the playoffs

 

In their first season of district competition in several years last fall, the Pirates exceeded expectations with a winning record while playing competitive football against district opponents.

 

The Pirates stayed within 12 of Campbellsville, 10 of Williamsburg and only lost by one to Lynn Camp.

 

Returning for Berea are senior receiver Joseph Parker, junior tailback Curtis Payne, senior tackle Zach Mounts, sophomore guard Daniel Hubbard, senior quarterback Trenton Phillips, sophomore tackle Hunter Wilson and junior halfback Darius Whitaker.

 

 

Bethlehem (5-6)

Head coach: Ron Koontz

2009: Lost to Ballard Memorial 33-28 in the first round of the playoffs

 

By Peter W. Zubaty

The Kentucky Standard

 

With five linemen on the roster with varsity starting experience, Ron Koontz picked a pretty good time to move a few blocks down the street for his first head coaching position.

 

“That right there is the strength of our team, both sides of the ball,” the longtime Bardstown defensive coordinator said. Koontz has also logged time at Central Hardin and North Hardin during his career.

 

With senior playmakers such as Joe Peake and Michael Kelley anchoring a veteran line, Koontz's first Bethlehem team appears poised to unseat Holy Cross at the top of District 2 and piece together its deepest playoff run since 2007, the best year in school history.

 

Two other senior linemen — Matt Clark and Simon Willett — will be joined by junior Josh Koontz, the coach's son and a two-year starter at Bardstown.

 

Of a roster expected to be around 30 players for 2010, the Eagles' new coach inherits 12 seniors.

 

Clay Owens, also a senior, had a strong year last year, and his hard-nosed running style out of the modified Tony Franklin System should benefit from operating behind a veteran line, whether he's calling the signals at quarterback like last season, or at running back should Koontz decide to go with up-and-coming sophomore Jordan Cooper, who is more of a passing threat.

 

Holes exist at running back and in the secondary with the graduation of team leader Luke Wimpsett and all-purpose guy Casey Robinson, who tallied more than 20 touchdowns last season, as well as both starting wideouts.

 

Koontz does have some experienced guys returning to help out in the backfield with Willett and fellow seniors Jarren Culver and Austin Downs. Should Koontz stick with Owens at quarterback, Cooper figures to be in the mix at wideout along with juniors Dallas Lanham and Michael Karthman. Sophomore Collin Crawford should get the nod at tight end and can help out as a lineman as well.

 

With Kelley and Peake attracting a lot of attention from opposing offensive lines, Owens has a lot of room to roam around and make plays at middle linebacker.

 

Bethlehem opens its season Aug. 20 with a visit from Fort Knox.

 

 

Betsy Layne (3-7)

Head coach: Jonathon Parsons

2009 – Missed the playoffs

 

Betsy Layne was expected to turn the corner in 2009 but instead never made it there as the Bobcats won just three games and missed the playoffs.

 

With 90-percent of their offense back as well as seven starters on defense returning, the Bobcats could very well reach the playoffs for just the second time in school history.

 

Betsy Layne could prove to be explosive on offense with the return of senior Casey Adkins, who rushed for 1,200 yards and 12 touchdowns while averaging nearly 10 yards a carry.

 

Junior Korey Jarrell ran for nearly 300 yards and led the team in receiving. Adkins and Jarrell make up the “Thunder and Lightning” duo on offense.

 

Senior Nathan Martin is a three-year starter at quarterback and threw for over 1,000 yards and averaged nine yards a carry in the spread wishbone attack.

 

Jarrell and Landon Tackett are the top two receivers returning in the Bobcat offensive attack.

 

Aaron Newsome and Tyler Rezcnik anchor a line that helped open holes to the tune of 250 yards of rushing offense a night.

 

“We have won three games each of the last two years, and now our next step is to make the playoffs and add to the win column,” head coach Jonathon Parsons said.”

 

 

Bishop Brossart (5-6)

Head coach: Matt Reinhart

2009: Lost to Frankfort 16-7 in the first round of the playoffs

 

2009 was a break-through season for Bishop Brossart football as the Mustangs won five games and advanced to the playoffs for the first time, falling to #1 seed Frankfort 16-7 in the first round.

 

An increased presence in the weight room paid dividends in the fall as the Mustangs showed more stamina in the fourth quarter of games down the stretch.

 

Despite losing some key players, head coach Matt Reinhart is hoping for a return trip to the playoffs in 2010.

 

Junior quarterback Jesse Orth proved capable of running the Mustang offense, while senior John Schack and Andrew Guidugli also return. Sophomore Jacob Elbert should get the bulk of the carries in the backfield.

 

Defensively, the Mustangs appear to have a few more starters back than on offense with the expected return of Luke Dischar and Colton and Conner Boesch in the secondary.

 

Schack and Kyle Reinhart both return at linebacker.

 

 

Bracken County (0-10)

Head coach: Andrew McIntosh

2009: Missed the playoffs

 

Bracken County has struggled mightily since starting football, and one of their biggest chores is to end a 28-game losing streak that dates back to 2007.

 

The Polar Bears are hoping a large senior class can help them break through into the win column.

 

Senior quarterback Matt Purcell has some skill people to work with in running back Bryan Denton.

Campbellsville (7-5)

Head coach: Jay Cobb

2009: Lost to Raceland 23-20 in the second round of the playoffs

 

Jason Chappell left after one season and a district championship and former Somerset coach Jay Cobb will take over a talented team that should remain near the top of District 6.

 

Despite losing their playmakers from a year ago to graduation, Campbellsville remains a dangerous team with senior wide receiver Joe McKenzie, junior tailback/linebacker Tashaun Hoskins and senior wide receiver/fullback/linebacker Jaqil Taylor possessing big-play ability. Senior tackle Joe Butler anchors the line.

 

The Campbellsville defense will feature junior end Kyle Novak, senior linebacker Robbie Lamer, junior linebacker Nicky Lamer and senior free safety Dennis Novak.

 

 

Caverna (1-10)

Head coach: Nick Stephens

2009: Lost to Mayfield 70-0 in the first round of the playoffs

 

Caverna High School is located just down the road from historic Wigwam Village, however the play of the Colonels recently has had them circling the wagons.

 

After winning five games two years ago, the Colonels slipped to 1-10 last year.

 

Caverna must replace all-everything quarterback Brett Davidson, who accounted for nearly 1,500 yards of offense last year.

 

Junior Dearrick Lindsey expects to figure into the offense more prominently this year along with senior Israel Perry.

 

Eric Denton and Kelly Gibson also return on the line for the Colonels, while Jeremiah Butler and Josh Curry return on defense.

 

Clinton County (2-8)

Head coach: Jamie Miller

2009: Missed the playoffs

 

Jamie Miller begins his second season at the helm with the goal of escaping the cellar in District 6, where Clinton County has stayed since starting its football program.

 

With eight starters back on offense and six on defense, the rebuilding project should move forward. Matt Staton returns for his senior season at quarterback in an offense that also includes junior fullback Neli Conner and senior wide receivers Dillon Crawford and Leroy Malaefono. Stevie Owens (6-2, 250) anchors the line at right tackle.

 

Massive senior Ethan Albertson (6-8, 450) is back on the defensive front, which is also expected to include Owens and Crawford. Staton and Conner will be counted on for big seasons at linebacker.

 

Crittenden County (10-3)

Head coach: Al Starnes

2009: Lost to Mayfield 31-28 in the region championship

 

After a strong run by a senior class that saw them post a 20-7 record the past two seasons, Crittenden County will find themselves rebuilding a bit in 2010.

 

Gone are playmakers J.D. Gray, Aaron Berry, and Dylan Thornton.

 

Senior Brian Berry returns after running for nearly 800 yards and could take over the quarterback reins from Gray.

 

Seniors Andrew Freeman and Tanner Nix will shore up the backfield behind whoever the new quarterback is.

Berry and Freeman were among the team leaders in tackles at the linebacker position, and Terry Werne returns on the line.

 

Crittenden County should fare well against a less-than-spectacular schedule but will still battle Mayfield for district supremacy.

 

 

Dayton (1-9)

Head coach: Zach Deaton

2009: Missed the playoffs

 

Dayton posted a single win in 2009, which was their fewest in six years despite returning 18 starters.

 

Things don’t expect to get much better in 2010 although the Greendevils should surpass last year’s win total.

 

Junior Chris Pompilio figures to be the main cog on offense, with junior Jordan Smith expected to move to quarterback.

 

The status of Luke Rogg could help Dayton should he play football this fall.

 

Junior Henry Hornsley returns at linebacker where Dayton will have to replace several starters from last year.

 

 

Eminence (8-4)

Head coach: Steve Frommeyer

2009: Lost to Beechwood 58-0 in the second round of the playoffs

 

Eminence has put together consecutive eight-win seasons and look to do so again this year behind the strong arm of senior quarterback Dre Banta, who has thrown for over 1,800 yards the past two seasons.

 

Veteran head coach Steve Frommeyer will have to rely on some underclassmen to fill some key holes on both sides of the football.

 

Bradley and Byron Foree both return on defense, as does Trey Lindsey in the secondary.

 

Eminence has had to adjust their schedule some this year.

 

Three of their wins last year came against North Hardin Christian, who does not appear on the schedule this year.

 

Walton-Verona, Bishop Brossart, and Burch, West Virginia are all newcomers to the 2010 Eminence schedule. The schedule upgrade should help the Warriors later in the season.

 

 

Fairview (8-4)

Head coach: Nathan McPeek

2009: Lost to Lexington Christian 41-16 in the second round of the playoffs

 

Fairview head coach Nathan McPeel feels like District Five is the toughest Class A district in the state.

 

With a pair of road playoff wins each of the past two years, there is some merit to his assessment.

 

“I think LCA and Raceland have to be the favorites (in the district),” McPeek said. “If we work and mesh well together, I feel like we can compete with them if things go the right way. Nicholas County will be a very good team in the district, and Paris always has athletes.”

 

Fairview appears to be stout on the defensive side of the football with the return of All-EKC lineman Zach Segina (6-3, 240, Sr.) who is getting several college looks.

 

Linebacker Jared Hutchinson had 150 tackles last year, while linebackers Chris Littlejohn and Ryan Webb also return.

 

Fairview will be strong in the trenches on both sides of the football, according to McPeek.

 

“We’re going to be young in the secondary and young in the backfield (on offense),” he said.

 

Frankfort (8-4)

Head coach: Craig Foley

2009: Lost to Bellevue 29-26 in the second round of the playoffs

 

Hopes were high in the state’s capital last year with the return of a pair of game-changing playmakers in Quan Weaver and Dwight Tillman.

 

However, Tillman was injured in the preseason, and Weaver, who rushed for over 1,100 yards as a junior, tore his ACL in the season opener.

 

Frankfort still managed an 8-4 record before losing to Bellevue in the second round of the playoffs.

 

The Panthers lost 12 seniors off last year’s team but return most of their offensive and defensive lines led by Jesse Dunmire.

 

When the injuries began to mount for Frankfort last year, the Panthers were able to get junior Kaleb Leach and senior Zach Mason some experience in the backfield. Both should have a more prominent role in the offense this year.

 

Senior Dylan Quinn returns to lead the Panther offense and should provide some key leadership for the team this year.

 

 

Fulton City (2-9)

Head coach: Wayne Lohaus

2009: Lost to Louisville Holy Cross 62-0 in the first round of the playoffs

 

Fulton City has had some talented playmakers come through the system in the past few years. Who will be that person in 2010 is a major question for Bulldogs head coach Wayne Lohaus.

 

Jacquise Lockett graduated after rushing for 1,400 yards and 13 touchdowns. The rest of the team combined for less than 400 yards.

 

Senior Rondell Bransford seems to be the likely candidate after rushing for over 300 yards last year.

 

Senior Fred Lindsey and sophomore Jordan Miller both saw time at quarterback last year.

 

The Bulldogs only lost five seniors to graduation and expect a large senior class in 2010.

 

 

Fulton County (0-10)

Head coach: James Bridges

2009: Did not make the playoffs

 

Fulton County endured one of the more bizarre seasons in Kentucky football history in 2009.

 

A mid-game fight against Calloway County saw 16 players suspended for a total of 29 games, including one for the rest of the year. The Pilots were forced to forfeit their district game the following week against Crittenden County.

 

The school suspended head coach James Bridges for the rest of the year and later replaced him with defensive coordinator Deatrick Kenney.

 

It will be interesting to see which players return to the field for the Pilots in 2010.

 

Speedy junior Ledevin Fair led the team in rushing, but his supporting cast could differ dramatically based on last year’s events.

 

A win over either Fulton City or Ballard Memorial would mean an end to a two-year playoff drought.

 

 

Gallatin County (4-7)

Head coach: Tim Browning

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

 

Gallatin County is hoping a mix of young talent and experience can lift them back to .500 for the 2010 season and perhaps a home game in the first round of the playoffs.

 

“Offensively, our strength could also be our weakness. We are going to be extremely inexperienced at our skill positions, but very talented as well,” head coach Tim Browning said. “It will depend on how quickly our younger players adjust to playing at the varsity level.”

 

A trio of freshmen – Austin Chapman, Nate McCoy, and Brennan Bishop – could very well be thrust into action quickly in the backfield, with Chapman challenging for the quarterback spot.

 

Up front, Nolan Stephenson, Troy Halbrent, and Anthony Stewart return on the line.

 

“Defensively, we lost 253 tackles from last year’s team when our two middle linebackers (Nate Brown and Josh Edmondson) graduated, so that will be tough to replace,” Browning said.

 

Stephenson, Stewart, and Nick Brown are the top leading tacklers returning for Gallatin County.

 

“Going into our fifth year of varsity play, we are happy with our progress but not satisfied. Our numbers are finally starting to grow, and we are excited about our group of freshman for the upcoming season. To have success this year we will need our younger players to grow up fast,” said Browning.

 

Harlan (7-6)

Head coach: J.B. Donahue

2009: Lost to Hazard 50-7 in the region championship

 

One season after upsetting Pikeville and advancing to the regional finals, Harlan and coach J.B. Donahue must rebuild with only two starters back on offense and three on defense.

 

Most of Harlan’s experience is on the line where senior center Zach Allen (6-2, 300) and senior tackle Brad Day (5-11, 210) return.

 

The defensive front will feature Allen at nose guard and Day and junior Dylan Chasteen at tackles. Junior linebacker Christian Turbyfill and sophomore defensive backs Cody Logan and Dakota Morris are also expected to play key roles.

 

Sophomore Ty Saragas will take over at quarterback in a revamped backfield that will also feature sophomore fullbacks Demarcus Williams and Dalton Overbay and sophomore wingback Ryan Jones.

 

 

Hazard (9-5)

Head coach: Mark Dixon

2009: Lost to Lexington Christian 35-28 in the state semifinals

 

With seven starters back from a high-powered offense that produced just under 35 points per game last year, the Bulldogs are favored to win their fourth straight regional title and fifth straight district championship.

 

Senior Jon Combs is back to direct the offense, giving Hazard a dual threat at quarterback. Combs completed 135 of 214 passes last season for 2,118 yards and 22 touchdowns while adding 441 yards and seven touchdowns on the ground.

 

The Hazard offense also features receivers Jordan Olinger and Eric Back, tight end B.J. Combs, halfback Zack Blanton and fullback Corey Slone. Olinger had 49 catches for 807 yards and seven touchdowns.

 

Senior guard Jeremy Kendrick (6-2, 280) and senior tackle Todd Whitson (6-3, 210) are back to anchor the offensive line.

Slone, Back, Blanton and Combs are top players returning on defense.

 

Louisville Holy Cross (6-6)

Head coach: Mike Fletcher

2009: Lost to Crittenden County 31-27 in second round of playoffs

 

Louisville Holy Cross saw their 2009 season end with a crazy loss to Crittenden County in the second round of the playoffs, marking the fourth time in five years the Cougars have failed to reach the region title game.

 

However, with 19 starters expected back, the Cougars could very well reach the region title game with a shot at hosting Mayfield.

 

“We will be strong across the board, but our depth will be a concern,” Cougar head coach Mike Fletcher said.

 

Junior Cameron Scott returns at quarterback after taking over the starting role midway through last season.

 

Junior Jesse Keen rushed for over 800 yards, and senior Greg Johnson added 300 yards and three touchdowns. Sophomore Aaron Drury will also see a bigger piece of the offensive pie in 2010.

 

The Cougars don’t throw much out of the pro set offense, but senior Cody Schonburg and junior Cody Couch are returning starters.

 

The main key for the Holy Cross offense is the return of the entire starting line -- T.J. Pollard and Jeremy Glass at guards, Wes Strange and Henry Vincent at tackles, and center Tyler Norris.

 

Strange, Norris, and Glass are three linemen back as part of the 5-2 Cougar defensive front. Newcomers Cody George and Robbie Valdez are expected to start at the end spots.

 

Cody Couch (3 INTs), Jarrett Clark, and Jake Kaelin are back in the secondary, and Fletcher said Pollard and Herb Schum will return at linebacker.

 

“We are looking to make an impact statewide in Class A,” Fletcher said. “We have a very tough schedule that should help us at playoff time if we can stay healthy.”

 

The Cougars will host defending Class 3A state champion Paducah Tilghman and Class 2A runner-up DeSales in addition to Bullitt East, Christian Academy-Louisville, and Henry County.

 

 

Jenkins (1-10)

Head coach: Larry Maggard

2009: Lost to Pikeville 71-22 in the first round of the playoffs

 

Improvement is anticipated as Larry Maggard begins his second year at the helm with a roster that includes seven returning starters on both offense and defense.

 

Senior guard Luke Mullins (5-10, 280) and senior center Wayne Caudill (6-2, 295) were all-district selections last year, as was sophomore wide receiver Ryan Bentley.

 

Jenkins’ backfield will feature junior quarterback Kevin Brown, junior tailback Richard Mullins and sophomore fullback Charlie Cox.

 

Senior Alex Fleming (6-0, 250) is back to lead the defense where he will team with Mullins up front as the starting tackles. Bentley, Brown and Mullins return in the secondary and Cox is back at outside linebacker.

 

 

Kentucky Country Day (5-6)

Head coach: Tim Green

2009: Lost to Crittenden County 47-9 in first round of playoffs

 

With only four seniors lost to graduation, expectations are high at Kentucky Country Day who have seen their season end in blowout playoff losses to Crittenden County the past two years.

 

Paul Peters (1,022 yards) and Robert Scholtz (586 yards) split time at quarterback last year, while senior David Smith ran for 300 yards.

 

David Giesel was the team's leading receiver with 34 catches for 615 yards, and Will Smith added 35 catches for 376 yards.

 

On defense, the leading tackler returning are senior linebackers Ryan Scinta and Chase Bennett and Giesel.

 

Lexington Christian (14-1)

Head coach: Ray Graham

2009: Won the Class 1A state championship 55-19 over Mayfield

 

Lexington Christian put together one of the more dominating runs to a state title in Class 1A history last year, losing only to cross-town rival Lexington Catholic by a point and having only two other games decided by inside of 20 points.

 

However, it is a season of major change for the Eagles following the departure of 16 seniors and the late summer resignation of head coach Paul Rains.

 

Citing personal and family reasons, Rains stepped down after seven seasons as LCA head coach.

 

Former LCA assistant coach and long-time head coach Ray Graham takes over as head coach and should know exactly what pieces will need to be put together for the Eagle reloading project.

 

Gone are playmakers Lucas Witt, Domonique Hayden, and Brandon Burnette as well as their 5,400 yards and 80+ touchdowns.

 

Senior Scout McCamy is expected to be the frontrunner for the quarterback spot after throwing for 170 yards in mop-up duty last year.

 

In the backfield, the Eagles should look to sophomore Sam Maybriar, junior Christian Fielden, and junior Will Thomas Collins to share the carries.

 

Zach West is a four-year starter on the line for LCA and joins guard Ben Farhat as the lone returning starters coming back on the offensive line.

 

Senior Neil Whitten, junior Chad Hall, Clay Mossbarger, Max Barjuca, and Maybriar are a handful of returnees back on defense for the Eagles.

 

Graham is familiar with the Eagle personnel and should have no problem replacing the missing parts lost to graduation. While LCA should make another strong postseason run, it’s unlikely they will be as dominant as last year.

 

 

Ludlow (5-6)

Head coach: Rick Hornsby

2009: Lost to Eminence 30-12 in the first round of the playoffs

 

Ludlow has pieced together consecutive five-win seasons, but heavy graduation losses make it likely the Panthers will suffer through the program’s seventh straight losing season.

 

Ludlow lost the bulk of their offense in Jake Ashcraft (871 rushing yards) and quarterback Zach Stegemoller (1,500 total yards) to graduation along with defensive standout Drew Rice.

 

Junior Jacob Hatter should have the inside track at the quarterback spot to replace Stegemoller.

 

Juniors Josh Martin and Chris Yates, who was also the team’s leading receiver, returns in the backfield for the Panthers.

 

Juniors Logan Boatright and Mickey Deaton return on the line for Ludlow, anchoring a young but talented unit.

 

If the Ludlow junior class progresses faster than expected, another five-win season can be achieved in 2010 with high hopes in place for 2011.

 

 

Lynn Camp (4-7)

Head coach: David Mitchell

2009: Lost to Raceland 19-13 in the first round of the playoffs

 

After falling on hard times of late, the Wildcats and veteran coach David Mitchell expect better times ahead with a strong sophomore class that features tailback Clinton Jackson and quarterback Nathan Black.

 

“We have 15 sophomores with good talent,” Mitchell said. “It might be the best class I’ve had.”

 

Senior tackle Austin Peters (6-3, 290) will be counted on to clear the way for the power ground game that has been so effective in years past. Junior fullback Dylan Napier will team with Jackson in the backfield.

 

An improved defense will feature senior strong safety Dillion Rose, senior cornerback Hunter Medlin, senior linebackers Jared Ammon and Tanner Keith, junior tackle Harley Howell and sophomore tackle Andrew Mills.

 

Mayfield (13-2)

Head coach: Joe Morris

2009: Lost to Lexington Christian 55-19 in the Class A state championship game

 

With 15 starters back from last year’s state runner-up team, Mayfield could find itself in the traditional role of Class 1A favorites in 2010. However, Joe Morris will have to replace a pair of playmakers that helped lead his team to Bowling Green last year.

 

Tyreese Murrell ran for over 1,700 yards, and Xavier Shelton had over 1,300 yards to help Mayfield to their first state title game appearance in four years.

 

Morris, who has a 114-39 record in 11 seasons at Mayfield, is looking to sophomore Jonathon Jackson to be the playmaker for the Cardinals this year. Jackson rushed for around 250 yards as a freshman and got better as the season went on.

 

Senior receiver Javarious Richardson provided a nice compliment to Shelton last year, hauling in 28 passes for 450 yards.

 

Junior William Higginson will see more passes thrown his way by senior quarterback Luke Guhy. The three-year starter threw for over 2,400 yards and 32 touchdowns last year and will likely shatter several Mayfield passing record by season’s end.

 

Morris also expects Louis Love to contribute at receiver this year.

 

Helping the offense will be the return of four linemen up front.

 

Guards Hunter Kingston and Scott Leet, guard Hunter Kingston, and center Charles Parrott helped Mayfield roll up 378 yards of offense a game last year.

 

Seven starters are back on defense for the Cardinals, who gave up just 12 points and 200 yards of total offense a game minus the state title game loss to Lexington Christian.

 

Tackle Hunter Kingston and end Alex Gonzalez return to anchor Mayfield’s 4-3 look, with linebackers Jonathon Jackson and Shain Ross back as well.

 

Morris feels like Labront Scott can help opposite Gonzalez at end, and sophomore Deandre Jackson will get a good look at linebacker.

 

Richardson, Higginson, and Devin Jones also return in the secondary.

 

Mayfield usually is able to tap into the lower classes to find contributors and depth and this season should be no different with the sophomore class one of the most talented to come through the system in a while.

 

Mayfield’s non-district schedule will do nothing but help them for another long postseason run.

 

Class 3A state champion and rival Paducah Tilghman headlines the slate along with former 2A rival Trigg County and 6A schools Graves County and Marshall County.

 

Mayfield appears to have put a lot of the recent-seasons’ off-field distractions in their rear view mirror and appear primed for another trip to Bowling Green in December.

 

 

Nicholas County (4-7)

Head coach: Robert Hopkins

2009: Lost to Campbellsville 47-0 in the first round of the playoffs

 

Nicholas County hasn’t won a playoff game in nearly a decade (2000), but head coach Robert Hopkins is hoping some talented underclassmen can help the Bluejackets end that streak in 2010.

 

Quarterback Zach Lemons has graduated, but running backs Caleb Pope, Jessie Smith and Wes Hopkins return, as does senior receiver Matthew Kelly.

 

Up front, Hopkins has all but three linemen returning from last year and should put an improved unit on the field.

 

While District Five is arguably the toughest Class 1A district in the state, the Bluejackets should make a strong push for a playoff spot.

 

 

Paintsville (4-7)

Head coach: Jason Kinner

2009: Lost to Harlan 28-7 in the first round of the playoffs

 

Paintsville has some big holes to fill in the backfield with the graduation of Nehemiah Doderer and Dyllon Brown, who accounted for over 2,600 yards of rushing last year. Only Mark Nordin topped 100 yards, and he returns for his senior season.

 

Sophomore Matt Daniels should show marked improvement after a season under his belt as the starting quarterback.

 

Seniors Dustin Caldwell and Josh Hall will likely be a bigger piece of the Tiger offense this year.

 

Tyler Spriggs and Cory Sexton lead a young line that has strong numbers in the lower classes, many of which saw considerable time on the field last year.

 

Paris (0-10)

Head coach: J.J. Everage

2009: Missed the playoffs

 

Paris was one of three Class 1A teams to go winless in 2009.

 

That’s quite a drop from a once proud program that won three state titles from 1973-82 but has won just one playoff game in the last dozen years.

 

There were 11 seniors that graduated off a 28-player roster that also included 11 freshmen.

 

If the Greyhound faithful are patient with Everage, he should have the program turned around in time. However, if the panic button is pushed this year, it could be a setback for the program.

 

 

Phelps (4-7)

Head coach: Jesse Peck

2009: Lost to Hazard 61-6 in the first round of the playoffs

 

The four win by Phelps in 2009 were the most in four years and helped them reach the playoffs for the first time since that same 2005 season.

 

However, head coach Jesse Peck could be hard pressed to pull off another four-win season with the loss of several key players on offense.

 

Senior Mac Page threw for over 600 yards and added another 200 yards on the ground. He expects to involve junior Josh Blankenship in the offense more in 2010 as well as junior Austin Mayhorn.

 

Tyler Honaker and Robert Francis return in the trenches, which could very well determine whether Phelps progresses to the point of making the playoffs for the second straight year.

 

 

Pikeville (6-6)

Head coach: Chris McNamee

2009: Lost to Harlan 21-14 in the second round of the playoffs

 

Chris McNamee returns to Pikeville after a brief hiatus and takes over a Panther squad that has some key pieces returning for a run at a region title.

 

McNamee coached the Panthers from 1999-2004 and served as defensive coordinator under Ben Howard last year.

 

He returns the top two rushers from last year’s 6-6 team – senior Ross McCoy (400 yards) and junior Randy Maynard (355 yards).

 

Replacing the graduated Blake Branham at quarterback will be McNamee’s first priority. Maynard could very well be in the mix for the starting job.

 

Taylor Ratliff and Josh Tackett combined to catch 57 passes for over 800 yards and nine touchdowns. Jared Tackett added 14 catches and should see a bigger role in the offense this year.

 

Many of those same players will see time on offense along with senior linemen Ben Staggs and Mark Branham.

 

Pikeville hasn’t reached double-digits in wins in six seasons, however the Panthers have a shot to rectify that this year and make a run at the school’s first region title since 2004.

 

 

Pineville (4-7)

Head coach: Bart Elam

2009: Lost to Allen Central 60-34 in the first round of the playoffs

 

With a senior-dominated lineup that features eight returning starters on both offense and defense, the Mountain Lions hope this is the year they can get past Harlan for second place in District 7 and a home playoff game.

 

The Lions are led by senior tailback Cody Hendrickson, a starter since his freshman year who ran for approximately 1,000 yards last season, and senior wide receiver Eric Raby, who had 36 catches for 354 yards. Senior receivers Brandon Hollingsworth, Jarrod Nunnelley and Jordan Parks also return.

 

Raby led the defense last year with 96 tackles from the secondary. Parks added 48 tackles at linebacker and Nunnelley had 34 at a defensive back.

 

“It is time for us to walk the walk, and not talk the talk this year,” head coach Bart Elam said.

 

 

Raceland (8-5)

Head Coach: T.J. Maynard

2009: Lost to Lexington Christian 62-12 in the regional championship

 

Raceland will be under new leadership with defensive coordinator T.J. Maynard taking over the head coaching duties from Randy Vanderhoof, who retired in early summer.

 

Don’t expect a big difference in the appearance or performance of the Rams. Raceland will still be in the yearly heated battle with Lexington Christian for the district and regional championships.

 

Look for Raceland and LCA to be playing each other in the regional championship game for a fifth consecutive time in 2010.

 

Raceland returns their entire backfield from last year’s 8-5 team.

 

Senior quarterback Tyler Farley returns after throwing for over 2,000 yards last year.

 

Farley will have several choices to throw to – Sam Hieneman (5’8”, 135, Sr.), Scotty Craft (5’10”, 160, Sr.), Ryan Tolliver (6’0’ 180, So), and Marcus Reed (6’0, 190, Jr.). All could be the primary target in any game.

 

In the backfield with Farley will be two returning starters at the running back position: Michael Litteral (5’8, 180, Sr.), who proved to have some power in a small package in 2009, and Ralph Burchett (5’8, 155, Sr.). Burchett and Litteral proved to be a good combination in 2009 and will be responsible for the rushing attack in 2010 as well.

 

You run and pass for “the show”, but you have to block for “the dough”.

 

Raceland will have to replace some offensive linemen if they want any of that “dough”. Brian Caudill (6’2” 250, Jr.) and Austin Johnson (6’4” 265, Sr.) are the only two starters returning for Raceland on the line.

 

Three more linemen will have to step up to the challenge for Raceland to be successful. Some possible choices are senior Justin Evens and juniors Brandon Rogers, Johnny Smith, Monty Harris, and James Harris.

 

Caudill will be the leader on defense from the MLB position. Monty Harris and Litteral will more than likely round out the linebacker corps.

 

In the secondary Craft, Heinaman, and Reed could see the most time. As on offense, the line will bring the most questions. Austin Johnson will be at one tackle leaving the other four positions up for grabs.

 

Raceland returns a good deal of experience from 2009. The only spot that is lacking is several offensive and defensive linemen. If they are able to develop those positions in the preseason, expect Raceland to be playing late in the playoffs again in 2010.

 

 

 

South Floyd (1-9)

Head coach: Jody Hall

2009: Missed the playoffs

 

South Floyd has strung together two consecutive 1-9 seasons as part of five straight losing seasons.

 

However, head coach Jody Hall has several key components back from last year’s team, which could allow the Raiders to make a strong push for a playoff berth.

 

Senior quarterback Dakota Newsome is expected to be joined by sophomore Westin Little and junior Luke Rhea. Junior Tyler Moore can also play several positions on offense and should be a bigger part of the offense this year.

 

While three starters graduated off the line, there are several underclassmen who should fill those roles.

 

The Raiders have been hit hard by graduation the past several years, but with underclassmen in the leading roles this year, Hall is hoping this is the season South Floyd begins to turn the corner.

 

 

Trimble County (3-8)

Head coach: Chris Collins

2009: Lost to Beechwood 54-0 in the first round of the playoffs

 

Trimble County was 11 points away from a winning regular season last year, but some late game miscues saw them lose seven of their 10 regular season games.

 

Head coach Chris Collins feels like his Raider team has more talent at every position on the field, but they just aren’t deep.

 

“One or two injuries could really change our season,” he said.

 

Senior Cameron Adamski returns in the backfield after leading Trimble County in rushing with over 800 yards, while Alvin Seals could be the fullback.

 

Collins said junior Jordan Blanton has the inside track for the starting quarterback job after seeing time there last year.

 

Junior Stuart Barnes will be one of his primary targets.

 

Dallas Strucker and John Wilson are starters back on the line, while senior Zach Edds will provide some line depth for the Raiders.

 

“Our program is on the verge of being where it should be. We have instituted a great off-season program that the players bought into,” Collins said. “I want our program to be a consistent 7-8 win team, winning playoff games, and district titles. The foundation has been put down and we just have to start producing on the field.”

 

Collins has added former South Oldham head coach Clay Holbrook to his staff in an attempt to get the Raiders over the hump.

 

“I think our team, barring injuries, has a chance to make some noise in both the district and region. I feel if we can stay healthy and execute like I know we can, we have a shot to compete with Frankfort for the district title,” Collins said.

 

 

Walton-Verona (2-8)

Head coach: Jeff Barth

2009: Missed the playoffs

 

Walton-Verona started the season with a win over Gallatin County and ended the season with a win over Trimble County.

 

It’s the eight losses in between that the Bearcats hope they learn from as they enter their second season of district play.

 

Head coach Jeff Barth has several key people back from last year’s team, and the Bearcats will play under the lights of the Sports Complex for the first time this year.

 

If Walton-Verona continues to progress at the same pace under Barth, you will see the Bearcats in the postseason for the first time.

 

 

Williamsburg (5-6)

Head coach: Jimmy Herron

2009: Lost to Fairview 33-8 in the first round of the playoffs

 

A two-point loss to Campbellsville kept the Jackets from repeating as district champs a season ago, and Williamsburg should remain in the hunt again this fall with six starters back on offense and five returning on defense.

 

Senior running back/quarterback/receiver Chris Lowrie is a key to the Jackets’ hopes this year as he battles back from a leg injury that kept him out of action for much of the 2009 campaign.

 

Senior wide receiver James Payne, last year’s second leading receiver with 36 catches for 532 yards and five touchdowns, is also back on offense, along with senior tackles Cody Perkins (6-2, 225) and Andrew Root (5-10, 220).

 

Senior Ethan Powers and sophomore Logan Hamlin are the leading candidates at quarterback if Lowrie doesn’t move there full time. Perkins, Lowrie and Hamlin are top defenders.

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