1. Beechwood - The Tigers were embarrassed by Mayfield the last two years in the playoffs, losing by a combined score of 76-14. This is clearly the year of the Tiger. The senior class won the overall Northern Kentucky Freshman Championship three years ago, beating Highlands in the finals. So anything less than a state title will be a huge disappointment for Beechwood. Tailback and All-BGP candidate Cameron Vocke will lead Beechwood's strong senior class. The buzz in Fort Mitchell started when this group took the field as freshmen, and a tough opening game against new 6A power Simon Kenton will tell us if these Tigers are ready for prime time. One Beechwood insider recently stated, "If Beechwood doesn't win it all this year, the dynasty is officially over."

 

2. Mayfield – The Cardinals ran roughshod over Class A last year, rarely being challenged, while going 15-0 and burying top-5 clubs Louisville Holy Cross, Beechwood and Hazard under an avalanche of points in the playoffs. The offense must retool with a new quarterback and receiver corps and restock the line, but two-way star Jonathan Jackson (also one of the state's top linebackers) will become Mayfield's go-to back. Defensively, Jackson and man-child defensive end LaBront Scott will lead a speedy unit, which also includes one of the west's top cover cornerbacks in William Higginson. If Mayfield can get by early-season tests at Greenwood and Paducah Tilghman, another perfect season (and a third straight trip to the title game) could be in the Cards, who have home-field advantage in the playoffs.

 

3. Hazard - The Bulldogs were the beneficary of a weak schedule and the east being down in Class 1A across the board. And it showed once they got to Bowling Green, where they were waxed by Mayfield. Despite the loss of quarterback Jon Combs, Hazard returns some key parts in running backs Zack Blanton and Josh Meehan. Receiver Jordan Olinger hauled in over 1,000 yards last year. Give Mark Dixon credit – he beefed up the schedule, which will include Somerset, Lexington Christian, Sheldon Clark, and Prestonsburg as well as holdover Breathitt County. All five are ranked in the BGP preseason top 10 in their respective classes. If Hazard doesn't bring home the trophy this year, it won't be due to a weak schedule.

 

4. Louisville Holy Cross - The Cougars' schedule won't be remembered as a gauntlet. Only Seneca and DeSales should provide major roadblocks. The return of Jessie Keen (1,587 rushing yards) and quarterback Cameron Scott should have the Cougars, once again, putting up some gaudy offensive numbers. They will be helped by the return of most of their linemen on both sides, as well as defensive standouts Jacob Kaelin and Robbie Valdez. Holy Cross won't get much competition from their district opponents and won't find out how good they are until they meet Mayfield in the region championship. Coach Mike Fletcher must find a better way to compensate for a lack of team speed if the Cougars have any designs on advancing further.

 

5. Pikeville - Quarterback Randy Maynard returns for a Pikeville team that had no problem scoring points, but struggled defensively last year. Head coach Chris McNamee is banking on a large senior class to have a breakthrough season and bring home their first region title since 2004. Chase Hall and Jared Tackett should have a larger role in the offense this year. Sophomore Caleb Campoy stood out as a freshmen linebacker and should anchor a defensive unit that gave up 47 points per game in their five losses last year. If that doesn't improve, it might be another .500 season in Pikeville.

 

6. Frankfort - This will be a transition season for Frankfort, who has some big holes to fill on both sides of the football. A beefed-up schedule could multiply their early season troubles. Aaron Jackson is one of the top returners who should see a bigger role in the offense. Frankfort always finds a way to plug athletes in the right spots, and to be competitive. However, roster numbers for the Panthers aren't high, which could make that task tougher this year. Head coach Craig Foley will be counting on a large junior class to step in and compete right away.

7. Russellville - The biggest wild card in Class 1A could be Russellville, who drops back down after playing up in 3A the past several seasons. The Panthers have had the athletes to compete in a watered-down 3A, but must replace most of their skill players from last year's 9-4 team. Russellville has many of their linemen returning, but who they will be blocking for is one of the many questions for this team. Perhaps the most challenging hurdle for the Panthers will be facing superior competition in Class 1A.

 

8. Fairview - The Eagles have several key people back from last year's 11-2 team. However, their schedule won't give us a good idea of how good they can be until playoff time. Leading rushers Chris Brewer and Chris Littlejohn combined for over 1,700 yards last year. Quarterback Ty Lowe also returns. However, Fairview lost a lot in the trenches, which may make it tough to topple Raceland in their district.

9. Raceland - The young Rams will have to play above their age to have much success this season. Raceland will be starting several sophomores at key positions this season and will have an up hill battle competing with many teams. Raceland expects to have an easier road to the state championship game with Lexington Christian moving to 2A. If the Rams can't compete in both their district and their half of the playoff bracket soon, it will never happen. Will Raceland show that age doesn't matter, or will they lay down and use age as an excuse?

 

10. Williamsburg - Williamsburg looks to make some noise this year, but most people are pointing to the next 2-4 years as a key stretch in the program's history. The Yellow Jackets will look to junior Logan Hamblin for leadership at quarterback and Kevin Hoffman to produce in the backfield. Williamsburg has never had trouble finding the end zone, but they've also never had trouble allowing their opponents to find the end zone. With a large and talented freshmen class expected to fill several starting spots, you can expect some basketball scores this season. And while they may not have enough to compete in the postseason once they leave the district, that trend may end in the coming years.

Good Stuff.

 

Frankfort has tough schedule to try and prepare them for Regional Championship game with Beechwood. FHS could easliy have a losing record heading into the playoffs. They have a ton of young talent that just needs live reps. They also could end up 7 or 8 wins as well. Should be interesting to see how they progress. As long as they stay focused on the district and the playoffs these early games will help them.

 

Newport

Sheldon Clark - #6 - BGP 3A poll

Rockcastle

Franklin County -

Western Hills

Danville - #2 -BGP 2A Poll

LCA - #6 -BGP 2A poll

1. Beechwood - This is clearly the year of the Tiger. The senior class won the overall Northern Kentucky Freshman Championship three years ago, beating Highlands in the finals. So anything less than a state title will be a huge disappointment for Beechwood. Tailback and All-BGP candidate Cameron Vocke will lead Beechwood's strong senior class. The buzz in Fort Mitchell started when this group took the field as freshmen, and a tough opening game against new 6A power Simon Kenton will tell us if these Tigers are ready for prime time. One Beechwood insider recently stated, "If Beechwood doesn't win it all this year, the dynasty is officially over."

 

 

WoW! 1A look out! I knew the Tigers were going to be strong and this just further spells it out. Clearly a up hill battle to up end the Royality of 1A granted the word Beechwood has never really provoked the fear that most other 1A teams seem to have for Beewood til now. We Mayfield fans feel that we have one of if not the best coaching staffs in all of Kentucky and it sounds like their work will be cut out for them. Congrats Beechwood, sounds like it is gonna be the "year of the Tiger"

1. Beechwood - The Tigers were embarrassed by Mayfield the last two years in the playoffs, losing by a combined score of 76-14. This is clearly the year of the Tiger. The senior class won the overall Northern Kentucky Freshman Championship three years ago, beating Highlands in the finals. So anything less than a state title will be a huge disappointment for Beechwood. Tailback and All-BGP candidate Cameron Vocke will lead Beechwood's strong senior class. The buzz in Fort Mitchell started when this group took the field as freshmen, and a tough opening game against new 6A power Simon Kenton will tell us if these Tigers are ready for prime time. One Beechwood insider recently stated, "If Beechwood doesn't win it all this year, the dynasty is officially over."

 

Yes, hopes and expectations are high for the good reasons stated above. But when I see lines like the bolded, I have to laugh. For that Beechwood insider and others with similar thoughts, I am sorry to inform you that "the dynasty" ended in 1999. But two titles and two semi state finishes in the last 4 years isn't bad, is it? How many teams in the state have been in the final four in their class the last four years? So regardless of what happens this year, things are just fine in Tigerland. If you have any doubts, just head on up to the field any night and take a look. It is pretty impressive. From the varsity, to the 35 member freshman team to the new middle school team ... things are great and getting even better.

If you have any doubts, just head on up to the field any night and take a look. It is pretty impressive. From the varsity, to the 35 member freshman team to the new middle school team ... things are great and getting even better.

 

Mayfield has about 15 to 18 freshman. We haven't had a big freshman class in a while.

WoW! 1A look out! I knew the Tigers were going to be strong and this just further spells it out. Clearly a up hill battle to up end the Royality of 1A granted the word Beechwood has never really provoked the fear that most other 1A teams seem to have for Beewood til now. We Mayfield fans feel that we have one of if not the best coaching staffs in all of Kentucky and it sounds like their work will be cut out for them. Congrats Beechwood, sounds like it is gonna be the "year of the Tiger"

 

WoW! you are some piece of work brother!

ttt