6. Simon Kenton - Just three years ago, the Pioneers played in the state title game and appeared poised to be a new 6A power. The next year, Simon came back with a strong team, but ran into an excellent Saint Xavier in the 3rd round of the playoffs. 2010 started and ended badly. Simon stepped up and played Middletown, Ohio and then finished the year against Ryle. Both games were ugly. The strength of the team should be a big, experienced line and the running of RB Nate Powell, and Jared Bowling, who stars at LB and TE. Simon Kenton should also be strong defensively, with six starters returning. The good news in 2011 is that Simon Kenton will know right away whether they are a contender or a pretender. If Simon Kenton is a true contender, they will handle Saint Xavier in their scrimmage and pummel Beechwood in week two.

 

7. Saint Xavier - Faced with their toughest schedule ever, the Tigers are also confronted with a massive drop in size and athleticism. Only two starters return on offense, and three on a defense which, in 2010, surrendered the most points in Tiger history. The senior class for this season finished only 4-5 as JV's, including losses to Male (30-7), Manual (14-7), and Ballard (21-15). To make matters worse, there is very little help in the junior and sophomore classes. There is no semblance of Victor Anderson, Deuce Finch, or Lamont McMurray residing on Poplar Level Road. St. X. will have to depend on vast numbers of relatively diminutive and average-speed players, team discipline, and tradition to avoid its first losing season since 1958. For Coach Glaser and his staff, this year (and the next couple) will be their biggest challenge ever. They will need a lot of smoke and mirrors to come away with any victories over teams not named Fern Creek or Doss.

Until St.X loses to an in state team other than Trinity, they should always be #1 or #2.

They missed it. 'nuf said.

Hey, c'mon, it was just a scrimmage!

 

I agree X appears to be much better than advertised here on BGP.

Making such conclusions (or any conclusions, really) after a first scrimmage is jumping the gun quite a bit.

Making such conclusions (or any conclusions, really) after a first scrimmage is jumping the gun quite a bit.

 

No it not. Not when the scrimmage is played under "game conditions".

No it not. Not when the scrimmage is played under "game conditions".

 

It was just a scrimmage!

 

The guys that work on 6A teams know what needs to be done now and I am confident they will work their problems out through the first couple weeks of the season.

 

I just don't think it is fair when everyone reads too much into a scrimmage...

Hey, c'mon, it was just a scrimmage!

 

I agree X appears to be much better than advertised here on BGP.

 

All those who criticized X early on are those who are stuck on the presumption that without biig time performers, the team won't be good. which is absolutely false. X has a great squad. an excellent qb, 4 tailbacks with gamebreaking ability, a fullback who is basically a bigger tailback, who can't be brought down by 1 defender, a small quick receiver who can get behind you in one step. good solid o-line. the Defense is very fast and highlighted with big strong linebackers. X will be very competitive this year

All those who criticized X early on are those who are stuck on the presumption that without biig time performers, the team won't be good. which is absolutely false. X has a great squad. an excellent qb, 4 tailbacks with gamebreaking ability, a fullback who is basically a bigger tailback, who can't be brought down by 1 defender, a small quick receiver who can get behind you in one step. good solid o-line. the Defense is very fast and highlighted with big strong linebackers. X will be very competitive this year

 

I agree it could turn into a two horse race in the next couple of weeks.

I agree it could turn into a two horse race in the next couple of weeks.

 

it very well could.