Purple Nation

It seems as if every two years the Purples has to reload (which has worked out great!). This upcoming season is no different but perhaps this will be the biggest "reload" year they have had in a while. I know a few years ago they had lost a ton of seniors but had a lot of young guns (one of which was future Mr. Football in Caruthers) in waiting. Many will not feel too sorry for this seasons Purples as they have a Small college upcoming senior in Ziyon Kenner (speedster) as well as a solid 4 star in Justice Dingle, who will be the man on defense on the roster. Add to those two, probably the highest recruit the Purples has had to date in sophomore, Vito Tisdale (as a Frosh, not even as a starting running back) he still managed to have 7 scores. None the less, the Purples will still have 15 new helmets on the gridiron come August. Hoping the win streak can stay in tact. I think this potentially can be Coach Wallace's greatest coaching season to date. Yes, he has a small handful of great high school players to work with but if they can pull off another 15 game season, I think it would be a no brainer for him to be tabbed as the coach of the year. Teams will try to slow down little Vito (I am predicting him still to a 1,000+ rushing year for him - even with teams keying on him along with him only playing in probably 5 4th quarters in regular season due to the score). The key to BGHS success will be found in their QB, Beau BuCANNON. Coaches are high on him. Great arm strength for a tall, skinny kid. If he has a above average first year - look out.

Next week the Purples travel to Dalton, GA for one of the most competitive 7on7 tourneys in this part of the country. As you will read, the Purples will have many new faces on the field. If anyone in the Bluegrass wants to beat them (IMO), it better be this year. Front end of Purples schedule is pretty tough. Looking forward to seeing not only new faces but how our coaching staff can work with these kids. Looking forward to August! Southeastern 7-on-7 Preview: Bowling Green Purples By Tony Maluso [email protected] A veteran team at the Southeastern 7 on 7 Championships, Bowling Green High School out of Kentucky is back as an even more decorated program. Last fall the Purples compiled a 15-0 mark en route to its fifth state championship in the past six season and their second straight. They'll go into this season riding a 27 game winning streak. But to keep with its winning ways, Bowling Green will have to rely on a new group of personnel. "Offensively we're going to be almost totally new," Bowling Green coach Kevin Wallace said of his group that returns just three starters. "The only person that's coming back that had significant playing time would be Ziyon Kenner who was a slot receiver for us. He's a really good player. He'll be a key part of our offense." Kenner last season caught 42 passes for 669 yards with five touchdowns. He's attracted offers from Division I college programs Eastern Michigan, Austin Peay and UT-Martin. Nash Hightower looks to get a more prominent role in the offense this season after catching 11 passes for 186 yards and a pair of touchdowns. Beyond that, the players that will fill several key roles are yet to be determined. "I don't think we're really set at wide receiver and I don't think were really set on tight end," Wallace said. "Spring in Kentucky is difficult because you conflict with track and baseball, and you don't necessarily see all your kids. We really haven't gotten an opportunity to look at everyone we need to look at to fill those positions." When it comes to using the 7-on-7 to determine starting jobs, Wallace said "it's a start, but your not going to put things in stone at this point." Someone the Bowling Green coaches have got a look at is running back Vito Tisdale, a 6-foot-1, 185-pound rising sophomore that despite just coming into a starting role, has already collected college offers from high-profile schools including Tennessee, Kentucky and Louisville. "He's going to, in all likelihood, be one of the top recruits in the class of 2020," Wallace said. "He's already got SEC, ACC and Big Ten offers and he's not even into his sophomore year yet. He's an exceptional talent. Bowling Green will also have a new quarterback this fall as Beau Buchanan, a 6-foot-3 170 pound junior looks to be the frontrunner for the job. Wallace said he has the talent to earn college offers once he shows what he can do at the position. Defensively, Wallace returns four starters but feels the team is solid at linebacker with a group led by Justice Dingle, a four-star recruit with offers from Georgia Tech, Virginia, Tennessee, Purdue and Louisville among others. Also back is J'son Beason who had 53 solo tackles and 21 assisted tackles last year. Bowling Green's secondary, however, will feature mostly new faces. "They'll all be young, the only one returning starter is Davis Tomblinson," Wallace said. "We like our corners and feel like we got pretty good depth. We think that's a decent group that just needs to get some experience."

Reading up on the USA gold. Writer said that Zion Harmon was the straw that stirred the drink for the team. Harmon becomes first person in America to receive gold medal in basketball at age of 15. Harmon has over 1,200 points in Varsity play and will be a freshman next season. Writer says that only Tony Parker and Kobe Bryant had more accolades than Harmon as far as international play is concerned. I'm just the messenger reporting what I read. Prettty impressive!

Team USA beat Canada and received the gold medal for the u16. Zion Harmon finish strong with 12 points and several assist. Nothing at this age is guaranteed but there is at least four or five kids on the Team USA that will probably get paid money to play this game in a few years. Talent level is off the charts. Congratulations young fellows. Way to go Zion!

Playing for the Gold at 7pm central YouTube.com/fiba If you haven't watched a game, tonight's the night. Although the commentators are foreign the video is TV quality. Instant replays and all. Very impressive All of these kids on team are upcoming juniors and sophomores (with exception of Zion). Each of them are extremely talented. All major D1 kids. A couple of the bigs look like they are ready right now to play!

USA dominates again. Harmon really struggled this game. Playing for gold tomorrow

Team USA rolls Mexico by 75 points! Zion Harmon leads team in scoring with 17 points, only playing half the game. Team USA will more than likely come home with gold medal. Harmon is youngest kid on floor but emerging as the team leader, on and off the floor!

Team USA wins again today by hammering the Dominican Republic. Harmon goes for 14 points today. Team USA plays again tomorrow. All games youtube.com/fiba

Harmon goes 4 for 8 from field (3 for 4 from 3) with 3 rebounds and 3 assists in 22 minutes of action. USA won 110-69.

#1 nationwide ranking in your class = you are for real. Think about this. If he stays healthy chances are he stays at least top 3 in his class (probably will stay #1). Prep school or no prep school he will pretty much get to pick any University in America. His off court attitude matches his on court ability. He already has played against National competition for several years and he has never walked the halls of a high school as a student. Because his name is out there and his ranking, he gets to train with coaches and trainers that probably only 5% of players get to train with. Of course, nothing will be handed to him. He will work and earn his keep. Although the coaches of BGHS hasn't been around elite talent much (not many coaches in Bluegrass has - especially a kid ranked this high), the coaches has been quoted numerous times they have never seen a player at any level that puts the work in like this kid does. His all around game is off charts, hence the ranking but his ball handling ability is above reproach. His dribbling is like a video game. Because of his handles it makes it look as if the game is so easy for him. No one in high school currently has his skills with ball in his hand, IMO, no one! He is a high major and with his work ethic and with his name already known by the folks that need to know it, the sky is limit. He will make $ for playing this game. Looking forward to keeping up with him.

Dragonfire will think I am crazy but I bet a wooden nickel that Tim Riley will be on the short list. He and Kevin Wallace are lifetime friends.

Purely a guess on my part. I think he is a Purple for 1 more year, after which he heads to a prep school. Prep school will be one that is attached to his circle of coaches in his travelling teams. Special player that will be worth keeping an eye on next several years.

My apologies. I got the information off of a bio on Coach Wallace while at BGHS. The 43-5 playoff record is from the years the Purples were regional champs. The overall win loss that I posted is still correct

Coach Kevin Wallace at BGHS is 43-5 in the playoffs as head coach with 5 state championships (48-5 with 6 rings if you count 1995 championship team as an assistant). His overall record is 244-38 as head coach at BGHS

Zion Harmon has broken another record. He is the first 8th grader to ever be invited to try out for the USA basketball U17 team. 32 kids selected to try out for national team. Harmon was only kid selected that will be a 2021 graduate. Harmon shines during tryout and made the final cut! 12 players begin play in Argentina next week. Reporters asked Harmon some questions during the presser. Harmon says that he looks forward in representing the Lord and the American flag well while on this team.

No secret that I am a Purples kind of guy but there is also no secret that everyone in BG knows that Christian County will be a tough out. I think Christian County fans would agree that if they are ever going to get a ring in the near future, the future is now. This is the last pigskin season that Kolby Langhi and a ton of significant seniors will be walking through the locker room. I think 70% of non-bias 5A fans thinks the winner of this game in playoffs will be the heavy favorite to take the cake. Just to give the County folks a glimpse of what they probably already know about the Purples: Purples D-Line is basically all new. They have great coaching but still new kids up front. Christian County Defense vs BGHS offense should be a classic match up. Experience goes to County while Speed and more speed goes to Purples. Hoping Christian Can run the table (as well as Purples) till their playoff showdown. It would be top game is state on that Friday night. Gonna be a good one!

Regardless of class, teams,or location give your opinion of your top 3. Doesn't matter if they are a frosh or a senior. Just for fun, just your opinion. QB's RB's Defensive Players Teams Feel free to explain/defend your answers.

At the end of the day the teams, players coaches, fans and parents could care less where the game is played. There will be excitement in the air for all fanbases to make the trip to any Stadium in the state. Due to the size of the stadium, khsaa and the UK peeps simply need to block off as much at the stadium as possible. Everyone should be able to sit from the 20 to the 20 with no problem.

Purples should be primed to continue on their championship journey. Most schools that would lose the likes of Clark Payne, Jamale Caruthers and Deangelo Wilson, not to mention key players on the defense would be hard pressed to replace them. Not BG. Insert Beau BuCANNON (as I like to spell his name). Clark was known for his accuracy, Beau will be known for his arm strength. He can hurl it! Beau got some snaps in last season, due to the running clocks. He had a great JV season. Coaches are high on him. Kenner will become the #1 WR. Although he is good (probably fastest kid on the field each Friday night) he has huge shoes to fill in Deangelo. Many think he will be up to the task. Jamale Caruthers was a player that meant so much to the Purples program. Mr Football was also Mr everything (on and off field). He is a record breaker and sits atop a few charts in Purples history. At least for 3 more years anyway. Vito Tisdale, whom I predict if healthy and can stay focused will not only replace Caruthers but has potential to make his mark very early. As a freshman, I believe he has had more tackles, rushing yards and TDs than any other Purple in their first year. Vito will be the feature back this Fall. Although teams will stack box to try to stop him (big mistake with our new gun slinger taking the snaps), Vito should still produce staggering numbers. Last time he was consistently in backfield was during his 8th grade year. Over 2,000 yards and averaged nearly 21 yards a carry (not a misprint). Locals know about Vito and his talent. The state will know by years end. Purples O line will be huge. I have faith in them that they will gel and improve, weekly. Special teams, forget about it. I would not kick off or punt to Kenner or Tisdale. Probably not a very good idea. IMO, if Coach Spacer (one of the best, if not THE best, defensive coaches in state) can get his Dline to hold their own (it doesn't hurt having a major D1 player in Justice Dingle helping them out) along with Beau BuCANNON having a consistent, low turnover weekly performance, the Purples should be ready to roll in weeks 11-15. Regular season early games will certainly pose a threat to this young team with pretty much new skill players. We may or may not go undefeated but if we start 4-0, its over. Not trying to ruffle feathers but BGHS staff and players has Oct 20 circled. Purples has tried to get it scheduled but now with South Warren being 5A, its Showtime. Ill save my prediction until Fall Break but the Spartans will be in for a treat. That's what makes High School gridiron fun. In all seriousness, looking forward to this new crosstown rival. So, all that to say that since 2011 the Purples are 84-3. I say the Purples lose a maximum of 2 maybe 3 (if that!) games in their next 45. You do the math. Purples will have a chip on shoulder this Fall with new faces. They will be ready to prove to alumnus that the train is still rolling.

You can't beat speed at any level, especially High school.

Simply left out Cambell Gott. Not intended. Point is, last 4 or 5 QBs at Purple Land, most teams would love to have. BG is on an incredible run that should produce a few more state championships. All good things will come to an end but I don't think the Purples " end" is anytime soon.

Life long Purple fan as most of you know. Although Purples lost some key players. Mainly Caruthers, Payne, D Wilson, Cofer and some other key defensive lineman the Purples will reload. It has actually worked out perfect on their "reloading" years. Every 2 years our QB situation and our RB situation has worked out great. How many teams would like to have had Trent Steelman, Scooter Hollis, Devan Hayes and Clark Payne as their last 4 QBs? Next up is Beau Buchannon. Beau, like each of the other QBs has a great head on his shoulders. Like his predecessors, he will be very heady. He needs some work and improvement work on his feet but his smarts and arm is ready. He has a cannon. With a huge (not much experience but very big O line) he should be fine. Kenner, his WR, should be number 1 target but will spread the wealth well. Here is where it gets interesting for BG. Hear me, Caruthers was one of the very best to wear the Purple and Gold. His on field and off field behavior, effort and skill were unmatched, HOWEVER, Coach Wallace will be pulling the trigger and will be putting Vito Tisdale in the backfield. Without doubt, he will make an IMMEDIATE impact. As a freshman, he scored more points (11 TDs I believe) than any other Purple. More return yards as a Frosh than any other Frosh, more tackles than any other Purple freshman.... I could go on. I will predict that if he remains healthy and plays 3 more seasons he will break Caruthers scoring record and yardage record. Huge words but it can happen, especially if Beau is as good of a QB that most Purple faithful thinks he will be. I think there is only 4 games in regular season that will not be a running clock (I still think last years squad was best of all time for them). In these 4 games Vito and Dingle will play both ways. Greenwood will beat all area schools with exception of BG (IMO). Life with Jackson Adams has been great for the Gators. The following season(s) for Greenwood will be difficult. I think its fair to say that Bowling Green has been the best, strongest and most competitive Public School the Bluegrass has seen. I think they continue the steamroll for 3 more seasons. They will be good after that but no where near where they have been the previous decade. To think how well the Purples has been the past several years is almost unreal. Long post but anticipating another great season. If by chance they make it through regular season without a loss this upcoming season, (will be difficult to pull off) the following season, forget about it. They will run the table almost as strong as they did this past season.

If you all don't believe the coach at BGHS and the coach at Trinity doesn't have the ear of their AD's, you are mistaken. Perhaps a school that has minimal or no success on the gridiron but a BGHS or Trinity who are in national rankings will allow their coach to take part in their schedules. Guarunteed!

Unless "The Jake" suits up for Cooper I think the Purples win. BGHS 2 bigs, Taylor and Jones will control the paint. Deangelo and Harmon will do their thing. Purples survive the scare yesterday and will pull out a double digit win today. That's my story and I'm sticking to it. If Purples win state today, I'm calling the hat trick. Football, Basketball and Baseball! That would be awesome (One can dream...)

Great effort. No way there is a better atmosphere than High School playoffs. Purples very fortunate.