Parrott

5 - Warren Central (IN) 3 - Huntington (WV) 3 - DeSales 1 - Meade County 1 - Graves County 1 - Lexington Christian 1 - Somerset 1 - Reitz (IN) 1 - North Hardin 1 - Corbin TB - 47

Warren Central is a handful, always has some great athletes, and probably produces more high level prospects than any high school in Indiana. This is one of the better teams they've had since the mid 2000's, when they were an absolute force of nature, and probably the best high school team I've ever seen, including one year when they ran for almost 600 yards in the state title game. That said, with this one at Trinity, it should be a great game.

5 Manual 3 Frederick Douglass 3 Mayfield 1 Carmel (IN) 1 Caldwell County 1 South Warren 1 Monroe County 1 Scott 1 Christian Academy of Louisville 1 Owensboro TB - 34

7 Campbell County 5 Highlands 3 Covington Catholic 2 Scott 1 Ludlow TB Highlands

Check that...it was a state quarterfinal. Beat Arlington on most first downs in 1987, and then beat Arlington again in State Quarterfinal on penetrations in 1995.

I'm almost positive that Odessa Permian won a state title based on the penetrations rule back in the 80's. What a way to lose a state title!

I'm wondering if the teams being on the opposite sides is due to the sun. Especially during early season games, the sun is brutal on the west-facing visiting team/home fans side. Perhaps SK didn't want to have the sun in their eyes. I still agree with everyone else that it's a horrible idea, but maybe that's a legitimate reason.

I can provide a little info on some Indiana teams...Fort Wayne Dwenger, who is East Central's opponent in the 4A game, has a stout defense. Should be a pretty good game, but I would say Dwenger is a bit of a favorite. Dwenger is the alma mater of Tyler Eifert. Snider vs. New Palestine last night was one for the ages for sure. Snider is where a pretty decent CB named Rod Woodson played back in the day. In general, Fort Wayne has produced some high level talent through the years. Woodson, Eifert, current stud LB at Notre Dame, Jaylon Smith, Rush DE for the Cowboys, Anthony Spencer, RB at Stanford, Remound Wright. 6A game is Center Grove vs. Penn. As previously mentioned, Center Grove is a machine. Ranked top 10 nationally in USA Today, for whatever that's worth. They are the rare big school that still runs and succeeds with a Wing-T offense. Very strong team that has beaten everyone in Indy this year: Carmel, Cathedral, Warren Central, Ben Davis. Penn was a powerhouse in the 80's & 90's, but hasn't been able to compete with the Indy schools lately. They have a stud QB who is going to Harvard next year. He is the X-factor in the game that can give Penn a shot at the win. Overall, Center Grove is probably a 10-14 point favorite. 2A game is Monrovia vs. Whiting. I don't know much about these schools, other than Monrovia runs the good ol' Belly offense like a champ. Had over 500 yards rushing in semi-state. Monrovia is the favorite in this one.

7 - Owen County 5 - Covington Catholic 3 - Newport Central Catholic 2 - Dixie Heights 1 - Bracken County TB - Newport Central Catholic

7 - Walton-Verona 5 - Owen County 3 - Highlands 2 - Conner 1 - Ryle TB - Highlands

7 - Bishop Brossart 5 - Gallatin County 3 - Conner 2 - Bethlehem 1 - Lewis County TB - Gallatin County

7 - Ludlow 5 - Cooper 3 - Newport Catholic 2 - Bracken County 1 - Grant County TB - Ludlow

Based on the opening statement that introduced this thread: "For Today's installment we will define the Top 5 Football Programs that personify Kentucky to the rest of the HS Football world," from the perspective of someone who grew up in 'the rest of the HS Football world'...the most iconic programs would be Trinity, Highlands, St. X, and Male. After that, there would be a large gap before any other teams would come to mind. I know there are other programs that are currently, and even historically, very, very strong. However, in terms of regional & national perception, it's those 4.

7 - St. Xavier 5 - Beechwood 3 - Grant County 2 - Pendleton County 1 - Carroll County TB - St. Xavier

7 - Kentucky Country Day 5 - Lloyd 3 - Scott 2 - Lexington Catholic 1 - Ryle TB - Scott

Beechwood Pendleton Co. Gallatin Co. Campbell Co. Scott Co. TB - Beechwood

7 - Grant County 5 - Paris 3 - Simon Kenton 2 - Ryle 1 - Scott TB - Grant County

Impressed with CAL's QB...Front 4 getting after Racke pretty good, as well.

22-16 SK @ the half

7 - Grant County 5 - Bellevue 3 - Walton-Verona 2 - Dayton 1 - Ryle TB - Bellevue

Pulaski County should win comfortably. Jeffersonville was likely ranked based on record only, as opposed to any quality wins. 6a in southern Indiana is extremely weak right now...so even the wins they had against larger schools were not against great opposition.

I've lived in NKY for 9 years, though not originally from the area, or even the state, and I would say SK is respected as a solid, but not elite program. It all depends on what the benchmark is for respect. If they have to consistently compete with the Jefferson County schools to earn your respect, then you're going to be waiting a long time. Just as you would be for just about any other school in the state. I think the big question is, can they (or any 6a school in NKY) reach the level of 80's & 90's Boone Co. I'm not sure if they can...it's a different climate, with more solid big school programs in the area now. The game against Highlands is a BIG one in regards to this topic. If they get smoked, it will just be "I told you so." But if they compete or win, it's a nice step toward more statewide respect.