EQUUS GREVYI

Obviously, in pre-season discussions, far too much emphasis is placed on last year's performance. It is a good point to consider not only the losses to graduation, but also what returns among players that had very little experience last year. For the general fan, it is not possible to have that type of intimate knowledge about programs other than the one you follow. Hellbird is going to know much more about Cooper and what they return than most posters, Colonels_Wear_Blue or colonel-fan will have a more in depth knowledge about CovCath. Lawnboy and Mexitucky will have the scoop on the Breds and Voice of Reason is in the know about the Beechies. If only there was someone that had information on Simon Kenton....... Anyway, that's why the preseason hype and comments need to be taken with a grain of salt. There are certainly question marks all around Northern Kentucky and that's what makes following the whole NKY region so much more interesting than just following your own team. Sounds like a new thread topic.

Why do we assume that injuries are more likely to happen when playing against a higher quality opponent. I may need to be convinced of that. Does CovCath have a high percentage of players that go both ways, especially on the line? I would concede that a team that plays essentially the same 12-15 guys on offense and defense would be more prone to injury against a team that 2-platoons using 22 -25 guys. Injuries are certainly more likely to happen when players are exhausted and physically overwhelmed. But I have seen many players injured in "laugher" games as well. Are the players at Cincy St. X and Sycamore bigger and stronger than CovCath? Do they have significantly more players on the team? Or is it more the case of never getting a "cupcake" week to rest guys that are banged up so they don't get injured? I do know that the Colonels have been bitten by the injury bug pretty consistently the past couple years but is it only to be attributed to a tough schedule? This is different than a small school like Beechwood or NCC, without the numbers to 2-patoon, taking on a consistent schedule of 5A and 6A schools when they simply don't have the "horses" to compete, or at least enough "horses". However, those two schools do get the 4 week district schedule to heal where the Colonels don't. Did this type of schedule begin with the prior coach that came from the GCL? I think they could swap out maybe 2 of these type games for a Conner, Boone, Cooper, Scott or Campbell Co.

I agree with everything stated, except maybe the sandbagging on the Colonels. Their schedule is more manageable than in years past. I think they'll navigate the schedule pretty well and don't think the "newness" at QB or on the sidelines will present a problem. The bottom of the list will sort itself out quite a bit in the first 2 weeks with WV playing both Lloyd and Holy Cross / Scott playing NCC and Dixie. If WV wins these first two games, (I'll take Lloyd in the opener) they could go on a pretty good streak to start the season. On the other hand NCC plays Scott, Cooper, Campbell and Belfry in the first 4 weeks.

This is likely a good place to start but here are my thoughts: Could Colonels_Wear_Blue be sandbagging just a touch with CovCath at #6 ? Dixie has a lot to prove after what they graduated and is likely a little high to begin the season. Always hard to believe that there are 8 teams better than Beechwood, but we have seen the larger school dominance start to play out with more and more teams 2-platooning. I would have Conner and Lloyd at #11 & #12 , but with Conner's tough early schedule, they'll have trouble breaking into the top ten.

No problem & it wasn't my question. But here's where I was coming from. Coltpride had made the pretty self assured comment that 2A runs through DeSales and I was looking for him to support that statement. The Colts have been the best in class for the last 2 years, but that's a short period of time. Additionally, I didn't think the 2013 score reflected a blow out or "easy victory" that he had stated and I was questioning that. Up two scores in the 3rd Q didn't equal a blowout to me. Maybe DeSales is on the cusp of a 10 year dominating reign in 2A, but to say they "Run 2A" is hyperbole at this point. I didn't think the body of work presented for the past 6 years is that extraordinary when compared to some others. Having back to back championships and 80 - 90 players on the team is a great way to put a dominance in place. but I'm not considering it a dynasty yet. Football fans will recognize the dominance of Trinity, Highlands and Mayfield and would be apt to accept a statement that their respective classes "Run through them", but I don't think that is the case with 2A and DeSales at this point. The Colts will have a strong team this year, but will also have at least one major obstacle in their path back to Bowling Green.

2 whole scores?

First, I would say that a 34 - 26 final in 2013 would not qualify as a "pretty easy" victory. Secondly, NCC has been in 6 of the 8 championship games since moving up to AA eight years ago, winning 2 also. Thirdly, in the last 10 years, there are just as many East lopsided championship victories as there are West. So I would say the claim that Desales runs 2A is obviously a bit over stated. Good luck in the west this year and I'm sure NCC will be waiting for you that 1st Saturday in December, if you can make it back.

They'll be in a lot of 42 - 38 kind of games? I think their running game and short screen passing game can be really good this year. But you can't outscore them all, you need to tackle, a little anyway.

Then your check must have only gone back about 2 years.

It surely appears that the school lends support and its blessing to the FTJFL. The league uses school grounds for practices and games, Highlands players and coaches help with the clinics and refereeing games. The high school coordinates their Saturday JV game schedule with the league schedule, etc. I didn't say that the school was involved financially or in the administration and running the league. They help the league to exist and provide support. And for that, they have reaped the benefits of increased numbers and success at the high school level. I was indicating this as a success story. The parents took it upon themselves to provide these opportunities to the grade school children within the school district. They didn't rely on the school to provide all of the opportunities. Of course it has grown substantially since the beginning of the league

I think a prime example would be the Fort Thomas Junior Football League. Although it is not school affiliated, a group of parents/boosters run the league with school blessing and support and look at the fruit it has yielded? I know football is a different animal than volleyball, but it does show what a group of motivated parents can accomplish.

I agree with your statements regarding the disadvantages of not having organized athletics in the public grade schools. By the time they start in junior high, it may be too late to catch up skill-wise to those who have played for 3-4 years already. However, it almost sounds like you're asking the parochial schools to "back off" on the athletic programs.

I don't understand that either. Why aren't there parents volunteering to run these programs and coach teams? The benefits of scholastic athletic teams are numerous and don't revolve around winning. Why would public schools dissuade volunteer organizations developing school athletic programs? If this is prohibited by the school district, it points to a problem there. I disagree with your statement concerning parochial schools placing an emphasis on winning first and foremost. That may be the case at an isolated parochial grade school or two, but from what I've seen, a large majority are about getting participation from as many students as possible.

Can't an emphasis be placed on both? So, for whatever the reason, the school administration places a concerted lack of emphasis on athletics at the grade school level? Whether it be a cost savings measure or to have administration control over all aspects of the school, etc. I guess by comparison then, the parochial schools do place a higher emphasis on sports. Is that an indictment of the parochial schools or public schools?

I think you're missing the mark a little. The parochial schools aren't placing the emphasis on sports, it's the parental involvement at the parochial schools that is the difference. I think the parental expectations are different between the parochial and public grades schools. At the parochial grade schools, the parents run the boosters organizations, raise the funds and coach the teams, not the school. All parochial grade school coaches are volunteer and unpaid, while that is not the case with the public schools. So I disagree with the statement that the parochial schools place a higher emphasis on sports. I simply think the volunteerism and involvement from the parents is greater at a younger age.

It's no a coincidence at all. The parochial schools do a significantly better job beginning volleyball at a young age through school. This breeds more interest in the sport and those players begin club ball and better training at a younger age. Most parochial schools have teams as early as 3rd grade (the same age as the clubs begin) while most public schools pick it up in middle school. The public high schools have made progress closing the gap. For example, Ryle and Cooper have volleyball players that are just as good as the parochial schools, but not the same depth.

The Juggs will have a stout offense with big, strong and fast weapons. Their problem has seemed to be their ability or willingness to tackle and defensive discipline. They will have skill, speed and size so if they can add a little discipline, they could be very good this year. Replacing Molitor will also be important and I'm not sure how that looks. I see them being competitive with a chance to win all of these games except Beechwood and maybe NCC.

I like going with something that could become easily identified with the school throughout the years. I also like the inclusion of the cross. But I don't think they're integrated very well and they're missing the mark. If the Colonels go on to have a great year, beat the Birds and win state, I think the logo becomes immediately more acceptable

I disagree. I think the piping makes the uniform look more traditional.

Based on the criteria, I like David Cecil stadium on the list. Cramped seating, yes. Tight sidelines, yes. Antiquated in most regards, including the hoisted trailer used for the press-box, yes. Terrible parking, yes. However, the pre-game atmosphere oozes out the driveway and permeates the entire city on Friday nights.

Ooh, I like the white jerseys on the black pants.

I have always liked the Boone County uniform. Classy and never yielding to updates or adding black as so many programs did through the 90's. The white helmets with the Carolina Blue BC logo has been a constant as well. Also agree that Ashland warrants making the list and I might replace Tates Creek or Paducah Tilghman with their uniforms. After reading your criteria and before looking at your entries, I tried to come up with a mental note of definite top ten uniforms. I came up with Belfry, Corbin, Highlands, Beechwood and St. X. I think you are also spot on with Harlan County and Danville. Well done, nice list!

It was wonderful to see Newport have such a great season last year. It is good for the district to have another team that is a threat to win the region and compete with some of the bigger schools. I hope they are able to sustain the momentum this season and play at the same level. I do know that they graduated a strong group of football players and the off-field distractions certainly aren't helpful. With the new turf and coming off a regional-final season, I hope for another great year for the Wildcats.

I think they'll beat Scott and Conner, be a toss up with Campbell and Beechwood and underdogs to Cooper and Belfry. The problem with the small schools playing the much bigger schools is the depth on the line. NCC will have too many lineman playing both ways and it makes it tough late in the game. I think it's a good non-conference schedule mixed with challenging matchups and not necessarily as overwhelming as in recent years.

Safety was a very good and smart football player but likely out of position at safety. They will add speed to that position this year and should be fine on the corners. Pass rush will be much improved with experience returning up the middle and on both ends. Also have Tallon and couple other linebackers returning with experience.