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KSR's 2022 High School Football Season Preview

Troy Howellby:Troy Howell•08/18/22
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Photo by Ben Hasty/MediaNews Group/Reading Eagle via Getty Images

The Kentucky High School football season starts on Friday, so here is my preseason Top 30 overall and Top 5 for each class! Also, check out my season preview podcast episode here.

1. St. Xavier

2021 Record: 14-1

2021 Playoffs: Defeated Male 31-21 in 6A Finals 

2021 Final Ranking: #1 

Players to Watch: DE Micah Carter (SR) (Purdue), LB Jaxon Panariello (SR), S Tyler Boggs (SR)

Key Losses: QB Jack Sivori (Citadel), WR Mekhi Smith 

Game to Watch: September 23 vs Trinity (At U of L)

The Tigers shocked the state last year with a 31-21 6A championship win over nationally ranked Male, even while dealing with numerous injuries on defense throughout the season. Despite the loss of Mr. Football candidate Jack Sivori and WRs Mekhi Smith and Michael Duddy to graduation, I expect the Tigers to be among the best teams in the state again this year. Long snapper Andrew Kros has a PWO offer from Notre Dame and starters Carter Guillaume, Andrew Weikert and Tommy Rosenbarger all return on the offensive line. Quarterback competition will extend into August and health O-line and quality QB play will be key. The defense should be elite and very fast. Purdue DE commit Micah Carter, who missed most of last year due to injury, is one of the highest-ranked players in the state. Look for LB Jaxon Panariello and DB Tyler Boggs to lead the defense.

2. Boyle County

2021 Record: 14-1 

2021 Playoffs: Defeated Johnson Central 30-13 in 5A Finals 

2021 Final Ranking: #6 

Players to Watch: DE Tommy Ziesmer (SR) (UK), QB/DB/ATH Montavin Quisenberry (SO), QB/RB/DB Avery Bodner (JR)

Key Losses: QB Jagger Gillis (Campbellsville), WR Cole Lanter (Kentucky), K/P Jackson Smith (Kentucky) 

Game to Watch: October vs Frederick Douglass

Coach Justin Haddix is shooting for his third state championship at Boyle County in his third season as head coach at the school. The Rebels will miss fifth-year quarterback Jagger Gillis and Kentucky Wildcat Cole Lanter, who both graduated, but will be favored again in Class 4A thanks to the return of UK commit Tommy Ziesmer (10 sacks) along with versatile Avery Bodner (163 carries for 1,262 yards and 15 TDs) and several other key starters. The Rebels got two big transfers in Montavin Quisenberry (Garrard County) and Dakota Patterson (Corbin), but Patterson will unfortunately miss the season due to injury. 

3. Frederick Douglass

2021 Record: 13-2

2021 Playoffs: Lost to South Warren 38-26 in 5A Finals 

2021 Final Ranking: #8 

Players to Watch: DT Jamarrion Harkless (SR), RB TJ Horton (SR) (Ball State), ATH Ty Bryant (SR) (Kentucky), S Isaiah Kenney (JR), TE Thomas Howard (SR)

Key Losses: WR Dane Key (Kentucky), LB Caden Johnson (Ball State) LB Davis Joyner, QB Samuel Cornett (Western Carolina)

Game to Watch: October 28 at Boyle County

After knocking on the door for the last several years, will this be the year the Broncos break through and win their first state football championship? Dane Key is now at UK but Douglass has five of the top 15 seniors in the state according to recruiting websites in DT Jamarrion Harkless, RB TJ Horton, RB/DB Ty Bryant, S Isaiah Kenney, and TE Thomas Howard. Harkless recently decommitted from Illinois and Bryant has committed to UK. Douglass will again be starting a new transfer quarterback in either Cole Carpenter (Madison Southern) or DJ Walker (Lafayette). I think whether they can win the state title or not will likely come down to quarterback play. Look for Demeco Kennedy and Zuri Madison to anchor the offensive lines and Cooper Ranvier to be a strength in the kicking game.

4. Male

2021 Record: 13-1

2021 Playoffs: Lost to St. Xavier 31-21 in 6A Semifinals

2021 Final Ranking: #2 

Players to Watch: WR Max Gainey (JR), RB Daniel Swinney (SR), DB Romel Sheffield (SR) Demetrius Dunlap (DB)

Key Losses: DL Selah Brown (Louisville), WR Vinny Anthony (Wisconsin), SR LB Elijah Manning, DB Jeremiah Collins (transferred out of state), OL/DL William “Woo” Spencer (transferred out of state)

Game to Watch: October vs DuPont Manual

The Bulldogs would have been in consideration for the top spot had Woo Spencer and Jeremiah Collins not transferred out of state. They would have been two of the highest-ranked players in Kentucky. Throw in the fact that Max Gainey (39 catches for 571 yards and 8 TDs) is expected to miss half the season with an injury along with the Bulldogs being hit hard by graduation I almost dropped the Bulldogs even further. However, Male is Male so after thinking about it, cooler heads prevailed and kept the Bulldogs in the top four. After being nationally ranked last season, they suffered a surprising loss to St. X in the state finals, but don’t be surprised to see the Bulldogs back at Kroger field again this season. Daniel Swinney (226 carries for 1,659 yards) is back after rushing for 29 scores last season. Defense lost a lot of production, especially Selah Brown to U of L, but the secondary will be strong with seniors Romel Sheffield and Demetrius Dunlap leading the way.

5. Beechwood

2021 Record: 15-0

2021 Playoffs: Defeated LCA 23-21 in 2A Finals 

2021 Final Ranking: #4

Players to Watch: WR/LB Mitchell Berger (SR), WR/DB Liam McCormack (SR), RB/WR/DB, Antonio Robinson (SR), OL/DL Xavier Campbell (JR)

Key Losses: QB Cam Hergott (Eastern Kentucky), OL Luke Slusher

Game to Watch: September 16 at Covington Catholic

After winning co-Mr. Football in 2020, QB Cam Hergott came back for a 5th season to lead the Tigers to another title last season. Not having Hergott will certainly hurt but the addition of 4-star Florida transfer and Wake Forest commit Antonio Robinson will certainly help. He will team with Mitchell Berger (10 rushing TDs, 7 receiving TDs, 2 INTs) and Liam McCormack (16 catches for 205 yards and 3 TDs, 2 INTs) to form a tremendous trio of playmakers on both sides of the ball. Xavier Campbell had 12 sacks on defense last year. Will it be Beechwood LCA III in December?

6. Lexington Christian Academy

2021 Record: 14-1

2021 Playoffs: Lost to Beechwood 23-21 in 2A Finals 

2021 Final Ranking: #5 

Players to Watch: QB Cutter Boley (JR), DB Parker Chaney (JR), WR Drew Nieves (SR), 

Key Losses: RB Xavier Brown (Virginia), WR/DB Mason Moore (Miami, OH), Anthony Johns (Eastern Kentucky)

Game to Watch: September 23 at Pikeville

After narrowly losing to Beechwood in the state finals for the second straight year, the Eagles should again be in the state championship mix. Xavier Brown (UVA) and Mason Moore (Miami, OH) will be tough to replace but the Eagles have plenty of playmakers. Cutter Boley, who holds offers from Alabama, Kentucky, Michigan and numerous other powerhouses, transferred in from LaRue County and will start at quarterback, with last year’s QB Drew Nieves moving over to wide receiver this season. D1 prospect Parker Cheney picked off six passes last year and will be a force in the secondary. Sophomore tight end Hunter Adams has tons of upside and holds a scholarship offer from Vince Marrow at UK. Linemen Chase Couch (Tim’s son) and Garrison McKinney hold offers from EKU. Jay Emerson is effective on the D-line and carrying the ball. Look for Major Brown to possibly lead the team in tackles.

7. Trinity

2021 Record: 6-8

2021 Playoffs: Lost to Male 48-21 in 6A Semifinals

2021 Final Ranking: #9 

Player to Watch: K Kellan McLaughlin, RB Lucas Sasser, TE Noah Meyers

Key Losses: RB Armon Tucker, QB Brady Willis

Game to Watch: September 23 vs St. Xavier (At U of L)

Last year everybody thought I had Trinity ranked way too low in the preseason at #5. They finished way lower than that. Yes, they were a national power but lost all most every single starter from 2020 and were obviously going to take a step back. In 2021 they finished 6-8 (against a brutal schedule) and their top passer, rushers, and receivers were all seniors, so I don’t expect them to take a huge leap back to national prominence this season either. Don’t let the record deceive you, though, even if they go .500 against their tough schedule, they will still be better than almost every team in Kentucky. Don’t listen to people that said Trinity wasn’t a top 25 team last year even when they started 0-6. Lucas Sasser (359 yards rushing, 136 yards receiving) is back for the Rocks along with tight end Noah Meyers (25 catches for 415 yards and 4 TDs).

8. Owensboro

2021 Record: 12-2

2021 Playoffs: Lost to Frederick Douglass 35-7 in 5A Semifinals

2021 Final Ranking: #12

Players to Watch: OT Jak Lindsey (JR), RB/DB Kenyatta Carbon (SR), QB Kasey Boone (SR), TE/DB Zachary Clark (SR)

Key Loss: RB Tramel Barksdale

Game to Watch: August 19 at St. Xavier

After finishing runner-up in 2020 the Red Devils put together another fine season, losing only to St. Xavier in week 1 and Frederick Douglass in the 5A state semifinals. The 35-7 loss to Douglass was not pretty, though. Owensboro travels to St. X in week 1 again this year for a true measuring stick game. Kasey Boone (92-for-153 for 1,430 yards, 23 TDs, 8 INT) returns after taking over at QB early last year following the stunning mid-season departure for 4-star Gavin Wimsatt to Rutgers. Kenyatta Carbon returns after rushing for 12 scores and incepting 4 passes last year. Jak Lindsay is one of the top linemen in the state and Zachary Clark (101 tackles) will be one of the leaders on defense. This team has a good chance to make it to Kroger Field, but may find themselves in another battle with Douglass along the way. Douglass is 2-1 versus Owensboro in the playoffs since 2019.

9. Johnson Central

2021 Record: 12-3

2021 Playoffs: Lost to Boyle County in 30-13 4A Finals 

2021 Final Ranking: #7 

Players to Watch: RB Mason Lawson (SR), RB/DB Zack McCoart (SO), C/DL Jesse McCoy

Key Losses: OL Grant Bingham (Kentucky), QB/P Grant Rice

Game to Watch: October 28 vs Belfry

After a one-year absence, the Golden Eagles were back in the finals for the sixth time in the last seven years, where they fell to Boyle County 30-13. Despite the loss of OL Grant Bingham, who signed with UK, expect another strong rushing attack. Sophomore Zack McCoart (121 carries for 1,287 yards and 18 TDs), senior Chase Price (112 carries for 834 yards and 14 TDs) and the return of senior Mason Lawson, who missed last year with an injury, will form one of the top running back combinations in the state. Jesse McCoy will anchor the offensive and defensive lines. 

10. Woodford County

2021 Record: 13-1

2021 Playoffs: Lost to South Warren 46-25 in 5A Semifinals

2021 Final Ranking: #14 

Players to Watch: OG Tristan Cook (SR), DB Aden Nelson (SR), RB Preston Stacy (SR), WR Makhi Smith (SO)

Key Losses: QB Bryce Patterson, RB/LB Jackson Geilear

Game to Watch: September 16 at Franklin County

Coach Dennis Johnson has transformed the culture at Woodford County from a losing one to a winning one. In 2017 Woodford County was winless, in 2018 Woodford County finished 2-9 and lost to Covington Catholic 49-0 in the playoffs. After steadily improving they burst onto the scene last season with a regular season win over Franklin County and a quarterfinal win over Covington Catholic before being humbled by state champ South Warren. The Yellow Jackets return six starters back on offense and seven on defense. WR/DB Aden Nelson (9 REC TDs) has committed to Ball State and fellow WR Makhi Smith (8 REC TDs) has multiple offers. Tristian Cook is one of the top linemen in the bluegrass and Preston Stacy (157 carries for 1,400 yards and 13 TDs) looks to have another big year rushing the ball. Possible QBs are sophomores Jasper Johnson and Andrew Nason as Bryce Patterson graduated.

11. South Warren

2021 Record: 14-1

2021 Playoffs: Defeated Frederick Douglass 38-26 in 5A Finals

2021 Final Ranking: #3 

Players to Watch – DB Christian Conyer (SR) (Tennessee), OG Corey Bitterling (SR), OG Micah Larue (SR)

Key Losses: QB Caden Veltkamp (Western Kentucky), TE/LB Luke Burton, TE/LB Tyler Snell, DL Jake Jackson

Game to Watch: September 30 at Bowling Green

The Spartans return only six starters off of last year’s 5A state championship team, but one of them is Mr. Football candidate and Tennessee commit Christian Conyer. The Spartans must replace their leading rushers, receivers, and tacklers from last year, not to mention QB Caden Veltkamp, who is now at Western Kentucky University. Corey Bitterling and Micah Larue are the two offensive line starters that are back, and the Spartans have a tradition of excellence, so I expect them to reload quickly and make another deep run this fall.

12. Madison Central

2021 Record: 12-1

2021 Playoffs: Lost to St. Xavier in 6A Semifinals

2021 Final Ranking: #13 

Players to Watch: OT/DT Malachi Wood (SR) (Kentucky), RB Brady Hensley (JR)

Key Losses: FB/DL Kyran Jackson

Game to Watch: October 21 at Bryan Station

After going 1-8 in 2020, the Indians posted a stellar 10-4 record in Coach Mike Holcomb’s first year. They led 6A state champ St. Xavier in the semifinals before the Tigers rallied to win 31-21. Brady Hensley (225 carries for 1,804 yards) who rushed for 31 scores as a sophomore last season will run behind UK o-line commit Malachi Wood again this year. Quarterback Hagan Harrison is currently out with an injury so expect another heavy rushing attack from the Indians again this year. 

13. Pikeville

2021 Record: 14-2

2021 Playoffs: Defeated Russellville 30-27 in A Finals

2021 Final Ranking: #10

Players to Watch: RB Blake Birchfield (SR), LB Luke Ray (SR) , WR Wade Hensley (SR), LB Devin Derrosett (SR)

Key Losses: QB Isaac McNamee (Murray State), WR Zac Lockhart, OL/DL Landon Hammock

Game to Watch: September 23 vs LCA

After leading the Panthers to state titles in 2019 and 2021, quarterback Isaac McNamee has moved on to Murray State but RB Blake Birchfield (290 carries for 2,512 yards and 25 TDS) returns. He will run behind an offensive line that returns starters Rico Perez, Peyton Sayers, and Mason Sayers. Senior linebacker Devin Derrosett made several key plays in last year’s state title win over Russellville. Look for the Panthers to be favored to win Class A for the 3rd time in 4 years, though the east will be loaded with the likes of Raceland, Paintsville, and Hazard.

14. Franklin County

2021 Record: 10-4

2021 Playoffs: Lost to Johnson Central 42-24 in 4A Semifinals 

2021 Final Ranking: #21

Players to Watch: RB Kaden Moorman (SR) (Kentucky), QB/WR/DB Gavin Hurst (JR), LB Peyton Ledford (SR), WR/DB Zach Claudio (SR)

Key Loss: LB Brenton Sears, QB Jayden Mattison

Game to Watch: October 21 vs Central

After a run to the 4A finals in 2020 – bolstered by a surprise upset over Johnson Central in the semifinals, the Flyers started slowly last year, losing to Corbin, Ballard, and Woodford County early in the season, before falling to Johnson Central 42-24 in the semifinals. The offense will be built around UK commit and Mr. Football candidate Kaden Moorman (177 carries for 1,447 yards and 27 TDs). Linebacker Peyton Ledford (141 tackles, 17 TFL) returns to lead the defense. The Flyers have a good chance to make their third straight semifinals and have a shot to make it back to Kroger Field.

15. Dupont Manual

2021 Record: 8-4

2021 Playoffs: Lost St. Xavier 18-16 in 6A 2nd Round

2021 Final Ranking: #15

Players to Watch: DB Amare Townsend (SR), WR Jeremiah Blakey (SR), DL CJ Jones (JR)

Key Losses: RB JaWaun Northington (Murray State)

Game to Watch: October 28 at Male

The Crimsons’ only losses last year were to powerhouse Male and twice to 6A state champ St. X, with the latter coming in the playoffs 18-16 while Manual was without star running back JaWaun Northington. Northington has since graduated but look for a combination of players to run behind a solid o-line anchored by Drew McClure and Trey Ryan. WR Jeremiah Blakey (16 catches for 247 yards and 2 TDs) also returns. Defensive backs Amare Townsend (4 interceptions) and Howard Gant are very good athletes that may also see time on offense. Defensive linemen Beni Tshita and CJ Jones both have D1 offers. With the cross-district playoff format returning that opens the way for both Manual and St. Xavier to avoid each other in the second round.

16. Christian Academy Louisville

2021 Record: 11-2

2021 Playoffs: Lost to Paducah Tilghman 41-34 in 3A 3rd Round

2021 Final Ranking: #18

Players to Watch: QB Cole Hodge (JR), RB/LB Gavin Copenhaver (SR), OL/DL Samuel McCoun (SR)

Key Loss: WR/S Easton Messer

Game to Watch: September 9 at LCA

CAL was the favorite to win 3A last year before being upset by Paducah Tilghman 41-34 last year. 3A will be tough to predict again this year but look for CAL to make a deeper run in 2022 behind the return of junior QB Cole Hodge (139-for-217, 28 TDs, 4 INTs). They will be without of the best wideouts in the state from last year, due to the graduation of Easton Messer.

17. Corbin

2021 Record: 12-1

2021 Playoffs: Lost to Johnson Central 34-13 in 4A Quarterfinals

2021 Final Ranking: #11

Player to Watch: QB/RB Cameron Combs (SR), RB/LB Mikey Neal (SO), K Jacob Baker (SR), QB Kade Elam (SO)

Key Losses: RB Seth Huff, RB Seth Mills (Indiana State), WR Dakota Patterson (transferred/injured), WR Treyveon Longmire (EKU) 

Game to Watch: August 20 vs Pikeville (Cumberland Falls Pigskin Classic)

Most of the key playmakers on offense are not back but the Redhounds look to build around QB Cameron Combs (92-for-157 for 1,529 yards) who tossed 13 TDs to only 1 pick and ran for 9 scores.  Another option is for Combs to slide over to running back and put sophomore Kade Elam under center. Mikey Neal led the team in tackles as a freshman last year with 112.

18. Mayfield

2021 Record: 12-2

2021 Playoffs: Lost to Beechwood 38-7 in 2A Semifinals 

2021 Final Ranking: #16

Players to Watch: QB Zane Cartwright (JR), RB/LB Jutarious Starks (JR)

Key Losses: RB Kylan Galbreath (Murray State), WR Daniel Coles

Game to Watch: August 19 at Graves County

The Cardinals ended a rare 2-game losing streak against Murray (Murray beat them in a wild triple overtime playoff game in 2020) by knocking off the Tigers 55-6 in the second round of the playoffs. They followed that up with an impressive 48-6 pasting of Green County before falling to eventual state champion Beechwood 38-7. Beechwood and LCA both look to be powerhouses again this year but look for Mayfield to make another run to the semifinals again this year behind QB Zane Cartwright (127-for-188 for 2,225 yards, 23 TDs and only 3 INTs). Jutarious Starks (73 carries for 511 yards and 12 TDs) looks to get the majority of the carries this year after the graduation of Kylan Galbreath.

19. Paducah Tilghman

2021 Record: 8-7

2021 Playoffs: Lost to Belfry 33-28 in 3A Finals

2021 Final Ranking: #25

Players to Watch: QB Jack James (SO), RB Malachi Rider (JR)

Key Losses: WR Brian Thomas, WR Camdon Marshall

Game to Watch: August 20 vs McCracken County

After starting the season 1-4, the Blue Tornado turned it around to make the state championship game. A late fumble on a kickoff return cost them a chance at a game-winning drive against Belfry in the 3A state title game. Tilghman turned heads with an impressive 41-34 win over 3A favorite CAL in the state quarterfinals. Quarterback Jack James (201-for-377 for 2,849 yards) threw for 35 TDs and 13 picks as a freshman last year. Malachi Rider (228 carries for 1,281 yards and 14 TDs) also returns in the backfield. 

20. Bryan Station 

2021 Record: 10-2

2021 Playoffs: Lost to Madison Central 41-18 in 6A 2nd Round

2021 Final Ranking: #23

Players to Watch: QB Trenton Cutwright (JR), ATH JT Haskins (JR), LB Jason Hocker (JR)

Key Loss: RB Joey Bond

Game to Watch: August 19 at Frederick Douglass

The Defenders are 20-4 since Coach Phillip Hawkins took over two years ago, really turning the program around. JT Haskins (6 defensive interceptions) is rated as one of the top recruits in the state in the Class of 2024. He is one of several defensive players that hold multiple D1 offers along with Jason Hocker, Dahvon Frazier and Jahvon Frazier. Look for Hocker (109 tackles, 16 TFL) to lead the team in tackles for the third year in a row. Damin Green (23 catches for 408 yards and 7 TDs) is versatile on offense and QB Trenton Cutright (134-for-223 for 2,210 yards, 22 TDs, 11 INTs) also returns along with RB Jeremiah Mundy-Lloyd (115 carries for 616 yards and 5 TDs). The regular season matchup with Madison Central could be crucial as it will likely determine the #1 seed in the district.

21. Southwestern 

2021 Record: 11-2

2021 Playoffs: Lost to Frederick Douglass 37-6 in 5A Quarterfinals

2021 Final Ranking: #19

Players to Watch: RB Tanner Wright (SR), RB Christian Walden (JR), OT Braiden Myers (SR)

Key Losses: RB/LB Giddeon Brainard, TE/DL Cody Harmon

Game to Watch: October 21 at Pulaski County

The Warriors return their top rusher (Tanner Wright 133 carries for 1,083 yards and 11 scores) from a team that ran for 3,770 yards last year, which was 11th in the state and 1st in 5A. Big Braiden Myers anchors the offensive line and was honorable mention All-State last year. Look for a breakout year from junior running back Christian Walden. Southwestern always has a stable of running backs. Southwestern lost to powerhouse Frederick Douglass in the quarterfinals of the playoffs the last two years, including a close heartbreaker in 2020. Look for another run to at least the quarterfinals again this season.

22. Ryle

2021 Record: 9-4

2021 Playoffs: Lost to Trinity 38-18 in 6A Quarterfinals

2021 Final Ranking: Not Ranked

Players to Watch: QB Logan Verax (JR), WR/DB Kaden Gardner (SR), OL Drew Dickerson (SR)

Key Losses: LB Gabe Savage (USMA), LB Jackson Belk (Thomas More)

Game to Watch: September 16 vs Highlands

The offense returns a ton with QB Logan Verax (190-for-333 for 2,395 yards, 18 TDs, 8 INTs) WR Kaden Gardener (56 catches for 786 yards and 7 TDs), and OL Drew Dickerson all back. However, the defense must replace linebackers Gabe Savage and Jackson Belk who were two of the top tacklers in the state last season. Ryle, who played state champ St X within 10 points last year, could be the top 6A team in northern Kentucky this year.

23. Bowling Green

2021 Record: 6-6

2021 Playoffs: Lost to South Warren 28-3 in 5A 2nd Round

2021 Final Ranking: Not Ranked

Players to Watch: QB Deuce Bailey (SO), WR/DB Bert Kibawa (SR), LB Jake Napier (SR), OL/DL Austin Anderson (SR) WR/DB Augustin Nyembo (SR)

Key Losses: DL Jeremiah Lightfoot, DE Amario Wilson

Game to Watch: September 30 vs South Warren

Lineman Austin Anderson and defensive backs Bert Kibawa and Augustin Nyembo are all back after starting on the Purples’ 2020 championship squad. After seeing rival South Warren blow out Bowling Green and win state last year, look for a much more even matchup between the Spartans and Purples this year. QB Deuce Bailey threw for 1,100 yards and 8 touchdowns as a freshman last season.

24. Pleasure Ridge Park

2021 Record: 6-5

2021 Playoffs: Lost to Manual 35-20 in 6A 2nd Round

2021 Final Ranking: Not Ranked

Players to Watch: WR Jakob Dixon (SR) (Kentucky), QB Kayden Anderson (SR), WR Kendrick Jackson (SR)

Key Losses: CB Elijah Reed (Kentucky), RB Deshawn Barkley

Game to Watch: October 21 at St. Xavier

The Panthers are forming a nice pipeline of players to UK. Elijah Reed will be suiting up for the Wildcats this year and senior Jakob Dixon (33 catches for 663 yards and 9 TDs) has committed to UK. QB Kayden Anderson returns after passing for 1,898 yards and 24 TDs last season.

25. Pulaski County

2021 Record: 7-5

2021 Playoffs: Lost to Southwestern 27-7 in 5A 2nd Round

2021 Final Ranking: Not Ranked

Players to Watch: WR Chandler Godby (SR), WR Barek Williams (SR), TE/LB Layton Abbott (SR), RB/S Cody Nichols (SR)

Key Loss: QB Drew Polston

Game to Watch: October 21 vs Southwestern

Injuries derailed the Maroons last year including Barek Williams’ serious injury early in the season. QB Drew Polston has graduated but most of the other key players return. This year Williams and Chandler Godby (75 catches for 1,061 yards and 15 TDs) should form a strong receiving duo. A regular season showdown with Southwestern looms large. North Laurel is also much improved so it will be a deep and competitive district.  The Maroons have a small team but will rely on speed and quickness. They will have an improved offensive line and several weapons at the skill positions.

26. Belfry

2021 Record: 9-6 

2021 Playoffs: Defeated Paducah Tilghman 33-28 in 3A Finals

2021 Final Ranking: #24

Players to Watch: DT/LG Brayden Spears, C Max Dotson, RB/LB Braxton Hatfield

Key Losses: RB/CB Isaac Dixon (Kentucky), RB/S Zayne Hatfield 

Game to Watch: September 16 at Pikeville

After starting off 0-5 last year the Pirates regrouped and took advantage of a less-than-stellar 3A field to win another state championship. Fifth-year senior and last year’s Mr. Football Isaac Dixon has graduated and joined the roster at UK, but legendary coach Philip Haywood is back along with Brayden Spears and Max Dotson from last year’s dominant offensive line. Look for Belfry to make another run in Class 3A again this year. Don’t expect the Pirates to pass much. They were 5-for-13 last season.

27. Lexington Catholic

2021 Record: 9-3 

2021 Playoffs: Lost to Boyle County 47-13 in 4A 2nd Round

2021 Final Ranking: #22

Players to Watch: RB Walker Hall (SR), K/P/WR/DB Max DeGraff (SR)

Key Losses: QB Jack Gohmann (Centre), WR/DB Jack Monday (University of Kentucky)

Game to Watch: October 7 vs Boyle County

Lexington Catholic lost a lot of firepower including QB Jack Gohmann (Centre) and WR/DB Jack Monday (Kentucky) along with their coach Nigel Smith. Coach Bert Bathiany takes over and has RB Walker Hall (215 carries for 1,198 yards and 15 TDs) returning. He can run right over defenders or juke them out of their shoes and is a good player to build around. Max DeGraff is one of the top kickers in the state and WR Tanner Pedroach (32 catches for 377 yards and 4 TDs) also returns. Due to the new cross-district format, they can avoid Boyle County in the first two rounds, which should certainly help.

28. Logan County

2021 Record: 10-5

2021 Playoffs: Lost to Boyle County 54-16 in 4A Semifinals

2021 Final Ranking: Not Ranked

Players to Watch: QB/DB Davin Yates (JR), RB Ryan Rayno (SR), RB/LB Elijah Hawkins (JR) 

Key Losses: WR/DB Wyatt Blake 

Game to Watch: September 2 vs Russellville

The senior dynamic duo of QB Davin Yates (116-for-187 for 1,319 yards, 16 TDs, 9 INTs, 8 rushing TDs) and RB Ryan Rayno (154 carries for 1,173 yards and 14 TDs) look to lead the Cougars on another deep playoff run. Last year was one of the best seasons in program history, highlighted by a run to the semifinals where they lost to eventual champion Boyle County. Top tackler Elijah Hawkins (127 tackles, 14 TFL, 5 sacks) also returns.

29. Raceland

2021 Record: 12-2

2021 Playoffs: Lost to Pikeville 36-7 in A Semifinals

2021 Final Ranking: Not Ranked 

Players to Watch: QB Logan Lundy (JR), RB/DB Noah Wallace (JR), WR/DB Conner Hughes (SR), K Peyton Ison (SR)

Key Loss: LB Cole Conlon

Game to Watch: October 21 vs Paintsville

The Rams return almost every key player from the 2021 team that made it all the way to the state semifinals in Class A before falling 36-7 to eventual champion Pikeville. Junior QB Logan Lundy (126-for-209 for 1,966 yards, 23 TD, 10 INT) leads the charge. I wouldn’t be surprised to see the Rams at Kroger Field this year in the state championship game.

30. Central

2021 Record: 7-5

2021 Playoffs: Lost to Franklin County 14-8 in 4A 2nd Round

2021 Final Ranking: Not Ranked 

Players to Watch: QB Xavier Brown (SR), RB Cortez Stone (SO)

Key Losses: WR/DB D Jure Johnson, LB Cylen Brown

Game to Watch: October 21 at Franklin County

The Yellow Jackets return their top QB (Xavier Brown 46-for-82 for 54 yards, 5 TDs, 4 INT) and running back (Cortez Stone 141 carries for 1,377 yards and 21 TDs) from a team that defeated 3A champ Belfry 37-6 and played well in close losses to 5A champ South Warren (20-6) and 6A powerhouse Manual (14-12). With the playoffs changing to the cross-district format this year (yay!) that could be good news for both Central and district rival Franklin County.

Top 5 By Class (Overall Rank)

Class A

  1. Pikeville (13)
  2. Raceland (29)
  3. Hazard
  4. Newport Central Catholic
  5. Paintsville

Class 2A

  1. Beechwood (5)
  2. Lexington Christian Academy (6)
  3. Mayfield (18)
  4. Owensboro Catholic
  5. Green County

Class 3A

  1. Christian Academy Louisville (16)
  2. Paducah Tilghman (19)
  3. Belfry (26)
  4. Bardstown
  5. Glasgow

Class 4A

  1. Boyle County (2)
  2. Johnson Central (9)
  3. Franklin County (14)
  4. Corbin (17)
  5. Lexington Catholic (27)

Class 5A

  1. Frederick Douglass (3)
  2. Owensboro (8)
  3. Woodford County (10)
  4. South Warren (11)
  5. Southwestern (21)

Class 6A

  1. St. Xavier (1)
  2. Male (4)
  3. Trinity (7)
  4. Madison Central (12)
  5. DuPont Manual (15)

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2024-12-30