[bac2369]

I'm surprised that food city didn't have it up there.

[Strikeout King]

Would you post Raceland's district?

Class A, District 7

1. Raceland (11-3): For a small-school program that emphasizes tradition, Raceland and its tight-knit community reached a unified high point last season as it beat Pikeville, 14-3, for the Rams' first regional football title in their history. Much of the same crew that accomplished that previously elusive feat is back.

2. Paintsville (8-4): Under first-year head coach Joe Chirico, Paintsville made a habit of surprising people. While the Tigers dropped blowout decisions to Fairview and Raceland, they supplied ample reason to believe the best is yet to come.

3. Fairview (5-5): New coach Fred Ray is optimistic Fairview can distance itself from its penalty-plagued past. The Eagles forfeited all of their wins from their 2012 seaspm state runner-up campaign, and four of their games in 2013, because of using an academically ineligible player in those games. While a speedy recovery is conceivable, incidents such as these typically require time to totally disappear.

4. Nicholas County (2-9): The Bluejackets lost nine straight to end last season, but their youth was clear factor. Coach Robert Hopkins likes the makeup of his team, noting a "very good offseason" as an indicator.


Preseason Favorite: Raceland

A dream season unfolded only to reveal a disappointing conclusion last season. Williamsburg quickly, and emphaticaly, dashed Raceland's hopes of strolling along the "red carpet" at the state championship in Bowling Green. Even with the graduation of virtually the entire front line, the starting quarterback and standout running back, to go along with a change in head coach, the Rams remain fixated on their ultimate goal. Coach Michael Salmons, a Raceland graduate, said expectations include reaching the state semifinals for the second and a good deal of athletes serving as their strenghts, Raceland has a legitimate shot of replicating 2013.


Knocking on the Door: Paintsville

Paintsville experienced its best season since 2005 a year ago. Going 8-4 under the direction of Chirico was no fluke, the Tigers hope. Some of Paintsville's top players return from injury. Plus, a talented transfer - running back Daymion Belcher from Johnson Central - has joined the huddle. He and Kent Phelps (1,188 rushing yards in 2013) will make for a difficult-to-stop duo.


2014 Preseason Player Of The Year

Connor Messer, Raceland, Sr., WR/QB/DB/P

No matter the circumstances, when the game clock is rolling, Messer is usually on the field. He can run (29 rushes, 224 yards, 4 TDs in 2013), Pass (9-of-15 for 97 yards), catch (34 receptions, 711 yards, 10 TDs), defend (3 interceptions, 53 tackles) and kick - he's the teams punter and even booted an extra point last season. Messer also returned two interceptions and ran back a punt for TDs. The senior will see more time at quarterback this season, but he's so valuable everywhere else that Salmons will likely have him hopping around. He's used to that - he's also a champion pole vaulter.


Players to Watch

Daymion Belcher, Paintsville, Jr., RB; Lucas Bradley, Raceland, Sr., OL/DL; Carson Christian, Raceland, Jr., RB/DB; Kash Daniel, Paintsville, Jr., QB; Maverick Dixon, Raceland, Sr., WB/DB; Ben Duncan, Nicholas County, Sr., QB; Seth Holbrook, Raceland, Jr., LB/OL; Isaiah King, Fairview, Sr., RB/DB, Dan Metzler, Fairview, Sr., OL/DL; Kent Phelps, Paintsville, So., RB/LB; Nathan Rainey, Nicholas County, Jr., OL/DL; Alex Roy, Fairview, Jr., QB; Blake Smith, Fairview, Sr., WR/DB; Kane Snyder, Raceland, Jr., RB/LB; Isaac Sosby, Nicholas County, Sr., RB/LB; Luke Trimble, Paintsville, Jr., WR/DB; Isaac Wallace, Raceland, So., OL/DL; Dillon Webb, Nicholas County, Sr., RB/LB; Armonde Yetts, Fairview, Sr., RB/LB; Josh Young, Raceland, Sr., QB/DB

[cougarpride08]

I went grocery shopping and saw nothing.

[T-CATS]

Ashland district.

[panther nation]

Could you post 4a district 6

[Big Five-0-]

class a, district 8

1. Pikeville (11-2): Longtime frontrunner pikeville remains the team to beat in the district.

2. Allen central (2-9): Allen central returns numerous young players at key positions.

3. South floyd (3-8): South floyd knocked off phelps and a pair of non-district foes in its previous campaign.

4. Phelps (1-10): Phelps managed to defeat district foe allen central for its lone win in the 2013 season.


preseason favorite: pikeville

tradition-rich pikeville played in its fourth straight regional championship game last season, losing to raceland. Now, six starters are back on both offense and defense for the panthers.

Quarterback austin charles and wide receiver cody estep, now seniors, connected 40-plus times in the 2013 season. Charles completed 82-of-127 passes for 1,589 yards and 21 touchdowns and only three interceptions. A go-to receiver, estep had 43 receptions for 1,025 yards and 15 touchdowns last season.

Ben maynard (18 carries, 242 yards, five tds; eight receptions, 151 yards, two tds) will also take carries out of the backfield and haul in catches for the panthers. Back from injury, junior running back daric pugh will also contribute. Fellow juniors kory stevens and anthony vanderback will aid the offensive attack as well.

Two starters-center logan coleman and right guard isaac lucas - return along with pikeville's offensive line.

Defensively, estep, maynard, pugh, stevens, vanderback, lucas, austin salyer and quenton little are in the group of leading players back for the pikeville football team.


team on the rise: Allen central

allen central will not be short of talented young players in the 2014 season. Despite losing quarterback cameron hamilton to graduation, allen central returns multiple skill players along with experienced linemen and defensive standouts.

Offensively, leaders trey aldrich, corey davis and steven howard all return for the rebels. Lineman tyler halbert is back on the field after suffering an injury.

Many allen central players will start on both sides of the ball. Defensively, linebacker chase soler and safety jacob barker are among allen central's additional key returnees.

The rebels knocked off familiar foe south floyd for their lone district win last season. Allen central also posted a non-district victory over jekins.


2014 preseason player of the year

cody estep, pikeville, sr., wr/s, 5-10, 175.

As a junior in 2013, pikeville wide receiver cody estep ranked as one of the state's top pass catchers. Drawing heavy coverage from opposing teams, estep delivered catch after catch. The productive estep also rushed for one touchdown and scored five other tds. From his defensive back position, estep also took on the role of a leading defender for the panthers.


players to watch

trey aldrich, allen central, jr., wr/db, 5-11, 165; austin charles, pikeville, sr., qb/db, 6-1, 200; brett daniels, south floyd, sr., wr/db, 5-11, 160; corey davis, allen central, sr., rb/lb, 5-10, 205; zack francis, phelps, sr., qb/lb, 6-0, 180; tyler halbert, allen central, sr., ol/dl, 5-10, 210; steven howard, allen central, so., rb/lb, 5-8, 185; hunter johnson, south floyd, jr., qb/db, 5-10, 170; mack little, south floyd, sr., ol/dl, 6-0, 270; ben maynard, pikeville, sr., rb/db, 5-11, 165; daric pugh, pikeville, jr., rb/lb, 6-0, 210; anthony vanderback, pikeville, jr., rb/db, 6-2, 190.

thanks!

[cougarpride08]

I'll get yours sometime Monday. I'll go ahead and tell you, District 7, Pulaski is 1 and Madison Southern is 2...Damien Harris (MS) is the preseason player of the year in that district.......District 8, Letcher Central is ranked 3rd behind Perry and Harlan County...LCC has three players on the players to watch list, Zane Blair, Hunter Hall and Jaylen Williams

They posted that before we got the kid from Harlan. Is he mentioned as a player to watch?

[HDE]

No, Josh Lee started the second half of the season for HCHS, but he wouldn't have been listed in that group, at least not until next year.

[NEWARKCATHOLICFAN]

Mr.Wheeler sent me my copy again this year.

Always enjoy reading the magazine.


Wouldn't it be nice if there was a magazine just for Kentucky High School Football?

[Strikeout King]

Ashland district.

Class 4A, District 8

1. Johnson Central (11-1): The Golden Eagles are 11-1 against district opponents over the last three years. Johnson Central has never lost to the Tomcats in Paintsville, the site of this season's meeting, under the direction of head coach Jim Matney (he took over in 2004. That's partly why they have the edge.

2. Ashland (8-4): The Tomcats have been rather dominant inside the district too, with only two losses to district opponents since 2011. Both were against Johnson Central. Ashland looks to possess more experience and explosiveness on the offensive side than Johnson Central, but defense will determine their fate this season.

3. Rowan County (3-8): Coach Ray Graham returns to where he guided the Vikings to a good deal of success in the 1980's. The Vikings played closely with some quality competition last season.

4. Boyd County (1-10): The Lions managed just one win against a strenuous schedule under first-year coach John Gilliam.

5. Greenup County (2-8): The Musketeers won their first game since 2010 last year. Then they won another. Five of their losses were decided by nine points or fewer.


Preseason Favorite: Johnson Central

Matney may possess at least a pair of Division 1 prospects in 6-foot-7, 300 pound lineman Tristen Salyer and 6-4 kicker Tyler Pack, already a state record holder. Matney's teams are typically large up front, feisty in the middle and opportunistic on the sides. Even with the departure of running back Daymion Belcher, Johnson Central will likely find a way to pile up yards in the ground game behind Salyer and company. The Golden Eagles will play with extra incentive carried over from last season, which ended with a disappointing blowout loss to Covington Catholic in the playoffs.


Still a Power Player: Ashland

With the addition of speedster Jake Long, a transfer from Ironton, the Tomcats' backfield will be douse with athleticism. Long played sparingly for the Tomcats over the last few weeks of 2013 but he figures to play a more prominent role this season. Fleet-of-foot quarterback Hunter Prince and talented running back Quinton Baker return as starters, ultimately forming an offense answers for a vacated secondary. However, relentless linebacker/defensive end Drew O'Bryan has enough ability to lead a taught defense for the Tomcats


2014 Preseason Player of the Year

Quinton Baker, Ashland, Jr., RB, 5-10, 180

Both elusive and electrifying, Baker has already received an offer from Kentucky. The 5-10, 180-pounder junior will look to make his career numbers even more remarkable. As a freshman, Baker rushed for nearly 1,000 yards and 16 touchdowns despite battling injuries over the last three weeks of the season. He went for 1,600-plus yards and 17 scores in his sophomore season.


Players to Watch

Dalton Adkins, Johnson Central, Sr., WR/DB; Zac Bruner, Boyd County, Sr., DE/TE/P/K; Ryan Byrd, Greenup County, Jr., RB/LB; Seth Caudill, Boyd County, Sr., OL/LB; Blake Chapman, Rowan County, Jr., TE/DE; Tanner Edmonds, Boyd County, Jr., Slot; Shawn Gilliam, Ashland, Sr., DB/WR; Devin Helvey, Rowan County, Jr., QB, Drew Johnston, Greenup County, Sr., OL/DL; Matt Lawson, Greenup County, Sr., RB/LB; Jake Long, Ashland, Jr., RB/WR; Jonathan Mayo, Rowan County, Sr., OL/DL; Drew O'Bryan, Ashland, Jr., LB/DE; Tyler Pack, Johnson Central, Jr., K; David Pennington, Rowan County, Sr., OL/DL; Tank Peterman, Boyd County, OL/DL; Hunter Prince, Ashland, Sr., QB; Tristen Salyer, Johnson Central, Sr., OL/DL; Truman Salyer, Johnson Central, Sr., OL/DL; Rusty Wells, Greenup County, Sr., WR/DB; Bryce Workman, Johnson Central, Jr., QB/DB.

[Strikeout King]

Could you post 4a district 6

1. Knox Central (6-5): A 2013 season that begin with much promise ended with great disappointment as the Panthers stumbled to a second-place finish in the district and a first round playoff loss after entering the season as a slight favorite.

2. Russell County (10-2): Not too many teams dominated their district more than the Lakers in 2013 as they blew past their three rivals by a combined score of 114-13.

3. Rockcastle County (2-9): Despite two-straight two win seasons, coach Scott Parkey is excited about the Rockets' chances for big improvement this fall with six starters back both ways.

4. Clay County (2-9): Several individuals had good seasons for the Tigers in 2013 but competing in 4A remained a struggle. Improvement is expected this fall with several key players back.


Preseason Favorite: Knox Central

Staying healthy could be the key to the Panthers' hopes of ending a district championship drought. Several key players have been slowed by nagging injuries and will need to rebound in 2014 if Knox Central is to end Russell County's recent district dominance.

Senior wide receiver Matthew Barger is the Panthers' primary playmaker but junior halfback Jacob Mills showed flashes of his potential last year with 402 yards rushing and four TDs. Sophomore Jaxon Stewart, a transfer from Corbin, is expected to take over at quarterback. The offensive front should be solid with seniors Alex Sprinkles, Corey Owens and Dee Castle returning, along with junior tight end Hunter McRight. Senior Hayden Canady is the leader on defense after recording a team-high 146 tackles a year ago. McRight (75 tackles). Owens (72 tackles) and Barger also return.


Looking for a Three Peat: Russell County

The Lakers will likely welcome not being the preseason favorite after answering a similar slight last year by steamrolling through their three district opponents for a second straight year. Russell loses eight starters on both offense and defense but will have several players with experience to rebuild around, including senior halfback Wes Fletcher, who ran for 1,462 yards last year and scored 26 touchdowns. Senior quarterback Austin Smiddy gained valuable experience last year, passing for 521 yards and six touchdowns. Senior receiver Braxton Mann led the team in receptions last season with 13 for 171 yards. Senior end Nick Coffey (6-5, 240), who is being recruited by several Divison 1 schools, returns to lead the defense after recording 68 tackles last year to rank third on the team. Senior linebacker Brandon Crew also returns.


2014 Preseason Player Of The Year

Matthew Barger, Knox Central, Sr., WR/S, 6-2, 170

Finding a position that Barger can't play would be easier than listing those he has played in his four years as a starter for the Panthers. Barger was first on the team in passing yardage and second in rushing a year ago, but neither quarterback nor running back is his best position. Coach Scott Russell hopes he can keep Barter at receiver, where he had 13 catches for 182 yards in limited action last season after pulling in 46 receptions for 754 yards the year before. Barter is also a playmaker in the secondary, where he had three interceptions and 41 tackles last season.


Players to Watch

Isaiah Adams, Rockcastle County, Sr., FB/DE, 5-9, 205; Chance Ansardi, Rockcastle County, Sr., FB/DE, 6-1, 240; Hayden Canady, Knox Central, Sr., FB/LB, 5-11, 240; Sam Carr, Clay County, Sr., TB, 5-11, 195; Dee Castle, Knox Central, Sr., G, 6-0, 270; Nick Coffey, Russell County, Sr., TE/DE, 6-5, 240; Kyle Denny, Rockcastle County, Sr., WR/FS, 6-1, 150; Ryan Holland, Clay County, Sr., QB, 6-3, 215; Wes Fletcher, Russell County, Sr., HB/CB, 5-10, 165; Jacob Reid, Clay County, Sr., LB, 5-11, 220; Austin Smiddy, Russell County, Sr., QB/S, 6-2, 190; Shawn Stephens, Russell County, Sr., C/T, 6-1, 275.

[PreacherVol71]

Western commit Nick Coffey is the best player in the district in IMHO and East Carter Transfer Jordan Ratcliff will be in the running for several post season awards.

[willseeuntheHOUSE]

Predictions like this will give the Lakers plenty of motivation for October 24. Circle the date lakers, and prepare for a good and favored Knox Central team.

[panther nation]

Thanks SK

[T-CATS]

Thank you for the info!!!!

[Mcats10]

Can you post Class 4A district 2?

[Strikeout King]

5A D7 and 8

Class 5A, District 7

1. Pulaski County (14-1): The Maroons are hoping to reach the Class 5A state championship game again, but this time around with a different result.

2. Madison Southern (10-2): The Eagles are looking to unseat Pulaski County as district champions with running back Damien Harris returning to the mix.

3. Southwestern (1-9): Larry French is looking to turn things around for the Warriors.

4. Lincoln County (5-6): The Patriots return two-time All-State lineman in senior Andrew Wilks.

5. North Laurel (8-3): The Jaguars are still searching for their first-ever playoff win.

6. South Laurel (3-7): The Cardinals have their third coach in as many years with hopes that Hunter Jackson can guide them to their first winning season since 2007.


Preseason Favorite: Pulaski County

The Maroons marched all the way to the Class 5A finals before falling to Bowling Green. Johnny Hines' squad is hoping to make another deep run in teh postseason again this year with nine starters returning on offense and seven on defense.

"We return a lot of expierenced players." Hines said. "We feel that our quarterback (Riley Hall), is one of the best in the state. We are excited to have Mason Helton back in the line-up after an injury. George Gregory and Jake Johnson give us a double threat on the outside.

"Defensively, we will be very small, but hope to utilize our quickness," he added. "Hunter Merrick will lead the charge at defensive end, as well as free safety Christian Holman and linebackers Jesse Whitaker and Mason Helton. Derek Burgett will be a big weapon in the kicking game."



Knocking on the Door: Madison Southern[/U

Madison Southern returns the state's top running back in Damien Harris, giving the Eagles hope of making a deep run in the postseason.

"While we have some very strong players returning, our team will be young in regards to experience," Madison Southern coach Jon Clark said. "We return one starter on the offensive line, but both tight ends return. We return most of our backfield, but will be young at center. On defense, we are returning four players who have started. Our kicker is returning for his senior year as well."


[U]2014 Preseason Player Of The Year

Damien Harris, Madison Southern, Sr., RB/OLB, 5-11, 215.

Harris is considered one of the top running backs in the nation. He was named 2013 Kentucky Gatorade Player of the Year while earning All-State First Team honors as well. He ran for 2,621 yards on the ground last season while totaling 42 rushing touchdowns, and 45 touchdowns overall. He also had eight catches for 37 yards.


Players to Watch

Lucas Brewer, Southwestern, Sr., DE, 6-0, 205; J.D. Dean, Madison Southern, Sr., WR/DB, 5-10, 170; George Gregory, Pulaski County, Jr., WR/CB, 6-0, 175; Jared Grubb, South Laurel, So., RB/DB, 5-11, 170; Riley Hall, Pulaski County, Jr., QB, 6-0, 160; Jake Johnson, Pulaski County, So., WR, 6-1, 168; Keaton Kennedy, North Laurel, Sr., K, 6-0, 190; Jake McFadden, North Laurel, Sr., RB/LB, 6-1, 210; Aaron Sipple, Madison Southern, Sr., MLB/RB, 5-10, 210; Andrew Wilks, Lincoln County, Sr., OL/DL, 6-3, 280.




Class 5A, District 8

1. Harlan County (8-4): Despite being hit hard by graduation, the Black Bears remain a solid favorite for their fifth straight district title behind a strong running game and hard-hitting defense.

2. Perry County Central (6-6): Coming off only the second playoff win in school history, Perry Central has the look of a team on the rise under former Breathitt County star quarterback Justin Haddix.

3. Letcher County Central (4-7): Legendary Breathitt County coach Mike Holcomb had a few more downs than ups in season one of rebuilding a program that hasn't posted a playoff victory since finishing as regional runner-up in 2009. Senior quarterback Zane Blair, junior tailback Jaylen Williams and senior halfback Hunter Hall should provide enough big plays to help the Cougars improve.

4. Whitley County (1-10): Jason Chappell takes over as coach adn inherits a rebuilding program that slowly fell on hard times after winning a regional title in 2008. Junior tailback Zach Mills and senior quarterback/running back Austin Ysidro will give Chappell a couple of proven players.


Preseason Favorite: Harlan County

After four straight of domination, the Black Bears appear to be in position for a fifth straight district title despite losing several top players to graduation. Fred Massey should be one of eastern Kentucky's top running backs behind an offensive front that returns seniors Zach Caldwell, Gary Helton and Bo Harris. Junior lefthander Jarrett Ford is the early favorite to replace Scotty Bailey at quarterback. The defense was hit hard by graduation, especially with four year starter Carson Whitehead moving on, but the Bears will rebuild around Massey at linebacker, Nick Cornett at cornerback and Bobby Huff at nose guard. Seniors J.T. Cabell and Hunter Lewis saw extensive action on the defnesive front last year, and sophomore Kennon Napier is likely replacement for Whitehead at middle linebacker.


Team on the Rise: Perry County Central

The multi-talented Nathan Pray may be the most dangerous weapon in the district with his skills as a runner, receiver and passer. Pray split time at quarterback and receiver, passing for 10 touchdowns and pulling in 11 through the air. Seth Napier, a junior, will share time at quarterback behind sophomore-dominated offensive line featuring tackles Jeremy Woolum (6-2, 245) and Austin Caudill (6-0, 240) and center Donnie Noble (6-0, 260) that gained valuable varsity experience last season. Senior linebackers Michael Shepherd (97 tackles last season) and Josh Garry (77 tackles) are back to lead a defense that also returns junior safety Tyler Lawson, a senior end Brandon Campbell (33 tackles) and junior linebacker Jordan Combs (69 tackles).


2014 Preseason Player Of The Year

Fred Massey, Harlan County, Sr., TB/LB, 6-1, 210.

Blessed with both speed and power, Massey is the latest in what is quickly developing into a long line of outstanding running backs in Tom Larkey's ground-oriented offense that has featured the past three district players of the year. Both Massey and Carson Whitehead topped the 1,000-yard mark last year, but with Whitehead moving on to the next level you can bet that Massey's carries and statistics will continue to rise. Massey is also a leader on one of eastern Kentucky's top defenses at linebacker.


Players to Watch

Zane Blair, Letcher Central, Sr., QB, 6-3, 200; Zach Caldwell, Harlan County, Sr., T/T, 6-3, 300; Josh Garry, Perry Central, Sr., TE/LB, 6-4, 235; Hunter Hall, Letcher Central, Sr., HB/LB, 6-0, 170; Gary Helton, Harlan County, Sr., T, 6-0, 245; Bobby Huff, Harlan County, Sr., HB/NG, 5-6, 170; Zach Mills, Whitley County, Jr., TB/DB, 5-9, 175; Nathan Pray, Perry Central, Sr., WR/CB, 5-11, 165; Michael Shepherd, Perry Central, Sr., FB/LB, 6-0, 190; Jaylen Williams, Letcher Central, Jr., TB/DB, 5-9, 190; Austin Ysidro, Whitley County, Sr., QB/RB/LB, 6-2, 225.

[Strikeout King]

Can you post Class 4A district 2?

I'll get it either later tonight or sometime Wednesday.

[cougarpride08]

Think it is funny that we beat PCC last year, and they still put us behind them. We shall see. Motivate these guys with this nonsense.

[pjdoug]

Think it is funny that we beat PCC last year, and they still put us behind them. We shall see. Motivate these guys with this nonsense.

Whitley County beat you last year so you should be put behind them nicker::truestory:

[cougarpride08]

Like I said we shall see.

[Strikeout King]

Can you post Class 4A district 2?

I'll get yours sometime tomorrow evening. Eli Brown (Warren Central) is the preseason player of the year

[RunItUpTheGut]

Whitley County beat you last year so you should be put behind them nicker::truestory:

Im calling it now. Whitley finishes second behind Harlan County this yea in district and beats both PCC and LCC.
They will win district in 2015.



It also needs updated. It will be hard for Massey to be preseason player of the year when he transferred to Williamsburg U.

[pjdoug]

Im calling it now. Whitley finishes second behind Harlan County this yea in district and beats both PCC and LCC.
They will win district in 2015.



It also needs updated. It will be hard for Massey to be preseason player of the year when he transferred to Williamsburg U.

that wouldn't surprise me. Massey may be player of the year for Williamsburg.

[cougarpride08]

Well they mentioned Haddix being coach on two teams. Corbin and PCC. Really needed to be updated and sends out a little later to get facts right. Who is going to be player of he year in 5AD8? By the way, I finally got my copy of the magazine. Nicely done!

[O.c.rocks]

Could you post 5a dist 4 please

[Mcats10]

Don't forget me Strikeout king.
Class 4A district 2

[Strikeout King]

Don't forget me Strikeout king.
Class 4A district 2

I haven't. I had to work yesterday and didn't get home til late, I'll try and get it out tonight.

[mantax]

I would be interested in hearing about all of the NKY teams which would be 1A, 2A, 4A, 5A and 6A if you would not mind posting.

[Mr.Clutch23]

Can you post class 1A the districts for Williamsburg, hazard, and mayfield? Thanks!