Bluegrassrivals

CLASS 6-A

* Favorite: Trinity has won three straight state titles and was the coaches' pick in The Courier-Journal's preseason poll, despite the loss of 16 of 22 starters. Eight juniors and two sophomores are expected to start on defense, but the Shamrocks rarely lack for talent.

* Not far behind: St. Xavier is 0-6 against Trinity over the past three years but -- on paper, at least -- appears to have fewer question marks than the Shamrocks going into the season. Transfer quarterback B.J. Nagle and running back Charles Walker should have big seasons while leading the offense.

* Sleeper: Male has a deep and talented sophomore class that went undefeated as freshmen. If the youngsters can quickly adjust to varsity-level speed, the Bulldogs could be dangerous come November.

HONOR ROLL

* Top college prospect: Trinity senior Reggie Bonnafon will start at quarterback for the first time this season but already has committed to the University of Louisville and is a leading candidate for Mr. Football honors.

* Biggest shoes to fill: Mike Glaser won seven state championships in 31 seasons as St. Xavier's head coach. Now it's up to new coach Will Wolford to keep the tradition going.

* The next big thing: Leading the way for Male's sophomore class is wide receiver Keion Wakefield. The 6-foot 155-pounder already has a scholarship offer from the University of Kentucky.

THREE THINGS TO WATCH

* Scott County has reached the state semifinals the past four years, leading coach Jim McKee to proclaim it the "premier public-school 6-A program in Kentucky." Senior wide receiver/safety Scott Daniel is one of the state's top seniors after posting 2,028 all-purpose yards and 21 touchdowns last year.

* Henderson County has a new coach in Tony Lewis, who previously coached at Evansville (Ind.) Reitz. The Colonels return eight starters on defense, led by linebackers Brennan Farley and Richard Carter.

* First-year school McCracken County -- formed from Lone Oak, Heath and Reidland -- should be a top program in Western Kentucky. Jack Haskins, who led Lone Oak to Class 4-A runner-up finishes in 2007 and 2009, is the McCracken County coach.

THREE MUST-SEE GAMES

* Pleasure Ridge Park at Scott County, Sept. 6: It's a matchup of the past two Class 6-A runners-up.

* Male at Ballard, Sept. 27: Could be the top two public-school programs in Louisville this season.

* St. Xavier vs. Trinity, Oct. 4 at Papa John's Cardinal Stadium: Seriously, it's must-see!

CLASS 5-A

* Favorite: Bowling Green has won two straight state titles and enters the season with the state's longest current winning streak (30). With nine starters back on offense (including dazzling wide receiver Nacarius Fant) and seven back on defense, the Purples once again are the team to beat.

* Not far behind: John Hardin has lost to Bowling Green in the state semifinals the past two years, including a 14-13 heartbreaker last season. The Bulldogs return just two starters on offense and also have a new head coach in former defensive coordinator Chad Lewis.

* Sleeper: The western half of Class 5-A is loaded, but look out for Harlan County from the East. The Black Bears have 13 of 22 starters back from last year's team that lost to Cooper in the state semifinals, led by defensive stalwarts Carson Whitehead and Cole Wilson.

HONOR ROLL

* Top college prospect: Conner quarterback Drew Barker had scholarship offers from all over the country and chose to commit to the University of Kentucky in May. He passed for 2,067 yards and 22 touchdowns last season while also leading the Cougars in rushing (1,422 yards, 18 TDs).

* Biggest shoes to fill: Logan Woodside and Ryan Timmons are off to college after helping Franklin County average 56.6 points per game last season. Quarterback Barrett Sanderson and running back Chris Roberts now enter the spotlight for the Flyers.

* The next big thing: Bullitt Central junior running back Trevor Carnell (5 feet 10, 180 pounds) already has established himself as the Cougars' leader after rushing for 1,946 yards and 23 touchdowns as a sophomore.

THREE THINGS TO WATCH

* Barker might be the top college prospect in the class, but John Hardin's Matt Elam is the top -- and biggest -- uncommitted prospect. The 6-5, 360-pound defensive tackle reportedly has narrowed his college list to Kentucky, Alabama, Tennessee, Louisville, Ohio State and Notre Dame.

* Cooper was the state runner-up last season but suffered big-time losses to graduation. Along with replacing quarterback Tyler Morris, the Jaguars must break in four new starters on the offensive line and three new starters on the defensive line.

* Madison Southern junior running back Damien Harris figures to be among the top candidates for Kentucky's 2014 Mr. Football honor. He rushed for 1,911 yards and 37 touchdowns last year and recently committed to Michigan.

THREE MUST-SEE GAMES

* Highlands at John Hardin, Sept. 14: This will be the toughest test of John Hardin's beefed-up schedule this season.

* Conner at Cooper, Oct. 3: These two could meet again in a regional final in November.

* Warren Central at Bowling Green, Oct. 18: The Purples have won four straight in this rivalry, but the Dragons are expected to be among the top teams in 5-A this year.

CLASS 4-A

* Favorite: Highlands has won six straight state championships and lost just once to a Kentucky school during that streak (Ryle in 2010). With 23 players back who started at least one game last year, the Bluebirds are overwhelming favorites to make it seven in a row.

* Not far behind: Collins was blanked 47-0 by Highlands in last year's state final but has 17 of 22 starters back. Senior DeAndre Farris is one of the state's most versatile players.

* Sleeper: Coach Dave Wirth believes this is the year Covington Catholic can once again challenge its district rival, Highlands. Middle linebacker Sam Burchell leads the defense.

HONOR ROLL

* Top college prospect: Warren East junior linebacker Eli Brown (6-2, 192) has committed to Vanderbilt after also holding offers from Ohio State, Kentucky and Western Kentucky. He rushed for 756 yards and 11 touchdowns and also posted 90 tackles on defense.

* Biggest shoes to fill: Dylan Beasley graduated after passing for 4,522 yards and 41 touchdowns at Nelson County last year. Senior Jonathon Breeding will replace Beasley at quarterback this year.

* The next big thing: Lexington Catholic junior quarterback Reese Ryan (6-2, 175) passed for 1,351 yards and 15 touchdowns last season and already has scholarship offers from the University of Louisville and Illinois.

THREE THINGS TO WATCH

* Boyle County should be one of the top teams in Class 4-A once again but has just seven of 22 starters back from last season. Coach Larry French is expecting big things from sophomore quarterback Josiah Robbins.

* Owensboro needs 11 victories this season to reach 700 all-time, and coach Joe Prince believes he has the team to do it. Linebacker Logan Blue and lineman Christon Woods lead a defense with eight returning starters.

* Russell County averaged 45.5 points per game last year and was undefeated before falling to Boyle County in the second round of the playoffs. The Lakers return 14 of 22 starters but must find a replacement for star running back Nick Britt.

THREE MUST-SEE GAMES

* Ballard at Collins, Sept. 6: The Titans get a big test against one of the top 6-A teams from Louisville.

* Highlands at Covington Catholic, Sept. 28: Could be a preview of a regional final in November.

* Lexington Catholic at Boyle County, Oct. 4: Knights have won four straight in this rivalry.

http://lms.usatodayhss.com/louisville/ar...ing-season

CLASS 3-A

* Favorite: Central has dominated this class, winning the past three state titles and five of six since the expansion to six classes in 2007. The defense should be strong with linebackers Donald Styles, Phillip Francis and Derquoine Mobley leading the way.

* Not far behind: Belfry has been the clear No. 2 in Class 3-A since 2007, falling to Central four times in the championship game. Quarterback Sani Warren and top rushers Justin Johnson, Trenity Carr and Austin Hatfield all return for the Pirates.

* Sleeper: South Warren enters its third season of play after a trip to the regional finals last year. Senior quarterback Jay Eblen returns after passing for 15 touchdowns and also leading the team in rushing last year.

HONOR ROLL

* Top college prospect: South Warren senior lineman Adrian Middleton (6-4, 270) has committed to the University of Kentucky. He's a strong tackle on the offensive line and also posted 59 tackles on the defensive line last season.

* Biggest shoes to fill: Quarterback Chad Wilson did it all in leading Monroe County to a 12-2 record last year, rushing for 28 touchdowns and passing for 10 more. Sophomore Lincoln Arnett looks to take over as the signal caller this year.

* The next big thing: Fort Campbell junior running back Tristen Luke rushed for 1,935 yards and 30 touchdowns as a sophomore last season.

THREE THINGS TO WATCH

* Prolific running back Kentayvus Hopkins has graduated from Bourbon County, but the Colonels have plenty of weapons with eight starters back on offense. Senior quarterback Dalton Pope leads the way after passing for 22 TDs last year.

* Wayne County gave Central all it wanted in the second round of the playoffs last year, falling 21-18, and has nine starters back on both sides of the ball. Senior quarterback Tyler Guffey returns after passing for 1,535 yards and 17 TDs.

* Paducah Tilghman should once again have one of the best teams in the western part of the state. Senior defensive end Derik Overstreet has committed to Western Kentucky, and defensive back Darrius Spivey-Nunn also is receiving interest from colleges.

THREE MUST-SEE GAMES

* Belfry at Harlan County, Sept. 6: Matchup of two of the top teams from the mountains.

* St. Xavier at Central, Sept. 27: The Yellowjackets never have beaten the Tigers, but this game will provide good preparation for Central's district schedule.

* Bell County at Wayne County, Sept. 27: Cardinals get their shot at knocking the Bobcats off their district perch.

CLASS 2-A

* Favorite: This looks to be the most wide-open class in the state, but defending champion Newport Central Catholic gets the nod. Longtime assistant Dan Wagner enters his first season as head coach.

* Not far behind: Caldwell County made a big splash last year before falling to Newport Central Catholic 30-26 in the state final. Plenty of firepower returns for an offense that averaged 39.5 points per game last year.

* Sleeper: Owensboro Catholic was 11-0 last year before a double-overtime loss to Murray in the second round of the playoffs. Senior quarterback Houston Hartz passed for 2,703 yards and 31 TDs last year.

HONOR ROLL

* Top college prospect: Caldwell County junior quarterback Elijah Sindelar burst on the scene last year while passing for 2,961 yards and 32 TDs. His arm strength and size (6-5, 195) make him a strong prospect.

* Biggest shoes to fill: Clay Clevenger is the new coach at Danville, where Sam Harp left after winning seven state titles in 25 years.

* The next big thing: Prestonsburg junior QB Jarred Jarrell threw for a state-record 676 yards and nine touchdowns in a win over Pike County Central last year. Also a running threat, look for more big numbers from Jarrell this season.

THREE THINGS TO WATCH

* Glasgow has 16 of 22 starters back from last year's 10-3 team, including two running backs who topped 1,300 yards last season -- senior Quentel Bradley and junior Marquez Trigg.

* Murray has produced several solid kickers and punters over the year, including Tim Masthay of the Green Bay Packers. Murray coach Steve Duncan said senior Schafer Putz should be the ninth straight Murray kicker to play in college.

* Clinton County enters the season with the state's longest current losing streak (37) and will not play a district schedule.

THREE MUST-SEE GAMES

* Bardstown vs. DeSales, Sept. 27 at Southern: This one could decide the District Four championship.

* Mayfield at Caldwell County, Nov. 1: The Tigers get a huge test before the playoffs.

* Newport Central Catholic at Beechwood, Nov. 2: Northern Kentucky powers meet on the final day of the regular season.

CLASS A

* Favorite: Mayfield has been in four straight state finals, winning the crown in 2010 and 2012. Senior quarterback Jake Guhy leads the way after passing for 34 TDs with just one interception last year.

* Not far behind: Beechwood has lost to Mayfield in the state semifinals each of the past four years but should be back in the mix this year. Nine starters return on offense.

* Sleeper: Raceland finished 9-3 last year and returns most of its top players, including quarterback Adam Elkins and running back Daylin Beach.

HONOR ROLL

* Top college prospect: Fairview junior Cody McPeek (6-3, 325) drew the attention of several college scouts while attending camps in Cincinnati and Dallas during the offseason.

* Biggest shoes to fill: Jonathan Jackson, now at Murray State, will go down as one of the best players in Mayfield history. Jordon Tyler and Stuart Mills will fill his shoes at running back.

* The next big thing: Frankfort junior Jalen Washington (5-10, 180) scored 19 touchdowns last year and was a threat as a running back and receiver. He'll be the Panthers' top threat this year.

THREE THINGS TO WATCH

* Hazard has reached the state semifinals six straight years and has 15 of 22 starters back from last season. Senior linebacker Josh Meehan (6-2, 225) posted 118 tackles last year and leads the defense.

* Russellville is poised for another big season with 16 of 22 starters back, including seven players who are three-year starters. Senior quarterback Barrett Croslin and senior running back Demarcus Hampton lead the offense.

* Fairview reached its first state final last year before getting blasted by Mayfield, 55-8. The Eagles must replace three players who rushed for more than 1,300 yards.

THREE MUST-SEE GAMES

* Mayfield at Paducah Tilghman, Sept. 7: It will be the 100th meeting in a series that began in 1911.

* Hazard at Fairview, Sept. 20: It's a rematch of last year's state semifinal, which Fairview won 40-6.

* Russellville at Mayfield, Oct. 25: Could be a preview of the regional final in November.

http://lms.usatodayhss.com/louisville/ar...ing-season

Good Post I think Harlan County is a sleeper in 5A

I like it. I like it a lot.

Harlan county only team mentioned in the mountians! SAME O SAME O!!:igiveup: