[The Contrarian]

The East this year will not compare to the west side, hands down, unless some unknown players make a huge step up.

My rankings are mostly based in the top 5, because from there on is no desicive teams where one definately over powers another, and even in the top 5 the skill level is very much the same. however here it goes, as to who will win the tourny in December.

1. Union Co- looses a Qb, but returns Devon Foster and 17 starters over 15 seniors, went through the loss of a death of there top player on the line and probly 2nd overall on the team, there top player was out with a knee injury 7 games, and several other injuries affected them all season. with a healthy roster this team has MANY players who could end up on the next level. the line will take a few hits. but nothing like last year with the loss of timothy mckenney who playyed both ways.

2. Paducah Tilghman- the speed of tilghman last year was unheard of until the second round of playoffs when they passed union. there QB who won the championship, will not be returning, and Cox union has handled ever game played against him since the start of these seniors careers. they also loose there RB, and a few others. i dont see them using the same wildcat tactics as last year or having the players to pull a switch around like last year. paducah will be watch and not taken lightly.

3. central- although they loose possible the best roster a 3a team as produced in the last few decades, central will come to play, and a few new names will appear as do every year. speed and practice make this team too much of a threat for any teams other than the listed above to play with, but we will see how well the coach can truely pull them together.

4. Belfry- the young team will make alot of adjustments this year probably find there rhyme and do some magic to make it to the finals from the east, however, loosing verney and other is going to be hard to replace.

5. Russellville- Looked very good on tape last year, actually had tilghman in the regional game until there very end and had a large lead until the second half. this team could potentially spark a fire like tilghman did going unnoticed and pull off some major upsets this season.

There maybe a few surprises from the east in 2010. Belfry was mentioned, and from what I've heard, they are in a rebuilding season. But they have a great coach and tradition going for them, that may make them a threat in 2010.

Then there's is Sheldon Clark, who came on strong in the play-offs. As I understand it, they are returning a good group of young men who saw a lot of action in 2009. They just may surprise some of the football pundits.

Likewise, do not count out Pikeville Central; they have been improving the last couple years, and will be a force to be reckoned with.

To sum it up, however, only the games on Friday nights' will confirm our thoughts, or on the other hand, disavow those thoughts and predictions.

Good luck to all in 2010!