[Panther Thunder]

AGREED. and this coming from someone who would LOVE to see a Russellville, Raceland, Williamsburg, Fairview, Frankfort, Hazard, Pikeville State Champ. Preferably Raceland, but I know that is an incredibly long shot. Outside of Hazard a few years back and Pikeville in the early 90s it's been nothing but Mayfield, Beechwood, New Cath(2 A now), Danville(2A now), with a LCA title in the mix as well. Would love to see a few dark horses finally get over the hump. But it's the same powers every year and its because of things like every 2 years having an offensive/defensive line full of jrs and srs.

Raceland has that this year, with a bunch of guys seeing significant time since being freshman, but winning is a habit and tradition and the above mentioned schools. Winning your district isn't enough, Raceland hasn't even been able to do that in almost 6 seasons.

But with all that said, it is Mayfield's to lose. But that is why the games are played. Even though there is really a toss up among the top 3-8 teams. Looking ahead to play off time, Beechwood and Hazard will by that time have figured things out. So it is safe to say they will be in the hunt by the end of the year.

Raceland and Fairview are toss ups, because you don't know what Fairview will field and Raceland seems to be unable to win the big one, meaning a Regional Championship. Pikeville is the team to watch IMO. Their talent and skill are through the roof at this point. But Beechwood and Mayfield general produce a line that is much bigger and stronger than teams from the Eastern Bracket outside of Hazard and Raceland.

This will be an interesting season. Though many look at 1A being down, which it probably is, the top 4 or 5 teams after Mayfield should make for some great games to watch when they finally get to face one another. Matchup's that I am looking forward to:

Raceland vs Fairview
Mayfield vs Russellville
Pikeville vs Hazard
Beechwood vs Bellvue
Hazard vs Fairview

several games here that will have HUGE meanings. Rivalries aside, big implications, district titles, home field advantages, etc.

i believe its 35 days and counting before the season starts...let the countdown begin!

4 classes would a lot more fun, IMO. State Championship chances go down, but you have more diverse finals, more competitive rounds of the playoffs, and added meaning to playoffs wins and regional titles.