[Strikeout King]

District 7:

1. Breathitt County (12-1): After 30 seasons and three state championships with Mike Holcomb in charge, the Bobcats will be under the microphone in 2013 following Holcomb's decision to leave for Letcher Central. Breathitt remains the favorite despite losing eight starters on both offense and defense.

2. Morgan County (8-3): After their second straight eight-win season, which tied the school record for victories, the Cougars have their sights set on overtaking Breathitt for the district title. Morgan brings back seven starters on offense and six on defense.

3. Magoffin County (4-7): While Morgan is looking to move up a spot, they have to keep an eye on the Hornets, who lost by only six to the Cougars last year and should be better in 2013 with eight starters back on offense and six on defense. Junior middle linebacker Josh Poe, who lead the Magoffin defense in tackles last year, returns. Ryan Jenkins is back at quarterback.

4. Jackson County (2-8): Eight starters return on offense, led by junior halfback Cody Hundley. All five starters are back on the offensive front. Junior linebacker Cody Byrd was Jackson's top tackler a year ago and returns to lead the defense.

5. Knott Central (2-9): Steve Hollon takes over as head coach of the Patriots and hopes to build on last year's improvement after a winless 2011 campaign. Senior end Chris Slone led Knott in tackles and is among the five starters back on defense. Senior quarterback Ben Rodgers and sophomore tailback Jaylen Williams provide a couple of weapons on offense.


PRESEASON FAVORITE - BREATHITT COUNTY

For the first time in a long time, the Bobcats aren't considered a sure thing to win the district. With Holcomb moving to Letcher Central and the graduation of eight starters on both sides of the ball, the Bobcats have plenty of questions to answer. Linebacker John Keith Collins, tackle Travis Smith and cornerback John Gilbert, all seniors, will be counted on to lead the rebuilding defense. Senior wide receiver Wes Noble is the most productive player back on offense after catching 22 passes for 470 yards and four touchdowns.


READY TO MOVE UP - MORGAN COUNTY

With all the uncertainty surrounding perennial champ Breathitt County, the Cougars believe this is their best chance to unseat the Bobcats and capture the school's first district championship. Senior wingback Kody Thornsberry led the team in rushing and receiving a year ago. Senior tight ends Chase Turner and Kordell Smith are also back, along with senior linemen J.T. Brown, Nick Clevinger, Tanner McGuire and Jared Short.



2013 PRESEASON PLAYER OF THE YEAR

Kody Thornsberry, Morgan County, Sr., WB/FS, 5-9, 145. A perfect fit for the Cougars' Wing T offense, Thornsberry has great vision to find creases in defenses and can change direction at full speed. He rushed for 1, 851 yards and 24 touchdowns as a junior and will be counted on for even more production this season with several key players in the backfield graduating.



PLAYERS TO WATCH

Jordan Brown, Magoffin County, Sr., G/T, 5-11, 220;
J.T. Brown, Morgan County, Sr., T/NG, 6-4, 290;
Cody Byrd, Jackson County, Jr., HB/LB, 5-10, 185;
Joseph Chaffins, Knott Central, Sr., LB, 5-9, 185;
John Keith Collins, Breathitt County, Sr., LB, 5-11, 195;
Seth Cornett, Jackson County, Sr., G, 6-4, 255;
Austin Hundley, Jackson County, Jr., HB/S, 5-9, 180;
Wes Noble, Breathitt County, Sr., WR, 6-5, 185;
Matt Patton, Magoffin County, Sr., HB/S, 5-9, 165;
Josh Poe, Magoffin County, Jr., T/LB, 6-5, 240;
Ben Rodgers, Knott Central, Sr., QB, 5-8, 150;
Jared Short, Morgan County, Sr., T, 5-10, 220;
Travis Smith, Breathitt County, Sr., G/T, 5-9, 265;
Jaylen Williams, Knott Central, So., TB, 5-11, 215;




District 8:

1. Belfry (12-3): The Pirates have finished runner-in Class 3A for three straight seasons and a fourth consecutive appearance in the title game is very possible.

2. Pike County Central (8-4): The Hawks remain second in Class 3A, District 8 behind perennial frontrunner Belfry.

3. Lawrence County (5-7): The Bulldogs are back in the middle of the pack in the district.

4. Sheldon Clark (4-7): The Cardinals faltered last season after winning three of their first four games.


PRESEASON FAVORITE - BELFRY

After finishing runner-up to Central for three straight seasons, Belfry is back on the hunt for a Class 3A state title. Starting quarterback San Warren (990 passing yards, 11 touchdowns), leading rusher Justin Johnson and massive lineman Michael Barnes (6-4, 350) all return for the Pirates.

Senior Trenity Carr and junior Austin Hatfield are also back for the Belfry football team. The trio of Johnson, Carr and Hatfield combined to rush for over 2,600 yards in 2012.

Belfry outscored opponents 582-192 last season. Defensively, Belfry held six different opponents to a touchdown or less per game last season.

Tradition-rich Belfry is the frontrunner in a district that also includes Pike County Central, Lawrence County and Sheldon Clark. East Ridge will not compete in district play during the 2013 season.



CONTINUING TO PUSH - PIKE COUNTY CENTRAL

Pike County Central has been persistent in Class 3A, District 8. The Hawks will once again look to knock Belfry out of the district's top spot. Several key players are back for the Hawks.

Quarterback Mac Justice (2,480 passing yards and 932 rushing yards) and leading rusher Marcus Johnson (1, 329) are both back for Pike County Central, a squad that won seven of it's first eight games last season.



2013 PRESEASON PLAYER OF THE YEAR

Justin Johnson, Belfry, Sr., RB, 5-8, 180. Justin Johnson led a balanced Belfry rushing attack last season, racking up 915 yards and scoring 15 touchdowns via 64 carries. Johnson also hauled in one scoring reception for the Pirates.



PLAYERS TO WATCH

Michael Barnes, Belfry, Sr., OL, 6-4, 350;
Brandon Butcher, Sheldon Clark, So., RB/DB, 5-10, 160;
Ricky Goble, Lawrence County, Sr., FB/LB, 5-8, 185;
Trenity Carr, Belfry, Sr., RB, 5-10, 190;
A.J. Cyrus, Lawrence County, Sr., QB/LB, 6-1, 170;
Austin Hatfield, Belfry, Jr., RB, 5-10, 205;
Marcus Johnson, Pike County Central, Sr., RB/LB, 5-10, 190;
Mac Justice, Pike County Central, Jr., QB, 5-10, 160;
Dakota Ray, Pike County Central, Sr., RB/LB, 5-10, 190;
Sani Warren, Belfry, Sr., QB, 6-0, 170


District 5 - Mike Marsee (Danville Advocate-Messenger)
District 6 - Aaron Snyder (The Ashland Independent)
District 7 - John Henson (HarlanCountySports.com)
District 8 - Steve LeMaster (Floyd County Times)