[KY Wildman]

Class 4A, District 5


1. Lexington Catholic (11-3): The Knights' collection of talent makes them the favorite to repeat as district and regional champions and make a run at 4A powerhouse Highlands.

2. Boyle County (8-5): Larry French will rely on several inexperienced players to keep the Rebels in contention.

3. Mercer County (6-5): Chris Pardue led the Titans to their first winning season since their 2006 championship campaign, and he looks to keep them moving forward in his second year.

4. Marion County (2-9): Jeff Robbins' Knights look to turn things around on the strength of offensive and defensive fronts where every starter returns.

5. Taylor County (6-4): The Cardinals fixed what ailed them on offense last season, but now Eric Graves must replace his leading rusher and several linemen.



PRESEASON FAVORITE - LEXINGTON CATHOLIC

Graduation almost always seem to kit the Knights hard, and they lost 26 players last season, but for the second straight year they stil return a number of their top players.

They are solid at the skill positions with wide receiver David Bouvier (86 receptions, 1,282 yards, 6 TDs) and running backs Marcelis Logan (337 yards, 7 TD's) and Noah Mitchell (278 yards) returning. Quarterback Reese Ryan (1,351 yards, 15 TDs) also returns for his first full year as a a starter after being pressed into service at midseason.

There are also stars on defense, including linebacker Josh Mesmer, defensive backs Kayron Snowden and Cody Mitchell and lineman Marty Brown.

Graduation losses hit Lexington Catholic hardest on the lines, but there are good players poised to sept up there as well.

Better depth paid dividends for Coach Bill Letton last season, and it should do so again this fall as the Knights face a typically challenging schedule that begins with games against Bowling Green and St. Xavier.



IN THE HUNT - BOYLE COUNTY

Several good players return for Boyle, but the Rebels will need even more to step up if the Rebels are to have th ekind of season they have become accustomed to. They have a proven running back in Seph Burke and an emerging talent at quarterback in Josiah Robbins. Levi McKinney is the latest in a long line of good linebackers. Justin Roution and Dylan Boures are the likely leaders on the lines.



2013 PRESEASON PLAYER OF THE YEAR

Marcelis Logan, Lexington Catholic, Sr., RB, 5-9, 170. He might not get enough carries in a stacked Lexington Catholic backfield to put up eye-popping numbers, but the 5-9, 170-pound Logan, a likely Division 1 prospect, could still stand out on a team that features several stars.




PLAYERS TO WATCH

David Bouvier, Lexington Catholic, Sr., WR, 5-8, 145;
Dylan Bright, Taylor County, Sr., RB, 5-7, 153;
Seph Burke, Boyle County, Sr., RB/DB, 5-10, 180;
Chris Crawley-Goodman, Mercer County, Sr., WR/DB, 6-3, 175;
Jeremy Gunn, Marion County, Sr., OL/DL, 6-5, 306;
Levi McKinney, Boyle County, Sr., TE/LB, 6-2, 200;
Josh Mesmer, Lexington Catholic, Jr., TE/LB, 6-1, 207;
Cody Mitchell, Lexington Catholic, Jr., DB, 5-9, 160;
Adam Nalley, Marion County, Sr., OL/DL, 240;
Josiah Robbins, Boyle County, So., QB/DB, 6-0, 165;
Reese Ryan, Lexington Catholic, Jr., QB, 6-2, 180;
Russell Sims, Mercer County, Sr., WR/DB, 6-1, 170.



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Class 4, District 6


1. Knox Central (10-2): Seeking their first district title since 1975, the Panthers bring back six starters on both offense and defense and should again battle Russell County for the district crown.

2. Russell County (11-1): Coming off their first district title since 1992 and first undefeated regular season since 1981, the Lakers have momentum nad high hopes for repeating both accomplishments despite losing star running back Nick Britt and his 1, 853 yards and 31 touchdowns to graduation. Russell County will bring back six starters on offense and eight on defense.

3. Clay County (4-7): After winning only once in 2011, the Tigers were much improved last season and that should continue in 2013 with a strong junior class returning, lead by quarterback Ryan Holland (1,188 yards passing), tailback Sam Carr (1,287 yards rushing), safety Dylan Garrison and linebacker Jacob Reid.

4. Rockcastle County (2-9): Seven straight losses to end the season dropped the Rockets to the bottom of the district, an unusual position for a program that was among the states best not so long ago. Senior quarterback Corey McPhetridge was one of the few bright spots last year with 891 yards passing.



PRESEASON FAVORITE - KNOX CENTRAL

Off to perhaps their best start in school history, the Panthers were denied a district title in 2012 by a strong Russell County squad. Those two should battle it out again, but Knox Central may have the edge with senior tailback Jonathan Gist (1,320 yards rushing), and junior wide receiver Matthew Barger (46 catches for 754 yards) returning. Four starters are also back on the offensive front, including junior center Alex Sprinkles, junior guards Dee Castle and Blake Hinkle and senior tackle Derrick Mills. Junior linebacker Hayden Canady led the panthers in tackles a season ago with 162. Barger was among the state leaders with eight interceptions from his safety spot. Sophomore tackle Hunder Mcright also returns, along with senior linebacker, Trent Tuttle, senior guard Tyler Hatfield and junior liniebacker Corey Owens.



IN THE HUNT FOR A REPEAT - RUSSELL COUNTY

With Britt and his big-play ability gone, the Lakers will need a huge season from senior Blake Ellis, who shifts from receiver to quarterback after catching 40 passes for 810 yards in 2012. Senior tailback Evan Fletcher is also back after finishing second in rushing last year with over 500 yards. Senior wide receiver Lee Cox and junior tight end Nick Coffey are also back, along with senior guards Matt Adams and Dakota Smith.



2013 PRESEASON PLAYER OF THE YEAR

Jonathan Gist, Knox Central, Sr., TB, 6-1, 204. Playing second fiddle to all-starter Jeffery Canady a season ago, the Panthers' 'G man' was often just as dangerous with 1, 320 yards rushing and 11 touchcodnws. Gist added weight and strength in the offseason and coach Scott Russell, a former Mr. Football, expects an even bigger season from his senior tailback, raving about Gist's vision and cut back ability.



PLAYERS TO WATCH

Matt Adams, Russell County, Sr., C/T, 6-3, 305;
Chance Ansardi, Rockcastle County, Jr., LB, 5-11, 235;
Arnold Arnett, Clay County, Sr., S, 6-0, 190;
Matthew Barger, Knox Central, Jr., WR/S, 6-2, 170;
Hayden Canady, Knox Central, Jr., FB/LB, 5-11, 230;
Sam Carr, Clay County, Jr., TB, 5-11, 185;
Nick Coffey, Russell County, Jr.,TE/DE, 6-5, 235;
Blake Ellis, Russell County, Sr., QB/S, 6-0, 170;
Evan Fletcher, Russell County, Sr., TB, 5-11, 175;
Ryan Holland, Clay County, Jr., QB, 6-3, 205;
Jared Lake, Rockcastle County, Sr., T, 6-2, 260;
Corey McPhetridge, Rockcastle County, Sr., QB, 6-1, 185;
Derrick Mills, Knox Central, Sr., OT, 6-3, 280;
Wes Wolfe, Clay County, So., WR/S, 6-3, 185.




District 4 - Mike Marsee (Danville Advocate Messenger)
District 5 - John Henson (HarlanCountySports.com)

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