[Scotty_Bronson]

Looking at 1A east in comparison to preseason rankings:

Raceland-the favorite coming in but has underschieved and raised alot of eye brows and questions. The defense is legit, but the offense has sputtered and continues to look for an identity in that side of the ball. Only loss is to a VERY good Ashland and Quinten Baker/Drew O'Bryan.

Paintsville-Everyone knew about Kash, but a healthy Phelps makes them a contender. Beat Pikeville in OT, but didnt do much offensively in the win.


Pikeville-Everyone knew Pugh and the addition of Jarrell made them a contender. Plays rock solid defense snd csn control the clock. Only loss is to Paintsville in OT in a game where neither team did much offensively.

Hazard-Had alot of holes to fill and has now gotten the injury bug.

My analysis? Raceland, Paintsville, and Pikeville are still the front runners in the East. Neither has showed me anything to think any of the 3 couldnt beat the other on any given night. All three are very run oriented and play very good defense. Raceland had played the toughest opponent up to this point and got throttled by them. I feel the same way as i did when the season began. 1A east will be a dog fight to come out of snd whoever it is will prove that Beechwood isnt head and shoulders better than anyone else in Class A football.