[bac2369]

[1 Pikeville- They lost some heavy playmakers from 2015 but return some good skill players and return some good linebackers and secondary.They have a big senior class returning junior class and are the favorite to start out the season. Question is how life without Pugh will be?

2 Russellville- They return a very good group of experienced kids and Speed is all I have to say. They must win the big game and possibly develop a OK passing game. They return the most in the class and I think it could be there year..

3 Beechwood- They lost the house but do return some young skill players and a few on defense but still young. Anyone else would take a drop but I'm giving them the nod because there Beechwood but if you saw what they returned without the name beside it then you would have them in the 4-8 range. But what else has them this high is a solid senior class will be back but don't be surprised if they could be as low as a 5 seed possibly.

4 Hazard- They return a lot as well like Russellville. 10 on Offense and 8 on defense.But this team will be young and could be dangerous team to keep an eye on. Injuries will hurt there chances if it happens like 2015.They also recieved a Letcher Central transfer after the season and was just now mentioned.

4 Paintsville- They lost a lot of seniors but return Kent Phelps and the Morris kid and have a young stable of talent who will be there a couple more years.They also recieved a transfer from Johnson Central who will only make them better

4 Raceland- They lost some good kids and have quite a few holes to fill but I think Raceland and Paintsville are in the same shoes and that's why I list them both at 5. Only reason Paintsville is listed first is because they won the district last season and I think the QB needs to try to take this team to another level because some think he underachieved last year and people expected better and Paintsville returns the best player in there district for his senior.

7 Nicholas County- A team no one expected to be good but nearly pulled an upset over Fairview in the playoffs and return tons from a junior dominate team last year. So the East best keep a eye out on this team.

8 Bethlehem- A team that returns some serious fire power with over 3,000 yards of offense returning and 40+ Touchdowns.

9 Harlan- I had them
A little higher before but after losing a Runningback to the county they have fell a few spots but could be a dangerous team to keep an eye on.

10 Kentucky Country Day return some nice playmakers from a high scoring offense. Defense will be the question for them.

Teams that could crack into the top 10. Pineville, Fairview, Campbellsville, Frankfort, Williamsburg and Ludlow.

Hazard, Raceland, and Paintsville all are interchangeable at the moments