[mysonis55]

District 1

This last year was one of the toughest districts in all the state. You had the eventual state champs who were ranked #1 or #2 all year. Then you had the 2 times in a row semi finalists in Murray. They gave the Cards all they wanted last year and were senior loaded with a load of talent. The Tigers were also in the top ten all year. Then you had an improving Bomber squad from Ballard County who has made a history of winning lately. They finished up at 5-6. Then they round it out with a lack luster Webster County squad.

This year will be a down year for district 1.

Mayfield Cardinals will again be the leaders of this group and should be the preseason #1 team for the state. The Cards lose 16 seniors from last year that mostly contributed for several years. They lose 2 big offensive linemen in Jackson and Adams. They lose all every team kicker Sidney Herndon. They lose 3+ year starters in Hernandes and Kennemore. They lose all 5 receivers as well. But they return both the starting qb and RB. They return 2 receivers that got substantial time last year. They return 4 starting offensive linemen and added a returning big man on the line. They also return 3 of their starting LB's, all of which were named to all WKC team. They return a safety that will play linebacker. They return a LB that will play safety, which he started as in his soph year. They return another starting safety and a CB. They have added their offensive coordinator from 3 years ago. This will undoubtedly result in more scoring. They also added the ex head coach from Martin Westview, Tn to the staff. So, this is the reason for my pick.

The Tigers from Murray should still be district runners up this year. I however do not expect them to crack the top ten. The Tigers lost 15 seniors from a squad of 57. They lost the big threat qb of Dejavani Miles, who was a threat to score at any time on anyone. They also lost a division 1 lineman/DE in Trey Hornbuckle. They lost a whole slew of others that were crucial to their success. They still have a coach with state championship experience at the helm though and he will not allow them to slump too much.

Ballard Memorial should still be the third place team. They will front load their schedule for early season success in hopes of translating that into some confidence. They also always manage to find a few athletes to work around.

Webster County will continue their reign on the forth seed. They lost only 6 seniors. That would be a good thing to most but, when you only field 33, that's still a hit. In looking at them last year, I just don't see the speed needed to make a lot of improvement.