[CarzyRock]

Football season is almost here and it's time for some predictions.

#1 Trinity
My bias is obvious, but the Rocks have plenty of history to back them up. Coach Betty has run a monstrous team that won the state championship 13 years out of the 17 he has been the head coach. Losing Rondale Moore and Nick Bohn may hurt the offensive, but Trinity has been successful with first-year QBs in many years, and Stephen Herron will anchor the defense.

#2 Saint Xavier
Losing the head coach would mean a down year for most teams, but when you're getting Kevin Wallace that may not be the case. The St. X fans I've talked to say that he has really meshed well with the program and students. Given his success at Bowling Green and the resources available at St. X, Coach Wallace's will certainly have a team to watch out for.

#3 Scott County
In 2019 Great Crossings opens and Scott County moves down to 5A. This could be their last chance for a while to claim the 6A crown again. Last year they had great games against perennial powers: La Salle [OH], St. Xavier [KY], and Archbishop Moeller [OH]. Coach McKee has the athletes to win and the Cardinals will be hungry for it.

#4 Male
The public member of the 'Big Three' was down last year, not only getting blanked by Trinity and St. X, but also with a shocking loss to Butler in the playoffs. But they were young and return 18 starters this year. Coach Wolfe is never someone to be underestimated, and rumor has it that Male should have a strong offense and secondary.

#5 Ryle
It's not easy to choose between Simon Kenton and Ryle for the #5 spot, but Ryle returns over half the team: 12 total, 6 each on defense and offense. And last year they beat Simon Kenton head-to-head by 18 points. Only time will tell if Ryle can keep the NKY 6A crown, but talk around the program is positive and looking forward to their tough schedule this year.

#6 Simon Kenton
Simon Kenton despite, being edged out by Ryle, is a tough opponent and they should dominate most of their schedule. However, Ryle is the toughest opponent on their schedule and most of the other teams aren't close. This coupled with rumors that the playbook will be run heavy could see SK having a hard time against the stiff defenses found late in the playoffs.

#7 Butler
The Bears were the most surprising team last year with wins over Male, Manual, and Ryle. I may be underestimating them to put them here at 7 but I haven't heard much buzz about the program or its future since they lost to St. X in the third round. That could be Coach Wheeler playing his cards close to his chest or me just not knowing the right people. Either way, Butler has potential and could be a dark horse in 6A.

#8 Frederick Douglass
For a school with enrollment well below the 6A average FD convincingly punched above its weight class last year. They won against all other Lexingon 6A schools and went to the third round of the playoffs. Scott Country beat them by 4+ scores in both the regular season and playoffs, but FD returns some experienced players including Cameron Jones, a highly touted QB.

#9 Pleasure Ridge Park
PRP often doesn't get the credit they deserve because their tough district. Last year PRP beat Bowling Green, Manual, and Butler. They also played close to Male and St. X. However, from what I've heard they lost some key players and aren't expected to do as well this year.

#10 Central Hardin
The best of the west in 6A last year was Central Hardin. I'm told they return several key players, and should have another good year. I expect them to rule the western districts again this year, but they could have an early exit against the stacked 3rd district thanks to cross bracketing.

All the preceding is my opinion and I'm curious to hear what everyone thinks. Agree, disagree? Any important points that I left out for a team?