[-STAT-]

1. Lawrence Co- giving them the benefit of the doubt bc they are the defending champions, losing what was their best player in Woods was a huge blow for them, they did get some transfers out of WV so will be interesting to see how that pans out.

2. Paintsville- One thing they've lacked in years is depth, well they solved that problem with transfers/foreign exchange program, combine that with a returning core that they already have, championship level team.

3. Johnson Central- didn't fully live up to the high expectations of last season, but just like their rivals across the creek, have a great returning core who should have Central back in the mix this season.

4. Pikeville- they lost a lot with the Oknst/Walters duo, but still return a good core plus brought in a few players who can make a difference for them. Expect the Panthers to be right there in the end as well.

5. Martin Co- honestly wanted to put them lower, but they still have some solid players returning in Dials & Maynard, of course everyone knows about the Keathley addition, but will he learn to trust his teammates? This will definitely be the interesting story to follow this season.

6. Floyd Central- I think alongside the Keathley/Martin Co story, this FC team will be one to keep a close eye on also. Returning everyone and now with a new head coach, I've got them ranked at 6 just bc of what they have coming back but will be interesting to see how they fare under a new regime.

7. Shelby Valley- Just like most of the teams ahead of them, they have a solid core returning and with a hardnosed coach like Taylor, Wildcats could be a team to watch out for come March.

8. Belfry- On paper w/ the additions they made, Pirates would be the favorite, but that's why they play the game. A lot of mouths to feed over on pond creek but still think they run away w/ the 60th.

9. Pike Central- out of all the teams left to rank, I guess the Hawks would be the most qualified at 9? I would assume Big Al wouldn't have taken the job had he known there would be a mass exodus of players that left for Pikeville/Belfry.

10. Betsy Layne- May be a long season up on the hill for the Bobcats, idk if the seat is hot up there for coach Howard, but losing Parsons to Pikeville certainly didn't make things easier with what they lost from last season, if it's not hot its gotta be warm at this point.

11. Magoffin Co- obviously everything will revolve around Russell, kid is a great player, just have to wait and see if the rest of the team has developed and can make an impact, being in the 57th doesn't help their cause any.

12. Phelps- Hornets went from a team who had a great young coach who was doing great things over there, to running him out of town and back to square one. More than likely will be a long season for them.

13. East Ridge- Last year was a tough one for the Warriors, they've always been known for having some tough & gritty teams over the years, only way to go is up from where they were last season.

14. Prestonsburg- The cupboard is officially bare, with Keathley leaving, and Shutts who I thought was one of the great young players who improved as the season went on at Paintsville now, really doesn't seem to be a sense of direction with this program, they'll struggle mightily.

Even tho the season doesn't officially start for another 2 months, for some teams even longer as their respective football programs go into the playoffs, and have basketball players playing as well, these are just my unbiased opinions & thoughts on how each team will be ranked. Agree to disagree, but I think this season will be a fun one to follow. I sure can't wait.