[EKUAlum05]

1. Russell- For my money the best team in 2A the past two seasons although they came up just short of the title last season. Return a solid nucleus including arguably the best All-Purpose QB in 3A in Jones. Biggest questions? Line Play and whether the running back by committee can equate to what Gross and Clark has done the past four years. Biggest Strengths? Program momentum, QB play.

2. Louisville Central- From a talent/potential standpoint this team is scary good,, but their brutal schedule could break them.Outstanding athletic QB. Biggest question? Morale after playing the state's toughest schedule, defense. Biggest strengths? Most athletic team in class, Western 3A is DOWN.

3. Belfry- Returns entire Front 7 from one of 2A's best defenses, as well as LB/RB Dustin May who could quite possibly be the best Running Back AND Defensive player in 3A. Biggest Question? Secondary play and who will step in at the other halfback. Biggest Strengths? Experienced lineplay, Physicality

4. Sheldon Clark- Very solid team with a disappointing end to their season in '06. Return nearly everyone including three standouts in the backfield. Biggest question? Consistency (See Pburg loss and poor play versuses East Ridge) Biggest Strengths? Scary good backfield, Monkey off their back (proved they could beat Belfry last year)

5. Paducah Tilghman- Former 3A heavyweight has been a little down in recent years, but the new class structure should suit them well. Biggest question? Lots of young talent at skill positions. Biggest Strength? Huge downgrade in competition in district and region compared to old alignment.

6. Somerset- Making the jump from 1A this team has by far the most elite playmaker in John Cole, figure this 1A State Semifinalist from last year will make some serious noise.
Biggest questions? Class jump and who is going to throw the ball to Cole. Biggest strength? Ability to surprise people despite being a state-semifinalist, Best player in the class.

7. Mason County- Quality program full of athletes should make noise against schools smaller than themselves. Biggest question? Typically an offensive powerhouse, the Royals seem to be missing the playmakers at WR. Strengths? Style of play matches them up well with Russell, Sheldon Clark, and Belfry.

8. Breathitt County- Bobcats talent pool has dropped considerably in recent years, but the large return of starters from a quality team will make them formidable. Biggest question? Can they improve enough to make up the large gap Russell and Belfry ahs ahd over them the past few seasons. Biggest strength? Experience + great coaching + tradition = DANGER

9. Russellville- Western Ky is decidedly weak in the new alignment, thus Russellville should be a solid bet to advance far. Biggest question? Can a perennial mediocre 1A team now play with schools considerably larger. Biggest strength? Weak District to build confidence, chance to advnace easily to state semi's.

10. E'town- Will clearly be second fiddle in their district, but should still have enough horses to be a threat in the West. Biggest question? Is talent pool deep enough to fight off the Louisville schools? Biggest strength? See Russellville's biggets strength.