[bac2369]

Guess I will go ahead and start the thread and put in my 2 cents.

We All think and known the big 4 in the East are Pikeville, Hazard, Raceland and Paintsville.. 2023 will/could be different. 
Do not sleep on Sayre or new incoming Middlesboro. Williamsburg can’t be taken lightly either.

I agree 2023 is gonna be fun and possibly the closest it’s been in quite some time.

[Micro-Brew]

I think Raceland and New Cath are the two front runners with what they return. But I’d never count out Hazard or of course Pikeville. Pikeville will be breaking in quite a few new kids but guys I’m telling you they still have some flat out studs. I’ll get into my thoughts on them further thru the Spring and into the Summer as I get to see how a few of the kids work through the off-season. Thanks Bac for starting the thread. Always respect you as a poster on the boards. We all know you’re a Hazard backer but always good insight and a realist which I appreciate.

[jetpilot]

New Cath is going to have to prove they are worthy. Their weak schedule other than Raceland doesn't get them in the mix IMO. 1A champ comes from the mountains (or Raceland) lol

[runthepill]

Way too early Top 10
1- Pikeville
2- Raceland
3- Campbellsville
4- New Cath
5- Bethlehem
6- Hazard
7- Crittenden Co
8- Middlesboro
9- KCD
10- Williamsburg
Sleepers
Harlan,Frankfort,Sayre

---

Way too early Top 10
1- Pikeville
2- Raceland
3- Campbellsville
4- New Cath
5- Bethlehem
6- Hazard
7- Middlesboro
8- KCD
9- Williamsburg
10- Lou Holy Cross
Sleepers
Harlan,Frankfort,Sayre

[KentuckyHillBilly5321]

I think Raceland and New Cath are the two front runners with what they return. But I’d never count out Hazard or of course Pikeville. Pikeville will be breaking in quite a few new kids but guys I’m telling you they still have some flat out studs. I’ll get into my thoughts on them further thru the Spring and into the Summer as I get to see how a few of the kids work through the off-season. Thanks Bac for starting the thread. Always respect you as a poster on the boards. We all know you’re a Hazard backer but always good insight and a realist which I appreciate.

If New Cath is the front runner then 1A must be way down. I gotta think the title runs through Pikeville until proven otherwise. NCC has some returning talent, but they weren’t even in the same stratosphere as Pikeville last year.

[Micro-Brew]

There’s no doubt that after a handful of teams that 1A is pretty weak. Firstly, as for New Cath, I truly believe that last year a game between them and Raceland would’ve been a dog fight. They were literally like carbon copies of each other. Secondly I always pull the reigns on Pikeville lol. I 100% think they will be right in the mix to pull off a 3 peat. But from what they lost and what New Cath and Raceland both return, for now I’d put them both slightly ahead of Pikeville. But come November, it always runs through those maroon brothers and I have no reason to think any differently for this upcoming season.

[RAMDAD50]

I have something to throw out there….a question if you may. We always say 1A is weak and for the most part it is. Or….is Pikeville, Raceland and Hazard above normal 1A talent. The only way one could answer this is by comparing the rest of the field to 1A competition in Tenn. I’m not on the border so I’ve never seen any 1A competition out of Tenn, one of you guys from down south should have to answer that one. As for where we are located there are many small schools across the river in Ohio that would have problems beating say… a Williamsburg or last years Paintsville team. I know nothing about the competition in Virginia. West Virginia is pretty awful. I would say most of our 1A schools would beat their 1A schools. Idk…just a different perspective on things and something to talk about. Tell me what y’all think.

[Buffs19]

Aside from a class or two, the majority of most classes in KY are strong at the top and weak at the bottom. I think 1A falls into that category. Traditionally speaking, Pikeville, Paintsville, Hazard, Raceland, New Cath, and Williamsburg have been able to compete with teams from all other classes. Now I'm not talking about the top teams in Classes 4A - 6A, but a lot of teams across all six classes. Given the size of the schools, there are times that your traditional powers have a rebuilding year or two. It's just the nature of 1A football. But when all six teams mentioned above are at full strength, I would put them up against anyone in Classes 1A - 3A, and most (not all) teams in the other three classes.

As for this upcoming year, I think Raceland has to be the preseason favorite with all the skill they have coming back. I would say New Cath is second followed by Pikeville. Now we all know preseason rankings don't mean a thing when the games start, but those would be my top 3 of this time. Fortunately for us, all these schools will get to battle it out to see who brings home the title next year. Is it August yet!

[bac2369]

I will give a quick break down of each team for 2023.

[Humpty Dumpty]

Pikeville will win Class A in 2024...2023 will be interesting though.

[Scotty_Bronson]

Pikevilles strength is their staff and it’s absolute to recruit. Not recruiting kids, but recruiting BUY IN from those they already have. Like everyone in 1A that has a legit pulse, they get transfers, blah blah blah, insert Beagle1 trolling opportunities here…

What I am getting at is Pikevilles ability to continuously have 6-8 kids that seem like they have been there for 20 years and will run through a brick wall for Mac. There’s almost always a Wright, Hensley, Pugh, or Birchfield. That’s simply development of the staff. So until Pikeville falls off the face of the earth for 3 or 4 consecutive years, they are always going to be in contention. Most likely the favorite. They showed last year in the title game that they are STILL the man.

I’m sure Raceland and NCC will return with a chip on their shoulder, but there’s a lot of space to make up on the Panthers.

[pirateforlife]

Pikevilles strength is their staff and it’s absolute to recruit. Not recruiting kids, but recruiting BUY IN from those they already have. Like everyone in 1A that has a legit pulse, they get transfers, blah blah blah, insert Beagle1 trolling opportunities here…

What I am getting at is Pikevilles ability to continuously have 6-8 kids that seem like they have been there for 20 years and will run through a brick wall for Mac. There’s almost always a Wright, Hensley, Pugh, or Birchfield. That’s simply development of the staff. So until Pikeville falls off the face of the earth for 3 or 4 consecutive years, they are always going to be in contention. Most likely the favorite. They showed last year in the title game that they are STILL the man.

I’m sure Raceland and NCC will return with a chip on their shoulder, but there’s a lot of space to make up on the Panthers.

Someone closer to the program might be able to confirm but I’m pretty sure we’ve seen the last at least for a few years of the last name Wright, Hensley, Pugh, and Birchfield playing for Pikeville.   I do expect Pikeville to take a step back after losing that special senior class but not enough to still not win 1A.

[Spud6]

If Raceland doesn’t win it all this year, they never will in my opinion under Sammons. They bring the core of that team back, the have played in the title game last year and they’ll be hungry.

[jetpilot]

Pikeville has fewer "recruits" by far than Raceland.,.

[Scotty_Bronson]

Jet, My statement did not refer to recruits, I mentioned transfers, but it was not a jab statement. It was a pot shot at Beagle1 trying to get him going lol. My post was about recruiting “Buy In”, within the program. It’s not easy to coach up kids. Regardless of their talent. Pikeville does a tremendous job of that.

[Scotty_Bronson]

Pikeville and Raceland don’t have to recruit. Their product on the field, in the classroom, and facilities are a draw to kids in their counties and surrounding areas.

[Humpty Dumpty]

I could see 2023 for Raceland playing out similar to how the 2020 season played out for Paintsville.

Bring back a solid senior class that gained invaluable experience the year before with a state championship game on the big stage at Kroger Field and ride that to the school's first state championship.

[jetpilot]

I would say Raceland is the early favorite but they might not be come November. RPI will be huge in 2023. Pikeville will have terrific skill people but we will have to wait and see how the OL and DL look with some new faces. I think it ends up being Pikeville and Raceland again but others will have a shot as well.

[Orange Blaze]

I would say Raceland is the early favorite but they might not be come November. RPI will be huge in 2023. Pikeville will have terrific skill people but we will have to wait and see how the OL and DL look with some new faces. I think it ends up being Pikeville and Raceland again but others will have a shot as well.

Raceland and Pikeville’s gauntlet of a schedule will make RPI very interesting this year.  I think Raceland and Pikeville would see one another in the 3rd or 4th round because of this.  I look for us to have a 7-3 to 6-4 regular season simply because of the level of competition we will see.

[bac2369]

Giving my top 5
1. Raceland- They return the most in the class. Return close to 3500 yards of offense. Return its top 4 defensively and 11 Interception.

2. Pikeville- They return close to 2000 yards offensively. Defending champs looking for a 3-peat, respect has to be given because Panthers will have kids who can play who will finally have time to shine. Defensively they return 3 of it top 7 with 7 INTs in the secondary.

3. Campbellsville- They return nearly everyone, with over 3000 yards of offense back. 9 starters back defensively and 6 INTs in the secondary. This team could be looking to take the next step.

4. Kentucky Country Day- They return the 2nd most of the class. Close to 3300 yards back. Two headed monster in the backfield. Two headed monster at wideout. 3 of its top 7 defensively returning. Defensively secondary with 14 INTs. This team was young class year. So watch out for these guys. They are now in maybe the toughest district in Class 1A.

5. Middlesboro- Returns close to 2800 yards offensively. Returns its leading rusher and quarterback Caden Grigsby 8 starters on Defense. 7 INTs.

[jetpilot]

Looking like PIkeville has:

Pulaski Co.
Johnson Central
LCA
Raceland
Belfry
Paintsville
Hazard

Still looking for 3 games.

[Tomcat Pride]

Heckuva schedule so far for Pikeville. There’s no doubt who has the biggest balls in Pike County.

[Warriorhawk17]

Pikeville rules 1A.
LOST SOME STUDS BUT WILL RECRUIT KIDS TO REPLACE THEM. ALWAYS HAVE AND ALWAYS WILL UNTIL THE JOKE OF A COMMISONER WE HAVE AT THE KHSAA PUTS A STOP TO IT AND DONT SEE IT HAPPENING. EXAMPLE: PIKEVILLE GIRLS BASKETBALL HAS A STARTER WHOSE SISTER STARTS AT SNOTHER SCHOOL.
KHSAS IS A JOKE. A JOKE
TIME FOR A NEW COMMISONER. SOMEONE WITH SOME BALLS.

[RAMDAD50]

Pikeville rules 1A.
LOST SOME STUDS BUT WILL RECRUIT KIDS TO REPLACE THEM. ALWAYS HAVE AND ALWAYS WILL UNTIL THE JOKE OF A COMMISONER WE HAVE AT THE KHSAA PUTS A STOP TO IT AND DONT SEE IT HAPPENING. EXAMPLE: PIKEVILLE GIRLS BASKETBALL HAS A STARTER WHOSE SISTER STARTS AT SNOTHER SCHOOL.
KHSAS IS A JOKE. A JOKE
TIME FOR A NEW COMMISONER.  SOMEONE WITH SOME BALLS.

Why are you SCREAMING???

[RTruth]

Once again Pikeville doesn’t have to recruit. Pike and Floyd county schools do it for them.

Want to play football and baseball? Pikeville
Want to play football and basketball? Pikeville

Have a son that wants to play football and a daughter who plays basketball? Pikeville


Got a smart kid that wants to play sports? Pikeville.

Cheer? Pikeville

There is Pikeville in this region, then Johnson Central.

The rest have incompetent administration that continues to hire incompetent coaches and teachers to get people to want to come to their schools.

[Scotty_Bronson]

Someone take Hawks megaphone and car keys. He out here yelling again. Pikeville may have Racelands number but they for sure stand together as the most gripes about schools in EKY. Good lord.

[Patriot1]

Raceland has Beagle now Pikeville has Warriorhawk, I guess they are one in every county

[jetpilot]

Pikeville rules 1A.
LOST SOME STUDS BUT WILL RECRUIT KIDS TO REPLACE THEM. ALWAYS HAVE AND ALWAYS WILL UNTIL THE JOKE OF A COMMISONER WE HAVE AT THE KHSAA PUTS A STOP TO IT AND DONT SEE IT HAPPENING. EXAMPLE: PIKEVILLE GIRLS BASKETBALL HAS A STARTER WHOSE SISTER STARTS AT SNOTHER SCHOOL.
KHSAS IS A JOKE. A JOKE
TIME FOR A NEW COMMISONER.  SOMEONE WITH SOME BALLS.

Why are you SCREAMING???

And crying. And lying.

[bac2369]

Posting my 6-10 here in a few.

[Big Five-0-]

Looking like PIkeville has:

Pulaski Co.
Johnson Central
LCA
Raceland
Belfry
Paintsville
Hazard

Still looking for 3 games.

Hope the remaining three are very solid. Last season's monster schedu
le brought outstanding results.

---

Pikeville rules 1A.
LOST SOME STUDS BUT WILL RECRUIT KIDS TO REPLACE THEM. ALWAYS HAVE AND ALWAYS WILL UNTIL THE JOKE OF A COMMISONER WE HAVE AT THE KHSAA PUTS A STOP TO IT AND DONT SEE IT HAPPENING. EXAMPLE: PIKEVILLE GIRLS BASKETBALL HAS A STARTER WHOSE SISTER STARTS AT SNOTHER SCHOOL.
KHSAS IS A JOKE. A JOKE
TIME FOR A NEW COMMISONER.  SOMEONE WITH SOME BALLS.

Belfry may very well beat Pikeville this season. So, up to this point who knows? It's all yet to be seen. What happened to your last four prognostications concerning that game? You had to be drunk on charcoal starter. Smh