[Bull got out!]

Class 1A

1. Pikeville
2. Campbellsville
3. Raceland
4. Newport Central Catholic
5. Sayre
6. Paris
7. Ludlow
8. Hazard
9. Newport
10. Kentucky Country Day

Frankfort, Williamsburg, Paintsville, Bethlehem

Thoughts on who, why or why not.   .

[Belichick]

Looks fairly good. Would like to see NCC play. I think they play Raceland during regular season.

[DangerMouse]

The list is about where I’d put it so I concur.

Paintsville has a shot to move up quickly. Be curious how they pan out over the next couple weeks.

[Big Boomer]

I think Pikeville will tough to handle after watching them play at Corbin Friday. I think that loss will set the tone for the season, too many studs on that team to not. I was really impressed with the program and the class they exuded.

[Belichick]

I think Pikeville will tough to handle after watching them play at Corbin Friday. I think that loss will set the tone for the season, too many studs on that team to not. I was really impressed with the program and the class they exuded.

While that game wasn’t perfect, each team had something to do with that and they’ll both benefit later from it. Much respect for Corbin.  Everyone knows about Kade Elam or they should.  Such a great player and decision maker.  Estep is dynamic and a difference maker on both sides. #2 is also someone to pay attention to as the year goes on.  Don’t know his name but fast and great size at receiver. Hope his injury is just minor. Pikeville couldn’t sustain drives but the defense kept them in it.  Duty and Anthony are warriors.  LB unit on defense are run stoppers.  I expect both teams to get much better in the coming weeks.

[Big Boomer]

I think Pikeville will tough to handle after watching them play at Corbin Friday. I think that loss will set the tone for the season, too many studs on that team to not. I was really impressed with the program and the class they exuded.

While that game wasn’t perfect, each team had something to do with that and they’ll both benefit later from it. Much respect for Corbin.  Everyone knows about Kade Elam or they should.  Such a great player and decision maker.  Estep is dynamic and a difference maker on both sides. #2 is also someone to pay attention to as the year goes on.  Don’t know his name but fast and great size at receiver. Hope his injury is just minor. Pikeville couldn’t sustain drives but the defense kept them in it.  Duty and Anthony are warriors.  LB unit on defense are run stoppers.  I expect both teams to get much better in the coming weeks.

absolutely! I agree. you could tell the danger the possessed in every play.

[ArmChairHC]

A little off topic but I don’t feel like starting another thread. But with the schedules they play, is there any way that Raceland and Pikeville aren’t on the road again in the playoffs, atleast through the Regional Championship?

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Obviously KCD, CVille, and Sayre will have some sort of say, but I just don’t see things shaking out much different than last year.

[Buffs19]

After watching the Pikeville-Corbin game, I believe both teams should be very optimistic for the season. Corbin's offense looked like a nightmare to defend. It's the closest thing to a true "spread" offense I've seen in years. They made Pikeville defend from sideline to sideline, and that's not easy to do. So, for Pikeville's defense to only give up 14 points should be given a lot of credit. I think two plays made the difference in the game. The pick-6 in the second quarter was an incredible read by Corbin's DB. Then the onside kick to start the second half was a gut punch to Pikeville. Take those two plays away and it's 14-7 in the second half. If Pikeville can get the offense going sooner, and the offensive line continues to improve, they're going to be a tough out in the playoffs. The defense made plenty of mistakes, but overall, played a pretty solid game considering Corbin's offense and its weapons. The Estep kid is crazy explosive. Finally, I don't think Elam gets enough credit for his play at QB. The kid has an absolute cannon. Plus, he does a great job buying time in the pocket, and then can run over DBs in the open field. I'm sure Pikeville knew what kind of player he was, but they weren't prepared for his athleticism and decision-making under pressure. Elam is definitely underrated compared to the other great QBs in Kentucky. If both teams continue to get better, they should both have a great seasons.

As for the question about Pikeville traveling in the playoffs, the Panthers still have some games to earn quality RPI points vs higher-class teams in Johnson Central, LCA, Belfry, and Boyd County. If they lose 2 or more of those, I'd say Pikeville will definitely be on the road in the semis if they advance that far.

[ArmChairHC]

IF they advance that far is someone sandbagging lmao

[Buffs19]

IF they advance that far is someone sandbagging lmao

Lol, can't assume anything these days.  Remember 2020?

[ArmChairHC]

I try my best to believe that year never happened…lol

[jetpilot]

A little off topic but I don’t feel like starting another thread. But with the schedules they play, is there any way that Raceland and Pikeville aren’t on the road again in the playoffs, atleast through the Regional Championship?

---

Obviously KCD, CVille, and Sayre will have some sort of say, but I just don’t see things shaking out much different than last year.

Way too early for RPI but the KCD Fighting RPIs lost to a bigger school that they beat last year and will lose some more games so I don't see them having home field throughout like last year. C'ville has to go to Somerset this year and could easily have 1 more regular season loss than last year. Sayre went 10-0 in the regular season last year and with their pitiful schedule still were only 5th best RPI. Raceland is going on the road no question.

That leaves Pikeville. IMO they handle Raceland, Paintsville and Hazard. They need to beat Johnson Central, Belfry, Boyd Co. and either LCA or Ironton to be guaranteed home field throughout. Could still have a shot with 3 losses but would need help. Much easier said than done IMO.

Again, way too early and big grain of salt...

[ArmChairHC]

It’s goina be interesting to see how it all plays out.

[bac2369]

It’s goina be interesting to see how it all plays out.

I absolutely agree. Fun year coming up in Class 1A.

[ArmChairHC]

One thing I like seeing is Hazards improvement. My question is this…

Are they that much improved from last year or is Martin Co just not very good?

Teams like NCC, Sayre, Campbellsville, and even Paris getting better every year is huge for football as a whole in single A. I would love to get to a point where we are all scratching our heads trying to decide who is going to do what in the playoffs. Pencil and penning things in is what it’s become over the last several years.