Trinity has reloaded after a spectacular season last year, falling just short of a national title. The Shamrocks are our easy pick as the best team in Kentucky this season.
Photo by Wayne Litmer
14-0
Head coach: Bob Beatty
Team PreviewThe team that finished No. 2 nationally last season will once again be in contention for a mythical national championship, as it is
ranked No. 12 in the Preseason Xcellent 25. Coming off the greatest season in Kentucky state history, it may be hard to be as good as the 2011 Shamrocks, but this year's squad will show very little drop-off. The offense, with
Travis Wright,
James Quick and
Dalyn Dawkins, will be just fine.
Jason Hatcher and
Ryan White will power the defense. The team's offensive line needs to come together, but that is nitpicking an otherwise outstanding team. Trinity heads the list of
Kentucky's Top 10 most consistent football programs and also will have to replace two players found on the list of
Kentucky Class of 2012 Division 1 signees.
2. Highlands (Fort Thomas)2011 finish: 15-0
Head coach: Dale Mueller
Team PreviewHighlands has proven to be the top public school program in Kentucky. Under Dale Mueller's leadership, Highlands has won five consecutive state titles. It will need to replace quarterback Patrick Towles, but early returns on replacements have been positive. With
Drew Houliston,
Beau Hoge (son of NFL analyst Merril Hoge) and
Donovan McCoy in the mix, there could be several quarterbacks vying for the starting spot. Luckily, there is great depth at running back and receiver, including
Jac Collinsworth, son of Cris Collinsworth. Highlands will look to get back to winning state titles, as you can see the school listed often on the list of
Kentucky state football champions for the past 10 years.
3. St. Xavier (Louisville)2011 finish: 8-5
Head coach: Mike Glaser
Team PreviewAn 8-5 record last year was definitely an outlier on head coach Mike Glaser's resume at St. Xavier. In 2012, the Tigers look to rebound and again compete for a Class 6A state title. Running back
Brandon Moore will likely be the focal point of the team's offense while defensive lineman
Karl Roesler and linebacker
Deonte Clyburn will lead the defense. While Trinity seems to be on top of the Class 6A scene, never count out St. Xavier. In the rivalry between the teams, anything can happen. St. Xavier ranked No. 2 in our June, 2011 list of the
Top 10 Kentucky football dynasties.
4. Scott County (Georgetown)2011 finish: 14-1
Head coach: Jim McKee
Team PreviewIt may be hard for Scott County to repeat its magical 14-1 season of a year ago. However, there is some returning talent that should keep the Cardinals among the state's elite. Running back
Dierrieus Dumphord rushed for 1,148 yards and 19 touchdowns and is back for his senior season. Sophomore quarterback
Clay McKee may slide into the starting job. Linebacker
Damon Gray will lead a young defense that will have its share of new faces. Search for Scott County players on the list of
2011 Kentucky All-District football teams.
5. Lexington Catholic2011 finish: 11-3
Head coach: Bill Letton
Team PreviewLexington Catholic looks to build on an 11-3 season that came to an end with a blowout loss to Highlands in the state playoffs. Quarterback
Kyle Bolin will be one of the area's premier quarterbacks. He should enjoy a highly productive senior season. Receiver
Sam Letton could emerge as a top target as only a freshman.
