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2 IN THE MIDDLE 10 — KEEPERS OF THE FLAME ■ The John Hardin seniors link the program’s winning past to the future. The Bulldogs are shooting for their first state championship after near misses. 11 — OPENING CEREMONIES ■ Two coaches get their shots to become head coaches. Brent Thompson takes over for Crad Jaggers at North Hardin, while Josh Jaggers replaces Rodney Armes at LaRue County. TEAM DIRECTORY School Pages Fort Knox 4-5 Elizabethtown 6-7 LaRue County 8-9 John Hardin 12-13 North Hardin 14-15 Central Hardin 16-17 Meade County 18-19 PLAYER FEATURES 5 — THROWING EVENTS Brandon Franklin is primed for breakout year after changes in the offseason. 7 — THE ALL-AROUND Josh Williams will be asked to do a little of everything for the Panthers this year. 9 — WRESTLING FOR RESPECT Caleb Canter will get his chance as he becomes the team’s go-to running back this season. 13 — STICK AND MOVE Chris Doss has to have the moves of a boxer in John Hardin’s Wing-T attack. 15 — MIDDLE HITTER Johnny Hopkins loves contact and he should get plenty of it after move to inside linebacker. 17 — HEAVY LIFTING Corey Dobbs looks to anchor a young offensive line as he shifts from guard to center. 19 — TARGET PRACTICE After struggles last year, Jake Wilson hopes to be on the mark this season. TEAM PREVIEWS 5 — RACING FOR SUCCESS Eagles are more disciplined and determined after disappointing 2-8 season. 7 — THE REDEEM TEAM Panthers want to put last season behind them and focus on the future. 9 — TEAM PURSUIT Hawks might lack star power, but they could be a better team. 13 — THE GOLD STANDARD Bulldogs look to continue success despite losses. 15 — READY TO MAKE SOME RACQUET Thompson and Trojans look to take another step forward this year after 6-6 season. 17 — SYNCHRONIZED SQUAD After a 6-5 season in Mark Perry’s first year, the Bruins are on the same page for year two. 19 — JUMPING FORWARD Green Wave ready to bounce back and return to winning ways after subpar season. DISTRICT PREVIEWS District Page Class 2-A, District 4 3 Class 3-A, District 3 3 Class 5-A, District 3 3 Class 6-A, District 2 3 THE NEWS-ENTERPRISE FOOTBALL 2012 THURSDAY, AUGUST 16, 2012 CONTENTS & SCHEDULE Friday, Aug. 17 Fort Knox at Elizabethtown 7:30 p.m. John Hardin at Lexington Henry Clay 7:30 p.m. Shelbyville Collins at Meade County 7:30 p.m. Forcht Bank Bowl at Campbellsville University LaRue County vs. Adair County 8:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 24 LaRue County at Shelby County 7:30 p.m. Hart County at Fort Knox 8 p.m. Swope Nissan/First Citizens Bank Bowl at Central Hardin Grayson County at Central Hardin 6:30 p.m. Louisville DeSales vs. Elizabethtown 9 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 25 Bluegrass Bowl at Lexington Catholic John Hardin vs. West Jessamine 5:30 p.m. Joe Jaggers Bowl at North Hardin Greenwood at North Hardin 5:30 p.m. Meade County vs. South Oldham 8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 31 John Hardin at Meade County 7:30 p.m. Spencer County at LaRue County 7:30 p.m. Central Hardin at Elizabethtown 8 p.m. Fort Knox at Butler County 8 p.m. Madisonville-North Hopkins at North Hardin 8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 7 Elizabethtown at North Oldham 7:30 p.m. John Hardin at Boyle County 7:30 p.m. Louisville Butler at Central Hardin 7:30 p.m. North Hardin at Louisville Fairdale 7:30 p.m. Fort Campbell at Fort Knox 8 p.m. Green County at LaRue County 8 p.m. Meade County at Warren Central 8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 14 Bardstown at Elizabethtown 7:30 p.m. Central Hardin at North Hardin 7:30 p.m. Jeffersontown at Meade County 7:30 p.m. LaRue County at Nelson County 7:30 p.m. Coaches are encouraged to call in game results as soon as possible on Friday nights. In addition to score by quarters and scoring plays, 2012 COMPOSITE SCHEDULE NOTE TO COACHES we also publish individual rushing, passing and receiving statistics, and defensive standouts as well as team statistics. Coaches or statisticians Friday, Sept. 21 Central Hardin at Bullitt East 7:30 p.m. Fort Knox at Louisville DeSales 7:30 p.m. Grayson County at North Hardin 7:30 p.m. Louisville Iroquois at John Hardin 7:30 p.m. Elizabethtown at Beechwood 8 p.m. LaRue County at Warren East 8 p.m. Meade County at Henderson County 8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 28 Fort Knox at Bardstown 7:30 p.m. John Hardin at Central Hardin 7:30 p.m. North Hardin at Jeffersontown 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 5 Elizabethtown at Louisville Central 7:30 p.m. Jeffersontown at John Hardin 7:30 p.m. LaRue County at Henry County 7:30 p.m. Louisville Western at Central Hardin 7:30 p.m. Nelson County at Meade County 7:30 p.m. North Hardin at Louisville Iroquois 7:30 p.m. Washington County at Fort Knox 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 12 Elizabethtown at LaRue County 7:30 p.m. Fort Knox at Louisville Shawnee 7:30 p.m. Meade County at Central Hardin 7:30 p.m. North Hardin at John Hardin 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 19 Central Hardin at Nelson County 7:30 p.m. Christian Academy of Louisville at Fort Knox7:30 p.m. Henry County at Elizabethtown 7:30 p.m. John Hardin at Grayson County 7:30 p.m. LaRue County at Louisville Central 7:30 p.m. North Hardin at Meade County 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 26 Campbellsville at Fort Knox 7:30 p.m. John Hardin at Boone County 7:30 p.m. Meade County at Louisville Butler 7:30 p.m. Washington County at LaRue County 7:30 p.m. Glasgow at Elizabethtown 8 p.m. Greenwood at Central Hardin 8 p.m. North Hardin at Owensboro Catholic 8 p.m. 2012 CLASS/DISTRICT ALIGNMENTS CLASS 1-A District 1: Fulton City, Fulton County, Mayfield, Russellville District 2: Bethlehem, Caverna, Holy Cross (Louisville), Kentucky Country Day District 3: Bracken County, Eminence, Frankfort, Paris District 4: Beechwood, Bellevue, Dayton, Ludlow District 5: Berea, Campbellsville, Lynn Camp, Williamsburg District 6: Harlan, Hazard, Jenkins, Pineville District 7: Fairview, Nicholas County, Paintsville, Raceland District 8: Allen Central, Phelps, Pikeville, South Floyd CLASS 2-A District 1: Ballard Memorial, Caldwell County, Crittenden County, Murray, Reidland District 2: Butler County, Hancock County, McLean County, Owensboro Catholic, Todd County Central, Union County District 3: Clinton County, Glasgow, Green County, Metcalfe County District 4: Bardstown, Christian Academy-Louisville, DeSales, Fort Knox, Shawnee, Washington County District 5: Carroll County, Gallatin County, Owen County, Trimble County, Walton-Verona District 6: Bishop Brossart, Holy Cross (Covington), Lloyd Memorial, Newport, Newport Central Catholic District 7: Danville, Lexington Christian, Middlesboro, Somerset District 8: Betsy Layne, Leslie County, Prestonsburg, Shelby Valley CLASS 3-A District 1: Fort Campbell, Heath, Paducah Tilghman, Trigg County, Webster County, District 2: Adair County, Edmonson County, Hart County, Monroe County, South Warren District 3: Central, Elizabethtown, Henry County, LaRue County District 4: Bell County, Casey County, Corbin, McCreary Central, Wayne County District 5: Bath County, Bourbon County, Estill County, Garrard County, Powell County, Western Hills District 6: East Carter, Fleming County, Lewis County, Mason County, Russell, West Carter District 7: Breathitt County, Jackson County, Knott County Central, Magoffin County, Morgan County District 8: Belfry, East Ridge, Lawrence County, Pike County Central, Sheldon Clark CLASS 4-A District 1: Calloway County, Hopkins County Central, Lone Oak, Madisonville-North Hopkins, Owensboro District 2: Allen County-Scottsville, Breckinridge County, Franklin-Simpson, Warren East District 3: Atherton, Collins, North Oldham, Spencer County, Waggener District 4: Doss, Fairdale, Moore, Nelson County, Valley, Western District 5: Boyle County, Lexington Catholic, Marion County, Mercer County, Taylor County District 6: Clay County, Knox Central, Rockcastle County, Russell County District 7: Covington Catholic, Harrison County, Highlands, Holmes, Pendleton County District 8: Ashland Blazer, Boyd County, Greenup County, Johnson Central, Rowan County CLASS 5-A District 1: Apollo, Christian County, Graves County, Hopkinsville, Ohio County District 2: Barren County, Bowling Green, Greenwood, Logan County, Warren Central District 3: Grayson County, Iroquois, Jeffersontown, John Hardin, North Hardin District 4: Bullitt Central, Bullitt East, North Bullitt, Shelby County District 5: Conner, Cooper, Grant County, Scott, South Oldham District 6: Anderson County, East Jessamine, Franklin County, Montgomery County, West Jessamine, Woodford County District 7: Lincoln County, Madison Southern, North Laurel, Pulaski County, South Laurel, Southwestern District 8: Harlan County, Letcher County Central, Perry County Central, Whitley County CLASS 6-A District 1: Daviess County, Henderson County, Marshall County, Muhlenberg County District 2: Central Hardin, Meade County District 3: Butler, Pleasure Ridge Park, Seneca, Southern District 4: DuPont Manual, Male, St. Xavier, Trinity (Louisville) District 5: Ballard, Eastern, Fern Creek, Oldham County District 6: Boone County, Campbell County, Dixie Heights, Ryle, Simon Kenton District 7: Bryan Station, Henry Clay, Paul Laurence Dunbar, Scott County District 8: George Rogers Clark, Lafayette, Madison Central, Tates Creek can reach The News- Enterprise sports department by calling (270) 505- 1752 or (270) 769-1200, Ext. 8243. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS The News-Enterprise sports staff would like to thank E’town Schwinn for use of its bikes, Becca’s Flip-town for use of its facilities, Thad Elmore and T.K. Stone Middle School for use of its pool and Chris Bauer and Central Hardin High School for use of its facilities. Special thanks to the area coaches for working in our requests and the players for their time and patience during the photo shoots. Special assistance was provided by News-Enterprise photographers Jill Pickett and Neal Cardin and copy editor Melissa Vessels. Go Teams! ! s m a e T o G Executive Group, Inc. 100 Chase Way, E’town 270-769-1655 www.realestategroups.com
THE NEWS-ENTERPRISE FOOTBALL 2012 THURSDAY, AUGUST 16, 2012 3 DISTRICT PREVIEWS Medals Up For Grabs CLASS 6-A, DISTRICT 2 Strange one: Meade, Central only teams left By JOHN GROTH The News-Enterprise It’s a two-team district. Central Hardin and Meade County will have an unusual recognition this year, being the only two teams in Class 6-A, District 2 this season. Oddly enough, they’re both going through a year with some revamped lineups and both coaches believe it’s their offensive lines who will determine who wins the championship. For the Bruins, it marks a chance to win their first district championship since 1997. But with all their graduation losses, they’re in a tough spot. They have a first-year starting quarterback and running back group, some inexperience on the offensive line and a totally new-fangled defensive line. They do have two have two returning starters on the offensive line – including senior Corey Dobbs, who is switching from guard to center – and junior Clint Walker. But Central Hardin coach Mark Perry thinks that’s the group that could pave the way to the district title. “They’ve got to be the corps,” he said. “They’ve got to be the energy. They’ve got to be the group that rallies our football team.” Meade County will aim to defend its title, after it defeated Central Hardin and Nelson County last season. The Green Wave at least has senior Jake Wilson, who started their final five games at quarterback, and a veteran offensive line. They will have a new starting running back, a host of different wide receivers and a different linebacking corps. They’re also sticking with the Wing-T offense, which they ran over the final half of last year. “The Wing-T balances a team out,” said Meade County coach Larry Mofield. “You cannot focus on one young man – (you) have three backs that can carry the ball and hurt you. You have a quarterback that can throw.” Central Hardin hasn’t beaten Meade County since 1999 and the Green Wave have outscored the Bruins, 415-99 during that 12- game span. Meade County blew out Central Hardin, 58-14 last season – scoring 26 points in the second quarter to break the game open. MEDAL SHOWDOWN: Meade County at Central Hardin on Oct. 12. This game ends a threegame homestand for the Bruins and could go a long way in solidifying the quarterback position. The Green Wave have the deeper, more experienced offensive line and Mofield hopes to platoon them late in the season. With two regular-season games left after this, could this be where he starts? MEDALIST CHANCES. Here’s a quick look at the top three candidates for District Player of the Year. 1. Jake Wilson, Meade County. The senior quarterback is on a mission. He’s not happy with how the Green Wave ended their season and wants to show he’s more accurate and a stronger leader this season. He has focus and desire – two attributes that could carry him a long way. 2. John Clark, Meade County. The Green Wave have had plenty of bruising backs throughout the years. The senior gives them a different kind – a speed back. Mofield likes how he can zoom around people and if the Green Wave’s veteran line gets stronger, he could put up some sizable numbers. 3. Ryan Woodrum, Central Hardin. The senior has put on some extra muscle this season thanks to the Bruins’ weightlifting program and, at linebacker, will be one of the team’s defensive leaders. He’s confident and has a swagger to him. PROJECTED ORDER OF FINISH. 1. Meade County, 2. Central Hardin. John Groth can be reached at (270) 505-1754 or jgroth@thenewsenterprise.com. ONLY AVAILABLE AT CLASS 5-A, DISTRICT 3 Despite changes,everyone still chasing Bulldogs By CHUCK JONES The News-Enterprise When it comes to district championships, the John Hardin Bulldogs have made it look easy. The Bulldogs have won three consecutive Class 5-A, District 3 championships. Since the KHSAA moved to six classes in 2007, they have lost only one game against district competition – a 27- 21 setback to Louisville Doss in 2008 – and they have won 16 straight games against district foes. Since 2005, John Hardin has won 33 of its last 36 games against district teams. The Bulldogs have won or shared the district championship six of the last seven years with the lone exception coming in 2008. John Hardin lost all but two starters on offense and returns only five starters on defense, but the district still runs through Bulldog Stadium. “Without a doubt, they’re the district favorite,” North Hardin coach Brent Thompson said of the Bulldogs. “They are the favorite until someone knocks them off.” North Hardin could play spoiler. Although the Trojans had their fair share By NATHANIEL BRYAN The News-Enterprise By JOSH CLAYWELL The News-Enterprise After rolling through Class 2-A, District 4 play undefeated last season, Christian Academy of Louisville appears poised to win its second straight district title. The Centurions, who advanced to the state quarterfinals, return 10 starters on defense. You can’t overlook Louisville DeSales, which went 6-6, or Bardstown, which was 10-2. DeSales and Bardstown both advanced to the second round of the playoffs. And then there’s Washington County, which went 5-6 and lost in the first round of the playoffs. Fort Knox and Louisville Shawnee missed the playoffs. Second-year Fort Knox coach Shawn Thompson said the district should be just as difficult this season. “I think we’re behind those teams right now, but if we work at it, keep doing what we’ve been doing and stay focused on what our goals are, I think we of losses, Thompson has been pleased with the team’s progress during the preseason, but said they must continue to improve. John Hardin coach Mark Brown said the district has undergone major changes with new coaches at North Hardin, Jeffersontown and Louisville Iroquois. “I’m sure everybody will put us there because we’ve won it quite a few times,” Brown said. “But this should be an interesting year. Grayson County has everyone back. North Hardin lost some kids, but they always have talent. J’town is kind of an unknown.” Grayson County’s season was derailed by injuries, but the Cougars return nearly their entire roster. Jeffersontown begins life without do-it-all quarterback DeMichael Jackson and Iroquois begins the Mark Sander era. Sander led Louisville DeSales to the 2009 2-A title game. MEDAL SHOWDOWN: North Hardin at John Hardin on Oct. 12. This game should decide the district championship this season. The Bulldogs have won seven consecutive games over North Hardin, including two victories over the Trojans last season. If there’s a silver lining, CLASS 3-A, DISTRICT 3 Behind the strength of 17 seniors – including All-State running back Anthony Wales (Western Kentucky University signee) and five Campbellsville University signees – the Louisville Central Yellowjackets won their fourth Class 3-A state title in five years last season. They held all eight 3-A opponents they faced to three touchdowns or less. Surely the Yellowjackets should take a dip this year? It’s been said Central doesn’t rebuild, it merely reloads. And the Yellowjackets still have plenty of firepower. They return 48 players from last year’s team, including 24 seniors, from the only district member to win a postseason game in 2011. Last year’s district runner-up, LaRue County, has a new coach (Josh Jaggers) and a new offense (hybrid spread). But its two star running backs are gone. Luckily the Hawks return a bunch of defensive starters to lean on while the offense gets its bearings. Elizabethtown went 0-11 last year, matching the state record for single-season losses and setting unofficial records for total points allowed in a season (654) and points allowed per game (59.5). But the Panthers return quite a few starters, plus have a new offense (pro-style), a more aggressive defense and are looking to make the last season at Doug Smith Memorial Stadium a memorable one before being slated to move to their oncampus turf field in 2013. Henry County struggled on offense last season, scoring three touchdowns or less in more than half its games. But the defense made strides toward the end of the season – holding seven-win Corbin to two touchdowns in the Wildcats’ last game – and with 17 starters back (nine on defense, eight on offense), Henry County should be improved this year. MEDAL SHOWDOWN: Central at Elizabethtown on Oct. 5. Granted this game was a blowout last season, but Central blew out every district opponent. Elizabethtown has a lot coming North Hardin’s last victory in the series came at Bulldog Stadium when the Trojans pulled out a 10-7 win in 2005. MEDALIST CHANCES. Here’s a quick look at the top three candidates for District Player of the Year. 1. Domonick Brown, John Hardin. Brown enjoyed a breakout year, being named the Area Defensive Player of the Year. The 6-foot, 240-pound linebacker made 128 tackles last season and will anchor the defense once again. 2. Vincent Dobbins, North Hardin. Dobbins showed flashes of his potential last season and should excel in North Hardin’s new fast-paced offensive attack. Dobbins is also a big-play threat when it comes to the return game. 3. Jalen Fleming, John Hardin. Fleming rushed for more than 100 yards in his only start, which came in the playoffs. The 5-9, 191-pound halfback could have a big season. Fleming will also start at cornerback. PROJECTED ORDER OF FINISH. 1. John Hardin, 2. North Hardin, 3. Grayson County, 4. Jeffersontown, 5. Louisville Iroquois. Chuck Jones can be reached at (270) 505-1759 or cjones@thenewsenterprise.com Louisville Central reloads for another state title run CLASS 2-A, DISTRICT 4 can catch them,” Thompson said. “We’re already behind the 8-ball with kids moving in and out as it is, but we have three months to catch up to them.” Christian Academy will be carried by its defense early on. Returning starters include senior linebackers Chad Meredith and Austin Chelf, senior defensive tackle Hunter Trenaman and senior defensive end John Popovich. The Centurions, however, must replace their leading passer, rusher and receiver. DeSales has a new coach in Harold Davis, who takes over for Mark Sander. Bardstown lost 18 players to graduation, but still has plenty of talent. Washington County is rebuilding under second-year coach Eric Sagrecy, and Shawnee’s defense allowed 41.5 points per game last season. “I think CAL is going to be there again, DeSales went 6-6 and they had a coaching change, so it’ll be interesting to see how they do this year,” Thompson said. “Bardstown is always going to have some athletes who can play. I saw back and has been about the only district rival which has given the Yellowjackets fits in the past. MEDALIST CHANCES. Here’s a quick look at the top three candidates for District Player of the Year. 1. Donald Styles, Central. The 5-foot- 10, 180-pound junior linebacker 115 total tackles – 61 solo – while playing in every game last year. He attended Louisville and Ohio State invitational camps, while he also has interest from Kentucky and Michigan according to Scout.com. 2. Josh Williams, Elizabethtown. The 5-8, 172-pound senior running back/safety had 752 rushing/receiving yards last year as the Panthers’ No. 3 offensive option. Now he’s the primary weapon. 3. Jajuan Hailey, Central. The 5-11, 175-pound junior defensive back had two interceptions, one fumble recovery and 58 total tackles last year. PROJECTED ORDER OF FINISH. 1. Central, 2. Elizabethtown, 3. LaRue County, 4. Henry County. Nathaniel Bryan can be reached at (270) 505- 1758 or nbryan@thenewsenterprise.com. CAL seems like favorite,but DeSales and Bardstown close behind Washington County at a few seven-onseven tournaments and they’ve got a nice team. They’re not as fast as they usually are, but they’ve got some strong kids.” MEDAL SHOWDOWN: Christian Academy at DeSales on Oct. 12. In the next-to-last district game for both teams, the district title could come down to this matchup. The Centurions held off the Colts, 29-21 last season and this game should be just as close. MEDALIST CHANCES. The 6-foot-4, 220- pound Meredith should be considered a candidate for District Player of the Year, along with Fort Knox senior quarterback Brandon Franklin, Bardstown senior wideout Marcus Cosby, Bardstown senior linebacker Donshais Calbert and Christian Academy junior wideout Chad Lewellyn. ORDER OF FINISH. 1. Christian Academy, 2. DeSales, 3. Bardstown, 4. Fort Knox, 5. Washington County, 6. Shawnee. Josh Claywell can be reached at (270) 505-1752 or jclaywell@thenewsenterprise.com. BRANDENBURG . . . . 422-2141 RADCLIFF . . . . . . . . . . . . . 351-2438 HARDINSBURG . . . . . 547-6537 Toll Free 888-920-2141 MON. - FRI. 8AM - 7PM; SAT. 8AM - 6PM; SUN. CLOSED www.TonyBrownChevrolet.com
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