[EKUAlum05]

#1 Obviously until the Tyrant of 3A is dethroned, Central remains at the top.

#2-4 Belfry, Bell, and Breathitt are interchangeable right now.


Belfry, IMHO, gets the slight edge in the rankings because they were literally about 12" from being the defending State Champs. They return several very nice pieces and the road to BG has to come through Pond Creek.

Bell gets the the nod at #3 based on the fact they were the clear #2 in the State up until they ran into Central. The Bobcats lose their super-star, but return a lot of experience specifically on the lines.

Truth be told, Breathitt appears to be the most talented of the 3 on paper, but they also may have the biggest question marks as noone knows if they have the ability to replace Collins at HB. The Bobcats have probably the best player in 3A and a host of receivers to throw to. Shouse and Cox are huge additions on paper, but Shouse's pedigree is based on an under-achieving Pike Central team and Cox will be playign a different position then what people know him from. Would not surprise me at all to see Breathitt roll through their schedule and emerge as the more heralded of the 3 B's though.

#5 Ft. Campbell- They flew under the radar last year and emerged as a Semi-FInalist losing only to Central. Ft. Campbell has show the tendency in the past to explode from an "outside threat" to a "Champion" out of nowhere. I think this is the team to watch in the far Western reaches.

#6-8 Once again a cluster of interchangeable teams:

Paducah Tilghman is IMHO the best blend of talent, experience, and pedigree, especially after some key transfers from Lone Oak. Tilghman once again may be the only 3A team with the speed to match Central.

Garrard County is a team I wanted to rank higher after their gutsy Semi-Finals run. Love the direction the program is heading, think they have a great HC, and their QB Abney is severely underrated. Losing over 3000 combined rushing yards is a big blow though, one which bears watching.

Bourbon County is the wild card of 3A this year. They essentially return everyone off a surprising team from last year. The problem with Bourbon is they never could get over the hump and when the big game culminating with a disappointing 2nd Round exit. The fact remains I find it hard to rank Bourbon higher until they display they can beat a 3A team of equal or greater prestige.

#9 Corbin- Redhounds endured a re-building year last year but should be on the up-swing.

#10 Russell- With the returning experience and addition of transfers the Devils have the pedigree of a higher ranked team. Hard to ignore the inner turmoil as well as the questions about McGlones health that could play a significant impact on their season though.

Teams Right on the Cuff:
Wayne County- Tough district, solid team
Edmonson County- Went 11-0 before losing
Lewis County- Showed a shocking turn around last year.
Trigg County- Always tough