[EKUAlum05]

From a Fan of EKY Football:

In 1A I think Pikeville and Hazard will welcome the renewal of their rivalry and the regular season challenge to make them stronger. Love the fact the 1A "Mountain Representative" will be decided in he Regional Finals. No team in KY has an easier path to the Semi's than Raceland (Barring Fairview never recovering). A 3 Team District and their opposite district may be one of the weakest in the State.

2A
The 6 Team EKY District is a bit of an issue for those teams and I am sure Pburg isn't exactly thrilled as they look big picture. The other 5 teams are historically not very strong and now if you are Pburg you are handicapped with only 4 Non-District games to best prepare you for a deep playoff run opposite one of the most competitive Districts pound for pound in the State.

3A
What a class! Probably the toughest class pound for pound in the State loaded with elite programs and a Who's Who of past State Champions. Love seeing Bell/Corbin back in the East. Here's hoping Breathitt can get their program back on track so they can return to form and salvage a District that may be one of the weakest in the State outside of the Bobcats. Big fan of seeing the Belfry/Russell playoff rivalry being renewed.. especially with the Russell talent pool about to climb. A Belfry/Bell Semi-Final ultimately is any mountain fan's dream.

4A
I like the new look District 6 a lot from a competition standpoint. A pair of new blood programs in Russell County and Knox Central who have proven themselves as quality... a Wayne County program who is about to join New Blood Status.. and a Rockcastle program who has a strong tradition but is needing some revitalization. Think you will see some great parity and matchups.

The story of course will be Ashland and Johnson Central. I see this rivalry going to new heights as these two programs should be the consensus favorite year in and year out to represent the Eastern Semi-State. The Bourbon program is on track to being a consistently strong program under Hodge and Mason is always competitive,,, but based on the past 6-7 years it is clear Ashland and JC are in position to become an annual contender for the State Title.

5A
The teams move but on the whole I expect things to stay the same. It is going to be Pulaski County and Harlan County.. then everyone else. I see Perry Central, Southwestern, and North Laurel as teams who may be able to pick their spots to threaten.. but it is clear that the Maroons and Black Bears are set up for more classic matchups. The bad news is no matter how those play out now Highlands and Cov Cath potentially lie in wait.