[EKUAlum05]

I think you'll be surprised just how far of a step back South Warren will take. They only lost 12 seniors, but those seniors represented 6 starters on the defensive side and 7 starters on the offensive side of the ball. Several of those players started since the inception of the program, including Jay Eblen, the only Spartan to ever start at QB. They only have one returning defensive starter that will be a senior, and only three returning starters that will be seniors on the offensive side of the ball. They lose their top two and four of their top 5 in tackles. They lose 3 of their front 4 (including UK signee Adrian Middleton) and their two interior linebackers. Two of their returning starters are in the secondary, and they don't run up against many teams that even try to pass. It was their rushing D where they made their name last year, and I just don't see their newcomers replacing that production.

You are right that they have more to choose from, but more or not, you don't gain 2-3 years of experience overnight. The guys stepping in will be lacking in that department, and I expect South Warren to slide to the bottom of the top 10, maybe just outside it.

I agree.

I would add to this that South Warren was not a very good offensive team last season AT ALL.

Their defense was dominant at most times.. but their offense probably wasn't even a Top 10 offense in 3A. In their 3 toughest tests... none of which were known for being dominant defensive teams mind you:

vs. Daviess County- 3 points scored (Loss)
vs. Russellville- 21 points scored (Win)
vs. Tilghman- 7 points scored (Loss)

Only 10 points per game average against 3 teams that were far from being the Steel Curtain.

The offense was greatly aided throughout the season by their unbelievable defense setting them up with short fields and turnovers. The defense typically was creating 3 and Outs so it also was giving them their maximum amount of offensive possessions.

Losing several key pieces on offense gives me limited assurance they will vastly improve in 2014.