[Strikeout King]

Could you post 4a district 6

1. Knox Central (6-5): A 2013 season that begin with much promise ended with great disappointment as the Panthers stumbled to a second-place finish in the district and a first round playoff loss after entering the season as a slight favorite.

2. Russell County (10-2): Not too many teams dominated their district more than the Lakers in 2013 as they blew past their three rivals by a combined score of 114-13.

3. Rockcastle County (2-9): Despite two-straight two win seasons, coach Scott Parkey is excited about the Rockets' chances for big improvement this fall with six starters back both ways.

4. Clay County (2-9): Several individuals had good seasons for the Tigers in 2013 but competing in 4A remained a struggle. Improvement is expected this fall with several key players back.


Preseason Favorite: Knox Central

Staying healthy could be the key to the Panthers' hopes of ending a district championship drought. Several key players have been slowed by nagging injuries and will need to rebound in 2014 if Knox Central is to end Russell County's recent district dominance.

Senior wide receiver Matthew Barger is the Panthers' primary playmaker but junior halfback Jacob Mills showed flashes of his potential last year with 402 yards rushing and four TDs. Sophomore Jaxon Stewart, a transfer from Corbin, is expected to take over at quarterback. The offensive front should be solid with seniors Alex Sprinkles, Corey Owens and Dee Castle returning, along with junior tight end Hunter McRight. Senior Hayden Canady is the leader on defense after recording a team-high 146 tackles a year ago. McRight (75 tackles). Owens (72 tackles) and Barger also return.


Looking for a Three Peat: Russell County

The Lakers will likely welcome not being the preseason favorite after answering a similar slight last year by steamrolling through their three district opponents for a second straight year. Russell loses eight starters on both offense and defense but will have several players with experience to rebuild around, including senior halfback Wes Fletcher, who ran for 1,462 yards last year and scored 26 touchdowns. Senior quarterback Austin Smiddy gained valuable experience last year, passing for 521 yards and six touchdowns. Senior receiver Braxton Mann led the team in receptions last season with 13 for 171 yards. Senior end Nick Coffey (6-5, 240), who is being recruited by several Divison 1 schools, returns to lead the defense after recording 68 tackles last year to rank third on the team. Senior linebacker Brandon Crew also returns.


2014 Preseason Player Of The Year

Matthew Barger, Knox Central, Sr., WR/S, 6-2, 170

Finding a position that Barger can't play would be easier than listing those he has played in his four years as a starter for the Panthers. Barger was first on the team in passing yardage and second in rushing a year ago, but neither quarterback nor running back is his best position. Coach Scott Russell hopes he can keep Barter at receiver, where he had 13 catches for 182 yards in limited action last season after pulling in 46 receptions for 754 yards the year before. Barter is also a playmaker in the secondary, where he had three interceptions and 41 tackles last season.


Players to Watch

Isaiah Adams, Rockcastle County, Sr., FB/DE, 5-9, 205; Chance Ansardi, Rockcastle County, Sr., FB/DE, 6-1, 240; Hayden Canady, Knox Central, Sr., FB/LB, 5-11, 240; Sam Carr, Clay County, Sr., TB, 5-11, 195; Dee Castle, Knox Central, Sr., G, 6-0, 270; Nick Coffey, Russell County, Sr., TE/DE, 6-5, 240; Kyle Denny, Rockcastle County, Sr., WR/FS, 6-1, 150; Ryan Holland, Clay County, Sr., QB, 6-3, 215; Wes Fletcher, Russell County, Sr., HB/CB, 5-10, 165; Jacob Reid, Clay County, Sr., LB, 5-11, 220; Austin Smiddy, Russell County, Sr., QB/S, 6-2, 190; Shawn Stephens, Russell County, Sr., C/T, 6-1, 275.