[Strikeout King]

5A D7 and 8

Class 5A, District 7

1. Pulaski County (14-1): The Maroons are hoping to reach the Class 5A state championship game again, but this time around with a different result.

2. Madison Southern (10-2): The Eagles are looking to unseat Pulaski County as district champions with running back Damien Harris returning to the mix.

3. Southwestern (1-9): Larry French is looking to turn things around for the Warriors.

4. Lincoln County (5-6): The Patriots return two-time All-State lineman in senior Andrew Wilks.

5. North Laurel (8-3): The Jaguars are still searching for their first-ever playoff win.

6. South Laurel (3-7): The Cardinals have their third coach in as many years with hopes that Hunter Jackson can guide them to their first winning season since 2007.


Preseason Favorite: Pulaski County

The Maroons marched all the way to the Class 5A finals before falling to Bowling Green. Johnny Hines' squad is hoping to make another deep run in teh postseason again this year with nine starters returning on offense and seven on defense.

"We return a lot of expierenced players." Hines said. "We feel that our quarterback (Riley Hall), is one of the best in the state. We are excited to have Mason Helton back in the line-up after an injury. George Gregory and Jake Johnson give us a double threat on the outside.

"Defensively, we will be very small, but hope to utilize our quickness," he added. "Hunter Merrick will lead the charge at defensive end, as well as free safety Christian Holman and linebackers Jesse Whitaker and Mason Helton. Derek Burgett will be a big weapon in the kicking game."



Knocking on the Door: Madison Southern[/U

Madison Southern returns the state's top running back in Damien Harris, giving the Eagles hope of making a deep run in the postseason.

"While we have some very strong players returning, our team will be young in regards to experience," Madison Southern coach Jon Clark said. "We return one starter on the offensive line, but both tight ends return. We return most of our backfield, but will be young at center. On defense, we are returning four players who have started. Our kicker is returning for his senior year as well."


[U]2014 Preseason Player Of The Year

Damien Harris, Madison Southern, Sr., RB/OLB, 5-11, 215.

Harris is considered one of the top running backs in the nation. He was named 2013 Kentucky Gatorade Player of the Year while earning All-State First Team honors as well. He ran for 2,621 yards on the ground last season while totaling 42 rushing touchdowns, and 45 touchdowns overall. He also had eight catches for 37 yards.


Players to Watch

Lucas Brewer, Southwestern, Sr., DE, 6-0, 205; J.D. Dean, Madison Southern, Sr., WR/DB, 5-10, 170; George Gregory, Pulaski County, Jr., WR/CB, 6-0, 175; Jared Grubb, South Laurel, So., RB/DB, 5-11, 170; Riley Hall, Pulaski County, Jr., QB, 6-0, 160; Jake Johnson, Pulaski County, So., WR, 6-1, 168; Keaton Kennedy, North Laurel, Sr., K, 6-0, 190; Jake McFadden, North Laurel, Sr., RB/LB, 6-1, 210; Aaron Sipple, Madison Southern, Sr., MLB/RB, 5-10, 210; Andrew Wilks, Lincoln County, Sr., OL/DL, 6-3, 280.




Class 5A, District 8

1. Harlan County (8-4): Despite being hit hard by graduation, the Black Bears remain a solid favorite for their fifth straight district title behind a strong running game and hard-hitting defense.

2. Perry County Central (6-6): Coming off only the second playoff win in school history, Perry Central has the look of a team on the rise under former Breathitt County star quarterback Justin Haddix.

3. Letcher County Central (4-7): Legendary Breathitt County coach Mike Holcomb had a few more downs than ups in season one of rebuilding a program that hasn't posted a playoff victory since finishing as regional runner-up in 2009. Senior quarterback Zane Blair, junior tailback Jaylen Williams and senior halfback Hunter Hall should provide enough big plays to help the Cougars improve.

4. Whitley County (1-10): Jason Chappell takes over as coach adn inherits a rebuilding program that slowly fell on hard times after winning a regional title in 2008. Junior tailback Zach Mills and senior quarterback/running back Austin Ysidro will give Chappell a couple of proven players.


Preseason Favorite: Harlan County

After four straight of domination, the Black Bears appear to be in position for a fifth straight district title despite losing several top players to graduation. Fred Massey should be one of eastern Kentucky's top running backs behind an offensive front that returns seniors Zach Caldwell, Gary Helton and Bo Harris. Junior lefthander Jarrett Ford is the early favorite to replace Scotty Bailey at quarterback. The defense was hit hard by graduation, especially with four year starter Carson Whitehead moving on, but the Bears will rebuild around Massey at linebacker, Nick Cornett at cornerback and Bobby Huff at nose guard. Seniors J.T. Cabell and Hunter Lewis saw extensive action on the defnesive front last year, and sophomore Kennon Napier is likely replacement for Whitehead at middle linebacker.


Team on the Rise: Perry County Central

The multi-talented Nathan Pray may be the most dangerous weapon in the district with his skills as a runner, receiver and passer. Pray split time at quarterback and receiver, passing for 10 touchdowns and pulling in 11 through the air. Seth Napier, a junior, will share time at quarterback behind sophomore-dominated offensive line featuring tackles Jeremy Woolum (6-2, 245) and Austin Caudill (6-0, 240) and center Donnie Noble (6-0, 260) that gained valuable varsity experience last season. Senior linebackers Michael Shepherd (97 tackles last season) and Josh Garry (77 tackles) are back to lead a defense that also returns junior safety Tyler Lawson, a senior end Brandon Campbell (33 tackles) and junior linebacker Jordan Combs (69 tackles).


2014 Preseason Player Of The Year

Fred Massey, Harlan County, Sr., TB/LB, 6-1, 210.

Blessed with both speed and power, Massey is the latest in what is quickly developing into a long line of outstanding running backs in Tom Larkey's ground-oriented offense that has featured the past three district players of the year. Both Massey and Carson Whitehead topped the 1,000-yard mark last year, but with Whitehead moving on to the next level you can bet that Massey's carries and statistics will continue to rise. Massey is also a leader on one of eastern Kentucky's top defenses at linebacker.


Players to Watch

Zane Blair, Letcher Central, Sr., QB, 6-3, 200; Zach Caldwell, Harlan County, Sr., T/T, 6-3, 300; Josh Garry, Perry Central, Sr., TE/LB, 6-4, 235; Hunter Hall, Letcher Central, Sr., HB/LB, 6-0, 170; Gary Helton, Harlan County, Sr., T, 6-0, 245; Bobby Huff, Harlan County, Sr., HB/NG, 5-6, 170; Zach Mills, Whitley County, Jr., TB/DB, 5-9, 175; Nathan Pray, Perry Central, Sr., WR/CB, 5-11, 165; Michael Shepherd, Perry Central, Sr., FB/LB, 6-0, 190; Jaylen Williams, Letcher Central, Jr., TB/DB, 5-9, 190; Austin Ysidro, Whitley County, Sr., QB/RB/LB, 6-2, 225.