[Strikeout King]

Can you post Class 4A district 2?

1. Franklin-Simpson (8-5): The Wildcats took some hits from graduation, but still bring back enough to be the favorites again.

2. Warren East (7-5): The Raiders success could hinge on the health of University of Kentucky commit Eli Brown, who suffered an ACL injury late in the 2013 season.

3. Allen County-Scottsville (4-7): The Patriots lost their last four games, including district games against Franklin and Warren East, and must replace leading rusher Charlie Trapp

4. Breckinridge County (1-10): The Tigers lose most of their experience from a team that went 1-10 last season.


Preseason Favorite: Franklin-Simpson

After winning the district in 2013, the Wildcats look for the repeat despite losing 19 seniors from a team that advanced to the third round of the Class 4A playoffs.

Plenty of fire power returns from a Franklin-Simpson offense that averaged 27.8 points a night. Quarterback Colton Hurt returns, with senior Jerry Billups and junior Isaiah Hall looking to carry a bigger load to pick up the slack left by the loss of leading rusher Chris Holman. Junior Evan Figert will try to lead a receiving corp that was an afterthought at times last season.

Figert will also be asked to lead a defense unity that forced 29 turnovers last year and held opponents to 17.1 points a game. The defense will look different with the Wildcats losing Holman, Joseph, Hawkins, Nick Robey, and Marquiez Robbins.

That will put more pressure on the offense, especially in the early part of 2014, but if the defense gels the Wildcats are capable of another deep postseason run.


Intriguing Team: Warren East

The Raiders got off to a slow start in 2013, but won four straight before losing to Owensboro in the second round of the 4A playoffs. Injuries led to that start and more questions linger as 2014 opens. Senior Eli Brown tore his ACL in the regular season finale, but is expected to be ready by week one. Brown paired with Antonio Shields to create a dynamic duo in the backfield. Brown might not see as many touches this season, with more focus on leading a defensive unit that gave up at least 27 points five times last season. Seniors Josh Yoebstl and Matt Hughes will help the linebacking corp with Shields expected to lead the way in the secondary.


2014 Preseason Player Of The Year

Eli Brown, Warren East, Sr., RB/LB, 6-2, 192.

After being a force on the defensive end his sophomore season, Brown showed he could be monster on the offensive side as well in 2014, with 1,186 yards rushing and 15 scores. Brown's biggest night came in an overtime win over Hopkinsville when he ran for 336 yards and five scores. The biggest question coming into the running back/linebacker's senior season is health. Brown tore his ACL in the final game of the regular season. but is expected to be ready for week one. Brown originally committed to Vanderbilt, but reopened his recruiting and committed to Kentucky in the spring.


Players to Watch

Jerry Billups, Franklin-Simpson, Sr., RB/DB; Jessie Bow, Allen County-Scottsville, Jr., QB; Evan Figert, Franklin-Simpson, Jr., WR/LB; Matt Hughes, Warren East, Sr., LB; Colton Hurt, Franklin-Simpson, Sr., QB/DB; Ty Mutter, Allen County-Scottsville, Jr., RB/LB; Colton Oakes, Allen County-Scottsville, Sr., QB/DB; Darrell Riedling, Breckinridge County, Sr., OL/DL; Antonio Shields, Warren East, Sr., RB/DB; Josh Yoebstl, Warren East, Sr., FB/LB.