Central KY Top 10 Linebackers, Week 1

This list includes players from Hardin County (Central Hardin, North Hardin, John Hardin, and Elizabethtown), Bullitt (North Bullitt, Bullitt Central, Bullitt East*), Meade County HS, Spencer County HS, and the outer loop of Louisville (Fern Creek, Eastern, Western, Southern, Christian Academy of Louisville, Moore*, Doss*).   Over week 1 these were the top performing OLBs, ILBs and LBs in the Central Kentucky area ; 1) Killeon Jones LB #13 Sr. (Western) Unquestioned the defensive captain and glue of this team, tripling 2nd place (4). to total 12 tackles in week 1. Jones did what he could but eventually the opposing team would inch down to a score. Jones had tenacity the whole game, but his team didn't match his effort falling, 12 - 20 on opening weekend. 2) Antonio Stewart LB/RB #7 Sr. (Southern) Antonio was able to find his rhythm tonight, closing the game with 8 tackles and a forced fumble, but unfortunately his team did not recover it. Stewart has power and knows how to get low and hit hard. Antonio also accumulated 57 yards on the ground with a reception for a first down, Crucial plays on both sides of the ball, made by a crucial member of this team, Antonio Stewart. 3) Gavin Copenhaver RB/FB/LB Jr. (Christian Academy Louisville) The offense worked off the success of Gavin, he also was the most productive Defensive player for CAL. Copenhaver is another 2 way player, power back and prototype linebacker, both he excels at. Copenhaver is the driving force of the offense and defense, a powerhouse when on the field. Gavin has a lot to look forward too. 4) Kevin McCroskey LB #12 So. (John Hardin) Kevin was destroying the pocket, and causing havoc for LaRue County, ending the contest with 3 sacks and the most tackles. McCroskey is a recent addition to the Varsity roster and quite a good one, showing he can lead a defense to many 3 and outs, with pressure and power against the opposing backfield. McCroskey should develop into an even better player in the future, as he is only a sophomore. 5) JuJuan Williams #7 OLB Jr. (North Hardin) Was a busy night for Williams, he had a lot of pass coverage success, and was a part of a good portion of tackles. Stopped the ball on crucial downs and stayed fresh the whole game, seeming to be an anchor on his side of the field. JuJuans did all he could in a 30 - 7 loss, although it wasn’t enough tonight, he showed he has tenacity and plays smart, utilizes excellent field vision. 6) Easton Link #52 G/LB (Central Hardin) Easton was a problem for DeSales, accumulating 5 solo tackles. Breaking down and wrapping up in the open field, is something that every coach needs to teach there players, Link is natural with these fundamentals. Stopping any play that started to seem like it would open up for the opposing team, speed and great tackling abilities as well as an interception capped off a great performance for this defensive prospect. 7) Jacob Lacefield #58 Jr. LB (Meade County) Lacefield was busy tonight on defense, leading the team in tackles and wrapping up for 1 TFL and 1 sack. Jacob played every snap and picked up the heads of his team mates, despite losing a shut out. A true defense captain and hard working football player, doesn't let the moment get to him, he performs. 8) Bennett Solomon OLB #50 Jr. (John Hardin) Although I couldn't put him on the top 5, its no fault of Bennett's, he still managed to get double digit tackles and a couple for a loss. Bennett was able to still make himself valuable in a blowout win, and deserves some recognition in the week 1 top 5. 9) Makaya Green OLB/CB #4 Jr. (Elizabethtown) Makaya is a good one-on-one specialist, he never got beat and had great game knowledge. For someone playing on the outside he was getting in on blitzes and any run he’d blow by the receiver supposed to be blocking him and assisting on tackles. Green also got involved on 2 passing plays his way, breaking them up. A third pass went over him and his receiver, Green would be higher had the QB thrown his way more, nonetheless great opening performance from this OLB/CB hybrid. 10) Kaden Ferguson #32 LB Sr. (Central Hardin) Taking on any challenge and showing persistence in his ability to get pressure behind the line. Ferguson had quite the night, being the only player to tackle for loss multiple times and tied for 2nd most tackles on the team. Kaden is a good linebacker, and a good supplement to the rushing attack. Honorable Mention : Trey Durbin OLB #2 Jr. (Elizabethtown) Trey was able to cut outside and had a lot of success with open field tackling. Trey had patience with each play reading the QB and following the ball, and if the play ever got past the D-Line, it was mostly Durbin or Green cleaning it up. Durbin had limited success as his D-Line did a majority of the work in Week 1, but times Durbin was put in the position to make a play he never failed. Definitely a prospect to watch in future contests.