Players to Watch For in Each Divisional Class Playoffs: 11/3-11/5
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As the regular season has come to an end, we can all agree that this season exceeded our expectations on the amount of exciting & competitive football teams arose from the state of Kentucky. Not only have we seen a…
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Continue ReadingAs the regular season has come to an end, we can all agree that this season exceeded our expectations on the amount of exciting & competitive football teams arose from the state of Kentucky. Not only have we seen a change of new powerhouse football teams finally getting their recognition, but we have also seen plenty of players who had ridiculous seasonal performances that were too good to ignore. The amount of talent depth we have in this state is truly exciting to perceive what the future holds for Kentucky high school football. But for now, the 2022 season has come to the first round of playoffs this week. Starting this week, I will be listing one player to watch for in each state divisional class as they play in their upcoming playoff games as well as honorable mentions.
Past Analysis: Zah’ron put out a ridiculous performance this past week, recording 20 carries for 236 rushing yards & 4 total touchdowns. What’s impressive about the young man’s athletic stature is his extremely fast acceleration once he starts running with the football. Once Zah’ron breaks out onto the open field, nobody is going to be able to catch up to him. He also possesses excellent footwork that helps keep him light on his feet and creates nasty jabs that freeze the opposing defenders every time. Connect those attributes and we have a truly talented tailback that can easily compete at the next level.
At the end of the season, Zah’ron placed 2nd in average rushing yards per game and placed 1st in most rushing touchdowns in 6A ball for Manual. Even with playing against the most competitive football teams in the state, Zah’ron continued to dominate the 6A class with his incredible talent and looks to sustain their high school’s impressive season against Fern Creek High School (4-6) this weekend.
Past Analysis: Vincent is a defensive stud in Class 2A, ranking 2nd in total tackles and 1st in forced fumbles with 3 of those he recovered. The sophomore Middle linebacker is one of the hardest-hitting defensive tackles I have seen out statewide. Vincent rushes toward an incoming ball carrier like a bull and hits them hard enough to knock out the ball out of their hands. The young man is excellent as zone reads as he knows where to position himself and the defense on where the ball is intended to go. His defensive IQ helps enable him to get to the right spot and make the tackle. Whenever Vincent is on the field, his presence alone makes it lowers the odds for the offense to further advance the ball down the field. He also was a huge contributor to leading his entire defense to be ranked the 12th best team defense in Class 2A ball. It is scary how he has only played one year of high school ball and he has plenty of time to further develop from just an elite LB to a top LB in the entire state. I expect him to get to that level very soon, maybe even this season for Owensboro Catholic.
At the end of the season, Vincent finished 2nd in 2A ball in total tackles with 139 while also finishing 2nd in average tackles per game at 13.9. Vincent continued his defensive dominance at Owensboro Catholic, continuing to make problems for the opposing offenses he faces every week. This week, Vincent and his Owensboro Catholic football team, finishing with a 7-3 record, will play Fort Campbell (4-6) this weekend.
Past Analysis: Chandler’s route running is extremely unique compared to other top receivers in Kentucky. Not only just attempting to break free of opposing defensive backs to receive the ball like most receivers, but Chandler has also learned how to gain leverage off good coverage and still come up with the football. His footwork and positioning to receive the football are top-notch which helped him gain many receptions and lead the entire state in receiving yards and touchdowns. The senior also has a 4.59 40-yard dash which helps him dust past the defensive backs on routes. Although not the tallest receiver like the other prospects in the state, Chandler uses his IQ and high leaping ability to catch difficult passes that most receivers his size would have zero chance of catching. His talent should not be slept on and I expect college coaches to finally recognize his potential once his senior season ends.
Chandler finished as the highest-rated receiver in the ENTIRE state, leading the state in total receptions at 74, total receiving yards with 1,376, and receiving touchdowns at 23. It is safe to say Chandler was nearly unstoppable in the 2022 football campaign and I do not expect him to slow down as the playoffs start. Chandler and the Pulaski High School football team (8-2) will be playing a highly-powered West Jessamine (4-6) offense in their first-round matchup.
Highlights
Past Analysis: Byron is a menace to opposing offensive linemen as an edge rusher. The junior Defensive End recently tied 2nd in the state for total sacks recorded (15.5 sacks). What makes Byron nearly impossible to block is his hand skills and ability to push off the opposing lineman with ease. Many notable NFL star defensive ends primarily create space by using their hands to push off the opposing guards. For Byron, he can gain leverage and beat low blocks with his incredible hand skills. Along with that, Byron is pretty quick off his feet which allows him to get to the quarter more ack quicker. Keep an eye out for Byron May Byron May 6’3″ | 235 lbs | DL Rowan County | 2023 State KY to continue causing pressure on opposing offenses this fall.
At the end of the fall season, Byron finished with the most total sacks in the state 5A class and finished 3rd statewide with 17. Byron continued to impress this season for Rowan County’s defense. By looking at some of the significant plays he made this season, I can already tell he has further developed his game. Byron can get quicker off the line to put pressure on the QB and also inherited remarkably quick reflexes on some plays. Byron and the Rowan County team (4-6) will face off against Boyle County (8-2) this Friday.
Highlights
Reese Music Reese Music 5’10” | 180 lbs | RB Betsy Lane | 2023 State KY finished the season as the leading rusher in the state A class running 133 carries for 1,616 rushing yards & 20 rushing touchdowns in 9 games played. The 2023 Betsy Lane running back has a strong build that helps him fight off a lot of incoming tackles. Throughout the season, Music was able to break off nearly 4-5 tackles from separate players off 1 single carry. Along with that, Reese’s footwork is extremely quick & shifty which allows him to create terrific cuts that do not give the defender any time to predict the move. Lastly, Reese’s field vision is amazing for a running back since his reflex & decision-making are so quick, it helps him find open running gaps on the field with little to no problem. I expect Reese to have some great performance in this year’s playoffs, and that starts this week as his Betsy Lane football team (5-5) plays Paris High School (7-3).