Class 5A Standouts in Kentucky to Watch in Week 3
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After the first two weeks of high school football action in the Bluegrass State, it’s time to look back at some of the most explosive playmakers on both sides of the ball from all across region 5A that have established…
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Continue ReadingAfter the first two weeks of high school football action in the Bluegrass State, it’s time to look back at some of the most explosive playmakers on both sides of the ball from all across region 5A that have established themselves as playmakers through two contests. Without any further ado, here’s my list of five Class 5A standouts in Kentucky to watch for on the field in week three and beyond.
Highlights
At the top of my list of notable performers is Bryce Button Bryce Button 6'2" | 195 lbs | QB South Warren | 2025 State KY , a 6-foot-2, 180-pound quarterback from South Warren High School that has been highly impactful at the helm of the Spartans’ offense through two weeks of action, throwing 39 completions out of 57 attempts for 800 yards and eight touchdowns. What stands out about Button is his footwork and his ability to get the ball out of his hands before contact from the defense. I additionally like Button’s arm strength and consistent accuracy, hitting his receivers in stride all over the field.
I am additionally impressed with Jack Chappell Jack Chappell 6'2" | 200 lbs | LB North Laurel | 2024 State KY , a 6-foot-2, 200-pound linebacker at North Laurel High School that has made his presence known for the Jaguars on both sides of the ball through the first two weeks of the season. Chappell has recorded three receptions for 15 yards and has picked up a total of 12 tackles, including five solo stops, seven assisted takedowns and one tackle for loss. What makes Chappell so impactful is his athleticism and well-balanced playstyle, proving he can blast past defenders down the stretch, make crucial stops and disrupt production.
Highlights
Claiming the number three spot on my list is Eli Masterson Eli Masterson 6'1" | 200 lbs | ATH Apollo | 2024 State KY , a 6-foot-1, 200-pound athlete at Apollo High School that has been highly explosive for the Eagles on both sides through two weeks. Masterson has recorded three receptions for 100 yards and one touchdown as well as eight total tackles, including six solo stops and two assisted takedowns. Masterson impresses me with his breakaway speed and durability under pressure. Another aspect of Masterson that catches my eye is his ability to target playmakers, overwhelm the offensive line and make stops.
Another player to watch is Dereon Crowe Dereon Crowe 6'1" | 190 lbs | LB Owensboro Catholic | 2025 State KY , a 6-foot-1, 190-pound athlete at Owensboro High School that has impressed for the Red Devils on both sides of the ball throughout the beginning of the season. Crowe has collected one rush attempt for three yards and one touchdown, 10 receptions for 116 yards and one score, and a total of eight tackles, including five solo stops, three assisted takedowns and one tackle for loss. Crowe has solid size and speed, proving his strength in the backfield while also creating disorganization and pressure defensively.
Highlights
Coming in at number five on my list of playmakers is Wick Dotson Wick Dotson 5'10" | 190 lbs | DB Bowling Green | 2024 State KY , a 5-foot-10, 190-pound defensive back at Bowling Green High School that has been a playmaker for the Purples’ defense in the first two weeks of competition. Dotson has picked up 16 total tackles, including six solo stops and 10 assisted takedowns. Dotson additionally hauled in one interception for a gain of 20 yards. In addition to his footwork and physicality in coverage, Dotson impresses me with his ability to match speed and muscle in front of receivers to shut down the passing game.