Top 2025 Standouts in Kentucky from Championship Week

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>After the finale to high school football action during state championship week at Kroger Field, it's time to look back at some of the most impactful playmakers on both sides of the ball in the class of 2025. These junior prospects took their game to another level last week, helping their team in the state championship game while establishing themselves as top tier players heading into the offseason.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["373790"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"u003c!u002du002d wp:paragraph u002du002du003ernrnAt the top of my list of notable performers is [player_tooltip player_id='373790' first='Montavin' last='Quisenberry'], an athlete at Boyle County High School. Quisenberry and the Rebels are coming off a 41-0 shutout win over Covington Catholic in the Class 4A championship game this past week. What impresses me the most about Quisenberry is his versatility on both sides. On the offensive end, Quisenberry has proven he can dodge and weave tackles and force his way into the endzone. On the other side, Quisenberry can shut down passing, overwhelm receivers in coverage and haul in interceptions.rnrnu003c!u002du002d /wp:paragraph u002du002du003e u003c!u002du002d wp:paragraph u002du002du003ernrnu0026nbsp;rnrnu003c!u002du002d /wp:paragraph u002du002du003e u003c!u002du002d wp:paragraph u002du002du003ernrnu003ca href=u0022http://www.hudl.com/v/2MN4kQu0022u003eTape:u003c/au003ernrnu003c!u002du002d /wp:paragraph u002du002du003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-657259e22b610"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["373821"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"u003c!u002du002d wp:paragraph u002du002du003ernrnI am additionally impressed with [player_tooltip player_id='373821' first='Austin' last='Alexander'], a defensive lineman at Cooper High School. Alexander and the Jaguars fell 28-14 to Bowling Green in the Class 5A title game last week. What I like about Alexander's playstyle is his ability to make quick stops and blast past the offensive line. Alexander can also consistently apply pressure on the quarterback and force mistakes from the opposition. Another facet of Alexander's game that stands out is his ability to contribute offensively, hauling in deep shots in the backfield.rnrnu003c!u002du002d /wp:paragraph u002du002du003e u003c!u002du002d wp:paragraph u002du002du003ernrnu0026nbsp;rnrnu003c!u002du002d /wp:paragraph u002du002du003e u003c!u002du002d wp:paragraph u002du002du003ernrnu003ca href=u0022http://www.hudl.com/v/2MNw7Lu0022u003eTape:u003c/au003ernrnu003c!u002du002d /wp:paragraph u002du002du003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-657259e22b68b"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["340071"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"u003c!u002du002d wp:paragraph u002du002du003ernrnClaiming the number three spot on my list is [player_tooltip player_id='340071' first='Deuce' last='Bailey'], a quarterback at Bowling Green High School. Bailey and the Purples claimed the Class 5A title with a 28-14 win over Cooper this past week. In addition to excellent footwork and composure in crucial moments, Bailey stands out with his ability to execute passes, hitting his receivers in stride from anywhere on the field. Another aspect of Bailey's playstyle that makes a considerable difference is both his arm strength and ability to connect with his receivers deep in the backfield. Bailey has showcased his ability to quickly put his team on the scoreboard all season long.rnrnu003c!u002du002d /wp:paragraph u002du002du003e u003c!u002du002d wp:paragraph u002du002du003ernrnu0026nbsp;rnrnu003c!u002du002d /wp:paragraph u002du002du003e u003c!u002du002d wp:paragraph u002du002du003ernrnu003ca href=u0022http://www.hudl.com/v/2Miaeru0022u003eTape:u003c/au003ernrnu003c!u002du002d /wp:paragraph u002du002du003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-657259e22b6f3"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["586098"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"u003c!u002du002d wp:paragraph u002du002du003ernrnAnother skilled prospect is [player_tooltip player_id='586098' first='Brenden' last='Anthony'], an athlete at Pikeville High School. Anthony and the Panthers picked up a 21-0 shutout victory over Raceland in the Class 1A championship game last week. What makes Anthony so explosive is his ability to barrel past the defense in the pocket and take it all the way to the house. On the other side of the ball, Anthony makes a considerable difference with his ability to suffocate the rush and make crucial stops in the pocket, proving his multi-faceted playstyle and ability to contribute in a major way both offensively and defensively.rnrnu003c!u002du002d /wp:paragraph u002du002du003e u003c!u002du002d wp:paragraph u002du002du003ernrnu0026nbsp;rnrnu003c!u002du002d /wp:paragraph u002du002du003e u003c!u002du002d wp:paragraph u002du002du003ernrnu003ca href=u0022http://www.hudl.com/v/2Mhd2Du0022u003eTape:u003c/au003ernrnu003c!u002du002d /wp:paragraph u002du002du003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-657259e22b759"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["373823"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"u003c!u002du002d wp:paragraph u002du002du003ernrnComing in at number five on my list is [player_tooltip player_id='373823' first='Kalen' last='Washington'], a running back at Bryan Station High School. Washington and the Defenders fell 41-20 to Trinity in the Class 6A title game this past week. What impresses me about Washington is his size, speed and footwork, showing off his ability to beat the defense along the edge. I also like how Washington utilizes his durability to juke out and shake tackles on his way to the redzone. Washington also makes his presence known in the pocket, proving he can find openings and stay on his feet to put touchdowns on the scoreboard.rnrnu003c!u002du002d /wp:paragraph u002du002du003e u003c!u002du002d wp:paragraph u002du002du003ernrnu0026nbsp;rnrnu003c!u002du002d /wp:paragraph u002du002du003e u003c!u002du002d wp:paragraph u002du002du003ernrnu003ca href=u0022http://www.hudl.com/v/2Mkv75u0022u003eTape:u003c/au003ernrnu003c!u002du002d /wp:paragraph u002du002du003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-657259e22b7bc"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["373782"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"u003c!u002du002d wp:paragraph u002du002du003ernrnAlso worth mentioning is [player_tooltip player_id='373782' first='Brady' last='Atwell'], a quarterback at Owensboro Catholic High School. Atwell and the Aces fell short 53-48 to Mayfield in the Class 2A championship game last week. Atwell stands out due to his arm strength and precision in the air, showcasing his ability to quickly put his team in the endzone or close to it in just seconds. Atwell's pin-point accuracy has made a big difference this year, proving he can connect with his receiving core under heavy pressure. I also like Atwell's unpredictability as he can deceive the defense with the short pass.rnrnu003c!u002du002d /wp:paragraph u002du002du003e u003c!u002du002d wp:paragraph u002du002du003ernrnu0026nbsp;rnrnu003c!u002du002d /wp:paragraph u002du002du003e u003c!u002du002d wp:paragraph u002du002du003ernrnu003ca href=u0022https://youtu.be/Yx2FOOinXwQ?si=R7e6ZVopuMtYTceeu0022u003eTape:u003c/au003ernrnu003c!u002du002d /wp:paragraph u002du002du003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-657259e22b81f"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["735990"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"u003c!u002du002d wp:paragraph u002du002du003ernrnAnother top performer was [player_tooltip player_id='735990' first='Ben' last='Stotts'], an offensive lineman at Christian Academy of Louisville. Stotts and the Centurions are coming off a 41-16 victory over Bell County in the Class 3A title game this past week. Stotts impresses me with his ability to lock it down on the line, proving he can combat the blitz and utilize his strength to overwhelm the defense. Stotts can also open up the pocket for the rush. He also impresses me with his ability to quickly attack the opposition off the snap, showcasing his aggression, arm strength and ability to push the defense out of position.rnrnu003c!u002du002d /wp:paragraph u002du002du003e u003c!u002du002d wp:paragraph u002du002du003ernrnu0026nbsp;rnrnu003c!u002du002d /wp:paragraph u002du002du003e u003c!u002du002d wp:paragraph u002du002du003ernrnu003ca href=u0022http://www.hudl.com/v/2Mj2Hpu0022u003eTape:u003c/au003ernrnu003c!u002du002d /wp:paragraph u002du002du003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-657259e22b882"} /-->