2023 Lexington All-City Team: Offense

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As we approach the end of the year, another season of high school football has come and gone. The city of Lexington has recently been an area that has been filled with very impressive talent and this year was not exception. While there was a ton of talent on display across the city, I wanted to focus on the players that stood out the most. With that being said, I will be releasing my 2023 Lexington All-City Team, starting with the offensive side of the ball. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["373049"],"_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":"[player_tooltip player_id='373049' first='Luke' last='Pennington'] is a player that has been high on my radar for a while now and continued to impress this season. He had a very strong junior year, completing 171/252 passes for 2,555 yards, 50 touchdowns, and zero interceptions in 13 games. Pennington is a very good decision maker, showing the ability to go through his progressions and find the open man. He also has a very strong arm which he uses to lead his receivers down the field in the deep passing game. Pennington also finished the season with one rushing touchdown. While he doesn't currently hold any offers, I expect some to come his way going into his senior year as he has received some college interest and definitely has the talent to play quarterback at the next level.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_player":["381931"],"_player_evaluations_1_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='381931' first='Brady' last='Hensley'] was already regarded as one of the top running backs in the state and continued to elevate his play after transferring to LCA this season. He had an outstanding senior year, finishing as the 2A rushing leader with 235 carries for 2,408 yards and 43 touchdowns in 13 games. Hensley is a physical, downhill runner that has shown the ability to run straight through defenders without breaking stride. Once he hits the open field, Hensley has also shown that he has the burst of speed to run away from the defense and elusiveness for make defenders miss. He also played a key role in the passing game, catching 17 passes for 213 yards and four touchdowns. Hensley recently signed with Eastern Kentucky where I can see him developing into a key piece of their offense once he gets there.","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_2_player":["373823"],"_player_evaluations_2_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='373823' first='Kalen' last='Washington'] is another running back that transferred into the city of Lexington and was very impressive this season. In his first season with the Defenders, he played a huge role in their run to the 6A State Championship Game. He finished the season with 165 carries for 1,311 yards and 16 touchdowns in 13 games. Washington has impressive speed, showing the ability to burst through the running lane with a sense of urgency and run away from the defense on long runs. He has also shown the elusiveness, strength, and contact balance to make defenders miss in the open field when they're able to catch up to him. Washington also finished the season with seven receptions for 76 yards and a touchdown. Kalen doesn't currently hold any offers but I expect some to come his way going into his senior year as he has received some college interest and has the talent to play at the next level.","_player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_3_player":["373048"],"_player_evaluations_3_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='373048' first='Brock' last='Coffman'] continued to prove that he is one of the top players in his class this season. He had a very impressive junior year at receiver, catching 67 passes for 1,193 yards and 24 touchdowns in 13 games. Coffman does a great job of using his speed and smooth breaks in his routes to create separation with ease. He is also very dangerous after the catch, showing the ability to turn short passes into big plays at any given moment. Coffman also returned one punt for a touchdown and played a key role on defense, coming away with nine interceptions (one returned for a touchdown) and returning one fumble recovery for a touchdown. Brock currently holds offers from Maryland and Eastern Kentucky, and I expect more to come his way going into his senior season as he is a Power 5 caliber prospect.","_player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_4_player":["418723"],"_player_evaluations_4_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_4_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_4_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='418723' first='Traevon' last='Berry'] is a player that has been high on my radar for a while now and continued to stand out this season. Berry had an outstanding senior year, catching 56 passes for 730 yards and nine touchdowns in 10 games. He is a dangerous deep threat on the outside where he is able to use his speed to run by defensive backs. In contested catch situations, Berry has shown the ability to use his long frame and athleticism to go up and catch the ball at its highest point. Traevon currently holds several college offers and I expect him to become a key contributor on offense wherever he decides to play at the next level.","_player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_5_player":["735680"],"_player_evaluations_5_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_5_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_5_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_5_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_5_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_5_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='735680' first='Jackson' last='Kreutzer'] continued to prove that he is one of the most talented receivers in the city after transferring to Lexington Catholic this season. Kreutzer had an impressive first season with the Knights, catching 58 passes for 872 yards and nine touchdowns in 13 games. Jackson lined up on the outside where he was able to use his speed and quickness to create separation from opposing defensive backs with ease. He also showed very impressive hands, showing the ability to make tough catches away from his body, regardless of what type of coverage is around him. Kreutzer doesn't currently hold any offers but I expect some to come his way going into his senior year as he has the talent to play somewhere at the next level.","_player_evaluations_5_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_6_player":["735688"],"_player_evaluations_6_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_6_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_6_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_6_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_6_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_6_evaluation":"I decided to add [player_tooltip player_id='735688' first='Derion' last='Talbert'] to this list as an “ATH” selection as he did a little bit of everything for the Broncos this season. He continued to shine at receiver, finishing the season as the team's leading receiver with 38 catches for 591 yards and seven touchdowns in 12 games. Talbert has explosive speed which he is able to use to blow by defensive backs in the deep passing game and to run away from the defense after the catch. He was also electric out of the backfield as a ball carrier, running the ball 24 times for 359 yards and three touchdowns. Derion also showed value on special teams, returning two punts for touchdowns this season. Talbert currently holds one offer from Miami (OH) and I expect more to come his way going into his senior year as he is a true Division I caliber prospect.","_player_evaluations_6_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_7_player":["419797"],"_player_evaluations_7_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_7_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_7_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_7_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_7_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_7_evaluation":"Another Bronco that finds his name on this years All-City team is [player_tooltip player_id='419797' first='Zuri' last='Madison']. Madison lined up at right tackle where he continued to prove that he is one of the top offensive linemen in the state. He was very impressive as a run blocker, showing the ability to explode out of his stance and drive his man out of the picture. Zuri did a great job of finishing his blocks through the whistle with a ton of physicality, resulting in several pancake blocks. He was also impressive in pass protection, showing the ability to mirror pass rushers off the edge and not allow for much penetration into the pocket. Madison officially signed with Arkansas where I see him becoming a key piece of their offensive line unit once he gets there.","_player_evaluations_7_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_8_player":["381928"],"_player_evaluations_8_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_8_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_8_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_8_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_8_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_8_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='381928' first='Garrison' last='McKinney'] is an offensive lineman that has been high on my radar for a while now and continued to stand out this season. McKinney lined up at center where he was very impressive as a run blocker. He plays with a ton of physicality, showing the ability to drive his man down the field and finish his blocks through the whistle. McKinney also has shown the ability to get to the second level with a sense of urgency and pick up blocks in the open field. He also proved to be reliable in pass protection, showing the ability to get the snap off quickly and keep his head on a swivel to pick up stunts/blitzes. Garrison officially signed with Lehigh where I can see him becoming a key contributor for them on the offensive line.","_player_evaluations_8_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_9_player":["727126"],"_player_evaluations_9_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_9_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_9_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_9_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_9_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_9_evaluation":"Joining McKinney on this team from the LCA offensive line is [player_tooltip player_id='727126' first='Hayes' last='Preston']. Preston had a strong junior year at left tackle for the Eagles. He was very impressive in pass protection, showing the ability to mirror pass rushers off the edge and continuously work to keep his man away from the quarterback. Preston was also impressive as a run blocker, showing the ability to drive his man out of the picture to create a running lane for the ball carrier. Hayes doesn't currently hold any offers but I expect some to come his way going into his senior year as he has received some college interest and has the talent to play at the next level.","_player_evaluations_9_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_10_player":["313676"],"_player_evaluations_10_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_10_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_10_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_10_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_10_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_10_evaluation":"To wrap up my 2023 Lexington All-City Offense, I have [player_tooltip player_id='313676' first='Joe' last='Schlarman'] from Lexington Catholic. Schlarman had an outstanding senior season at center for the Knights. He was very impressive as a run blocker, showing the ability to snap the ball quickly and drive his man off the line of scrimmage to create a running lane. Joe also showed the ability to get to the second level quickly and pick up blocks in open space. He was also very reliable in pass protection, showing the ability to pick up blitzes/stunts and keep a strong base, not allowing for much penetration into the pocket. Schlarman officially signed with Eastern Kentucky where I can see him developing into a key piece of their offensive line unit once he gets there.","_player_evaluations_10_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":11,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6585f34581711"} /--> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Honorable Mention</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Quarterback: </strong>[player_tooltip player_id='331733' first='Cutter' last='Boley'] (LCA, 2024); [player_tooltip player_id='483869' first='Jackson' last='Wasik'] (Lexington Catholic, 2024); [player_tooltip player_id='313677' first='Andrew' last='Witherington'] (Tates Creek, 2024); [player_tooltip player_id='392838' first='Trenton' last='Cutwright'] (Bryan Station, 2024)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Running Back: </strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1125365' first='Noe' last='Kayembe'] (Dunbar, 2024)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Wide Receiver: </strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1125355' first='Harrison' last='Simpson'] (Dunbar, 2024); [player_tooltip player_id='381927' first='Parker' last='Chaney'] (LCA, 2024)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>ATH: </strong>[player_tooltip player_id='423799' first='MarQuevion' last='Smith'] (Tates Creek, 2024)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Offensive Line: </strong>[player_tooltip player_id='735742' first='Austin' last='Harmon'] (Frederick Douglass, 2025); [player_tooltip player_id='735992' first='Brooks' last='Kerwin'] (LCA, 2025); [player_tooltip player_id='419798' first='Devan' last='Young'] (Tates Creek, 2024); [player_tooltip player_id='1149587' first='Moses' last='Mafuta'] (Dunbar, 2025)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->