Perhaps it’s a no-brainer to say, but the best teams typically have the best players at key positions — and that was the case with Region 2. The (now) back-to-back KYMSFA BOTR champs picked up a 16-0 win over an upset-minded Region 1 in the opening game before a gutsy 26-24 victory over Region 4 in the championship game.

Out of all the 8th grade prospects who lined up at Running Back throughout the tournament, Keilin Warner Keilin Warner RB Louisville Trinity | 2030 KY was the one who stood out the most to me. He was nothing short of special. A natural Running Back, he ran low to the ground and showed that he’s equal parts power, speed and agility. There were three very good RB’s that were essentially plug-and-play for Region 2, but Warner looked the most dangerous as a pure Running Back. He notched a 2-point conversation in Region 2’s opening round victory, then followed it up with a two touchdown performance in the championship game to secure the trophy.

From the moment I saw him play over two years ago as a sixth-grader, there has never been a question on who I felt the best 2030 RB in the state of Kentucky is: Keilin Warner Keilin Warner RB Louisville Trinity | 2030 KY . Arguably the top overall prospect in the state — which is not easy for a RB to accomplish on the middle school level. Balance, speed, vision, explosion — he is nothing short of special.

Last year’s 6^th Grade Kentucky Future Stars Offensive MVP wasted little time making a case to repeat the honor this year on the 7^th Grade Future Stars. Following Tennessee’s quick strike on their first possession, Keilin Warner Keilin Warner RB Louisville Trinity | 2030 KY had three big runs to help Big Blue Nation respond with a touchdown of its own, on its initial drive.

Come the second quarter, on Kentucky’s second drive, Warner had runs of 11-yards and 18-yards that brought the ball down to the Tennessee three-yard, but a missed FG attempt kept Tennessee ahead 12-7. The Kentucky Future Stars third possession of the game went much like its previous two. Warner hit for a 24-yard run, then a 7-yard run, but the drive would again fizzle out.

The eventual Kentucky Offensive MVP finally broke through on the opening drive of the second half. Following a pair of short runs, he hit for a 20-yard gain that brought the ball down to the Tennessee four-yard line. A play later, he patiently took a direct snap and bounced outside for a touchdown. The Tennessee Future Stars defense certainly made him work for it, but Warner earned every yard he got while securing his second consecutive Offensive MVP award.

A year ago, on the sixth-grade level, Warner came home away with the Offensive MVP but Tennessee won the game 14-12. In that game last year, Warner was the main offensive weapon for Kentucky as he ran over, through and around Tennessee like clockwork. This past season. Warner had another stellar year, now suiting up for JCTMS, and was selected for the Region 2 team in the KYMSFA BOTR. During the BOTR weekend tournament, Warner was again elite and was an obvious standout on the tournament-champion Region 2 team. I fully expect another potential MVP performance out of the talented back.

The eventual Offensive MVP of the game for the 6th Grade Kentucky Future Stars, Warner had himself quite the afternoon, despite the loss. He was the clear bell cow running back for the team, getting the ball early and often. Warner scored the first touchdown for Kentucky in the game and showed off a ton of ability. During the game, I jotted down notes about him being truly a complete back–which is rare for this age and level. Personally, my biggest takeaway, was the vision Warner displayed while running in open field. He cutback against the grain several times and made a few no-look jump cuts that had me wondering how he even saw the defender out of his peripheral