Week 6 (Oct. 18)
1. Ashland Blazer (4-0)
2. Russell (5-1)
3. West Carter (5-1)
4. Raceland (3-3)
5. Campbell County (2-4)
6. Rowan County (3-2)
7. George Rogers Clark (1-4)
8. Greenup County (2-3)
9. Bishop Brossart (4-2)
10. Boyd County (3-3)
Also considered (in order): Harrison County (3-3*), Mason County (3-2), Fleming County (3-2), East Carter (3-2), Bourbon County (1-4*), Nicholas County (3-1).
*Bourbon County has forfeited its Sept. 11 road victory over Harrison County. The final score was 34-14.
Week 5 (Oct. 11)
1. Ashland Blazer (3-0)
2. Russell (5-0)
3. West Carter (5-0)
4. Raceland (2-3)
5. Campbell County (2-3)
6. Rowan County (3-2)
7. George Rogers Clark (0-4)
8. Boyd County (3-2)
9. Greenup County (2-2)
10. Bishop Brossart (3-2)
Also considered (in order): Harrison County (3-2*), East Carter (3-2), Bourbon County (1-3*), Mason County (2-2), Fleming County (2-2), Nicholas County (3-1), Pendleton County (2-2).
*Bourbon County has forfeited its Sept. 11 road victory over Harrison County. The final score was 34-14.
Week 4 (Oct. 4)
1. Ashland Blazer (2-0)
2. Russell (4-0)
3. West Carter (4-0)
4. Campbell County (2-2)
5. George Rogers Clark (0-3)
6. Raceland (1-3)
7. East Carter (3-1)
8. Greenup County (2-1)
9. Boyd County (3-1)
10. Harrison County (2-2)
Also considered (in order): Rowan County (2-2), Bourbon County (1-2), Mason County (2-1), Bishop Brossart (2-2), Nicholas County (3-1), Fleming County (1-2), Scott (0-3), Pendleton County (2-2), Montgomery County (0-3).
Week 3 (Sep. 27)
1. Ashland Blazer (1-0)
2. Russell (3-0)
3. West Carter (3-0)
4. George Rogers Clark (0-2)
5. Raceland (1-2)
6. Mason County (2-0)
7. Greenup County (1-1)
8. Nicholas County (3-0)
9. East Carter (2-1)
10. Rowan County (2-1)
Also considered (in order): Bourbon County (1-2), Boyd County (2-1), Harrison County (1-2), Fleming County (0-2), Scott (0-2), Campbell County (1-2), Bishop Brossart (1-2), Pendleton County (1-2), Montgomery County (0-2), Bracken County (1-1).
Week 2 (Sep. 20)
1. Ashland Blazer (0-0)
2. Russell (2-0)
3. West Carter (2-0)
4. George Rogers Clark (0-1)
5. Greenup County (1-0)
6. Raceland (0-2)
7. Mason County (1-0)
8. Bourbon County (1-1)
9. Nicholas County (2-0)
10. Fleming County (0-1)
Also considered (in order): East Carter (1-1), Scott (0-1), Campbell County (1-1), Harrison County (1-1), Rowan County (1-1), Pendleton County (1-1), Bishop Brossart (0-2), Boyd County (1-1), Montgomery County (0-1), Bracken County (1-0).
Week 1 (Sep. 13)
1. Ashland Blazer (0-0)
2. Russell (1-0)
3. George Rogers Clark (0-0)
4. West Carter (1-0)
5. Scott (0-0)
6. Raceland (0-1)
7. Fleming County (0-0)
8. Bourbon County (1-0)
9. Mason County (1-0)
10. Campbell County (1-0)
Also considered (in order): Nicholas County (1-0), Harrison County (0-1), East Carter (0-1), Bishop Brossart (0-1), Greenup County (0-0), Rowan County (0-1), Montgomery County (0-0), Boyd County (1-0), Bracken County (1-0).
2020 Preseason
1. Ashland Blazer (10-3) – Five of the top six teams in this year’s pre-season poll all return their starting quarterback. The exception is the Tomcats. No matter, last season’s squad graduated a four-year starting signal-caller and had no problem picking up where it left off. To that point, Jake Gregg, the replacement had only played four varsity games as a freshman in 2017 before assuming the starting role in 2019. Expect the same this year as coach Tony Love is always able to find someone who can step in to fill a key role. Love will need a lot of replacements as his club suffered major losses at the skill positions and up front on both sides of the ball. Besides Gregg (94-of-146 for 1,111 yards, 12 TDs, four interceptions), who transferred to Wheelersburg, Ohio, High School; “1016sports’ Player of the Year Runner-Up” running back Blake Hester (220 rushes for 1,818 yards, 24 total TDs), who has a preferred walk-on spot at Akron; “1016sports’ Lineman of the Year” offensive/defensive lineman John Stone (12 tackles), who signed with Eastern Kentucky, and running back/linebacker Steele Workman (104 tackles, six tackles for loss, two fumble recoveries), also are gone. Other Tomcat key contributors who have moved on include wide receiver/defensive back Andy Layne (seven receptions, 143 yards, 2 TDs); kicker Ethan Slone (43-for-51 PATs, 2-for-2 field goals); and offensive linemen/defensive linemen Cameron Marushi (69 tackles, two TFLs, two sacks), Gary Swinney and Dane Wardle. Hester, Stone and Workman were all 2019 “1016sports’ Terrific 26” selections. But if you think Ashland is going to be down this year, think again. The Tomcats will rally around senior running back/defensive back Keontae Pittman (183 rushes for 1,265 yards, 19 total TDs), a member of “1016sports’ Terrific 26 to Watch”, who is fielding FBS’ offers. He is joined on the watch list by senior running back/linebacker Caleb Tackett (112 tackles, five TFL) and senior offensive lineman/linebacker Triston Rayburn (77 tackles, two sacks, two forced fumbles). A trio of quarterbacks will challenge for the starting role: juniors Landon Eden and Brett Mullins, and sophomore Alex McCormick. The Tomcats’ talented backfield and strong O-line bolstered last year’s ground game, which finished ninth in Class 3A in rushing yards per game (257). They also were 18th in scoring at 29.3 points per game and 12th in scoring margin at 12.5 ppg in their class. Ashland was equally as stingy on the other side of the ball, finishing 12th in 3A in rushing defense at 129 ypg as well as eighth in overall defense, allowing just 16.8 ppg. Expect the same this season with senior wide receiver/defensive back J.T. Garrett (25 receptions, 385 yards, 3 TDs), senior running back/defensive back Hunter Gillum (61 tackles, 2 INTs), senior wide receiver/defensive back Jack Alley (45 tackles), and senior defensive ends Jack Latherow (50 tackles) and Kolby Coburn (32 tackles, five TFLs, two sacks) to step up. Offensively, Love will rely heavily upon Pittman and Garrett, with junior running back/linebacker Vinnie Palladino (12 rushes, 64 yards), senior wide receiver Paul Humphrey (eight receptions, 31 yards), Gillum and Alley also contributing. The most experienced linemen include senior center Jackson Foutch and junior offensive tackle/defensive tackle Zane Christian (28 tackles, 3 TFLs). The most noteworthy newcomer is Lawrence County transfer junior kicker S.J. Lycans (28-for-30 PATs, 1-for-2 field goals). In total, the Tomcats return 19 letter winners and have 21 seniors. There are 59 newcomers on the preseason roster. The difference between Nos. 1 and 2 this year is razor thin, but I am giving Ashland the edge based on history. Russell too has significant contributors returning and having departed, but the district foes will again be able to decide it on the field. George Rogers Clark also is just a hair behind the Tomcats and Red Devils. West Carter, Scott and Raceland also will make a run at the top spot.
2. Russell (9-3)
3. George Rogers Clark (7-5)
4. West Carter (9-4)
5. Scott (8-5)
6. Raceland (7-5)
7. Fleming County (10-3)
8. East Carter (7-4)
9. Mason County (6-6)
10. Bourbon County (4-7)
Also considered (in order): Harrison County (4-6), Bishop Brossart (7-5), Greenup County (4-7), Rowan County (6-5), Nicholas County (9-4), Campbell County (1-10), Montgomery County (3-8).
Just missed (in order): Pendleton County (5-6), Boyd County (1-9), Bath County (4-7), Fairview (3-7).
2019 FINAL
1. Ashland Blazer (10-3)
2. Russell (9-3)
3. Fleming County (10-3)
4. George Rogers Clark (7-5)
5. West Carter (9-4)
6. Raceland (7-5)
7. Scott (8-5)
8. East Carter (7-4)
9. Greenup County (4-7)
10. Mason County (6-6)
Also considered (in order): Rowan County (6-5), Bourbon County (4-7), Nicholas County (9-4), Bishop Brossart (7-5), Montgomery County (3-8), Harrison County (4-7), Pendleton County (5-6).
1. Ashland Blazer (4-0)
2. Russell (5-1)
3. West Carter (5-1)
4. Raceland (3-3)
5. Campbell County (2-4)
6. Rowan County (3-2)
7. George Rogers Clark (1-4)
8. Greenup County (2-3)
9. Bishop Brossart (4-2)
10. Boyd County (3-3)
Also considered (in order): Harrison County (3-3*), Mason County (3-2), Fleming County (3-2), East Carter (3-2), Bourbon County (1-4*), Nicholas County (3-1).
*Bourbon County has forfeited its Sept. 11 road victory over Harrison County. The final score was 34-14.
Week 5 (Oct. 11)
1. Ashland Blazer (3-0)
2. Russell (5-0)
3. West Carter (5-0)
4. Raceland (2-3)
5. Campbell County (2-3)
6. Rowan County (3-2)
7. George Rogers Clark (0-4)
8. Boyd County (3-2)
9. Greenup County (2-2)
10. Bishop Brossart (3-2)
Also considered (in order): Harrison County (3-2*), East Carter (3-2), Bourbon County (1-3*), Mason County (2-2), Fleming County (2-2), Nicholas County (3-1), Pendleton County (2-2).
*Bourbon County has forfeited its Sept. 11 road victory over Harrison County. The final score was 34-14.
Week 4 (Oct. 4)
1. Ashland Blazer (2-0)
2. Russell (4-0)
3. West Carter (4-0)
4. Campbell County (2-2)
5. George Rogers Clark (0-3)
6. Raceland (1-3)
7. East Carter (3-1)
8. Greenup County (2-1)
9. Boyd County (3-1)
10. Harrison County (2-2)
Also considered (in order): Rowan County (2-2), Bourbon County (1-2), Mason County (2-1), Bishop Brossart (2-2), Nicholas County (3-1), Fleming County (1-2), Scott (0-3), Pendleton County (2-2), Montgomery County (0-3).
Week 3 (Sep. 27)
1. Ashland Blazer (1-0)
2. Russell (3-0)
3. West Carter (3-0)
4. George Rogers Clark (0-2)
5. Raceland (1-2)
6. Mason County (2-0)
7. Greenup County (1-1)
8. Nicholas County (3-0)
9. East Carter (2-1)
10. Rowan County (2-1)
Also considered (in order): Bourbon County (1-2), Boyd County (2-1), Harrison County (1-2), Fleming County (0-2), Scott (0-2), Campbell County (1-2), Bishop Brossart (1-2), Pendleton County (1-2), Montgomery County (0-2), Bracken County (1-1).
Week 2 (Sep. 20)
1. Ashland Blazer (0-0)
2. Russell (2-0)
3. West Carter (2-0)
4. George Rogers Clark (0-1)
5. Greenup County (1-0)
6. Raceland (0-2)
7. Mason County (1-0)
8. Bourbon County (1-1)
9. Nicholas County (2-0)
10. Fleming County (0-1)
Also considered (in order): East Carter (1-1), Scott (0-1), Campbell County (1-1), Harrison County (1-1), Rowan County (1-1), Pendleton County (1-1), Bishop Brossart (0-2), Boyd County (1-1), Montgomery County (0-1), Bracken County (1-0).
Week 1 (Sep. 13)
1. Ashland Blazer (0-0)
2. Russell (1-0)
3. George Rogers Clark (0-0)
4. West Carter (1-0)
5. Scott (0-0)
6. Raceland (0-1)
7. Fleming County (0-0)
8. Bourbon County (1-0)
9. Mason County (1-0)
10. Campbell County (1-0)
Also considered (in order): Nicholas County (1-0), Harrison County (0-1), East Carter (0-1), Bishop Brossart (0-1), Greenup County (0-0), Rowan County (0-1), Montgomery County (0-0), Boyd County (1-0), Bracken County (1-0).
2020 Preseason
1. Ashland Blazer (10-3) – Five of the top six teams in this year’s pre-season poll all return their starting quarterback. The exception is the Tomcats. No matter, last season’s squad graduated a four-year starting signal-caller and had no problem picking up where it left off. To that point, Jake Gregg, the replacement had only played four varsity games as a freshman in 2017 before assuming the starting role in 2019. Expect the same this year as coach Tony Love is always able to find someone who can step in to fill a key role. Love will need a lot of replacements as his club suffered major losses at the skill positions and up front on both sides of the ball. Besides Gregg (94-of-146 for 1,111 yards, 12 TDs, four interceptions), who transferred to Wheelersburg, Ohio, High School; “1016sports’ Player of the Year Runner-Up” running back Blake Hester (220 rushes for 1,818 yards, 24 total TDs), who has a preferred walk-on spot at Akron; “1016sports’ Lineman of the Year” offensive/defensive lineman John Stone (12 tackles), who signed with Eastern Kentucky, and running back/linebacker Steele Workman (104 tackles, six tackles for loss, two fumble recoveries), also are gone. Other Tomcat key contributors who have moved on include wide receiver/defensive back Andy Layne (seven receptions, 143 yards, 2 TDs); kicker Ethan Slone (43-for-51 PATs, 2-for-2 field goals); and offensive linemen/defensive linemen Cameron Marushi (69 tackles, two TFLs, two sacks), Gary Swinney and Dane Wardle. Hester, Stone and Workman were all 2019 “1016sports’ Terrific 26” selections. But if you think Ashland is going to be down this year, think again. The Tomcats will rally around senior running back/defensive back Keontae Pittman (183 rushes for 1,265 yards, 19 total TDs), a member of “1016sports’ Terrific 26 to Watch”, who is fielding FBS’ offers. He is joined on the watch list by senior running back/linebacker Caleb Tackett (112 tackles, five TFL) and senior offensive lineman/linebacker Triston Rayburn (77 tackles, two sacks, two forced fumbles). A trio of quarterbacks will challenge for the starting role: juniors Landon Eden and Brett Mullins, and sophomore Alex McCormick. The Tomcats’ talented backfield and strong O-line bolstered last year’s ground game, which finished ninth in Class 3A in rushing yards per game (257). They also were 18th in scoring at 29.3 points per game and 12th in scoring margin at 12.5 ppg in their class. Ashland was equally as stingy on the other side of the ball, finishing 12th in 3A in rushing defense at 129 ypg as well as eighth in overall defense, allowing just 16.8 ppg. Expect the same this season with senior wide receiver/defensive back J.T. Garrett (25 receptions, 385 yards, 3 TDs), senior running back/defensive back Hunter Gillum (61 tackles, 2 INTs), senior wide receiver/defensive back Jack Alley (45 tackles), and senior defensive ends Jack Latherow (50 tackles) and Kolby Coburn (32 tackles, five TFLs, two sacks) to step up. Offensively, Love will rely heavily upon Pittman and Garrett, with junior running back/linebacker Vinnie Palladino (12 rushes, 64 yards), senior wide receiver Paul Humphrey (eight receptions, 31 yards), Gillum and Alley also contributing. The most experienced linemen include senior center Jackson Foutch and junior offensive tackle/defensive tackle Zane Christian (28 tackles, 3 TFLs). The most noteworthy newcomer is Lawrence County transfer junior kicker S.J. Lycans (28-for-30 PATs, 1-for-2 field goals). In total, the Tomcats return 19 letter winners and have 21 seniors. There are 59 newcomers on the preseason roster. The difference between Nos. 1 and 2 this year is razor thin, but I am giving Ashland the edge based on history. Russell too has significant contributors returning and having departed, but the district foes will again be able to decide it on the field. George Rogers Clark also is just a hair behind the Tomcats and Red Devils. West Carter, Scott and Raceland also will make a run at the top spot.
2. Russell (9-3)
3. George Rogers Clark (7-5)
4. West Carter (9-4)
5. Scott (8-5)
6. Raceland (7-5)
7. Fleming County (10-3)
8. East Carter (7-4)
9. Mason County (6-6)
10. Bourbon County (4-7)
Also considered (in order): Harrison County (4-6), Bishop Brossart (7-5), Greenup County (4-7), Rowan County (6-5), Nicholas County (9-4), Campbell County (1-10), Montgomery County (3-8).
Just missed (in order): Pendleton County (5-6), Boyd County (1-9), Bath County (4-7), Fairview (3-7).
2019 FINAL
1. Ashland Blazer (10-3)
2. Russell (9-3)
3. Fleming County (10-3)
4. George Rogers Clark (7-5)
5. West Carter (9-4)
6. Raceland (7-5)
7. Scott (8-5)
8. East Carter (7-4)
9. Greenup County (4-7)
10. Mason County (6-6)
Also considered (in order): Rowan County (6-5), Bourbon County (4-7), Nicholas County (9-4), Bishop Brossart (7-5), Montgomery County (3-8), Harrison County (4-7), Pendleton County (5-6).