North Hopkins will average around 6’3,” 270 across its front this season…
John Strollo has coached all over the country in the college ranks. From TEs to OL, Strollo has worked on staffs from UMass to the University of Louisville. Strollo described the offensive line’s unique purpose as follows: “Offensive line is the only position in all of sports where the sole purpose is to protect another player.” Strollo is right, of course. So was Jim Harbaugh when he likened offensive line play to being likened to a “fist.” Harbaugh emphasized the self-reliance of the offensive line in that it is the only position on the field which does NOT rely on other positions. The “other positions” rely on them, rather heavily. As Harbaugh would note, a good offensive line impacts even the opposing defense’s time on the field. Enjoy this look at the men upfront for the Maroons this coming season and how instrumental they will be to Markezz Hightower’s “Mr. Football” candidacy.
HB Lyon, Scouting Director, “KPGFootball”
Madisonville, KY: We have been pretty clear our candidate for the KHSAA “Mr. Football,” in 2025, is senior RB, Markezz Hightower, from Madisonville North Hopkins (hereafter “North” or “North Hopkins”). There are a few reasons for this.
Namely the following reasons: 27′ Kadence Price (’27) 6’2,” 265-pounds; Marvin Robert (’27) 6’4,” 285-pounds; Brody Hall (’27) 6’3,” 250-pounds; Gage Kinney (’27) 6’0,” 250-pounds; Kaden Vickery (’26), 6’1,” 280-pounds; and Boyd Dever (’28) 6’6,” 290-pounds.
Throw in one of the best TEs in the KHSAA, Jayden Travis, ’26, 6’3,” 230-pounds; and you have quite the dynamic and athletic bunch of athletes from which to form a formidable offensive front. That is how RBs win “Mr. Football” awards. That is how teams make deep playoff runs come November/early December.
Markezz Hightower, ’26 RB, 5’10,” 185-pounds has the skills. Skills aside, even Hightower requires blocking.
Hightower, as a junior, rushed for 1,604 yards in 206-carries (7.79-yards per rushing attempt). Hightower scored a TD every 10th carry in 5A football (20 rushing TDs), and tallied 138-points (20 TDs rushing, one receiving, and six two-pointers) to lead the team in scoring.
This production didn’t happen in a vacuum. There was some major road grading occurring for this type production to occur.
Hightower runs a 4.5-second, 40-yard dash. Hightower has a 35-inch, vertical leap. Hightower bench presses 290 lbs., reps the HS rep weight (185-pounds) 15-times, and squats 450 lbs.
Hightower will do his part…
Friday Night Fletch
Hightower will do his part. Hightower doesn’t have to pull this weight alone even where his weight room prowess suggests him capable.
Jayden Travis (’26) is among the very best TEs in the KHSAA and a bone fide, All-State candidate (25-receptions in ’24). Travion Stafford (’26, 90-tackles, three TFLs) and Kirk LaGrange (’26, 64-tackles, a FR, and 4-INTs) will help hold down the defense.
Young rising junior Kaden Price will help lead an all-important unit with its lone senior, Kaden Vickery. Everyone is excited about rising sophomore, Boyd Dever. At 6’6,” and 290-pounds, Dever has the next level frame coaching can’t give you.
At the end of the day, yes; North Hopkins has a ton of athletes. North Hopkins passes the eye test.
North Hopkins should be among the better teams in 5A this coming season. North Hopkins boasts several all-state candidates, and even a Mr. Football Award favorite, at RB (Markezz Hightower).
All of that aside, this season will either rise or fall where they all usually rise or fall: upfront, with those Hogs! Then again, what the heck do we know?
This is Friday Night Fletch, reporting for KPGFootball, reminding you to PLAY THROUGH THE WHISTLE!
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