’28 multi-phase performer a rarity at the 6A level
It is anticipated that ’28 prospect, Max Sturm, will play a much larger offensive role this coming season, his junior year, than what he contributed as a sophomore. Sturm was a steady performer on special teams in both the return and coverage units. Sturm was a stout defender contributing 56-stops, a pair of TFLs, a FF, and an INT in only 10-games of PT. Sturm contributed some offensively with a pair of receptions. McCracken is a yearly contender in the 6A classification’s first district. We expect more of the same with plenty of stars returning for another season. The Mustangs will have to contend with Henderson and newly formed consolidated high school, the Christian County Tigers. Sturm’s continued development will be key to the team’s continued arch of success under Coach Tyler Brooks.
HB Lyon, Scouting Director, “KPGFootball”
Paducah, KY: The Mustangs compete for first district supremacy in the 6A classification yearly. The ‘Stangs are accustomed to lighting up a scoreboard like the 4th of July and making playoff runs which last several weeks on average.
The McCracken crowd hasn’t quite solved the Louisville riddle quite yet. They will keep working at it.
Max Sturm is a football player. Last year, as a sophomore, Sturm got PT in 10 of the team’s 12-games. The Mustangs were bounced from the playoffs by Henderson County in the second round by a one-score margin (41-34).
Traditionally, McCracken is a strong offensive ball club. Last season was another example.
McCracken scored 501-points in 12-games. That is close to 42-points a night.
Unfortunately, the ‘Stangs surrendered 452-points over those same 12-contests. That comes out to around 38-points a night.
Allow us to make ourselves crystal clear here: one cannot compete at a championship level in the commonwealth or Kentucky surrendering 38-points a ball game. That is true even where you as good on offense as McCracken tends to be.
Sturm was a bright spot on a defense which was quite porous. Sturm registered 56-stops, registered a pair of TFLs, forced a fumble, and picked a pass in his 10-games of run.
Sturm caught a pair of passes on offense. Sturm contributed reliable play on the coverage and return units on special teams.
There aren’t a ton of three-phase guys playing 6A football. Sturm has a varied and productive set of athletic skills which lend to his versatility.
Sturm was a bright spot on the ‘Stang defense in 2025
Friday Night Fletch, KHSAA statistical website
We believe Sturm could be offering more to the ball club offensively. Sturm has a good frame at 5’10,” 160-pounds and some good length. Sturm is powerful (250-pound bench press) and explosive (385-pound back squat).
The kid is smart too (4.0 GPA). Those attributes will get one a long way in the game of football.
McCracken figures to factor into the first district race again in 2026. Maddox O’Neal is graduating but Cole Presswood (’29) had a 7:1, TD to INT ratio, in spot duty a year ago, and already ranks among the best QBs in Kentucky according to several ranking services covering the Bluegrass.
McCracken is losing some key players from off the roster to graduation. However, the Mustangs always seem to have an abundance of roster talent and Brooks is doing a fine job of “coaching them up,” if you will.
Guys like Max Sturm certainly help. 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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