The Big Ass Fans Large School, All-State (4A, 5A, 6A) Offense @bigassfans, @minguabeefjerky, @KyHighFootball

Fanny, the official corporate logo of Big Ass Fans

No all-state team is complete. Every all-state team has glaring omissions. One just can’t possibly get them all. We have divided up our All-State team into Small School and Big School divisions. The Small School is the 1A, 2A, & 3A team and the Large School is the 4A, 5A, & 6A team. Without any more fanfare this is our Large School, All-State Offensive Football Team. This year we will publish a side of the ball a day as we want to recognize more players. Congratulations to those players selected. To the worthy players we missed, we’re truly sorry; we did our best.

HB Lyon, Scouting Director, KPGFootball

Friday Night Fletch's Large School Coach of the Year: Sean Thompson, Tilghman High (Paducah); Offensive Player of the Year: Jack James, QB, Tilghman High (Paducah)

We would point out that many of these kids are committed to play in college already and most of them are being recruited even if they haven’t committed. However, this isn’t the All-College Prospect team. Those teams exist and are published by periodicals which regularly focus on recruiting.

We didn’t list height and weight for anyone aside from the OL. We listed the height and weight for the OL because that position doesn’t have any individual statistics on which to base a selection.

This team is comprised of the players we believe to be the best Friday-nighters, at their level of competition, throughout the Bluegrass. This is our offensive, large-school, all-state football team:

These are the Pass Throwers:

4A Classification

Jack James, ’25 QB (Offensive Player of the Year), Paducah Tilghman, 304 of 438 (69.4%) for 4,133-yards and 57-TDs, 9-picks; led his team to a 15-0 record and the 4A title. Remember, job number one for any quarterback is to win games. This guy certainly did that as he was one of only two QBs commonwealth-wide to lead his team to an undefeated, championship season.

Kade Elam, ’25 QB, Corbin, Elam completed 200 of 268-passing attempts (74.6%) for 3,411-yards and 40-TDs, 3-picks. His team finished 12-2 on the year, losing to Tilghman in the semis in Paducah.

Jack James, our offensive player of the year, threw 57-TDs this year and led his team to a title and a perfect 15-0

KHSAA Statistical Website

5A Classification

Cam O’Hara, ’26 QB, Cooper High, O’Hara completed 212 of his 325-passing attempts (65.2%) for 3,617-yards and 52-TDs against only 3-picks. His team finished 14-1 with its only loss coming at the hands of Tilghman High at Kroger Field.

Justus Wertzler, 25 QB, Woodford County, 164 of 264 (62.1%) for 2,852-yards and 32-TDs against 7-picks. Team finished 10-2.

Deuce Bailey, ’25 QB, Bowling Green Senior High, completed 208 of his 313-passing attempts (66.5%) for 3,183-yards and 45-TDs against 9-picks. Led his team to the 5A KHSAA title (again this year).

Bryce Button, ’25 QB, South Warren, Button completed 212 of his 303-passing attempts (70%) for 2,853-yards and 39-TDs against 8-picks. Button led his team to a 12-2 record and a berth in the semi-state. Button may have had the highest QB-rating in the entire commonwealth.

6A Classification

Nathan Verax, ’26 QB, Ryle High, Verax completed 186 of 317-passing attempts (58.7%) for 2,374-yards and 30-TDs, 12-picks, led his team to the 6A title game. There is a pattern here, we like QBs who lead their teams deep into the playoffs.

Maddox O’Neal, ’26 QB, Look out for this guy and his McCracken County Mustangs in ’25. O’Neal completed 187 of 312-passing attempts (59.9%), for 2,896-yards and 41-TDs. He threw more picks than we would have liked (16) but a 2.5:1 TD to INT ratio isn’t too shabby playing 6A competition.

These are the Pass Catchers

4A Classification

Cam Estep, ’26 WR, Corbin High, Estep is so good Corbin opponents feel like he has been in HS a decade. Estep caught 63-receptions for 1,027-yards, averaging 16.3-yards per catch. He also housed nine (9)-TDs on offense, while registering 43-tackles, and picking 5-passes on defense.

DeVaun Jones, ’25 WR, Valley, Jones’ team didn’t fair too well (3-7); but, Jones had 45-receptions for 1,053-yards, 23.4-yards a catch, 17-TDs. Those type numbers just stand out to committees. Hard to argue against 23.4-yards a reception, over a thousand yards receiving, and 17-TDs. I mean, c’mon!

Jones, from Valley High, played for a team which struggled, but just a brief look at his number show he flourished

Friday Night Fletch

5A Classification

Trevy Barber, ’26 WR, Bowling Green Senior High, Barber caught 79-receptions, 1,327-yards, averaging 16.8-yards a reception. Barber also caught 22-TDs and his team won its second, consecutive, 5A title.

Isaiah Johnson, ’25 WR, Cooper High, Johnson corralled 64-receptions for 1,298-yards. Johnson averaged 20.3 yards a reception and scored a whopping 24-TDs, also housing a kickoff return. His team played for the 5A title for the second, consecutive year.

6A Classification

Grayson Harris, ’26 WR/P, Simon Kenton, Harris had 89-receptions for 1,368-yards in ’24 in spite of his team’s finishing 4-7 and out of the “money.” Harris averaged 15.4 yards a reception and scored 13-TDs, and get this…he’s a punter too!


Landon Lorms, ’25 WR, Ryle, Lorms and his “Raiders” made a run to Lexington this Fall which fell just short, losing to Louisville Trinity. Lorms had 57-receptions for 958-yards and 14-TDs. Against 6A competition, he also posted a whopping 16.8-yards a reception.

This next group is referred to as "The Athletes" These guys are filled up with multi-phase contributors who can't be "pigeon holed" into one position. These guys are all-state caliber performers at multiple positions.

These are the Athletes

4A Classification

Vanzale Hinton, ’25 WR/DB, Tilghman High (Paducah), Hinton scored 4-TDs rushing, 9-receiving TDs, housed a punt and a kick-off, while amassing 90-points on the year for his 4A, State Champion, 15-0 ball club. Vanzale caught 45-passes for 655-yards, gained 429-yards rushing, registered 3-INTs, registered 25-stops, with 2-TFLs, with 2-FFs and a FR. Not a ton of 4A guys on 15-0 championship rosters exhibit three phase utility. 

Montavin Quisenberry, ’25 ATH, Boyle County High, Quisenberry, affectionatly called “Q” around our magazine, ran for 882-yards and 13-scores, caught 49-passes for 794-yards and 13-scores, while scoring 12.9-points a game. “Q” returned a punt, housed a kick, and picked three (3) passes for 108-IRNYs to go along with his 31-tackles. He was a threat in all three phases of the game. Perhaps, the elite “athlete” in the high school ranks in Kentucky, regardless of sport.

Martels Carter, ’25 WR/DB, Tilghman High (Paducah), Carter scored 2-TDs rushing, 6-TDs receiving, and housed a kick. Carter caught 44-passes, for 659-yards, and picked off 3-passes, registering 32-tackles, was credited for 4-TFLs, forced a fumble and recovered a fumble. Not a ton of 4A guys, on 15-0 championship rosters, exhibit three-phase utility and marked production. 

“TK” made this team in spite of his squad’s struggles, still “Hoptown” was a dangerous team in ’24 that could beat anyone, on any given night

Friday Night Fletch

Treston Kay, ’25 ATH, Hopkinsville, Kay makes this team on a ball club which didn’t make the playoffs, not too easy to do. In spite of this, Kay gained 244-yards rushing and scored 3-TDs on the ground, caught 31-passes for 539-yards and 8-TDs through the air, housed an INT, housed a fumbled recovery (“scoop and score”), housed 3-punts, and scored 3-two pointers on his way to registering 102-points and leading his ball club in that category. “TK,” as he is called, forced two fumbles, recovering one he took back 78-yards for a score while registering 51-tackles, 1-TFL, and picking a pass he returned 99-yards for a TD. Way to go TK!

Cash Harney, ’26 ATH/QB, Covington Catholic, led the team in scoring with 116-points, scored 19-TDs rushing, and housed a two pointer. Not too many QBs lead the team in scoring because QBs don’t get credited with TD-throws. Cash Harney threw for 1,303-yards and rushed for 1,476-yards making him one of the more lethal, dual threat guys at that level of play.

5A Classification

Kanyon Johnson, ’25 ATH/QB, Madisonville North-Hopkins, threw for 1,15-yards and 10-TDs, rushed for 1,228-yards and 14-TDs, picked a pair of passes and a handful of tackles in limited defensive run. Don’t see too many two-way guys at the 5A level. Two way guys who have tangible utility both ways is even more rare. I am not kidding here, this may be the best raw athlete to play KHSAA football in quite some time.

Kanyon Johnson may be the best “pure athlete” in the KHSAA

Friday Night Fletch

Jaxen Smith, ’26 ATH, Bowling Green, scored 7-TDs rushing while scoring 11-TDs receiving in helping his team win another 5A football title. Smith had 22-tackles, 4.5-TFLs, and 2.5-sacks to go along with a FF and a FR. Smith picked a pass, just in case the foregoing wasn’t enough for you. He had us at “KHSAA 5A Champion.”

Evan Hampton, ’25 RB, Owensboro Senior High, Hampton ran for 1,549-yards and scored 20-TDs, he added 4-TDs through the air, he also scored a pair of two-pointers to lead the team with 148-points and 13.5-points per ball game. He played a little defense, not as well as brother “Elijah,” but he did register a handful of tackles to go along with his prodigious offensive numbers.

6A Classification

Jacob Savage, ’26 ATH, Ryle, Savage scored 22-rushing TDs and gained over a thousand rushing yards. Savage also scored 4-receiving TDs and caught 29-passes for 313-yards. Savage converted a two-pointer to lead his team in scoring with 158-points on the year. He helped take his “Raiders” to the 6A title game. Savage also had 141-tackles, 9.5-TFS, and 3-sacks, with a pick, thrown in for good measure. Now, putting Savage on the All-State offense will preclude him from making the defense, as we try to spread the wealth. However; know this, Savage is an All-Stater on both sides of the scrimmage line.

Savage could have made this team on defense too, now that’s an athlete!

Friday Night Fletch

Willis Nofsinger, ’25 WR, duPont Manual, scored a rushing TD, 9-receiving TDs, and housed a kick-off. Nofsinger caught 30-passes to lead the club. Again, this is multi-phase utility at the 6A classification. duPont Manual looked like the best team in 6A for much of the season and players who added value like Nofsinger is why.

The Running-backs, Y’all

4A Classification

Cavalli Pittman, ’26 RB, John Hardin, This is a name you will hear more and more in ’25. Better learn to spell it now. Pittman rushed the football 318-times in ’24 for 3,174-yards and 40-TDs. Did we mention he averaged 10-yards per rush?

Zac McCoart, ’25 RB, Johnson Central, McCoart was injured most of last season. He made up for it this year. McCoart had 199-carries for 2,291-yards and 31-TDs. McCoart averaged 11.5-yards a carry.

Jordan Roberston, ’25 RB, Doss (Lou.), Robertson, in leading Doss to a respectable 7-4 finish, carried the ball 248-times for 1,955-yards and 29-TDs. Robertson averaged 7.3-yards every carry. Don’t know whether you are aware, but there are some good defenses around the Derby City. Over seven yards a carry around there is right impressive.

5A Classification

Markezz M. Hightower, ’26 RB, Madisonville North-Hopkins, The “M” must stand for “Mighty-dad-burn-good.” Hightower registered 206-carries for 1,604-yards while scoring 20-TDs. Hightower also averaged 7.8-yards a carry.

Michael Curry, ’25 RB, Atherton, The Big “A” Train has it rolling, finishing 10-3 this year and winning Coach Nino White his second, consecutive KFCA Coach of the Year award. You know who else had it rolling? Michael Curry; that’s who. Curry had 208-carries for 1,867-yards and 25-TDs. Curry averaged 9.0 yards a carry.

Markezz’s big brother, Jeriah , gained over 3,000 yards his senior year before matriculating to EKU. Must be something in the water around Mad-town!

Friday Night Fletch

6A Classification

Bryan Evans, Jr., ’26 RB, Tates Creek (Lexington), Did you know Tates Creek’s Commodores were 10-3 in ’24. Yeah, they balled out and had a tremendous year. So did Bryan Evans, Jr., who registered 194-carries for 1,799-yards with 20-TDs while posting 9.3-yards a carry.

Luke Ballard, ’26 RB, Great Crossing, Rickey Bowling’s “Warhawks” had a great year too, going 10-4 and losing in the semis to finalist, Ryle. Ballard registered 267-carries for 2,019-yards and 26-TDs while averaging 7.6-yards a carry.

Kalen “Jaws” Washington, Cue the Music from the movie, “Jaws.” Bryan Station (Lexington) struggled this year by “Bryan Station” standards. Washington put in another fine campaign in ’24 registering 214-carries, 1,654-yards, 19-TDs, and 7.7 yards a carry.

Calling the Hogs

4A Classification

Jarvis Strickland, ’26 OT, Tilghman High (Paducah), 6’6,” 294-pounds, ranked 175-nationally, 13th at OT, and top in his class in the KHSAA. Behind Strickland, The Blue Tornado gained 4,568-yards passing, 2,148-yards rushing, and scored 717-points in 15-games (47.8-points per game). In case you were wondering, this is how one wins a 4A title and goes 15-0. 

Gradey Anthony, 6’5,” 266 from North Oldham. Offense scored 407-points in 12-games with Anthony upfront. They rushed for 1,513-yards and scored 21-TDs on the ground while passing for 2,576-yards and housing 33-TDs through the air. 

5A Classification

Dylan “Stewie” Stewart, 2025 OL, Connor High, Little Stewie is 6’5″ and weighs 290 lbs. Offensive linemen need to be smart and Stewart fits the bill. Stewart boasts a 3.8 GPA and a 23 on the ACT. Connor scored 359-points in 11-games (32.63-points per game) rushing for 2,619-yards and passing for 785.

Max Merz, 2026 OL, Fort Thomas Highlands. We saw a resurgence this year along the Highlands out of the Bluebird contingency. At 6’4″ and weighing 305-pounds, Highlands opponents had a time trying to contain this mobile, athletic, lengthy lineman. Highlands finished 11-3, losing to Cooper in the semis in a game some expected Highlands to win. In spite of that, Bluebird fans should love the direction in which this programs appears headed.

Stewart has a 3.8 GPA and a registered 23 on the ACT

Friday Night Fletch

6A Classification

Isaac Sowells Jr., ’25 OL, Male High (Louisville), 6’2,” 290-pounds. There are some programs who once wondered whether Sowells could play “big-time” ball with his height only being 6’2.” His having an exceedingly long frame, his having superior technique, his having both a powerful punch and outstanding feet convinced these programs otherwise. Sowells and Wolford (Belfry, 3A) are the cream of the in-KY crop along the offensive interior front line. Sowells, Sr. played in what was then known as the “Big 10.” Sowells, Jr. is headed to the ACC.

David Pellman, ’26 OL, 6’3,” 305-pounds, duPont Manual High, The “Crimsons” looked like the team to beat entering the playoffs this year. After all, they had beaten South Warren (5A power), St. Xavier, and Male during the regular season. Pellman figures to enter his senior year, 2025, at the top of the Bluegrass senior class at his position. Pellman has a good frame and is very athletic to go along with his being mean, but at the right time for meanness.

Colton Johns, ’26 OL, George Rogers Clark High, 6’0,” 255 pounds, Johns is the little brother of (perhaps) the best technical interior OL I have ever had the privilege of observing. Big brother is now playing at EKU for Walt Wells and we have it on good authority Coach Wells is thrilled with the value of this addition. The surname “Johns” and dad-burn good at football go hand in hand. Colton Johns is a mauler. GRC had a balanced attack, running and throwing with equal efficiency throughout the year. There are better days ahead for Joe Chirico’s program in Winchester, KY. Thank goodness Johns will return for another go-around.

The All-State Specialists, Place-Kickers

Russell Hancock, ’25 PK, Tilghman High (Paducah), Hancock converted 86 of 89 on PATs, 96.6%. He didn’t get to attempt too many FGs. That is what happens when your team is always scoring TDs. He was money when needed. Team finished 15-0 and won the title, so there you go!

Noah Cima, ’25 PK, Corbin, 76 of 77-PATs, 98.7%. I have talked to people who swear this kid is the best PK in Kentucky. He may be at that. He certainly has a lithe, powerful leg.

Easton Powell, ’25 PK, Franklin County, Powwell was 11 of 13 on FGs, 84.6% and 63 of 64 on PATs (98.4%). I suppose one can be perfect, but I can’t imagine doing much better than this kid did.

Beau Bakun, ’25 PK, Perry County Central, 7 of 10 on FGs, (70%). When you have a place-kicker who is converting 70% of his attempts in high school? Yeah, that is like making that easy money.

Carson Hilbert, ’25 PK, Trinity, Hilbert converted 12-FGs and 47-PATs to be second on the team in scoring with 83-points. Hilbert was 85.7% on FGs (12 for 14) and 97.9% on PATs (47 of 48).

Tomorrow we will publish the large school all-state defense. Until then, this is Friday Night Fletch, reporting for KPGFootball, reminding you to PLAY THROUGH THE WHISTLE!

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About Fletcher Long 1675 Articles
Two-time winner of Kentucky Press Association awards for excellence in writing and reporting news stories while Managing Editor of the Jackson (KY) Times-Voice

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