Well, this is our busiest time of year, All-State football team selections. We will publish two teams, a small school team from 1A, 2A, & 3A and a large school team from 4A, 5A, & 6A. This week we are posting our small school team. We used to release this team in segments. This year, it will make the article super long as we intend to post the team all at once. The Saturday following the team’s initial posting Scott Fitzgerald and Friday Night Fletch will host a podcast “reveal show” where the team will be announced and defended. We will post a link to the shows, after air, to both of these articles. We are going to build our teams the way we would contract a roster, from the lines of scrimmage out to the skills, specialists, and “athletes.” This will be done both offensively and defensively for both teams. No all-state team is complete and no selection committee publishes a team which doesn’t have some glaring omissions. We assure you our teams are the most inclusive, most expansive, and the finest and most complete teams in the business, bar none. Without further fanfare, the small school All-State Football Team sponsored by Big Ass Fans.
HB Lyon, Scouting Director, “KPGFootball”
All Points Kentucky: Ladies and gentlemen, on behalf of the Big Ass Fans company and the selection committee it is KPGFootball’s inestimable privilege to both publish and disseminate the Big Ass Fans Small School (1A, 2A, & 3A) All-State Football Team. The following are your small-school, all-state football players:
Small School Coach of the Year: Hunter Cantwell, Christian Academy Louisville
Runners-up: 1A, Simon Clouse, Nicholas Co., 2A; Oakley Watkins, Lexington Christian Academy; 3A (Tie), Kyle Niederman, Lloyd Memorial and Melvin Cunningham, Murray High
Small School Mr. Football: Jackson Burke, ’28 QB, Christian Academy-Louisville, 214/257, 3,526-passing yards, 53-TDs, 1-INT
Small School Defender of the Year: Jackson Whitten, ’26, DL, Bracken County; Registered 94-tackles, 46-TFLs, and eight (8) QB-sacks, forced a pair of fumbles
The Offense
Calling the Hogs…the Offensive Line!
1A Classification…
Chris Partin, G, ’28, 6’1,” 325, Hazard– There is no more powerfully built interior guy in the mountains than Hazard’s Chris Partin. Partin’s feats of strength are near legendary with bench presses reported in the 400’s and squats approaching 600. Hazard may have been the best 5-7 team we saw all year, dropping close games to the likes of Prestonsburg, Pikesville, Campbellsville, and Knox Central while beating a 10-win, Breathitt team. Hazard’s sophomore QB (William Shoptaw) threw for close to 2,800-yards and 23-TDs while freshman Cameron Miller gained close to 900-yards with 13-rushing TDs. Gavin Johnson (’27) caught 75-balls for 900-or so yards with 8-receiving TDs. Hazard scored 30-rushing TDs as a team this year. All of these things wouldn’t have happened without linemen the likes of Chris Partin.
Wyatt Moore, T, ’26, 6’5,” 280, Sayre High. Moore has a 3.26 GPA, and a 29 on his ACT. Never discount an offensive lineman who is intelligent and academically capable. This guy was a four year starter at Sayre and allowed only 4-sack over that entire period of time. He was his district’s lineman of the year in ’25 and made the All-State team in 2024, the year he helped Sayre to a 1A title.
Kris Mandy, ’26, G, 6’3,” 275, Kentucky Country Day. Mandy won his district’s lineman of the year in addition to helping lead Kentucky Country Day to the state title. With Mandy leading the way, the Bearcats threw for 17-TDs while rushing for 51-more. KCD gained 3,151-yards in its 14-games on 424-carries, good for 7.5-yards or so per. Mandy also played some defense, registering 35-tackles, two (2) TFLs, and a pair of QB-sacks.
Jacob Litteral, Center, 6’2,” 265, Raceland. The best offensive lineman for Raceland High School, based on recent performance and accolades, was Jacob Litteral, a versatile senior who earned “Lineman of the Year,” and excelled at multiple positions (tackle, guard, center), and is a dominant blocker. Behind Litteral, the Rams made another KHSAA, state title game. Litteral has a 4.0 GPA, has scored a 26 on his ACT, and sports a 375-pound bench press, a 575-pound back squat, and a 625-lb. hex bar deadlift.
2A Classification…
Bo Wolford, G, ’26, 6’3,” 305, Belfry. For our money, this is the best interior OL in the Appalachias. He played tackle for Belfry but will likely move inside in college. Wolford anchored a front which permitted 1,441-passing yards and 20-TDs this season against only a pair of picks. Why only two pick? Protection, that is why. No pass rush equals efficient passing performance. As for ground game, Wolford and cohorts cleared the way for 3,736 ground yards on 408-carries with 66-rushing TDs. That is over 9-yards a rushing attempt and a TD every sixth or so carry.
Matthew Montgomery, G, ’28, 6’1,”250, Lexington Christian Academy. Who would have thought the Eagles performance up front would get better in ’25 than it was in ’24 with five D-1 guys cross the graduation stage last spring? Who would have thought the Eagles would graduate an entire starting front and change coaches and win its second title ever? Guys like Matthew Montgomery upfront will do that for a program. With Montgomery leading the way, the Eagles passed for 2,299-yards, completing 156 of 239-passing attempts (66% completion rate approximately), and 26-TDs against only 6-picks. The Eagles also rushed for 2,254-yards, on 350-carries (6.44-yards per), with 39-TDs by land. When you play who the Eagles play, those numbers are unbelievable. Fending off the opponent’s pass rush leads to such offensive efficiency.
Nick Greer, Center, ’28, 6’2,” 255, Lexington Christian Academy. Who would have thought the Eagles performance up front would get better in ’25 than it was in ’24 with five D-1 guys upfront graduating last spring? Who would have thought the Eagles would graduate an entire starting front, and change coaches, and win the school’s second title ever? Guys like Nick Greer at center will do that for a program. With Greer, Montgomery, and cohorts leading the way, the Eagles passed for 2,299-yards, completing 156 of 239-passing attempts (66% completion rate approximately), and 26-TDs against only 6-picks. The Eagles also rushed for 2,254-yards, on 350-carries (6.44-yards per), with 39-TDs by land. When you play who the Eagles play, those numbers are unbelievable. Fending off the opponent’s pass rush leads to this type offensive efficiency.
Waylon Abner, G, ’26, 6’2,” 270, Breathitt High. Waylon Abner has been termed the best pulling guard in KHSAA football. That might account for his winning the district lineman of the year and posting 43-pancake blocks this past season. Miles Hollon threw for 25-TDs and Eli Thomas ran for close to 1,400-yards and 21-TDs and numbers like that, from a couple of sophomores, doesn’t just happen for no reason. Breathitt’s “Big Blue Wave” is among the finer units in the mountains and the Bobcats posted the first 10-win season since finishing 13-1 in 2019. That ’19 team also did yeoman’s work upfront. Are you detecting a pattern?
Sawyer Hall, G, ’26, 6’0,” 290, Breathitt High. Sawyer Hall has long been thought of as one of the KHSAA’s best interior guys in his graduating class. This isn’t his first All-State team, nor was it Abner’s come to think of it. Hall is a 350+ pound bench presser who is built like a fire hydrant. Miles Hollon threw for 25-TDs and Eli Thomas ran for close to 1,400-yards and 21-TDs and numbers like that, from a couple of sophomores, doesn’t just happen for no reason. Breathitt’s “Big Blue Wave” is among the finer units in the mountains and the Bobcats posted the first 10-win season since finishing 13-1 in 2019.
John Paul Carrico, T, ’28, 6’8,” 295, Owensboro Catholic. Before it is all said and done, this Carrico kid may end up the most recruited player in the KHSAA’s ’28 graduating class. HIs having the length, height, bulk, and movement he possess won’t hurt him. Carrico led the way for the Aces to throw for close to 4,000-yards and 46-TDs to just 6-picks. The Aces also gained close to a couple thousand yards rushing and 31-TDs on just 300-carries. Skill players don’t wrack up those type numbers in a vacuum.
Gavyn Combs, ’27, T, 6’5,” 275, Betsy Layne High. Combs is framed out super well. Combs is 6’5,” 275-pounds and has considerably good weight he can add as he continues to weight train and condition. Combs is already drawing the attention of some Power Four types, UK to name just one. Combs has made the combine circuit. Combs is a nationally and Kentucky rated top prospect in the ’27 class by Prep Red Zone and has a NCSA (Next College Student Athlete) profile. Combs has a 4.0 GPA. To give you an idea about his movement, Combs plays defense too and registered 39-tackles and a pair of TFLs this season.
3A Classification…
Jason Hillard, Center, ’26, 6’1,” 245, Christian Academy Louisville. The most important statistic for anyone on this team is 15-0, 4th straight title. These seniors believe seasons naturally have 15-games and a title trophy at the end of the year is just commonplace. Hillard may be the best offensive center in the game at the small school (1A, 2A, & 3A) level. Behind Hillard, Jackson Burke set the national high school completion percentage season record (214/257, 83.3%), threw for nearly 5,000-yards in only nine (9) games starting, and rung up 53-TDs against a lone INT. The team ran for close to 2,000-yards and around 35-rushing TDs. JaHyde Brown caught 92-passes for around 1,400-yards and close to 25-TDs receiving. These type numbers never happen without considerable help upfront.
Gage Keeling, Center, ’28, 6’0,” 265, Murray High (projected center in college, hasn’t played it yet). Gage Keeling doesn’t play center, at least not yet. However, there are a number of college recruiters familiar with his prowess and these guys all believe his “next level” future is as a center. Keeling had a tremendous year helping Wyatt Robbins throw for 3,200-yards and 35-TDs and helping the ground game account for 2,827-yards and nearly 50-rushing TDs. Not having Robbins for the title game limited the Tigers title chances. Regardless, the Tigers had a tremendous season.
Spencer Phipps, T, ’27, 6’4,” 270, Bell County. If we have to tell you Bell County can run the ball, you might not know enough about KHSAA football to read us. Phipps helped lead a line which cleared the path for 3,650-yards on 389-carries with 53-rushing TDs. That comes out to around 9.4-yards per carry and a TD every seven and a half rushing attempts. Phipps was his district’s lineman of the year. Here is the thing, the Bobcats threw for nearly 1,400-yards and had an 8:1 TD to INT ratio. For a mountain team, that is pretty darn good. Kaleb Miller (’26 RB) gained over 2,000-yards this year with 30-rushing TDs. Either Miller is Superman (which can’t be totally discounted) or someone was getting blocked up front this season. By the way, the Bobcats made the semis and finished 12-2 on the season. That a’int too bad either.
Aidan Warren, G, ’27, 6’1,” 280, Bell County. If we have to tell you Bell County can run the ball, you might not know enough about KHSAA football to read us. Warren helped lead a line which cleared the path for 3,650-yards on 389-carries with 53-rushing TDs. That comes out to around 9.4-yards per carry and a TD every seven and a half rushing attempts. Here is the thing, the Bobcats threw for nearly 1,400-yards and had an 8:1 TD to INT ratio. For a mountain team, that is pretty darn good. Kaleb Miller (’26 RB) gained over 2,000-yards this year with 30-rushing TDs. Either Miller is Superman (which can’t be totally discounted) or someone was getting blocked up front this season. By the way, the Bobcats made the semis and finished 12-2 on the season. That a’int too bad either.
Ryan Walls, G, ’28, 6’3,” 325, Murray High. This Walls guy could make this team as a defender too (92-tackles, 2-TFLs, 4-sacks, 1-FR). Most colleges see him as an offensive guard and his superior movement and athleticism are the reasons why. Walls had a tremendous year helping Wyatt Robbins throw for 3,200-yards and 35-TDs and helping the ground game account for 2,827-yards and nearly 50-rushing TDs. Not having Robbins for the title game limited the Tigers title chances. Regardless, the Tigers had a tremendous season and Walls is a superstar at this level and likely to be at the next as well.
The Glory Boys, the QBs!
1A Classification…
Reece Hatcher, Williamsburg, ’28. Hatcher completed close to 62% of his passes (136/222) and threw for 28-TDs versus only 7-picks. Hatcher threw for 2,108-yards and ran for another couple hundred. Hatcher is the future of a Williamsburg program that had a down year (6-5), by Williamsburg standards but should be looking up considering the young talent on hand.
William Shoptaw, Hazard, ’28. Shoptaw was at the controls of an offense which played among the harder schedules in 1A. The team finished 5-7 but were virtually in every game and with a break here or there could have posted a pretty impressive season. Shoptaw’s performance was pretty amazing especially considering his tender years. Shoptaw threw for 2,798-yards and 23-TDs while completing 210 of his 346 passing attempts (61%). Shoptaw scored another pair of TDs with his feet. This might be a guy whose name is worth remembering going forward.
Deakon Partin, Middlesboro, ’27. Partin led his team to the regional championship game where the 11-1 Yellow Jackets lost to Pikeville, a traditional 1A bully. Partin threw for 2,223-yards and 30-TDs against only 5-picks while completing close to 65% of his passing attempts (125/195). Partin rushed for an additional five scores. Partin was an exceedingly efficient player for Larry French’s Yellow Jackets and his team winning 11 of its 12 games certainly bolsters that position.
2A Classification…
Miles Hollon, Breathitt High, ’28. Kyle Moore’s Bobcats were 10-3 this season and its young offensive backfield is plenty of reason to be stoked about the future of the program. Miles Hollon ranks toward the top of all the in-KY QB want lists and his throwing for nearly 2,000-yards and 25-TDs would explain why all the fuss. Hollon completed 120 of his 189-passing attempts (64%) and Hollon rushed for another 238-yards and four (4) ground scores on top of his passing numbers. Hollon is just a winner. He keeps leading the team to victory, which is a QB’s most important stat.
Dremail Carrothers, Owensboro Catholic, ’27. The scariest thing about Carrothers is he is coming back next season. Carrothers led his team to a 13-2 finish and narrow loss (5-points) to LCA in the title game. Carrothers completed 68% of his passing attempts (287/427) this season and threw for 4,022-yards and 49-TDs against only eight (8)-picks. This a school which seems to perpetually churn out wins and QBs. The Aces will be in the hunt next season like every season.
Nash Whelan, Lexington Christian Academy (LCA), ’28. Whelan is a member of one of the KHSAA’s best ’28 classes at LCA. One might say the state champion Eagles developed along the same arch as its prized ’28 QB. One thing is certain, we haven’t seen either the last or the best out of this guy. Still, what we have seen has been impressive. Whelan threw for close to 2,300-yards and 26-TDs against only six (6) INTs. Whelan completed 156 of his 239 passing attempts (66%). Unlike a lot of QBs detailed here, Whelan was not just a QB but a RB too. Whelan led the team in rushing this season with 1,000-yards on 135-carries (7.41-yards per) while scoring 14-rushing TDs. The most important statistic is Whelan leading the Eagles to the 2A title, its second all-time. In the end, that is the statistic people will remember about any QB.
Emmett Queen, Beechwood, ’27. Beechwood teams which finish 11-2 and don’t win titles aren’t remembered much around Ft. Mitchell, KY. That is what comes with the territory when your team has won 18-titles. However, Queen, who will be back for another tour, had a great year. Queen threw for over 2,700-yards and 39-TDs against a pair of INTs. Queen completed 150 of his 210 passing attempts (72%) and found the end zone six (6) times with his feet. Tyler Fryman and Nathan Pabst will also be back next year so circle this team as an early title favorite for Fall of ’26.
3A Classification…
Kaleb Evans, Lloyd Memorial, ’26. Kyle Niederman’s Juggernauts were extra tough this season, finishing 13-1 and losing by seven points (27-20) at Murray in the semis. Evans had a ton to do with the team’s success. Evans threw for close to 2,500-yards with 36-TDs against a paltry seven (7) picks. Evans completed 69% and some change of his passing attempts (159/230) and managed to find the end zone twice with his feet.
Jackson Burke, Christian Academy-Louisville (CAL), ’28. There are lots of scary things about Burke’s game if you are intending to defend against it. For starters, Burke just finished a season where he threw 53-TDs, was intercepted once, led his team to a 15-0 record all while completing 83% of his passing attempts (214/257) for the season, a new national and Kentucky high school football record performance. We get to see this kid for two more seasons. CAL has won four straight titles at 3A. It might be awhile before anyone else in 3A will prove a threat to the Centurions’s present title hold.
Wyatt Robbins, Murray High, ’26. The most famous “Robbins” may be “Christopher Robbins” from the Winnie the Pooh series of children’s books. Wyatt Robbins is catching Christopher in the all-time famous Robbins-clan department. How good is Wyatt Robbins? Good enough the Murray State Racers signed him to stick around and quarterback its ball club going forward. Robbins led Murray to the state title game and then didn’t get to play in it, greatly limiting the offense coach Melvin Cunningham could run in the title game against CAL. Regardless, Murray won 14-games and Robbins was consistently among the commonwealth’s best QBs all season. Robbins threw for 3,200-yards and 35-TDs against only five (5) picks. Robbins completed 187 of his 269-passing attempts (70%). Robbins also rushed for over 500-yards and four (4) scores on the ground. Winnie that pooh!
Cameron Bischoff, St. Francis deSales, ’26. Bischoff threw for nearly 2,700-yards and 26-TDs against seven (7) INTs. Bischoff ran for 10-scores on top of the 26 for which he threw. Bischoff also completed close to 63% of his 308-passing attempts on the season. The Colts are not where they have historically been but the team is getting better and the program seems headed in an upward trajectory. Getting the performance it got from the QB-slot in ’25 certainly brightened the program’s prospects considerably.
The Running-backs, Y’all…
1A Classification…
DJ Wren, ’26, Lynn Camp. First of all, Wren played QB for Darrell Hendrix’s Wildcats this past year. They put it up less than 30-times on the season so wouldn’t he really have been a RB aligned at QB? We think so. Wren only got run in nine (9) games but he certainly made the most of it. Wren gained 1,747-yards and scored 16-TDs while averaging 8.9-yards per rushing attempt. Those numbers are prodigious regardless of where you may be aligned.
Landon Robbins, ’26, Pineville. Robbins played in 10-games for a Mountain Lion program which is accustomed to being in the discussion more seasons than not. The team struggled this year. Robbins flourished in the face of the team’s struggles, registered 155-rushing attempts, gaining 1,767 yards, and housing 16-TDs via the ground game. Robbins averaged 11.4-yards per rushing attempt. Robbins caught a TD too.
Parker Rudolph, ’26, Kentucky Country Day. There is more to playing RB than just accumulating yards over the ground. There is pass protection, carrying out the fakes well to freeze the linebackers, there is rolling out of the backfield and being a threat in the passing game. Rudolph does everything well on a football field. Rudolph, in helping lead his team to the 1A title, gained over a thousand yards on the season and scored 16-rushing TDs. Rudolph caught a touchdown pass which is significant because the Bearcats don’t throw it much. Tyler Wilson (’26) and Rudolph comprised a lethal 1-2 punch out of the backfield which did much to lead this KCD team to the title.
Tyler Wilson, ’26, Kentucky Country Day. This guy only got 75-carries all season long. Still, Wilson was darn close to 1,000 yards (940) and, with the average per carry he mustered (12.54), needed approximately 4-5 additional carries to reach that universally held milestone. Still, Wilson caught 6-TDs rolling out of the backfield and was near the top in receptions making him among the more “complete backs” in the commonwealth.
Wyatt Simons, ’26, Nicholas County. What a year Simon Clouse’s Blue Jackets enjoyed finishing off a nine (9) win campaign. No one embodied the success any more demonstrably than RB, Wyatt Simons. Simons gained close to 1,700-yards and scored 23-rushing TDs in 205-carries. That comes out to 8.2-yards a carry. Simons caught a few passes and averaged over 14-points a game in scoring. Simons also registered 105-tackles, 4-TFLs, and a QB-sack. This kid was a “difference maker” on both sides of the football.
2A Classification…
Kris Hughes, ’26, Somerset. Clay Clevenger has his “Briar Jumpers” in the chase every season. Having players like Kris Hughes has to help. Hughes, in 13-games (11-2), carried the football 232-times for 2,081-yards with 37- rushing TDs. Hughes averaged 9-yards per rushing attempt. Hughes led the team in scoring (222-points) and registered nearly 40-tackles with a pair of INTS on top of it all. There may not be a better or more complete football player in 2A than this guy here.
Keshawn Dixon, ’26, Fort Campbell. Dixon only got 10-games of run this season but the diminutive superstar made the most of his opportunities. Dixon in 187-rushing attempts, gained 1,539 and scored 16-rushing TDs. Dixon averaged 8.2-yards per carry, was third on the team in receiving (15-receptions), and led the club in scoring, TFLs, and QB-sacks. Dixon registered 120-tackles (tied for the club lead), 22-TFLs, and five (5) sacks to go along with a pick returned 32-yards. Overall, this kid did everything for his team.
Kain Patton, ’26, Prestonsburg. Talk about a program on the up and coming, Wes Hager led P-burg to a 12-1 finish dropping the regional championship game to Beechwood in Fort Mitchell. Patton was incredible. Patton gained right at 2,000-yards on the ground and scored 28-TDs while averaging 13-yards per rushing attempt. Patton caught 38-balls out of the backfield for 752-yards and seven (7) receiving TDs. Patton scored 221-points or 18.4 points every game. Patton, on defense, had 66-stops, 11-TFLs, and a pair of sacks. You may wonder, “How does a Prestonsburg replace a Kain Patton?” We’re afraid you won’t like our answer.
Jayvian Meaux, ’29, Danville. Meaux is the best freshman RB in the commonwealth of Kentucky. This kid and his development completely turned around an Admiral program which was going nowhere just a single season ago. Meaux gained 1,869-yards in his 12-games of action on 230-carries with 31-rushing TDs. Meaux averaged 8.1-yards per carry. Meaux completed a pass for 50-yards, averaged scoring 16.7 points a ball game, and caught eight (8) passes rolling out of the backfield one of which was taken to pay dirt. Steve Stonebraker delivered a 9-3 mark in his first season at the helm coming off an abysmal, winless record in ’24. Danville is back, folks.
Eli Thomas, ’28, Breathitt High. Eli Thomas can do things physically kids his age just can’t. I have personally seen him jump, one-legged and sideways, on a 48-50-inch box. Just freaking incredible. So with vertical explosion like that, do you reckon his running speed is pretty good? You bet. Thomas gained close to 1,400-yards as a sophomore this year, in only 11-games, and scored 21-rushing TDs. Thomas averaged 8.1-yards per carry. Thomas rolled out of the backfield and caught 13-passes, four (4) of which he took to the house. Thomas led the team in scoring with 14.2-point per outing. Thomas is among the best raw athletes playing high school football throughout the KHSAA, take our word for it, this is something we would know.
Davaree Gude, ’26, Trigg County. There is a great chance Davaree Gude is the best RB in the KHSAA about whom you haven’t heard too much. The reason? Well his team has struggled somewhat and he fought the injury bug, missing several games. Gude played in eight (8) games but still gained around 1,300-yards and scored 23-rushing TDs. Gude averaged 9.7-yards per carry and 162-yards per ball game. If you project those numbers over a 10-12 game season, those numbers start to really impress. Gude caught 10-passes swinging out of the backfield, scored 17.2 points a game, played a little defense, and was used in the return game for three phase utility. Not a lot of kids off 2-7 ball clubs make all-state teams. Not a ton of Devaree Gudes out there either.
3A Classification…
Landon Yoak, ’26, East Carter. Landon Yoak rushed for 1,577-yards in only ten (10)-games. Yoak scored 22-rushing TDs and averaged 8-yards a carry. Yoak led the team in scoring with 13.2-points per game. Yoak had 32-tackles, 9-TFLs, and a sack to go along with what he contributed offensively. Yoak’s true contribution was at RB but the fact he contributed in other phases of the game is a characteristic this magazine will always prize and favor when making all-state selections.
Amarion Bomar, ’26, Murray High. Bomar is a complete back. Bomar rushed for nearly a thousand yards (968), rushed for 13-TDs, caught 28-balls three of which were housed, scored close to a 100-points (96), registered nearly 20-tackles (19) and recovered a fumble. Bomar was a three phase guy who contributed in all phases of a 14-win, state runner-up ball club.
Kaleb Miller, ’26, Bell County. No all-state football team is complete without a running back from the commonwealth’s premier ground game, the Bell County Bobcats. Miller was “the guy” this past season, rushing for 2,002-yards in 192-carries with 30-rushing TDs. Miller caught a TD pass this season and led the team in scoring with 214-points or 15.3-per ball game. Miller scored 14, two-pointers on special teams. Miller also picked a pass on defense. Talk about being valuable to the team’s bottom line.
The Receivers…
1A Classification…
Anderson Lauffer, ’27, Paintsville. Paintsville hasn’t gotten back to 1A, Kentucky-wide contention but they are getting closer. Lauffer had 57-receptions for 1,025-receiving yards this past season. Lauffer averaged 18.0 yards per reception and registered 14-TDs receiving. Lauffer led the team in scoring, registered both a forced fumble and a fumble recovery, chipped in 22-tackles, a pair of TFLs, with five (5) INTs and the team’s only pick-six, and even threw in over 200-yards of rushing and a pair of rushing TDs. That is doing it all!
Gavin Johnson, ’27, Hazard. We said it all year long…Johnson and Hager (Pikeville) were the two best receivers playing 1A football this past Fall. Johnson, in 12-games, contributed 75-receptions for 887-yards and 8-TDs. Johnson was third on the team in scoring, registered 114-tackles, picked a pass, and recovered a pair of fumbles. What an athlete, what a football player!
Mikey Hager, ’26, Pikeville. Mikey Hager is the fastest kid in Kentucky having been timed running speeds exceeding 21-miles per hour. The down field terror caught 61-receptions for 765-yards and 12-TDs on the year, averaging 12.5-yards per catch. Like Johnson, Hager displayed a ton of utility. Hager was second on the team in scoring and housed an INT which covered 39-yards for the score. Hager also registered 34-tackles and a TFL.
2A Classification…
Tyler Fryman, ’27, Beechwood. Probably the scariest thing about Fryman and his teammate, Pabst, is the fact they are back next year, like their QB who has also made this team. Fryman caught 62-balls this fall covering 1,320 yards receiving or 21.3-yards per. Fryman scored 23-TDs receiving, scored four (4) TDs rushing, and housed three (3) punts on his way to scoring 180-points on the year. Fryman registered 35-tackles, 2.5-TFLs, and a pair of picks to go with a FF and a FR. This kid is a candidate for “Mr. Football” next season. Write it down…
Xavier Maddox, ’26, Owensboro Catholic. Maddox caught 78-balls this Fall for 1,390-yards with 16-TDs. Maddox averaged 17.82-yards per reception.
Caden Howard, ’26, Crittenden County. Crittenden County had an 8-4 campaign this Fall and have to feel good about the program’s direction. Getting bounced from the playoff’s second round, 50-14, by Owensboro Catholic was less than ideal but it is Catholic after all; the Aces do that to lots of folks. Howard had a solid season, as did his teammates. Howard registered 58-receptions for 1,065-yards and 19-TDs. Howard averaged 18.4 yards per reception which makes his average yards per catch and TDs marks both elite. Over a thousand receiving yards in a season is elite too.
Tyler King, ’26, Lexington Christian Academy. Tyler King was the district player of the year for the Eagles in ’25. With the year he turned in, King could have been the entire classification’s Player of the Year too. King logged 68-receptions for 958-yards and 12-TDs. King averaged 14.1 yards per reception and helped his team to the title at the 2A level of competition. King also logged a pair of INTs on defense.
Nathan Pabst, ’27, Beechwood. Pabst is so versatile we don’t even know what to call him. Pabst made this team as a receiver but he is way more than that. Pabst caught 38-receptions for 748-yards. Pabst averaged 19.7-yards per reception with nine (9) TDs. Pabst gained 639-yards rushing and scored 12-rushing TDs on 59-carries. Pabst was the club’s second leading scorer and among the more prolific INT guys in the defense’s back third. Like Fryman, this cat can play!
3A Classification…
JaHyde Brown, ’27, Christian Academy-Louisville (CAL). Putting Brown on an all-state team feels like a “cop-out.” How hard is it to notice the play of one of the commonwealth’s more highly regarded prospects in the 2027 graduating class? Brown didn’t disappoint. Brown tallied 98-receptions for 1,566-yards and 24-receiving TDs. Brown averaged 15.97-yards per reception and led the team in scoring.
Isaiah Martin, ’26 WR, Murray High. Martin caught 63-passes for 1,270-yards and 19 TDs. Martin scored 144-points for the Tigers this season including a pair of rushing scores, 19-receiving, a pick six, a punt return, and a housed kick-off. Martin has broken every school record Murray has, according to his coach (Melvin Cunningham), and is among the leaders, throughout KY, in receiving yards. Martin also registered 107-tackles, and two (2) INTs on defense with 55-IRNYs.
Gaines Howard, ’27, Christian Academy-Louisville (CAL). Gaines Howard could have made the team as an “Athlete” as easily as he made it as a receiver. Howard caught 60-balls for 1,014-yards receiving and 14-TDs. Howard average 16.9-yards per catch and was either the leader, or among the leaders, in receiving, scoring, tackles, INTs (3), and IRNYs (52).
Chi Poynter, ’28, Bardstown. There aren’t too many sophomores out there turning in production like Poynter managed this Fall. Poynter caught 55-receptions for 1,000-yards and 12-TDs. Poynter averaged 18.2-yards per reception. Poynter led the club in scoring, receiving, and recovered a fumble along the way demonstrating his nose for the football.
Kingston Merritt, ’26, St. Francis deSales. Merit had a big year. The senior from the Derby City tallied 77-receptions for 1,136-yards receiving with 14-TDs. Merritt averaged 14.8-yards per reception, led the team in scoring, ranked among the leaders in tackles (41) and TFLs, with both an INT and a FF.
Joshua Bridges, ’26, Murray. Bridges transferred over from 6A Christian County to 3A Murray in the offseason and got to experience something very special in his senior year. Bridges was a great take for Cunningham’s club as he had quite the year for the Tigers. Bridges was the ball clubs best corner. However, he made this team at receiver. Bridges tallied 54-receptions for 905-yards and nine (9) TDs. Bridges averaged 16.8-yards per reception, scored three (3) TDs rushing, was fourth on the team in scoring, registered 31-tackles, a FR, picked a pass, and broke up many, many others. Welcome to the All-State team, son. Proud of and for you!
The Specialists…
Long Snapper-1A-Jackson Render ’27, Holy Cross (Lou.), 6’3,” 155. Think about this one second…if your long snapper messes uo just a single time, it changes the entire game, and probably costs you the game, or certainly can. There is very little to no doubt that Render is the best in the KHSAA at long snapping. Good way to get to college.
Punter, 1A, Carson Graves, ’26, Sayre. Graves is a 4.5-star place kicker and a 4-star punter. Graves sports a 3.68-GPA and has a registered 32 on his ACT. Like most high school kickers, Graves both punts and placekicks for Sayre. He makes this team as a punter.
Placekicker, 1A, Colt Mizuguchi, ’26, Kentucky Country Day. This guy was “money” on PATs, converting 63 of his 65 opportunities.
Placekicker, 2A, Andrew Garvin, ’26, Owensboro Catholic. Garvin converted 51 of 56 PATs on the year and was a perfect six (6) for six (6) in FGs. Garvin scored 69-points for his team.
Placekicker, 2A, Owen Bird, ’26, Mayfield. Bird scored 75-points this year for Cliff Dew’s 10-2, much improved, Cardinal’s football team. Bird was 63 for 65 in PATs and four (4) for five (5) on FGs.
Placekicker, 3A, Hank Fronza, ’26, Murray High. We just call him “the Fronz” around the offices of the magazine and he is among our favorite KHSAA players. Fronza had quite a year for Murray’s Tigers. Fronza was 69 of 74 in PATs and six (6) for nine (9) in FGs. Having a PK score 87-points on a season is a huge boost for any offense.
Placekicker, 3A, Madden Miller, ’27, Christian Academy-Louisville. Like so many other slots, the Centurions have the best placekicker too. Miller was 51 of 52 on PATs and five (5) of six (6) on FGs. Again, a PK scoring 66-points for you can be (and often is) huge!
Holder: 2A, Jude Evans, ’28, Owensboro Catholic. Your holder on placekicks has got to be money or the entire operation crumbles. How good was Evans? Well, Andrew Garvin made the All-State team as a PK so that should tell you something. Evans also played MLB and registered 130-tackles, 10-TFLs, 2.5-sacks, while picking a pass, forcing a pair of fumbles, and recovering one; so, rush back there and take on that guy at your own peril.
Punt Returner: Jaylen Irish, ’26 Fort Knox. Irish in only seven games of varsity run returned five punts, 70-yards, with a long of 26-yards.
Kick Returner: Thomas Maddox, ’26, Holy Cross (Covington). Maddox had four returns in the kicking game he carried back 228-yards for an average of 57-yards per return. Maddox housed two (2) of his four (4) returns. Maddox had a long of 97-yards. Not that it matters, but Maddox was an elite punt returner too and had five (5) returns for 72-yards with a long of 26 in that discipline.
The Athletes…
Here are the guys so good, so versatile, we don’t know what to call them!
1A Classification…
Will Moore, ’26, Athlete, Sayre. Moore is new to football, taking it up just a few years ago. Notwithstanding that, the senior athlete took to it admirably, able to be a stalwart on one of 1As more skilled and deeper rosters. Moore was an integral part of Sayre’s ’24 championship run and was among the leaders in PBUs (passes broken up) over the past two years. Moore had 20-tackles, a TFL, and an INT to go along with his PBUs. What may sell Moore even more to next level guys is the fact he may also be the best LaCrosse player in the KHSAA. Not a better “athlete” anywhere in the commonwealth.
Jayden Watkins, ’27 Athlete, Nicholas County. Jayden Watkins was a “Jack of all Trades” for Nicholas County and even seemed to be the master of quite a few. Watkins was the team’s second leading rusher, fourth leading receiver, second leading scorer, second leading tackler (70-stops), who also picked three (3) passes, and recovered a fumble. Nicholas County had a nine win season, one of the best years the Blue Jackets have completed in quite some time. Having a “Watkins” seeming always around the football certainly helped.
2A Classification…
Malik Kirby, ’26 Athlete, Mayfield. Mayfield was back for much of the year and looked vastly improved over last year’s edition. Malik Kirby was a big reason why and a player virtually impossible to contain. Kirby rushed for three TDs, caught eight (8) more among his 32-receptions, led the team in scoring, registered 28-tackles, four of which were TFLs, and picked off four passes. Add in Kirby’s contributions on special teams in both coverage and returns and you have a three phase guy the program will definitely miss. We love these type guys.
Miles Edge, ’26, Athlete, Owensboro Catholic. This may be the best athlete playing 2A football in the KHSAA, though you might not realize it when looking at him. While being a tad undersized, Edge tallied 101-tackles, 14.5-TFLs, 5.5 sacks, while forcing 3-fumbles. There ain’t nothing undersized about that production. On offense, Edge rushed 173-times for 1,222-yards with 20-TDs. This guy’s production was All-State caliber on both sides of the scrimmage line. Miles Edge is a football player’s, football player!
Alexander Johnson, ’27 Athlete, Prestonsburg. Johnson, like most of the best athletes on a football team, was position where he could handle the ball the maximum number of times. That doesn’t mean Johnson plays QB at the next level. Johnson will play somewhere at the next level. For now, Johnson is thriving regardless of where he is slotted to the betterment of P-burg. Johnson, in ’25, threw for over 1,400-yards and 12-TDs, rushed from scrimmage for over a thousand yards and 18-TDs in only 88-attempts, scored 139-points, made 64% of his PATs, and even registered a few tackles on defense though why P-Burg and Wes Hager would risk the club’s most versatile weapon on defense is beyond us. The kid can play!
3A Classification…
Sylas Gunn, ’26, Hopkins County Central. There wasn’t a single player in Kentucky with more value to his team than Sylas Gunn. Gunn threw for over 900-yards and nine (9) TDs, ran for a TD, led the team in scoring with 70-points, led the team in tackles with 100, had five (5) TFLs, picked three (3) passes, and recovered a pair of fumbles.
Lincoln Tomlinson, ’28, Lloyd Memorial. What a year Tomlinson had. What a future star he promises to become. Tomlinson gained 736-yards on 113-carries with 16-TDs on the ground; caught 16-passes, two of which scored; scored 120-points to include six (6) two-pointers scored on special teams; registered 149-tackles, 16-TFLs, and 2.5-sacks; all while recording a pick and forcing a fumble. Now, that’s an athlete!
Stone Perkins, ’26 Athlete, Christian Academy-Louisville. Perkins caught 16-passes for 476-yards and six (6) scores. Perkins scored 54 points by housing six (6) receptions, housing an INT, and scooping and scoring twice (2). Perkins registered 51-tackles, registered a TFL, and picked three (3) passes with 144-IRNYs and a “pick-six.” At the end of the day, he kind of did it all for a 15-0 ball club which marched to its fourth (4th) straight title!
The Defense…
Hands are getting dirty; the DL!
1A Classification…
John Luke Minner, DE, ’26, Sayre. Minner had 43-tackles, 12-TFLs, and 8.5-QB sacks. Minner forced four (4) fumbles and recovered two. Minner played a lot of football in the other team’s backfield putting opposing offenses behind the sticks. That is what you want from the edge defensively.
Tyler Crafton, DL, ’28, Ludlow. Crafton had quite a year for a sophomore. Crafton tallied 86-tackles, 12-TFLs, a pair of sacks, a FF, and a FR. Most underclassman play side to side or just wait on the play to get to them. This sophomore got downhill and got after it!
KeKe Miller, DL, ’26, Campbellsville. Miller had 69-stops, 13-TFLs, two (2) sacks, a pair of forced fumbles, and three (3) FRs. The big guy picked a pass along the way, a DL’s dream play!
Derrick Fortner, DL, ’26, Bellevue. Fortner’s numbers read like some sort of video game. What kind of a down lineman registers 65-tackles, 18-TFLs, 12-sacks, with three (3) FRs? An all-state one…
2A Classification…
Ashton Rodgers, ’26, DL, Mayfield. It shouldn’t surprise anyone that Mayfield flourishes on the defensive side of the football. After all, Cliff Dew, gained his coaching chops coordinating defenses. Ashton Rodgers was the best DL on the western end of KY this year. Old number 69 registered 76-tackles, 27-TFLs, and eight (8) QB-sacks. Rodgers also forced four (4) fumbles. When you are making ball-carriers cough up possession, you’re hitting somebody.
Caden Conkright, ’26, DL, Owensboro Catholic. Conkright was among the better interior guys, upfront, for one of 2A’s elite programs. Conkright registered 63-tackles, 11-TFLs, six (6) QB-sacks, forced a fumble, and recovered a fumble.
Jackson Whitten, ’26, DL, Bracken County. Polar Bears usually thrive in cold weather. This particular Polar Bear was red hot all year long. Whitten, the son of a football coach, registered 94-tackles, 46-TFLs, and eight (8) QB-sacks. If you are trying to game plan this player, you might as well invite him into the huddle, he’s going to be in your backfield all night long anyway. Whitten forced a pair of fumbles, caught three passes, and recorded a TD rushing while averaging 5.8-yards a carry over 17-carries. What an athlete. This kid would be quite the next level pick-up for someone.
Garin Wilson, ’26, DL, Mayfield. Garin Wilson was doubled and tripled all season, like most dominant interior guys upfront defensively. That didn’t stop Wilson, nor any of his colleagues, from taking over the action. Wilson registered 34-tackles, 15-TFLs, and five (5) QB-sacks while forcing a pair of fumbles and snagging an INT he rumbled with for 27-yards. When you are separating ball carriers from the ball, you are laying the lumber. That is exactly what this kid did all year.
Baron Craft, ’26, DE, Prestonsburg. Craft registered 73-tackles, 19-TFLs, and 17 QB-sacks. Craft forced four (4) fumbles, recovering three (3). Craft caught three passes, one of which scored. Incredible year for a remarkable player.
Jacob Bartley, ’26, DE, Somerset. Bartley registered 77-tackles, 12-TFLs, and 13.5 QB-sacks. Bartley forced a pair of fumbles and recovered one. Bartley doubled up along the OL and is a perfect example of just how good of a program Somerset has.
Logan Mays, ’26, DE, Lexington Christian Academy (LCA). Logan Mays is a framed out, 6’5,” 230-pounder, headed to play FBS, Division I football for the Midshipmen of the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. Mays had 54-tackles, 10.5-TFLs, and 5.5-sacks this year and LCA’s opponents pretty much just ran away from him all season. Moves well, is very quick in space, “twitchy,” explosive, with plus height and length.
3A Classification…
Keavian Massey, ’26, DL, Glasgow. Massey had 41-stops, seven (7) TFLs, and three (3) sacks. All of that is easier said than done when you’re drawing all the attention up front from the OL. Massey certainly looks the part.
Xander Contreras, ’26, DL, Glasgow. This kid killed it upfront this season. Contreras registered 58-stops, 11-TFLs, and seven (7) sacks. Contreras collapsed OLs from the inside out. Hard to be successful running the football when the A-Gap is collapsing.
Jaxson Benning Wyatt, ’26, DL, Central High (Lou.). This young man had close to 40-tackles and five (5) sacks fighting through double teams all season long. Wyatt also forced a fumble, recovered a fumble, and picked off a pass (INT). In addition to all of the above, Wyatt scored a TD rushing from scrimmage. This kid was a plus, plus athlete; impossible to contain.
Jesse Clark, ’27 DL, Murray High. Clark is a huge frame guy (6’4,” 275) with the length to play the edge and the size to slide inside and plug holes. This season for Murray, Clark tallied 115-tackles, six (6) TFLs, and a pair of sacks while recovering a fumble.
Kellan Hall, ’28, DL, Christian Academy-Louisville. To be honest, this guy probably makes our team on offense too but we try not to pick people “both ways” if it can be helped. It is all part of our inclusion over exclusion plan we utilize to pick both the large school all-state team and this one. We know this, there just isn’t a better trench warrior across KY than this man-child, freaking beast. Hall registered 53-tackles, 17.5-TFLs, and 6.5-QB sacks. That is causing an entire mess of trouble for a kid plugging around the interior where all the big-bodies gather.
Defensive Second Level…a.k.a. the Backers!
1A Classification…
Race Lindon, ’26, LB, Hazard. Can’t expect much more from a linebacker than 122-tackles and 8.5-sacks over 12-games. Lindon did more than that. Lindon forced three (3) fumbles, recovered three (3) fumbles, scored 24-points, caught a pass, carried the football a dozen times on offense, housing three of the 12 carries, and perfect terrorized every team on the schedule. Would you call that an All-State performance? We would. We do. We have.
Garrett Frederick, ’28, LB, Holy Cross (Covington). What a year Curt Spencer’s Indians enjoyed. The team went 11-1, beat a few traditional powers along the way, and exited in the second round but not before showing they belonged in the game. Young LBs like Garrett Frederick prove the Indians may be around a while. Frederick had 67-stops, 17-tackles behind the line, and nine (9) QB-sacks. You want your LBs to play down hill and this guy clearly did that. Frederick forced a fumble and recovered two and was a problem for opposing offenses all season. Good things going on at Holy Cross in Covington!
Bowen Johnson, ’26, MLB, Kentucky County Day. You will find when there is a team which wins a title there is almost always a reason. KCD’s defense, particularly its second level, had a ton to do with the recent title. Johnson was an “Otis Singletary-type” middle linebacker for the Bearcats. Johnson registered 127-tackles, five (5) TFLs, and 6.5 QB-sacks. Johnson also forced a fumble and recovered a fumble.
Rocco Huffman, ’26, LB, Kentucky Country Day. Huffman may have been the best single defender in the commonwealth at the 1A level of play. Huffman registered 93-tackles, 12-TFLs, five (5) QB-sacks, while also forcing a fumble. Rocco also carried the football twice all season, scoring on one of those two occasions.
2A Classification…
Brycen Everage, ’26, LB, Knott County Central. You talk about having a year, when is the last time Knott County Central put eight (8) wins up into the win-column in any season? The linebacker play from Everage and Amburgy had a lot to do with the success. Everage registered 180-stops with 23-TFLs and a sack. Everage forced a fumble and recovered one. Everage also picked a pair of passes.
Jayse Amburgy, ’27, LB, Knott County Central. Amburgy registered 136-tackles, 29-TFLs, and 3.5 QB-sacks. Amburgy forced a fumble and recovered one. Mason and Chance Amburgy played almost as well so they get a mention in brother’s blurb.
Brayden Poindexter, ’26, LB, Crittenden County. Poindexter registered 146-tackles, 11-TFLs, a sack, an INT, and a FF. Poindexter caught six (6) passes on offense and scored a couple of two-pointers on special teams. Great athlete, plenty of versatility in that skill set.
Aiden Lyons, ’27, LB, Lexington Christian Academy. Coach Lyons (our very own “HB”) tells me Aiden and he are not consanguine, at least he doesn’t think so. Coach also says he would be proud to claim him. Lyons, as a junior, had a terrific year on a team which developed and improved steadily throughout the campaign. Lyons registered 89-tackles, 4.5-TFLs, forced a pair of fumbles, recovered a pair of fumbles, and picked off a pass he returned some 45-yards.
Jude Evans, ’28, LB, Owensboro Catholic. Though only a sophomore, Evans led the Aces defense in several critical categories. Evans registered 130-stops, 10-TFLs, 2.5-sacks. Evans forced a pair of fumbles and recovered one. Evans picked off a pass. Evans scored five rushing TDs, scored a TD receiving, and put 36-points up on the scoreboard for his team, though thought of (primarily) as a defender. He’s also our All-State “Holder.” He is just an all-around, great football player.
3A Classification…
Simon Rickman, ’26, LB, Murray High. Rickman had 163-tackles on the year and eight (8) QB-sacks. Rickman forced a fumble and recovered two. Rickman picked off a pass.
Gage Chapman, ’27, LB, Murray High. Chapman registered 149-tackles and five (5) QB-sacks. Chapman forced a fumble while recovering three. Chapman also picked off a pass.
Micah Newsome, ’27, LB, Christian Academy-Louisville. Newsome registered 140-tackles, 19.5-TFLs, and three (3) QB-sacks. Newsome recovered a fumble and picked off a pass. He is among the more highly rated defenders, Kentucky-wide in his graduating class.
Jackson Settle, ’26, LB, Christian Academy-Louisville. Settle registered 120-tackles, 17-TFLs, and a pair of sacks. Settle both forced a fumble and recovered one. Settle also picked off a pass.
Chapman Russell, ’26, LB/TE, Christian Academy-Louisville. Russell registered 54-tackles on the year with 18 of those occurring behind the line of scrimmage and another seven (7) of those being sacks of the opposing QB. Russell forced a fumble, caught a pass, and was dynamite as the OL’s “sixth offensive lineman.”
The Defense’s ‘Back-End’…
The DB’s
1A Classification…
Landyn Goodall, ’26 DB, Raceland. Goodall was a good ‘un! Sorry, we couldn’t resist. DBs aren’t necessarily judged by tackles. Hopefully, the ball carrier has been tackled in the run box. However, Goodall made quite a few plays. Goodall registered 70-tackles and five (5) TFLs. Goodall recovered a fumble, picked five passes, accumulated 82 IRNYs Interception Return Net Yards), with one of the five taken to the house for six. Guys like this on the roster is how one keeps showing up in Lexington year after year.
Kayveion Sharp, ’26 DB, Newport. Statistically, Sharp was the best DB in 1A. We can’t imagine a DB doing more to help a team’s bottom line. Sharp registered 43-tackles with 10-TFLs. Sharp picked 6-passes two of which he housed accumulating 162-IRNYs. Sharp forced a fumble, scored two TDs rushing, one receiving, and posted 36-points up on the scoreboard in spite of being primarily a defender. Oh yeah, Sharp also scored three (3) two-pointers.
Jerius Coleman, ’26 DB, Russellville. Coleman was all over the field for Mikie Benton’s Panthers this Fall. He was a corner to sometimes second level guy and his production shows it. Coleman had 77-tackles and brought the wood hard enough to forced three fumbles and recover one. Coleman picked five (5) passes, returned those picks 135-yards and housed one for a “pick-six.” Coleman scored a pair of TDs rushing too, just to accentuate his versatility.
Brandan Santiago, ’27, DB, Paris High. They have some fine athletes on that Greyhound roster. Santiago is no different. Santiago registered 78-tackles, one-TFL, one-sack, and four (4) picks, half of which he housed for a pair of “pick-sixes.” Santiago forced three fumbles, recovering two. Santiago led the team in scoring with 86-points, scoring in all three phases (offense, defense, and special teams). His brother, Brajon, is a good player too!
2A Classification…
Kylan Combs, ’27 DB, Breathitt. Combs was the best freshman safety in Kentucky High School football. He was in a serious accident and it was doubted he would ever resume play. He came back this year and had a very good season. Guess what? He’s still among the best safeties in the 2A game. Combs was credited with 64-tackles for the Bobcats. He played some offense too and logged a TD rushing. He is a “Combs” which is a surname very familiar to mountain football fans. This kid is an all-stater on and off the field.
Eli Caudil, ’27 DB, Belfry. Caudil, and players like him, are why the Pirates are seemingly always in a title hunt. Caudil picked six passes, returned the six 132-yards, while housing a pair of them. Caudil registered 90-tackles, recorded a tackle for loss, and recovered a fumble. Get this…he rushed for three TDs and caught one on offense too. What a freaking stud!
Devan Maynard, ’26 DB, Martin County. Maynard registered 50-tackles with four (4) TFLs. Maynard picked five passes, returned two for TDs, and accumulated 189-IRNYs. Get this, Maynard threw for 1,692-yards and 14-TDs, ran for 1,332-yards and 23-scores, and easily led the team in scoring. He makes this team as a defensive back and could have made it as a dual-threat QB or even a RB too. Wow!
JaCaryous Perryman, ’26, DB, Fort Campbell. Perryman joins his teammate and RB, Keshawn Dixon on this team and for good reason. Perryman was the team’s leading receiver, among the leading rushers, among the leading scorers, recorded 47-tackles and a sack, picked five (5) passes and returned the five some 119-yards. He did all of the above playing only nine games. Trust us when we say this…if you were fielding a 2A football team and could draw from all of the talent around KY, this guy here would be high up on that list.
3A Classification…
Jalen Dantzler, ’27 DB (safety), Central High (Lou.) This is one of the fastest and more dangerous players playing 3A football anywhere in Kentucky today. Can’t coach speed. This guy has it in spades. This kid also has height (6’2″) and length, two other attributes one can’t coach. Dantzler registered 54-tackles and forced a fumble. Dantzler housed a pair of kicks and scored a safety for his team. This guy took a kick back, this year, almost the entire length of the field, easily separating from Christian Academy-Louisville’s pursuit. If you can run away from that many D-1s, you should make the All-State football team just for that play. Dantzler was among the more lethal returners in the game, averaging nearly 50-yards a return (49.57) with a long of 82-yards. Dantzler being an all-stater in the sport of football is a hill on which I will gladly die.
Daivaughn Bell Maxwell, ’26, DB, Central High (Lou.). Bell Maxwell registered 62-tackles, recorded seven sacks, forced a fumble, recovered three (3) fumbles, and housed a “scoop and score.” Dantzler and he composed the best safety corp in the KHSAA this year.
Blake Burnett, ’26 DB, Bell County. Burnett registered 43-tackles, two TFLs, and a sack. Burnett was credited with forcing a fumble and recovering a pair. Burnett picked 10-passes, returning one of those for six.
Willem McPeake, ’27 DB, Union County. McPeake registered 69-tackles, 4.5-TFLs, and seven (7) INTs with a pick six and 149 IRNYs. McPeake forced a fumble and recovered a fumble. McPeake also rushed for over 1,500 yards and 16-TDs, scoring 110-points for the year. Just another example of a multi-faceted ball player too good to keep off the team, so we found a place for him in our deep third.
This is Friday Night Fletch, reporting for KPGFootball; reminding you to PLAY THROUGH THE WHISTLE!
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