Here’s what to know about the 2024 high school football season in Kentucky’s Class 2A:
(Ranked by the state’s coaches)
1. Owensboro Catholic (14-1 record in 2023)
Last year’s runner-up seeks first title in program history
2. Mayfield (13-1)
Defending champs enter new era with head coach Cliff Dew
3. Beechwood (12-2)
Senior QB Clay Hayden put up big numbers in 2023
4. Lexington Christian (11-2)
Eagles may have best offensive line in Kentucky
5. Somerset (10-4)
Eight starters back on defense that posted six shutouts
6. Breathitt County (6-6)
Junior RB Jayden Gibson back to lead the offense
7. Murray (7-5)
Nebraska commit Jeremiah Jones versatile playmaker
8. Shelby Valley (9-4)
Wildcats look to build on back-to-back trips to state quarterfinals
9. Green County (10-3)
Dragons’ hopes rest on play of senior QB Houston Hodges
10. Crittenden County (7-5)
Rockets must replace QB and top RB from last season
Others to watch (in order of votes received): Martin County, Leslie County, Betsy Layne, Monroe County, Fort Campbell, Metcalfe County, Washington County
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Hunter Adams, Lexington Christian linebacker — One of the top tacklers in Class 2A, Adams (6-foot-3, 230 pounds) posted 76 tackles (43 solo), 13 tackles for loss and 2 ½ sacks. He has a scholarship offer from Kentucky.
Brady Atwell, Owensboro Catholic quarterback — Atwell (6-3, 225) beat out several worthy contenders for first-team All-State honors from The Courier Journal last season. He completed 69.3% of his passes (301 of 434) and led the state in passing yards (4,743) and passing touchdowns (68). Both numbers ranked second in state history behind the record-setting season of Lone Oak’s Corey Robinson in 2007 (5,872 yards, 91 TDs). Atwell also was the Aces’ leading rusher with 695 yards and 17 touchdowns, averaging 10.1 yards per carry. He has committed to play baseball at Western Kentucky.
Clay Hayden, Beechwood quarterback — Hayden (6-1, 180) enters his third season as the starting quarterback after passing for 3,910 yards and 48 touchdowns last season. He completed 72.9% of his passes (210 of 288). Hayden has an offer from the University of Indianapolis.
Jeremiah Jones, Murray athlete — Good luck listing a position for Jones (6-5, 215), who played quarterback, running back, wide receiver and defensive back for the Tigers last season. The Nebraska commit accounted for 12 touchdowns (six passing, three rushing, two receiving, one fumble return) and posted 66 tackles (40 solo), five sacks and two interceptions on defense.
Andrew McCutcheon, Betsy Layne running back/defensive back — One of the top two-way players in Class 2A last season, the diminutive McCutcheon (5-6, 160) rushed for 1,580 yards and scored 23 touchdowns (21 rushing, two receiving). He also ranked fourth on the team in tackles with 76 (26 solo).
Sept. 6 — Pikeville at Lexington Christian. Eagles face program with three straight Class A titles.
Sept. 20 — Beechwood at Covington Catholic. Tigers get big road test against Class 4A powerhouse.
Sept. 27 — Crittenden County at Owensboro Catholic. Matchup of top-10 powers in western Kentucky.
Oct. 4 — Breathitt County at Somerset. Regular-season title in District Six likely on the line.
Oct. 25 — Mayfield at Murray. Cardinals cruised in both meetings last year, 49-14 and 42-20.
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More high school football: Meet 75 of the top seniors in Kentucky
Jason Frakes: 502-582-4046; jfrakes@courier-journal.com; Follow on X @kyhighs.
This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Kentucky high school football rankings, top players, games to see in Class 2A this season
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