Here’s what to know about the 2024 high school football season in Kentucky’s Class A:
(Ranked by the state’s coaches)
1. Pikeville (12-2 record in 2023)
Panthers seek first Class A four-peat since Beechwood (1991-94)
2. Raceland (11-4)
Three straight seasons ended with playoff losses to Pikeville
3. Campbellsville (11-2)
Junior QB Kace Eastridge leader for 2023 state semifinalist
4. Sayre (12-1)
QB Luke Pennington, WR Brock Coffman a dangerous duo
5. Kentucky Country Day (11-3)
Graduation took a big toll; only four seniors on 2024 roster
6. Newport Central Catholic (8-5)
Senior RB/LB Kaleb Cole is a key two-way performer
7. Middlesboro (9-3)
Yellowjackets return just two starters on both sides of ball
8. Louisville Holy Cross (6-6)
Junior RB Jamari Pennebaker poised to have big season
9. Paris (10-2)
Senior Elijah Webb is a star at running back and safety
10. Williamsburg (6-5)
Senior QB Nate Goodin looks to lead Yellow Jackets’ rebound
Others to watch (in order of votes received): Paintsville, Bethlehem, Covington Holy Cross, Ludlow, Hazard, Harlan, Eminence, Russellville, Bishop Brossart, Caverna, Frankfort
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Brenden Anthony, Pikeville running back/linebacker — Anthony (5-foot-10, 210 pounds) led Class A in rushing last season with 1,418 yards, averaging 10.4 yards per carry and scoring 21 total touchdowns. He also ranked second on the team with 43 solo tackles, adding 10 tackles for loss. The senior has an offer from Virginia-Wise.
Blaze Berry, Eminence quarterback — Berry (6-2, 195) enters his fourth season as the Warriors’ starting quarterback after throwing for 3,567 yards and 40 touchdowns as a junior. For his career, Berry has passed for 7,927 yards and 81 touchdowns. He has an offer from Eastern Kentucky and is on pace to become just the 12 th quarterback in state history to reach 10,000 career passing yards.
Brock Coffman, Sayre wide receiver/defensive back — Coffman (6-0, 175) was a third-team All-State pick last year after posting 67 catches for 1,193 yards and 24 touchdowns. He also posted 10 solo tackles and nine interceptions. The senior has offers from Akron, Army, Buffalo, Eastern Kentucky, Kent State, Marshall, Maryland, Miami (Ohio), New Hampshire, Ohio, Rice, Tennessee-Martin, Toledo and Western Kentucky.
Kace Eastridge, Campbellsville quarterback — Eastridge (6-1, 190) passed for 1,885 yards and accounted for 33 touchdowns (19 passing, 14 rushing) while leading the Eagles to the state semifinals last year. He also was a first-team All-State pick in baseball last season.
Jamari Pennebaker, Louisville Holy Cross running back — Pennebaker (5-10, 170) rushed for 1,279 yards and 13 touchdowns, averaging 6.9 yards per carry, while helping the Cougars reach the second round of the playoffs. Look for those numbers to increase this season.
Sept. 13 — Pikeville at Raceland. It’s a rematch of the past two Class A state finals.
Oct. 18 — Middlesboro at Williamsburg. Middlesboro won this rivalry last year, 37-8.
Oct. 18 — Raceland at Paris. Raceland handed Paris its lone regular-season loss in 2023.
Oct. 25 — Campbellsville at Kentucky Country Day. Likely will decide top seed in District Two.
Oct. 25 — Sayre at Eminence. Check out two prolific quarterbacks in Luke Pennington and Blaze Berry.
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More high school football: Meet 10 top candidates for Kentucky's 2024 Mr. Football award
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 A this season
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