Here’s what to know about the 2024 high school football season in Kentucky’s Class 6A:
(Ranked by the state’s coaches)
1. Trinity (12-3 record in 2023)
Sophomores will play major roles ; only three starters back on D
2. Male (11-2)
Key will be U of L commit Antonio Harris’ transition to QB
3. St. Xavier (8-4)
Tigers will try to get ball to Marlon Harbin as much as possible
4. Frederick Douglass (8-5)
Talented roster, but can offense score enough in big games?
5. Manual (9-3)
New coach Keith Eckloff will lean on junior RB Gerian Traynor
6. Bryan Station (11-4)
Last year’s runner-up returns stellar RB Kalen Washington
7. Ballard (10-4)
New coach Matt Kuehn has nine returning starters on offense
8. Ryle (8-5)
Experienced lineup returns, but Raiders breaking in new QB
9. Bullitt East (9-3)
New QB Cole Cornell should help Chargers put up a lot of points
10. Central Hardin (7-6)
New coach Phillip Stockdale inherits a tough schedule
Others to watch (in order of votes received): Henderson County, Pleasure Ridge Park, Fern Creek, Simon Kenton, North Hardin, Tates Creek, Great Crossing, Meade County
Marlon Harbin, St. Xavier wide receiver — Harbin (5-foot-11, 189 pounds) posted 60 receptions for 703 yards and six touchdowns as a sophomore last season. He also returned an interception and a kickoff for touchdowns. He’ll likely see time at running back in 2024. Has offers from Kentucky, Louisville, Miami (Ohio), Missouri State, North Alabama, Tennessee-Martin and Toledo.
Antonio Harris, Male quarterback — Harris (6-0, 170) has committed to Louisville as a cornerback but will play quarterback this season for the first time in his career. He was a second-team All-State pick on defense last year after posting 10 solo tackles and two interceptions. He did his best work as a wide receiver, posting 25 catches for 620 yards and 11 touchdowns.
Zane Johnson, Trinity quarterback — Johnson (6-1, 205) posted big numbers as a freshman while leading the Shamrocks to the state title. He completed 58.4% of his passes (173 of 296) for 2,289 yards and 30 touchdowns on his way to second-team All-Louisville honors.
Gerian Traynor, Manual running back — Traynor (5-11, 165) rushed for 1,041 yards and 16 touchdowns as a sophomore, averaging 6.3 yards per carry. He also caught 14 passes for 125 yards and one touchdown. Has offers from Eastern Kentucky and UNLV.
Kalen Washington, Bryan Station running back — Washington (5-9, 210) ranked fourth in Class 6A in rushing yards last season, posting 1,311 yards and 16 touchdowns and averaging 7.9 yards per carry. The man they call “Jaws” has offers from Akron, Eastern Michigan, Gardner-Webb, Miami (Ohio), Ohio, Southeast Missouri State and Tennessee-Martin.
Sept. 20 — Male at Trinity. Bulldogs have won four straight meetings, including 37-20 last year.
Sept. 27 — Trinity vs. St. Xavier at L&N Stadium. The annual rivalry between the Catholic schools.
Oct. 4 — Ryle at St. Xavier. Tigers won a 56-35 shootout over Raiders last year.
Oct. 19 — Bryan Station at Frederick Douglass. Clash between the top teams in Lexington.
Nov. 1 — Manual at Male. The Old Rivalry is a heck of a finish to the regular season.
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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 6A this season
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