MaxPreps 2014 Kentucky preseason football Fab 5

1. Scott County (Georgetown)
2013 finish: 15-0
Head coach: Jim McKee

Repeating an undefeated state-championship season is never easy. Fortunately for coach McKee, Scott County has all the means to complete such a feat. The Cardinals return nearly ever key starter and will head into the season with high expectations. Clay McKee is back after racking up 26 scores through the air last season. Adding more firepower to the offense will be a tandem of Keith Guy and Theo Price, both of whom rushed for over 1,000 yards and notched double-digit touchdowns. The defense will lose some experience, but returning starters Grayson Miller, Tyler Carpenter, and Zach Barber will provide stability. This offense will be explosive and very difficult to stop.

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2. Bowling Green
2013 finish: 14-0
Head coach: Kevin Wallace

Coach Wallace and the Purples are coming off an undefeated season that concluded with a successful state title run. Replacing Devin Hayes, who accounted for over 3,000 yards, will not be easy. It looks like Campbell Gott will take over under center after flashing a nice skill set in limited action last season. Ben Holt and youngster Jamale Carothers should combine to give Gott some options out of the backfield. A defense led by Joseph McIntyre, Darian Scott and Bobby Nhep will likely be the glue for this team. Lack of experience will be a factor for Wallace, but he seems to always have his team ready to go.

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3. Male (Louisville)
2013 finish: 12-2
Head coach: Chris Wolfe

After a season in which Wolfe's team fell just short of a state title shot, he returns a lot of the pieces that helped them get that far. Davis Mattingly is back to lead the charge on offense for the Bulldogs after a very impressive junior campaign in which he racked up 27 touchdowns and over 3,000 yards. His favorite target, Keion Wakefield, returns and will provide dynamic speed on the outside. Keep an eye on Ellis Cain and Ethan Britt as well, as they will be factors on the offensive side of the ball. The trenches on both sides of the ball will be stacked with notables, including Jarren Thomas, Noah Bringer, Harrison Shelton and Houston Sparkman. Wolfe will have a talented squad on his hands, and if they can put it all together this team will be right in the thick of things come playoff time.

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4. Trinity (Louisville)
2013 finish: 6-6
Head coach: Bob Beatty

Last year was what some would consider a down year for the Shamrocks. But anyone who knows coach Beatty knows that winning is a rich tradition for their football program. The team loses some leadership and experience but Beatty always has the next man up ready to go. It'll be Ryan Young calling the shots for the offense in his first full season as the starter. Running back Donald Brooks should provide some firepower out of the backfield as well as some familiarity. Look for Canon Jackson and Damon Lowe to anchor a defense that could be the strong suit of the team. As always, Beatty has put together one of the harder schedules in the nation and they will be tested throughout the season.

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5. St. Xavier (Louisville)
2013 finish: 7-5
Head coach: Wil Wolford

There will be a lot of new faces in the starting 11 on both sides of the ball for coach Wolford this season. Taking over the duties under center will be Noah Houk. Weapons for him will consist of Chase Rowan, Jaylon Hibbs, and Davis Kannapell. A defense that will be led by Connor Barnes and Dylan McFarland could very well be the glue for a team lacking some experience on the offensive side of the ball. Like aforementioned Trinity, Wolford and the Tigers have a rich tradition of winning, so they should be ready to go when the season kicks off.