Berry fractures thumb on passing hand

Rocket senior quarterback Brian Berry has a broken thumb on his throwing hand.

The QB got his thumb mashed during the Rockets 25-23 victory Friday at Massac County. Berry played much of the game with his thumb badly swollen.

Xrays on Monday confirmed that he has a fracture in the thumb on the right hand. It is unclear what type of impact the injury will have on his season. Berry has thrown for almost 300 yards in the first two games.

The Rockets are off this Friday, which will help Berry's hand heal before Crittenden is scheduled to play McLean County at home on Sept. 10. If he is able to play, the finger will be cast and heavily taped.

The Rockets have also lost sophomore receiver/cornerback Ethan Hill to a broken arm, which he suffered in the second half of the game at Massac County.

Bluegrass Preps Top 10 Polls

Class A
1. Mayfield vs. 3A #3 Paducah Tilghman
2. Hazard at 5A Letcher County Central
3. Louisville Holy Cross at 3A Moore
4. Beechwood at 5A #1 Highlands
5. Lexington Christian at Lynn Camp
6. Raceland vs. 3A Fleming County
7. Frankfort at 3A #10 Sheldon Clark
8. Crittenden County -- OPEN
9. Fairview vs. 3A East Carter
10. Bellevue at 4A #3 Holmes

Class 2A
1. Newport Central Catholic vs. 6A Madison Central
2. Monroe County vs. 3A Adair County
3. Danville vs. 1A Pikeville (9/4 at Corbin)
4. DeSales at 4A Bullitt East
5. Prestonsburg at 3A Breathitt County
6. Murray vs. 1A Fulton City
7. Owensboro Catholic vs. 5A Owensboro
8. Glasgow vs. 5A Barren County
9. Fort Campbell vs. Pearl Cohn, TN
10. Corbin vs. 5A #1 Boyle County (9/4)

Class 3A
1. Central at 6A #3 Ballard
2. Mason County -- OPEN
3. Paducah Tilghman at 1A #1 Mayfield
4. Belfry at 5A Ashland Blazer
5. Somerset vs. 4A Russell County
6. Estill County vs. 4A Rowan County
7. Russellville at 4A Warren East
8. Union County vs. 5A Madisonville-North Hopkins
9. Breathitt County vs. 2A #5 Prestonsburg
10. Sheldon Clark vs. 1A #7 Frankfort

Class 4A
1. Boyle County at 2A #10 Corbin
2. Bell County -- OPEN
3. Holmes vs. 1A #10 Bellevue
4. Western vs. 6A #5 Male
5. Martha Layne Collins at #10 Marion County
6. Franklin-Simpson at 5A #2 Bowling Green
7. Lone Oak at 6A Marshall County
8. Lexington Catholic at 6A #2 St. Xavier
9. Allen County-Scottsville at 3A McLean County
10. Marion County vs. #6 Martha Layne Collins

Class 5A
1. Highlands vs. 1A #4 Beechwood
2. Bowling Green vs. 4A #6 Franklin-Simpson
3. John Hardin at 6A Meade County
4. Johnson Central vs. 4A Knox Central (at Clay County)
5. Owensboro at 2A #7 Owensboro Catholic
6. Pulaski County vs 6A Henry Clay
7. Christian County vs 6A Henderson County
8. Warren Central vs 6A Apollo
9. Covington Catholic at Cincinnati LaSalle, OH
10. Whitley County - OPEN

Class 6A
1. Trinity at #6 Manual
2. Saint Xavier vs. 4A #8 Lexington Catholic
3. Ballard vs. 3A #1 Central
4. Ryle vs. 2A #1 Newport Central Catholic
5. Male at 4A #4 Western
6. Manual vs. #1 Trinity
7. Eastern vs. 5A Oldham County
8. Simon Kenton vs. 5A Dixie Heights
9. Scott County vs. Boone County
10. Fern Creek vs. Seneca

Health Quest Wellness Center Post-Game Report

Health Quest Wellness Center Post-Game Report

With Dr. Johnny Newcom, Rocket Coach Al Starnes and defensive coordinator Vince Clark

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Rocket defense preserves 2-point victory

Freeman rushes to Bowl MVP

METROPOLIS, Ill. – The adage that there's more than one way to skin a cat could be Crittenden County's slogan after two victories in two games this young season.

The Rockets turned to bully ball Friday night at Massac County, Ill., to win 25-23 after doing it via the air a week earlier in the season-opener at Hopkins Central.

The Rocket Road Show has featured very different dynamics from an offense that sports a playbook bigger than Webster's Dictionary and includes contrasting schemes and philosophies from smash-mouth to spread-and-throw.

"We felt like we could line up and run at them," coach Al Starnes said after the game. "Their speed limited our spread."

In the Linwood Motors Bowl at Metropolis, Ill., Crittenden's bread-and-butter offense was the I-formation with tailback Andrew Freeman carrying the load. The senior – who coach Starnes says is more of a natural fullback -– barreled his way to 143 yards and won the game's MVP. He also scored twice, including what turned out to be the game-clincher in the third period.

Freebird, as his teammates call him, carried the ball 31 times, pounding the smaller, inexperienced Patriot front line like an steel hammer at times, but also displaying a tailback's burst on a 68-yard runaway touchdown early in the game. The Rockets' frontline play improved in Week 2. Freeman was largely the benefactor, but his bracemate, Dustin Hernandez, gave Crittenden a change of pace at times, and he rushed for 53 yards.

Quarterback Brian Berry, who passed for 170 in the season opener, tallied 92 yards against Massac. He also rushed for a couple of TDs, including a hard-won eight-yards on fourth-and-goal to end the first half when he had to run over a defender at the goal line.

Rocket Playmaker Tanner Nix was Berry's most effective receiver, catching four passes for 61 yards.

While its offense narrowly outscored the Patriots, Crittenden's defense towed the line, especially late, stopping Massac on fourth down three straight times to end the game, once at the Rocket 12. Pressure on the quarterback was key and the defense held Massac to only 54 yards rushing.

Massac's offense swapped touchdowns with Crittenden in the second half, but its punt return team made the game close. The Rockets' special teams play has been perhaps its weakest link through two games. Berry punted out of his own end zone successfully once and a twice had to get punts away from deep in Rocket territory. Early in the fourth period with Berry nursing a hand injury, backup punter Tanner Nix's punt was blocked and the Patriots recovered it in the end zone to cut Crittenden's lead to two. A potential game-tying conversion run was snuffed in the backfield by the Rocket defense to – in effect – preserve the victory with 11 minutes to go.

In the waning moments of the game, Crittenden's offense had just enough juice left to keep the ball out of the hands of Patriot QB Dalton Stoner, who passed for 134 yards on 11 completions. Although Crittenden's late drives stalled in Patriot territory, they prohibited Massac from mounting anything of a real threat largely because of poor field position for the hosts.

"This was a goooood win," Starnes said. "They're a good football team."

Pictured above is sophomore Grant Gardner (24) gathering up a fumble in the first half.

SCORE BY QUARTERS
Crittenden Co. 7 12 6 0
Massac County 7 3 7 6

SCORING PLAYS
MC - Kelvin Skinner 10 pass from Dalton Stoner (Jon Havercamp kick) 8:10, 1st
CC-Andrew Freeman 68 run (Brian Berry kick) :13, 1st
CC-Berry 1 run (kick failed) 9:02, 2nd
MC-Havercamp 24 field goal, 3:31, 2nd
CC-Berry 8 run (pass failed) :19, 2nd
MC-Jerel Johnson 4 run (Havercamp kick) 10:03, 3rd
CC-Freeman 5 run (kick failed) 5:24, 3rd
MC-Block punt Nate Hillebrand recover in end zone (run failed) 11:07, 4th

TEAM STATISTICS
First Downs: Crittenden 14, Massac 12
Penalties: Crittenden 9-105, Massac 7-60
Rushing: Crittenden 50-202, Massac 28-56
Passing: Crittenden 7-15-1, 92 yds., Massac 11-26-1, 134 yds.
Total Yards: Crittenden 295, Massac 190
Fumbles/Lost: Crittenden 1-0, Massac 3-1

INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS
Rushing
Crittenden-Freeman 31-143, Tanner Nix 4-6, Grant Gardner 1-(-4), Dustin Hernandez 8-53, Bowe Wallace 1-(-5), Berry 5-10. Massac-Jordan Jackson 15-23, Stoner 8-21, Malcom Amos 2-4, Johnson 4-8.
Passing
Crittenden-Berry 7-15-1, 92 yds. Massac-Stoner 11-26-1, 134 yds.
Receiving
Crittenden-Nix 4-61, Freeman 1-2, Ethan Hill 1-11, Hernandez 1-18. Massac-Kelvin Skinner 4-64, Isaiah Cruz 2-35, Johnson 2-35, Amos 4-0.

Defense

Bebout 2 assists; Berry 7 solos, 3 assists, TFL; Cozart 3 solos, assist; Freeman 3 solos, 5 assists; Gardner 5 solos, 4 assists, TFL, fumble recovery; Hamby assist; Hernandez 2 solos, 3 assists; Hill 3 solos, 2 assists; Long 9 solos, 3 assists, 3 TFL, sack, interception; Nix 2 solos, 2 assists; Phillips solo; B.Wallace solo; D.Wallace 3 solos, 4 assists; Werne 4 solos, 4 assists, 3 TFL, sack; Willis 3 solos, assist.

Players of the Game: Defense Jacob Long. Offense Andrew Freeman. Lineman Terry Werne.

Records: Crittenden 2-0, Massac 0-1

Pictured above is Tanner Nix (7) making a second-half catch and Andrew Freeman (31)

breaking loose for a 68-yard first half touchdown.

To see more photos by Reese Baker, click here.

Game time is 7 p.m., at Linwood Bowl

Rocket fans heading to Metropolis, Ill., for tonight's football game should note that kickoff is 7 p.m., as Crittenden faces Lindwood Motors Bowl host Massac County.

For a map and directions to the school in Metropolis, click here.

Lynn Auto Sales Pregame Podcast

Pregame show featuring coaches Al Starnes and Vince Clark discussing Friday's upcoming game against Massac County in the Linwood Motors Bowl at Metropolis, Ill.

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Sun panel picks Rockets to win

The Paducah Sun's weekly football picks have chosen the Rockets to win by a 6-2 margin on the eight-person panel. Crittenden plays Massac County in a 7 p.m., start Friday in the Linwood Motors Bowl in Metropolis.

Click here for map to Massac County High School. The stadium is behind the school on Old Marion Road, also known as County Highway 2.

Associated Press Top 10 Poll

Class 1A
Rank-School FPV Rcd TP
1. Mayfield (7) 1-0 97
2. Beechwood (1) 0-0 84
3. Hazard (1) 0-0 75
(tie) Lex. Christian (1) 0-0 75
5. Lou. Holy Cross - 1-0 52
6. Crittenden Co. - 1-0 46
(tie) Raceland - 1-0 46
8. Frankfort - 0-0 27
9. Campbellsville - 0-1 21
10. Fairview - 1-0 12
Others receiving votes: 11, Pikeville 7. 12, Bellevue 4. 13,
Williamsburg 3.

Lynn Auto Sales Game Recap

Recap of Friday's 20-15 victory over Hopkins Central with coach Al Starnes

Podcast taped at Lynn Auto Sales / South Main Auto Repair in Marion, Ky.

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Rocket Blast from the Past

In the inaugural edition of this feature we take a look back at the hiring of our esteemed head coach, Al Starnes. This article first appeared in The Crittenden Press on July 11, 1991 and now 20 seasons and 135 wins later we feel lucky to be able to say that Al Starnes is still our coach. So, take a second and read this reprint to remind yourself just how unusual it is for a coach to be this successful and yet stand true to one school for so long. Here’s to the next 20!

THE CRITTENDEN PRESS - BY: JON GARRETT - JULY 11, 1991
Starnes named new football coach at CCHS

It took the Crittenden County Board of Education approximately one month to find a replacement for former Head Football coach Steve Pardue, who resigned in early June to take a coaching job in Georgia.
Al Starnes, a 1984 Murray State graduate, has been named to replace Pardue.

Starnes, originally from Wesson, Miss., is leaving his job as head coach at Clarksville (Tenn.) High School to take over for the Rockets.

“I think this is the perfect situation for me and my family,” explained Starnes. “My wife (Angela) and I both come from relatively small towns, and we were looking for a community that we felt we could become a part of and hopefully become settled.”

The 29-year-old former Racer football captain has traveled around a great deal since his graduation from college. His first coaching job came at Bruceton (Tenn.) High School in January of 1985. He then went to Lone Oak and served as assistant football and baseball coach for the Purple Flash.

In 1986 Starnes went back to Murray as a graduate assistant for the Racers and completed his masters. He stayed with MSU for three seasons, before moving on to Austin Peay State University for the 1989 campaign with the Governors. IN 1990 he received his first head coaching job at Clarksville and complied a 2-8 mark at the 3A school.

The Starnes’ recently celebrated the birth of a daughter Lonna – now three months old.
“A lot of things changed when you have a child. I think I needed to find a good place to settle down and establish myself, and I feel like Crittenden County is that place,” said Starnes.

The task ahead for the new coach will prove to be a tough one, but he seems ready.

“I realize there is a lot of work to be done. It is going to take some time for the three of us (himself, assistant coaches and players) to get to know each other, so it is going to take a lot of hard work from everyone.
“I’m the type of coach that will be very demanding, but at the same time I feel like I’m very fair. The one thing that I will not tolerate is laziness. I expect every kid to work hard,” Starnes said.

According to Starnes the way to be successful is through hard work, aggressive play and knowing the fundamentals of the game.

“The main thing that I’m going to try to do is keep things simple and gradually install my style of play to these kids. I don’t want to complicate things.

“Personnel dictates on what style of football you play and right now I don’t know what would be best for us. The next couple of weeks will prove to be very important for us because once the ball starts rolling it is going to be going down hill. We have a lot of work to do and I’m excited about getting started,” said a determined Starnes.

According to Crittenden County High School Principal, Robert Steen, Starnes should prove to be an excellent addition to not only the football team and school system, but also to the community.

“Coach Starnes is very personable. He has great credentials, with experience on both the high school and college levels. His knowledge of the game is excellent and he seems to have a great rapport with the kids.

“I think we have found the best man for the job. He will be an excellent addition to the school system,” Steen said.

The Rockets will open their season on August 30 when they host the Caldwell County Tigers.

Game Notes Week 2

Week 1 Wrap-Up
15 points were the fewest points allowed in week 1 since 2002 (7 pts. vs. Caldwell Co.)

The 170 passing yards by Brian Berry were the most passing yards by a Rocket QB in
the past 49 games. Week 2 of the the 2006 season when Taylon Polk passed for 206
yards against Logan County was the last time the mark was bested.

The Rockets were 0-19, before last week, when rushing for 134 yards or less as a team.
The last time the Rockets rushed for 134 yards or less and won the ball game was in
2004 against Fulton City in the 1st round of the playoffs. The Rockets rushed for only 97
yards in the 40-12 win over the Bulldogs.

Crittenden Co. vs. Massac County (IL) History
Season - Location - Score - Result
1989 - Away - 6-26 - Loss
1990 - Home - 13-34 - Loss
2007 - Graves Co. - 0-63 - Loss
2009 - Home - 7-27 - Win

2009 Massac County (IL) (7-3)
Crittenden County - 7-27 - Loss
Fulton County - 58-10 - Win
Anna-Jonesboro - 36-7 - Win
Harrisburg - 29-28 - Win
Murphysboro - 35-13 - Win
Benton - 21-14 - Win
Herrin - 7-21 - Loss
Frankfort - 50-6 - Win
East Richland - 53-20 - Win
Mater Dei (Breese, IL) - 13-34 - Loss

2009 Massac County Defense
Allowed 18.0 points per game (Crittenden County - 2009 - 11.9)

2009 Massac County Offense
Scored 30.9 points per game (Crittenden County - 2009 - 27.0)

Last Meeting
7-27 Win - 2009 - at Crittenden County (Warrior Bowl)

Scoring in the Series
Massac County leads the scoring in the series 130-46

Out-of-State Opponents
Rockets are 3-5 all time against out-of-state teams

Other Week 2 Notes
Coach Starnes's only losses in week 2, after winning in week 1, were in 1995 and 2008.

Health Quest Wellness Center Injury Report

Rocket football injury report with Dr. Johnny Newcom

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Bluegrass Preps Rankings

This week's rankings and schedule of ranked teams.

Class 1A
1. Mayfield vs. 2A Trigg County (Saturday)
2. Hazard vs. 2A Leslie County
3. Beechwood vs. 5A Dixie Heights
4. Lexington Christian vs. Christ Presbyterian Academy, TN
5. Louisville Holy Cross at 4A Bullitt East
6. Raceland at 5A Ashland
7. Campbellsville at 4A Russell County
8. Crittenden County at Massac County, IL
9. Fairview vs. Bracken County
10. Frankfort at Paris

Class 2A
1. Monroe County vs. 3A Edmonson County
2. Fort Campbell vs. Kenwood, TN
3. Danville vs. 4A Rockcastle County (8/28)
4. Newport Central Catholic vs. Aiken, OH
5. Murray vs. 4A Calloway County (at Murray State Univ.)
6. Prestonsburg at 1A Paintsville
7. Owensboro Catholic vs. 4A Warren East
8. DeSales vs. 3A Elizabethtown (at Central Hardin)
9. Glasgow - OPEN
10. Corbin vs. 1A Harlan

Class 3A
1. Central vs. 6A Lafayette
2. Mason County at 5A Montgomery County
3. Paducah Tilghman vs. St. Louis Gateway Tech, MO
4. Belfry vs. 2A Covington Holy Cross (at Pike County Bowl)
5. Estill County at 4A Bourbon County
6. Somerset vs. 5A Southwestern
7. Russellville vs. 2A Metcalfe County
8. Union County at 1A Ballard Memorial
9. Sheldon Clark at Breathitt County
10. Pike Central vs. 1A Phelps

Class 4A
1. Boyle County vs. Franklin County
2. Bell County vs. 6A Madison Central
4. Holmes at 2A Lloyd Memorial
3. Lexington Catholic vs. 5A Covington Catholic
5. Lone Oak vs. 2A Reidland
6. Western -- OPEN
7. Franklin-Simpson vs. 5A #10 Warren Central
8. Collins vs. 6A North Hardin
9. Allen County-Scottsville -- OPEN
10. Marion County vs. 5A #3 John Hardin

Class 5A
1. Highlands vs. 6A #4 Ryle
2. Bowling Green vs. 6A Daviess County (at Rash Stadium)
3. John Hardin at 4A Marion County
4. Johnson Central vs. 6A Cooper
5. Pulaski County vs. Harlan County (at Somerset)
6. Owensboro vs. Evansville Reitz, IN (at Rash Stadium)
7. Christian County vs. 6A Henderson County
8. Letcher County Central at 2A Middlesboro
9. Whitley County vs. 1A Lynn Camp
10. Warren Central at 4A #7 Franklin-Simpson

Class 6A
1. Trinity at Lawrence North, IN
2. Saint Xavier vs. #3 Ballard
3. Ballard at #2 Saint Xavier
4. Ryle at 5A #1 Highlands
5. Scott County vs. 5A Clay County
6. Male vs. Eastern
7. Fern Creek at #9 Manual
8. Simon Kenton vs. Middletown, OH (8/28 at Nippert Stadium)
9. Manual vs. #7 Fern Creek
10. Henry Clay vs. Boone County

Berry lifts Rockets to opening win

MORTON'S GAP - Going into the opening matchup, Crittenden County wasn't sure how it would replace an offense that scored more than 30 points a game en route to 20 wins over the past two years.

Brian Berry gave the Rockets an answer Friday night.

The senior quarterback, who had been star J.D. Gray's backup the past two seasons, made a name for himself, throwing two touchdown passes and completing 10-of-16 for 170 yards to lift the Rockets to a 20-15 win over 4A Hopkins County Central.
Crittenden scored first and last, but trailed for a good portion of the contest as Hopkins Central got a yeoman's performance from quarterback Lucas Crawley, who scored two Storm touchdowns and rushed 27 times for 154 yards.

Berry got the Rockets on the board in the second period with a 35-yard touchdown pass to Dustin Hernandez, capping a 56-yard drive. However, Berry missed trying to kick the extra point, leaving the door open for Hopkins Central to take a 7-6 lead its next series. Crawley did most of the work on that drive just as he did the entire game, carrying the ball on every rushing play except for a dozen handoffs to four other running backs. A 15-yard unsportsmanlike penalty against the Rockets helped the Storm move the ball into the red zone.

A second scoring pass to Hernandez with three seconds left in the half put the Rockets ahead at the break, but again it failed on the conversion after a penalty backed them up five yards.

Hopkins Central took the lead in the third period after a Rocket offensive penalty and short punt gave the Storm a short field at the Crittenden 44.

Tanner Nix, who touched the ball just two times in the first half for a net one yard, got his chance to show why he's the team's most explosive weapon, rushing for 76 yards in the second half and catching a big 47-yard pass to set up the winning touchdown. Two plays after his catch, Nix lined up at split end, went in motion and took the handoff in the backfield before racing 18 yards down the opposite sideline for the score.

Crittenden broke the conversion woes with a play-action pass to Bryce Willis to cap the final touchdown with two points.

Pictured above is Hopkins Central QB Lucas Crawley leaping for yardage against defenders Robert Cudnik (20) and Brian Berry (3).

SCORE BY QUARTERS
Crittenden County 0 12 0 8
Hopkins Central 0 6 8 0

SCORING PLAYS
CC-Dustin Hernandez 35 pass from Brian Berry (kick failed) 6:30, 2nd
HC-Lucas Crawley 13 run (Travis Franklin kick) 1:19, 2nd
CC-Hernadez 18 pass from Berry (pass failed) :03, 2nd
HC-Crawley 2 run (Bryan Mason pass from Crawley) 4:08, 3rd
CC-Tanner Nix 28 run (Bryce Willis pass from Berry) 5:38, 4th

TEAM TOTALS
First Downs: Crittenden 12, Hopkins Central 14
Rushing: Crittenden 31-134, Hopkins Central 39-187
Passing: Crittenden 10-16-0, 170 yds., Hopkins Central 8-12-0, 26 yds.
Total Yards: Crittenden 304, Hopkins Central 213
Penalties: Crittenden 10-65, Hopkins Central 5-45
Fumbles/Lost: Crittenden 2-1, Hopkins Central 2-1

INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS
Rushing
Crittenden: Nix 6-79, Andrew Freeman 17-18, Grant Gardner 2-17, Berry 3-13, Hernadez 1-4; Bowe Wallace 1-3. Hopkins Central-Crawley 27-154, Terrance Ray 7-19, Stephen Gordon 1-3, Jessie Almon 3-10, Dai Carter 1-1.
Passing
Crittenden-Berry 10-16-0, 170 yds. Hopkins Central-Crawley 8-12-0, 26 yds.
Receiving
Crittenden-Hernandez 3-67, Nix 2-45, Ethan Hill 2-23, Bobby Knox 1-27, Freeman 2-8. Hopkins Central-Orlando Lovan 1-(-2), Gordon 2-10, Mason 1-4, Micah Rorer 4-14.
Defense
Bebout 2 solos, assist; Berry 6 solos, 6 assists, TFL; Cozart 3 solos, 2 assists; Cudnik solo, 2 assists; Freeman 7 solos, 2 assists; Gardner 4 solos, 2 assists; Hernandez 3 solos; Hill 2 solos, assist, TFL, caused fumble; Knox assist; Long 7 solos, 5 assists; Nix 5 solos, fumble recovery; Price 2 assists; B.Wallace assist; D.Wallace 2 solos, 10 assists; Werne 4 solos, 5 assists, sack, TFL.

Players of the Game: Offense Brian Berry, Dustin Hernandez and Tanner Nix; Defense Jacob Long and Brian Berry; Lineman Devin Wallace.
Records: Crittenden 1-0, Hopkins Central 0-1

Pictured above is Tanner Nix looking for a seam on a kickoff return. Photo by Reese Baker.

To see more photos by Reese Baker, click here.

Rockets win

CCHS 20, Hopkins Central 15

Stay tuned for details
Tune to Froggy radio for postgame show

Rockets 8th in preseason poll

Bluegrasspreps.com Preseason High School Football Polls

Class 1A
1. Mayfield
2. Hazard
3. Beechwood
4. Lexington Christian
5. Louisville Holy Cross
6. Raceland
7. Campbellsville
8. Crittenden County
9. Fairview
10. Lynn Camp
11. Frankfort
12. Bellevue
13. Pikeville
14. Bethlehem
15. Bishop Brossart
16. Pineville
17. Williamsburg
18. Ballard Memorial
19. Kentucky Country Day
20. Berea
21. Betsy Layne
22. Allen Central
23. Walton-Verona
24. Eminence
25. Trimble County
26. Nicholas County
27. Dayton
28. Ludlow
29. Paintsville
30. Gallatin County
31. Harlan
32. South Floyd
33. Phelps
34. Clinton County
35. Fulton County
36. Paris
37. Fulton City
38. Jenkins
39. Caverna
40. Bracken County

Class 2A
1. Fort Campbell
2. Monroe County
3. Newport Central Catholic
4. Danville
5. Murray
6. Bardstown
7. Prestonsburg
8. Christian Academy-Louisville
9. Owensboro Catholic
10. Corbin
11. DeSales
12. Glasgow
13. Newport
14. Trigg County
15. Green County
16. Metcalfe County
17. Hancock County
18. Caldwell County
19. Lloyd Memorial
20. Middlesboro
21. Carroll County
22. Holy Cross
23. Washington County
24. Leslie County
25. Heath
26. Bath County
27. Owen County
28. Fort Knox
29. Reidland
30. Shelby Valley
31. Morgan County
32. Todd County Central
33. Knott Central

Class 3A
1. Central
2. Mason County
3. Paducah Tilghman
4. Belfry
5. Estill County
6. Russellville
7. Union County
8. Sheldon Clark
9. Somerset
10. Pike County Central
11. Elizabethtown
12. Breathitt County
13. Henry County
14. Russell
15. Spencer County
16. Wayne County
17. Fleming County
18. Edmonson County
19. North Oldham
20. Western Hills
21. Casey County
22. Garrard County
23. Shawnee
24. Moore
25. West Carter
26. McLean County
27. Taylor County
28. Powell County
29. Adair County
30. Butler County
31. Hart County
32. East Ridge
33. Magoffin County
34. Lewis County
35. Jackson County
36. Webster County

Class 4A
1. Boyle County
2. Bell County
3. Holmes
4. Lexington Catholic
5. Lone Oak
6. Western
7. Franklin-Simpson
8. Allen County-Scottsville
9. Marion County
10. Collins
11. Knox Central
12. Lawrence County
13. Shelby County
14. West Jessamine
15. Fairdale
16. Bullitt East
17. East Jessamine
18. Hopkins Central
19. Valley
20. Rockcastle County
21. Franklin County
22. Logan County
23. Harrison County
24. Russell County
25. Pendleton County
26. LaRue County
27. Rowan County
28. Greenup County
29. Bourbon County
30. North Bullitt
31. Warren East
32. McCreary Central
33. Breckinridge County
34. Boyd County
35. East Carter
36. Calloway County
37. Madison Southern
38. Atherton

Class 5A
1. Highlands
2. John Hardin
3. Johnson Central
4. Bowling Green
5. Pulaski County
6. Covington Catholic
7. Christian County
8. Owensboro
9. Letcher County Central
10. Whitley County
11. Doss
12. Dixie Heights
13. Oldham County
14. Harlan County
15. Anderson County
16. Warren Central
17. Grayson County
18. Ashland Blazer
19. Perry County Central
20. Jeffersontown
21. Southwestern
22. North Laurel
23. Woodford County
24. Bullitt Central
25. South Laurel
26. Scott
27. Madisonville-North Hopkins
28. South Oldham
29. Hopkinsville
30. Barren County
31. Montgomery County
32. Waggener
33. Clay County
34. Mercer County
35. Lincoln County
36. Grant County
37. Iroquois
38. Ohio County

Class 6A
1. Trinity
2. Saint Xavier
3. Ballard
4. Henry Clay
5. Ryle
6. duPont Manual
7. Scott County
8. Male
9. Fern Creek
10. Simon Kenton
11. Eastern
12. Tates Creek
13. Seneca
14. Bryan Station
15. Henderson County
16. Lafayette
17. Conner
18. Nelson County
19. Pleasure Ridge Park
20. Meade County
21. North Hardin
22. George Rogers Clark
23. Campbell County
24. Boone County
25. Greenwood
26. Graves County
27. Apollo
28. Central Hardin
29. Cooper
30. Marshall County
31. Paul Laurence Dunbar
32. Muhlenberg County
33. Madison Central
34. Butler
35. Daviess County
36. Southern

South Hopkins Pregame Show

Just-A-Burgr Pregame Podcast with head coach Al Starnes and defensive coordinator Vince Clark

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HOPKINS CENTRAL

Head coach: Zach Hibbs

2009 record: 4-7, district runner-up

Returning starters: QB Lucas Crawley (Jr.), OG Cody Carter (Sr.), OG Elijah Stewart (Sr.), WR Orlando Lovan (Sr.), WR Micah Rorer (Sr.), RB Stephen Gor- don (Sr.), LB Jace Oldham (Sr.), DB Tyrone Glorioso (Sr.), DT Bryon Stanley (Sr.), DE Kohl Arnett (Sr.), DT Tyler Powell (Sr.), LB Rashad Wilkes (Sr.)

Players to watch: DB Ty Martin (So.), RB Terrence Ray (Jr.), OT Tate McGregor (Sr.)

QB Lucas Crawley is the key to the offense. If he can get the ball to Storm receivers, the offense could wreak havoc on an inexperienced Rocket secondary.

Rockets picks 7-to-1

The Paducah Sun's high school football picks panel picked Crittenden County 7-to-1 to beat Hopkins Central Friday night. WPSD Sports Director Jeff Bidwell was the only member of the team to pick The Storm.

The picks were published in Thursday's Paducah Sun.

Rockets reload backfield for 2010

FROM THE CRITTENDEN PRESS

Crittenden County has averaged just over seven wins a season under 19-year head coach Al Starnes and despite some huge losses to graduation, the Rockets appear poised to make another run at the First District Class A title.

“I like our athleticism and the fact that we have several players who can catch and run,” said Starnes. “We’re really excited about this group of skilled players and I will be very shocked if this bunch doesn’t get after you.”

A blend of senior experience and youthful talent should give the Rockets enough to be among the top two or three teams in the district. Some early predictions have Mayfield and Ballard finishing ahead of Crittenden in the First District, but coach Starnes says his crew takes issue with that.

“We lost of a lot of good kids, and I think that’s where all of this is coming from. All I have heard is that Crittenden isn’t going to be as good because they lost everybody. This group of players has taken that to heart and they’re determined to prove that the last couple of years (20 wins) has been a team effort and not just about a few individuals.”

Although college-bound performers quarterback J.D. Gray and end Dylan Clark are gone along with other stars like Aaron Berry and Dyllan Thornton, the Rockets have reloaded at most positions. Replacing Gray’s speed and uncanny ability to avoid tackles will be difficult, but Starnes says there’s a bunch of skilled players ready to prove their worth.

“We have some guys who will make plays. Honestly, it’s the most weapons we’ve had in a long time,” the coach said.

He’s talking about the backfield and receiver corps with six players running under a five-second 40-yard dash. By the standards of many teams, that’s nothing to boast about, but in Marion it adds up to pretty good overall team speed when you look historically at the Rockets’ quickness.

The return of lineup regulars like seniors Andrew Freeman, Brian Berry, Terry Werne, Tanner Nix and Robert Cudnik give Crittenden a solid upperclass to build around. A solid group of juniors and a talented sophomore class give the Rockets reason to feel confident about the upcoming season.

Juniors Dustin Hernandez, Devin Wallace and Bryce Willis were role players last season. Now they figure into impact positions.

“This is a great sophomore class,” Starnes said. “It’s the best I ever remember.”

Counted among that group of more than a dozen 10th graders are linemen Stephon Cozart, Bobby Knox and Eli Bebout and skilled players like Grant Gardner, Bowe Wallace and Ethan Hill. Fans will take notice of those names this season, say members of the coaching staff.

The Rockets have a pretty tough pre-district schedule that includes 4A Hopkins Central, Massac County, Ill., and border rival Caldwell County. Still, Starnes says he’s working to toughen the slate in the near future.

Offensively, the Rockets are making some changes, moving away from its primary spread offense of the last few seasons. They will employ a familiar attack, however. The Wing-T was a staple in the team’s arsenal during the late 1990s and early 2000s. Now it’s back as one bullet in a holster heavy with ammo.

“We have several offensive packages and we’ll move personnel around to fit what we’re doing,” Starnes said.
The spread, pro and power-I are other formations that defenses will see from Crittenden this year.

At running back, the Rockets will use a variety of players to fit into the scheme of the moment. At quarterback will be Brian Berry, who has seen spot action there the past couple of years. Berry is a team leader, has a very competitive spirit and has running and throwing skills to match. He’s proven his toughnesss by playing fullback and linebacker in the past.

Berry’s backups are junior Bryce Willis and freshman Travis Gilbert. Junior Dustin Hernandez is also capable of playing quarterback if needed. He was the junior varsity signal caller last year, but has been moved to running back.

Others in the backfield are seniors Andrew Freeman, Tanner Nix and Jacob Long; sophomores Bowe Wallace and Grant Gardner; and freshman Brenden Phillips.

Phillips will be the only ninth grader with much turf time – at least early in the season. He’s a good runner and blocker and will play fullback. Long was the team’s preseason ironman competition winner and has improved a great deal.

Freeman, Nix, Hernandez and Wallace have explosiveness. Freeman will be the featured back much of the time, and when the offense lines up in the spread, he’ll be the lone back.

At tight end are Willis and Knox and split ends will be Cudnik and Hill. Nix, Wallace and other backs can also be moved out to receiver on passing downs.

Up front is where the question marks surface. The offense has six returning starters, but some are playing new positions. Cozart and Werne are the only interior linemen with a great deal of playing time. Werne has moved to center this year and Cozart will play right tackle. Sophomore Eli Bebout, who started strong last year but got hurt and never really bounced back, is the starting left tackle. Junior Devin Wallace is right guard and senior Casey Hamby and sophomore Devin Clark are fighting for the starting job at left guard.

Juniors Elliott Day and Korey Mayes and sophomore Daniel Price are close behind on the OL depth chart.

The defensive face has changed as well. Crittenden largely ran a five-man front last season, but will go to a 4-3 this time, partly because it has so many linebacker type players. Plus, defensive coordinator Vince Clark has always been more comfortable calling the shots from the 4-3.

Bebout and Cozart are the tackles with Price and Mayes behind them. Devin Wallace and Werne are the ends with Clark, Hamby and Knox providing the depth. Werne played end last year, but was largely overshadowed by Dylan Clark, who was one of the best defensive ends in school history. Werne is a solid performer and will play a key role in the defense this year.

Freeman is the starting middle linebacker with Phillips No. 2 on the depth chart. Sam linebackers are Long and Gardner with Bowe Wallace and Knox playing linebacker on the other side. Berry and Willis will fill roles as strong safety, a hybrid linebacker/defensive back type player.

On the corners will be Cudnik and Nix with Josh Gaston in a backup role. Bowe Wallace, Aaron Owen and Travis Gilbert are also getting reps at cornerback. Hernandez will play safety with Ethan Hill as his primary backup.

Depth wise, the Rockets are heavy in the offensive backfield, but thin up front and in the defensive backfield. Coach Starnes has an even 40 players on the roster, the most in several years. Although numbers are better he says experience is limited. Crittenden lost to graduation six players that were basically two-way starters for a year or two. It will take a few games to get the new rubbed off some of their replacements, but Starnes likes the work ethic he’s seen.

“A lot of the kids have what it takes. They have that mentality to play. We might not win a game, but they’ll get after them, I promise you that,” he said.

The kicking game’s cupboard is almost empty. Several players have tried out, but so far there is no definitive starter. Berry will be the placekicker and punter, but it remains to been seen who will kickoff when the Rockets travel to Hopkins County Central Friday to face their first regular-season opponent.

The Storm was 4-7 last year while Crittenden was 10-3. The Rockets beat Hopkins Central 35-6 last season.

Pictured at top is QB Brian Berry during scrimmage against Muhlenberg County.

Pre-Game Warmup - Hopkins Central

Hopkins County Central
2009: 4-7 (Offense was held to eight points or less seven times)

Opponent History

• Only meeting ever was last year when the Rockets won 35-6 at Princeton in the Caldwell County Medical Bowl

Winning at least 7 Games in Consecutive Seasons

• Crittenden County has never won more than 5 games in a season following back to back seasons with at least 7 wins. 1987 4-6, 2000 5-6, 2003 5-6, 2006 4-7
• Crittenden County has never had a winning season after winning at least 7 games in back to back seasons.

Season Openers

• 21-32 All-Time
• 12-7 Under Coach Starnes (Won the last 2 openers)

2009 Season Recap

• RECORD: 10-3
• Started season 8 - 0, tied school record (1999).
• District and Region Runner-Up
• 5 - 1 in home games last season.

Returing Players:
RUSHING
Brian Berry - 136 Attempts - 765 Yards - 14 TDs
Andrew Freeman - 99 Attempts - 490 Yards - 10 TDs
Tanner Nix - 24 Attempts - 212 Yards - 0 TDs
Dustin Hernandez - 22 Yards - 89 Yards - 2 TDs

RECEIVING
Tanner Nix - 14 Receptions - 169 Yards - 1 TD
Andrew Freeman - 6 Receptions - 106 Yards - 2 TDs
Brian Berry - 8 Receptions - 54 Yards - 0 TDs

DEFENSE
Andrew Freeman - 26 Solo - 31 Assists - 57 Total Tackles
Brian Berry - 26 Solos - 27 Assists - 53 Total Tackles
Terry Werne - 20 Solos - 31 Assists - 51 Total Tackles

Scrimmage: Postgame Podcast

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Rockets preseason scrimmage highlights

PRE-SEASON SCRIMMAGE

at Rocket Stadium, Friday, Aug. 13

Class A Crittenden County

vs.

Class 6A Muhlenberg County

Pictured is Dustin Hernandez rushing during the scrimmage.

CONTROLLED SEGMENT

10 plays on offense

CC-Rockets in Wing-T move ball 45 yards on runs by Tanner Nix, Dustin Hernandez and Andrew Freeman. Interception thrown by QB Brian Berry at Muhlenberg 15-yard line. Bowe Wallace good run. Pass completion to Freeman ends series.

MC-Mustangs throwing regularly move to Rocket 15. Crittenden defense gets into Muhlenberg backfield three times. Series ends.

CC-Rockets run more from I and spread offenses. One completed pass to Brice Willis. Series ends at midfield.

MC-Mustangs scored on sixth play of series. Three passes set up touchdown run. Rocket DB Brian Berry injured.

CC-Second team offense shows some spark. Good runs by Grant Gardner and Bowe Wallace. Gardner scores on 10-yard run after double handoff on eighth play of series. Bobby Knox has catch and long run, almost scores. Series ends.

MC-Mustangs fumble at midfield.

CC-Rocket second team moves ball with runs by Brenden Phillips and Hernandez. Hernandez scores on 5-yard run on eighth play of series. Series ends after long pass to Ethan Hill and Hernandez run to Mustang 10.

CC-Rocket third team scores touchdown on run by Zac Tinsley.

Rockets win controlled portion of scrimmage 3 touchdowns to 1.

DOWN AND DISTANCE

Game-type play with two 10-minute quarters

FIRST PERIOD

CC-Freeman, Nix and Bowe Wallace have good runs. Rockets end with fourth down at at Mustang 10.

MC-Mustangs moved to midfield and punt.

CC-Backup quarterback Bryce Willis behind center because starter Berry injured early in scrimmage. X-ray on elbow proves negative, but he does not return. Willis completes pass to Freeman for first down, but drive stalls at midfield.

MC-Mustangs score on 15-yard TD pass over middle on last play of first period. Kick good. Muhlenberg leads 7-0.

SECOND PERIOD

CC-Rockets move ball from own 42 to Mustang 40, fourth down.

MC-Mustangs score on 45-yard pass down sideline with 6:56 to play in period. Kick fails. Mustangs lead 13-0.

CC-Rockets start at 25, but lose ground. Punt.

MC-Mustang drive stalls at Rocket 33.

CC-Rockets move ball with a couple of passes and Freeman runs to Mustang 25, first-and-10. Next play, Willis pass is intercepted.

Muhlenberg wins down-and-distance portion 13-0

Ex-Rocket Update

Here is an update on some Rockets now in the college ranks:

J.D. GRAY - receiver at Lindsey Wilson, injured this week in camp. Two cracked ribs. Out for 2 weeks.

DYLAN CLARK - defensive end at Lindsey Wilson, working as 3rd or 4th string DE, being looked at for pass-rushing situations. Says temperature was 131 on turf field during camp week.

J.R. ADAMS - walking on as kicker at Christopher Newport University, Newport News, Va.