Kentucky seniors shine in Best of the Bluegrass all-star game

The Louisville Metro team defeated the State of Kentucky all-stars today 21-7, but copious displays of individual talent were exhibited by both sides until the final whistle.

Kentucky struck first behind to beautiful passes from Bowling Green’s Clark Payne to WKU commit and Christian County WR Keyron Catlett. The first completion was a dazzling 44-yard completion that saw Catlett hit the brakes 40 yards downfield and leap between two defenders. Catlett was the offensive MVP for the Kentucky squad. Check it out:

Catlett really impressed showing great acceleration and drive getting into his routes, and great body control to hit the brakes and leap for jump balls. Western Kentucky is getting a playmaker.

Two plays later, Catlett and Payne would connect on a 16-yard fade route to go up 7-0. Unfortunately for the Kentucky All-Stars, that would conclude the day's scoring.

The Louisville Metro team would pull away from the Kentucky State squad behind the wizardry of Waggener quarterback Larry Harper.

The Louisville Metro overall MVP, Larry Harper, threw for 156 yards on 8 for 11 passing while tossing 2 touchdowns, both to Louisville Metro offensive MVP Brain BK Smith from Male. He also ran for 76 yards. Here are some highlights of Larry Harper's performance.

Wide receiver Brian Smith was the offensive MVP for the Louisville squad. He ended the game with 4 catches for 46 yards and 2 touchdowns from Larry Harper.

Central High middle linebacker Jonathan Dooley was named the defensive MVP for Lousiville Metro, he made a living in the gaps shutting down the run game and had this brutal hit on Bowling Green quarterback Clark Payne.

Other players that impressed for the Louisville team were Fern Creek running back Kyree Hawkins, Manual defensive tackle Sean Cleasant, Manuel safety Bryce Cosby, Manual WR Jaelin "Byrd" Carter, Spencer County RB Brandon Leff, St. Xavier defensive lineman Max Willinger, among others.

Here are some highlights from Kyree Hawkins, who not only excelled as a runner but also showed tremendous heart throwing vicious blocks in an exhibition game.

Manual defensive tackle Sean Cleasant showed a lot of motor getting downfield and taking away the screen game.

Manual safety Bryce Cosby played great over the top coverage all game and came up big on a flea-flicker attempt by the Kentucky squad. He also showed off his hardnosed attitude coming up in run support from the safety spot to deliver some big hits.

The Dupont Manual kids really put on a show. Wide receiver Jaelin Carter had a dazzling punt return that almost went for a touchdown. He also got a great block from the offensive MVP Brian Smith.

St. Xavier defensive lineman Max Willinger was a constant presence in the Kentucky backfield all game and could have arguably been named the defensive MVP.

Here, he fights off a double team to make a big hit for a sack on Zack Dampier.

Although the Kentucky squad came up short on the scoreboard, numerous players flashed on the field. Quinten Floyd did a good job setting the edge when he got some tick and here is an example of him in action:

Glasgow defensive end Steve Franklin was a disruptive force off the edge all game. He recorded a tackle for a loss on a great read on the option, as well as notching two sacks. Franklin plans to announce his commitment on National Signing Day and says his final three teams are Eastern Michigan, UMass, and Toledo. Franklin plans to commit on January 14th in the Blue-Gray All Ameircan game in Jacksonville, Florida.

Bowling Green defensive end Dalan Cofer was named the Kentucky team's defensive MVP and he made a number of impressive plays, like this one where he blew up the Louisville rushing attack.

Kenneth Major had a brutal hit on the sideline and a perfectly timed interception in the end zone. He was the overall MVP for the Kentucky squad and deservedly so.

Cole Bently from 3A state champion Belfry High also flashed his brutal run blocking prowess which landed the Louisville commit his offer from the 'Cards.

Overall the Best of the Bluegrass lived up to its name. While only an exhibition game, these young men came out with their hard hats on and played a tough physical game that was enjoyable to watch. The friends and family in the stands were into the game until the final whistle and the passions ran high.

Congrats to all the coaches and staff who put together a great event even though the weather was less than ideal. Also, Rivals and KyPreps would like to thank St. Xavier for hosting the event. All involved did a great job and put on a great product for the kids and families involved.