Five weeks from today, the start of the 2011 High School Football season will take place.  While every team will have the goal of going undefeated and winning it all, they all know it will not be easy.

That is the case for several teams in the mountains this year as several have “beefed” up their schedules for what I assume is to help get their teams “Playoff Ready.”

Let’s start with the Hazard Bulldogs.  Here are some of the games on their schedule this season:

1.  9/9:  Somerset (13-1, Lost in State Semifinal to Belfry)

2.  9/16:  Lexington Christian (10-4, lost in State Semifinal to Hazard)

3.  9/30:  Prestonsburg (10-4, lost in Region Final to Corbin)

4. 10/28:  Sheldon Clark (6-6, Won 3A District 8 Title)

Hazard, who lost 47-6 in the State Championship to Mayfield will obviously look to pick up where they left off to get back to WKU to play for a State Championship.  Coach Mark Dixon wants to make sure his squad can get more experience under their belt and playing these teams might be the motivation they need to continue their winning ways.

Perry County Central won its first 6 games under new coach, Justin Haddix but lost 4 of its last five games.  The Commodores have bolstered its schedule in 2011 as well:

 1.  8/19:  Prestonsburg (10-4, lost in Region Final to Corbin)

2.  8/26:  At Johnson Central (10-3, lost in Region Final to Highlands)

3.  9/9:  Lawrence County (9-3, lost in second round to Bell County)

4. 10/28:  Somerset (13-1, Lost in State Semifinal to Belfry)

The Somerset Briar Jumpers are 27-2 in the last two years with a trip to the State Finals and State Semifinals.  Coach Robbie Lucas is still trying to get the purple and gold over the hump and bring the school its first ever state title. If his squad can run through its tough stretch of games, they might just have a shot:

1.  8/26:  Pulaski County (11-2, Lost in Region Final to Harlan County) – Ray Correll Bowl

2.  9/9:  At Hazard (14-1, lost in State Championship to Mayfield)

3.  9/16:  At Breathitt County (8-5, lost in Region Final to Somerset)

4.  9/30:  At Whitley County (6-6, lost in Second Round to Harlan County)

The Briar Jumpers are hoping the tough road games will help handle the pressure of playoff situation that will translate to playing for a State Title.

Prestonsburg always pride themselves on a tough schedule. It’s worked out for them making deep runs in the playoffs the past three seasons.  This year is no different:

1.  8/19:  At Perry Co. Central (7-4, lost in first round to Pulaski County)

2.  9/2:  Lawrence County (9-3, lost in second round to Bell County)

3.  9/9:  Belfry (10-5. Lost in State Championship to Louisville Central)

4.  9/30:  Hazard (14-1, lost in State Championship to Mayfield)

Playing two teams that made an appearance in State Championship games is a great way to see what kind of team Blackcats coach, John Derossett has going in to October.  Could this be the year the Blackcats make it to the State Championship?

Those are just some of the teams that have bolstered its schedule going in to the 2011.  Did I miss any?  Feel free to comment below and make a case for your team’s schedule!

Until then, stay hungry.  Football season is right around the corner.