QBs Curtis, Phillippi earn notice
Posted by Mike Fields on August 30, 2007
Everybody loves lists, whether they’re devoted to the top 10 sports dynasties, top 20 rock bands or top 50 movies of all time. Such lists are based on opinion, which is why they generate debate. The Herald-Leader’s pre-season high school football list of “50 of Kentucky’s Top Players” is no different. It is anything but definitive. It is based on a survey of coaches and their opinions, so some worthy players are bound to get left out. One game into the season, senior quarterbacks Kaleb Curtis of Montgomery County and Ryan Phillippi of Henry Clay have shown they probably deserved to be on the list.
Curtis (photo at left courtesy kysportspage.com) was a 1,000-yard rusher and 1,000-yard passer last year, but got overlooked because he played in a program that hasn’t had a winning season or won a playoff game in almost a decade. But he showed his talent and grit in leading Montgomery County to a 35-34 upset of Clark County in the Recreation Bowl last week. Flashing quick feet, Curtis ran the ball 22 times for 162 yards and 4 touchdowns, threw for 124 yards, and was a stalwart on defense. If the Indians turn things around in Dan Gooch’s third year as coach, Curtis will be the key. 
Phillippi, shown at right, had a great junior season in which he completed 69% of his passes for 2,482 yards and 32 TDs, and ran for 587 yards and 7 TDs. But he was overshadowed this pre-season by star teammates, WR Aaron Boyd and RB Dontey Gay. But Phillippi is the guy who makes the Blue Devils go, as he showed in a 33-19 season-opening win against Warren Central. He carried 20 times for 101 yards and 2 TDs, and passed for 221 yards and a TD. If Henry Clay lives up to its pre-season hype, Phillippi will be the guy leading the way.
