Top Western Kentucky players featured in Kroger KSR Game of the Week

WPSD Local 6 out of Paducah ran a series that highlighted far western Kentucky’s Top 10 high school football players. The Kroger KSR Game of the Week between Mayfield and Hopkinsville will feature three of the top four players from the region. 

The No. 1-ranked player according to WPSD is Hopkinsville’s Diasjuan Mercer. The Miami (Ohio) commit is considered the fastest player in the area. One opposing coach said that the Hoptown multipurpose athlete is the fastest player in the region. Mercer was an All-State defensive back in 2021. He plays multiple roles for the Tigers and will align at receiver, defensive back, running back, and Wildcat quarterback. 

Mayfield’s Jutarious Starks is listed as the second best player in the region according to WPSD. Starks is two-way contributor and is Mayfield’s feature running back. The junior rushed for 511 yards and 12 touchdowns last season. Starks is also an explosive defender after recording 13 tackles for loss and 7.5 quarterback sacks in 2021. 

The fourth-ranked player is Mayfield’s Jax Rogers. The linebacker missed the 2020 and 2021 seasons due to knee injuries. Rogers’ story is of perseverance and determination. He’s faced a long and difficult journey to see the field as a super-senior. Rogers registered 125 tackles in the last full season he played which was 2019. He’s a heady and physical defender that’s waited a long time to return to action. 

What Does All This Mean? 

I’m excited to cover the farthest western Kentucky game in the three years of the Kroger KSR Game of the Week series. I’ve always wanted to experience Mayfield football and take in the history of the program as well as the community. I’m equally as excited to watch these top players perform on the field. Stay tuned, KSR will have you covered in western Kentucky on Friday night. 

Kroger is a staple in your hometown community just like high school football. There’s nothing quite like Friday nights in the Bluegrass. We are honored to share this journey with Kroger and you for the third consecutive season.