ASHLAND — State soccer realignment produced a new 16th Region with three districts, up from two in the previous format.

All three districts have one or more boys’ teams regarded as legitimate contenders for the regional championship in October.

“I think it’s going to be like in the past, a toss up,” said Ashland coach Ken Wheeler. “Look at us last year. We were the (district) fourth seed and came close to winning the region.”

Russell outlasted the Tomcats 3-2 in the second overtime to repeat as region champ.

“It’s who develops during the season,” Ashland’s coach added.

That being said, Wheeler can see why Boyd County and Rowan County may get a nod for being senior-driven teams.

Boyd County is eager to atone for an early exit in last year’s postseason. Ashland bumped the Lions 1-0 in the district semifinals.

Boyd County coach William Ferguson views it as a wake-up call.

“We had a strong team and did really well for the most part in 2011,” he said. “We set some impressive benchmarks and earned respect across the state. We did, however, come up short in the end.”

Fortunately for the Lions, they lost only two seniors and 2012 is almost like getting a “mulligan,” according to Ferguson.

“Not many teams get this type of opportunity,” he said. “This year, we know what we need to do.”

Boyd County last year ranked among the state leaders defensively, surrendering an average of 0.8 goals per game. Goalkeeper Jaz Stephenson allowed only 13 goals during his junior season.

The Lions combine their stingy defense with a potent offensive attack.

“Offensively, we can pass, shoot, create opportunities and move the ball well,” Ferguson said. “We have some key players returning, but a lot of players are stepping up to maketheir mark as well.”

Despite losing key midfielder Zach Humphrey, the team returns All-Area selections Jonah Black (18 goals, 14 assists) and Zach Vincent (15 goals, 6 assists), along with Ryan Whitt (13 goals, 9 assists).

“I think you have to put Boyd County at the top, with what they have coming back,” East Carter coach Ben Fritz said. “They are going to score with anybody.”

Boyd County opened the season with a 6-2 win over Russell.

There’s no shortage of regional contenders in the 63rd District, which again shapes up as a three-way power struggle with Boyd County, Ashland and Russell.

Ashland, the defending district champion, has another promising squad. Wheeler looks for the Tomcats to make a strong run at the district and regional titles.

The team will count on several scoring threats from a talented junior class. Senior captain Alex Hamlin has shifted to sweeper as Ashland rebuilds on the defensive end.

Overall, the Tomcats feature a good mix of good size, skill and experience.

“There will not be too many (teams) that are going to be bigger and stronger,” Wheeler said. “We had a good preseason. The kids have worked really hard.”

Russell graduated four All-Area players, including two-time Player of the Year Chase Bates. But the Red Devils will build around center-midfielder Joey Fischer and a handful of other experienced returners.

“I think we will struggle early on with losing so many players from last year,” veteran coach Joe Grizzle said. “But we have some speed and are shifting players around early in the season. By the time postseason comes, we look to be in the mix with everyone else. We have another demanding schedule and will learn as we go.”

Rowan County, a heavyweight in the 61st District, has a dozen seniors as well as a strong desire to get back to the top of the region. Russell ended the Vikings’ postseason the past three years.

“This is the first time in a long time that none of Rowan County’s players have won a region,” 12th-year coach Alan Evans said. “They are very hungry for that region title.”

Senior midfielder Trevor Newsome is the top returning scorer from a 14-4-4 team. Sweeper Matt Catron helped Vikings post 10 shutouts.

Realignment shifted East Carter into the 62nd District, where the Raiders become the team to beat in a group also consisting of West Carter, Greenup County and Elliott County.

East Carter, 9-5-2 a year ago, should be much improved from the last couple of years, according to Fritz.

“We have talent that has gotten experience,” he said. “Our guys have grown up a little bit. They are bigger and stonger.”

In their season opener, the Raiders tied Rowan County 2-2.

West Carter and Greenup County are both improving and eager to make a push this season.

“I see this to be a breakout year for our (third-year) program,” said West Carter coach Max Hammond, who is enthused about the additions of new assistant coaches Thomas Mahan from the Ivory Coast and Troy Combs, a former East Carter standout.

New Greenup County head coach Andy Zabrieszack has been around the program for a while and expects the Musketeers to contend for the district title.

In the 15th Region, Paintsville hopes to make more noise after a big 2011 season in which the Tigers won 18 games including a district championship. The regional runner-up team returns 31-goal scorer Bradley Nordin.

Jason Wheeler takes over as head coach at Johnson Central, a 14-game winner last season.

ROCKY STANLEY can be reached at rstanley@dailyindependent.com or (606) 326-2671.