The Scribe
08-04-2009, 04:38 PM
Allen Central (7-4)
Head coach – Jeremy Hall
2008 – Lost to Harlan 46-6 in the first round of the playoffs
Coming off perhaps the best season in school history, which included a 7-4 record and third-place finish in District 8, the Allen Central Rebels have lofty expectations for 2009.
Senior running backs Logan and Hunter Crowder return after rushing for 1,408 and 1,191 yards, respectively, a year ago with a combined 31 touchdowns. Senior halfback Justin Jackson added 611 yards rushing and six touchdowns. Senior Chris Stumbo completed three of 14 passes for 67 yards in a reserve role at quarterback last year.
Stumbo led the team in catches with 23, yardage with 282 and touchdown receptions with seven. Hunter Crowder added 11 catches for 207 yards. Jackson had eight catches for 199 yards and junior Mickey Parsons contributed six catches for 144 yards.
Top defenders returning include the Crowder twins and Cory Conn at linebacker, along with senior lineman Blake Salisbury and Stumbo at cornerback. Logan Crowder had six interceptions, and Hunter Crowder led in solo tackles with 81.
Ballard Memorial (6-6)
Head coach – Chris Cooper
2008 – Lost to Crittenden County 48-7 in the second round of the playoffs
The incentive for Ballard Memorial in 2009 is simple. Finish first or second in the district to avoid a ridiculous first round travel date in the playoffs.
Last year, the Bombers were able to overcome bus lag and knock off Caverna in the first round before falling to state semifinalist Crittenden County.
Head coach Chris Cooper saw the Bombers win six games for the first time since 2002. Despite losing several key skill players, Ballard Memorial returns most of their line and defense ahead of quarterback Alex Mallory.
The 6-3 Mallory threw for 1,685 yards and 18 touchdowns last year, but will see some new faces in the backfield behind him.
However, one familiar face will be his brother, fullback Will Mallory who rushed for 263 yards and three scores last year.
Tyler Gough (5-10, 190, Jr.) and Jimmy Hoskins (6-1, 175, Soph.) expect to have bigger roles in the offense this year.
Chris Jones (5-6, 155, Jr.) and Jake Wildharber (5-8, 160, Soph.) could also see time at receiver.
The Bombers’ strength should be up front where they return several starters on both sides of the football.
Cody Hoskins (6-4, 255, Sr.) anchors a line that is expected to include Ryan Buchanan (6-5, 230, Sr.), and Chris Bodell (6-2, 200, Sr.).
Buchanan is also the team’s leading tackler at linebacker along with Gough, who are two of seven starters back on defense.
As a result, Ballard Memorial has beefed up their schedule to include Lone Oak, Union County, Trigg County, and Webster County.
Cooper will have to sit out the opener with Lone Oak because of a KHSAA suspension for playing too many scrimmages last year.
Beechwood (14-1)
Head coach: Noel Rash
2008: Beat Hazard 14-7 in the Class 1A state championship game
After winning consecutive state titles, it’s possible that Beechwood could field a team in 2009 faster and more athletic than their predecessors.
While the Tigers will have a small senior class, head coach Noel Rash is expecting big things from a large and talented junior class.
Offensively, the Tigers boast multiple running backs that can split the workload in the backfield.
Joe Colosimo (6-0, 190, Sr.) ran for nearly 600 yards last year and scored 13 touchdowns.
Corey Schuler (5-10, 165, Sr.) and Cory Crane (5-11, 170, Jr.) should also see some carries in the backfield.
The offensive line is anchored by tackles Jake Maricle (6-0, 240, Sr.) and Josh Genal (6-2, 205, Jr.), and guard Austin Harvey.
Quarterback Matt Rigdon (6-2, 175, Sr.) was solid under center for the Tigers last year, throwing for over 1,300 yards and adding more than 800 on the ground.
However, Rigdon will have to find a few new targets to throw to with the graduation of their top two pass catchers from last year.
Beechwood’s defense should again be among the strongest in the state with the return of five starters.
Colosimo and Michael Porco return at linebacker, and Zac Larimore and junior Josh Genal give the Tigers bookends on the line.
Kody Klug (6 INTs) and Corey Schuler will be the leaders in the secondary.
After boasting a large line in 2007 and strong defense in 2008, Beechwood’s athletes should again carry them to the title game with little resistance.
Bellevue (7-4)
Head coach: Dave Eckstein
2008: Lost to Gallatin County 33-28 in the first round of the playoffs
By Kevin Bundy
With a solid group of skill players returning, Bellevue coach Dave Eckstein plans on having the Bellevue Tigers right in the mix of one of the toughest class A district's in the state in 2009.
The Tigers finished second in the district last season, ending a 7-4 campaign with a loss to Gallatin County High School in the second round of the state playoffs. Eckstein hopes Bellevue's early season schedule, beginning Aug. 29 against Holy Cross, will again help his team later in the season.
"Our early season schedule is challenging," he said. "We hope to use those games to prepare us to be right in the mix, like always. Our goal is always to beat Beechwood and they are always at the top of the district. We know they are never down and when they get beat, they bounce back very quickly. But, that's our goal, and this may be the year."
Senior running back Ricky Buckler, who rushed for more than 1,400 yards a year ago, is one of the reasons Eckstein is optimistic. Buckler leads a group of talented skill players who also include quarterback Richard Wills and wide receiver Nick Evans.
"A big key for us is to continue to develop the passing game," Eckstein said. "Obviously, we're going to run the ball. But, if we can throw it and catch it, it makes us much more dangerous. We've down it well at times, we just have to become more consistent."
Tad Dougherty and Rodney Brock are among other players, Eckstein expects big things from this season. Dougherty leads an offensive line that Eckstein said would be bigger and stronger than a year ago, though it will lack depth.
"We're bigger and stronger, and we have good team speed," he said. "We have lots of kids that can run, which reminds me of my first team here."
Eckstein said the kicking game remains a concern as August approaches, and he hopes to improve his team’s pressure on the passer. He said the Tigers will be able to play good pass defense, but are still looking to gain a better pass rush heading into the opener. He expects the non-district schedule to help his team solve it's problem areas heading into October. The Tigers play Newport, Holmes, and Scott before opening district play as well.
"For a school with 115 boys, that's a very challenging schedule," he said. "But it should be dividends in terms of experience gained."
Berea (8-2)
Head coach: Keenan McWhorter
2008: Did not compete in district play
After an impressive non-district performance last year that produced eight wins in 10 games, the Berea Pirates move into district competition and expect to challenge for a playoff berth in their first season.
Senior quarterback Bo Brewer and senior wide receiver Jeremy Hamilton are among the few holdovers from last year’s starting lineup.
Senior quarterback Bo Brewer (6-4, 190) and receivers Jeremy Hamilton (6-0, 170, Sr.) and Joseph Parker (5-10, 150, Sr.) are expected to be the playmakers on offense.
Senior tailback Auto Becker and sophomore fullback Curtis Payne are also expected to play key roles in the Pirates’ offense.
Junior tackle Jordan Poff (5-11, 255) and safety Parker will be leaders on defense, along with Hamilton at safety and Brewer, Becker and Payne at the linebacker spots.
This year, head coach Kenan McWhorter is hoping the 17 freshman and sophomores from last year develop in time to help another talented senior class.
Beth Haven (3-7)
2008: Did not make the playoffs
The school board at Beth Haven voted during the spring to permanently drop football at the school. Beth Haven won the National Association of Christian Athletes Division II eight-man national championship in 2006.
The Bearcats had since moved up to 11-man and played in the KHSAA. Only 16 players had signed up for the 2009 season.
Beth Haven was 35-65 since starting their program in 1996, including a 3-7 mark last year.
Bethlehem (3-8)
Head Coach – Stan Torzewski
2008 – Lost 44-13 at Mayfield in first round of Class 1A playoffs
Peter W. Zubaty
The Kentucky Standard
Bethlehem couldn’t have picked a worse time than 2006 to have the best season in school history. Coming off an 11-2 campaign that saw the Eagles advance to the Class 1A Region 2 championship, the tiny school in Bardstown struggled to line up like-sized opponents for the 2007-08 schedule cycle.
Bethlehem fought through the rugged schedule in 2007, as a large turnout of players made it easier to weather the numbers game against larger schools. It caught up to Torzewski and Co. in 2008, however, as a rash of injuries suffered in the first two weeks at Elizabethtown and Garrard County led to a forfeit — or play with only 16 players — against powerhouse Corbin in week three.
The Eagles figure to be better for the experience in 2009, and could be poised for a breakout year against a more manageable schedule.
Junior Clay Owens, when available, was a difference-maker at running back. He takes over at quarterback this season, allowing Dalton Reed to move out to the wing to make plays.
Luke Wimpsett was saddled with a bum ankle all year last season, but is healthy now, and looking to make up for lost time. He’ll get plenty of carries from the fullback spot. Casey Robinson and Austin Downs give Torzewski two more weapons out of the backfield.
Line play figures to be a strong suit for the Eagles. Joe Peake, Michael Kelley, Dylan Hughes and Matt Clark have all drawn multiple starts. Peake and Kelley have a knack for sacking the quarterback.
Owens, Wimpsett, Reed and Robinson make up a strong defensive backfield, but the Eagles figure to be weakest at linebacker, where stalwarts such as Owens, Jacob Whitener and Nick Galloway have graduated. Downs is the most experienced returning linebacker.
Betsy Layne (3-8)
Head coach: Jonathon Parsons
2008 – Lost to Hazard 49-6 in the first round of the playoffs
After many years of serving as a doormat for eastern Kentucky opponents, the Betsy Layne Bobcats are a team on the rise.
Eight starters return on both offense and defense for the Bobcats, who expect to continue improving in 2009 after tripling their win total from the previous season last fall with a 3-8 mark.
Returning starters on offense include quarterback Nathan Martin, halfbacks Casey Adkins and Dylan Maldonado, wide receivers Korey Jarrell, Brandon Jarrell and Austin Hall and linemen Jared Robinson and Charlie Lewis.
Starters back on defense include Korey Jarrell, Brandon Larrell and Landon Tackett in the secondary, Adkins and Maldonado at the ends, Hall and Robinson at linebacker and Cody Gross on the line.
Gregg Neely, Steven Wright and Ryan Lewis are expected to provide a boost this year on the offensive and defensive lines. Wright could also handle kicking duties.
“We return 100 percent of the scoring offense, so we will rely on the offense to put the points on the board,” coach Jonathan Parsons said. “The biggest weakness we have will be being young. We return a lot of underclassmen that helped us out last year. Dylan Maldonado rushed for over 1,000 yards last year as a sophomore and Casey Adkins was on pace until an injury, so we are going to capitalize on their running attack and Branston Jarrell/Korey Jarrell bringing in passes from Nathan Martin.
“A bright spot on defense is Austin Hall at linebacker. He was just a freshman that turned a game around. Jared Robinson, a talented player, comes back to play linebacker and defensive end depending on teams we play.”
Parsons likes the progress the Bobcats have made.
“Each year, the coaching staff gathers and makes goals,” he said. “Last year we wanted to make the playoffs. The program is in the right direction, but the coaching staff will never be pleased with the program. We all played here and will put a lot of work into the program.”
Competing in a district with Pikeville and Paintsville, the Bobcats aren’t ranked among the favorites but could improve on last year’s fourth-place finish in District 8.
“The main goal is to stay competitive try to pull off some wins and try to accomplish our goals for the season,” Parsons said. “We look at each game individually. We won’t look ahead. Every game matters.”
The Bobcats added Bishop Brossart and Magoffin County to their schedule.
“Both teams picked up are good teams, and we want to be competitive with them. Bishop Brossart a fairly new program is getting better each year. Magoffin County has a great head coach and will be well prepared for the season,” Parsons said.
The Bobcats have added a full junior varsity schedule and the staff added two coaches, both signs of an improving program.
The coaching staff includes: Adam Collins as defensive coordinator; Justin Akers as special teams coordinator/offensive line coach; Bobby Wise as running backs coach and Billy Spencer as defensive line coach
“All of these coaches put in a great deal of time with the team and it is greatly appreciated,” Parsons said.
Bishop Brossart (0-10)
Head coach: Matt Reinhart
2008: Missed the playoffs
By Kevin Bundy
Improvement didn't result in Bishop Brossart High School's first varsity football victory last season, but it also didn't curb the enthusiasm of second-year coach Matt Reinhart heading into 2009.
"I put a lot of pressure on myself last year to get that first win and the players put a lot of pressure on themselves as well," Reinhart said. "What we as a coaching staff realized after the season was we were putting the caboose ahead of the engine. Our general outlook is to build the program the right way."
The implementation of a middle school football program this season won't yield immediate dividends, but Reinhart thinks improvements made in the off-season conditioning program and weight room will, as the team prepares to open the season at Betsy Layne.
"We didn't get to have a weight program prior to last season, we've improved our team speed and strength this offseason," he said. "We've really worked hard in (the weight room). We lifted four days a week because we think we have to work harder than everybody else to catch up. If other schools lift three days a week, we wanted to lift four."
Reinhart expects Chris Bowman to become a force on the ground this season after moving from offensive lineman to fullback. Bowman will also play outside linebacker for the Mustangs, where he'll be joined by Kyle Rinehart and John Schack. Spencer Groeschen and David Lunn will anchor the defensive line.
"We should be hard to run against, Rinehart said. "Well disguise what we do defensively, but if we stay healthy we think we can force teams to change their game plans."
Staying healthy was something the Mustangs couldn't do in 2008. As a result, a lot of players received varsity experience, Rinehart hopes that will pay off this season. Brossart returns 19 starters, but many are still underclassmen.
"We do have a lot of experience returning, but that experience is still young," he said. "Instead of being freshman and sophomores, we're sophomores and juniors, but we're still young."
Bracken County (0-10)
Head coach: Andrew McIntosh
2008: Missed the playoffs
Former Pendleton County assistant Andrew McIntosh takes over a Bracken County team looking for some stability.
The Polar Bears didn’t win a game last year and saw head coach Chuck Faust resign midway through the season.
With their coaching situation apparently stable, Bracken County will look to make a dent in a tough district.
Last year’s roster had 23 freshman and sophomores, and one of McIntosh’s main goals will be to develop the young talent and keep them on the field.
Quarterback Matt Purcell (6-2, 180, Soph.) has some skill people to work with in running backs Bryan Denton (5-8, 160, Soph.) and Kenny Baker (5-8, 170, Jr.) and receiver Kaine Brumley (5-8, 160, Jr.).
There were no seniors on last year’s roster.
Head coach – Jeremy Hall
2008 – Lost to Harlan 46-6 in the first round of the playoffs
Coming off perhaps the best season in school history, which included a 7-4 record and third-place finish in District 8, the Allen Central Rebels have lofty expectations for 2009.
Senior running backs Logan and Hunter Crowder return after rushing for 1,408 and 1,191 yards, respectively, a year ago with a combined 31 touchdowns. Senior halfback Justin Jackson added 611 yards rushing and six touchdowns. Senior Chris Stumbo completed three of 14 passes for 67 yards in a reserve role at quarterback last year.
Stumbo led the team in catches with 23, yardage with 282 and touchdown receptions with seven. Hunter Crowder added 11 catches for 207 yards. Jackson had eight catches for 199 yards and junior Mickey Parsons contributed six catches for 144 yards.
Top defenders returning include the Crowder twins and Cory Conn at linebacker, along with senior lineman Blake Salisbury and Stumbo at cornerback. Logan Crowder had six interceptions, and Hunter Crowder led in solo tackles with 81.
Ballard Memorial (6-6)
Head coach – Chris Cooper
2008 – Lost to Crittenden County 48-7 in the second round of the playoffs
The incentive for Ballard Memorial in 2009 is simple. Finish first or second in the district to avoid a ridiculous first round travel date in the playoffs.
Last year, the Bombers were able to overcome bus lag and knock off Caverna in the first round before falling to state semifinalist Crittenden County.
Head coach Chris Cooper saw the Bombers win six games for the first time since 2002. Despite losing several key skill players, Ballard Memorial returns most of their line and defense ahead of quarterback Alex Mallory.
The 6-3 Mallory threw for 1,685 yards and 18 touchdowns last year, but will see some new faces in the backfield behind him.
However, one familiar face will be his brother, fullback Will Mallory who rushed for 263 yards and three scores last year.
Tyler Gough (5-10, 190, Jr.) and Jimmy Hoskins (6-1, 175, Soph.) expect to have bigger roles in the offense this year.
Chris Jones (5-6, 155, Jr.) and Jake Wildharber (5-8, 160, Soph.) could also see time at receiver.
The Bombers’ strength should be up front where they return several starters on both sides of the football.
Cody Hoskins (6-4, 255, Sr.) anchors a line that is expected to include Ryan Buchanan (6-5, 230, Sr.), and Chris Bodell (6-2, 200, Sr.).
Buchanan is also the team’s leading tackler at linebacker along with Gough, who are two of seven starters back on defense.
As a result, Ballard Memorial has beefed up their schedule to include Lone Oak, Union County, Trigg County, and Webster County.
Cooper will have to sit out the opener with Lone Oak because of a KHSAA suspension for playing too many scrimmages last year.
Beechwood (14-1)
Head coach: Noel Rash
2008: Beat Hazard 14-7 in the Class 1A state championship game
After winning consecutive state titles, it’s possible that Beechwood could field a team in 2009 faster and more athletic than their predecessors.
While the Tigers will have a small senior class, head coach Noel Rash is expecting big things from a large and talented junior class.
Offensively, the Tigers boast multiple running backs that can split the workload in the backfield.
Joe Colosimo (6-0, 190, Sr.) ran for nearly 600 yards last year and scored 13 touchdowns.
Corey Schuler (5-10, 165, Sr.) and Cory Crane (5-11, 170, Jr.) should also see some carries in the backfield.
The offensive line is anchored by tackles Jake Maricle (6-0, 240, Sr.) and Josh Genal (6-2, 205, Jr.), and guard Austin Harvey.
Quarterback Matt Rigdon (6-2, 175, Sr.) was solid under center for the Tigers last year, throwing for over 1,300 yards and adding more than 800 on the ground.
However, Rigdon will have to find a few new targets to throw to with the graduation of their top two pass catchers from last year.
Beechwood’s defense should again be among the strongest in the state with the return of five starters.
Colosimo and Michael Porco return at linebacker, and Zac Larimore and junior Josh Genal give the Tigers bookends on the line.
Kody Klug (6 INTs) and Corey Schuler will be the leaders in the secondary.
After boasting a large line in 2007 and strong defense in 2008, Beechwood’s athletes should again carry them to the title game with little resistance.
Bellevue (7-4)
Head coach: Dave Eckstein
2008: Lost to Gallatin County 33-28 in the first round of the playoffs
By Kevin Bundy
With a solid group of skill players returning, Bellevue coach Dave Eckstein plans on having the Bellevue Tigers right in the mix of one of the toughest class A district's in the state in 2009.
The Tigers finished second in the district last season, ending a 7-4 campaign with a loss to Gallatin County High School in the second round of the state playoffs. Eckstein hopes Bellevue's early season schedule, beginning Aug. 29 against Holy Cross, will again help his team later in the season.
"Our early season schedule is challenging," he said. "We hope to use those games to prepare us to be right in the mix, like always. Our goal is always to beat Beechwood and they are always at the top of the district. We know they are never down and when they get beat, they bounce back very quickly. But, that's our goal, and this may be the year."
Senior running back Ricky Buckler, who rushed for more than 1,400 yards a year ago, is one of the reasons Eckstein is optimistic. Buckler leads a group of talented skill players who also include quarterback Richard Wills and wide receiver Nick Evans.
"A big key for us is to continue to develop the passing game," Eckstein said. "Obviously, we're going to run the ball. But, if we can throw it and catch it, it makes us much more dangerous. We've down it well at times, we just have to become more consistent."
Tad Dougherty and Rodney Brock are among other players, Eckstein expects big things from this season. Dougherty leads an offensive line that Eckstein said would be bigger and stronger than a year ago, though it will lack depth.
"We're bigger and stronger, and we have good team speed," he said. "We have lots of kids that can run, which reminds me of my first team here."
Eckstein said the kicking game remains a concern as August approaches, and he hopes to improve his team’s pressure on the passer. He said the Tigers will be able to play good pass defense, but are still looking to gain a better pass rush heading into the opener. He expects the non-district schedule to help his team solve it's problem areas heading into October. The Tigers play Newport, Holmes, and Scott before opening district play as well.
"For a school with 115 boys, that's a very challenging schedule," he said. "But it should be dividends in terms of experience gained."
Berea (8-2)
Head coach: Keenan McWhorter
2008: Did not compete in district play
After an impressive non-district performance last year that produced eight wins in 10 games, the Berea Pirates move into district competition and expect to challenge for a playoff berth in their first season.
Senior quarterback Bo Brewer and senior wide receiver Jeremy Hamilton are among the few holdovers from last year’s starting lineup.
Senior quarterback Bo Brewer (6-4, 190) and receivers Jeremy Hamilton (6-0, 170, Sr.) and Joseph Parker (5-10, 150, Sr.) are expected to be the playmakers on offense.
Senior tailback Auto Becker and sophomore fullback Curtis Payne are also expected to play key roles in the Pirates’ offense.
Junior tackle Jordan Poff (5-11, 255) and safety Parker will be leaders on defense, along with Hamilton at safety and Brewer, Becker and Payne at the linebacker spots.
This year, head coach Kenan McWhorter is hoping the 17 freshman and sophomores from last year develop in time to help another talented senior class.
Beth Haven (3-7)
2008: Did not make the playoffs
The school board at Beth Haven voted during the spring to permanently drop football at the school. Beth Haven won the National Association of Christian Athletes Division II eight-man national championship in 2006.
The Bearcats had since moved up to 11-man and played in the KHSAA. Only 16 players had signed up for the 2009 season.
Beth Haven was 35-65 since starting their program in 1996, including a 3-7 mark last year.
Bethlehem (3-8)
Head Coach – Stan Torzewski
2008 – Lost 44-13 at Mayfield in first round of Class 1A playoffs
Peter W. Zubaty
The Kentucky Standard
Bethlehem couldn’t have picked a worse time than 2006 to have the best season in school history. Coming off an 11-2 campaign that saw the Eagles advance to the Class 1A Region 2 championship, the tiny school in Bardstown struggled to line up like-sized opponents for the 2007-08 schedule cycle.
Bethlehem fought through the rugged schedule in 2007, as a large turnout of players made it easier to weather the numbers game against larger schools. It caught up to Torzewski and Co. in 2008, however, as a rash of injuries suffered in the first two weeks at Elizabethtown and Garrard County led to a forfeit — or play with only 16 players — against powerhouse Corbin in week three.
The Eagles figure to be better for the experience in 2009, and could be poised for a breakout year against a more manageable schedule.
Junior Clay Owens, when available, was a difference-maker at running back. He takes over at quarterback this season, allowing Dalton Reed to move out to the wing to make plays.
Luke Wimpsett was saddled with a bum ankle all year last season, but is healthy now, and looking to make up for lost time. He’ll get plenty of carries from the fullback spot. Casey Robinson and Austin Downs give Torzewski two more weapons out of the backfield.
Line play figures to be a strong suit for the Eagles. Joe Peake, Michael Kelley, Dylan Hughes and Matt Clark have all drawn multiple starts. Peake and Kelley have a knack for sacking the quarterback.
Owens, Wimpsett, Reed and Robinson make up a strong defensive backfield, but the Eagles figure to be weakest at linebacker, where stalwarts such as Owens, Jacob Whitener and Nick Galloway have graduated. Downs is the most experienced returning linebacker.
Betsy Layne (3-8)
Head coach: Jonathon Parsons
2008 – Lost to Hazard 49-6 in the first round of the playoffs
After many years of serving as a doormat for eastern Kentucky opponents, the Betsy Layne Bobcats are a team on the rise.
Eight starters return on both offense and defense for the Bobcats, who expect to continue improving in 2009 after tripling their win total from the previous season last fall with a 3-8 mark.
Returning starters on offense include quarterback Nathan Martin, halfbacks Casey Adkins and Dylan Maldonado, wide receivers Korey Jarrell, Brandon Jarrell and Austin Hall and linemen Jared Robinson and Charlie Lewis.
Starters back on defense include Korey Jarrell, Brandon Larrell and Landon Tackett in the secondary, Adkins and Maldonado at the ends, Hall and Robinson at linebacker and Cody Gross on the line.
Gregg Neely, Steven Wright and Ryan Lewis are expected to provide a boost this year on the offensive and defensive lines. Wright could also handle kicking duties.
“We return 100 percent of the scoring offense, so we will rely on the offense to put the points on the board,” coach Jonathan Parsons said. “The biggest weakness we have will be being young. We return a lot of underclassmen that helped us out last year. Dylan Maldonado rushed for over 1,000 yards last year as a sophomore and Casey Adkins was on pace until an injury, so we are going to capitalize on their running attack and Branston Jarrell/Korey Jarrell bringing in passes from Nathan Martin.
“A bright spot on defense is Austin Hall at linebacker. He was just a freshman that turned a game around. Jared Robinson, a talented player, comes back to play linebacker and defensive end depending on teams we play.”
Parsons likes the progress the Bobcats have made.
“Each year, the coaching staff gathers and makes goals,” he said. “Last year we wanted to make the playoffs. The program is in the right direction, but the coaching staff will never be pleased with the program. We all played here and will put a lot of work into the program.”
Competing in a district with Pikeville and Paintsville, the Bobcats aren’t ranked among the favorites but could improve on last year’s fourth-place finish in District 8.
“The main goal is to stay competitive try to pull off some wins and try to accomplish our goals for the season,” Parsons said. “We look at each game individually. We won’t look ahead. Every game matters.”
The Bobcats added Bishop Brossart and Magoffin County to their schedule.
“Both teams picked up are good teams, and we want to be competitive with them. Bishop Brossart a fairly new program is getting better each year. Magoffin County has a great head coach and will be well prepared for the season,” Parsons said.
The Bobcats have added a full junior varsity schedule and the staff added two coaches, both signs of an improving program.
The coaching staff includes: Adam Collins as defensive coordinator; Justin Akers as special teams coordinator/offensive line coach; Bobby Wise as running backs coach and Billy Spencer as defensive line coach
“All of these coaches put in a great deal of time with the team and it is greatly appreciated,” Parsons said.
Bishop Brossart (0-10)
Head coach: Matt Reinhart
2008: Missed the playoffs
By Kevin Bundy
Improvement didn't result in Bishop Brossart High School's first varsity football victory last season, but it also didn't curb the enthusiasm of second-year coach Matt Reinhart heading into 2009.
"I put a lot of pressure on myself last year to get that first win and the players put a lot of pressure on themselves as well," Reinhart said. "What we as a coaching staff realized after the season was we were putting the caboose ahead of the engine. Our general outlook is to build the program the right way."
The implementation of a middle school football program this season won't yield immediate dividends, but Reinhart thinks improvements made in the off-season conditioning program and weight room will, as the team prepares to open the season at Betsy Layne.
"We didn't get to have a weight program prior to last season, we've improved our team speed and strength this offseason," he said. "We've really worked hard in (the weight room). We lifted four days a week because we think we have to work harder than everybody else to catch up. If other schools lift three days a week, we wanted to lift four."
Reinhart expects Chris Bowman to become a force on the ground this season after moving from offensive lineman to fullback. Bowman will also play outside linebacker for the Mustangs, where he'll be joined by Kyle Rinehart and John Schack. Spencer Groeschen and David Lunn will anchor the defensive line.
"We should be hard to run against, Rinehart said. "Well disguise what we do defensively, but if we stay healthy we think we can force teams to change their game plans."
Staying healthy was something the Mustangs couldn't do in 2008. As a result, a lot of players received varsity experience, Rinehart hopes that will pay off this season. Brossart returns 19 starters, but many are still underclassmen.
"We do have a lot of experience returning, but that experience is still young," he said. "Instead of being freshman and sophomores, we're sophomores and juniors, but we're still young."
Bracken County (0-10)
Head coach: Andrew McIntosh
2008: Missed the playoffs
Former Pendleton County assistant Andrew McIntosh takes over a Bracken County team looking for some stability.
The Polar Bears didn’t win a game last year and saw head coach Chuck Faust resign midway through the season.
With their coaching situation apparently stable, Bracken County will look to make a dent in a tough district.
Last year’s roster had 23 freshman and sophomores, and one of McIntosh’s main goals will be to develop the young talent and keep them on the field.
Quarterback Matt Purcell (6-2, 180, Soph.) has some skill people to work with in running backs Bryan Denton (5-8, 160, Soph.) and Kenny Baker (5-8, 170, Jr.) and receiver Kaine Brumley (5-8, 160, Jr.).
There were no seniors on last year’s roster.