2018 PREP FOOTBALL PREVIEW
Supplement to the Harlan Daily Enterprise | Saturday, August 25, 2018
2 Saturday, August 25, 2018
FOOTBALL PREVIEW
Harlan Daily Enterprise
Veteran HHS squad seeks district title
HARLAN
Team members include, from left, front row: manager Win Cooper, Tate Bryson, Kilian Ledford, Jeremiah Mills, Britt Lawson, Will Varner, Jarrett McKenzie, Connor Scearse, Luke Carr and manager Aiden Lewis; second row: coach Jerry Cooper, coach Bill Dean, Caleb Adkins, Jared Eldridge, Jonathan Eldridge, John Brady Brock, Ethan Clem, Shane Lindsay, Jacob Howard, Austin Sargent, coach Justin Luttrell and coach Chris Thompson; third row: Isaiah Hall, Jordan Howard, Tyler Cozart, Ethan Shepherd, James Honeycutt, Jacob Surber, Braydon Shanks and Garrett Begley; back row: coach John Luttrell, equipment manager Robbie Asher, Braden Napier, John Lewis, Will McCarthy, Kyle Allison, Franklin Davis and Jacob Vaughn. By John Henson Sports Editor
With a 32-man roster that includes 11 seniors in a district that appears to feature no clear-cut favorites, the Harlan Green Dragons enter the 2018 season knowing the future is now. They have no interest in a slow rebuilding process as they seek to bounce back from a 3-8 performance last fall. “We’re talking a lot about accountability and coachability this season,” Harlan coach John Luttrell said. “Our seniors are doing a good job of setting a standard. When you have to make exceptions to a standard, you don’t have a standard anymore. We’re talking about being accountable in class, at home, on the practice field and in the locker room. Those guys have taken those mantras
and done a good job in summer camp of bringing the team along.” While defending champ Williamsburg is the early favorite, followed by a senior-dominated Lynn Camp squad that beat Harlan 14-0 in the Southeastern Kentucky Conference Gridorama last week, the Dragons like their chances of competing for the title they last won in 2015. “I think there’s more parity than people might think,” Luttrell said. “Not to oversimplify things, but against Lynn Camp you have to tackle (running back) Dalton Cook and against Williamsburg you have to tackle (quarterback) Dalton Ponder. That’s pretty much the nature of if. It’s a tough task and we’ve not been able to do it yet. I hope our experience helps us. “We have Lynn Camp and Pineville at
home. We’ve not played well at Williamsburg since I’ve been back as a coach and that concerns me. This would the year to change that if we could.” Depth, as is the case most years for Class A teams, is a concern going into the season. “We have to stay healthy. That’s the key for us,” Luttrell said. “If we have one or two get hurt, we drop. My big concern is coming out of those first two road games (Floyd Central and Paintsville) healthy. Win, lose or draw, if we’re healthy at that point we have the ability to make a run.” Harlan’s offense will be under the direction of senior Will Varner, who will change places in the lineup with Kilian Ledford, a senior who started the past two seasons at quarterback. Varner led the team in receptions
last year with 23 for 286 yards and four touchdowns. He completed four of five passes for 72 yards in limited action at quarterback. “We worked him all year as a backup and I gave him a shot in the playoffs at Pikeville. I put him in there and the first thing I told (assistant coach) Justin (Luttrell) was those people probably think I’m an idiot because he showed he could do it,” Luttrell said. “Will has such a good arm and is so smart in his decisions and he can flat out run the football. He will have some ups and downs since this is the first he’s played there. You will see that in some games, but if he’s on look out.” Even though he’s a standout pitcher in the spring, Varner could end up playing See DRAGONS | 3
FOOTBALL PREVIEW
Harlan Daily Enterprise
Dragons From page 2 football in college. “The coach at UVA-Wise came over and asked about him and said he never thought he’d say the best quarterback here today was from Harlan. He asked if anyone was talking to him,” Luttrell said. Ledford shifts to receiver, a position he played very well on occasion in middle school. Ledford has been out of action since the end of basketball season after undergoing surgery on his wrist. He will likely miss the first two games as he recovers from surgery, but Luttrell expects him to make an immediate impact at receiver when he returns. “My opinion is he could be the best receiver in this part of the state,” he said. “He’s got that kind of potential. He has good length at 6-2, and he runs well and jumps well. I’m anxious to get him back. He will be a big asset for us.” Caleb Adkins, also a senior, provides another big play threat at receiver. He caught a team-high 15 passes for 311 yards as a sophomore, but dropped to only two catches last year when limited to six games due to injuries. “He’s extremely quick and runs great routes. He’s one of the best competitors we have. When the lights go on he takes it to another level,” Luttrell said. Luttrell has three options for the other two receiver spots, including senior tight end Tate Bryson, senior receiver Jarrett McKenzie and junior Jon Eldridge, who could play either spot. “We have good athleticism and speed in that group and guys like Tate Bryson who are sure-handed and can catch anything,” Luttrell said. “It’s as good a
group of receivers as I can remember.” John Brady Brock, a senior who rushed for a team-high 765 yards last season, is back as the Dragons’ primary ball carrier. “John Brady had a couple of big runs in our scrimmage (a win over Betsy Layne). If he gets through the line of scrimmage, people better watch out because he has speed,” Luttrell said. “He is seeing the field a lot better this year. He made some good cuts in our scrimmage.” Sophomore Ethan Clem, who rushed for 217 yards last season, and junior Jacob Howard, who rushed for 162 yards before leaving the team, will share time at the other running back spot, with Clem also seeing action at receiver after his four catches last year ranked second on the squad. “Jacob is a big, strong kid who works hard. He will help us in games where we need to be able to run the ball and run the clock,” Luttrell said. “Ethan is so versatile. He has good hands and is very quick. He has a lot of natural ability and sees the field well.” Harlan will feature an experienced offensive front with four players back who started at least part of the season. Franklin Davis, a senior right guard, and Garrett Begley, a senior left tackle, are being counted as the anchors of the line. “Franklin is one of the strongest kids on the team and one of the key individuals for us to have success. He has to have a good year and be a leader,” Luttrell said. “Garrett came in about 205 after being around 240 last year. He looks good and moves real well. Overall, he’s probably our best offensive linemen with his technique and feet. I think
Saturday, August 25, 2018 3
HARLAN SCHEDULE Aug. 17 at Floyd Central Aug. 24 at Paintsville Aug. 31 Thomas Walker, Va. Sept. 7 Middlesboro Sept. 14 Magoffin County
Sept. 21 Jenkins Oct. 5 at Williamsburg Oct. 12 Lynn Camp Oct. 19 Pineville Oct. 26 at South Laurel
Good Luck All Teams! Jeff Wilder, Administrator
19101 N. U.S. 119 Cumberland, Kentucky 40823
Ph. 606-589-5421 Fax. 606-589-2097
tct35-admin@tricitiesnursing.com www.tricitiesnursing.com
Harlan County Black Bears
See DRAGONS | 6
J&J FENCING AND POOLS
Harlan Independent Green Dragons
1770 US Hwy. 119, Smokey Ridge, KY 40873
606-573-7665 (POOL)
NEXT TO BALL HEATING & AIR SUSAN TAYLOR, OWNER
Good Luck All Teams
573-1202 mbcbank.com
4 Saturday, August 25, 2018
FOOTBALL PREVIEW
Harlan Daily Enterprise
Black Bears hoping to rebuild on the run
HARLAN COUNTY
Team members include, from left, front row: Jacob Middleton, Donovan Simmons, Layne Jones, Troy Barton, Allen Caudill, Luke Caudill, manager Trey Creech, Ethan Caldwell, Jonathan Langford, Matt Brown, Dalton Johnson, Brayden Simpson, Andrew Johnson and Josh Caudill; second row: trainer Carlye Whitaker, trainer Dana Mills, coaches Needham Saylor, Denny Farmer, Ed Creech, Eddie Creech, B.J. Burkhart, Justin Curry, Chad Wood, Jeff Branson and trainer Jessica Caudill; third row: Hunter Crain, Noah Saylor, Zack Potter, Jayden Ward, Nick Day, Juan Bynum, Hunter Blevins, Justin Caudill, Benjamin Lewis, Nathan Shepherd and Blake Biggs; fourth row: J Harris, Cameron Smitty, Gage Caudill, Jacob Bailey, Cade Middleton, Matthew Bailey, Bobby Owens, Austin Caudill, Josh Turner, Nick Helton, Tyler Casolari and Tanner Jordan; fifth row: Timothy Bailey, Triston Cochran, Eli Lewis, Demarco Hopkins, Gavin Ewald, Cullen Whitaker, Garry Henson, Jacob Wilson, Billy Fields, Lucas Holbrook and Dalton Johnson; back row: Cody Clayborn, Andrew Hoskins, Hunter Helton, Kobe Burkhart, Chase Day, Robbie Blevins, Jacob Smith, Brett Roark, Landon Perkins, Elisha Smallwood, Bradley Wilson and Alex Hamilton. (John Henson | Daily Enterprise) By John Henson Sports Editor
With one of eastern Kentucky’s toughest schedules awaiting his Black Bears, coach Eddie Creech knows Harlan County’s level of mental toughness will go a long way in determining success or failure in 2018. Despite a 1-4 start last year, a senior-dominated Harlan County squad never lost faith and finished strong with an 8-6 mark that included five straight wins and the program’s third Class 5A regional championship, closing with a heartbreaking loss at Madison Southern in the state semifinals. With the same schedule in front of his Bears this
season, Creech is anxious to see how a sophomore-dominated version of the squad responds to hard times, especially after losing 18 of 22 starters to graduation and returning quarterback Colby Cochran to a knee injury. “The key for us is how well these kids handle adversity,” Creech said. “Not everyone gets up after they get knocked down. I’m anxious to see how they will react when things don’t go their way. It’s easy to ride high on the mountain. I want to see how they react when we face a valley or two.” Harlan County will open on the road at Ashland Blazer, a team that made it to the 4A quarterfinals last season and
with a grudge to settle after a loss at HCHS a year ago. Non-district games against Hazard, Tates Creek, Knox Central and Wayne County follow before the district schedule begins. Ashland, Wayne and Knox are all ranked among the top 10 teams in 4A and Hazard is near the top in Class A. “It will be a process for us, and we knew that coming into the year. You can’t rush experience. We have to be patient,” Creech said. “Our eyes are on where we will be when North Laurel comes across that bridge for the first game of the district.” The only two starters back on offense are on the line where senior Luke Hol-
brook shifts from guard and junior Elisha Smallwood returns at tackle. “I think we have a lot of good football players on this team, but Elisha probably has the highest ceiling of anyone. He’s mean, he’s nasty and keeps getting bigger and stronger,” Creech said. “Luke’s size and strength have improved so much that I think he can be an anchor on that right side. Luke will probably be our leader up front.” Candidates to replace Noah Wood at center are junior Noah Saylor and sophomore Brett Roark. “Noah is one of our strongest kids in the weight room. He shows up every day See BEARS | 5
Harlan Daily Enterprise
Bears From page 4 and doesn’t say a lot, but I think he can be a very physical player for us,” Creech said. “Brett studies the game and does what you tell him to do. As he continues to get bigger and stronger, I think he can really help us.” Sophomore Kobe Burkhart and senior Billy Fields are the probable new starters at the guards. “Kobe is known for his defense, but I think if he bought into the offensive side of the ball he could be an all-state offensive lineman,” Creech said. “Billy started some games for us last year. He’s increased his strength and is one of the smartest players we have on the field.” Senior tackle Robbie Blevins and junior guard Alex Hamilton are also pushing for starting jobs on an offensive front that Creech says will likely be crucial to the Bears’ success this year. “The key to our run last year was the offensive and defensive lines,” he said. “I think if these guys continue to jell, that front five, we might be able to make another run.” Creech has a number of options for the three running backs slots, led by senior fullback Garry Henson, who was third on the squad last year with 305 yards rushing. Sophomore Matt Brown is expected to be the Bears’ top playmaker at one running back, while junior Tyler Casolari provides a mixture of speed and power at the other. “Going into the season, I think the most obvious big-play threat for us is Brown, due to his speed and ability to break tackles,” Creech said. Josh Turner, Hunter Blevins and Demarco Hopkins, all sophomores, will see action at fullback. Ben Landis and Blake Biggs will back up Brown, while Jacob Bailey and Patrick Bynum will see action at the other running back spot behind Casolari. “Running back is probably our deepest position,” Creech said. “We have a good range of big, strong, downhill guys and some shifty, speedy guys. Until the cream rises, it will be a backfield by committee to start the season.” Two sophomores, Gavin Ewald and Tyler Flanary, will get the first shot and
FOOTBALL PREVIEW filling the big shoes of Tyrese Simmons and Devon Rodrigues at the receiver positions. Austin Caudill, a senior, will also see action at receiver. “Gavin shows up every day and works hard. He does whatever he can to get on the field,” Creech said. “Flanary has a great mixture of quickness and speed and runs as good a routes as anybody we’ve ever had at this school. Quarterback has been one of Creech’s chief concerns in the preseason after Cochran suffered a knee injury in spring practice. J Harris, a junior who served as the junior varsity quarterback last year, is the frontrunner at this point. Sophomore Cody Clayborne, the freshman team quarterback last year, could also see action, along with junior Jacob Wilson, a transfer from Harlan. Creech has also been impressed by freshman Cade Middleton. Chase Day, a junior, has also been in the mix. “Any time you lose your starting quarterback before the season starts, and he just led you to the region championship, it’s not a good thing,” Creech said. “But we are blessed to have two guys back who have been with us and worked all spring in Jay and Cody. We picked up Jake Wilson and ( freshman) Cade Middleton as the summer went on, and it’s a good competition. I think competition will breed success.” Henson, back for his fourth year as a starter, is the only regular returning on the HCHS defense at linebacker. “Garry is the leader of the team. He’s going to have to take on more vocal leadership this year,” Creech said. “He’s accepted that role and he knows they will march to his lead.” Three sophomores are expected to join Henson in the linebacking corps, with Blevins and Turner on the outside and Burkhart on the inside. “I think Hunter knew he had to increase his strength since he had a chance to play a lot this year, and he did that. He ended up being one of our strongest guys by the spring. We’re excited to get Josh back ( from an ACL injury). He’s a lot like his brother, David. They are just great kids. I know he’s hungry to get back on the field, and he’s one of the smartest players out there,” Creech said. “Kobe’s physical traits are not too far off Carson Whitehead (Harlan County’s all-time See BEARS | 7
Saturday, August 25, 2018 5
HARLAN COUNTY SCHEDULE Aug. 18 at Ashland Blazer Aug. 24 Hazard Aug. 31 at Tates Creek Sept. 7 at Knox Central Sept. 14 Wayne County
Sept. 21 North Laurel Sept. 28 at Letcher Central Oct. 12 Whitley County Oct. 19 at Perry Central Oct. 26 Bell County
Doing right by you because we live right by you. 108 Walnut St. | Harlan, KY 40831 606-573-4575 | Roger.Fannin@kyfb.com
GOOD LUCK TO ALL TEAMS!
QUANTUM HEALTH CARE
CUMBERLAND 606.589.5514
606.589.5514
Good Luck ALL TEAMS! JIM RODDY
Magistrate district 4
Thanks for your Support !
ter leaving the squad late last season. “He’s big and strong with great feet. When he uses the ability he has, there’s not a lot of people in our class who can handle him, on either side of the ball,” Luttrell said. “If we can keep him mentally focused and doing what he’s capable of doing, he could be a difference maker in a couple of games for us.” Ethan Shepherd, a freshman, and Brayden Shanks, a sophomore, are sharing time at left guard. “Brayden could play several positions, including center or tackle. He has really good feet and is one of our mainstays on defense, so we want to rest him a little,” Luttrell said. “Ethan is the strongest kid on the team. He benched 330, squatted 515 and deadlifted 500 during our last max. That is phenomenal for a freshman. He needs to work on his feet a little, but I think he grew up some during our scrimmage the other day.” Wil McCarthy is back at center after moving from tackle last season. “He’s had a real good camp. He’s worked hard,” Luttrell said. “He got his wrist banged up in baseball and we didn’t have him a lot in the offseason, but he’s worked hard in camp. I’m pleased with him.” Improving a defense that gave up over 26 points per game last season is one of the
Harlan Daily Enterprise
FOOTBALL PREVIEW
6 Saturday, August 25, 2018
keys for the Dragons’ success this season. “That will be critical for us to control big playmakers like Cook and Ponder,” Luttrell said. “If you take those two out of the picture, I’d give us a really good shot. If you can keep them in check we have the possibility to compete.” Secondary could be the strength for the unit. Ledford led the squad with 97 tackles last season. McKenzie, who had 45 tackles last year, will take over at safety, with Brock and Adkins on the corners, at least until Ledford returns. Brock could move back to linebacker, if needed. “Jarrett has improved so much with his hands. He ran a pick last night for a touchdown (against Betsy Layne). I’m really pleased with the progress he’s made,” Luttrell said. “John Brady and Caleb can play man coverage or zone coverage. If we play man coverage, we feel comfortable with those two guys.” Howard and Davis will be counted on to provide some size in the middle against the run as the starting tackles. “We expect those two to be a force. They are big and strong and if they do what we think they can they can dominate the inside and keep our linebackers freed up to run to the football,” Luttrell said. “Those two will be
key players for our defense and what we can accomplish there.” Begley will start at one end with sophomore Britt Lawson taking over on the weak side, where Luttrell is counting on him to provide a pass rush threat. “Garrett is versatile and can also play linebacker since he dropped so much weight,” he said. “We’re trying to get a quicker guy outside to do some disrupting. Britt came along during the scrimmage and got a lot better as it progressed. He made some things happen.” Bryson, who had 46 tackles last year, is back at one outside linebacker spot, with Conner Scearse expected to take over on the opposite side. Eldridge could play either side. “Tate is playing a rover and could drop back to safety at times. He has shown he can
handle it,” Luttrell said. “Scearse played corner some last year and has picked it up real well.” Two of the Dragons’ top young defensive players are in the middle as Shanks had 56 tackles last year and Clem added 55 to rank second and third on the team, respectively. Luke Carr, a freshman, will also see action at inside linebacker. “Both of them started last year as freshmen and both of them are headhunters who love contact,” Luttrell said. “Braydon loves the game of football. He just has a good time on the field, and you like to see that passion and love. Ethan has natural instincts. We’re pleased with those two.” Ledford is back as the punter with McKenzie handling kickoffs. See DRAGONS | 8
All Teams BJ BURKHART
Harlan County Jailer and Staff
Chris Jones | Daily Enterprise Will Varner has taken over as Harlan’s quarterback this season after leading the team in receptions last year. Coaches have been impressed with Varner’s arm and his athleticism.
HARVEST WORSHIP CENTER PERSONAL CARE HOME A Non-Profit Personal Care Home Teetersville, KY
HELEN SMITH, ADMINISTRATOR
111 North Main St., Harlan, KY
Sunday Worship 11:30 I Monday Night Prayer 6:00 Wednesday Family Ministries 6:30
Good Luck
169 County Pike Rd., Harlan, KY
606-573-5105
ALL TEAMS
Good Luck All Teams
Pastor, Roland “Bo” Lee and Congregation.
Harlan Daily Enterprise
Bears From page 5 leading tackler and a former all-state linebacker). The difference is his mental approach to the game at this point. If he ever figures out he’s the biggest, baddest dude on the field the sky is the limit for him.” Smallwood and Holbrook will take over as the defensive tackles with sophomore Hunter Helton also expected to see action. “That shows how good we were on the defensive line last year that Lige wasn’t an every-down player for us. With the three guys we lost, he has to take a big role. We know he and Luke have to play both roles, so they have to get in shape,” Creech said. “Luke had a good spring on the D line. He possesses the strength it takes to play there when you just have three guys with their hands in the dirt.” Bradley Wilson, a junior, is expected to start at nose guard, with Blevins also seeing action. “Bradley has worked as hard as anyone to
FOOTBALL PREVIEW get himself in shape and stronger,” Creech said. “I think he sees now the amount of time and effort it takes to land a starting position, and I think he’s hungry to get on the field.” The Bears suffered a big hit in the secondary where all four starters were lost to graduation, including Simmons, a four-year starter. The early favorites at cornerback include Nick Helton, who had an interception last year at Wayne County, and Jacob Bailey. Biggs, a senior who transferred from Boyle County, could work his way into the lineup at cornerback or outside linebacker. “Biggs is a huge pickup for us, transferring from a state championship team,” Creech said. “He brings a lot of aggressiveness.” Patrick Bynum, a first-year senior, could earn a starting job at safety. Ewald, Flanary and Brown are also candidates to start in the secondary. “As a coaching staff, we realize the secondary took probably the biggest hit in graduation,” Creech said. “We realize we See BEARS | 8
Saturday, August 25, 2018 7
GOOD LUCK
Harlan County Clerk
DONNA G. HOSKINS
Paid for by Donna G. Hoskins 607 Martin St., Harlan, KY 40831
ALL TEAMS!
Thanks you for your support.
GOOD LUCK ALL TEAMS!
Kentucky Mine Supply Company Everything You Need In Electrical, Hardware, Mining & Plumbing Supplies
River Street, Harlan, KY (606) 573-3850
Serving Harlan County and Surrounding Areas for over 90 Years!
GOOD LUCK ALL TEAMS
CASH FOR ALL YOUR NEEDS!
“Helping Families Reach New Heights”
2550 W. Hwy. 72, Suite 2 Harlan, KY 40831 • (606) 573-3224 Come By And See Anne Ball And Our Friendly Staff Visit our website at www.heightsfinance.com to fill out an easy online application
Kim Henson | Daily Enterprise Harlan County senior linebacker Garry Henson pressured Corbin quarterback Chase Estep in gridorama action last week. Henson is the top returning tackler and rusher for the Bears, who are coming off a regional championship but must replace all but three starters.
Spay & Neuter s t Your pe
(606)573200 4063Waldon
200 Walden Rd., Harlan, KY
Anne Ball Anne Ball
Rd., Harlan, KY
(606) 573-4063
8 Saturday, August 25, 2018
Harlan Daily Enterprise
FOOTBALL PREVIEW
Bears
Thanks For Choosing Us #1!
From page 7 have to be patient and let them grow as a unit. There are some really nice pieces there, but you can’t rush experience. It will take a few games to get comfortable. I think in the long run we’ll be OK.” After a season in which there was a three-way tie for first at the top of Dis-
Dragons From page 6 Harlan will again open with two tough non-district games, on the road at Floyd Central and Paintsville, and Luttrell says this year’s veteran team should have the maturity to deal with
Harlan Community TV “The Able Cable” since 1953 124 South First Street Harlan, KY
573-2945
trict 8 in 5A, Creech expects another tight race this year with HCHS, Whitley County and North Laurel all rebuilding and Perry Central and Letcher Central expected to be improved. “I think this district is absolutely wide open, and that’s not coach talk,” he said. “Any one of the five teams could win the district this year. It comes down to execution, staying healthy and playing as a team.”
adversity. “I felt good going into the season last year and we started 0-4, but I think it’s a little different this year, and I think it’s that senior class with guys who have been here for four years,” he said. “Some of them have started since they were freshmen. They know what it’s like to win and they know what it takes.”
www.harlandaily.com Coca Cola would like to wish you a Safe and Successful year! GO TEAM!
Serving the Harlan Area Cable TV • Internet + 4MB Telephone Service
Middlesboro Coca-Cola Bottling Works Inc. 1324 Cumberland Ave. Middlesboro Ky 40965 www.mccbw.com 606-248-2660