2 Wednesday, August 21, 2019
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Taking another shot at high school pigskin prognostications Players and coaches have come and gone over the last four decades of football, but my attempt at prognostication perfection carries on for the 35th straight summer as I share my thoughts on what to expect this upcoming season. Some years have been better than others, but you can always count on making someone mad when you make predictions. Some coaches through the years took offense when I picked their team to have a bad season, including the coach who kept count through the season with his postgame comments, noting when his team matched my win total for the year, then exceeded it, by one game, then two, then three… Some coaches took offense when I picked them to do well, going back to the late 1980s after the opening game at Bell County when Cawood coach Jim Cullivan made it clear he thought I was putting too much pressure on his Trojans. The thing to remember is that it’s nothing personal and it doesn’t mean I want a local team to lose because I pick against them. It’s an honest look at what I expect. Middlesboro sports editor John Dunn shares his predictions on the Bell County teams. Harlan County (7-3) A tough non-district schedule has played a big part in slow starts for the Bears the past several years, even though Harlan County rebounded to win a regional title in 2017 and a district
championship in 2018. The early problems don’t appear to be as likely this year with fewer powerhouses on the schedule. Harlan County already has one win to its credit with a forJohn Henson feit victory over HarColumnist lan due to the Dragons’ struggles to field a team in summer workouts. A trip to Hazard the second week should go a long way in determining if the Bears are improved. Harlan County lost to Hazard the last two years, but I expect a win this time around. The Bears should have a fairly easy time in their home opener against Martin County, a school formerly known as Sheldon Clark. A home game the following week against Knox Central will provide another tough test. The Panthers have dominated the series in recent years. I expect the game to be closer this time, but I will have to stay with the Panthers. Harlan County hasn’t had much luck lately against Wayne County either, and I will stick with the Cardinals again, even though it appears the Bears match up much better than in previous years. Harlan County will travel to Clay County in Week 6 and should leave with a win before opening its district slate the following week against Letcher Central. I expect the Bears to beat Letcher before falling to Johnson Central. I’ll take the Bears at home against Perry Central and then in a slight upset at Bell County to close the regular season.
Harlan (3-7) Heavy graduation losses and low numbers make this a very challenging season for first-year coach Eric Perry and the Dragons, who start John Henson 0-1 with a forfeit loss Columnist to Harlan County. The Week 2 game against Berea is crucial because the Pirates are traditionally one of the state’s worst teams and a loss would be a bad sign for what’s to come. I’ll take the Dragons in that one, but I’ll go with an improving Phelps the following week. A game the following week at Thomas Walker, Va., is also very winnable, and I’ll pick Harlan even though Thomas Walker won there two years ago. A game Sept. 20 at Middlesboro will match two rebuilding teams. The Dragons have held their own in recent years against the Jackets, but I’ll give the edge
to Middlesboro at home. Harlan should bounce back the following week at home against Jenkins, a team the Dragons have dominated for quite a while. The Dragons’ district schedule opens Oct. 11 against a powerhouse Williamsburg team that should roll to another district title. Harlan will have a much better chance the following two weeks against Lynn Camp and Pineville, but being on the road both weeks could be too much for the Dragons to overcome. Harlan will close the season at home against a pretty good Leslie County squad that should find a way to win. ——— Last season was my first year covering the student-athletes of Bell County, Pineville and Middlesboro. I saw a lot of wonderful athletes play with intensity, effort and heart. Since last season, a lot has changed in the way football looks around here. Pineville now has Randy Frazier as head coach, Middlesboro now has Larry See PIGSKINS | 14
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4 Wednesday, August 21, 2019
Bobcats look to build off last season’s success The Bobcats open the 2019 season on Aug. 24 at Danville against Collins, in the Bob Allen Pigskin Classic with kickoff at 6 p.m. The Bobcats switched districts after the 2018 season, joining district five along with, Estill County, Garrard County, Jackson County, McCreary Central and Rockcastle County. After an 11-2 campaign in 2018 with both losses coming to Corbin, coach Hilton and the Bobcats are focused on working hard in preparation of the 2019 season. “I think we have a great group of hard working young men that give everything they’ve got every time we take the field for practice, a scrimmage or a game.” I’m really proud of the way we have worked over the summer. We are going to continue to work hard and do everything we can to be ready for the upcoming season.” ”They’re working hard and working as a team,“ said Hilton. “We’re focused on getting better every day and growing on our strengths, while getting rid of our weaknesses.” Last season the Bobcats found an immense amount of success on the ground, which skewed their passing numbers. On the season in 2018, the Bobcats gained 844 yard of passing offense, along with 4,408 yards rushing, with two rushers carrying for over 1,000 yards all while averaging 45.4 points per game. “London (Stephney) has done a wonderful job at getting ready for the season,” said Hilton. “He has been working extra on his own time, and you can see it paying off. His arm has gotten better over the summer, and he has the speed to go with it. He’s a senior this year and we’re looking for a big season out of him.” Stephney accounted for 2,000 yards of total offense last season, with 1,200~ yards on the ground and 850~ yards through the air. Stephney was one of two 1,00 yard rushers for Bell County in 2018. (Frazier) Bell County’s wide receivers benefited from the success on the ground last season, and return leading receiver Jason Jones, who lead Bell County with
Jay Compton | Pineville Sun
The Bell County Bobcats 2019 Football Team
561 yards receiving last season and 10 touchdown receptions.” “We’ve been getting a lot of good work in at receiver,” said Hilton. “Jason (Jones) is one of those guys who has a big frame and nice speed to go with it that can go up and get the ball. We are expecting big things out of him and the rest of our receivers this season.” Last season on defense, the Bobcats totaled 836 tackles as a team, including 54 sacks, 12 forced fumbles and six interceptions. Bell County returns three of their top five tackle leaders in: Hunter Bailey, Caleb LeFevers and Tyson Thomas. “You’ve got to be able to hold your opponent,” said Hilton. “A lot of football players don’t realize how important defense is these days. You could score 100 points a game, but if you’re allowing 101, you’re still losing football games. I feel like our defense has been working hard and will be ready for the upcoming
season.” On special teams, the Bobcats will rely on receiver Jason Jones to kick the PATs and will rely on various players to help in the return game. “Jason (Jones) did a good job of kicking the extra points for us last season,” said Hilton. “He will probably do a lot of kicking for us this season. I think he only missed one all of last year, and we are hoping he can maintain that consistency for us.” The Bobcats worked hard all summer in passing leagues and camps. “We’re just trying to do whatever it takes to win football games,” said Hilton. “The guys have worked hard. We had a good summer going to passing leagues and things like that.” “It really benefited us to play against some of these bigger schools. To not only compete with them, but to defeat them, was really big for us. It builds confidence and helps the players to play better.”
“We’ve made the effort to be where we are at and hopefully it pays off. Right now, we are just focusing on the first game and taking it from there.” The Bobcats will not be squaring off against in-county rival Middlesboro this season. According to maxpreps.com, Bell County and Middlesboro are knotted up at 71-71 head-to-head across all varsity sports, both male and female. “It’s one of those games that everyone circles on their schedules,” said Hilton. “It’s one of those games that the whole county is excited about. It helps make a lot of money for both schools also. These big rivalry games do a lot for the community by keeping everyone interested.” “I’m not sure why the game isn’t being played this year, but we have 10 teams on our schedule that we have to be ready for, starting with Collins on Aug. 24,” said Hilton. See BOBCATS | 5
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Anthony Cloud | Daily News London Stephney races toward the goal line during a two-point attempt against Middlesboro in last year’s season-opener. He returns for his senior year with the Bobcats.
Bobcats From page 4 “I know that coach French is working hard with his team and making sure they’re ready for the upcoming season. Even though we aren’t going against each other this season, I’ve been coaching against Larry (French) for a long time. He does a great job, and there’s no doubt in my mind that he will do a great job at Middlesboro. We are going to focus on getting better and being ready for the season, no matter who is on the schedule.” A lot of excitement surrounds the Bell County football program every year. With their history of success and continuity of success, community interest
stays very high. Hilton appreciates the interest from the community year in and year out. “I’m very thankful to the community for the showing of support every year,” said Hilton. “It not only means a lot to me, but the team as well.” Aug 24, 19 Collins (at Danville) - Bob Allen Pigskin Classic Aug 30, 19 Knox Central home Short-Redmond Auto Group Pride of the Mountains Sep 6, 19 South Laurel away Sep 27, 19 McCreary Central away Oct 4, 19 Rockcastle County home Oct 11, 19 Garrard County home Oct 18, 19 Jackson County away Oct 25, 19 Estill County away Nov 1, 19 Harlan County home
Anthony Cloud | Daily News Bell County’s Hunter Bailey (5) and Brant Hoskins (10) bring down a Pike Central runner during last year’s game.
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Black Bears hoping to turn their potential into more wins By John Henson Sports Editor With his Black Bears possessing a potentially lethal mixture of size, speed and experience not seen since the early days of the program, Harlan County coach Eddie Creech has offered a warning several times during summer workouts. “I’ve seen teams try live off potential instead of rolling up their sleeves up and getting to work and trying to live up to that,” Creech said. “Even though we’re coming off a district championship, we’re trying to keep the kids grounded. You still have to out there and get in shape. You have to be efficient on offense and stingy on defense. To do those things you have to do your job. We’ve tried to keep it simple for the kids. Football is one play at a time and you have to focus on one game at a time. I think they know they have to earn everything this year. Nothing will be given to them.” Harlan County brings back 16 of 22 starters from a district championship team that advanced to the second round of the 5A playoffs before falling to Southwestern. The Bears started 0-4 but won four of the next six, including a playoff victory over South Laurel. “Offensively, we have to have a better mix as far as a run-pass ratio,” said Creech. “I think we’ll get that this year if we can keep our quarterbacks healthy. We need some continuity between our quarterback and receivers.” The Bears have had a battle at quarterback in the summer as both Jacob Wilson and Cody Clayborn saw action as a starter last season. “We had four different starters at quarterback last year and three different quarterbacks who won district games. We’ve had a battle at quarterback every year since I’ve been a head coach. We’ll use the two scrimmages to find a starter, then I will stick with it. We’re not going to Hazard and flip flop our quarterbacks,” Creech said. “Jake has some moxie. He is a very confident kid on the field and brings a positive energy. Cody has the size and arm strength and came in last year and led us to a district championship and a playoff win.”
Harlan County
Team members include, from left, front row: Josh Caudill, Jacob Middleton, Luke Carr, Isaac Downs, Gage Caudill, Riley Mefford, Josh Sergent, Connor Ward, Dakota Turner and Jared Brock; second row: managers Lacey Sanders and Carly Whitaker, coaches Jake Middleton, Aaron Jones, Mark Doss, B.J. Burkhart, Scotty Bailey, Ed Creech, Eddie Creech, Denny Farmer, Jeff Branson, Robbie Blevins, Needham Saylor, Nick Bray, Chad Wood and Asteria Steele; third row: Matt Brown, Jonathan Langford, Andrew Johnson, Jacob Brown, Bradley Young, Steven Fee, Ethan Kinder, Tanner Griffin, Chuck Blackshire, Gavon Spurlock, Camara Fields, Ethan Caldwell, Noah Saylor and Ben Landis; fourth row: Lake Caudill, Donovan Simmons, Triston Cochran, Zack Potter, Cameron Smiddy, Austin Roark, Ethan Shepherd, Justin Meyers, Alex Hamilton, Billy Fields, Jacob Bailey, Hunter Crain, Jayden Ward, Hunter Penny and Tyler Flanary; fifth row: Josh Swanner, Josh Turner, Gavin Ewald, Seth Robinson, Demarco Hopkins, Christian Boggs, Cullen Whitaker, Hunter Helton, Eli Lewis, Cade Middleton, Tyler Casolari and Brayden Shanks; sixth row: Jacob Wilson, Timothy Bailey, Cody Clayborn, Justin Brown, Jordan Steele, Brett Roark, Landon Perkins, Jacob Smith, Elisha Smallwood, Bradley Wilson, Bobby Owens, Ethan Collins and Alex Nantz. Finding a balance has been the focus of the Bears’ offense during the spring and summer. “We’ve spent a lot of the spring and summer on play action because teams know we like to ground and pound, but we found out last year if we don’t have the ability to throw the ball teams will load up the box,” Creech said. “My goal is to be at least 70-30 run pass to keep people honest. We hope to find more consistency throwing the ball this year.” The Bears will be big and physical on the offensive front, led by junior left tackle Jordan Steele (), a potential Division I recruit who made an immediate impact in his first season with the Bears following a year in Georgia. “He has as much talent as anyone we have up front,” Creech said. “He has great feet and a football IQ. He is very aggressive. We moved him around a lot last year and we’ll do that again.”
Bradley Wilson, a senior, returns at right tackle. “He’s one of the nicest kids you could meet, but between the lines he is one of the nastiest players I’ve ever coached,” Creech said. “He’s very physical and it’t not uncommon for him to pick up two or three blocks in one play. There was one play last year where he pancaked a kid, then waited for him to get him and then pancaked him again.” Senior Noah Saylor is back for his second season as a starter at center. “Our whole offense runs around the center position. Noah gives us some experience up front,” Creech said. “He’s a weight room guy who has got his body strong and is built to play the game.” Hunter Helton, a junior who played tight end last year, appears to have the edge at left guard. Ethan Collins, a sophomore, will also see action at guard. Billy Fields, a senior, returns at right guard.
“Left guard has been up in the air the most over the summer workouts. Hunter is a big, strong kid. When he wants to play, he’s hard to handle on both sides of the ball,” Creech said. “Billy gives us some experience there. He is one of the hardest working kids we have. He is also very humble and just shows up every day and goes to work.” Elisha Smallwood, a senior, and Brett Roark, a junior, will start at the tight end. “We have two dandies at tight end. Lige is a four-year starter, which is uncommon in 4A or 5A football. Brett is working his way back from an injury. They are both good blockers,” Creech said. “Roark is showing he can catch it, and Lige had some big catches for us last year and had a great summer in seven-on-seven.” Cameron Smiddy and Justin Brown, both seniors, will see action at receiver, along with junior Tyler Flanary. See BEARS | 7
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Bears From page 6 “Cameron is a strong kid who is willing to do what you ask him to do. Justin is just a natural who had a great summer in his first season with us,” Creech said. Demarco Hopkins and Josh Turner, both juniors, will see action at fullback. Hopkins had an impressive first season with the Bears and could get more carries this year. Braydon Shanks, a junior who transferred from Harlan, will give the Bears another option at fullback. “Demarco really dedicated his off-season to changing his body and he lost about 20 pounds. He will also seem some action at tailback,” Creech said. “Braydon is a big and physical kid who reminds me of Ethan Baird. He knows he’s coming in there as a battering ram and accepts that role.” Senior running backs Benjamin Landis and Tyler Casolari lead a deep group of running backs. Landis, with 759 yards rushing on 118 carries, and Casolari, with 562 yards on 121 carries, are both expected to push for 1,000-yard rushing seasons.
“Ben and Tyler have a lot of the same traits. They kind of flew under the radar last year but had breakout seasons,” Creech said. “They are both hard-nosed kids who get downhill. Both have lost some weight and increased their speed.” Jacob Bailey, a senior, and Matt Brown, a junior, will also fill important roles in the backfield. “Jacob has really put in the time in the weight room and has improved and picked up some speed. He could play anywhere from wide receiver to halfback to tailback,” Creech said. “Matt is kind of our wildcard. He was the difference for us in two big district games last year. His ability catch the ball and get to the edge is a weapon. He will move him around to try to get him in space.” The Black Bears’ defense lost linebacker Garry Henson, the leading tackler the last three years, but most of the other key players on defense return, including Smallwood at end. “Lige will make us go on both sides of the ball. He is kind of our emotional leader and the kids kind of feed off his energy,” Creech said. “He plays the strong end in See BEARS | 15
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Green Dragons moving forward after challenging off-season By John Henson Sports Editor It’s not been the easiest of off-seasons for the Harlan High School football program. With 13 of 22 starters gone from last year’s 4-7 team, first-year coach Eric Perry knew he had his work cut out for him when he took the job in the spring. The summer brought a decision to drop a two-game series against crosstown rival Harlan County when only 15 players showed up for the opening two weeks of practice. “There was some disappointment, but I think we’ve put that behind us and are moving forward,” Perry said. “We have to focus on our season. We have to get better every game and try to peak at the right time. We’ll know we’ll take some lumps, but I think we’ll be in a position to dish some out too. You can’t get too high when things are going well and too low when things aren’t. We have to keep that mentality.” Harlan shifts to a spread offense this year with juniors Connor Scearse and Ethan Clem taking over as the leaders of the unit following the graduation of Kilian Ledford and Will Varner. Perry likes the way the Dragons have adapted to the new offense. “I’m trying to simplify things as much as possible. It really has come together,” Perry said. “I think the kids have really taken to it and see a lot of people can touch the ball in what we do.” Clem ranked third on the team in rushing last year with 199 yards on 29 carries. He will carry the ball much more as a junior. “Ethan is a hard-nosed runner with deceptive speed,” Perry said. “He will also see some action in the slot.” Juan Bynum and Britt Lawson will also see action in the backfield, both in the wishbone and one-back sets. Scearse replaces Varner at quarterback and will be counted on to provide a dual threat. Shane Lindsey will also see action at quarterback and receiver. “He’s a little raw at quarterback, but he has really taken to this offense and is showing a lot of leadership,” Perry said. “He has a great arm but he doesn’t mind to run it. He is just like another running back who can throw.” Jon Eldridge is the most experienced receiver on the roster at tight end, where he
Harlan
John Henson | Harlan Enterprise
Team members include, from left, front row: Jacob Surber, Jesse Whitehead, Jordan Howard, Wil McCarthy, Will Howard, Jacob Howard and Jon Eldridge; second row: Connor Scearse, Britt Lawson, Jeremiah Mills, Shane Lindsey, Evan Browning, Isaiah Hall, Jon Lewis and Dylan Middleton; third row: R.W. Sanford, Ethan Clem, Juan Bynum, Hunter Dixon and Jared Eldridge; back row: coaches Jon Lundy, Robbie Asher, Petie Dean and Eric Perry. will be joined by senior Jacob Howard, who shifts from running back. “I feel really good about our two tight ends. Jon is a weapon we have to use. I think our kids are seeing that. We can split him out and he can make plays. He is fast and has great hands and can jump. We have to get him the ball any chance we get. He can be a huge weapon for us,” Perry said. “Jacob has made the transition very well. He has really taken to it.” Jeremiah Mills and Evan Browning are expected to take over as the wide receivers, an inexperienced unit with Ledford and Caleb Adkins graduating after accounting for 56 of 67 receptions a year ago. “Jeremiah has good speed with length. I didn’t realize how fast he was. He can be a weapon for us,” Perry said. “Evan has a great attitude and works hard. He has good hands and runs good routes. They all have to be able to block because we want to be able to run the football.” An improved offensive line is the key to the success of this year’s offense, according to Perry. “Our offensive line play has to get a whole lot better. That’s our Achilles heel right now,” Perry said. “That is a big key for the
improvement of this team. Jordan Howard, a 6-2, 270-pound senior, will be counted on as the leader of the unit from his left tackle spot. “Jordan is probably the most gifted lineman I have,” Perry said. “He’s a big kid who moves really well and is extremely strong. A lot of kids rally behind him. I’m expecting big things from Jordan.” Will Howard, also a senior, has moved in at right tackle after a two-year absence from football. “He’s probably improved his conditioning more than anyone we have,” Perry said. “He’s a very smart kid. He hasn’t been in the weight room that much, so he has to do things right to be successful.” Wil McCarthy, a 6-2, 260-pound senior, is the only other returning starter on the offensive line at center. “Wil is a very good leader. He’s very positive and works really hard,” Perry said. There are several candidates for the two open guard spots, led by sophomore Hunter Dixon, senior Jacob Surber and junior Isaiah Hall. “They aren’t real big, but they all move well. I’ve seen a lot of improvement from Hunter,” Perry said. “Surber just needs con-
fidence. He has the tools to help us. Isaiah gives us really good effort.” Defense has always been Perry’s specialty and he says this year’s unit will have to provide a spark for an inexperienced offense. “I think if we can get better defensively it will carry over to us offensively,” he said. “Rarely do you see it the other way. That is what we’re really focusing on, and I think the kids have bought into that. “They have to be good tacklers, and we’re making some strides there. We’ve come a long way. I feel we have some good team speed there. I really like what I’m seeing right now. It all goes back to learning how to play full speed.” Perry is counting on an experienced group of linebackers, led by Scearse and Britt Lawson on the outside and Clem on the inside, to lead the defense. “The film I’ve watched, Connor did some real good things on defense last year. He has gotten a lot bigger and stronger,” Perry said. “Britt isn’t a real big kid, but he doesn’t care to throw his body around. He has good strength and he runs well. We have to put them all in position to make plays.” See DRAGONS | 9
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Wednesday, August 21, 2019 9
Harlan schedule
Dragons From page 8 Clem was second on the team in tackles last year with 40 and will be counted on for another big season. “Ethan will be our leader on defense. He’s a good tackler who runs well and does what you ask,” Perry said. “He packs a punch.” Dixon, Hall and Surber are the leading candidates at the other inside linebacker spot. Jordan Howard is the only starter back on the defensive front at tackle. “He’s really finding what we are looking for in defense. We don’t have anyone who can block him,” said Perry. “I really like how he has come along. We can move him around. I look for great things from him.” McCarthy is a leading candidate at the other tackle, with senior Jesse Whitehead and sophomore Jon Lewis also in the mix. Jacob Howard moves from linebacker to nose guard and has impressed the coaching staff with his performance. “He has good feet and will be a key player for that group,” Perry said. “He played some linebacker, but we feel with his foot speed he can help us more down there. Our defense revolves around nose guard.” Mills and Juan Bynum give the Dragons a pair of playmakers at cornerback. Mills had four interceptions in a scrimmage against Lynn Camp and has impressed Perry with his speed. Bynum, a transfer from Harlan County, is quickly learning a new system. “I feel really good about our corners. They have really good speed and both are picking up on our coverages,” Perry said. “Sometimes Juan wants to do his own thing. When he does what we want him to do he’s pretty good. Mills is long and hard to throw at. He’s a heady kid who can run all day. Mills and Britt Lawson are full-go all the time.”
Aug. 23 – at Harlan County (L, forfeit) Aug. 30 – Berea Sept. 6 – Phelps Sept. 13 – at Thomas Walker, Va. Sept. 20 – at Middlesboro Sept. 27 – Jenkins Oct. 4 – Open Oct. 11 – Williamsburg Oct 18 – at Lynn Camp Oct. 25 – at Pineville Nov. 1 - Leslie County Eldridge, at 6-4, gives the Dragons one of the region’s tallest safeties following a move from end. “I think I threw some of our coaches for a loop when I said I thought Jon would be a good safety,” Perry said. “He has good speed and can jump and will be hard to throw over.” Lindsey, a junior, is expected to start at the other safety. “He will knock your block off,” Perry said. “He is a lot like his uncles, Ryland and Will Pope, with how hard he plays.” Four-time defending champ Williamsburg is the heavy favorite in this year’s District 8 race. Harlan is much like Lynn Camp and Pineville, with all three in different stages of rebuilding. “I think it’s obvious Williamsburg is the favorite,” Perry said. “I couldn’t tell you two through four. I have no clue.” Perry is setting high goals for the program, including the first regional championship in school history. “We haven’t talked a lot about our district. We have talked about whether we’re OK with mediocre or do we want to compete for regional championships,” Perry said. “I’m not thinking about district championships. I want us to be focused on the bigger picture. District championships are great, but regional championships are a lot better.”
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French hopes for quick turnaround in first year with Jackets By John Dunn Sports Editor
A clean slate has been established for the Middlesboro Yellow Jackets for the 2019 season. After a 2018 campaign in which the Yellow Jackets went 1-10, firstyear head coach Larry French is hoping for a quick turnaround in his inaugural year. “I came here because I like to be challenged,” French said, “and I’ve certainly got a challenge ahead of me. If we can get the players, the parents and the community as whole to buy in to what we’re trying to do, there’s not a doubt in my mind that we will win our fair share of ball games.” French, who was introduced as the new Middlesboro head coach earlier in the year, ranks sixth in Kentucky history in overall wins with a record of 312-159, including two state championships in his 40 years of coaching. At his last stop at Southwestern High School in Somerset, French’s teams went 47-17 in five seasons, including three district titles and four regional championship games. French has yet to name a starting quarterback for the 2019 season, but says that both players that are competing for the spot are pushing each other to be better. “We’ve got two right now,” said French. “Both Eric and Taveon are working hard right now. One day, one looks good, the other day the other one looks good. They’re pushing each other to be better by competing for the spot.” Last season, the Yellow Jackets struggled through the air, amassing only 400 yards of passing offense and two passing touchdowns, averaging only 36.5 yards passing per game. “It’s still up in the air on which one we are going to start,” said French. “They both have good features that you look for in a starting quarterback. Taveon can run the ball a little bit, which helps open up our offense. Eric has an understanding of the offense, and probably has a little better of an arm. “They’re both young and they’ve got some learning to do, but they make up for what little deficiencies they have
Photo | Danny Vaughn
The Middlesboro Yellow Jackets 2019 Football Team
with their work ethic. They’re both great young men and very hard workers.” Along with woes at the quarterback position last season, Middlesboro struggled at the receiver position. With both leading receivers, Sebastian Wagoner and Alex Mason graduating last season, French will be looking to athleticism at receiver to help move the ball this season. “Jabari Kyle is a senior that we have on the team this year,” said French. “He hasn’t played organized football in a long time, he’s still learning a little bit, but he goes up and gets the football real well. He has a lot of speed and a good skill-set, as well as a nose for the ball. We look for good things out of him this season.” “We’ve got Jay Tyler who has some good size to him,” said French. “He’s only a sophomore and we need to be patient with him sometimes. Sometimes he looks like a veteran out there, and other times he looks like a rookie. He’s learning and gives us a great effort and will probably play on both sides of the ball for us.” “We’ve got ‘E’ (Zach Evans) out there, who has good hands and works real hard,” said French. “We’ve also got a player in Craig (Brock) who is a good tight end with good hands and a good
skill-set. They’re both great players. We’ve got several guys that can catch the football well, and I think we will be fine at the position.” Allowing 462 total points last season, while scoring only 152, French is looking to develop both the offensive and defensive lines, as well as defensive back, to allow for success on either side of the ball. “The game of football in won and lost in the trenches,” said French. “We’ve got a long way to go on both lines. They’re getting better each day. We are getting some consistency out of them as we progress further, as far as coming to practice and knowing what to do and where to be. It’s a learning process for them, so we are taking some baby steps with those guys and hopefully that leads into some quicker progress down the road.” “We’ve got a lot of skill position guys that will play on either side of the ball for us,” said French. “We’ve got guys that have a lot of talent and football i.q. that will help us on both sides. We don’t have a lot of players, but we have some very athletic players that will be able to play both offense and defense.” On special teams, French will rely on athleticism in the return game, and
plans on making special teams a point of emphasis. “We’ve got some inexperience in that area of the field,” said French. “We’ve got some really speedy guys that are going to be returning kicks for us this season. We’re hoping to be doing too much scoring to worry about punting, but if we have to, we are hoping we can utilize our special teams to help us out in field position.” With his first season with the team right around the corner, coach French is focusing on developing a commitment-minded team. “The biggest thing we are trying to instill in these guys is commitment,” said French. “They have to commit to what we are doing and they have to learn a little bit about the game of football. Our terminology, the speed and the work ethic are what will lead us to winning football games, we just have to commit to it.” “We don’t want them to pace themselves,” said French. “We want one-hundred percent effort in everything we do. They’re adjusting, they’re working and they’re learning. If we had one weakness thus far, I’d say that it is adjusting to the See JACKETS | 11
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Anthony Cloud | Daily News Sebastian Wagoner leads Middlesboro through a sea of fans at the beginning of their game against Bell County last year. He is one of the players the Jackets will have to replace this season.
Jackets From page 10 speed of the game.” We’ve got to teach the speed of the game to them, we’ve got to teach them how to make proper contact, how to make blocks, how to make proper tackles and how to run the football. It’s a process and we are back at the basic fundamental levels of teaching. We’re going to work hard and take this one baby step at a time.” French says that community support has been fantastic and will help lead the Yellow Jackets back to where they want to be.
“This is a great community full of great people and great athletes,” French said. “I think we can get this program back to where it needs to be, as long as we all buy into the process.” Middlesboro will not play in-county rival Bell County this season, for the first time since 2010. Aug 23, 19 Garrard County (A) Aug 30, 19 Williamsburg (H) Sep 6, 19 Lynn Camp (A) Sep 13, 19 Harlan (H) Sep 20, 19 Pineville (H) Sep 27, 19 Breathitt County (H) Oct 4, 19 Leslie County (A) Oct 11, 19 Morgan County (H) Oct 25, 19 Knott County Central (A) Nov 1, 19 Martin County (H)
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12 Wednesday, August 21, 2019
Pineville Mountain Lions turn to youth in 2019 By John Dunn Sports Editor
Pineville head coach Randy Frazier is looking for early success in his first year with the Mountain Lions. After a 2018 campaign in which the Mountain Lions opened the season by winning four of their first five, Frazier feels like former head coach Bart Elam left the school in a good spot to be successful on the gridiron. “It’s an honor to be here, not only to be at Pineville as an assistant principal, but it’s an honor to be selected as your football coach,” said Frazier earlier this season during a student assembly. “Last year, I would go out there and work and I would see you all out there on the field, and I would see what kind of effort you gave. I saw what kind of staff that they had last year with coach Elam and those guys. It made me excited about football again.” Frazier, whose last stop as a head coach was at Middlesboro, said he was excited to lead Pineville this year. He said that Pineville felt like home. “Even though I was at a different school at the time, (Pineville) felt like home. When I got the opportunity to come here as an assistant principal, I didn’t hesitate because it’s a wonderful community,” said Frazier. “You can feel the tradition as you walk around town.” Frazier will inherit a young team when the season kicks off. Last season, Pineville graduated six seniors and lost a decent amount of playmakers. The team will return several sophomores that made an impact, including Scooby Morris and Hayden Callebs. Frazier feels like his team is in a good position to win a lot of football games this season. “Obviously, we want to win a district championship,” Frazier said. “I told them in a meeting we had that was one of the reasons I finally looked around at my wife and said, ‘Do you care if I apply for this job?’ Then I went and asked permission from the administration to apply. I watched them play last year. The job that coach Elam has done here since he’s been here is phenomenal. I
Ray Welch | Daily News The Pineville Mountain Lions 2019 Football Team
think he’s a great coach, and it got me excited thinking about coming back to coaching.” During his last stop as a head football coach, Frazier tallied a 23-23 record between 2010 and 2013 at Middlesboro. In 2013, he led the Yellow Jackets to a 9-3 season and the second round of the playoffs before losing to Somerset. Frazier was very impressed and excited by the turnout and community support for all of the sports teams at Pineville High School earlier this year at “Meet the Mountain Lions.” “It seemed like all of Pineville was there,” said Frazier. “To see so many people turn out and show their support for the teams was amazing. These kids notice things like that, and it gives them extra motivation. It really goes to show how much community support there is for this school. “The administration does a wonderful job of making sure we have everything we need, the coaches all do a wonderful job in guiding these young athletes, and the community rallies behind every team we have. It was a great experience and we were thrilled with the turn out.” In its 2018 campaign, Pineville amassed 792 yards of passing offense
and seven passing touchdowns as well as 2,147 yards of rushing offense and 29 touchdowns on the ground. The Mountain Lions will be starting junior Reece Capps at quarterback this season after graduating senior quarterback Garland Ellis. Pineville’s backfield gained a valuable player in Bell County transfer Colby Frazier for this season. Last season at Bell County, Frazier rushed for 1,532 yards and 20 touchdowns while averaging 117.8 yards a game. “Getting Colby was huge for us,” said Frazier. “He’s a hard working guy who has the measurables and talent to be a great running back. He has great vision, patience and strength. We are expecting big things out of him this season.” “Reece (Capps) has done a great job at acclimating to what we are trying to do,” said Frazier. “He, as well as the rest of the team, have been working very hard. We’re going to do everything we can to give him the time he needs to distribute the football.” Pineville returns their top two receivers from last season in senior Landon Couch and sophomore Devon “Scooby” Morris. “Landon (Couch) is a guy who has a
great frame and the ability to go up and catch a ball through contact,” said Frazier. “He’s a senior this season and has shown a lot of leadership throughout the summer.” “Scooby (Morris) is one of those electric play-makers,” said Frazier. “He has wonderful vision and speed. He’s going to be helping us out at the receiver position as well as returning kicks for us this season.” The Mountain Lion defense totaled 779 tackles in 2018, including eight fumbles forced and eight interceptions. After graduating their two leading tacklers, Pineville will rely heavily on their young players on defense this season. “We’re young on the defensive side of the ball,” said Frazier. “Outside of Cameron (Walters), we don’t have many upperclassmen on defense. Most of them are freshmen and sophomores. I like how hard they’ve been working over the summer and they’ve picked up on a lot very quickly.” Frazier and the Mountain Lions are looking forward to this year with a district that is wide open and a favorable schedule, Pineville is in prime position for a break out year.
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A look back at Pineville in 2018 Pineville Football Schedule
Anthony Cloud | Daily News Hayden Callebs fights his way into the end zone during the first quarter of Pineville’s game against Berea. The Lions picked up their third win of the season defeating the Pirates 50-6.
John Engle | Pinnacle Sports View A Pineville player makes a tackle during a game against Leslie County in the season-opener last year.
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Aug. 23 — McCreary Central (A) Aug. 30 — Knott County Central (A) Sept. 6 — Paris (H) Laurel Bowl Sept. 13 — East Ridge (H) Sept. 20 — Middlesboro (A) Sept. 27 — Thomas Walker (Ewing), VA (H) Oct. 11 — Lynn Camp (H) Oct. 18 — Williamsburg (A) Oct. 25 — Harlan (H) Nov. 1 — Sayre (A)
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Pigskins From page 3 French as head coach and Dudley Hilton is still on Log Mountain, continuing his legendary career. After a full season and offseason of getting to know the teams in and out, I feel acclimated enough to make a prediciton on the season for each team. Along with becoming more familiar with the teams and players, I have become more familiar with the coaches. I will be the first to tell you, between all three high schools, this county has the best trio of coaches in the entire state of Kentucky. Middlesboro (5-5) Even though I’m fairly new to the area and Middlesboro athletics, even I know it has been a tough few years for the Yellow Jackets. With only five total wins since the 2015 season, I expect Middlesboro to match that total in this season alone. Even though there has been a slight
issue in having the number of available bodies, I feel like the Yellow Jackets have a favorable schedule this season as well as some under-the-radar athletes. I expect big things from Jabari Kyle, on both sides of the ball. I’ve watched him play basketball for a year now and watched him run too, he is ex- John Dunn tremely athletic and will be a Columnist great WR/DB for the Jackets this season. I also expect Connor Griffin and Hunter Hoskins to be two of the best offensive linemen in the area, allowing Middlesboro to open up its offense. The biggest reason I have Middlesboro improving so much this season is their most dangerous weapon on the field, coach French. He is a proven coach whose record speaks for itself. If French can get this young, but talented, team to buy into what he is trying to do, 1998 won’t seem like such a long time ago. Bell County (10-0) Being from just over the border into Tennessee, I had heard all about Bell
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County football and the tradition they had. Last season was my first time getting to experience what it was really like. Coming off of an 11-2 season last year, the Bobcats look as good now as they did at the peak of the 2018 season. With players like London Stephney, Jason Jones, Hunter Bailey, Caleb LeFevers and Tyson Thomas all coming back things look good on Log Mountain this season. After switching districts, the Bobcats will not play against Middlesboro or Corbin this season. With a favorable schedule, incredible coaching staff and incredibly talented roster, I expect Bell County to stroll into the playoffs undefeated in 2019. I expect Knox Central and Harlan County to be Bell County’s toughest competition this season, however, with both games being at Bell, I expect the Bobcats to walk away with Ws in both. Pineville (8-2) Pineville reminds me of where I went
to school. It’s a really small school that takes on the “underdog” role everytime they take the court or field. These athletes play with a chip on their shoulder every single game. After starting the season by winning four of their first five in 2018, the Mountain Lions saw a sharp drop in productivity near the end of the season. However, first year head coach Randy Frazier has done an excellent job at getting this team prepared. I had a chance to check them out at practice a few times before the season and they are bigger, faster and stronger than last year. I expect big things out of Scooby Morris, Reece Capps, Landon Couch and Dylan Morris. Couch and Dylan Morris are seniors and will be leading this team from both sides of the ball all season long. Expect Couch to have a breakout year at receiver. With a favorable schedule, a vastly improved team and coach Frazier leading the way, I expect Paris and Williamsburg to be the only teams that Pineville is unable to overcome this season.
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Magistrate district 4
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Bears From page 7 the 44 defense and has a big responsibility on that side of the ball.” Cullen Whitaker, a sophomore, will take over on the other side. “Cullen is one of the most physical players we have,” Creech said. “He’s a wildman, and not just on the field, and that translates well between the lines.” Creech expects Steele and sophomore Ethan Shepherd to start at the tackles and make it tough to run up the middle against the Bears. “Jordan gets a lot of attention for his play on offense, but If you watch the game film you see how many big plays he made for us on defense. He had some big sacks and forced fumbles,” Creech said. “We got another transfer in Ethan. This kid is benching close to 400 as a sophomore. He just shows up and goes to work. He has really fit in with our kids as far as being committed to the game of football. He’s a very aggressive kid.”
Gavin Ewald and Turner, both juniors, are the starers at outside linebacker. “Outside linebacker may be our most solid position on either side of the ball,” Creech said. “You have two kids who are prototypical outside linebackers. Turner is a smart kid who is good at angles and knows what the other team is running. Ewald could play several positions. He’s very physical and very aggressive.” Shanks and Hunter Blevins, both juniors, are the probable starters at inside linebacker. Kobe Burkhart is back after missing most of his sophomore year with an injury and could also play a big role. “Those inside guys can’t be shy of contact and those guys fit that mold,” Creech said. Bailey returns at safety after a strong junior season. He’s been slowed by a foot injury this summer but is expected to be ready for the opener. “During the second half of the season last year, Jacob was tremendous at safety. He was breaking on the ball very well and helping us in run support,” Creech said. “When we go one high safety, he
has the range and ability to go from hash to hash and cover the middle of the field.” Justin Brown, a baseball standout who is in his first season of football as a senior, has added to the Bears’ athleticism, both as a receiver and in the secondary. “Justin gives us the ability, like Patrick Bynum did last year, to lock down manto-man on the back side and free up another guy for the box,” Creech said. “He’s long, he’s rangy and he really knows how to high point the ball.” Flanary is the probably starter at the other corner with Josh Swanner also in the mix. “Tyler has great feet and moves well,” Creech said. “Josh is a good athlete and could help us on both sides of the ball.” Hopkins is expected to handle punting duties with Steele on kickoffs. Eli Lewis and Jacob Brown are the candidates for extra points. Harlan County shifts to 4A after 10 seasons in 5A and will see some familiar faces with Letcher Central and Perry Central moving with them. District 8 will also include Clay County and defending
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HCHS schedule
Aug. 23 – Harlan (W, forfeit) Aug. 30 – at Hazard Sept. 6 – Martin County Sept. 13 – Knox Central Sept. 20 – at Wayne County Sept. 27 – at Clay County Oct. 4 – Letcher Central Oct. 11 – Open Oct 18 – at Johnson Central Oct. 25 – Perry Central Nov. 1 - at Bell County
state runner-up Johnson Central. The Golden Eagles have been a state power under Jim Matney and could be ranked No. 1 again this year. “There are two ways to look at it. Our approach is to look at it as a great opportunity as one of 10 teams to have a shot at knocking off the No. 1 team in the state,” Creech said. “We have an optional 100-yard sprint at the end of practice that we call Johnson Central as a reminder of the type of competition we’ll have on our schedule. We’ve had 98, 99 percent participating so far.”
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