MESSENGER-INQUIRER • Friday, August 23, 2019
2019 HIGH SCHOOL
Top Gun Hartz living his dream as Aces’ quarterback BY JIM PICKENS
MESSENGER-INQUIRER
rew Hartz came to be a quarterback at Owensboro Catholic High School quite
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naturally. He grew up watching a long succession of Aces quarterbacks have success on the gridiron, became enthralled by the pass-happy spread offense employed by former Catholic head coach John Edge and dreamed of one day being at the controls of this high-octane machine for the green and gold. Now a senior, Hartz is beginning the third year of that fulfilled dream. “My goal this season, personally, is to be one of the best quarterbacks in the state — and strive to be the very best,” said Hartz, who has evolved into a sturdy 6-foot-3, 200-pounder. “It’s all about going out there and being the best you can be. That’s what it comes down to. “I’ve gotten a little more comfortable each year. As a sophomore, it was getting used to the speed of the game, and there’s a big difference between varsity and either freshman or JV. As a junior, I felt a lot more comfortable. Now, I have a lot of confidence heading into my senior season.” If the last name sounds familiar, it should. His older brother, Houston Hartz, was a highly-successful quarterback at Catholic in the early portion of the decade, graduating in 2014. “I really looked up to Houston a lot — him, more than anyone else,” Hartz said. “I was in sixth grade when he was a senior, so I watched him play quarterback here when I was young — I always wanted to follow his lead and one day be the quarterback of this football team.” In between, of course, the Aces were led by record-setting quarterback Ray Zuberer, now a standout baseball player at Western Kentucky University. “Oh, I learned a lot from the way Ray played, too,” Hartz said. “From him, I learned how important it is to have agility, about getting in open space and throwing on the run — he was very good at that.” Will Warren, who later transferred to Owensboro, continued the trend of outstanding Aces’ field generals in 2016. Then, the ball was handed to Hartz, who as a sophomore in 2017, took over for the injured Warren after four games — completing 117-of-198 passes (.591) for 1,805 yards and 26 touchdowns, with only eight interceptions. The Aces went 8-5 and reached the Class 2-A Region 1 championship game. Last fall as a junior, Hartz went 162of-260 through the air (.623) for 2,606 yards and 32 TDs, with just seven interceptions, as Catholic went 8-4 and reached the second round of the playoffs. SEE GUN/PAGE 2
2 Football 2019 MESSENGER-INQUIRER, Friday, August 23, 2019
Grid community has reason to be proud
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s the 2019 high school tucky Wesleyan College. football season begins, it’s This is a testament to the worth celebrating renovated importance, significance and rich and new football venues tradition of high school at Daviess County and football in our community, Apollo. which now features four The Panthers are set facilities that collectively to begin play at renovated rival those of any commuReid Stadium the second nity in the commonwealth week of the season (Aug. of Kentucky. 30), when they host CityOtherwise in the CityCounty rival Owensboro County, there are several Catholic — and a grand JIM key questions concerning occasion it should be. PICKENS the season: Apollo, meanwhile, will • How will Owensboro have a completely new respond to the loss of, arguably, football facility on its campus, its two biggest stars? and the Eagles are hoping to be The Red Devils were hit hard open for business by the time of in the offseason when senior runtheir final regular-season home ning back-receiver Imonte Owsgame (Oct. 25), when, ironically, ley suffered an ACL injury, and in arch-rival Daviess County comes the preseason when junior linecalling. backer Austin Gough suffered a Until its new facility opens, significant leg injury in a scrimApollo will play home games at mage game at Franklin-Simpson. traditional Eagle Stadium. Owsley isn’t expected to play It’s a new era of high school this season, and it’s uncertain if football for our county teams, Gough will make it back on the and the continuation of a new field by the end of the season. era in Owensboro-Daviess So, it’s a next-man-up scenario County, which now features all for OHS, which finished 10-3, four schools with artificial turf went on an eight-game winning on their home fields — includstreak and reached the Class 5-A ing Owensboro’s Rash Stadium Region 1 championship game a and Steele Stadium, shared by year ago. Owensboro Catholic and KenSo, at first glance, it’s tempt-
ing to count out the Devils — tempting, but foolhardy. Never, ever count out Owensboro. • How will Apollo fare in the second year of the Phillip Hawkins era? Last year, there was a lot of fanfare about the Eagles beginning a new era, and the team responded by opening the season with four consecutive victories. Apollo then dropped six of its last seven — including all three in City-County competition — and limped to the finish line at 5-6. A year older, wiser and stronger, the Eagles exude a quiet confidence in the preseason and will rely on a massive, more experienced offensive line to set the tone for what they hope will be a better, more complete season this fall. The addition of Harold Hogg, a junior transfer from Owensboro Catholic, will help offset the loss of graduated star Mariano McKenzie — a big plus. There’s markedly less buzz this time around, but Apollo nonetheless appears to be an onthe-rise program worth keeping an eye on.
• How will Owensboro Catholic handle the challenge of Murray? The Aces have had a fascinating postseason history against the Tigers this decade and will likely close out the 2010s with another showdown in the Class 2-A playoffs in November. Last season, always-physical Murray snapped a three-game postseason losing streak to the Aces with a 42-31 second-round playoff victory at Steele Stadium. At the start of the decade, in 2010, Catholic defeated Murray 29-22 on the way to the state championship game against Newport Catholic at Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green. Between 2011-2014, however, Murray eliminated the Aces four consecutive times in the playoffs. Entering 2019, the Tigers have won five of the nine postseason meetings in the decade. Curiously, all but one of the games — 2011 being the exception — have been played at Steele Stadium. • How will Daviess County’s offense adapt to the loss of its star trio? The Panthers, who finished
6-5 last season, will be without graduated standouts such as wide receiver Marquel Tinsley, quarterback Joey Cambron and running back Landon Newman in 2019. Last season, Tinsley accounted for 1,307 receiving yards, led the state in receiving yards per game (145.2) and caught 17 touchdown passes. Cambron completed 194of-323 passes for 2,787 yards, ranked third in Kentucky in passing yards per game (278.7) and tossed 35 scoring aerials. Newman, whose season was limited to six games due to injury, rushed for 563 yards and six touchdowns — leading the team in both categories while averaging 93.8 yards per game. Without the high-octane trio this fall, the Panthers will be more of a grind-it-out offense behind a solid line anchored by junior left tackle Jon Nalley, a highly-regarded FBS prospect. As DCHS head coach Matt Brannon has rightly noted, there are different avenues that can be navigated on the road to success. Be it airways, freeways or back roads, the Panthers still have an opportunity to arrive at their chosen destination.
GUN FROM THE FRONT PAGE
“He’s just a tremendous leader, an excellent quarterback — I’m glad we have him,” Aces head coach Jason Morris said. “His development the past couple of years has been very impressive. He’s continued to get better and better in all phases of the position. “Drew is poised for an outstanding senior season. He has what it takes to be the best quarterback in the state of Kentucky — there will be nights this fall when we throw the football a whole lot because he’s back there.” Hartz, also a starter on the Aces’ basketball team, relishes the challenge. “When you’re a quarterback in this program there are very high expectations,” Hartz said. “And, every time I step on the field I’m working hard to live up to or exceed those expectations — that’s a big part of what drives me to be the best I can be. “I like having the ball in my hands on every play, I like being a leader that the younger players look up to, but there’s a lot of responsibility that goes with all this. That’s why I have to stay focused every day on becoming better in all of the roles I play within this program. “It’s about stepping out there every single day with the intention and expectation of excelling.” In terms of recruiting, Hartz has received interest Photo by Alan Warren, Messenger-Inquirer | awarren@messenger-inquirer.com from WKU, which he said Owensboro Catholic’s Drew Hartz throws during spring practice in April at Steele Stadium. wants him as a preferred walk-on, along with Murray State, Southern Illinois and Centre, among others. While he isn’t sure of his future, he certainly understands his past and Encourages present within the realm Children of Owensboro Catholic’s football program. to Pray! “This program means everything to me,” he said. “Even when I was very young, I would look out on the field and know that I wanted to someday play at that level. I always knew it would be a challenge, but I was always eager to accept that challenge. “There have been so many great quarterbacks here through the years, so you know what you’re stepping into when you’re the starting quarterback at Catholic. You understand it’s an honor and privilege to be in this position, and that provides extra incenCatholic Books & Gifts tive to succeed. Old Town Center • 270-689-9485 “A lot of tradition has been built here — you Just Off Frederica on 18th don’t want to let anyone Mon.-Fri. 10-5 • Sat. 10-2 *Messenger-Inquirer Reader’s Choice Awards down.”
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MESSENGER-INQUIRER, Friday, August 23, 2019
Football 2019 3
Apollo anxious to take next big step Eagles move up to 6-A this season BY JIM PICKENS
MESSENGER-INQUIRER
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pollo High School’s football team opened the 2018 season like gangbusters for first-year head coach Phillip Hawkins, darting from the gate at 4-0. A close loss to Owensboro Catholic followed, and things were never quite the same — as the Eagles dropped six of their final seven games, including a 48-0 loss in the Class 5-A playoffs to eventual state champion South Warren. Apollo is hoping to learn from last year’s experience. “Our pressing focus over the winter was teach these kids how to be mentally tough, finishing games and getting physically stronger,” Hawkins said. “There were three games last season we should have finished better and, perhaps, won. “So, in the offseason the emphasis wasn’t so much on X’s and O’s — the emphasis was on finishing the right way and finding ways to win. Hopefully, we’ll be better in all ways this season.”
OFFENSE
Apollo’s passing-game offense will be engineered by junior quarterback Damian Lovinsky, last year’s backup for Colby Clark. “Damian is a ver y athletic dual-threat quarterback,” Hawkins said. “No question, he can run, and we’ve been working on his mechanics to help him become a more prolific passer — we’re ver y confident with him back there.” The Eagles lost a standout to graduation in Mariano McKenzie, but the return of senior Geoffrey Johnson and the addition of Harold Hogg, a transfer from Owensboro Catholic, puts the team’s running game on a firm foundation. “We’ll utilize both at running back and as receiver,” Hawkins said. “They’re both ver y talented backs — we’re lucky to have two of this quality.” Wide receivers include senior Brandon Husk, along with juniors Ashton Weaver and Ben Armour. Apollo’s showcase unit, meanwhile, may be a massive, athletic line that includes junior left tackle Parker Bates, junior left guard Jake Cissna, junior center Cade Crume, sophomore right guard Blaze Cart and junior right tackle Logan Weedman. The tight end is junior John L ynn. “We’re ver y big across the line,” Hawkins said. “This should certainly be one of the strengths of our team. “We have the potential to score a lot of points with some talented skill kids and a solid line.”
COACH PHILLIP HAWKINS
Apollo’s Damian Lovinsky throws during practice on Wednesday at Burns Middle School. and Kyle Taylor have two of the three slots locked The Eagles’ 4-4-3 set down, with the third starts up front, where Weedman and junior Cole being contested for by no less than nine players, Haut-Castle will man the end positions, and senior according to Hawkins. “In terms of our Marco Reyes will hold defense, these are down one of the tackle ver y aggressive kids,” slots. Hawkins Weedman “We’ve led the state “We’ll utilize both said. become much in quarterat running back more physical back sacks than we were per game last and as receiver. season (1.7). They’re both very last season, and that’s At lineback- talented backs — er, Apollo will we’re lucky to have something feature senior that will pay Nate Stewart, two of this quality.” off for us in juniors Grif— Phillip Hawkins the long run.” fin Ferguson head coach SPECIAL and Cameron TEAMS Baker, along Apollo will feature with sophomore Br ycen game-breaker types as Gray. “Our linebacker group kick returners, with Hogg, Husk, Johnson and is the most exciting part of our defense,” Hawkins Weaver — all speedsters — filling those roles. said. “Three of the four “We have the potential are returnees, and Stewart played a lot as a fresh- for some big runbacks,” Hawkins noted. “Field man. This is a solid area position will be key, and for us.” these guys have the abilIn the secondar y, sophomores Cody Feher ity to put us in good field
Photo by Alan Warren, Messenger-Inquirer | awarren@messenger-inquirer.com
DEFENSE
PARKER BATES
HAROLD HOGG
position in the return game.” Stewart and junior Harrison Bowman will handle the kicking duties. “We’re stressing the value of special teams to our players,” Hawkins said, “and they’re responding ver y well.”
OUTLOOK
Apollo will play its home games at traditional Eagle Stadium until its new multi-million dollar facility opens — potentially Oct. 25 for the regular-season home finale against arch-rival Daviess
GEOFFERY JOHNSON
County. “It’s going to be out of this world when it opens,” Hawkins said of the new venue. “We’re ver y fortunate.”
In the meantime, the Eagles will hunker down and hope to be competitive as a new member of a highly competitive Class 6-A district that also includes Daviess County, McCracken County, Henderson County and Marshall County. “We want to be competitive in the district and host a playoff game,” Hawkins said. “We want to compete for a district championship. If we can get to that point, ever ything else we’re after will fall into place.”
EAGLES’ SCHEDULE DATE OPPONENT TIME Aug. 23......Warren Central ........................................................7 p.m. Aug. 30......at Caldwell County ................................................7 p.m. Sept. 6 .......at Central Hardin ....................................................7 p.m. Sept. 13.....Owensboro ...............................................................7 p.m. Sept. 20.....Meade County.........................................................7 p.m. Sept. 27.....McCracken County................................................7 p.m. Oct. 11.......at Henderson County...........................................7 p.m. Oct. 18.......at Marshall County ................................................7 p.m. Oct. 25.......Daviess County .......................................................7 p.m. Nov. 1 ........at Owensboro Catholic .......................................7 p.m.
DAMIAN LOVINSKY
LOGAN WEEDMAN
4 Football 2019 MESSENGER-INQUIRER, Friday, August 23, 2019
Photo by Alan Warren, Messenger-Inquirer | awarren@messenger-inquirer.com
Daviess County’s Shane Riley runs during a drill at practice at Daviess County High School.
New-look Panthers will grind it out DC must replace loads of production BY JIM PICKENS
by the star trio of wide Weston Lane and Tyler receiver Marquel TinGarner. sley, the state’s leader “Shane is ready to aviess County High in receiving yards per break out of the shadows School football and into the spotlight,” coach Matt Brannon game, quarterback Joey Cambron, third in the Brannon said. believes “we left some state in passing yards per Top pass-catchers games out there” during game, and running back include senior Tyler an uneven 2018 season Landon Newman, who Shouse, sophomores which saw the Panthers averaged 93.8 yards rushIsaiah Tomes, Seth Fosgo 6-5 and be eliminated ing per game ter and Max by Louisville Ballard, 33-7, in the first round of through six “I want us always Dees, along games before with freshman the Class 6-A playoffs. being injured. striving to Decker RenNow, DC, having lost improve, always At the frow. a host of talented playcontrols of raising the bar — DC’s ers to graduation, will DC’s spread “bread and attempt to produce a that’s what I offense will butter,” successful season with a challenge our team according to markedly different cast of be untested to do. It’s a new sophomore Brannon, is a characters. season. We want to talented line quarter“My message to this back Joe that features team from Day 1 has get better every Humphreys, highly regardbeen, ‘What you do the day and reach who ran the junior tackyear before does not goals this program ed program’s le Jon Nalley define you as you move (6-foot-6, 290), for ward,’ ” Brannon said. freshmen and has never reached junior varalong with before.” “Setting high expectasenior center tions is important in this sity offenses a — Matt Brannon Joe Benallo, year ago. program. head coach senior guard “Joe has “I want us always strivver y little varNoah Kazlausing to improve, always sity experience,” Brankas and junior tackle raising the bar — that’s non said, “but he’s athBlake Henr y. Senior Br ywhat I challenge our team to do. It’s a new sea- letic, has a good arm and ant Austill and freshman is fairly accurate — his Isaac Blue are battling son. We want to get betmaturity and leadership for the other guard slot. ter ever y day and reach will come with game “We have to stay in goals this program has experience.” front of the chains and never reached before.” Four seniors are grind it out this year,” expected to get the OFFENSE Brannon said. “We’ll look majority of touches at The Panthers will be a little different, but that attempting to replace running back — Shane doesn’t mean we can’t be the production provided Riley, Lance Newman, effective.”
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MESSENGER-INQUIRER
COACH MATT BRANNON
JOE HUMPHREYS
WESTON LANE
DEFENSE
Up front in the Panthers’ 4-2-5 set will be senior end Tyler Garner, senior three-year starting nose guard Jonathon Stefanopoulos, junior end Blake Henr y and sophomore tackle Brandon Shepherd. Linebackers include Lane, Riley and sophomore Parker Crews. “Weston Lane is the quarterback of our defense,” Brannon said. “He has elevated his game.” The secondar y, meanwhile, will feature Isaiah Tomes, Foster, Shouse and Dees. “We have to excel on the defensive side,” Brannon said. “Our front seven is where we’ll hang our hats. We need to be physical, and we’ve got to be able to control the game at the line of scrimmage. “Our experience should really help us here.”
SPECIAL TEAMS
Tomes, Renfrow and sophomore Carter Hamilton will be kickoff returners, with Dees, Renfrow and Shouse slated to return punts.
JON NALLEY
Junior Carter Hoagland will be starting for the third season at placekicker, with Hoagland and sophomore Mason Boswell (also the backup quarterback) handling the punting chores. “We have to win the hidden yardage statistic ever y week, and special teams plays a huge role in that,” Brannon said. “Being smart and making good decisions will be key for us in this area.”
OUTLOOK
With the loss of so many key players and the influx of so many young players, Brannon isn’t sure precisely what to expect from the Panthers
this fall. “We have a good mix of veterans and newcomers,” Brannon said. “There’s sort of an anxious excitement about the season, where you’re not sure what you’re going to get until we get on the field and play. Our young guys had a lot of success at the middle school level, and there is carr yover with that, but many of them just don’t yet have experience at the varsity level. “We’re a blue-collar team, and we’ll be tr ying to win football games the old-fashioned way.” And, at home, they’ll be competing in newly renovated Reid Stadium. “It’s beautiful, exciting, emotional,” said Brannon of the refurbished venue. “We’re looking for ward to playing in one of the most beautiful facilities in Kentucky.”
PANTHERS’ SCHEDULE DATE OPPONENT TIME Aug, 23. . . . . . at Central Hardin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 p.m. Aug. 30. . . . . . Owensboro Catholic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 p.m. Sept. 6 . . . . . . at Madisonville-North Hopkins. . . . . . . . . 7 p.m. Sept. 13 . . . . . at Ohio County . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 p.m. Sept. 20 . . . . . Owensboro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 p.m. Sept. 27 . . . . . Marshall County. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 p.m. Oct. 4 . . . . . . . at McCracken County . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 p.m. Oct. 18 . . . . . . Henderson County . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 p.m. Oct. 25 . . . . . . at Apollo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 p.m. Nov. 1 . . . . . . . Warren East . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 p.m.
SHANE RILEY
JONATHON STEFANOPOULOS
MESSENGER-INQUIRER, Friday, August 23, 2019
Football 2019 5
Devils facing new set of challenges Injuries sideline stars Owsley, Gough
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BY JIM PICKENS
MESSENGER-INQUIRER
wensboro High School’s football team rebounded from an uncharacteristic 4-7 season in 2017 in fine fashion a year ago — going 10-3 and winning eight consecutive games before being eliminated by eventual state champion South Warren in the Class 5-A Region 1 title game. “We were 2-2 after four games last year and some people may have written us off at that point,” Red Devils coach Jay Fallin said. “I was proud of the way we responded with a long winning streak. Anytime you win 10 games, that’s a good season.” Now, the Red Devils are back for more — despite the loss of two of the state’s most dynamic players, senior running back-receiver Imonte Owsley, who suffered a torn ACL in the offseason, and junior linebacker Austin Gough, out indefinitely after suffering a leg injury in a preseason scrimmage at FranklinSimpson. “His on-field presence has been lost, but he’s still very much a part of this team,” Fallin said of Owsley, who rushed for 712 yards and scored 10 touchdowns, and caught 52 passes for 1,066 yards and 11 TDs. He was the 2018 Messenger-Inquirer Area Offensive Player of the Year. “When you lose a player of his caliber, it’s going have a huge impact. “With Austin, there will be significant lost playing time, but we hope to get him back by the end of the season.”
OFFENSE
The OHS attack will be led by first-year starting quarterback Gavin Wimsatt, a 6-foot-3 sophomore with a world of potential. “Gavin is very physically gifted, a big athlete with a super-strong arm,” Fallin said. “The only thing he needs right now is experience.” With Owsley out, the running back positions will feature senior Cameron Thompson, junior Ethan Avery and sophomore Tramel Barksdale. “Tramel is going to
Owensboro’s Treyvon Tinsley runs the ball during a team practice at the school on Aug. 6. have an opportunity at the varsity level quicker than he probably imagined,” Fallin said. “He has good size and good vision.” The Red Devils are deep at wide receiver with the return of senior Tyren Hayden (48 receptions, 666 yards, 6 TDs), junior Treyvon Tinsley (32-459-10) and junior Ben Flaherty (30-351-3). Up front, OHS will go with junior tackles Logan Palmer and Justin Millay, senior guard Trace Grenier, junior guard Levi Madwell and senior center Hunter Thompson. Senior Jordan Sorrells will play tight end. “This is a hard-working group,” Fallin said. “Cohesiveness and continuity are so big in terms of offensive line play, and it will be important for this group to communicate well with
one another.”
Cox and Yovani Sales rotating at tackle. “Jaiden will play a DEFENSE Gough, who registered key role in many ways,” Fallin said. “He’s a leader 131 total tackles and ever yone earned “We were 2-2 respects.” Associated The Press first-team after four secondar y All-State honors games last year will include last season as and some cornerbacks a sophomore, Javius Taylor, will be sorely people may missed for have written us a sophomore, with as long as he off at that point. along Flaherty and is out of the I was proud of junior Steven lineup. Stevenson, with “Austin’s the way we game is ver y responded with Thompson, senior Julius well-rounded,” a long winning Eberhart and Fallin said. streak. Anytime Aver y at the “He prepares safety slots. to be the best you win 10 “Our defense he can be games, that’s a is experienced,” ever y day. He’s good season.” Fallin said. “We also a great have guys who teammate.” — Jay Fallin have played in a Owensboro’s head coach lot of big games 4-2-5 package with an attitude also features of hard work, toughness Sorrells (47 tackles in and grit.” 2018) at linebacker. The front line will feature senior ends Jaiden SPECIAL TEAMS Greathouse (team-best Flaherty, Tinsley and nine tackles for loss in Hayden are potent return 2018) and Kobe Skortz, men. with Grenier (50 tackles “Field position is in ‘18) and seniors Scott the name of the game,
Photo by Greg Eans, Messenger-Inquirer.com | geans@messenger-inquirer.com
and special teams plays such an important role,” Fallin said. “We want to make sure we secure the football and put ourselves in good position on our returns, and we believe we have the group to do that.” Sophomore Max Thurman will do the placekicking, and Wimsatt will handle the punting chores. “I like our special teams,” Fallin said. “I think we do as good a job as anybody in this area.”
OUTLOOK
Without Owsley and Gough, the Red
Devils must employ a next-man-up mindset to be successful. “We’ve got a big senior class,” Fallin said, “and we return a lot of guys with experience at key positions.” Along the way, Fallin believes Owensboro will embrace the process of improving each week. “We have a lot of hard workers who understand what it takes to win,” he said, “and that’s why it’s a case of us being the best we can be ever y day in the effort to build to November — that’s when we want, and need, to be our ver y best.”
RED DEVILS’ SCHEDULE DATE OPPONENT TIME Aug. 23.............at Breckinridge County. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 p.m. Aug 30..............Evansville Central. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 p.m. Sept. 6...............Owensboro Catholic. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 p.m. Sept. 13............at Apollo. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 p.m. Sept. 20............at Daviess County . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 p.m. Sept. 27............at Ohio County. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 p.m. Oct. 3.................Muhlenberg County. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 p.m. Oct. 18...............at Graves County. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 p.m. Oct. 25...............Grayson County. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 p.m. Nov. 1................Henderson County. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 p.m.
Ritzy’s would like to thank our High School Employees and wish them COACH JAY FALLIN
JAIDEN GREATHOUSE
good luck
TRACE GRENIER
in the upcoming school year!
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6 Football 2019 MESSENGER-INQUIRER, Friday, August 23, 2019
Catholic optimistic about big season Senior quarterback Hartz leads way
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BY JIM PICKENS
MESSENGER-INQUIRER
ason Morris anticipates his Owensboro Catholic High School football team being a little more ahead of the curve in 2019, his second season as the team’s head coach. “Last year was a successful season, and we learned a lot,” said Morris, whose Aces finished 8-4 and reached the second round of the Class 2-A playoffs. “We learned a lot about our identity — who we are and who we want to be. “I think we proved we can match up well at the highest level of the game. Now, it’s about becoming consistent with a championship-level effort and performance for four quarters.” Morris says the Aces will count heavily on the leadership qualities of seniors Drew Hartz and Hagan Edge. “We have great leadership with team captains Hartz and Edge,” Morris said. “They’re both tremendous players, and their leadership is going to carry our team a long way. We’re excited about the possibilities here, and we’re eager to start the season.”
Photo by Greg Eans, Messenger-Inquirer | geans@messenger-inquirer.com
Owensboro Catholic’s Caleb Daugherty, right, returns a kickoff during practice on Aug. 8 at Independence Bank Field at Steele Stadium.
our defense.” tures Edge (22 receptions, Catholic’s 3-3-5 base will 444 yards, 5 TDs in 2018), feature McCain, Edelen, senior speedster Jackson Staples, sophomore Lincoln and sophomore Max Pride manning the end positions, Clancy (also the backup QB), junior Max Byrne and with junior Logan Davis and Braden Dill seeing time at freshman Luke Evans. OFFENSE Up front, the Aces will go end. Hartz runs the show at The linebacker unit with senior three-year startquarterback, and he has ers Rudy Clouse (left tackle) features a trio of juniors — few peers in Kentucky at and Noah Edel- Chris Boarman (74 tackles the high school en (left guard), in 2018), Jack Hamilton (83 “We had brand level, in the tackles in ‘18) and Buckman along with estimation of new linebackers (38 tackles in ‘18) — along junior center Morris. last season, and with senior Dalton Devine Drake Steele, “He’s a (28 tackles in ‘18). sophomore this year that’ s our prototypi“I feel a lot better this right guard most experienced Jaden Fulker- season cal pro-style about our linebacker quarterback position.” situation,” Morris said. “We son and junior who sees over had brand new linebackers — Jason Morris right tackle the line well, last season, and this year Clayton Lewis. and he’s more head coach “We’re going that’s our most experienced athletic than position.” to open it up probably some A host of players will with Drew back there,” Morpeople think,” said Morris share time in the secondary, ris said. of the 6-foot-3 Hartz, who including Edge (57 tackles in completed 162-of-260 passes ‘18), Byrne, junior Michael DEFENSE (.623) for 2,606 yards and 32 Sullivan and sophomore “We have good enough touchdowns last fall — rankpersonnel to mix and match Trey Roberts. Others in ing ninth statewide in passthe mix are Staples, Evans, this season,” said Morris, ing yards per game (218.8). who must overcome the loss Logsdon and versatile junior “He’s progressed quite to 2018 Messenger-Inquirer Owen Hayden. a bit since he came in here “I like our depth,” Morris Area Defensive Player of the as a freshman,” Morris Year Noah Todd. “We’ll have said. “We’ve got a lot of playsaid. “He’s developed into Edge back in the secondary ers who can step in and help an exceptional high school to be like the quarterback of us out.” quarterback.” Catholic must find a way to replace the production lost to the graduation of DATE OPPONENT TIME running back Von Williams, Aug. 23.......Ohio County.............................................................7 p.m. who rushed for 1,313 yards Aug 30........at Daviess County...................................................7 p.m. and 17 TDs a year ago. The Aces also are without Harold Sept. 6.........at Owensboro..........................................................7 p.m. Hogg, who transferred to Sept. 13......at South Spencer (Ind.)........................................7 p.m. Apollo. Sept. 20......Hopkins County Central......................................7 p.m. Among those expected Sept. 27......at Todd County Central........................................7 p.m. to carry the ball are Edge, Oct. 4...........at McLean County..................................................7 p.m. juniors Carter McCain and Oct. 18.........Hancock County.....................................................7 p.m. Aaron Buckman, sophomore Oct. 25.........Butler County...........................................................7 p.m. Braden Mundy and transfer Andrew Logsdon. Nov. 1..........Apollo..........................................................................7 p.m. The receiving corps fea-
ACES’ SCHEDULE
“Staples probably posSPECIAL TEAMS The Aces could be sesses the fastest straightspecial in this area, head speed on the Morris believes. team,” Morris said, “We focus on “and Mundy is a special teams very good athlete daily,” he said, who has outO H LIC “and we’re AT standing footC pretty solid ball speed.” in all four Juniors phases.” Luke Payne and Punt returnSullivan are in the ers include Mundy, Edge and Byrne, while Sta- running for placekicking ples and Mundy are break- duties, and Sullivan is set as the team’s punter. away threats on kickoffs.
OUTLOOK
Morris makes no bones about his expectations for the Aces this fall. “This is the most excited I’ve been about a team in my 16 years of coaching,” he said. “With this group, it’s exciting to come to practice every day. We have excellent senior leadership and that helps make this a fun group to coach. “We have the opportunity to be a very good football team.”
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MESSENGER-INQUIRER, Friday, August 23, 2019
Hancock County quarterback Blaze Nalley throws during practice on Aug. 8 at the football field at the school.
Football 2019 7
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Hornets are seeking to finish strong Hancock again will showcase Clay
Eubanks said. The linebacking corps, meanwhile, will feature Friddell, junior BY JIM PICKENS who played quarterback Junior Tristan Robbins Luke GarMESSENGER-INQUIRER last season but will now and sophomore Noah rison, ftentimes, there’s be getting the ball from Mize are also slated for freshman a fine line between the fullback position. backfield duty. Wide Jack Duna winning season A 6-foot, 180-pound receivers include juniors can, along and a losing season, and junior, Clay was one of Sebastian Fredell and with Ryan Hancock County High the premier offensive Payden Layne. Garrison. School’s football team players in western KenAlong the line will be “This will be attempting to tucky in 2018, rushing junior left tackle Trinity is a group do all the little things for 1,580 yards (17th in Hinton, senior left guard that flies necessar y to stay on the state) and scorJesse Gray, around “We felt like winning side in 2019. ing 27 touchsophomore to the Last year, the Hornets downs. His 192 some games that center JT Rich- football ver y well,” featured a high-powered points scored Eubanks said, “and could have been ards, senior offense led by Darian ranked sixth in right guard they’re improving ever y won got away Clay, but nonetheless Kentucky. Ryan Garrison day.” from us last finished 5-6 under head “He’s as and freshman Hancock has three coach Bobby Eubanks. good an athseason, so we’re right tackle players vying for the “For us, it’s about finlete as I’ve Logan Willis. starting left cornerback looking to be ishing games this year,” coached,” “We’re more consistent, excited about position, including junior Eubanks said. “We felt Eubanks said Steven Garrett, Layne and more efficient like some games that of Clay. “We’ll the possibilifreshman Austin Volocko. and close games ties with our could have been won got move him Other wise, the Hornets away from us last season, around a little offense,” out in a better are set with Cole Dixon at bit and take so we’re looking to be Eubanks said. free safety, Clay at strong way this time.” advantage of more consistent, more “We want to be safety and senior Caleb efficient and close games his versatility. — Bobby Eubanks efficient, drive Pate at right cornerback. His work ethic out in a better way this head coach the ball down“All of these guys have has been good time. field, eat up the a nose for the football,” “Our kids have worked this summer, clock and have a good Eubanks said, “and they and we’re looking for him result at the end.” hard in the preseason, close on the ball ver y to have another big seaand I like what I’ve seen well.” DEFENSE son for us.” so far from our football Eubanks said keeping The Hornets’ 3-4-4 Running the controls team — we just need to the ball in front of them alignment starts up front will be essential to sucfor the Hornets at quartake that next step and with sophomore end find ways to finish strong terback will be senior cess. Christian Richards, nose Blaze Nalley, who has “We can’t have the ball in the games we’re in tackle Gray and end Hin- thrown over us, particuplayed a variety of posiposition to win.” ton. tions during his career. larly when we face passOFFENSE “Our defensive front oriented teams,” he said. “Blaze is a hard work“This will be a big key for is as strong as we’ve Hancock County’s trier and a good leader,” our defense.” been in several years,” ple-option features Clay, Eubanks said.
O
COACH BOBBY EUBANKS
DARIAN CLAY
JESSE GRAY
BLAZE NALLEY
SPECIAL TEAMS
Hancock will feature speed and elusiveness on its return teams, anchored by Clay and also including freshman Xander Early and Robbins. Early also will handle placekicking duties. “He’s a good athlete with a good leg,” Eubanks said. “We’re tr ying to develop him as our kicker for four years.” Clay will once again be the punter. “We’ve really worked hard on special teams coming into the season,” Eubanks said. “We’ve got some young guys who can really give us a lift in
this phase of the game.”
OUTLOOK
Eubanks is optimistic about the Hornets’ potential this fall. “It’s going to be important for us to take care of the football,” he said, “and we want to control the things we can control. We want to right the wrongs that hurt us at times last season, and we just want to play the game as well as we can play it week in and week out.” The Hornets also want to execute in the fine-line areas that separate victor y from defeat. “Definitely, we want to have a winning season and host a playoff game,” Eubanks said. “Again, it’s about being consistent, efficient and finishing games strong. If we do this, we’re going to be all right.”
HORNETS’ SCHEDULE DATE OPPONENT TIME Aug. 23.............Grayson County ...............................................7 p.m. Aug. 30.............at Louisville Fairdale .................................6:30 p.m. Sept. 6 ..............at Ohio County .................................................7 p.m. Sept. 13............Edmonson County..........................................7 p.m. Sept. 20............at Barren County..............................................7 p.m. Sept. 27............at Butler County ...............................................7 p.m. Oct. 4 ................Todd County Central......................................7 p.m. Oct. 18..............at Owensboro Catholic.................................7 p.m. Oct. 25..............McLean County ................................................7 p.m. Nov. 1 ...............Breckinridge County......................................7 p.m.
CALEB PATE
TRISTAN ROBBINS
8 Football 2019 MESSENGER-INQUIRER, Friday, August 23, 2019
Photo by Greg Eans, Messenger-Inquirer.com | geans@messenger-inquirer.com
The McLean County football team works through drills after school on Aug. 7 at Paulsen Stadium.
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OUTLOOK
Despite the loss of so many seniors, the Cougars will field a 45-player roster this fall — thus, enthusiasm remains high within the program. Still, McLean must avoid the injur y bug to be a contender. “We’ve got to stay healthy,” Wagner said. “We don’t have as much depth this season, so we need to keep our frontline players on the field as much as we can. “Our focus is on getting stronger in the weight room and carr ying out our assignments on the field of play. We need to be efficient, and we need to take care of the football.”
OI
COACH ZACH WAGNER
understand how important this is to our success, and they work ver y hard at it.”
C
H
A
SPECIAL TEAMS
Capps and Baldwin provide the Cougars with breakaway capability in the return game. “Baldwin is quick and unafraid, and he proved last season that he’s capable of making a big return in a big game,” Wagner said. “Capps is explosive and has a great first step.” Senior Armando Rodriguez will handle the placekicking duties, and Caraway will be the punter. “Special teams is an area we take ver y seriously around here,” Wagner said. “Our kids
M E
McLean lost 18 seniors from 8-4 team
DEFENSE
McLean County’s 4-2-5 set will feature Tarrance and sophomore BY JIM PICKENS Houston Bolton and rushed for 4,037 yards, Wes Wells at tackle, with MESSENGER-INQUIRER ranking sixth in the state junior Connor Baldwin. Algood and Haerle at fter losing 18 in yards per game (336). The fullback slot will fea- end. battle-tested seniors ture junior Andrew Mun“It’s going to take us Munster and Caraway who led McLean ster (338 yards, 4 TDs in time to develop this seaare slated for duty at County High School’s son,” Wagner said. “This ‘18) and sophomore Zach inside linebacker, with football team to a stellar Clayton. is a good group, and Capps and junior 8-4 season in 2018, the Receivers include we’re working hard to be Gabe Whitmer Cougars are ready to the best we can be — we senior Jaden Nelson, at outundertake a massive junior Brady Dame and just have a lot of players side rebuilding job this fall in who need to gain varsity junior tight end Morgan lineCalhoun. Algood. experience.” backer. “We lost a lot of talThe line will feature Last ented, veteran players, OFFENSE a host of players, includfall, Munno question about that,” The Cougars’ Wing-T ing tackles Jon Tarrance, ster registered McLean County head offense will be Kenny Brooks 151 total tackcoach Zach Wagner engineered by and Chanles, including 12 “Caraway is said. “We lost almost our junior quardler Moore, tackles for loss and dynamic, and we entire offensive line; we terback Matguards Jabin two fumble recoveries. lost our defensive line; thew Miller, have some talent Wedding, we lost skill players who with returning at our skill James Haerle Caraway made 54 stops, provided a lot of offensenior standCameron including six tackles for positions. We may and loss, with an intercepsive production. out Peyton Dukes and tion. not bowl over “What we’re tr ying to Caraway also center Tyler The secondar y will build on more than anyexpected to people like we did Harberson. likely feature Nelson and thing else is finding lead- see action at “We want last year, so we’ll Bolton at cornerback, ership — we miss that, the signal-callto do what be relying more on with Baldwin playing free and it’s going to have to er position. we do,” Wagdeception this safety. be developed with our Caraway ner said. “We lost a lot of brute returning players as well was the team’s time around. It will “Caraway is strength up front off last leading rushas our newcomers.” dynamic, and be more about year’s team,” Wagner we have some er a year ago McLean finished angles, pulling said. “So, our focus has talent at our (1,038 yards, strong last fall, winning and trapping.” skill positions. been on sound technique its final four regular sea- 10 touchand the importance of son games before routing downs) and — Zach Wagner We may not playing assignment footbowl over will see sigBallard Memorial 62-6 head coach people like we ball. nificant time in the first round of the “We need to be in the did last year, at wingback, Class 2-A playoffs. The right spots and work well so we’ll be relying more Cougars were eliminated as well. together as a collective Joining Caraway in the on deception this time from the postseason at around. It will be more unit to have success on backfield will be senior Mayfield in the second Landen Capps (587 yards, about angles, pulling and the defensive side of the round. trapping.” 7 TDs in ‘18), senior In 2018, the Cougars ball this season.”
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MESSENGER-INQUIRER, Friday, August 23, 2019
Muhlenberg County High School head football coach Josh Staples coaches during practice after school on Aug. 14.
Football 2019 9
Photo by Greg Eans, Messenger-Inquirer | geans@messenger-inquirer.com
Mustangs rebuilding under Staples Muhlenberg has only five seniors
and flex-bone formations. Also slated to carry the ball will be juniors Jamie BY JIM PICKENS do have will be playing a vital Bullock and Zach Hardin. MESSENGER-INQUIRER Pass receivers include role in what we’ll be trying to junior Caden Revelette, osh Staples hops back accomplish.” sophomore Trevor Nolen, in the saddle as head sophomore Brayden Lovan coach of the Muhlenberg OFFENSE and sophomore tight end County High School football Senior Bronzyn Donovan McCoy. team this season, and he Healy returns Up front, the believes the transition has at quarterback, “We have a good Mustangs will gone well for an exceedingly after going go with senior number of young team and a new 44-of-132 tackle Hunter coaching staff. through the air incoming Henson, senior “Everything in the for 690 yards freshman, and guard Parker preseason has been pretty and seven we’ll be trying to Ward, sophogood,” Staples said. “The atti- touchdowns in tude and excitement within 2018. Healy also build the program more center Patrick Wood, the program has been posirushed for 596 from the bottom junior guard tive, and both our players yards and four up because of our Josh Conway and our coaching staff are scores. numbers.” and sophomore working as hard as possible “Bronzyn tackle Michael to be the best we can be.” has matured — Josh Staples Monaghan. The Mustangs —who a lot over the head coach Junior tackle went 3-8 under former head summer,” Stacoach Hays Browning last Brody Lambert ples said. “He’s fall — feature only five become a good team leader, is hoping to bounce back seniors. and that’s what we need him from a back injury. “The biggest challenge to be.” we face is starting fresh DEFENSE Also back is senior runbecause we’ll be an extreme- ning back Winky Drake (773 The defensive line will ly young football team,” feature Henson, Ward, yards, seven TDs in nine Staples said. “We have a Wood, Monaghan and Lamgames). good number of incoming “Bronzyn and Winky pro- bert, along with juniors Zach freshmen, and we’ll be tryvided a lot of our offensive James and Orion Reece. ing to build the program production last year, and The linebackers in from the bottom up because we’ll be counting heavily on Muhlenberg’s 4-3-4 base will of our numbers. them again,” said Staples, by Nolen, sophomore Jaxon “Still, the few seniors we whose club will mix spread Carruba and Bullock.
J
COACH JOSH STAPLES
WINKY DRAKE
The Mustangs’ secondary features some speed with Drake, Revelette, Hardin and Lovan. Depth is thin and inexperienced, however, so Muhlenberg must stay healthy. “It’s important for every football team to stay healthy, of course,” Staples said, “but it’s even more important for us this year — we need to keep our frontline players on the field as much as possible.” Otherwise, it will simply come down to making plays. “We want to be physical, fast and confident,” Staples said, “and we need to carry out our assignments on every play — that’s the way you become successful.”
SPECIAL TEAMS
Drake and Revelette will handle kick return duties. Lovan will do the punting. The team is unsettled at placekicker. Healy will kick off. “We’ve put a lot of emphasis on this area
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because we need to steal as much hidden yardage as we can,” Staples said. “We need to get the most we can possibly get out of our special teams in all aspects. “It’s really going to be important for us to be sharp and efficient in this area.”
OUTLOOK
This season at Muhlenberg County will be less about the won-lost record and more about laying a solid foundation for
future seasons. “We’ll be working hard to put the culture in place and then see where it takes us by the end of the season,” Staples said. “We want to compete every snap, compete every game, and if we do this with the right attitude it will move this program forward. “We have 22 or 23 freshmen in the program right now, and that’s encouraging. At the same time, we’ll really be leaning on the few seniors we do have for their experience and leadership. “Hopefully, this group will work hard, can stay healthy and focus on being the best they can be. If that’s what they become, that’s all any of us can ask.”
MUSTANGS’ SCHEDULE DATE OPPONENT TIME Aug. 23................Trigg County.....................................................7 p.m. Aug. 30................at Logan County.............................................7 p.m. Sept. 6..................Hopkins County Central..............................7 p.m. Sept.13.................at McLean County..........................................7 p.m. Sept. 20...............at Ohio County................................................7 p.m. Sept. 27...............Grayson County..............................................7 p.m. Oct. 3....................at Owensboro..................................................7 p.m. Oct. 18..................at Breckinridge County................................7 p.m. Oct. 25..................Graves County.................................................7 p.m. Nov. 1...................Ballard Memorial............................................7 p.m.
10 Football 2019 MESSENGER-INQUIRER, Friday, August 23, 2019
Eagles eyeing bounce-back season Ohio County slipped to 1-10 in 2018
Phelps and Doan are set to start at linebacker. The Eagles’ secondary will feature seniors Vanover and Santana Munoz at cornerback, Maddox at strong safety, Jennings at free safety, with Tolle as the nickel back. “We’ll be a lot stronger and more experienced all the way around on the defensive side,” Ganaway said. “As long as we can stay healthy, we’re going to be all right.”
BY JIM PICKENS
MESSENGER-INQUIRER
I
t was a rough go on the gridiron for the Ohio County High School football team last fall, but the Eagles are hoping to parlay the lessons learned from that experience into a turnaround season this time around. Ohio County lost its first nine regular-season games before defeating Butler County in the finale. Then, the Eagles were hammered by St. Xavier, 68-0, in the first round of the Class 6-A playoffs. Now in Class 5-A, Ohio County eyes a resurgence. “There were a lot of factors that went into the way last season played out,” OCHS head coach DaMarcus Ganaway said. “It was a learning experience, and I believe the lessons we learned will serve us well this season. One thing about this group, they never stop working, never stop believing. “This season, we believe we’re in a better position to succeed, and we’re looking forward to the opportunity in front of us.”
SPECIAL TEAMS
do a great job for us.”
OUTLOOK
Despite last year’s 1-10 record, or, perhaps, because of it, Ganaway is convinced the Eagles have a renewed sense of confidence, optimism and purpose heading into 2019. “We’ve set the bar a little higher this time,” Ganaway said. “We’ve put in the work, and now it’s just a matter of going out and performing at a high level — execution, taking care of the ball, doing all the little things it takes to succeed in this game. “We’re coming into the season confident, having fun, believing in ourselves. This bunch has never wavered — they’ve always stepped on the field and given it their all.” After going on the road to battle Owensboro Catholic, the Eagles have a stretch of five consecutive home games. “If we can build some early momentum right out of the gate,” Ganaway said, “I believe we’ll gain the confidence we need for a successful season.”
The Eagles will showcase breakaway threats in their return game, which features Jennings and Vanover, along with juniors Kaleb Humphrey and Lennox Hunt. “We have a lot of potential,” Ganaway said. “We’ll Photo by Greg Eans, Messenger-Inquirer | geans@messenger-inquirer.com have guys back there who Ohio County quarterback Dezmond Randolph runs with ball during a drill after school on can really run with the footAug. 13. ball.” Ohio County’s kicking impacted us as a freshman,” junior guards Andrew Pottle game is settled, with sophoconfident this fall.” and Grant Phelps and senior more Brett Hoskins serving Ganaway said of Jennings, Speaking of comebacks, star running back Q’Daryius who is bouncing back from a center Noe Plascencia. as both placekicker and “Our offense is poised Jennings (formerly McHen- knee injury. “He’s one of the punter. and ready to come out and best running ry) is back at “He’s got a very strong make a statement,” Ganaway leg,” Ganaway said of backs in the Ohio County “This season, we said. “There’s a lot of talent, state.” after playing at Hoskins. “Brett has put in a experience and potential in Another Grayson County believe we’re in a lot of work, and he’s going to this entire group.” as a sophomore better position to speedster, last fall, when the succeed, and we’re senior Dakotah Vanover, explosive 5-footDEFENSE 11, 195-pounder looking forward to will also carry Ohio County will operDATE OPPONENT TIME rushed for 1,500 the opportunity in the ball at run- ate from a 4-2-5 base and Aug. 23..................at Owensboro Catholic.............................7 p.m. ning back. yards and 21 expects to be more producfront of us.” Aug. 30..................McLean County............................................7 p.m. Ohio Coun- tive this season. touchdowns. OFFENSE Sept. 6....................Hancock County..........................................7 p.m. As a fresh“We’re healthy and that’s Senior Dezmond Ran— DaMarcus ty features four Sept. 13.................Daviess County............................................7 p.m. senior receiva huge factor,” Ganaway dolph is at the controls of the man at Ohio Ganaway Sept. 20.................Muhlenberg County..................................7 p.m. ers in Jordan County in 2017, said. “The defensive line is Eagles’ spread offense. head coach Tolle, Shane Sept. 27.................Owensboro....................................................7 p.m. he rushed for one of the strongest we’ve “He’s one of the guys Oct. 4......................at Graves County.........................................7 p.m. Frady, Ethan 856 yards and had here in a long time.” who’s shown the most Oct. 18....................at Grayson County......................................7 p.m. Maddox and Trevor Doan. scored 10 TDs, helping the That unit consists of ends growth,” said Ganaway of Up front, the Eagles will Eagles go 7-4. Frady and Pottle, along with Randolph. “He’s learned Oct. 25....................at Breckinridge County.............................7 p.m. “He’s an X factor, a differ- go with junior tackles Tristackles Coffey and Plashow to run the offense, and Nov. 1.....................at Butler County...........................................7 p.m. he’s come back much more ence-maker, and he certainly ten Coffey and Raice Hunter, cencia.
COACH DAMARCUS GANAWAY
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