H I G H
S C H O O L
F o o t b a l l
2016
Devil Dynamite Board will lead OHS in 2016
L
andon Board loves everything about being a football player at Owensboro High School. Loves the tradition. Loves the camaraderie. Loves the preparation. Loves the competition. Most of all, though, Board loves being a difference-maker under the brightest of lights, and the dynamic 5-foot-6, 180-pound running back is certainly expected to be that for the Red Devils this fall. In 2015, as a junior, Board emerged as one of the best backs in western Kentucky — using his speed and low-to-the-ground strength to slash and dash his way to 1,804 yards and 21 touchdowns, helping OHS go 11-2 and reach the KHSAA Class 5-A quarterfinals in Jay Fallin’s first season as head coach. “I was just always trying to be the best I could be, every practice, every game,” Board said. “I’ve always wanted to show that I was better than people thought I was, always wanted to work as hard as I could to be the best that I could be. That type of thing has always driven me.” And, make no mistake, Board is a quintessential north-south runner
who doesn’t mind contact — and sometimes seeks it out. “It’s always been natural for me to run that way — I go north and south and when I see something my body reacts. Growing up, I was taught that if you hit somebody hard early in the game, they wouldn’t want to tackle you late in the game. “And, it all starts up front with our offensive line. They do a great job and I just try to follow their lead and hit the holes when they open. We’ve been pretty good at busting the big play.” And Board — who has been laser-timed at 4.6 in the 40-yard dash — has been good at setting big goals for his senior season. “I want us to go undefeated, win the state championship, and, personally, I want get the (OHS single season rushing) record of more than 2,800 yards (set by high school All-American Mark Higgs in 1983),” Board said. “I feel good about what I did last year, to an extent, but I wanted to do more.” SEE DYNAMITE/PAGE 4
STORY BY JIM PICKENS • PHOTO BY GREG EANS — MESSENGER-INQUIRER
2 Football MESSENGER-INQUIRER, Friday, August 19, 2016
Daviess County
Daviess County’s Ben Kipling runs through a drill during a morning practice and workout with teammates on July 22.
Photo by Greg Eans, Messenger-Inquirer.com/geans@messenger-inquirer.com
Inexperienced Panthers eager to improve DC finished 7-4 in 2015 BY JOSEPH RUSSELL MESSENGER-INQUIRER
T
hough the Daviess County football team lost a big chunk of its production from last year, the current batch of Panthers aren’t worried about what they won’t have during the 2016 season. Instead, they’re focused on making their own stamp on the DC program. Entering his second year as head coach, Matt Brannon admits that his junior-heavy squad is inexperienced and lacks some depth, but he isn’t concerned with making excuses. “I preach to the kids all the time that we don’t want to have the mentality of ‘You lose a big class and you have to spend a year or two rebuilding,’ “ he said. “We want to continue to sustain success over a period of time.” Brannon’s first year leading DC resulted in a 7-4 record in 2015 — an improvement from its 4-7 effort the year before. Now, the Panthers are looking to take another step for ward.
OFFENSE
Three-year starting
quarterback Adam Bouchard returns for his senior season after throwing for 2,098 yards and 29 touchdowns with 10 interceptions and a 54-percent completion rate last season. Also a threat on the ground, the 6-foot-2, 170-pounder rushed for 223 yards and two scores. “We’re putting a lot of weight on his shoulders to carr y us,” Brannon said of his QB. “We’ve got a lot of inexperienced guys — good, talented guys, but just inexperienced — that have never been on a varsity field before. So we’re relying on him to be a leader for us.” Junior Javonta Keeler (5-11, 190) will step in as the team’s “workhorse back,” according to Brannon, and junior Zack McAteer (5-9, 160) will ser ve as the Panthers’ fullback and spread formation single back after rushing for 114 yards and two TDs in 2015. Senior Cameron Ballard (5-10, 180) is expected to be DC’s slotback/halfback, with the route-running and catching ability to haul in passes out of the backfield.
2016 SCHEDULE DATE................... OPPONENT.......................................TIME 8/19............................Allen County-Scottsville.................................. 7 8/26............................Owensboro Catholic......................................... 7 9/3..............................Warren East........................................................... 6 9/9..............................Hancock County................................................. 7 9/16............................at Owensboro...................................................... 7 9/23............................McCracken County............................................ 7 10/7............................at Muhlenberg County.................................... 7 10/14.........................at Henderson County....................................... 7 10/21.........................Ohio County......................................................... 7 10/28.........................at Apollo................................................................. 7
games with it, but we’re not going to let it beat us. We’re going to take the time to practice, and we’re going to be efficient with our kicking game.” Powell, Tinsley and McAteer will handle kickoff and punt returns.
OUTLOOK
Adam Bouchard
Junior Shae Car wile (6-2, 215) saw time in all 11 of DC’s games last season, and he’ll return as a blocking tight end with the opportunity to catch some passes, if needed. Sophomore wideout Marquel Tinsley (6-3, 205) is a transfer from Union County High School, providing what Brannon called “big-play capabilities” after catching five passes for 106 yards and a TD for the Braves last season. Junior Brady Oost (5-10, 165) will also contribute as a solid possession receiver after missing last season due to a shoulder injur y. DC graduated all five offensive line starters from last season, but Brannon expects senior Trevor Young (6-0, 225) to anchor the unit after getting plenty of time as a reser ve last year. Other starters will include seniors Mason Whistle and Tyler Hillard, junior Evan Barr (6-3, 235) and sophomore Cameron Duvall (5-9, 175). Despite the offensive line’s inexperience, Brannon expects the Panthers’ run game to remain their focus. “At any level, you have to control the line of scrimmage,” Brannon said, noting his team’s multiple pro-set offense. “You have to be able to
Braxton Hurley
get three or four yards when you need it by handing the ball off.”
Jordan Powell
spending time in the secondar y.
SPECIAL TEAMS
Brannon knows his team may face some adversity due to its inexperience and depth, but he’s confident that the program is still moving in the right direction. Though he knows to temper expecations, Brannon isn’t afraid to have lofty goals, either. “We want a winning season ever y year,” he said. “We want to be ver y competitive in the City-County, we want to win the City-County championship, we want to host a playoff game and we want to win a playoff game.”
Ballard will also Senior Braxton Hurley handle kickoff and extra-point duties for the will anchor DC’s 3-4 Panthers, and Keeler will defense at the inside be the team’s punter. linebacker position after Though DC’s kicker notching 69 tackles, one fumble recover y and one options remain open, Brannon stressed the interception last year. importance of special However, Hurley will teams. miss the first few weeks “It’s an important part of the regular season after suffering a sprained of what we do,” he said. ACL during a scrimmage. “We’re not going to win In Hurley’s absence, the Panthers will look for Ballard to step up at the other inside linebacker position, with senior Will Encourages Nalley (6-1, 180) — who Children Brannon said “may be the hardest worker on to Pray! the team” — starting on the outside. Keeler and McAteer will compete for time at the other outside linebacker spot. Young and junior Drew Cockrell will play nose tackle, while seniors Jay Lohmann (6-3, 240) and Oliver Hofstrom will compete for time at one defensive end spot. Car wile (32 tackles, one fumble recover y last year) will start at the other end. Seniors Jordan Powell (48 tackles, two interceptions, one fumble Catholic Books & Gifts recover y) and Alec Payne (46 tackles) will lead Old Town Center • 270-689-9485 DC’s defensive backs, Just Off Frederica on 18th with sophomore Blake Baker and Tinsley also Mon.-Fri. 10-5 • Sat. 10-2
DEFENSE
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3 Football MESSENGER-INQUIRER, Friday, August 19, 2016
MESSENGER-INQUIRER, Friday, August 19, 2016 Football
3
Owensboro Catholic
Owensboro Catholic football player Javon Williams runs towards the sideline during drill in practice on July 18.
Photo by Matt Lunsford, Messenger-Inquirer.com/mlunsford@messenger-inquirer.com
New-look Aces hoping to come of age Catholic regroups after losing several stars BY JIM PICKENS
MESSENGER-INQUIRER
Owensboro Catholic continued to be one of the dominant forces in Kentucky Class 2-A last fall, finishing 10-3 and advancing to the Region 1 championship game. It marked, however, the end of an era — especially concerning skill position personnel. Gone are record-setting quarterback Ray Zuberer, explosive big-play specialist Shamari Morton and hard-nosed running back Jonathan Garner. The Aces must replace a lot of yardage, a ton of scoring, and a wealth of experience. Nonetheless, veteran Aces head coach John Edge expects his team to do more reloading instead of rebounding — particularly late in the season. “I feel real good about the season,” Edge said. “I think we’ll get where we need to be once (new quarterback) Will (Warren) matures, gains some much-needed experiences, and begins to feel comfortable back there.” Once again, Catholic will be favored to win Class 2-A Region 1, District 2, with Butler County — led by senior quarterback Rex Henderson — considered a darkhorse candidate. “We’ll take them one
“but we’ve got some return guys capable of breaking some big plays.” Gray and Jacob will handle most of the kick returns this fall.
game at a time, and we’ll take nothing for granted,” Edge said. “That’s the only way to approach it.”
OUTLOOK
OFFENSE
The biggest question, of course, is at quarterback, where Warren, a 6-foot-3, 210-pound sophomore, takes over for Zuberer, who threw for 102 touchdowns and over 7,000 yards in his junior and senior seasons. “Will has a great arm and a great body,” Edge said. “He’s not a running-style quarterback, but he has a lot of upside. We’ll feel comfortable with him once he gains some experience. “He’s going to make some sophomore mistakes, and that’s expected, but he’s also going to get better and better as the season progresses.” Replacing Garner at running back will be sophomore Vonn Williams (6-0, 185), who gained 167 yards on 30 carries and rushed for a touchdown in limited action as a freshman. Backfield support will come from juniors Sterling Hardesty (5-9, 170) and Josh Sloan (5-9, 175). Senior Weston Jacob (5-11, 185), who caught 52 passes for 996 yards and 11 TDs last fall, leads the receiving corps, which also includes
2016 SCHEDULE DATE .................. OPPONENT.......................................TIME 8/19............................Evansville Mater Dei.......................................... 7 8/26............................at Daviess County............................................... 7 9/2..............................Owensboro........................................................... 7 9/9..............................at Siuth Spencer (Ind.)...................................... 7 9/16............................at Apollo................................................................. 7 9/23............................at Butler County.................................................. 7 9/30............................McLean County................................................... 7 10/7............................at Hancock County............................................ 7 10/14.........................Todd County Central......................................... 7 10/28.........................North Hardin........................................................ 7
Sam Harrington
Weston Jacob
seniors Hayden Hartz and Keiontre Green, along with sophomore Nick Mills. “Keiontre brings a true tight end dimension we haven’t had in a while,” Edge said, “and Weston has a lot of experience in big games.” Up front, the Aces appear to be stellar with junior left tackle Max Maloney (6-2, 230), sophomore left guard Jayden Hall (6-5, 230), senior center Isaac Arnold (6-3, 280), senior right guard Will Marshall (6-2, 255) and senior right tackle David Weafer (6-2, 210). “This is a special group,” Edge said of his offensive lineman. “This is a strength area for our team.”
group, and all started at one time or another last season,” Edge said. “These guys are fast and can get to the football in a hurry. It’s a very athletic unit.” Expected to start at linebacker will be Sloan, Green, Sam Harrington (6-2. 185, Soph.) and Houston Riney (6-1, 185, Sr.). Backups include Hardesty and Tanner Cecil (5-10, 185, Sr.). The Aces must replace John Mark Boarman, the Messenger-Inquirer Defensive Player of the Year a year ago. “I like our linebackers,” Edge said. “We should be fine there.” Expected to start in the secondary will be cornerbacks Motez Gray (5-11, 170, Sr.) and Harper Dotsey (5-9, 165, Sr.), with Jacob holding down the free safety slot. John Henry Booth and Hartz will play key backup roles. “Defensively, we’ll be fast and aggressive and we’ll fly to the football,” Edge said. “I think we have the opportunity to develop into an outstanding unit as the season progresses.”
DEFENSE
Up front, the Aces won’t be as big as some units in the past, but playmakers abound in ends Bailey McKay (6-0, 210, Sr.) and Noah Todd (6-3, 215, Soph.), along with tackles Micah Norcia (5-11, 190, Sr.) and Will Stone (6-2, 245, Jr.) “This is a really strong
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SPECIAL TEAMS
Harrington will handle both the place-kicking and punting duties for Catholic, and Edge likes what he’s seen, thus far. “I feel great about our special teams all the way around,” Edge said. “We’re very solid, and we have a lot of guys returning to who helped us on special teams last season. Led by Morton, the Aces produced nine special teams touchdowns in 2015. “We probably won’t be that explosive this season,” Edge conceded,
Despite their key losses to graduation, Owensboro Catholic figures to once again be in the Class 2-A postseason hunt. “We have some huge question marks, no doubt,” Edge said, “but I also believe we have a team where ever yone on the roster will step up and do what is needed to make us successful once again. Through the years, we’ve had to start over at key spots many times, and we’ve usually come through the experience in pretty good shape. “It’s just a matter of some of our young players going out and playing some games, gaining the experience needed to compete with the best at the varsity level. “I like the look of this team, I really do.”
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4 Football MESSENGER-INQUIRER, Friday, August 19, 2016
Owensboro
Owensboro looking to have another strong season Red Devils reached 5A quarterfinals last fall BY MARK MATHIS MESSENGER-INQUIRER
preseason player of the year,” Fallin said over the summer. A year as the starter should give Zach Gross more confidence for his senior season at quarterback. Gross hit 90-of-143 passes for 1,228 yards and 15 touchdowns last season. Gross (5-11, 175) also was intercepted 10 times, with BG doing most of the damage. “Zach has worked diligently to improve his skills in all areas of quarterback play,” Fallin said. “He worked very hard in our offseason weight training program to develop his strength, which has translated to improved strength and accuracy in throwing the ball. “He has also matured and become a student of the game who focuses on all of the small details that make up quarterback play. He works tirelessly with our offensive coaching staff to understand the minutiae of our offense; on any given play he can tell you with great accuracy the job of all 11 guys on
2016 SCHEDULE DATE................... OPPONENT.......................................TIME 8/19............................Warren Central..................................................... 7 8/26............................at Madisonville-North Hopkins................... 7 9/2..............................at Owensboro Catholic.................................... 7 9/9..............................Bowling Green..................................................... 7 9/16............................Daviess County.................................................... 7 9/30............................at Christian County............................................ 7 10/7............................at Marshall County............................................. 7 10/14.........................Apollo...................................................................... 7 10/21.........................Graves County..................................................... 7 10/28.........................at Henderson County....................................... 7
DYNAMITE FROM THE FRONT PAGE
makes you feel.” And, Board believes, it’s special to be a Red Devil. “The tradition is real, and I like it and I appreciate it,” he said. “It’s something you’re not only proud to be a part of, it’s something you want to add on to. You want to do your part to build on it while you have the chance.” Moreover, Board likes the makeup of the 2016 OHS contingent. “It’s a different feeling for me this year,” he said. “Last year, it was more individuals. This year, to me, it seems like more of a collective unit. It seems like we’re more together. “I have a good feeling about this season. I believe it can be a special year.” Led by a special player. “We have a close-knit senior class, and Landon is one of our key leaders,” Fallin said. “The youngsters have picked up on how hard he works, and they want to emulate him. That’s huge for the program. And, that’s part of what it means to lead the way. Landon has set a really great example for us.” Now, it’s time for the Red Devils to get on Board and ride. “We’re ready,” Board said. “We’re ready to go out there and get it done.”
Hunter Askins
Landon Board
Quamari Tinsley
DEFENSE
Senior Miles Davis and junior Christian Wright will go at defensive end. Weaver and fellow junior Jalen Goodwin will be at inside linebacker. Mundy will be joined by another senior, Joe Ashley, at outside linebacker. RaiShawn Washington and Beau Ashley will be senior cornerbacks. Trevor Washington is a senior free safety, and Tre’Von Green is a sophomore at strong safety. The only way for those who haven’t played many snaps to get better is to get on the field, according to Fallin. “Players gaining experience is always a process,” Fallin said. “We did more 7-on-7 than we ever have this summer because we knew we would need all the reps we can get.”
his sophomore season, when he made 57 PATs and four field goals. He gained leg strength and accuracy attending camps during the summer. Board and Green will be returning kickoffs. RaiShawn Washington and Trevor Washington will handle punt return duties.
If the Devils only have two starters back, it is good that they were major pieces of the Devils’ defensive unit as this season begins. Mundy is the leading tackler returning for the Devils from the linebacker spot. Mundy made 78 total tackles and was adept at knowing what to do with turnovers. The 5-11, 195-pound senior returned an interception for a touchdown, and had two fumble recoveries that were also returned for touchdowns. Mundy also blocked a punt. OHS also has its anchor on the defensive line back with nose guard Quamari Tinsley. The 5-9, 290-pound senior had 46 total tackles and was at the center of a dominant defensive line. A lot of responsibility will fall to those two players, though, as OHS tries to gain experience for nine guys who didn’t start a game in 2015.
OUTLOOK
The Red Devils may not be as formidable defensively as they have been the previous three seasons. Their offense, however, should put up major points if Gross has made natural progression, he and his pass catchers are working in tandem, and Board builds on an outstanding junior season. OHS has been on a serious run the last three years, and with a group steeped in the tradition that has been the fabric of the program, the Devils should find ample success again this fall.
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Nicholas Brake established himself as a strong placekicker during
ARDS W
It is Board’s insatiable competitive nature that caught Fallin’s attention. “Landon is a very, very hard worker,” Fallin said. “He’s got great natural talent, and when you combine that with his work ethic, his constant desire to improve and his competitive nature, you’ve got a special football player. “He does all the little things necessary to succeed at a high level on the football field. It’s somewhat rare to find a young man so talented, who is also willing to be so dedicated to hard work — he came in here hungry as a junior to establish himself, and he had a breakout season for us.” Part of Board’s willingness to work exceedingly hard stems from his lifelong passion for the game. “When I play, I get a good feeling inside — there’s something nostalgic about it to me now, because I’ve grown up with the game,” Board said. “Sometimes, it seems like it’s all you know. It seems like it’s something I am meant to do. “Then, there’s nothing more special than Friday night lights. The feeling you get is special, and anyone who’s played the high school game understands how special it
the field.” Gross will have an assortment of pass-catching targets, although none have a great deal of experience. Malik Mundy, RaiShawn Washington and Trevor Washington are senior receivers, and Trevor is new to football this season, although he was a member of the 2015 OHS basketball state championship team. Sophomore Brennon Williams is a large receiver at 6-5, 215 pounds. All of those players showed great promise during the summer, according to Fallin. “Zach has developed an excellent rapport and non-verbal communication system with our receiving corps,” Fallin said. “Most of throwing and catching the ball is an issue of timing, and the receivers and Zach have worked well together to improve our timing on route-running and the delivery of the ball.” Ray Ray Weaver is a junior fullback who should also help with run blocking and protection of Gross. Senior tight end Dakota Adams, senior left guard Tripp Grenier, senior left tackle Hunter Askins (6-foot, 290 pounds), and junior center Nate Humphrey (6-2, 277) each started at least one game last season. Askins, Humphrey and Grenier were significant in the offensive line rotation. Right tackle Jackson Burke and right guard Austin Coomes are two juniors who will be new in starting roles this season.
Me
OFFENSE
The Devils offense will feature returning senior running back Landon Board (5-foot-6, 180 pounds). He was a workhorse last season, going for 1,804 yards and 21 touchdowns on the ground. Board was good for nearly a first down per carry. “I think Landon Board is hands down the district
Photo by Alan Warren, Messenger-Inquirer/awarren@messenger-inquirer.com
Owensboro’s RaiShawn Washington runs back a kick off as Trevor Washington blocks during practice at Rash Stadium.
READ sse E
Owensboro High School had another outstanding football season in 2016, going 11-2 overall and reaching the Class 5-A state quarterfinals. But, it was there, in the third round of the 5-A playoffs, that the Red Devils faced powerful nemesis Bowling Green. BG beat OHS 41-12 on the way to a fourth state championship in five years. BG handed OHS its only two losses of the season, including a 17-14 decision at BG. The Red Devils will host Bowling Green in a regular season game at Rash Stadium on Sept. 9. OHS upended Grayson County and Greenwood in the playoffs before its season ended. The Red Devils will be looking at Graves County as the favorite in 5-A, District 1 this season, according to OHS head coach Jay Fallin. “We expect to compete to win in every game, as always,” Fallin said. “We look forward to competing in our non-district schedule to open the season. As always, we plan to work hard to improve every day to put ourselves in position to win Class 5-A, District 1.” There should be plenty of offensive punch for the Red Devils. Defense will be a concern for OHS, with only two starters coming back on that side of the ball.
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5 Football MESSENGER-INQUIRER, Friday, August 19, 2016
MESSENGER-INQUIRER, Friday, August 19, 2016 Football
5
Apollo
Photo by Greg Eans, Messenger-Inquirer.com/geans@messenger-inquirer.com
Apollo HIgh School football players prepare for the upcoming season and run through drills during an early-morning practice at the high school on July 19.
Apollo looks to build more in 2016
Senior QB Alexander will lead the way BY JIM PICKENS
13 interceptions last fall. He will be backed up by sophomore Colby Clark. After five consecutive “Brandon’s gotten 2-9 seasons, the Apollo a lot stronger,” Crume High School football said. “He’s making team took a small step better decisions with the for ward in 2015 — football, and we have finishing 3-8. confidence in his ability Now, the Eagles are to run the offense.” hoping to take one giant At running back, the leap of the gridiron kind. Eagles will go with Brent Veteran head coach Willis (6-1, 250, Sr.), Dan Crume believes sophomore Sam Parm, Apollo can take steps junior Nic Brooks and in the right direction senior Corey Satterfield this fall if the team — a battle-tested group. collectively delivers the “Brent’s a big back goods on the practice who will carr y a lot of field, day in and day out. the load,” Crume said, “The key for us will be “but we’ll use a variety our competititve desire in of backs. There will be ever y practice,” Crume several players carr ying said. “We have to have the football for us.” the right kind of mindset The receiving corps and attitude in practice, will be led by speedy and, if we have that, we Peyton Peters and will then have to carr y that also feature Hunter into each game. Byrne and Gatlin “For us, the idea Humphrey. will be to improve each Up front, Apollo will day and see where it feature Logan Eans (6-1, takes us. If we do what 255, Sr.), Adam Hertzler I think we’re capable of (6-0, 245, Sr.), Jared doing, some good things Gibbs (6-0, 245, Jr.), will happen for us this Quentin Miller (6-0, season.” 235, Soph.) and Alec Continuity will also be Cariota (6-6, 190, Sr.), key for Apollo, Crume along with D.C. Boone, believes. Kaleb Wilson and Jace “I think we’ve made Sutherland. strides in terms of “I believe we’ll play players knowing what more confident and is expected of them, be more together on knowing how to play the offensive side of their roles,” he said. the ball,” Crume said. “We were young in spots “Several players have last fall, and now, a year been together for a older and a year wiser, couple years now, so that we should be better should be something that prepared and more works in our favor this confident than we were season.” last season.” MESSENGER-INQUIRER
OFFENSE
DEFENSE
Apollo figures to be Apollo has a seasoned stronger on defense, in performer at the controls part due to its versatility in senior quarterback and depth. Brandon Alexander (6-0, “We’ve got to do a 185), a two-year starter good job of using our who completed 102-of-210 personnel,” Crume said. “We want to use our passes for 1,557 yards, rotations the right way with 14 touchdowns and
2016 SCHEDULE DATE................... OPPONENT.......................................TIME 8/19............................at Muhlenberg County.................................... 7 8/26............................at South Warren.................................................. 7 9/2..............................Logan County...................................................... 7 9/9..............................at Butler County.................................................. 7 9/16............................Owensboro Catholic......................................... 7 9/23............................at Graves County................................................ 7 10/7............................Christian County................................................. 7 10/14.........................at Owensboro...................................................... 7 10/21.........................Marshall County.................................................. 7 10/28.........................Daviess County.................................................... 7
and take advantage of our depth — something we haven’t always had a lot of in the past. “This is a pretty versatile group, and it’s a confident group.” The Eagles’ line will feature Eans, Wilson, Sutherland, Miller and Chance Pirtle. The linebacking corps includes Humphrey, Hertzler, Parm and Dylan Turner. “We believe this is a strong area for us,” Crume said. “This group is pretty strong against the run and pass.” Apollo’s secondar y will include safeties Satterfield, Clark and Presley Peters seeing action at safety, with Brooks and Peyton Peters holding down the cornerback spots.
Brandon Alexander
Logan Eans
Brent Willis
SPECIAL TEAMS
The return of sophomore Wes Knott lends stability to both Apollo’s place-kicking and punting. “Wes is a lot stronger this year,” Crume noted. “He’s doing a really good job for us, and we feel confident with him handling the kicking duties.” Returning kicks for the Eagles will be sophomore Mar vin Ramirez, junior Vashawn Miller and the steady Brooks. “I like the look of our special teams group,” Crume said. “This should be a solid unit all the way around.”
OUTLOOK
Apollo appears poised to make serious progress this season, with a nice mix of veteran and younger players who could form the program’s most cohesive unit in several years. “We have a lot of experience in spots, and, overall, our depth is better than it’s been in a while,” Crume said. “Again, I think it’s going to come down to our mindset and our attitude in the preparation for games. “We have the opportunity to have success if we embrace the idea of becoming better as a team ever y day we take the field. If we’re all in on that aspect, success in games will naturally follow.” Apollo opens with three of its first four games on the road.
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6 Football MESSENGER-INQUIRER, Friday, August 19, 2016
McLean County
McLean County will have another large senior class Cougars’ sophomore class will also be strong BY MARK MATHIS MESSENGER-INQUIRER
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cLean County has a lot to replace from the 2015 squad that went 5-6 and lost in the first round of the Class 2-A playoffs. But there seems to be plenty of experienced help to make up for the loss of 10 seniors who graduated and had some kind of starting job on one side of the football or the other. The Cougars have a large senior class with 14, and also have a significant number of sophomores. “We started several freshmen, and they got a bunch of experience,” McLean County coach Zach Wagner said. Three freshmen starters were Jacob Miller at nose tackle-fullback, Colton Johnson at tight end-defensive end, and Noah Baldwin at defensive end. Baldwin was a starter at cornerback last year. “He’s physical, and pound-for-pound one of the strongest kids on the team,” Wagner said of Baldwin. “Miller is also pretty strong.” The mental aspect was something the Cougars wanted to continue to work on heading into the start of
Parker has also started since his freshman year. Miller will work in some at fullback (5-foot-11, 198 pounds) and Johnson will be at tight end (6-3, 215). Logan Moore, Tyler Beals, Dakota Patton, Parker and Johnson are the first-line guys in the backfield/slot rotation for the hybrid Wing-T offense McLean County runs. Beals (5-10, 145) got some spot duty last season in the backfield, and averaged a little over six yards a carry. He will be one of the quickest runners for the Cougars. “We worked him in some, he’s a shifty back, we would put him in and would rip for a 30-yard run. He’s got some wheels.” Leading the way up front will be Elijah Knight at left tackle, Mathew Ball Photo by Greg Eans, Messenger-Inquirer.com/geans@messenger-inquirer.com at left guard, Colby Cline McLean County High School football player Gill Clilne works out in the weight room at the school during a team summer at center, Logan Vaught at right guard, and Dalton practice. Eubanks at right tackle. way. The back half of the but the Cougars were able OFFENSE this season. Cline is 5-10, 220 The two returning McLean County started schedule included tough pounds. Knight is 6-1, 195. to get the wins they needed starters offensively for last season with a 42-14 win District 2 foes Owensboro “Dalton Eubanks is the Cougars are skill over Breckinridge County, Catholic and Butler County, to reach the playoffs. another sophomore who positions. Fullback Bryson then lost three straight. has hit the weight room Parker ran 123 times for A 7-6 heartbreaker at hard, and he was fighting Ohio County was difficult 730 yards last season. to get a starting position for McLean County to Wingback Trevor Turley DATE................... OPPONENT.......................................TIME on the line,” Wagner said. overcome. ran for 634 yards on 106 8/19............................at Breckinridge County.................................... 7 “After the Ohio County attempts. Turley will be at 8/26............................Ohio County......................................................... 7 DEFENSE game we took a nose dive,” quarterback, replacing the 9/2..............................at Crittenden County........................................ 7 Miller will anchor the Wagner said. “That put us graduated Jordan Revlett. 9/9..............................at Muhlenberg County.................................... 7 in a funk for about three “Turley has been in the defensive line at nose 9/16............................Hopkins County Central.................................. 7 guard and is “pretty weeks. It took awhile to get starting lineup since his 9/30. . ..........................at Owensboro Catholic. . .................................. 7 strong” for the position, back together.” freshman year,” Wagner 10/7............................Todd County Central......................................... 7 according to Wagner. A 19-15 win over said. “He’s bounced 10/14.........................at Butler County.................................................. 7 Miller had 28 tackles last Hopkins County Central around the backfield, he 10/21.........................Hancock County................................................. 7 season. broke the losing streak, knows all three positions 10/28.........................Webster County.................................................. 7 but it was a bit of a roller back there. He’s a very coaster the rest of the SEE MCLEAN/PAGE 8 smart, savvy kid.”
2016 SCHEDULE
Ohio County
Eagles motivated after successful season Ohio County looks to build on momentum
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senior center Jacob Frady (6-0, 230), juniors Blaine Casteel (6-4, 262) and Travis Unsel (5-9, 182), sophomore Jonah Wisnewski (6-3) and freshman Jordan Stewart. Frady and Casteel each appeared in 11 games last season, while Unsel played in 10. As a team last year, the Eagles averaged just under 19 points per game, which they will look to improve upon in 2016.
BY JOSEPH RUSSELL MESSENGER-INQUIRER
he Ohio County football program took a big step forward last season, and coach Jody Ashby is confident that his Eagles can take it even further in 2016. Ohio County opened with four wins in its first five contests, setting the bar high in the early going. However, the Eagles faltered against some tough competition down the stretch — ultimately finishing with a 5-6 record. It was certainly an improvement from the winless season that the team experienced the year before, but Ashby and his players aren’t satisfied just yet. “We are proud of what we’ve accomplished in a relatively short period of time,” Ashby said. “However, everyone in our program understands that we still have a lot of work to do.” The Eagles return a wealth of experience on both sides of the ball, and its overall improvement will help OCHS reach its goals, Ashby added. “Our goal,” he said, “is to continue to develop in all aspects of our program.”
OFFENSE
Junior Heath Simmons (6-foot-4, 205 pounds) returns under center in the Eagles’ power spread offense after throwing for 2,083 yards and 12 touchdowns with 17 interceptions and a 61-percent completion rate last season. Using his massive frame to his advantage, Simmons was also able to score four
DEFENSE
Ohio County will continue to employ its 4-3 scheme in hopes of remedying the 27 points per game they surrendered a year ago. “Philosophically, systemically and conceptually, we are the same as the previous two years,” Ashby said, referencing the
efforts that helped the Eagles vastly improve defensively from the 2014 season. With Ohio County expecting big things on both sides of the ball from several players, Frady, Casteel and Wisnewski will be key pieces to the Eagles’ defensive line. Casteel and Frady finished with 27 and 24 tackles, respectively, last year, and junior Robert Zunun (5-10, 230) will join the three as a defensive tackle after seeing limited action as a sophomore. OCHS will feature a relatively inexperienced group of linebackers, with sophomore Caden Brown (eight tackles), Richards (eight tackles) and Griffin manning the second line of the defense. SEE EAGLES/PAGE 8
2016 SCHEDULE DATE................... OPPONENT.......................................TIME 8/19............................at Calloway County........................................... 7 8/26............................at McLean County.............................................. 7 9/2..............................at Hancock County............................................ 7 9/9..............................Grayson County.................................................. 7 9/16............................at Breckinridge County.................................... 7 9/23............................Henderson County............................................ 7 9/30............................McCracken County............................................ 7 10/14.........................at Muhlenberg County.................................... 7 10/21.........................at Daviess County............................................... 7 10/28.........................Butler County....................................................... 7
Photo by Matt Lunsford, Messenger-Inquirer.com/mlunsford@messenger-inquirer.com
Ohio County football player Michael Griffin catches a pass during a practice drill on July 26. times rushing the ball. Senior Jacob Richards (5-8, 165) will step in as the team’s projected starter at running back, as he looks to fill the shoes of do-it-all standout Brice Phelps. Richards rushed 10 times for 36 yards and a touchdown last year, and he also caught four passes
for 75 yards. After losing their top two leading receivers from last year, the Eagles’ will rely on increased production from junior Nick Morris (6-1, 160), who hauled in 28 passes for 302 yards and four touchdowns in 2015. Senior Chris Thompson
(6-1, 160) also returns after snagging 38 catches for 273 yards last year. Other wide receivers will be junior Seth Stevens (5-11, 165), who caught for 59 yards last season, and senior Michael Griffin (5-9, 145). Starters on the offensive line will be
7 Football MESSENGER-INQUIRER, Friday, August 19, 2016
MESSENGER-INQUIRER, Friday, August 19, 2016 Football
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Muhlenberg County
Mustangs seeking culture change in 2016 Muhlenberg finished 5-6 last fall
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Evitts (5-10, 155) and senior Terrell Wilson (6-1, 220) filling in as needed. Senior Kris Pettigrew is the team’s top returning pass-catcher after hauling in 123 yards last year. Senior Keishaun Killebrew (5-11, 145), junior Ethan Whitehouse and sophomores Gavin Penrod and Cameron Everly are expected to fill out the receiving corps.
BY JOSEPH RUSSELL MESSENGER-INQUIRER
he Muhlenberg County High School football team is working to be “above the line” in 2016. The Mustangs, entering the third year under head coach Hays Browning, are coming off of a 5-6 record from last year — an improvement from the team’s 4-7 mark in 2014. After winning four of their first five contests a season ago, Muhlenberg County struggled down the stretch. The Mustangs fell in five of their final six games, including a lopsided defeat to McCracken County in their Class 6-A playoff opener. Now, Muhlenberg County’s attention has turned to the future. Browning is starting to see the hard work of the last couple of years pay off, he said, as his staff and players are spearheading a culture change at MCHS heading into the 2016 campaign. “We’re challenging them daily, we didn’t just come up with a slogan,” Browning said of the team’s ‘above the line’ mantra, inspired by Ohio State coach Urban Meyer’s book of the same title. “We take time out and teach it, even with classroom sessions on what it’s like to be above the line — as a football player, as a student and as a man.”
DEFENSE
Muhlenberg County will continue to run a 3-4 defense, as Hall returns to lead the Mustangs’ defensive line after registering a team-high 85 tackles last season. “He is just a motor guy,” Browning said of Hall. “He’s really disruptive. He’s going to be a force down there.” Mallory (43 tackles last year) and Schultz will fill out the defensive line, with contributions from Ripley, Conway, Bumgardner and Photo by Greg Eans, Messenger-Inquirer.com/geans@messenger-inquirer.com junior Cole Rhodes to give Muhlenberg County High School’s Kris Pettigrew runs up the field on a play during a morning practice on July 26. the Mustangs plenty of he’s a competitor. He’s a receiving, offensive line or (6-1, 251) and Billy Mallory depth up front. OFFENSE Wilson (52 tackles, Senior Hunter Combs winner, and I’m glad I’ve got linebacker duties because of (5-11, 225) and juniors one fumble recovery), Camryn Schultz, Logan returns under center for the him for another year.” his athleticism and size. Whitehouse and junior Conway and Cameron Mustangs after throwing Sophomore Joseph Much of the Mustangs’ Gonzalez. Sophomore Kaleb Thomas Dukes will all for 1,502 yards and 14 Grubbs (6-foot, 210 pounds) returning experience lies in compete for time at inside Cary, junior Kamerin Hall touchdowns with nine will back up Combs, its offensive line, made up of and senior transfer Watson linebacker, while Johnson, interceptions last season. in addition to possible seniors Logen Bumgardner sophomores Douglas Ripley will likely rotate in, The 5-foot-10, 190-pound Everly and DaShawn as well. dual-threat did most of his Gregory and junior Drew “We’ve got five damage on the ground, Chaney will fill out the experienced kids and though, rushing for 1,272 DATE................... OPPONENT.......................................TIME outside linebacker roles. pretty good size up front,” yards and 17 scores for the 8/19. . ..........................Apollo...................................................................... 7 Evitts (58 tackles, two Browning said. “I feel like year. 8/26............................Logan County...................................................... 7 fumble recoveries) returns we’ve got, probably in my “He’s definitely a 9/2..............................at Hopkins County Central............................. 7 to lead the secondary at time here, collectively the weapon, and we’re going to 9/9..............................McLean County................................................... 7 safety, while Killebrew, best group up front that use him pretty much in the 9/16............................at Hancock County............................................ 7 Penrod and Cameron we’ve had.” same way as last year,” said 9/30............................at Henderson County....................................... 7 Senior Demond Johnson Everly will assume Browning, who typically 10/7............................Daviess County.................................................... 7 cornerback responsibilites. (5-9, 197) will assume lead employs a one- or two-back 10/14.........................Ohio County......................................................... 7 Junior Payton Lipe, a running back duty after shotgun offense. “He’s a 10/21.........................at McCracken County....................................... 7 centerfielder for rushing for 108 yards and great athlete, he’s physical, 10/28.........................at Grayson County............................................. 7 he can throw it, he can run two scores as a reserve it, but the biggest thing is last year, with junior Devin SEE MUSTANGS/PAGE 8
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Hancock County
Hornets want improvement over 1-win season Hancock trying to restore program’s luster
them to be much improved with a year’s worth of varsity experience under their belt. They are coming into this year ready for a challenge.â€? Sutton and Singleton are the cornerbacks. Swihart is the free safety and Andrew Anderson is strong safety. Anderson had 31 tackles last year, Sutton and Singleton each had 29 tackles. Inside linebacker Gray was Hancock County’s leading tackler with 72. Smith is the other inside linebacker, and he finished with 54 tackles last season.  Junior outside linebacker Nole Alstad had 29 tackles a year ago. Nolan Logsdon is a senior outside linebacker who was in on 40 tackles.  Warriner and Starks are defensive ends. Michael Rates is a senior nose guard. Â
BY MARK MATHIS MESSENGER-INQUIRER
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2016 SCHEDULE
MCLEAN
among the returning players. Parker is also an outside linebacker. Noah Knight will be at middle linebacker. The cornerbacks will be Tey Burroughs and Patton. Beals is at safety.
FROM PAGE 6
Johnson should be a force with his size and quickness at defensive tackle. Johnson made 35 tackles last season Baldwin has moved from cornerback to outside linebacker (5-7, 141), and he will also rotate in with the wing backs offensively. Baldwin made 20 tackles last season. Linebackers could be a strength for the Cougars this season. Jacob Enoch, a 5-7, 145-pound senior, had a returning team-high 52 tackles. He could play middle or outside linebacker. “Enoch knows the game well,� Wagner said. Parker (5-9, 175) was also busy on the defensive side of the ball with 50 tackles, which is second
Perhaps the Eagles’ most experienced group comes in the secondar y, led by Thompson (42 tackles, three interceptions, three fumble recoveries) and Stevens (40 tackles, one interception) lining up at cornerback. At the safety positions will be Morris (30 tackles, two interceptions, two fumble recoveries) and 5-6, 135-pounder Ben Wood (seven tackles).
MUSTANGS
OUTLOOK
of their final six games, beginning with lopsided road losses to Henderson County and McCracken County. Facing those two teams at home should provide a more comfortable matchup this time around, but the Eagles also begin the year
with three consecutive road games that may prove to be a challenge. Ohio County’s season ended in a Class 6-A playoff loss to Central Hardin, but Ashby has high hopes that his team will piece together a better outcome in 2016.
With the same crop of opponents as last year, in the same order, Ohio County will look to get off to another quick start. However, the Eagles will have to put together an improved performance down the stretch. They dropped five
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Browning is confident in the Mustangs’ ability this season. “That makes a world of FROM PAGE 7 difference getting a team ready for football season,� the baseball team, he said of the team’s eight may contribute in the coaches. “We’re excited secondary, as will Combs and senior Johnny Benson. about what we’ve got as far as a coaching staff, and I think it’s the best staff that SPECIAL TEAMS Combs will again handle Muhlenbeg has had.� But, Browning added, kicking (23 extra points), punting and kickoff duties, the team’s success is ultimately up to the players with Grubbs and junior on the field. Braydon Hibbs handling “We’ve pushed them long snaps. Johnson, Killebrew and harder, and when you push them harder and they stick freshmen Alec Drake and Bronzyn Healy will be the around — these kids have bought in,� he said. “These Mustangs’ kickoff and guys set the expectation. punt returners. They want to win more games than we ever have OUTLOOK in Muhlenberg history, With increased depth, a revamped coaching staff they want to win district games and they want to and players willing to put forth the effort, host a playoff game.�
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OUTLOOK
There is a big senior class for experience, and a large sophomore class that played a lot as freshmen. “We have so many guys who have been in some type of rotation since their freshman year,� Wagner said of the seniors. “They were were with us when we just started implementing the offense and defense. Parker started since his freshman year. It’s ver y important to have that experience. We’ve got
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FROM PAGE 6
SPECIAL TEAMS
Junior Kennedy Addington will serve as the team’s kicker after booting 19 extra points and two field goals last season. Senior Cole Bullock will handle punting duties for the Eagles.
SPECIAL TEAMS
Jacob Miller is listed as the kicker. Trenton Lesmeister is the punter. Burroughs and Parker are the back return players.Â
a group that dedicated itself in the weight room. It’s helped keep them injury free. “We need to get a feel for the team as we go along. We had a tough camp, they accepted all the hard work, they were up at 5:30 in the morning. We want to be competitive. It will be interesting to see what they can do.�
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EAGLES
SPECIAL TEAMS
Kicker Tyler Johnson The Hancock County HIgh School football team goes over film footage of previous games, preparing for the 2016 season was knocked out with a after school on August 15. preseason knee injury. Rates Quarterback Tyler The skill players will Austin Fuqua (5-10, 285) and will step in to do the kicking were young in our skill and Singleton will be the left tackle Chris Warriner be working behind an positions (in 2015). We have Kratzer returns for his punter. senior season after hitting inexperienced offensive line (6-2, 280). all of those guys returning Smith and Singleton will The new offensive 24-of-52 passes for 289 that returns two starters and look to be much also handle kickoff and punt line starters will be right yards. from last season, center improved in those spots.� returns. tackle Cameron White, That skill group is led right guard Tavarus Starks by Jake Smith, a 5-foot-10, OUTLOOK and left guard Warren 180-pound senior. Smith was The Hornets seem to Garrison. White and Starks Hancock County’s leading DATE................... OPPONENT.......................................TIME have the tools to be better are juniors and Garrison is a rusher with 752 yards on 8/19............................at Grayson County............................................. 7 this season. sophomore. 146 attempts, for a 5-yard 8/26............................Union County....................................................... 7  “Our guys have really per rush average. 9/2..............................Ohio County......................................................... 7 committed to getting better DEFENSE Others in the deep 9/9..............................at Daviess County............................................... 7 each day and are starting to Eubanks thinks the backfield include juniors 9/16............................Muhlenberg County......................................... 7 put out the effort to make Hornets’ defense can be Gage Gray (5-10, 205), 9/23............................at Todd County Central.................................... 7 that happen,� Eubanks said. Tanner Singleton (5-9, much more solid this 9/30............................Butler County....................................................... 7 “One thing about this group 160),  seniors Tristian Sutton season. 10/7............................Owensboro Catholic......................................... 7 is that they are eager to (62 carries, 235 yards) and “Our secondary had 10/21.........................at McLean County.............................................. 7 learn and want to improve Nathan Swihart. several first-year starters 10/28.........................at Breckinridge County.................................... 7 and have responded well Singleton ran 75 times for (last season),� Eubanks 245 yards. to coaching.� said. “We are looking for
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OFFENSE
Limiting turnovers could be a major key to Hancock County’s success this season. “Offensively we hope to be much more efficient,� Eubanks said. “We want to take care of the ball. We
Photo by Greg Eans, Messenger-Inquirer.com/geans@messenger-inquirer.com
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hen a team won only its final game of the season, it has to spend the offseason thinking there’s nowhere to go but up. That should be the mindset Hancock County takes into this football season. The Hornets finished 1-9, but they let a couple of games slip away from them over the course of the year. They fell 13-7 at Ohio County in overtime in the third game of the season. The Hornets also lost 10-7 to Todd County Central at Schafer-Glover Field in late September. “Overall, we are looking to improve from last year,� Hancock County coach Bob Eubanks said. Perhaps Hancock County can take whatever momentum it gained from a 34-21 home win over Breckinridge County into its opener at Grayson County on Friday.
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