Garrard County 2017

What does Garrard County need to do to improve in 2017? What do they need to keep doing to be successful? Remember, please be constructive.

It will be interesting to see how this year turns out. Golden Lions lose two stalwart running backs, but return a third in Josh Warren who really came on as the year progressed. Quarterback and leading wide receiver both return. Several linemen also return. Definitely in a bit of a "wait-and-see" mode in Lancaster, but there are some pieces. Obviously the district is very tough.

Schedule is a bear, as always:

Aug. 18 - Powell County (H)

Aug. 25 - Madison Southern (A)

Sept. 1 - Lincoln County (H)

Sept. 8 - Mercer County (A)

Sept. 15 - East Jessamine (H)

Sept. 22 - Danville (A)

Sept. 29 - OPEN

Oct. 6 - Boyle County (H)*

Oct. 13 - Western Hills (A)*

Oct. 20 - Lexington Catholic (A)*

Oct. 27 - Rockcastle County (H)

Do they even need a WR.

Pretty rough schedule.

Very tough schedule, but you know a Jerry Perry team will always compete and play hard for four quarters.

Just need to open up offense a little more

Offense was not the issue with Garrard last year. They averaged 335 YPG last season. Against the three best teams on their schedule (Boyle, LexCath, & Central) they averaged exactly 335, as well.

First thought is they will be in a tug of war with Western Hills for the 3 seed. The loser sees their path end quickly in Round 1 of the playoffs, the winner has a puncher's chance of reaching Round 2

Garrard needs to improve defensively. Their overall skill will not be equal to the top 5 or so teams in their region, but they normally have some good linemen. I don't think a 7 on 7 type style will benefit them offensively. If they can cut down on turnovers and improve their overall defense they will be in most games.

I don't think a 7 on 7 type style will benefit them offensively.

QB Isaacs did show he was a capable passer last season, especially as the year progressed. Garrard's never going to be an Air Raid team, but their passing game can catch folks off guard. You are correct, though, with the returning linemen it will be a ground-and-pound attack.

If they could have gotten 2 or 3 stops a game last season, they would have won at least 2 more games, and would have had a puncher's chance in the trifecta vs. Boyle, Catholic, & Central.

BTW, they scored more points against Central than any other team in the playoffs not named Belfry. All three of the other teams Central played were in spread formations.

All true statements, with one caveat. Garrard's throwing game needs to be play-action oriented. They don't often have enough athletes to be a spread-type team. The 2014 could have (especially in that district), and maybe 2015 (thought they wouldn't have had any depth at those skill positions. Last year and this upcoming season, however, that is doubtful.