Really nice article in the Danville-Advocate yesterday about Garrard County quarterback Billy Abney, who is about to begin his fourth season as starting quarterback. Abney threw for over 2,000 yards and 22 touchdowns against only 7 interceptions last season while helping lead Garrard to the 3A state semifinals, their farthest ever advance in the postseason. Despite losing their top two rushers and best wide receiver, the entire offensive line returns and most of the defense, giving many hope that Garrard County can have another terrific season in 2012.

 

Along with being a fantastic quarterback, Billy is also a solid contributor on the basketball team and should find himself among the top 20 all-time school scorers on the hardwood. To top it off, he's also a kid who I got to know teaching him in middle school and really think a great deal of him. I'm very proud of Billy.

 

Prep Football: Billy Abney returns at quarterback to lead Garrard County offense - centralkynews.com

What does the team have in the cupboard as far as RB's go? How dependent were they on the running game last year?

I know they have a very talented freshman class coming in. I'm not sure who returns at RB but if their whole offensive line returns then I wouldn't be surprised to see them give a freshman a chance.

 

GC is better equipped to answer that question.

What does the team have in the cupboard as far as RB's go? How dependent were they on the running game last year?

 

As a team they ran for over 3,700 yards and 57 touchdowns last year. The top two runners, Cory Wilson (Union College) and Markell Hayes (Morehead State) each ran for over 1,700 yards so that will be tough to replace. Because those two were so successful, and the passing game was very strong, not many youngsters got meaningful game carries. Many of the young runners had their carries spread out during mop-up time. So they are untested.

 

The two returning runners with the most experience are junior Noah Williams and senior Garrett Caudill. Both are considered power backs, although Williams is a little quicker than some think. Caudill, who is one of the better linebackers in the state in my opinion, was used primarily as a blocking back last season while Williams was the best 'JV' back. Two other returnees who could contribute are junior Tre Merritt and sophomore J.T. Lyon. And the incoming freshman class is very strong with some nice skill players, albeit untested.

 

So in truth, there is plenty of talent in the backfield. There isn't near as much quickness. It really could be a 'running back by committee' this season, which actually suits Coach Scenters's offense just fine.

I know they have a very talented freshman class coming in. I'm not sure who returns at RB but if their whole offensive line returns then I wouldn't be surprised to see them give a freshman a chance.

 

GC is better equipped to answer that question.

 

They actually return six offensive linemen who started last year. Junior Bradley Rector got hurt during the playoffs and was replaced by Dakota Hisle. They also bring in two very nice linemen from the middle school who are not likely starters but can provide depth. The offensive line isn't huge but is technically very solid.

As a team they ran for over 3,700 yards and 57 touchdowns last year. The top two runners, Cory Wilson (Union College) and Markell Hayes (Morehead State) each ran for over 1,700 yards so that will be tough to replace. Because those two were so successful, and the passing game was very strong, not many youngsters got meaningful game carries. Many of the young runners had their carries spread out during mop-up time. So they are untested.

 

The two returning runners with the most experience are junior Noah Williams and senior Garrett Caudill. Both are considered power backs, although Williams is a little quicker than some think. Caudill, who is one of the better linebackers in the state in my opinion, was used primarily as a blocking back last season while Williams was the best 'JV' back. Two other returnees who could contribute are junior Tre Merritt and sophomore J.T. Lyon. And the incoming freshman class is very strong with some nice skill players, albeit untested.

 

So in truth, there is plenty of talent in the backfield. There isn't near as much quickness. It really could be a 'running back by committee' this season, which actually suits Coach Scenters's offense just fine.

 

Thanks! :thumb: