Joey Fosko [email protected]

Sep 21, 2012

 

How good is Mayfield?

Barnard thinks the Cardinals are better than both the 2010 Class A state champion team and the club that was hit by some big late-season injuries en route to last year’s state runner-up finish.

“On paper, they’re not as good, but on the field, they’re better than the last two teams,” Barnard said. “You have all-world (Jonathan) Jackson, and other than him, (quarterback Jake) Guhy has to be their MVP. He has really come a long way.”

Jackson has excelled at linebacker as always but has become quite the punishing running back, with 689 yards and 16 touchdowns in five games.

“He has a psychological effect on kids,” Barnard said. “If a scatback gets around the corner, it doesn’t demoralize you. But when Jackson runs over you, through you and looks for you, it’s demoralizing.”

Mayfield coach Joe Morris, relayed Barnard’s comments, sees this bunch of Cardinals at least on par with the last two teams — the offense is not quite as explosive as the 2010 team, but Guhy’s improvement has buoyed this team’s rise above last year’s level of performance.

The defense might not be as dominant as last year’s unit, but it could be an upgrade on the 2010 unit.

“Jake is much more confident, a year bigger and stronger, and our offensive line is getting better every day,” Morris said. “We’re not as big and physical as the 2010 team, but people are having a lot of trouble stopping us.”

 

 

I feel that if we can stay healthy I think this group is going to be a hard out come playoff time. The Cards will not scare anybody to death given their smallish size but they sure do give a 150%. They really go after you, espically the very young and smallish line. A true suprise given they only have 1 returning starter up front from last year.

THE Home for High School sports in FroggyLand of Western Kentucky

 

 

great link for coverage of Jackson Purchase teams with alot on Mayfield, Murray and Calloway via webcast. Paducah Sun's Joey Fosko and Froggy Sports Travis Turner take deep looks at the teams