Hazard

 

Can Hazard make it back to Bowling Green? Hazard was throttled in the semi-finals last year by Fairview 40-6. The big question going around Hazard fans is how are the Bulldogs gonna do after losing the talent that made their offense go. They hope that 2013 is the year for the Bulldogs to bring home the state championship but being realistic they know it’s gonna be very difficult to do so.

 

Hazard lost 7 starters on offense and defense. Those 7 starters just happened to be Hazard’s heart and soul. Hazard does return some offensive talent that seen playing time last year. Kody Arnett who caught 8 passes for 102 yards. Chris Hudson caught 11 passes for 200 yards and 2 touchdowns. Jarrod Combs caught 8 passes for 136 yards and 1 touchdown. Cole Ratliff was 5/8 passing for 128 yards as a freshmen for Hazard. Josh Meehan rushed for 60 yards on 14 attempts to go along with 118 tackles with all of them being solo tackles.

On the defensive side of the ball, Hazard had only 5 games where their opponents had 20+ points. In those 5 games, Hazard was 3-2. Hazard returns their top two defensive players in Josh Meehan who had 118 solo tackles, 3 fumble recoveries, and 1 interception. Jacob Roll who had 89 solo tackles to go along with 1 interception.

 

On the schedule front, Hazard will open the season against Pikeville on August 31 in the Pike County Bowl. Hazard returns home for the next two games. Hazard will host Letcher County Central on September 6 and then they will host Somerset on September 13. Hazard will then go on the road for 4 straight games. Hazard will travel to Fairview on September 20, Hazard will then go to Breathitt County on September 27, on October 4 Hazard will travel to Prestonsburg. Hazard will then begin district play as they travel to Harlan on October 11. Hazard will return home to finish off the regular season with 3 straight home games. Hazard will host district opponents Jenkins on October 18 and Pineville on October 25. Hazard will end the regular season on November 1 at home hosting Sheldon Clark.

 

Hazard fans always get excited and pack Hazard’s Daniel Field but this year maybe a little different when it comes to hoping Hazard makes it to Bowling Green because Hazard fans know what they lost last year and that it’s gonna be difficult to replace.

 

Players to Watch:

 

• Jacob Roll (SR. QB/LB). Jacob is a nice athlete who lead Hazard in tackles with 118 last year to go along with 1 Interception and 6 pass receptions for 67 yards and 1 touchdown. Jacob will be the starting the quarterback for Hazard.
  
• Chris Hudson (SR. WR/DB). Chris is a stellar athlete not only on the football field but also on the basketball court for Hazard. Chris caught 11 passes for 200 yards and 2 touchdowns
  
• Kody Arnett (SR. WR/LB). Kody will play a big role in what Hazard does in 2013. Kody caught 8 passes for 102 yards and rushed for 387 yards on 58 attempts and 3 touchdowns.
  
• Houston Smith (JR. LB/T). Houston was a big key to Hazard’s defense last year totaling 75 tackles to go along with 2 fumble recoveries.
  
• Josh Meehan (SR. FB/LB). Josh was the biggest key player on Hazard’s defense last year totaling a 118 tackles to go along with 3 fumble recoveries and 1 interception. On the offensive side of the ball, Josh had 60 rush yards on 14 attempts and 1 touchdown to go along with 3 pass receptions for 19 yards.
  

Excited for football season to start.. Hazard will have a great group of seniors who I think aren't getting enough credit due to past players and play makers. But I fully expect this team to compete bc defense will be the strong point..