Hazard saw it’s 2013 season come to an end, falling to Williamsburg 21-7 in the class 1A regional championship game.

Not only did losing the regional championship game hurt the Bulldogs but they also lost some of their top players from last season. Kody Arnett LB/RB (473 rushing yards, 7 rushing TD’s, 1 INT for 25 yards) Tim Clemmons OL/DL, Kevin Eversole K/DB (9 games played 33 total points scored with 18 being PAT’s and 6 2pt), Alex Francis RB/DB, Dylan Goins OL/DL, Chris Hudson WR/DB (received 1,116 yards, caught 13 TD’s), Kaleb Huber OL/DL, Tyler Logan OL/DL, Josh Meehan LB/FB, Tim Pittard OL/DL, Jacob Roll LB/ TE. All of those players that Hazard lost to graduation played big rolls in their team.

 

The good news for Bulldogs fans, they return some pretty solid playmakers from last season; QB Tanner Morgan 135/203 for 2346 yards and 10 INTS, RB Brandon Jones 177 Attempts for 2200 yards and 24 touchdowns, WR Trey Higgins 26 catches for 408 yards and 3 touchdowns, WR Jacob Blanton 18 catches for 274 yards and 1 touchdown, WR Jason Johnson 18 catches for 271 yards and 4 touchdowns. Hazard had a lot of depth last season and didn’t have to play players both ways so they should have some fresh bodies this season. Look for Hazard to open it up and get more of their receivers passes instead of just one player like we seen last season. Tanner Morgan and Brandon Jones will be two players for Hazard that everyone should keep an eye on.

 

Defense should be stout on the line and secondary but the linebacker play will get better as the season progess. Defense will be anchored by another good group of seniors.. Houston Smith, Hilton Dixon Anthony Asher, Jalen Olinger, Jordan Childers, Brandon Miller and Trey Higgins... But expect others to step up as well along with Jason Johnson, Cole Ratliff, Cade Fletcher, Daniel Turner, Jimmy Perkins and Jacob Blanton. Also expect to see Brandon Jones on defense on occasions as well.

 

The Bulldogs will open up the season on August 30^th at Pikeville in the Pike County Bowl. Hazard will then go on the road for two more straight games, September 5^th at Letcher County Central and September 12^th at Somerset. The Bulldogs will return home for four straight home games. September 19^th Fairview, September 26^th Breathitt County, October 3^rdPrestonsburg. Hazard will begin district play at home on October 10^th against Harlan Independent. The Bulldogs will turn around and go back on the road for three straight games. October 17^th district game at Jenkins, October 25^th district game at Pineville and the Bulldogs will end the regular season on October 31^st at Sheldon Clark. The Bulldogs still should reign supreme in their district.

 

Thanks to someone close to the Hazard program for giving me this info.

 

My Predictions:

August 30^th @ Pikeville – Win

September 5^th @ Letcher County Central – Loss

September 12^th @ Somerset – Loss

September 19^th Fairview – Win

September 26^th Breathitt County – Win

October 3^rd Prestonsburg – Win

October 10^th Harlan – Win

October 17^th @ Jenkins – Win

October 24^th @ Pineville – Win

October 31^st @ Sheldon Clark - Win

sounds like they should be solid s usual

I look for the Bulldogs to make a deep playoff run this year and possibly back to Bowling Green.

I think they will get better as the season progresses and a dangerous team come playoff time.