The Bluegrasspreps 2nd ranked Class A Frankfort Panthers will travel up US60 to take on the Class 5A Shelby County Rockets. The Panthers are coming off an open week and spent time focusing on some basic fundamentals. The Panthers struggled in week zero at Lincoln County, they had several penalties. Though they came away with the win the Panthers left unhappy by the way the preformed on the field.

 

Coach Craig Foley wanted to work on three areas during his open week: 1) fundamentals 2) get in better playing shape, and 3) Mental toughness. Foley felt that the Panthers allowed the humid weather to affect them mentally and what led to a lot of the silly penalties in the game with Lincoln County.

 

As the Panthers prepare for Shelby County Foley’s has two major concerns for what is a very quality Shelby County team. First concern is the defensive pressure that Shelby County brings. Shelby County plays an aggressive defense that is always attacking, so a concentration on blocking assignments is critical this week. Another focus this week will be slowing down Shelby County veer attack; Shelby County has a senior quarterback that does a good job of reading the option. So the Panthers know getting to the attacks points on defense will be important.

 

When asked what changes we might see this week against Shelby, Coach Foley stated he was more focused on getting better at what they do and not so much about adding new wrinkles this stage of the season.

 

Player Spot Light

 

This week’s player spot light is on Senior RB/DB Jaen Washington. Jaen is a 4 year starter for the Panthers. The great thing about Jalen he is a coach’s dream he is always willing to do what is best for the team and he leads by example. Jalen is one of the hardest working kids on the team and constantly pushing himself and his teammates to get better daily. Jalen led his time offensive and defensively against Lincoln County. Jalen had 4 touchdowns 2 rushing, 1 receiving and 1 interception return, he also rushed for 143 yards and had another 43 yards receiving.

 

District overview

 

It’s still early in the season but never too early to start looking at how the district is shaping up. In the first two weeks of the season it somewhat surprising to see the Eminence Warriors have started out 0-2. Eminence has a new coaching staff and seems to be going through growing pains so far this season. Bracken County continues to struggle as they too have started out the season 0-2. Some thought the Polar Bears would possibly fair a little better this season. The Paris Greyhounds are 1-1 on the season and suffered a tough loss to 2A Shelby Valley last Friday. But the Greyhounds look to be on track to challenge for the district crown.

 

Class 1A District 3

1. Frankfort

2. Paris

3. Eminence

4. Bracken County

Great stuff as always Coach.

Good read, nicely done.

Looking forward to seeing my Panthers tomorrow night.

Great Post, Good Luck to the Panthers, They seem to have it rolling up there now. I am surprised to see Eminence down 0-2 this early, Bracken is extremely young this season, I look for great things out of Paris the next two years.

Good post Coach. Always love reading your stuff. :thumb: