South's best returing WR's won't be available for quite some time as they are all playing baseball right now. Bingham, Baker & Cochis. It also appears that O'Neill may play football his senior season which would be a HUGE lift for the Cardinals. With Bowling apparently gone to Bama, the only other options at QB for SL would have no varsity experience and I am not sure if they are near the level of Bowling or O'Neill right now. Chappell will need O'Neill if they are going to continue to throw the ball as he has good size, experience, and a cannon for an arm. However, he is also playing baseball for SL right now. All 4 of these players will probably be playing baseball all summer as well.

Good luck to Coach Chappell. He is a great guy. He is very energetic, enthusiastic and really seems to enjoy working with young people. I wish him and his staff the best!

I'm glad South Laurel fans are so accepting of this choice. The show of unity is a great thing.

 

But honestly, I'm very surprised that SL couldn't/didn't hire a coach that had had some more past success. Maybe I'm wrong, but I see the SL job as a plum job. London is a nice growing city that sits on the interstate, so Lexington is very accessable. SL has had success and plays in a weak district and the weakest 4A region. And the quality of the school system is very good. I just don't understand the hire.

 

While Chappel runs the offense that SL likes, he has had very little on the field success.

 

With that said, I wish him well.

I'm glad South Laurel fans are so accepting of this choice. The show of unity is a great thing.

 

But honestly, I'm very surprised that SL couldn't/didn't hire a coach that had had some more past success. Maybe I'm wrong, but I see the SL job as a plum job. London is a nice growing city that sits on the interstate, so Lexington is very accessable. SL has had success and plays in a weak district and the weakest 4A region. And the quality of the school system is very good. I just don't understand the hire.

 

While Chappel runs the offense that SL likes, he has had very little on the field success.

 

With that said, I wish him well.

 

Money, plain and simple. The base rate pay for head coaches in Laurel County hasn't been increased in around 20 years. That makes it tough to attract candidates that are already proven winners as head coaches. I hope the BOE revisits this in the very near future. It is difficult to find an excellent football program in KY where the academics aren't top notch as well. The 2 go hand in hand IMHO. Rockcastle is a GREAT example of a school where the academics improved drastically as the football team did when Larkey took over in the mid 1980's. This is not an accident. Pride, discipline and more kids on the team means more needing to hit the books to remain eligible, all roll directly into academic success IMHO.

 

I wish Coach Chappel all the luck in the world and hope he does the best for the kids at South Laurel. Those kids know how to win and I don't see this season being any different. With the number of solid seniors who are playing baseball, it will give him a chance to work with the younger guys and develop more depth thru practice reps which will help the Cardinals in the long run. His top WR's for 2006 (Bingham, Baker & Cochis) are all playing baseball and will be for most of the summer. Also the projected QB (O'Neil) is also playing baseball. It should be an exciting season for the Cardinals given the direction these kids have taken the program the past few seasons.

Is the QB from last year definately not going to be back?

Is the QB from last year definately not going to be back?

 

His father told me that he is moving to Alabama to play for Coach Irwin. Pretty definite that Bowling won't be at SL. But if O'Neil opts to play, he has good size and a very good arm. Has played in passing offenses as a QB since middle school and is a pretty smart kid as well.

Coach Chappel was excited last night to finally get to see his QB (O'Neal), and his terrific trio of wide receivers (Bingham, Baker, & Cochis) in action at their first passing scrimmage since finishing up the baseball season at Applebee's Park. It appears that Coach Chris Hayes will be the new offensive coordinator for the Cards and being as he has been on the staff and run this system for several years, this means that the system will remain very similar, which is good news for the Cardinal faithful. :thumb:

Coach Chappel and some of the boys is going too troy this week. I look for it to be the same look on offensive for the cards. But with a little new twist: :sssh:

Coach Chappel and some of the boys is going too troy this week. I look for it to be the same look on offensive for the cards. But with a little new twist: :sssh:

 

With Chris Hayes calling the plays, their opposition better be prepared for anything. And I do mean anything!!! :thumb: