How is Whitley adjusting to Jim Black's new system? When he went to Whitley Ithought it would take a year or so for the kids to adjust to a drastically different style. That being said, if Whitley continues in the current district they are now in, Coach Black's system could be a great equalizer for the Colonels, it sure was at Williamsburg. Hate to hear that injuries are a problem as we are big fans of coach Black and wish him every success.

 

You are right on target. The only pass oriented team in their district is currently South Laurel, so it isn't a style that these teams see week in and week out and could be a big plus for Whitley County.

I does not matter where you live as far as the district once you have established eligibilty. Even if he lives in the Corbin district, but established at Lynn Camp he would have to sit, unless he had a bona fide change of address(KHSAA BL 6). So for the kids sake it was better for him to return to the original school so he can participate his senior year.

 

The KHSAA needs to address certain situations like this one, so not to penalize the kid.

 

I'm pretty sure that is what happened in Bray's case. Hopefully things will work out well for Scott at Lynn Camp this year.

I would probably give Whitley's new offense a "B" in the summer passing drills. McCumbers was outstanding in both making decisions and throwing the ball. He has a very good arm. The problem Whitley had this summer was catching the ball. Most of the kids in the Whitley system have been in 99%+ running offenses since they were in 2nd or 3rd grade. These kids are just not accustomed to running pass patterns and catching the ball in traffic. Hopefully, they will improve in this area as practice proceeds. McCumbers can certainly put the ball in their hands. Of course the other big adjustment (the offensive line) has not even begun. The fact that spring practice was a total waste of time is certain to hurt this team early. I expect them to improve all season long and be a lot of fun to watch by playoff time.

At South Laurel several kids have to come up big. The young O line must step up and protect the QB. O'Neil must have a big year at QB. Bingham, Cochis and Baker must have big years at the WR spot. Ledford must become the leader of the defense under a new coordinator. Hibbard must become the anchor of the O line. Quinn has to give the Cards a running game and be the go to back. McQueen must be the force everyone has expected him to either at TE or at FB. The defense must improve as I don't think they will score as many points as in 2005. The new coordinator has his work cut out for him.

 

At North Laurel the same applies. Asher will be the go to guy and needs to have a big year, especially on offense. Whomever the QB is must become the leader of the offense with yet their 2nd new system in 2 years and be confident. Brandenburg must be the anchor of the defense and continue to make big plays. Maggard and Stuber have to be impact players on both sides of the ball. Fugate must stay healthy step into the other LB spot and be an immediate impact player to take some of the heat off of Brandenburg. Denver Tyree has to become a solid cover corner he can become. The O line must do a better job in pass protection. And last but not least, the offensive playcalling must improve and not be so predictable.

 

 

If all of those kids come thru, these teams should be right in the playoff hunt and could be dangerous come playoff time. If not, they could have less than stellar seasons. I expect both to surprise many with their 2006 seasons.

 

Good assessment. Quit stealin' Jim Schue's thunder, Mountain Thunder. :irked:

I would probably give Whitley's new offense a "B" in the summer passing drills. McCumbers was outstanding in both making decisions and throwing the ball. He has a very good arm. The problem Whitley had this summer was catching the ball. Most of the kids in the Whitley system have been in 99%+ running offenses since they were in 2nd or 3rd grade. These kids are just not accustomed to running pass patterns and catching the ball in traffic. Hopefully, they will improve in this area as practice proceeds. McCumbers can certainly put the ball in their hands. Of course the other big adjustment (the offensive line) has not even begun. The fact that spring practice was a total waste of time is certain to hurt this team early. I expect them to improve all season long and be a lot of fun to watch by playoff time.

 

I have complete faith that Jim Black will have these guys coming around just in time.

Hopefully Whitley's kids will learn to catch the ball and will make it to the playoffs. I heard Williamsburg looked pretty sharp at UK passing camp. Heard Frazier had made progress in his reads and really showed a nice touch as well as his arm strength. Chase Hamlin performed up to expectations as one of the top recievers in the state. There was one injury at receiver, Steven Jefferies pulled a Hamstring, haven't heard how serious, hope its not because those I talked with said he was making tremendous strides. It may have been a blessing in disguise as some of the younger kids got opportunities and showed they too could make plays. It appears that defensively alot is going to rest on the linebacker trio of Jusino, Root, and Will Moses. I heard Root was outstanding with 5 or 6 picks during the 7 on 7 scrimmages, and caught numerous passes out of the fullback position. Jusino struggled the fist couple of scrimmages but had a huge pick against Boyle County and seemed to improve with each scrimmage. Moses is pretty quick and could really help the defense in the fall.

Williamsburg also took their lineman to UK and from what I heard Tyler Rollins was very impressive. He could be a great one for the 'Burg. Elias Abner also perfomed pretty well from what I've been told. All in all I think the line will be pretty good this fall.

One last thing, I talked with some of the kids and they were very enthused about Jerry Herron as Head coach. He seems to be growing rapidly in that position from all reports.

Good assessment. Quit stealin' Jim Schue's thunder, Mountain Thunder. :irked:

 

Sorry bout that!

I think Arron Root is a very good NAIA prospect. He does everything well and he plays with extreme intensity. If he were larger, he has the mindset and skill to play Div. 1 football.

Leslie County

 

In order for them to have a successful season Ryan Howard, Brian Hubbard, Timmy Baker, Ben Walker & Jordan Morgan all have to be on top of there games night in & night out & the Leslie O & D lines have to get stronger & more experianced. After all this is a team that lost around 16 seniors.

I think Arron Root is a very good NAIA prospect. He does everything well and he plays with extreme intensity. If he were larger, he has the mindset and skill to play Div. 1 football.

Mountain Mutt, I agree with you, this kid flat out plays ball. I have heard a number of NAIA, D2, and D3 schools have shown interest. I do know he worked out at Murray State earlier this summer and heard he did well. He also, from my understanding, is getting some interest in baseball as he's a pretty doggone good catcher as well. Heard he would love to go to Carson-Newman as thats where his dad played, but that might be a big stretch. Anyway, I sure hope this kid gets a shot, he'll make some coach really happy with his intensity, mindset, heart, and work ethic.

Mountain Mutt, I agree with you, this kid flat out plays ball. I have heard a number of NAIA, D2, and D3 schools have shown interest. I do know he worked out at Murray State earlier this summer and heard he did well. He also, from my understanding, is getting some interest in baseball as he's a pretty doggone good catcher as well. Heard he would love to go to Carson-Newman as thats where his dad played, but that might be a big stretch. Anyway, I sure hope this kid gets a shot, he'll make some coach really happy with his intensity, mindset, heart, and work ethic.

 

I don't think it is too much of a stretch at all. Granted he may be an undersized LB, but he makes plays all over the field and has the physical and mental toughness to play the position well. D2 may not be a huge stretch for him with his work ethic and intensity. I remember reading what some of his numbers were from last season, and the number of tackles he was making was EXTREMELY impressive.

At Bell it is all about running the football on offense, and stopping the run on defense.

 

Having said that, Bell needs their entire O-line and Sophomore RB Spencer Greer to play big.

 

On defense, Slusher at LB has already been named, but they can't just depend on him, and have to find a couple more solid,dependable LB's that can step up and play big.

 

Hey, What happened to the Christopher kid that ran the ball last year - I believe T.R. Christopher? I would have thought he'd be the starting tailback this year. Also, I know Shawnta Zachary ran the ball some. Is there some news on Log Mountain I've missed? - I'm not on the forum here much during the summer, so if you can send me a PM, I'll get an email and that way I can check it to see a response. Thanks in advance. .... And Go Bobcats!!

Hey, What happened to the Christopher kid that ran the ball last year - I believe T.R. Christopher? I would have thought he'd be the starting tailback this year. Also, I know Shawnta Zachary ran the ball some. Is there some news on Log Mountain I've missed? - I'm not on the forum here much during the summer, so if you can send me a PM, I'll get an email and that way I can check it to see a response. Thanks in advance. .... And Go Bobcats!!

 

TR Christopher moved to Corbin and will be a Redhound this year.

Somerset

Offense:

Ross Deaton will need to step up and lead the team from the QB position.

John Cole always finds ways to score TD's

RB's like A.T. Hunter and Kenny Hughes

Defense:

Cam Jones at ILB, 3 year starter for the Jumpers.

Kyle Moore, a great cover corner