What does Johnson Central need to do to improve in 2016? What do they need to keep doing to be successful? Remember, please be constructive.

Should be a good year for the Eagles!

 

Johnson Central will build around a very strong Defense that remains relatively in tact. Dawson Stalker is a fantastic DLinemen. The Eagles are big and strong and experienced.

 

Offensively there are question marks to address. JC struggled, by their standards, at times last year when Workman was hurt. JC simply didn't have that breakaway back they were accustomed to. The crux of JC's concerns will be that QB position. Geordan Blanton is an unbelievably versatile player and stepped under center when Workman was out and did an admirable job.

 

Where JC utilized Blanton will be a huge part of their success. The other key will be is Sophomore RB Joe Jackson is ready for Prime Time. The Eagle fanbase is probably as excited about Jackson as they were JJ Jude entering his Sophomore season. Gunnar Sloan returns at FB and Trevor May will help at the other HB... if Jackson can step in and fill the loss of leading rusher Connor Ratliff then JC could be in business.

 

The other 2 ton elephant in the room for JC will be whether or not they can improve their team speed enough in the Off Season to ultimately handle the West Representative if they make the Finals. JC's schedule has been significantly upgraded with the addition of a pair of WV Large School Powerhouses that should also help prepare them for the speed and athleticism they may see if they rematch with South Warren.

 

My verdict on JC?

I can see them going either way this year.

 

One one hand it would not surprise me to see them take 3 or 4 Losses in the regular season with a difficult schedule and some growing pains with young players being asked to step in for seasoned veterans. With the opposite Region poised for a much improved year with experienced teams like Wayne County, Knox Central, and Rockcastle all returning the farm it is not a far stretch to think they may not even reach Bowling Green.

 

On the other hand this is the year most pointed to as JC's "sweet spot" between a run of very strong feeder classes where the Eagles have a ton of Seniors with multiple years of experience and some extremely talented Sophomores and Freshmen expected to be game changers. If the Eagles can sure up the QB position, find ways to maximize Blanton's special abilities, and can find that home run hitter at HB then I could also see them showing marked improvement over 2015 as well.