As it is in most cases, when John Hardin football was dominant, so was the feeder middle school (bluegrass middle). Over the last 4-5 years, you could see the decline of JH football coming as their middle school program would start the summer practices in July with maybe 15 kids and start the season with numbers in the 20s on the team. It was no longer the school to go to for for up and coming area football players. A strong middle school program will help this program a lot.

I believe that rebuilding John Hardin will be a tough task. For several years now the lack of numbers or athletes playing football at the middle school level (Bluegrass Middle School) as well as dwindling number at John Hardin High School, has left the cupboard bare. John Hardin was the premier football program in the region for years and attracted athletes moving into the area as well as existing players from other schools. They have been replaced by Central Hardin and in recent years, North Hardin as well as city school Elizabethtown. The John Hardin team from last year was the worst team that I have seen since the inception of John Hardin as a high school. Seeing them back on top is a monumental task but not impossible. All Doug Preston has done everywhere he has gone is win. I miss the days when John Hardin was the place to be every Friday night. Good luck coach, we are all rooting for you.

 

Why do you think that is? Particularly Central Hardin. The Bruins were never a particularly strong program prior to this decade. Why did players start to gravitate to a program that had historically not been great?

Coach Tim Mattingly was hired as CH head coach in 2014 after 10 seasons with Meade County as DC. He brought a toughness and attitude to a team never known for that. Winning helps too, as he won 4 straight district championships from 2014-17 and 2 region championships during those years.

Wow! I'm a little surprised, but change is the spice of life.

 

I'm a believer that Kentucky HS Football is good when John Hardin is good. They have had some great teams!

 

For Franklin Simpson, that opens the door to the next chapter for them. Who will take over?

 

For Coach Preston, I really hope the best for you at John! You've done a super job directing the Wildcats for many years! Best of luck!

Thank You. We are just going to be humble and try to work hard and do our best.

Hardin Co Preps is correct. If you follow middle school, Freshman, JV football you know what is coming as far as talent, numbers, etc. North Hardin will be really good this year but will start to fall off a little. Central Hardin has been strong the last 4 years on the other levels and John has really been down. I think it will really show this year. That's just my opinion. It seems John is getting a good coach and that counts for something but they just don't have the talent.

Hardin Co Preps is correct. If you follow middle school, Freshman, JV football you know what is coming as far as talent, numbers, etc. North Hardin will be really good this year but will start to fall off a little. Central Hardin has been strong the last 4 years on the other levels and John has really been down. I think it will really show this year. That's just my opinion. It seems John is getting a good coach and that counts for something but they just don't have the talent.

 

John returns the makings of a really good team next year and especially for how Preston will play. They return some very good backs, their QB is solid both as a runner and passer, they also return some good linemen with some really good size.

 

After next years class graduates is when things are up in air.

 

Hardin County schools shutting down the flood gates some of open enrollment that has absolutely decimated John’s enrollment and this new influx of troops will be pivotal in their success.