What does Bardstown need to do to improve in 2007? What do they need to keep doing to be successful? Remember, please be constructive.

The Tigers will return 4 of 5 offensive lineman, their QB, 2 FB/TE's, and their starting tailback. This was an outstanding unit this year, and has the potential to be even more explosive in '07. They need to find a way to replace departing senior WR Wenquel Graves, who should have made BGP's All-State team. I believe that the Class A playoffs and state title game proved that to be at the top, you have to be able to throw the ball consistently, and despite Bardstown's improvement in this area, I think they must be better. They will need to find WR's to accomplish this. Sometimes the graduation of one star player allows for the development and diversity of several more up-and-coming players.

 

Defensively, Bardstown has more work to do. The Tigers run a 3-3-5. The only returning DL is Jacob Carter, and they need to find more depth on the DL. The linebacker talent is outstanding. They return 2 of the 3, in rising senior Ted Mattingly, and rising junior Rashaun Phillips. If U of L is not scouting Phillips, they should be. The losses are grievous in the secondary where Graves, FS Paul Downs, and CB Eric Shanks depart. CB Rashaud Barber could be very, very good if he decides that is what he wants to do.

I agree with the WR position on the offensive side of the ball, the tigers will defnitely need someone to fill in for Graves as well as a couple more receivers who can catch the ball. On the defensive side, I don't believe the secondary will be a problem, but I do think some juniors and sophmores need to hit the weights to control the line of scrimmage for the d-line. Bardstown's schedule should prove to be tough but also battle-testing. '07 will be fun.

I think that the Tigers shill position next year will ne the linemen spot with them returning 4 of 5 and they will be all seniors if the the Tigers hit the weights i look for them to be dominant up front.