Central Hardin comes off of a season where their rushing attack churned out 3,526 yards on the ground behind an experienced offensive line and a running back by committee approach. Senior QB Zak Spurrier returns to lead the offense and is another dangerous runner when necessary with a 6"4" 225 in frame. The running game returns Mason Gardner (1,171 yards- 26TDs), and Walker Meredith (917 yards- 7TDs), as well as Zak Spurrier who rushed from the QB position for 650 yards and 9TDs. Jaxson Engstrand returns as the top receiver for Central Hardin. The offensive line graduated Andrew Hobbs, Tyler Caudill, and Brandon Barnes, and will need some underclassmen to step up and provide blocking for this rushing Attack. A key returnee along the offensive line is Tucker Walters. 

Central Hardin will also look for a replacement in the kicking game as Case Vanbligenburgh (35-36 PATS 6-6 FGs) graduated. 

On defense, Central Hardin allowed only 20 points or more twice last season. The rushing defense allowed only 931 yards and the secondary gave up 746 yards on the season. With both Adam and Andrew Hobbs gone from the defensive line, the lone returnee, Tucker Walters will have to rely on some new linemen to develop as the season progresses. The linebackers and secondary should be the strong point of the defense with linebackers Noah Payton, McKay Payton, Brandon Lee, Mason Gardner, and Matthew Withers, all returning for the 2023 season The secondary also returns Caden Elmore (16 INTs), Walker Meredith, Omar Mareez, and Jaxson Engstrand to bolster the back side of this defense. 

GRC is coming off of a 7-4 2022 season that saw them lose in the first round of the playoffs to Tates Creek 20-19. They appear to have only lost 8 seniors to graduation. Based on their stats from last season they look to be a run heavy team with 1329 yards passing and 2235 yards rushing. Kalen Washington will be their top returning back finishing last season with 1,000 yards on the ground. A key loss is at the QB position in Tyleik Maxwell. 

I think that Central Hardin has more experience returning at the skill positions and should pull out a close hard -fought win, 34-27

Kalen "Jaws" Washington is no longer at GRC.

That is too bad. Big loss for them, I am sure. Did he end up at Bryan Station?

Yes, and he's gotten a significant amount of touches in their 2 scrimmages, so I'm guessing he's already been ruled eligible to play.

Edited August 12, 20233 yr by theguru
Rule 13

NFHS video:

https://www.nfhsnetwork.com/events/george-rogers-clark-high-school-winchester-ky/gam3837686b85

Is there a radio broadcast of this game locally in Winchester?

Bump.

6-0 Central Hardin 1st qtr.

28-14 Central Hardin Halftime. Ground and pound working tonight.

42-14 Central Hardin, end of the 3rd quarter.

Dominating performance. Kick return for TD, 70 and 36 yard TD passes.

Final. Central Hardin 42- GRC 22.