This is a good question for all over the state so I thought I would start a thread that would get some responses that interested me. I think there will be several teams to watch. Madison Southern has everyone back and even though they went 0-10 last season they are very talented and were playing a very tough schedule. If they lightened up their schedule a bit where they can get some confedence early in the season they could really surprise some people. Also, Harlan's Green Dragons will step it up this year I think as will Leslie Co. Harlan's Black Bears with their legendary coach in his secound season will definately be a force to recon with and Whitley Co. will be tough again this year. Finally, the McCreary Central Raiders will have the ability to turn heads, they have everyone back in the skilled positions and only lost 5 seniors due to graduation. If they work on their offensive line play and get tougher on defense they can make a lot of noise this year. Please give your feedback and input as I am bored and ready for football to start again and this is the only thing that eases my anticipation for the start of the 2009 season!:ylsuper:

Please give your feedback and input as I am bored and ready for football to start again and this is the only thing that eases my anticipation for the start of the 2009 season!

 

:thumb: I'm right there with ya.

 

In regard to Harlan County, it looks like we may have even more kids than last year, IF they will all stick with it. We are still very excited here! Coach Larkey and his staff will have a full year to develop and build on what we had last year. We lost some very good seniors, but it looks like we will have some boys ready to step right in and fill those positions. They are working hard right now! They are getting stronger and bonding in the weight room. I just wish Spring would hurry up and get here. I'm ready to see the Bears come out of their cave!

North Laurel. There is a great deal of talent there and Abbott did a great job at working with the fantastic middle school coaches and getting the numbers up around 72 dressed last season (highest ever at NL if I am not mistaken). They have the potential to be a sleeper this season with what is returning.

Watch out for Leslie Co.

I really feel like Bell will re-load next year. Though losing 13 seniors will be diifficult to overcome. Bell will return 7 starters on Defense and 6 starters on offense from last years state championship team. Should be a good nucleus to build on. They are going to get tested early with 5 time state champions Alcoa Tenn. on the schedule, Johnson Central, saudie daisey Tn out of Chatanooga and Whitley co. on the early part of the schedule. Can't wait, where is the countdown ticker we had last year?:dancingpa

I think Leslie Co. will be better, loosing their QB will hurt. Madison So. will be better with most of their people back. Mc creary Central could be real good. With Watts and Roark in backfield. McCreary has 21 players back that started at least one game. 10 back on both sides of the ball. May be time for them to step up and play with some of the big boys. From looking at their schedule Coach Gay thinks they can step it up.:dancingpa

I really feel like Bell will re-load next year. Though losing 13 seniors will be diifficult to overcome. Bell will return 7 starters on Defense and 6 starters on offense from last years state championship team. Should be a good nucleus to build on. They are going to get tested early with 5 time state champions Alcoa Tenn. on the schedule, Johnson Central, saudie daisey Tn out of Chatanooga and Whitley co. on the early part of the schedule. Can't wait, where is the countdown ticker we had last year?:dancingpa

 

Who will be the QB for Bell next year?

Watch out for Leslie Co.

 

Leslie always has bad years, then after the young guys get seasoned, they have a couple of really solid years. They are about due for a VERY good season and hope they do it! I really believe they will be much better this years. It is amazing what a little experience can do for a team! :thumb:

Who will be the QB for Bell next year?

 

 

Ben Madon, he is about 6'3" and has a good arm, saw him play in some JV games and he seems ready to step up and take the rains.

I think Leslie Co. will be better, loosing their QB will hurt. Madison So. will be better with most of their people back. Mc creary Central could be real good. With Watts and Roark in backfield. McCreary has 21 players back that started at least one game. 10 back on both sides of the ball. May be time for them to step up and play with some of the big boys. From looking at their schedule Coach Gay thinks they can step it up.:dancingpa

 

 

I hope you are right cellking, I want to see the Raiders have a winning season this year. Do you know how many home games they will have in 2009? Last year was hard on the fans with just 3 home games!

I think McCreary has 6 Home games in 2009. I know they picked up Edmonson Co., Wayne Co., and Lynn Camp, all Home Games.

If the dedication and hard work the Mccreary players are showing in the off-season strength and conditioning program is any indication of how good they will be; I will have to say they will be a team that will turn some heads and raise som eyebrows! Keep working hard and it will pay-off!

I think Leslie Co. will be better, loosing their QB will hurt.

 

 

I think it will HELP. Didn't pan out to be the QB Leslie had hoped for. I think the new QB is more of a leader. That freshman class was loaded. With the addition of some new players coming out and another 15=incoming freshman class, Leslie's not far from competing again.

Good Deal, I love to see Leslie Win, except when they play McCreary Central.

This is a good question for all over the state so I thought I would start a thread that would get some responses that interested me. I think there will be several teams to watch. Madison Southern has everyone back and even though they went 0-10 last season they are very talented and were playing a very tough schedule. If they lightened up their schedule a bit where they can get some confedence early in the season they could really surprise some people. Also, Harlan's Green Dragons will step it up this year I think as will Leslie Co. Harlan's Black Bears with their legendary coach in his secound season will definately be a force to recon with and Whitley Co. will be tough again this year. Finally, the McCreary Central Raiders will have the ability to turn heads, they have everyone back in the skilled positions and only lost 5 seniors due to graduation. If they work on their offensive line play and get tougher on defense they can make a lot of noise this year. Please give your feedback and input as I am bored and ready for football to start again and this is the only thing that eases my anticipation for the start of the 2009 season!:ylsuper:[

 

Madison Southern should be better. Their skill kids are as good as anybody, but with a good winter those lineman need to step it up.