thisguy

Also why is Conner so bad this year? Did they not work with their younger kids in practice in the previous years to get them ready? Conner lost a D-1 QB (Barker), which is hard to replace, but no one is talking about the loss of Mr. Do Everything and D-1 WR/CB/Returner (Way) who were their two biggest leaders. They also almost lost their entire line on both sides of the ball to graduation. Three senior players decided not to play this year, some of which were for very personal reasons. These three would have anchored both the offensive and defensive lines. I believe there are only seven seniors on the roster this year. Hence, it's more a numbers issue this year for upperclassmen than not developing the talent. In addition, their QB is taking his first varsity snaps as a junior and did not play at all last year. That adds up to being a small (they will mature physically), inexperienced (they will mature mentally), and young (for the reasons above) football team. Conner will be fine. Obviously, the goal is to win as many games as possible, always is. But they should also be focused on gaining invaluable experience and getting better week to week, game to game, quarter by quarter. And, to stay healthy!

Ralph Dusing

Not stating it as fact, just passing along info from a reliable source.

. Yes, my bad!! Was having a UK flashback!

Was told that Boyd will not be playing again tonight for Boone.

As a St. Henry grad and former player, it baffles me that the condition of the ballfield continues to decline. Do we not remember Fox field, folks?! In fact, the Reds were supposed to host a fantasy camp game there this past Saturday but the game was rained out. I asked a St. Henry official how it could be rained out when the school has a tarp? He replied they never use it because it's too much work and they don want to run the risk of killing the grass if they don't get enough help to remove it. Sad.

Final after 3 quarter is WH 13-7. JV scrimmage is cancelled due to lightning.

13-7 WH at the legitimate half. Conner looks better than last week thus far. Offense moving the ball and D has made some plays and played well after the opening drive.

13-7 Walnut Hills. Ebarb on a 80 yard pitch run for the Conner TD. Showed good speed outrunning several defenders.

13-0 Walnut Hills. Conner once again drove inside the 20. Padgett threw one up for grabs on 4th and 15. Pick 6, 95 yards the other way.

6-0 Walnut Hills after 12 timed minutes. Conner is moving the ball well. Been inside the 20 on two different occasions. 5 holding penalties have hurt them including a TD called back. Padgett played all 12 mins at QB.

Ricardo took the challenge a couple days ago when he was challenged by Coach Sullivan from Cooper.

If (and it's still a big if) Padgett wins the QB job, where will Martin go on offense? He's too talented and athletic to not be on the field. He's been taking some snaps at wideout in practice. Personally, I think he'd be better served in the backfield and let him run which appears to be his strength when he's at QB. Maybe even put in a small package for him to take a handful of snaps directly to give the defense different looks. Just thinking out loud here....

Love Dustin Baker. Sorry to see him go, but he's made the decision for himself, so we need to respect it. Would have loved to see him one more year, but he has given his all in all facets, so let's pat him on the fanny and wish him all the best.

Do we even know for sure if Coach Listerman wants to be a full-time head coach again?

Really, folks? It was 7-7 and less we forget, a SCRIMMAGE.

Tanner Nyers. He will be a junior and is one to watch the next couple of years for the Cougars

How so? Drew was awesome and deserved all the accolades and praise he received. But if you watched Conner you also saw several other players contributing in a big way the past few years. Cameron Fogle, Andrew Way, and Jesse McKeehan come to mind right away and were given major kudos during their time at Conner.

Not so much in terms of quantity, rather than quality. I believe they only lose 5 seniors (I may be off by 1). But you lose Ross, Hart, Harshbarger, and Williams. Literally your entire middle of the field (Ross-P/CF Hart-C, Harshbarger-2B, Williams-SS) and your 1, 3, 4, and 5 hitters in the lineup, not to mention their senior leadership.

Kentucky Edge 16U Garrett Ainsworth-SK Gavin Meyer-CovCath Cameron Pitzer-CovCath Ryan McGinness-CovCath Artie Santomo-Boone Co Ethan Ahlbrand-St. Henry Zack Sprague-Conner Cody Ware-Conner Austin Franklin-Conner Kyler Padgett-Conner Dustin Catron-Conner Nic Craddock-Conner Davis Black-Conner

Yes, freshman Nic Craddock will get the start for Conner.

Sounds like the big freshman, Nic Craddock will get the start for Conner.

I like Conner 4-2 in a close one. Ross has just been too good on the mound this year to doubt him tonight in my view. Something to watch will be the 3B for Conner, Jacob Owens. He is a sophomore and was called up from the JV team and has only been at the varsity level for a couple of weeks now. I'd have to think he will need to field a few key bunts cleanly in this game for Conner to have success.

I don't think the Conner coaches have handed the reins over to Martin just yet. There's no doubting his athleticism. The concern I've heard from several coaches is his ability, or lack thereof so far, to grasp the playbook and read the defense. Obviously, those things will hopefully improve over time as he gains experience, but again, I don't think the starting QB position has been "guaranteed" to him by any stretch.

Sounds like Conner is going to roll the dice and start Blaise Ostertag vs Bellevue and try to save Ross for round 2. Tough call to make.