jester270

Baseball is one I understand—there’s a lot more overlap and conflict there. But I’m especially curious about how programs handle track athletes in the spring. For schools that allow both, what does that actually look like? Are football players still attending lifts or installs while competing in track, or are they fully committed to track during that season? And for programs that don’t allow it, what’s the main concern—missed football development, lack of continuity, or something else?

Curious to hear thoughts from others across the state on this. How many programs in Kentucky allow football players to participate in spring ball while also playing other sports like track? It seems like some schools make it work, while others require athletes to choose one or the other.

Haworth would bring immediate credibility and is clearly one of the top coaches you could hire—it makes a lot of sense on the surface. A resume like his raises expectations instantly and could stabilize things quickly. But I think the bigger question for Owensboro isn’t just impact, it’s longevity. This program isn’t just looking for a short-term boost; it needs sustained leadership, culture building, and consistency over time. If Haworth is truly committed to staying, investing in the community, and building something long-term, then he’s absolutely the right choice. But if there’s any doubt about how long he’d be there, that has to be weighed just as heavily as his success, because the next hire can’t afford to be temporary. Owensboro should consistently be a top team in the 3rd region.

Protect the doggone ball, Cards!

There are really two conversations here—what OHS needs right now and what type of hire sets them up long term. Tyler Brown absolutely should have gotten a serious look at Apollo, and anyone around that program knows the respect and relationships he brings. Passing on him as the HC was a mistake, IMO. Those same qualities would matter immediately at OHS. He has deep roots in Owensboro, understands the community, and could rebuild culture and trust from day one. On the other hand, a coach like Hayworth is a proven winner with multiple regional titles, which is hard to ignore. But how realistic is that hire? The Louisville area has the best basketball in the state, more talent, and a clearer path to winning. There’s no guarantee he takes the job, and even if he did, how long would he stay? OHS isn’t just trying to win next season—it’s trying to fix a program at its lowest point. That takes culture, relationships, and long-term investment. If Hayworth wants the job, you listen. But if that’s uncertain, passing on someone like Tyler Brown, who can bring you stability and local investment, could end up being the bigger risk.

He only won 8 games his last two seasons as HC at Apollo. What is your definition of royalty?

Correct me if I am wrong, but wasn't Rod Drake an assistant before he got hired? I believe that he hadn't been a head coach anywhere other than OHS. I do know he was an integral part of the community and was awesome at the Boys and Girls club where he served as their director. Like Drake, Tyler Brown has amazing ties to the community. He trains so many kids in our area. I think that someone who can relate to parents and kids should be a deciding factor on who becomes the next head coach at OHS, IMO. OHS has too much talent walking around that school with kids who are not coming out for basketball.

It seems like Owensboro had a numbers issue this past year. If you want to get your best athletes to play basketball, Tyler Brown is the man. Several kids transferred out of Apollo I believe when he did not get the last head coaching job. I think he would get the program headed in the right direction. Plus, he averaged 18 ppg playing at Illinois State. The guy really knows ball....

There have been some talks that Apollo Assistant Coach Tyler Brown could be a candidate for this position. While it would certainly be a significant loss for Apollo’s coaching staff, it could prove to be a strong hire if Owensboro chooses to pursue him.

Who will fill in for Hunt and Barker? Also, are they losing Corbin? I was really impressed with how well he played against Apollo last year.

Another offer from Illinois State.

I agree. If Apollo establishes a strong run game, then they will be a team that will be tough to stop. They will have a lot of returners on their D-Line (their main two DEs were sophomores last year). If they can get more depth at those spots, their defense will be tremendously improved.

Murray will be tough. I believe they lose some key guys, but man.... They are always always BIG and FAST. Plus, that is a long trip to start the year. With all of that being said, I think Apollo played well against Murray last year. Take a way a few mistakes and they are right there in it. Also, I have heard that they will be playing at a neutral site (Murray State) but I do not have a confirmation yet.

I concur. That type of scheduling would help them stay consistent in remaining in the "elite" category against other big name programs in the state.

Respectfully, this feels like a lot of offseason assumptions. Apollo lost talent, sure — but so does every program. The question isn’t what they lost, it’s what they’ve developed. Max is a 3-year starter with nearly 6,000 career yards and steady year-over-year growth. That’s not “most to prove,” that's just a testament of how he has been developed as Freshman to now. As for Lillpop and that group — depth and competition matter. Programs don’t make jumps because of one name, they make jumps because processes, offseason work, and leadership development. And based off my observation, the Eagles return mature talent as well as adding more depth in case of injuries which I believe this will help get them working towards that next step of being a very competitive football team. DC at home last year was a bad night — it happens. But writing them into last place in March is wild. If Max takes the expected senior leap and the supporting cast matures, Apollo is absolutely capable of being competitive in the city-county race. This is a recruiting thread... I am just happy to see Johnson gets recognized by big programs. He has developed tremendously, and that is what this post is trying to promote. The kid has worked his butt off and has really proven himself, IMO.

What if Owensboro did away with Daviess County? I know people in the community like the bragging rights of being City-County champs, but I would rather see more big matchups from top tier schools like you mentioned above. Example from across the state: the old Boyle/Danville rivalry game that no longer exists.

I have heard that Ty Lillpop, Gunner Hendrix, and Brayden Burger are looking to come out. All great athletes who could be able to have an immediate impact. I think Apollo is now finally starting to promote multisport athletes throughout different programs. I heard in the past that certain coaches would tell their players to not play other sports, which to me, is a very bad look for a school as a whole. As far as backup QBs go, I know rising junior Brody Jones did some cleanup time at the QB spot for the Eagles in big wins. I do know that Jacques Williams III (rising freshman) will be looking to enter the QB room. Any football fan in the area should remember his dad, who was a tremendous Apollo Eagle football player in the early 2000s. The future is bright for the Eagles!

Apollo has 4 starters returning on the Oline: Lawrence, Ali Zunun, Gabe Burton, Tyler Graddy Skill: Eli Williams, Ross Milburn, Gabe Jones (rising sophomore), Johnson The main area of replacements will be the secondary, but their roster is loaded with guys who can fill those spots. Apollo will be a great program. I know that there will be some new additions from other athletes who play other sports, too.

UK and UL are possibilities that you can’t rule out. I did see on Twitter that Michigan State and Boston College QB coaches came to town to visit. I predict the list will grow even more after some camp visits this offseason. And yes, Johnson will have some very talented targets returning this season. He will be poised for a HUGE senior season.

Process. That’s the word often used when people talk about the rise of Apollo football — and Max Johnson has been one of the biggest drivers behind it. Standing at 6’3, 205 pounds, Johnson has been a three-year starter at quarterback for the Eagles and a proven leader in Coach John Edge’s high-powered passing attack. Calm, confident, and competitive, Max has helped elevate the standard of the program while putting together one of the most productive quarterback careers in Apollo history. Johnson brings great arm strength, remains accurate under pressure, and is dangerous throwing on the move. When plays break down, he becomes an even bigger problem — showing the ability to extend drives and create explosive plays with his legs. His growth has been evident year after year: Junior Season 10 games 172 completions / 247 attempts 69.6% accuracy 2,270 passing yards 24 TDs / 9 INTs Sophomore Season 10 games 143 completions / 225 attempts 63.6% accuracy 2,001 passing yards 18 TDs / 10 INTs Freshman Season (starter after 4 games) 98 completions / 168 attempts 58.3% accuracy 1,322 passing yards 9 TDs / 6 INTs Now heading into his senior season, Johnson is poised for a huge year and looks to establish himself as one of the top quarterbacks in the state. College programs have already taken notice, earning offers from: Liberty Eastern Kentucky Tennessee Tech Gardner-Webb Kentucky Wesleyan Murray State Missouri State Lindenwood As Apollo continues its climb in 5A, expect Max Johnson to lead the charge once again.

Apollo’s offensive line has been the backbone of its success — and Michael Lawrence has been right at the center of it. Standing at 6’2, 250 pounds, Lawrence has been a core piece of the Eagles’ offensive front and is on track to be a four-year starter under legendary head coach John Edge. Primarily an offensive tackle at Apollo, Michael has proven himself as a reliable and technically sound presence on the edge. He moves his feet extremely well, excels at climbing to the second level in the run game, and shows a natural ability to block in space on screens — a skill that separates him from many linemen at the high school level. Colleges will likely look to move him to interior OL because of his size. In pass protection, Lawrence is steady and disciplined, consistently keeping rushers in front of him and anchoring the pocket. His versatility and frame have drawn attention from college programs who project him as a strong interior offensive line prospect at the next level. That upside has already translated into offers from: Murray State Kentucky Wesleyan. As Apollo looks to take the next step in 5A competition, Lawrence will once again be a tone-setter up front. With his experience, toughness, and football IQ, he’s poised for an outstanding senior season leading an Eagles offense with high expectations. Expect Michael Lawrence to continue turning heads this fall.

Hats off to Coach Drake!

Apollo struggles at the free throw line giving DC the edge. Standout DC senior Johnathan Moss exited the game in the second half after two technical fouls. Great district matchup!

Sounds a lot like Apollo High School, IMO.

No, but he was a great Apollo basketball player!