Outlook- 2020 was a dream for Elizabethtown. The Panthers were dominating on both side of the ball running the table during the regular season and despite a close call in the playoffs, made it all the way to the Championship game before finally falling to Ashland Blazer. Head coach Ross Brown inherited a veteran squad in his first season, but now the question is “What Next?” Much like North Hardin, the Panthers will return a few starters from last season’s dream team, but whether they can duplicate that success will depend on how fast he can find replacements.
Panther Power- Last year’s offense put up 555-points and never struggled to move the ball. A senior powered team was led by quarterback Clay Games, who put up big numbers (2,526-yards and 31-TD passes, while throwing only two interceptions). With Games playing on Saturday’s this season, the only returnee with any experience is sophomore Greyson Hainer. Both Hainer and Ryder Gregory will compete at that spot and a decision on the starter will most likely not be made until the start of the season. The running game was paced by Cameron McNeil, Khia and Kam Sherrard. Only junior Ryder Gregory (6-carries/78-yds/2-TDS) and Trey Durbin (2-carries/51-yds) are left. Camden Williams led the team in catches. His departure along with both Sherrards, Alandre Murphy and McNeil will have Sam Kessinger, Evan Shelton and Drew Carmon in competition. The OL lost Dylan Miller, Ryan Pyles, Nick Langseth and Drew Helton. Junior Jackson Ford returns and Brown could use Jayden Evans, Quentin Lepora, Zach Presthus, Gavan Young, Brock Catlett and Bryce Estes.
Kicking Game- With both Brandon Parsons and Matthew Musgrave gone, Brown will look for another placekicker. Mary Bell, who is on the girls soccer team is the most likely Candidate.
Defense was just that- Although the Elizabethtown defense allowed a few more points in 2020 than in 2019, it was very effective holding offenses to just 211-points (35 was in the championship game). The rushing defense clamped down and allowed just 2,045-yards (compared to 1,576 in 2019) and the passing defense was just as effective (1,025-in 2020 compared to 1,348-in 2019). The DL will lose Nick Langseth and Ryan Pyles, but will return Chad Doggs. Brock Catlett, Quentin Lepora, Jackson Ford and Jaydn Evans should step in. The Linebackers were led by returning junior Trey Durbin (92-tackles) and Cameron McNeil (91-tackles). McNeil’s departure could hurt, but senior Tyrin Jurnett, Carter Moberly, Nolan Maggard, Aiden Smith and Greg Hall should step in. the Defense recovered 16-fumbles, totaled 27-quarterback sacks and swiped 19-interceptions. Camden Williams led the way with 5-interceptions. With Williams, Murphy, Kam and Khia Sherrard gone, junior Ryder Gregory and senior JT Allen will remain at corner while junior Drew Camon and sophomore Greyson Hainer should be at saftey. Nate Nett, Drew Carmon and Jordan Price will play as well.
Schedule provides some tests. The Panthers will open the new season against former coach Adam Billings’ North Bullitt Eagles(8-3) on August 20th and then a road game at Meade County (4-6) and John Hardin (5-3) before returning home on September 10th to play Bardstown (7-2) and then on the road against Nelson County (0-7). Back home against Thomas Nelson (1-7) and then a special Saturday night game against 3A Champ Ashland Blazer (11-0) on October 2nd. Evangel Christian will be the Panthers next home game and then a road game against Russell County (6-1) before ending the regular season at home with LaRue County (4-3). Elizabethtown will face six teams with winning records.
Overview- It’s never easy to maintain success especially when you had a season like the Panthers did in Brown’s first season with nearly 85% of the starters bringing senior leadership. Brown’s father (Mark) continued to do that at John Hardin and he knew better how difficult it is. Last season, everything fell into place and with an inexperienced squad along with a schedule that on the surface looks very difficult could mean some growing pains in 2021.
