Preview- Coming off a strong finish in his first season, Doug Preston went into the 2021 season with a very experienced team and the Bulldogs were able to move the ball for much of the season in his run heavy offense. The challenge will be different this time around with so many positions up for grabs.
Offense- The offense scored 351-points in thirteen games behind Quarterback Devon Rogers leadership. With him gone, Preston will look for a new quarterback for the second straight season. Jabari Wilson could be the answer. The running game gained 3,750-yards last season and Keyandre Strand was the main ballcarrier with 1,854-yards and 13-TDs. With he and the top four runners all graduated, Preston will have someone else in the backfield. Makavelli Rosier and freshman Laysen Anderson could be options. The wide receivers also took a hit with Kendal Brice, Bruce Mills, Nygene Harrell and Isaiah Lee gone. Kaden Chitwood, Ashton Lawlers and Lamarous Bowens might be the answer. Preston also believes that The Offensive Line will return Patrick Redmon and Gaige Middleton, Kylen Johnson, Dustin Berry, Damien Lyons, Blaine Meinikheim could be replacements.
Kicking Game- Senior Jake Owens will be back after converting 36-of-41 PAT’s and 1-of-2 field goals.
Defense- The Defense was just as stingy as ever allowing just 165-points in thirteen games recovering 13 fumbles and intercepting 13-passes. Like the offense, the defense also took a hit starting with the Defensive Line with DeVonte Yates, Kendall Brice and Jybari Springs all gone, meaning JT Williams, Kevone Black, Will Adams and Soloman Bennett could get there shot. Along with Damien Lyons, Patrick Redmon, Jacob Adams and Dustin Berry. The Linebackers lost Nygene Harrell, Keyandre Strand and Andrew Carson, so Maurice Green, Mak Rosier, Jabari Wilson and Laysen Anderson could move right in. the defensive backfield lost Devon Rogers, Quintin Clay and Bruce Mills, but McKhi Hopkins, Jabari Wilson, Deondre Doctor and Freddy Arnold could get playing time. MJ Hayes could also get some time there and at Wide out as well.
Summation- Preston believes that with so many different faces that team commitment and chemistry could be a strong point for the team as well as the newly added talent with incoming freshman and new members. Preston has done rebuilding jobs before and this will be no different.
Schedule: The season will kickoff for the Bulldogs on Aug. 19th on the road @Glasgow (12-2) and then back home on Aug. 26th against Bardstown (12-1). Then two straight on the road first at Elizabethtown (5-6) on Sept.2nd and then the 9th against Central Hardin (8-4). Then back home for area rival North Hardin (5-8) on September 16th. A road trip to Valley (0-10) on September 23rd right before the team Bye and then opening up October with two straight at home against Moore(6-5) and then Marion County (1-10)before finishing up on the road with two straight against Spencer County (9-4) and then Meade County (2-9). In all, John Hardin will face three teams early with winning records in 2021 (two with 12-wins) and then finish up with three teams in the last six games with only a combined three wins last season.
