Outlook- Despite finishing 5-5 during the regular season, the Hawks surprised many with a first round upset of Elizabethtown before falling the next week. Still, there was plenty of optimism coming into the this season until two things changed that. First, coach Josh Jaggers departed to take the Lincoln county football coaching job and then starting quarterback Cutter Boley transferred to Lexington Christian. The new coach would be assistant Sonny Judd and his first order of business will be to make a decision on who will be under center.
Offense- With Boley gone, Judd may look to junior backup Conlee Crossno, who was also the top runner in the backfield with 1,150-yards and 15-TDS. Judd will know more after several 7-on-7’s this month. The other returning back will be senior Brandon Hollis who had 167-yards and 2-TDs. With Kellon Bowen gone, the top targets for Hawk quarterbacks will be Camrin Williams (9-for-281-yards-@TDs), Junior Daniel Allen (15-for-267-yards-5 TDs) and Tom Shelton (14-for-176-yards-1-TD). The Offensive Line will return Seniors Conner Lambert, Tommy Wilmoth and juniors Jamieson Belton and Jaden Furman. Judd will look for other replacements at those possessions.
Defense- The Defense allowed 320-points and 2,656-yards on the ground, but Judd will have several returnees on the Defensive Line. Senior Conner Lambert and juniors Logan Chatman and Alton Riggs will be back with more experience. The Linebackers will have seniors Landon Colvin, Ayden Johnson and leading tackler Matthew Ball along with junior Conlee Crossno. The secondary which allowed 1,154 yards through the air will have seniors Bradon Hollis, Tate Wootton and junior Tom Shelton.
Summation- Although the Hawks struggled at times last season, they did show improvement in the playoffs. With the adjustments on offense and a new coach, there is always a period of transition. LaRue County does return many starters from last season and as quickly as Judd is able to make the changes at quarterback will decide just where this team is headed.
2022 Schedule- LaRue County will kick off the season with three straight road games first starting at Glasgow to face Woodford County (13-1) on August 19th, then @Taylor County (9-3) and Casey County (2-8). Three straight home games in September against Rockcastle County (6-6), Trigg County (5-7) and then Bardstown (12-1). Road games at Thomas Nelson (4-7) and then Nelson County (3-7) before ending the regular season at home against Elizabethtown (5-6) and Russell County (2-9). In all, the Hawks will face just three teams with winning records and four straight to end the season with below .500 records. A perfect schedule for a developing team.
