Outlook- From the ashes of a winless program, Phillip Stockdale has finally got the Cardinals on the rise (well sort of). In two seasons (including the pandemic 2020 season) the Nelson County football team has went from an 0-7 to finally a 3-7 record and there has been noticeable changes as the team has played with more confidence. With nearly everyone back from last season, this could be an even bigger year as they continue to improve.
Offense- The offense went from scoring 68 (2019) to 83 (2020) to 190-point last season a marked improvement and they could be better this season. The running game was effective with 1,513-yards led by juniors Joey Goff (385-yards), senior Evan Hicks (347-yards) and Trevor Beam (339-yards-5-TDs) along with Paul Briney (294-ysa-9-TDs). All will be back. Briney was under center throwing for 706-yards and 6-TDs and his receivers are as well. Hicks led the team with catches (29 for 318 and 2-TDs) along with Eli Bohannon (4-for-177-yds and 2TDs) and Zach Moore and Brennan Hamilton. The offensive Line looks solid with Brandon Newton, Aaron Goff, Carson Mattingly, Cameron Turner and Lincoln Boblitt.
Defense- Also getting better, even though they did allow 1,907-yards rushing which was actually less than in 2020 when they allowed 2,078 in just seven games. The Defensive Line returns juniors Ayden Hutchins and Jory Goff along with senior Cameron Turner (who has an offer from KY State). Senior Carson Mattingly will also see time on the line. The Linebackers will have juniors Oliver Blincoe (4-QB saxcks), Tyler Crume and Joey Goff along with sophomore Lincoln Boblitt. The secondary will have seniors Evan Hicks (1st in tackles) , Zach Moore and Ryan Troiano from a unit with picked 6-interceptions. The team had 14 fumble recoveries and should be better.
Summation- Rebuilding a team which had a glories past is never easy, but Stockdale seems to be on the right track. The 2020 team took some lumps, but the Cardinals will return almost everybody and should be better with a little more size and experience.
