2022 Record: 11-2 Head Coach : Tim Mattingly
Preview- There is no question that the Bruins have rebounded from the disappointing 1-5 2020 season several years ago. Under Tim Mattingly, Central Hardin has went 19-6 over the past two seasons and return several starters in skill positions coming into this season, so another winning year should not be out of the question.
Offense- The Central Hardin wing-T attack pounded out 463-points in 13-games and were especially effective on the ground with 3,526-yards coming from 16-different runners so there is plenty of versatility in Mattingly’s running game. Senior (and future UK baseball commit) Zak Spurrier will be back to run the offense and although his passing numbers (55-100-732-yds 8-TDs) are not gaudy, he can put it up if necessary and is a dangerous runner as well. The running game will be effective again with juniors Mason Gardner (1,171-yds 26-TDs) and Meredith Walker (917-yds 7-TDs), who along with Spurrier (650-yds 9-TDs) will be keep the markers moving. Junior Jaxon Engstrand (14-catches) is the top receiver returning, along with Gardner (6-catches). The Offensive Line will look a bit different with Andrew Hobbs, Tyler Caudill and Brandon Barnes gone, but senior Tucker Walters is back and Mattingly will look for other replacements.
Kicking Game- Kase VanBilijenburgh handled the place-kicking duties (35-36 PATS and 6-6 FGs), but with his graduating, Mattingly will look for a replacement.
Defense- The defense was tough, allowing only 20-points or more just twice during the regular season and was especially tough inside the 20’s. The rushing defense allowed only 931-yards, while the secondary was equally stingy (746-yds). The DL will have some changes with both Adam and Andrew Hobbs gone with only Tucker Walters coming back. Mattingly will look for replacements, whoever the Linebackers will have plenty of returnees although top tackler Gage Bryant (107) is gone, but Noah Payton, McKay Payton, Brandon Lee, Mason Gardner and Matthew Withers are back. The secondary which intercepted 16-enemy passers will return seniors Caden Elmore, Walker Meredith, Omar Marreez and junior Jaxson Engstrand.
Summation- A bad first quarter beginning really blew up the Bruins playoff hopes against eventually champion Bullitt East, however Central Hardin will return plenty again and with a little luck could make and even deeper run in the second season.
2023 Schedule- Central Hardin will open the 2023 season on the road @George Rogers Clark (7-4) and then back home for three straight with DuPont Manuel (9-3), Henderson County (10-3) and Meade County (6-6). Then a road trip to Bowling Green (12-3), then back home against Louisville Central (9-5). A road game against Warren Central (5-6) and then back home against North Hardin (4-7) before finishing up on the road with Barren County (4-7) and then Bryan Station (10-4). This season is a much tough road for a winning season with six teams with above .500 records and three with 10-wins or mor
