2022 Record: 2-9
Head Coach: Doug Preston
2022 Season- If there was any question whether a younger more experienced team would struggle in the 2022 high school football season, that got answered very quickly as the Bulldogs were struggled to score in double figures the first five games and allowed almost 50 in the first five. Preston had one (if not the youngest) of the youngest teams in the area and it showed. John Hardin did win two straight looking much better, but then were shutout in their next three including the playoffs. This season, Preston should have a much more experienced squad with many returning.
Offense- After scoring nearly 350-points in 2021, the Bulldogs only scored 138 in eleven games last season and the problems were obvious as they ran for only 2,167-yards after piling up 3,750 the year before. Senior Jabari Wilson should return at quarterback after throwing for only 141-yards last season and should have sophomore Austin Richardson backing him up. Despite struggle sin the running game, Sophomore Layden Anderson will return after running for 1,088-yards and 10-TDs. Cavalli Pitman should be back as well in the backfield with Makandi Rosier gone. Although the Bulldogs only had 20-pass completions totaled, Senior Donte Jones will be back as will TJ Williams. The Offensive Line will lose Patrick Redmon, Gaige Middleton and Kylen Johnson, but will return Dustin Berry, Damian Lyons and Blaine Meinikeim.
Kicking Game: With Jake Owens gone, Preston will look for another placekicker.
Defense- No where was the dropoff more evident in 2022 than the defense as it allowed 430-points as opposed to just 165 in 2021. The Defensive Line will return plenty of starters and depth with Junior TJ Williams (who led the team in tackles), Kevone Black, Will Adams, Damien Lyons, Jacob Adams and Dustin Berry. The Linebackers will return senior Jabari Wilson and Layden Anderson. The Defensive secondary will need some help with McKhi Hopkins, Deondre Doctor and Freddy Arnold gone.
Summation- It may have been the worst season in John Hardin’s short history, but a good start this year could wipe out that nasty memory. A good schedule should help that as Preston will look to see if the team’s experience will improve in 2023.
2023 Schedule- John Hardin will open the season @ Hancock County (6-4) and then a home game against Green County (7-4) before going out again against Iroquois (1-9). Two straight home game against Harrison County (2-8) and then KCD (9-3) before going to Breckinridge County (0-10) and then home to Thomas Nelson (0-10). A road game against Bardstown (14-1 before a home match against Nelson County (8-4) before finishing up @ DeSales (0-10). In all, the Bulldogs will face five teams with winning records in 2023 and three teams which were winless last season.
