2023 Record: 4-7
Head Coach-Brent Thompson
2022- The previous season was a rough one for the Trojans, who were coming off a rebuilding season, yet had plenty of tricks up their sleeve to advance to a Region Title game, but last season, the combination of a younger squad, a new quarterback and one of the most brutal schedules in the area resulted in a four-win record. This season could be another transition team with plenty of holes to replace, but lots of potential in the skill positions.
Offense- The offense actually scored more points last season as compared to the previous one (282-268) and this year’s team could be even more explosive if the new starters can get off to a quick start. Jayden Thorpe only had one year at QB (after transferring the previous season from Fort Knox) after playing DB in 2021, but put up some big numbers (1,523-yards passing and 16-TDs) in the air as well as on the ground (498-yds 4-TDs) and will be some big shoes to fill, but Thompson will have quite a decision to make with youngsters Jakylin Kirkland and Durelle Loggins up next. Both are very talented and are sophomores. Kye Boyd rushed for over 1,000-yards last season and with Thorpe the second best runner, Thompson will have to find a feature back in his attack. North Hardin has two of the best wide outs in the area in senior Shaun Boykins (56-catches for 897-yards and 10-TDs), who has committed to Louisville and up and coming and sophomore Roland Lunz (11-catches for 159-yards), who is also getting attention from D-1 colleges. The Offensive Line will look different with nearly everyone gone and Thompson will look to fill holes and build depth as well.
Defense- The Defense, which was so strong for nearly three seasons, struggled and in some games was overrun and there will be plenty of changes there as well with plenty of graduations. Most of the DL is gone and the Linebackers will lose A J Rugerio, but Darius Wiley and Jaxon Lente should return. The secondary which came up with 8-interceptions and allowed 1,446-yards should return leading tackler Mason Howard. If Thompson can find the right combinations, the Trojans should be better.
Summation- From 2018-2020, no one had it better than the Trojans. The only problem is that most of those guys are playing on Saturday’s now and it will be up to Thompson to keep plugging away with the next best player. This year’s team has a few and should be a bit younger for a another long stretch if they can mesh.
2023 Schedule- The Trojans start the season on a Saturday on August 19th @ Campbellsville against South Warren (6-6) and then then at Class 3-A Champ CAL (15-0). After a home opener against Daviess County (7-5), back on the road against PRP (6-5). Two straight home games against Class 6-A Champ Bullitt East (14-1) and then Barren County (4-7) to kick off District action. October will see a road game against Central Hardin (11-2) and then home games against Warren Central (5-6) and then Owensboro Catholic (9-4). In all, North Hardin will play two State Champions and six teams with winning records.
