5 Takeaways from Week 2 in Football
1. Grayson County could be BACK! Maybe you shouldn’t be surprised by the Cougars 2-0 start, which is their best since 2012 when head coach Ed Smart had a veteran team which ran his Wing T offense to perfection, but this team could be right on track. After five seasons in which the team went through growing pains including last season in which they were on quarterback four by the Ohio County game, Smart has a team which has been controlling the game with a great rushng effort by sophomore Q’Daryius McHenry, who had 119-yards and 2-TDs, followed by Derrick Ruth’s 200 and 2-scores the previous week against Hancock County. The 37-0 win over Breckinridige County will lead straight to a murderous stretch were the Cougars will face Edmonson County, South Warren, Ohio County, Allen-County Scottsville and Bowling Green. Hopefully Smart, who is known for his interesting and funny press conferences afterwards will have some interesting ones ready when we find out if Grayson County is read to prowl.
2. The EMPIRE strikes Back! Well, maybe the North Hardin Trojans aren’t quite the Empire much like the Joe Jaggers days, but after a tough loss in week one, they rebounded wth one of their best efforts both offensvely and defensively in a 31-0 win over John Hardin. It was the first shutout win over the Bulldogs in the two teams history and was built on the strength of the Trojans tough rushing defense which allowed mnus yardage on the ground forcing Bulldog quarterback Justin Russell to put the ball in the air 45-times and the end result was two interceptions to go with two other turnovers. The Trojans even got good special teams play when a bad snap recovery set up the first North score. The Trojans will face a fired up Elizabethtown team which had problems stopping the run in their first game against Franklin-Simpson.
3. 3. 2-0 and going for MORE! For head coach Kyle Boblitt and the Thomas Nelson Generals, a 2-0 start may signify a new beginning for the football team. Since their inception, the best they have ever been was 5-5 and still are looking for their first winning season. The 15-13 win over Frankfort was built by a strong defense whch allowed only 38-yards on the ground and Dale Satterly’s 115 on the offensive side to fuel the victory. The following week against Nelson County, Boblitt saw Zach Hurst pile up 157-yards and three touchdowns in the 41-12 win. It’s too early to predict what this means with LaRue County, Washington County, Elizabethtown and Bardstown coming up next in the following weeks, but any success is worth talking about in the Nelson County area.
4. Rebound WIN! Yes! After their tough loss to Bowling Green in week one, the Bruins looked to rebound against Bullitt East and they did with a 43-7 win. It was their second straight road game in that the Bruins will not see a home date until September 14th against John Hardin and will have only three home dates. Head coach Tim Mattingly got a huge defensive effort and a great game by junior quarterback Chase Elmore who threw for 173-yards and one touchdown passing and one running. Elmore’s main target was junior wide reciever Gavin George, who nabbed 9-catches for 161-yards and one score. The Bruins must continue their fine play with Christian-Academy of Louisville, South Warren, John Hardin and Warren Central coming up along with North Hardin, Meade County and Ballard too.
5. Stop Adkins! After his huge game the previous week against Marion County, LaRue County runningback Anthoy Atkins found the going tough against Russell County as the Lakers made stopping the high octine Hawk rushing game a top priority holding the senior to just 32-yards in 13-carries and the LaRue County running attack to 140 all told. In fact, head coach Josh Jaggers team must adjust as every opponent will cater their defense to slow down their offense. The Hawks weren’t able to get in the end zone until late in the game on a pass from quarterback Dalliss Cox to Anthony Atkins with 3:10 remaining to cut the lead to 10-6. With the undefeated Thomas Nelson Generals up next, the Hawks will have to adjust on the fly.
