2022 Record: 14-1
Head coach: David Clark
The Tigers have had quite a two-year ride over the past several seasons making a Final Four appearance and then reaching the Class 3-A Finals last season against CAL. Although there may be some graduations from last year’s squad, Clark should have plenty of returnees for yet another run if he can replace several important skill players.
Offensively, it all started with the running game as Bardstown rolled up nearly 4,000-yards (3,729) rushing and were extremely effective no matter who carried the ball as nearly 14-different players were credited with at least 10-or more carries. Tyleeq Williams was the big gun with 1,882-yards and 25-TDs. With TJ Greenwell and Shannon Tonge gone, Williams and Kaden Stone will get the bulk of the carries. With Brayden Clark gone along with his 1,492-yards and 15-TDs as well, Clark will either look to junior Amonti Marshall or James Cambron under center. Tonge was also the team’s leading receiver, however Williams was the 2nd leading pass catcher with 32 and Clark will look for other receivers to step up. The Offensive Line which was the machine which helped run the offense will return Tyler Harmon, John Floyd, Hunter Morgan and Blake Werner along with tight end Caleb Nalley.
The kicking game was left up to Tate Blincoe and Carson King. Blincoe nearly became the first female to score a point in a KHSAA State Championship game and was 42-51 in PAT’s. King was 9-14.
The Defense returns plenty as well and a unit which allowed only 257-points last season should be better this season returning nearly everyone on the DL and LB’s. The Line will be seniors Hunter Morgan, (NG) Aiden Riley and Kris Sauter. While the Linebackers will have senior Kyan Lydian and juniors Caden Ferrell (lead the team in tackles with 91), Kaden Stone (2nd in tackles with 68) and Amonti Marshall. The secondary will see a few changes with both cornerback Shannon Tonge and safety Brayden Clark gone. However, JT Barrett and Deandre Sheckles will be back and Clark will find replacements.
The 2023 schedule opens up with Cooper (6-5) at home on August 18th, then a road game with Taylor County (6-5). September will bring two straight home matches first with Thomas Nelson (0-10), then a great match with Ashland Blazer (9-5),before a road game with Elizabethtown (8-4). A home game with Meade County (6-6) and then a special Thursday night game with Breckinridge County (0-10). October will bring John Hardin (2-9) before finishing up on the road with Nelson County (8-4) and then Danville (5-7). The Tigers will face fie teams with above .500 records along with several coming off winless seasons.
The Tigers have been on quite a run since 2020 with a 33-4 record including playoff wins. Clark has been adapt at developing young talent and that should continue at least for one more season.
