In 2009 and 2010, Coach Brad Hood led his team to two back-to-back undefeated regular seasons and one appearance in a 4A State Championship game.
The teams in 2009 and 2010 were great, but the difference between those years and the current Patriot team are:
OFFENSIVE BALANCE – PASSING GAME
Offensively, the Patriots have a passing attack led by 6’0” senior QB Trace McIntyre who has passed for over 800 yards and 10 touchdowns. Twice as many passing yards then the total for each of the 2009 and 2010 entire seasons.
McIntyre continues to embrace the passing game with the help of two exceptional receiver’s seniors Jax Cooper and Brandon Baxter. Cooper is McIntyre’s main target leading the Patriots in receiving with 450 yards and 6 TD’s. Baxter is closing in our 200 yards with 2 TD’s on the season. McIntyre will also look to junior WR Tanner Stinson as an outlet for his passing attack.
McIntyre elusiveness can get the job done with his legs as he leads the Patriots in rushing with 543 yards and 9 TD’s.
THE RUN GAME:
In addition to QB Trace McIntyre, the Patriots have two of the most talented running backs in the league.
Senior FB Dillon Rookstool is a tough running machine who would prefer to run through the defense then run around them. Rookstool has rushed for 450 yards and 5 TD’s on the season.
Nothing scarier for a defensive back, then seeing number 34 running downhill with them in his sights. Rookstool is also a vicious lead blocker for teammate and senior RB Landon Witcher.
Witcher has all kinds of speed with the Patriots toughness needed in the backfield. Witcher has 525 yards rushing and 6 TD’s on the season and has proven that he can turn a small gain into a sprint to the house.
BLOCKING:
Patriot offensive line does not get enough credit, but they are the difference makers. As seen in the photo below, they can create running lanes for their two running backs consistently. The line is quick off the ball and hold their blocks. Two fundamentals that are easy to talk about, but sometimes difficult to execute. Patriot linemen get the job done.
SPECIAL TEAMS:
Junior PK Thorny Walker has done an excellent job for the Patriots this year on Kick-offs, pinning opponents deep on their side of the field, or in many cases not allowing kick-offs to be returned.
Walker has also given the Patriots extra point and field goal security something they did not have in previous seasons.
DEFENSE:
Through 8 games, the Patriot defense has forced 15 turnovers, 10 of which are interceptions. Patriot defensive backs will be tested in the Region Championship game against Franklin County’s high-flying passing game. Franklin County’s senior QB Nick Broyles has passed for 1,615 yards, 21 TD’s with no interceptions.
Broyles will be pressured by a very intense Patriot defense led by junior linebacker Wil Moore who leads the team with 51 tackles.
The senior laden Patriot team seems to improve every week. They have a physicality not matched by many. An opposing team’s coach referred to them as “Beast” in the context of their toughness.
There is no doubt that this 2020 Allen County-Scottsville football team is special and these players are a microcosm of their Head Coach Brad Hoods intensity. He brings it, they bring it. Together they will be a tough out in 4A.
