Butler County (6-5) 2012
ST Football Preview 2013
Butler County High football program is loaded for Bear as they come into the 2013 season despite losing 6 players to graduation. Coach Ryan Emmick has reason to be optimistic about his chances in class 2A as he returns a majority of his team, plus picks up some key impact skill players from transfers.
“We are returning a lot of depth off a 6 win team that lost only 6 seniors. With the transfer of Burns and Shanklin along with the transfer of Trent Cox, Jr. LB we have players capable of effectively replacing those great seniors we had last year. The offensive and defensive line must improve. We have solid depth there but we were weak up front at times. Our pass protection and run blocking has to improve in order for us to continue to have success on the field. Defensively, we will rotate up to 9 players along our defensive front.” said Coach Emmick.
Big Boys in the Trenches:
Nothing like having your offensive line average about 260 pounds to give you the easy feeling as a quarterback. The Bears return seniors Austin McKinney 5’10” 265lb, Peyton Bratcher 6’0″ 255lb, Dakota Lawrence 6’0 265, Mason Barks 6’0 250, Dakota Merrick 6’0 265,Conner Reed 6’5” 275lb and Micheal Cortez. Each of these players will play both side of the ball.
“We expect big things from Micheal Cortez, Austin Mckinney, Conner Reed, and the rest of the offensive and defensive line. They put in a lot of work in the offseason and got immensely stronger” said Emmick.
The Quarterback:
The Bears not only pick up a quarterback, but they pick up an extremely talented player that understands the game in Jimmy Burns who led the Warren East Raiders last season to a (13-1) record. Burns threw for 2,131 passing yards and 24 TD’s. He is a poised passer who threw only 7 interceptions in 14 games.
Targets:
Burns will have several talented receivers to connect with this season. Juniors Drake Embry hauled in 456 yards receiving last season, Kaleb Deweese pulled in 345 receiving yards, Corey Johnson 267 in receiving and seniors Matt Moore at 6’2” led the Bears in receiving with 785 yards followed by Zeke Woodcock 6’4” with 645 yards and Walker Weathers with 350 yards. Needless to say, the Bears with Burns at Quarterback and the talented receiving core will run up some frequent flyer miles this season.
Balanced Attack:
Besides the passing game, the Bears bring back talented core of running back led by senior Cody White who ran for 500 yards last season. Joining him will be running and passing threat senior Walker Weathers who rushed for 450 yards in addition to his 350 receiving yards. Jake Martin who rushed for 225 yards last season will also see time in the backfield for the Bears.
Defense:
All of the above mentioned lineman will be pulling double duty on the defensive line. Three very action and explosive linebackers return for the Bears. Jake Martin had 115 tackles last season, along with teammates Travis Brooks 95 tackles and Jacob Courtenay recorded 98 tackles. This could be one of the best linebackers core in class 2A. Standout transfer from Todd County Bryce Shanklin 6’0” will bring height and speed to the defensive back position for the Bears.
Head Coach Ryan Emmick: The Challenge
“We have to continue to learn the game of football. We return a lot of talent and experience from this past season, we now have to take that experience and apply it on the football field. We have to perfect our craft each and every day and work to get better from the start of practice to the end of practice”.
Coaching Staff:
Brandon Embry-8 Years at BC
Andy Fuller-8 Years
Brian Bivens-4 years
Barry Frazier-4 years
Lloyd Havens-8 years+BC MS HC
Cody Donaldson-1 year
Mike Embry-2 years
