Outlook- For most teams during the 2020 Football season, the pandemic year was rough. For some teams like Central Hardin, it was down right miserable. Not only did coach Tim Mattingly have to replace a multitiude of starters who put together a high powered offense, but most went both ways (playing defense) and add to that the problems of the 2020 season, in which the Bruins were forced to miss several games due to health safe guards and not only player development was stunted along with trying to string together some wins and the end result was a 1-5 season and first round exit in the playoffs. With 2020 in the rear view mirror, Mattingly will go back to work and this season dos return several starters with hopes of turning this things around.
Running to Victory. The Bruin offense was very simple as Central Hardin ran for over 900-yards in six games. However, their struggles sometimes showed up on the scoreboard as they were only able to score 93-points during that time. The passing game was nearly nonexistant and Mattingly hopes that will change this season. Junior Bradyn Robbins was the guy under center last year and only threw 50-times totaling 227-yards. Sophomore Zackery Spurrier will compete for the starting spot as well and has a strong arm. The running game was paced by KeAndre Johnson’s 536-yards and 7-TDs. With his graduation and the loss of Trent Hill and Gabriel Ramirez, Mattingly will turn to Treyvon Williams (164-yards) and Braydn Robbins, along with Terry Brooks. Mason Thompson (led the team in catches with nine) will start at Fullback and Johnson had five as the only Bruins with multiple (no other receiver had more than three after that). Carter Robinson will be a wide out this season as well. Andrew Hobbs will play tight end. The OL will return several guys including Junior Andrew Hobbs and senior Clayton Hockman. Mattingly will look for other’s the fill spots.
Kicking Game. Evan Jones was 9-for-11 in PAT’s and 2-for-4 with field goals. Mattingly will look for another kicker with his departure.
Getting Bruin Tough. The Defense struggled last season and even though they gave up only 143-points, they were hard pressed to hold the fort as the offense tried to find it’s legs. Mattingly will return nine starters. The DL will lose DeVonte Armstrong and Kyle Browning, but they will return junior Adam Hobbs, Brock Burton senior Brock Burton. The Linebackers will lose Trent Hill (68-tackles 1st on the team), Gabriel Ramirez and Landon Blair, but they will return Easton Link, Nolan Goodman and senior Kadon Ferguson (42-tackles). Last year, Central Hardin’s Defense recorded only 4-quarterback sacks, 4-fumble recoveries and 4-pass interceptions. The secondary could be intact with Junior Terry Brooks and seniors Mason Thompson and Treyvon Williams.
Summation. Last season was a nightmare for Mattingly and his football team as nothing went right. If things go on schedule, the Bruins should be much improved and with a favorable schedule should be playing Bruin Football again.
Schedule has a few breaks. The Bruins will begin the 2021 season on August 20th @ DeSales (3-3), then two straight home games against Butler (1-4) and then Apollo (4-4) to start the month of September. A road game to John Hardin (5-3) and then two home games Henderson County (7-2) and then Fern Creek (2-3), before starting the District schedule @ Barren County (2-6) before their Open Date. October 15th @ Meade County (4-6) then home against North Hardin (9-1) and then finally @ South Oldham (5-4). The Bruins will face four teams with winning records including a few tough ones against .500 teams. Central Hardin will find out just how fast they have adjusted from 2020 very quickly.
