What the 2022 Football Season Taught Us
By Perry Swack
- Bowling Green is still elite
The Purples posted an uncharacteristic 6-6 record in 2021, but the rebound was strong. Bowling Green won twelve games en route to a trip to the 5A state championship game. Junior Javen Huddleston had a breakout year on the ground, rushing for nearly 1200 yards and 16 touchdowns. Junior Easton Barlow finished third in Class 5A with 1008 receiving yards, grabbing 12 receiving touchdowns. Three Purple defenders finished with over 100 tackles in Jake Napier (133), Grayson Newman (126), and Davis Fant (119). With only 21 seniors graduating, the story can be summed up succinctly: the Purples are back. And here to stay.
- Remember the Names of these Sophomore QBs
Four sophomore quarterbacks had outstanding seasons under center for four schools in Warren County. Bowling Green’s Deuce Bailey, Greenwood’s Ryan Huff, Warren East’s Dane Parsley, and South Warren’s Bryce Button all ushered in a new era of underclassmen quarterbacks for area schools. Bailey tossed 34 touchdown passes and threw for over 3100 yards and only nine interceptions as the Purples reached the 5A finale. Greenwood’s Huff completed 100-of-184 passees for 1656 yards and 16 touchdowns (with only three INT), while Parsley led the Raiders to a 12-1 record and the region championship game. Parsley threw 30 TD and only three INT, completing 124-of-203 passes for 1880 yards. Button ensured the transition from Caden Veltkamp went smoother than expected, throwing 16 TD and over 2000 yards. All four are expected back in 2023. Oh, and also in 2024.
- Sleep on Metcalfe County at your own peril
Metcalfe County ran off twelve straight victories to start the season and were ranked amidst the state leaders in a number of categories in 2022. Wyatt Blythe had a sensational season on both sides of the ball, finishing fourth in TD receptions across all six classes (16), while tying for first statewide with nine interceptions. The Hornet defensive unit stymied nearly every team it played, allowing only 13.2 points per game – ranking 14th statewide. The rush defense ranked tenth statewide, giving up only 63 yards per game on the ground. Ten fumble recoveries and sixteen interceptions also ranked highly among all schools in the state. A talented senior class led by the likes of Blythe, Michael Bennett, Tanner Jessie, and Luke Meadows will be greatly missed in Edmonton. However, the records they set will be remembered forever.
- Year 2 of the Mark Nelson Era was a smashing success
Warren Central entered 2022 on a 61-game losing streak dating back to 2015. It did little to deter the motivation of the Dragons. Coach Mark Nelson’s club snapped the streak on opening night and finished the regular season 5-5, going 2-2 in the tough Class 4A, District 2. Senior KJ Jean Aime ranked second statewide in tackles per game, averaging 14.5 per contest. His 110 solo tackles also ranked second, despite only playing in ten games. Jean Amie forced five fumbles and recovered three, leading the Dragons to a much-improved defense. Fellow senior AJ Jean Amie led the team in passing (1346 yards, 11 TD) and rushing (574 yards, 10 TD). The Dragons will greatly miss both Jean Amies; however, the future is bright at Warren Central.
- Logan County is here to stay
Logan County went 10-4 in 2021 and reached the Class 4A state semifinals. For an encore, the Cougars went 11-2 and nearly made it back to the semifinals, losing to Louisville Central in the third round of the 4A playoffs. Ryan Rayno put up video game numbers on the ground, rushing for 2052 yards on 258 carries en route to 24 scores. His rushing prowess helped Logan County post some of the state’s best offensive numbers, ranking near the top in points scored with 463. While Rayno will graduate, coach Todd Adler will return quarterback Davin Yates and second-leading rusher and receiver, JunVontre Dillard. Both will give Logan County the talent it needs to stay among Class 4A’s best.
