Friday night is the start of a new regime in Lincoln County football history, when the Lincoln County Patriots play host to the Washington County Commanders in the PBK Death Valley Bowl. The school is coming off its most successful season in recent history, finishing 11-3 and a state-semifinal loss to Highlands (the eventual 5a state champion).
But this is a new season, and with the new season comes a new head coach. Lincoln's coach from last year decided to move on to Boyle County. His departure opened he door for the new Head Coach of the Lincoln County Patriots, Mike Settles.
Settles left a very successful program, Bullit East-in which he basically built from the ground up, to take the Lincoln County job. He retained some key coaches from last years squad and added a couple of young, talented newcomers (Craig Yeast and Bobby Leffew). It appears that he has assembled a VERY impressive staff.
The team returns many players from last years squad, but will have to replace senior leaders Levi Rogers, Ryan Young, Devon Denson, Noah Keeton and so on... It appears they have the right type of kids to do so lead by senior QB Tre Edwards. Edwards has served as the backup QB the past few years. He has also played halfback, safety, punter, punt returner and receiver. He is a very versatile player, and will be a key to this years offense.
However, in my opinion, will not be the most important factor in the offense. To me, the key is the big boys up front, and most importantly the health of the lineman. The question is not the ability. When healthy, the line play should be the biggest strength of the team. But, there are big question marks leading up to first game concerning the health status of the o-line. Hopefully, they will be ready to go.
Washington County is coming off a 4-7 campaign. They lost 43-14 in the first round of the playoffs last year to Bardstown (a team LC defeated in week two). Washington, a 2a team, is coached by Mark Perry. They run a wide-open offense spreading the ball around the field, mainly from the shotgun formation. LC has fared well against offenses like this in the past, keeping the offensive in front of them will be key.
All that being said, my prediction is:
LC 26
Washington 18
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Lincoln Loses a True Patriot
Sad news for Lincoln County and central Kentucky sports fans. One of the biggest high school fans and statistician's in the area passed away this weekend. Lincoln County stat man, and former Garrard County, Tom Hurt passed unexpectedly passed away this past Saturday in his home doing what he likes to do best, working with statistics.
Hurt passed away working on statistics proudly sporting a Lincoln County shirt. Hurt has been keeping statistics for over 40 years and was well-known throughout the area. If there was a big sporting event, he was there.
I thought WPBK FM had a very nice piece on Hurt yesterday, during their news broadcast. They played an interview of Tom before the sweet sixteen appearance two years ago. Tom said that Lincoln making the sweet sixteen was a dream come true to him and that he hoped to be able to keep stats in the same chair that Bill Keightly sit in. It was awesome to hear someone genuinely appreciate something so much.
He spent the majority of his time in Garrard County, but came over to Lincoln the last couple of seasons. He also did some broadcasting for WRSL FM and was elected to the 12th region Hall of Fame in 2004.
Thanks Tom, you will be missed...
Hurt passed away working on statistics proudly sporting a Lincoln County shirt. Hurt has been keeping statistics for over 40 years and was well-known throughout the area. If there was a big sporting event, he was there.
I thought WPBK FM had a very nice piece on Hurt yesterday, during their news broadcast. They played an interview of Tom before the sweet sixteen appearance two years ago. Tom said that Lincoln making the sweet sixteen was a dream come true to him and that he hoped to be able to keep stats in the same chair that Bill Keightly sit in. It was awesome to hear someone genuinely appreciate something so much.
He spent the majority of his time in Garrard County, but came over to Lincoln the last couple of seasons. He also did some broadcasting for WRSL FM and was elected to the 12th region Hall of Fame in 2004.
Thanks Tom, you will be missed...
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Advocate MESSenger Football Preview
The Advocate Messenger football preview came out today. I give them credit, they do a good job previewing the local schools. But, in this case, I see one huge blunder.
How was Chase Marcum left off the top ten players in the area list? I know he is injured, but in my opinion, he is/was one of the better lineman in area the last couple of years. Two Pats did make the list, seniors Tre Edwards and Tre Owsley. http://www.amnews.com/public_html/?module=displaystory&story_id=43313&format=html I gotta give them props for that, but...
Besides that, it looks as if they feel the Pats will be around a .500 squad. Three people picked them to be 6-4, the other three picked them to be 5-5. Danville was picked as the preseason best team in the area, or at least the team with the most wins.
How was Chase Marcum left off the top ten players in the area list? I know he is injured, but in my opinion, he is/was one of the better lineman in area the last couple of years. Two Pats did make the list, seniors Tre Edwards and Tre Owsley. http://www.amnews.com/public_html/?module=displaystory&story_id=43313&format=html I gotta give them props for that, but...
Besides that, it looks as if they feel the Pats will be around a .500 squad. Three people picked them to be 6-4, the other three picked them to be 5-5. Danville was picked as the preseason best team in the area, or at least the team with the most wins.
Friday, August 22, 2008
LC vs Anderson County Scrimmage
The Pats ventured to L-burg tonight to scrimmage the mighty Anderson County Bearcats. It was a good test for the team, a week before the "real" thing gets started in the Death Valley Bowl against Washington County. Anderson, a very formidable 5a opponet, had a solid season last year, going a perfect 10-0 in the regular season, and return many players off that team.
The teams opened up in the ten play format. Basically each squad got to run ten plays, then the ball was turned over to other team and they were given ten plays. Each team ran thirty plays in this format. Twenty by the varsity, and ten by the JV. It was very vanilla and hard to get a feel for. But, it served its purpose. Gave the boys some experience, and let them hit somebody beside wearing a different color jersey. Anderson scored one touchdown during this session of the scrimmage. LC did not score. Both defenses played very well, Anderson set their only score up on a long pass play, where the defender for LC was not lined up correctly (at least it appeared that way).
Next, the teams played a legit quarter. 12 minutes were put on the clock, and the 1's played the 1's for both squads. LC opened up on offense, after the Anderson kicker booted the ball deep into the end zone, on their twenty yard-line. Tre Edwards had a couple nice plays, via run and pass, to move the ball near midfield. Then, junior Julian Calhoun broke about a fifty yard run. By far, the most exciting play of the nigh. Reminded a lot of another running back, who currently is a CB for WKU. Anderson returned the ensuing kickoff all the to the Pats one yard line, and punched it in from there. That was about it. The second quarter opened up with the JV units on the field.
Basically, both starting units scored. Once again, LC's defense appears to be their strength. Very solid outing, really only gave up the long pass play and the kick return. The offense was hard to judge. They obviously didn't show a lot tonight, not wanting to tip their hand a week before the season starts. The glaring weakness, on offense, was the line play. Which, with all due respect, is playing without three potential starters. They HAVE to get Chase Marcum, Ben Harris and Tre Owsley on the field. At leas one or two of the three would help. The offensive line got outplayed pretty badly.
I was very impressed with Edwards and Calhoun. Some of the young kids looked very promising too.
The teams opened up in the ten play format. Basically each squad got to run ten plays, then the ball was turned over to other team and they were given ten plays. Each team ran thirty plays in this format. Twenty by the varsity, and ten by the JV. It was very vanilla and hard to get a feel for. But, it served its purpose. Gave the boys some experience, and let them hit somebody beside wearing a different color jersey. Anderson scored one touchdown during this session of the scrimmage. LC did not score. Both defenses played very well, Anderson set their only score up on a long pass play, where the defender for LC was not lined up correctly (at least it appeared that way).
Next, the teams played a legit quarter. 12 minutes were put on the clock, and the 1's played the 1's for both squads. LC opened up on offense, after the Anderson kicker booted the ball deep into the end zone, on their twenty yard-line. Tre Edwards had a couple nice plays, via run and pass, to move the ball near midfield. Then, junior Julian Calhoun broke about a fifty yard run. By far, the most exciting play of the nigh. Reminded a lot of another running back, who currently is a CB for WKU. Anderson returned the ensuing kickoff all the to the Pats one yard line, and punched it in from there. That was about it. The second quarter opened up with the JV units on the field.
Basically, both starting units scored. Once again, LC's defense appears to be their strength. Very solid outing, really only gave up the long pass play and the kick return. The offense was hard to judge. They obviously didn't show a lot tonight, not wanting to tip their hand a week before the season starts. The glaring weakness, on offense, was the line play. Which, with all due respect, is playing without three potential starters. They HAVE to get Chase Marcum, Ben Harris and Tre Owsley on the field. At leas one or two of the three would help. The offensive line got outplayed pretty badly.
I was very impressed with Edwards and Calhoun. Some of the young kids looked very promising too.
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Rumor Has It... (new baseball coach)
Rumor has it, after a long coaching search, Lincoln County has decided to hire Kalen Gibson as the new baseball coach. Gibson appears to be inexperienced, as a head coach, but has an impressive resume as a player.
Gibson is from the bluegrass state. He is a graduate of Webster County High School. He went on to pitch for the University of Kentucky after high school. He pitched for UK for three seasons, then transferred to Murray State University. Gibson went 12-9 in his career at UK, and 4-8 at Murray State. (complete collegiate statistics) http://www.thebaseballcube.com/players/G/Kalen-Gibson.shtml
Gibson was drafted by the Chicago Cubs in the 36th round of the 2002 draft. But, obviously elected to attend UK.
Hopefully, Gibson's playing experience will pay off and he will get the baseball program on track.
Gibson is from the bluegrass state. He is a graduate of Webster County High School. He went on to pitch for the University of Kentucky after high school. He pitched for UK for three seasons, then transferred to Murray State University. Gibson went 12-9 in his career at UK, and 4-8 at Murray State. (complete collegiate statistics) http://www.thebaseballcube.com/players/G/Kalen-Gibson.shtml
Gibson was drafted by the Chicago Cubs in the 36th round of the 2002 draft. But, obviously elected to attend UK.
Hopefully, Gibson's playing experience will pay off and he will get the baseball program on track.
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
News and Notes
*First and foremost, congrats to the block "L" helmet. Patriot Sports Talk has decided that this is the best uniform and would appreciate seeing it on the field this year. Those who are in power, make it happen (or don't, it's really up to you). I must admit, I voted for the old school patriot dude, but I can live with block "L". The patriot dude in the three-point stance is classy, and very cool.
*Lincoln County should be close to naming a new baseball coach. Rumors have circulated that the process of hiring a new coach is underway. Personally, I would like to see them hire a coach who plans on being around the program for a while. The program could be successful, like football and basketball, if it gets the support it needs. They need someone who really understands the summer travel team circuit. This is where a lot of developing and experience comes from. I would like to see Lincoln do something similar to what Paul Morse has done with the Morse Academy. Maybe they can find a coach who is familiar with that sort of thing?
*The football team is scheduled to scrimmage Anderson County next Friday, the 22, at Anderson County High School. This is a good chance to get a look at the team before the opening game on the 29th. This should be a challenging tuneup for the Pats, Anderson County returns many starters from a very successful 2007 squad.
*Lincoln County should be close to naming a new baseball coach. Rumors have circulated that the process of hiring a new coach is underway. Personally, I would like to see them hire a coach who plans on being around the program for a while. The program could be successful, like football and basketball, if it gets the support it needs. They need someone who really understands the summer travel team circuit. This is where a lot of developing and experience comes from. I would like to see Lincoln do something similar to what Paul Morse has done with the Morse Academy. Maybe they can find a coach who is familiar with that sort of thing?
*The football team is scheduled to scrimmage Anderson County next Friday, the 22, at Anderson County High School. This is a good chance to get a look at the team before the opening game on the 29th. This should be a challenging tuneup for the Pats, Anderson County returns many starters from a very successful 2007 squad.
Sunday, August 10, 2008
Marcum Getting Some Statewide Respect
Lincoln County senior lineman Chase Marcum is regarded as one of the best lineman in the area. Evidently, he is regarded as on of the best lineman in the state. Check out these rankings out, Marcum's name appears if you scroll down toward the bottom and find the lineman rated as three's. It is laid out by state.
http://jimstefani.wordpress.com/2008/07/07/class-of-2009-top-offensive-linemen/
Glad to see Chase getting some respect.
http://jimstefani.wordpress.com/2008/07/07/class-of-2009-top-offensive-linemen/
Glad to see Chase getting some respect.
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
Pats Open the Season in the Top 10
Bluegrasspreps.com, one of the more reliable Kentucky high school sports sites, has released its preseason football rankings. The Lincoln County Patriots open the season in the top 10, checking in at 10th.
There were three teams from LC's district ranked in the preseason rankings. Mercer at eight, and Pulaski County at seventh. What does this mean? It means Lincoln County figures, in the eyes of experts from around the state, to be in contention to repeat as district champions, but will be in very difficult company. Pulaski County and Mercer County both return numerous starters, it's going to be an exciting season.
Highlands, defending 5a state champion and the team who eliminated Lincoln County last year, is the preaseason number one team in 5a. Well derserved in my opinion. Here is the rest of the 5a rankings: http://www.bluegrasspreps.com/php/5a.php
Ex-Lincoln County Head Coach Larry French's Boyle County Rebels are ranked third in 4a, Danville opens at two in 2a. One team that caught my eye, mainly because I can't wait for football to start, was Bell County. They will open their season in the PBK Bank Death Valley Bowl against Garrard County. They open the season holding down the two spot in 4a.
Preseason rankings don't mean a lot, it's what your ranked at the end of the season that matters. However, these early rankings do give a little perspective to where the expectations could/should be for the upcoming season. And, satisfies the appettite of football lovers like me for one more day leading up to opening kickoff.
There were three teams from LC's district ranked in the preseason rankings. Mercer at eight, and Pulaski County at seventh. What does this mean? It means Lincoln County figures, in the eyes of experts from around the state, to be in contention to repeat as district champions, but will be in very difficult company. Pulaski County and Mercer County both return numerous starters, it's going to be an exciting season.
Highlands, defending 5a state champion and the team who eliminated Lincoln County last year, is the preaseason number one team in 5a. Well derserved in my opinion. Here is the rest of the 5a rankings: http://www.bluegrasspreps.com/php/5a.php
Ex-Lincoln County Head Coach Larry French's Boyle County Rebels are ranked third in 4a, Danville opens at two in 2a. One team that caught my eye, mainly because I can't wait for football to start, was Bell County. They will open their season in the PBK Bank Death Valley Bowl against Garrard County. They open the season holding down the two spot in 4a.
Preseason rankings don't mean a lot, it's what your ranked at the end of the season that matters. However, these early rankings do give a little perspective to where the expectations could/should be for the upcoming season. And, satisfies the appettite of football lovers like me for one more day leading up to opening kickoff.
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