Game One

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