Last season, the Prestonsburg Blackcats had a fantastic 8-2 regular season, losing in the first round of the 2A playoffs to Middlesboro.
“It was a good year for us,” said Prestonsburg head coach Brandon Brewer. “I had a really great senior class. We’re going to have a lot youth this season. We’ll have a lot of new faces.”
KEY LOSSES – Reece Hamilton (QB), Ethan Jarvis (RB), Jon Little (RB), Brayden Goble (DL), Gavin Stephens (DL)
KEY RETURNERS – Dalton Elliott (WR), Logan Hall (C), Josh Elkins (QT), Logan Stumbo (LB), Bryce Patton (LB)
OFFENSE
The young Blackcats will rely on a lot of youth this season. That is especially true at the quarterback position. Freshman Bryce Holbrook and sophomore Brady Allen are expected to see time under center for Prestonsburg.
Nick Kidd will spend time both in the backfield and at wide receiver. He’ll be joined in the backfield by Jacob Rose, Westin Harris and Cole Lafferty.
Prestonsburg’s top returning skill position player is wide receiver Dalton Elliott. Last season, Elliott had 22 catches for 395 yards and 9 touchdowns. He also had 273 yards and 2 touchdowns rushing. Alex Harris also returns to help out in the passing attack and should have a much larger role this season.
The offensive line will be led by Logan Hall at center and Josh Elkins at the quick tackle. Daniel Adams and Nick Adams should also see time on the offensive line.
DEFENSE
The Defensive Line will be led by Elkins, Lafferty, Rose and Harris. They are all expected to be huge contributors and anchor the Blackcats defensive front.
Logan Stumbo is expected to lead the linebacker unit. Last season, he led the Blackcats with 88 total tackles. Bryce Patton was second on the team with 75 total tackles and also returns at linebacker. Baron Craft will see time at outside linebacker.
Harris will see time at safety. He will be joined by Elliott at CB. Colin Hatfield and Drake Hatfield should also see time in the defensive backfield.
SCHEDULE
“We’re going to be challenged,” said Brewer. “With our schedule, we’re going to have to come out and play hard every game.”
This season’s schedule includes a new district, including Martin County, Floyd Central and Knott County Central.
8/18 – Leslie County
8/26 – East Ridge (@ Pikeville)
9/01 – @ Paintsville
9/08 – Lewis County
9/15 – @ Pike County Central
9/22 – @ Betsy Layne
9/29 – @ Martin County (District)
10/13 – @ Floyd Central (District)
10/20 – Knott County Central
10/27 – Breathitt County
OUTLOOK
The Blackcats will have a lot of holes to fill, but the future is bright in Prestonsburg. Brewer has people believing in the program, and last season’s success could help propel the Blackcat program to more sustained success.
