Last season, Letcher County Central rode the legs and arm of Jonah Little to a 7-3 regular season. This season, Little is gone, but most of the team remains intact, and the Cougars are looking to show that they still have a lot of bite left.
“After the flood last year, we didn’t even know if we were going to play,” said Letcher County Central head coach Junior Matthews. “We had to scramble to get a season going. And then we ended up having a great season and won a playoff game.”
KEY LOSSES: Jonah Little, Christian Griffith, Hunter Hayes, Keaton Day
KEY RETURNERS: Isaac Matthews, Koby Johnson, Keaston Branham, Brett Smith, Gavin Brown
OFFENSE
Currently, the Cougars are looking at two players as at the quarterback position who can run their rushing quarterback oriented offense. Junior Peyton Combs is a track star who has a lot of speed and athleticism. Freshman Gunner Holbrook could also see some time at the position for Letcher County Central.
Isaac Matthews and Koby Johnson may handle duties at running back. Matthews had 610 yards and 10 touchdowns last season. Johnson had 234 yards and 3 touchdowns.
Juniors Keaston Branham and Quinton Williams could handle time in the slot. Branham led the Cougars last season with 375 yards and 7 touchdowns last season.
Brett Smith and Gavin Brown will handle some of the duties at wide receiver. Both are also dangerous in the return game. Smith returned 2 kicks for touchdowns last season, and Brown had a punt return for a touchdown.
On the offensive line, Billy Stamper and Lincoln Conn will likely return at the offensive tackles. Evan Cummings, Stephen Bingham and Jackson Meade could see some time on the offensive line as well.
DEFENSE
Cooper Bailey should see time at defensive end. Dawson Cornett and Sam Webb could see time at defensive tackle and nose guard, respectfully. Cummings, Bingham, Meade, Conn and freshman Cainan Sergent could also see time on the defensive line.
Koby Johnson and Garrett Howard will likely spend time at linebacker. Johnson led the team in tackles last season at 105.
Williams, Branham and Smith should see time at the safety positions. Combs Brown, Isaac Matthews and Colton Stidham will see time at corner back.
“We really could have a good defensive team this season,” said Matthews. “I think that we could be better on that side of the ball this season. It’s always tough breaking in a new quarterback, but having an experienced defense to rely on makes it easier.
SCHEDULE
8/18 – @ Shelby Valley
8/25 – Raceland
9/01 – @ Bell County
9/08 – Hazard
9/15 – @ Wise Central
9/22 – @ Breathitt County
10/06 – Corbin (District)
10/13 – Perry County Central (District)
10/20 – @ Whitley County (District)
10/27 – Belfry
OUTLOOK
The Cougars had a fantastic season in 2022. Gone is Little, but most of the team remains. The defense should be a strength to help the Cougars figure out their offense. Expect things to be clicking by midseason. Letcher County Central has a chance to make a lot of noise this season.
