Last season, the Betsy Layne Bobcats had a bit of rebuilding season. After finishing 5-5, the Bobcats fell in a competitive game at Paris in the opening round of the 1A playoffs. This season, Betsy Layne hopes to use last season’s valuable experience to propel it to more success.
“I felt like we were competitive in most games other than Raceland,” said Betsy Layne head coach Jarredd Jarrell. “I felt like with a few breaks here and there we could have won some more games, but that’s football. We have a lot of guys who got a lot of playing time last year. Our quarterback for most of last season was a freshman (Carter Parsons). Then, we have Dylon Williams who was a key player from our 8-2 season a couple of years ago. He only played in 5 games last season and even in those games, he was hobbled. So, getting him back will be a big help.”
KEY LOSSES: Brady Robinson, Reese Music, Dakota Stumbo
KEY RETURNERS: Dylon Williams, Andrew McCutcheon, Mitchell Castle, Carter Parsons, Isaiah Allen
OFFENSE
Sophomore Carter Parsons will start the season after getting a lot of valuable experience last season. As freshman, he completed 42-of-89 passes for 672 yards, 6 touchdowns and 9 interceptions. But those numbers are very likely to improve this season.
Mitchell Castle is a strong runner who will get some carries out of the backfield. Andrew McCutcheon is more of a speedy runner who will also get a lot of touches. Both should also contribute in the passing game. That should give the Bobcats a bit of a thunder and lightning combination.
Dylon Williams, Isaiah Allen, Landon Howell and McCutcheon will spend time in the slot and at wide out. All are capable making catches and turning them into big plays, making it a balanced receiving corps.
The offensive line looks to be an experienced group. Nick Thacker is expected to be at center. Austin Jarvis and Caleb Akers will see time at the guard positions. Boston Hamilton and Braxton Blackburn will help out at offensive tackle.
DEFENSE
On the defensive line, Ethan Hamilton, Tye Isom, Peyton Maynard, Brady Maynard, Boston Hamilton, Braxton Blackburn and Caleb Keathley will all see time up front.
At the linebacker position, Castle, Adrien Witham, McCutcheon and Isom will line up at the spot. Isom will feature as a pass rusher both and linebacker and the offensive line.
The defensive backfield, Allen, Parsons and Williams will likely start. Howell, Ryan Bradford and Nick Trimble are working for playing time as well.
SCHEDULE
8/18 – Berea (@ George Rogers Clark)
8/25 – Bath County
9/01 – Fairview
9/08 – @ Knott County Central
9/15 – Floyd Central
9/22 – Prestonsburg
10/06 – @ East Ridge (District)
10/13 – @ Shelby Valley (District)
10/20 – Pike County Central (District)
10/27 – @ Powell County
Jarrell is excited that he will be able to see every possible first round playoff opponent during the Bobcats’ regular season or preseason schedule.
“We get to see all four opposing district teams at some point during the season,” said Jarrell. “That will be a great thing for us and help us prepare. We just continue to work hard, and hopefully we can keep building this program so that even in our down years we can still compete in games and not be a doormat.”
OUTLOOK
The Bobcats did well last season when you consider what they lost the season before, but they still took some lumps. This season, the lumps should pay off. Expect improvement from the Bobcats as they compete in 2A. There is a very good chance that they improve upon last season’s record.
