Last year, the Jenkins Cavaliers didn’t have a football team, but this year they take to the gridiron once again.
Head coach Tyler Holbrook is hoping his squad can improve throughout the season and gain some wins along the way as the program resets.
“Our main goal is to finish the season,” said Holbrook. “But I come into every game expecting to win. I don’t care about the scenario. And I think that we can compete with the teams on the schedule. It’s been a long time since Jenkins won a football game, but I would love to get a couple of wins under the belt this year to build a little momentum for next year.”
OFFENSE
Caleb Morgan and Dakota Hall have been pushing each other for the starting job at quarterback, but Holbrook says that Morgan will lead the team into the first week at the quarterback position.
Hall isn’t out of the mix, though. He’ll start at running back. Joining him in the backfield will be Landon Amburgey and identical twins Chase and Spencer McNeely.
At wide receiver, Malachi Adkins will lead the group. Ryan Church will start at tight end. Being a senior, Church has taken on a bit of a leadership role with the Cavaliers.
On the offensive line, Ethen Gentry and Josh Wyatt will start at the guards. Nick Brown is set to be the starting center. Christopher Meade should start at left tackle. Kevin Slone and Camden Wathen should battle for time at right tackle.
DEFENSIVE
Wathen and Church have been battling for the starting left defensive end spot. Slone should start at one defensive tackle. Isaiah Eldridge will see time at the other defensive tackle. Meade will play at right defensive end.
Church will see time at outside linebacker. Gentry will play middle linebacker and handle leading the defensive unit. Wyatt will play at the other outside linebacker.
The defensive backfield will feature Morgan and Hall at the safeties. Chase and Spencer McNeely will handle the cornerback positions.
SCHEDULE
The Cavaliers have nine games this season, all of which Holbrook feels are winnable.
“We’re playing against some teams that are in a similar situation that we’re in,” he stated. “They’re small teams who are rebuilding and maybe bringing their programs back as well.”
8/18 – Knott County Central
8/25 – Morgan County
9/15 – @Clinton County
9/22 – @East Ridge
9/29 – Jackson County
10/06 – @Morgan County
10/13 – @Bland-Rocky Gap, VA
10/20 – Virgina (Bristol), VA
10/27 – @Phelps
OUTLOOK
Jenkins will have a smaller roster with everyone seeing time on both sides of the ball. For the Cavaliers, just having a team again is a huge deal, but getting some wins is definitely possible. Look for Jenkins to compete hard and surprise some people this season.
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