Last season, the Scott Skyhawks finished 9-1 in the regular season before bowing out of the playoffs in the second round. This year, Scott is replacing quite a few parts but still returns a ton of talent.
“We didn’t quite get as much accomplished as we had hoped,” said Scott head coach Jeremy Dolin. “But it was still a great season. We lost two games by a total of six points. The boys who return are very motivated by the final results and want to accomplish more.”
KEY LOSSES: Matt Frye, Preston Cooper, Jax McCarty, Chase Dials, Brayden Queen
KEY RETURNERS: Carson Brinegar, David Fennessy, Brayden Clark, Isaiah Bush, Ty Mitchell
OFFENSE
The Skyhawks have the duty of replacing Kennedy Award Finalist Matt Frye at Quarterback, and Chapmanville transfer Nate Easterling appears to be up to the job. He performed well during the summer and in the team’s early scrimmage against Tug Valley.
In the backfield, Caden Sutphin will be back and take on a heavier load as the team replaces Preston Cooper. David Fennessy will be splitting some carries with Sutphin in the backfield. Carson Brinegar is an all-state wide receiver but should also see some time in the backfield. Ryan Neal and Louden White will see time at running back as well.
At the wide receiver spots, Scott has a speedy group. Brinegar leads the receiving corps. Brayden Clark and Isaiah Bush return to give the Skyawks lots of threats to break a big play on every snap.
On the offensive line, Ty Mitchell will play the left tackle. Will Toler will be the left guard. Zach McNeely will be the right tackle. Gabe Sparks will be the center. Thomas Crisp is expected to be the right guard. Mason Brown will serve as the H-Back.
DEFENSE
In the defensive trenches, McNeely, Toler, Crisp, Cole Weaver, Ethan Bowe will all see time up front.
At linebacker, Fennessy and Ty Mitchell will serve as defensive anchors. Dalton Milum will transition from the line to inside linebacker. Jeremiah Brown will slide into the outside linebacker slot.
In the defensive backfield, Carter McClung will play one of the cornerback positions. Cayden Sharps will see time at safety. Brayden Clark will also patrol the safety position. Isaiah Bush, Caden Sutphin and Louden White will all compete for time in the secondary.
SPECIAL TEAMS
Tucker Breedlove will serve as the place kicker for Scott. Fennessy will handle the punting duties.
SCHEDULE
09/06/24 – @Wayne
09/13/24 – Sissonville
09/20/24 – @Independence
09/27/24 – Chapmanville Regional
10/04/24 – @Mingo Central
10/11/24 – Logan
10/18/24 – Poca
10/25/24 – @Man
11/01/24 – @Winfield
11/08/24 – Williamstown
OUTLOOK
Scott did lose some key pieces from last year’s squad, but a lot of talent remains. The Skyhawks play a tough schedule but should be up to the task. You can’t teach speed, and Scott has plenty of that.
Look for the Skyhawks to have a big season and be in the playoff mix.
