Football season starts in the Land of Logan tonight with a pair of home games. Trigg County, one of Russellville’s oldest foes, will face the Panthers at Rhea Stadium. Butler County, a traditional foe, will come to Logan County High School to meet the Cougars.
A year ago, the Cougars opened the season with a 29-27 loss at Butler County in Dain Gregory’s debut as the Cougar coach. LCHS went on to win the next three games before starting Class 5A play for the first time. The Cougars finished the season by beating Russellville 32-21 in a season-ending Clash of the Cats at Ken Barrett Field.
The Panthers started their season with difficulty, being surprised 34-12 at Trigg and then being outscored 57-28 by Fort Campbell, which had been dominating Class 2A football. Coach John Meyer’s team then won five of their next six games. A district loss to defending state 1A champion Mayfield made them a road team in the second round of the playoffs. After beating Bardstown Bethlehem 28-23 in the opening round, the Panthers were blasted at Louisville Holy Cross to end their season 6-6.
Both teams return several key players, including the quarterbacks who started the Clash of the Cats as sophomores. Ian Woodall, whose only start at QB came in the Clash, starts the season as the full-time signal caller for the Cougars. He’s smart and tough along with being a good athlete. Barrett Croslin was the starter all season for the Panthers and returns in that capacity this year. The Panthers had trouble functioning without him at the helm. Croslin and Woodall were key players on the 2009 Little League World Series team. In fact, often Croslin was the pitcher and Woodall the catcher in big games.
Justin Rone, who quarterbacked the Cougars the first nine games of the year and had impressive stats, has moved to receiver and running back on offense. He and Woodall are also key defensive players in the backfield. “Justin is a guy you can count on. He’s accepted his role and believes that no man’s more important than another on a team,” Gregory says. “Justin has good hands, and he’s added more pounds and is faster. He’s going to have a good year”
Key defenders returning include linebackers Aaron Baldwin and Brennan Rostampour, who had 64 tackles each last year. Gregory is excited about linemen Tyler Wood, Dylan Givens and Jared Hall. He cites their experience, weight training and improved speed from being on Coach Greg Howard’s track team last spring. Mason Robertson, who also brings size and experience, also is a defensive key.
Newcomers and guys who weren’t part of the action last year include baseball player Gage Hales, who could be an important part of the running game, and track standout Michael Sydnor. Other names to remember include Nick Offutt, Jerry Hendrix, Taylor Blakemore and Joe McGinnis.
Gregory says his having worked with the team for a year now has given the players an opportunity to get bigger, stronger and faster while learning the system. Depth is also much improved.
Myers likes the looks of his Panthers. He should, since most of the key faces are familiar. In addition to Croslin, the Panthers return some other outstanding multi-sports athletes, including Desmond Quarles, Josh Hampton, Zach Hines, Christian Naylor, Demarcus Hampton and Coco Darden. They are all backs, but they can play quick line positions, too, especially Quarles. Dustin Morgan is also a versatile back. Daquan Beard is a starting cornerback.
The player the Daily News featured from Russellville is hard-working senior linebacker/defensive end A.K. Tisdale. He plays tight end and fullback on offense.
Linemen include Daniel Duncan, Luke Whittaker, Rashaun Jones and Cole Aguirre. Young players who are making a bid for playing time include Jacory Bard, Zach Hendley and Jacob Proctor. Jordan Taylor is a transfer student who has potential.
Key baseball pitcher/first baseman Corey Wright has become a part of the football program as the kicker. He’s also a two-way lineman.
Both teams are in districts with some of the perennial powers in the state in their classes. Mayfield, which expects to play in the 1A state finals every year, comes to Rhea Stadium this year. Defending state champion Bowling Green and powerful Warren Central are in Logan’s 5A district. Central and Russellville close out the Cougars’ home season the last two Fridays in October.
Both games kick off at 7 p.m. today. WRUS will carry the Logan-Butler game live with Andy and Zack Woodall calling the action. A delayed recording of the RHS-Trigg game will air at 2 p.m. Saturday on WRUS and at http://www.network1sports.com/station/wrus with John Brett Reynolds and Alex Watkins keeping Panther fans informed.