Published: November 18, 2008 01:24 pm            

Cards lose 11 starters but 2009 looks promising

Monticello — The Wayne County Cardinals just wrapped up the 2008 season with a 7-4

record and a share of the program's first ever district title, but it's not

too early to look at 2009.

The Cards lose six seniors off an offense that averaged over 32 points

per game and five seniors off a defense that must replace five of its top

six tacklers, plus replace several of its top reserves.

Special teams also figures to look a lot different as those units must

replace a kick returner with 3 touchdowns, a kicker and punter, plus several

other spots. Lets take a look at what Coach Shawn Thompson will have to

build around in 2009.

The offensive backfield appears solid as quarterback Zack Stephenson and

running back D.J. Hall, combine with fullback/tight end Eric Rhule to all

return for their senior seasons. Stephenson completed 96 of 185 passes for

1,301 yards with 13 touchdowns, against 10 interceptions. The first year

signal-caller also was second on the team in rushing with 629 yards and 9

touchdowns, on 129 attempts.

A big question and concern in 2009 is finding the receivers to throw the

ball to, as the 2008 seniors combined for 65 of the Cards 96 receptions.

Eric Rhule leads all returners with 19 catches for 167 yards with 2 scores

in 2008, plus added 17 carries for 52 yards as a fullback.

D.J. Hall also will be counted on to expand his role out of the

backfield. Hall, an all-state candidate, rushed for 1,286 yards and 20

touchdowns, plus tallied 15 catches for 166 yards with another score. The

athletic stalwart added a season high 4 catches in the season's final game

against Harlan County and the offense may look to feature more screen plays

in the passing game in 2009.

The receiver-tight end positions will not be the only spots with new

faces, as the offensive line lost 3 starters. Juniors Dale Jones and Steven

Dautrich return, along with Coty Bell back from injury, so the unit has a

core to build around. The last couple of spots could be decided this winter

in the weight room, as added strength should help several youngsters in

2009.

Wayne County will have to replace several key players off last year's

defense. Eric Rhule leads all returnees with 74 tackles, while the unit

graduated 5 of its top 6 tacklers. Rhule will look to solidify a linebacker

corps that will have at least two new starters.

A positive for the defense, should be up-front led by next year senior

defensive tackle Tyler Pace. Pace was one of the squad's leaders in plays

behind the line of scrimmage, despite missing the first three games of the

season. John Coffey and Jacob Gregory also should return for their senior

campaigns and team with Pace to give the unit senior experience on the line.

D.J. Hall and Thomas Owens both return in the defensive backfield after

solid seasons in 2008. Hall is one of the team's best tacklers and could

move to linebacker, while Owens leads all returnees with 2 interceptions.

Zack Stephenson also has starting experience in the backfield, while several

junior varsity players should be ready to make the move up and battle for

snaps in the rotation.

Special teams is also an area that will have major changes in 2009.

Harold Flach handled all kicking and punting duties in 2008, while Dustin

Denney paced the punt and kick return units, but both will be gone due to

graduation.

Hall, Rhule and Stephenson all could step into the return team roles

with experience, while the spring practice season could help the kick and

punt competitions.

One thing that certainly will help Wayne County in 2009 is a freshman

class that could be a very good one. The Wayne County Middle 8th grade team

won the Big South Fork Conference and has several players that could fight

for playing time right away.

"We'll have our banquet and get right back to work in the weight room.

We can't relax and not take our winter weight program very serious, the off

season is so important. We have to get bigger, stronger, and faster, as July

will be here before you know it," said Cards head coach Shawn Thompson.

Spring practice will start in mid to late March depending on the end of

the basketball season.

        

• Click to discuss this story with other readers on our forums.