By SHANNON HUTCHINSON Sports Writer
CNHI
9-29-10 — The Wayne County Cardinals, 1-4 on the season and coming off a 55-39
home loss to Garrard County, return to action this Friday night
hosting district foe Casey County. The Rebels own an impressive 4-2
record, but are coming off a disappointing 63-0 district loss at #1
ranked Somerset.
The match-up marks the 29th meeting in the rivalry, which dates back
to 1975 and Wayne County owns a 22-6 series advantage. The Cards have
won seven in a row in the series, including a 42-22 decision at Rebel
Field in 2009.
"Casey County has maybe their best team in ten years, so we know it
will be a very tough, physical battle. Coach Andy Stephens always
does a good job with his kids and watching them on film, they are an
extremely hard-nosed group," said Cards head coach Shawn Thompson.
The Rebels have defeated Caverna (28-6), Bourbon County (22-0),
Clinton County (52-6), and #10 ranked Powell County (23-14), with
losses at Perry County Central (22-21) and Somerset.
"Perry County Central beat Breathitt County and Somerset is the top
ranked team in Class 3A, give Casey County credit they're a much
improved football team. I really think our effort and intensity will
be big keys," said Thompson.
Casey County, which averages 24.3 points per game, uses an offense
that features an emphasis on the rushing game. Sophomore running back
Alex Bolin leads the squad with 8 touchdowns and has eclipsed the 500
yard mark on the season. Senior Corey Roy also is over the 500 yard
rushing mark and is second on team with 5 total touchdowns.
"Good and hard-nosed in the backfield and on the line," said Thompson.
Junior Will Hatter runs the offense from the quarterback position
and has some nice stats through five games. Hatter has 49 rushing
attempts for 212 yards and completed 20 of 44 pass attempts for 345
yards, and 4 total touchdowns, against just 1 interception.
"I think the biggest change in Casey County has to do with the level
of confidence they are playing with. Casey has always played hard
with a no-quit attitude, but on film it appears that they are even
more physical. That's a major concern, we've not been a very physical
team this year and at one time that's something we could kind of hang
our hat on, so matching their intensity is key," said Thompson.
The Cards defense allowed 55 points and 586 yards of offense in the
Garrard County loss, but the head coach is upset with another stat.
"We missed around 50 tackles last week, I'm not sure if we've ever
missed that many tackles. We have to play with more focus and
intensity. Last week we had guys in position to make plays, but just
didn't," said Thompson.
The game is Homecoming on the 2010 schedule and could be a little
special for Thompson, as the Class of 1991 is being honored and
welcomed back.
"Homecoming week always highlight school spirit and involvement, but
we can't allow any distractions in our practice schedule. We need
focus all week and I've said with this being my reunion year,
everything will be better if we win and play well," said Thompson.
Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. Friday night at Jewell Field.