Shannon Hutchinson, Sports Writer
Monticello — The Wayne County Cardinals, 4-6 on the season and 3-2 in district play,
finished in a three-way tie for second place in the district with Garrard
County and Taylor County. The tiebreakers points system gave Garrard County
the two seed and a home date with Powell County, while Taylor County claims
the three seed and a trip to Estill County, which left Wayne County the
fourth seed and a date at Breathitt County.
Breathitt County, under the direction of veteran head coach Mike
Holcomb, has been one of the most dominant programs in the state the past
decade. The Bobcats have averaged over 9 wins per season over the last 10
years, with a Class 3A state runner-up finish last year, losing in the
championship game to Louisville Central 40-19. Halcomb's squad finished 13-1
in 2007 with an appearance in the state semifinals and last won a state
championship, in Class 2A in 2002 with a perfect 15-0 record.
"Breathitt County certainly has a lot of tradition and they've been very
successful and dominant for a long time. We respect what they have done.
Coach Holcomb is one of the top coaches in the state, but we are also
excited to be in the playoffs. To start the season 0-5 and finish the
regular season 4-1, it's great to have the opportunity to keep playing. On
the road, in a tough environment I'm sure it will be a big challenge, but
we're looking forward to it," said Cards' head coach Shawn Thompson.
Breathitt County, led by Tennessee recruit Channing Fugate, opened the
season a disappointing 1-5, but rolled through district play and enters the
postseason playing their best football, with a 5-5 record.
"They've played a very tough non-district schedule, plus had some key
injuries early. They are back healthy and it all starts with Channing
Fugate. He's an SEC caliber player and on film he just stands out. He's
physical and just a tremendous athlete, we'll have to tackle him low," said
Thompson.
Fugate, a 6-2 240 lbs. senior and early commitment to play at Tennessee,
rushed for 3,052 yards with 36 touchdowns in 2008 and has followed that up
with over 900 yards in 8 games, in 2009. The Mr. Football candidate has 15
total touchdowns and leads the defense with 3 interceptions.
Breathitt County has only played 9 games this season as their regular
season finale on October 23 with Magoffin County was a 1-0 forfeit.
"I think that's an advantage we'll have that we've been playing games
the past couple weeks, while they had an open date with a forfeit. I'm sure
it's allowed them to get back healthy, but hopefully they'll be a little
rusty," said Thompson.
The Bobcats base their offense out of the spread look using a split-back
look and averaged 26.4 points per game for the regular season.
Senior quarterback Jade Haddix has completed 55 of 108 passes for 742
yards with 7 touchdowns, against 7 interceptions, as Breathitt County can
mix the pass with the run.
"Haddix started for them last year when they were in the championship
game, so he has all kinds of experience. He's a very athletic quarterback
that makes the right reads and he can run, or pass with the ball very
effectively," said Thompson.
The Wayne County defensive unit allowed 21.3 points for the season, but
only allowed 28 total points over the last four games.
"Our defense played pretty well the last half of the season, but we know
Breathitt County will be a major test. We have to play with a lot of
intensity and focus, plus Fugate plays very physical. Breathitt County as a
team is very hard-nosed and we'll have to match their physical style of
play. That will be a major key in the game in how we respond on the line of
scrimmage," said Thompson.
Another key will be the play of the Wayne County offensive unit that
averaged 21.8 points per game.
The offense is coming off their best performance of the season a 435
yard, 52 point effort against Clinton County.
"We have to take care of the football and limit our penalties, if we
want to be successful. We have to play strong up-front, control the clock
and make the most of every scoring opportunity we have," said Thompson.
The Bobcat defense allowed just over 25 points per game during the
regular season.
"They are very aggressive on both sides of the ball, but their defense
swarms the ball well. We must stay on our blocks and we can't afford to have
busted plays, or missed assignments," said Thompson.
This marks the 9th straight season Wayne County has advanced to the
state playoffs and the squad is looking for their first postseason win since
a 20-14 win over Casey County in 2006. The program's only playoff road win
happened 10 years ago, a 1999 14-12 win at Washington County.
"It would certainly be great to do that and for that to happen it starts
with a focused week of practice with no distractions. Breathitt County has a
very good football team," said Thompson.
Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. Friday night at Breathitt County's Bobcat
Stadium.