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2005 district preview Shannon Hutchinson Sports Writer The Wayne County Cardinals open district play this Friday night at Corbin. The 2005 district has just four teams and all four are assured of a state playoff berth. Let's take a brief look at Corbin, Garrard County, Wayne County and Casey County. * Corbin Redhounds (2-5) * The Redhounds of Steve Jewell opened the season a disappointing 0-5, but the squad enters district playoff with back to back wins over Pulaski County (27-19) and Middlesboro (34-31). Corbin has averaged only 30 points per contest. The Hounds have mixed the run with 76 rushing yards, for a 214 total yard average through six games. Sophomore quarterback Clint Cashen is back from an early season injury and has completed 67 of 122 passes with 5 touchdowns. Athletic Blake Freeman paces the offensive backfield with 301 rushing yards and two scores, while Eric Blackwood is dangerous in the running game and leads the team with 29 receptions for 297 yards. Prediction: Losses to Southwestern, South Laurel, Bell County, Pikeville and Lexington Christian have this team mad and hungry for a 5th district championship. The Hounds are still the class of the district until someone unseats this tradition-rich program. * Garrard County (2-5) * Steve Stonebraker's Golden Lions enter district play riding a three game losing streak. Losses to Glasgow, Clark County, Lincoln County and Mercer County are not surprising, but a 6-0 defeat at Grant County shows Garrard County has a battle for the district's #2 seed. The Lions average 16 points per game, while their defense allows a very respectable 22 points per outing. The offensive unit is as balanced as any in the state as the squad averages 140 passing yards with 140 rushing yards for a total average of 280 yards. All-State candidate Robert Record, a 6-4 280 lbs. lineman, will anchor both sides of the ball. Prediction: The Golden Lions have wins over class A foes Paris (18-0) and Harrodsburg (44-21). Can the squad regain enough momentum to claim the #2 seed for a third straight season? The squad hosts Wayne County and the winner of that match-up will certainly be in the driver's seat for a home playoff game. * Wayne County (4-3) * Shawn Thompson's Cards have the best record in the district, but the squad has lost three of their last five games and is looking to regain their early-season form. Which team will show up? The Cards looked good against Clay County (24-7) and Knox Central (14-13), plus added a solid first half in a 34-28 win over Pendleton County, but the squad has also struggled. Wayne County averages 20 points per game and allows 29 points per contest. The offensive unit rushes for 164.5 yards per game and passes for 119 yards for a total average of 284 yards per game. Senior quarterback Ryan Steele is the leader of the offensive and has the numbers to prove it. Steele has rushed for 475 yards and passed for 834 yards, plus totaled 10 touchdowns to pace the unit. Chris Burks has added 353 rushing yards with 4 scores, while Brent Gregory has tallied a team high 5 rushing touchdowns with 263 rushing yards. Senior split-end Tyler King leads the team with 27 receptions for 392 yards and 5 touchdowns. Prediction: The Cards could very well claim the #2 seed and a home playoff game, but health and consistency will be major keys. The squad must also find a way to cut down on turnovers and penalties, or the playoffs will require a long bus ride. * Casey County (2-5) * The Rebels and Coach Andy Stephens have been very competitive in the pre-district slate. The squad enters the district coming off a big win over Evangel Christian, plus defeated Class 3A Taylor County (30-24) earlier in the season. Casey County is certainly a ground oriented attack as the offense averages just over 206 rushing yards, with a paltry 12 passing yards per contest for a 218 total yard average through six games. The Rebels will look to improve on an offense that averages only 12.8 points per outing, while the defense allows 26.7 points per game. Stephens has three very talented offensive backs led by junior Ricky Marrapodi. Marrapodi has rushed 97 times for 436 yards with 6 touchdowns. Athletic Marcus Patterson, a 6-3 junior, has also rushed for 330 yards and 4 scores. Brad Baldock is also a running threat with 88 attempts for 387 rushing yards and 2 touchdowns. Prediction: Casey County is certainly in the hunt and a legitimate threat against Garrard and Wayne for the #2 seed. Tough games with Grant County (13-20), Russell County (7-34) and Bethlehem (27-28) should prepare the Rebels for district action. Look for the Rebs to finish 4th, but not that far away from Garrard and Wayne. Add a comment |
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