Floyd Central head coach Shawn Hager realizes the challenges ahead facing his football team as the 2018 season fast approaches.
This preseason the veteran coach is working to replace 17 seniors from last year’s 8-4 playoff team in the school’s first year of existence.
“We lost several outstanding players off last year’s team and we are working to fill those voids,” Hager said.
One of those was senior quarterback Dylan Caudill, who passed and rushed for nearly 2,000 yards.
Senior Brae Coleman is the lone returning senior along the offensive line. He says his role is simple – “build a strong bond with the other guys up front.”
Coleman said chemistry is a key to the team’s success.
Senior running back Josh Whitaker will look to add to his 700-plus yards from last season. He simply wants to help his team continue a solid path back into the post season.
Senior running back Elijah Cotton will be another scoring threat for the Jaguars. He expects to get his hands on the ball several times each game.
The Jaguars will open the season at home on Aug. 17 against Harlan. The next six games will be played on the road.
“That’s going to be a tough stretch for us,” Hager said. “We have to get mentally tough early on and play well on the road.”
Road games will follow the opener at Betsy Layne (Aug. 24); Breathitt County (Aug. 31); Lynn Camp (Sept. 7); Prestonsburg (Sept. 14); Pike Central (Sept. 21) and Belfry (Sept. 28).
Floyd Central will close out the regular season at home against Sheldon Clark (Oct. 5); Lawrence County (Oct. 19); and Letcher Central (Oct. 26).