Letcher Central football missed the playoffs one year ago as the Cougars went 0-10.
That was then, and this is now.
Senior quarterback Nick Sergent has been through the good and bad times. He says 2018 will be a much different year.
“This offseason we put in a lot of work in the passing game,” he said. “We’ve worked really hard and had to just forget about last season.”
Lack of depth was a key factor in several of last year’s games. Senior lineman Cody Austin realizes the Cougars must improve defensively.
“This year’s we are going to have much more depth which will allow people to come in and help,” he said. “We are looking forward to that.”
Coach Junior Matthews’ Cougars have an early opener on the road at Knox Central (Aug. 17).
The first of five home games will be played on Aug. 24 against Bell County. Others include Hazard (Aug. 31); Pike Central (Sept. 14); Harlan County (Sept. 28); and North Laurel (Oct. 5).
Remaining road games will be played at Union, Va. (Sept. 7); Perry Central (Sept. 21); Whitley County (Oct. 19); and Floyd Central (Oct. 26).
“Our guys have worked hard and are committed to turning this program around,” Matthews said. “We are excited about getting started.”