Veteran Pike Central head coach Eric Ratliff is faced with replacing quarterback Seth Conn as the 2018 season opener nears on Buckleys Creek.
Conn rushed for nearly 1,300 yards and passed for over 300 in his final season. Add senior running back Issac Thacker’s 770 yards and senior running back Isaiah Hess’ 671 yards, the trio accounted for 2,700 yards.
“We are working in a new quarterback,” Ratliff said. “We are looking at a number of options offensively right now.”
The Hawks finished 5-6 one year ago, losing five of their final six games, including a post-season playoff loss to Louisville Central.
Ratliff said one big key for his team this coming season is to improve defensively.
“We have put in a lot of work in the offseason and hopefully that will play a big role in how successful we can be,” he said. “Everyone knows you must play well defensively to have any chance of winning.”
Central has won several games in the past simply in a “shootout” with opponents.
The Hawks will kickoff the season on Aug. 25 at the Hambley Complex against Shelby Valley in the Pikeville County Bowl.
Road games will include Bell County (Aug. 31); Letcher Central (Sept. 14); Perry Central (Sept. 28); Lawrence County (Oct. 5); and Belfry (Oct. 19).
The four home games are against Hurley, Va. (Sept. 7); Floyd Central (Sept. 21); Sheldon Clark (Oct. 12); and Ridgeview, Va. (Oct. 26).
“We are just working hard each day to get better and ready for the season,” Ratliff said.