Phelps first-year head coach Andrew West is looking forward to stepping into the role vacated by former coach David Jones.
West served as an assistant last year, helping the Hornets to a 5-5 finish, losing in the opening round of the Class 1A playoffs to Lynn Camp.
“We’re going to run the same offense we have here,” Coach West said. “Defensively we must be fundamentally sound.”
The Hornets must replace a backfield which lost quarterback Garrett Clevinger, running backs Zack Ramey and Brandon Turnmire, not to mention lineman David and Dustin Blackburn.
Phelps opens its season at CAM Stadium against East Ridge in the 35th annual Pike County Bowl on Aug. 30. The Hornets will then play road games at Harlan (Sept. 6), Martin County (Sept. 13), Shelby Valley (Sept. 20), Pikeville (Oct. 11) and Hazard (Oct. 25.
The first home game is Sept. 27 against Betsy Layne. Phelps will also host Eminence (Oct. 4), Jenkins (Oct. 18) and Tolsia, W.Va. (Nov. 1).
Here is a look at this year’s schedule:
Date Opponent Site
Aug. 23 Open
Aug. 30 East Ridge Pike County Bowl, CAM Stadium
Sept. 6 Harlan Away
Sept. 13 Martin County Away
Sept. 20 Shelby Valley Away
Sept. 27 Betsy Layne Home
Oct. 4 Eminence Home
Oct. 11 Pikeville Away
Oct. 18 Jenkins Home
Oct. 25 Hazard Away
Nov. 1 Tolsia Home