Published: June 24, 2009 08:58 am      

Upcoming football season brings new and old faces back to the gridiron

Les Dixon

We’re getting closer and closer to some high school football action and I’m excited to see what will unfold.

So with that said, it’s time to ramble a bit.

• In with the new

It seems as if the majority of the teams in the Tri-County will be searching for a new quarterback once two-a-days begin in mid-July.

With Lance Freeman gone, look for Roman Mitchell to step up and take over the signal calling for Corbin, while Josh Smith will replace Jonah Mitchell at Lynn Camp.

Neither one of those guys have a lot of varsity experience at the position, but both have the talent to excel this season.

Freeman attempted all 115 pass attempts for the Redhounds this past season, so Mitchell will be tested early and often. An impressive backfield led by Caleb Watkins should give Mitchell the time he needs to continue to improve as Corbin’s signal caller.

Lynn Camp’s Smith did manage to throw six passes last season and he completed three of them for 20 yards. He still needs a lot of reps, but coach David Mitchell believes the sophomore gunslinger will be just fine.

Knox Central and South Laurel are also searching for a starting quarterback. Panther coach Wayne Mills said he will go with sophomore Johnathon Barger, who is a talented and athletic player.

Cardinal coach Larry Welch will have to find someone to replace the loss of four-year starter Ricky Bowling, who turned in one of the best careers as a quarterback in the state.

I’ve been told that Welch and company are looking to try to establish the run more, so the passing game might have some of the pressure taken off it.

• Experience from behind center

It looks as if North Laurel, Whitley County and Williamsburg are the only teams returning some experience at the quarterback position.

The Colonels’ Jamie Lebanion hurt opponents last season running and throwing the ball. He carried the ball 66 times for 493 yards and three touchdowns and completed 36-of-70 pass attempts for 773 yards and six touchdowns — look for those numbers to be even better this season.

The Yellow Jackets’ Ryan Moses could turn out to be one of the best quarterbacks in the state this season.

Moses is coming off one of the best season’s any quarterback has put together in the Tri-County. He rushed for 572 yards and nine touchdowns and completed 153 of 274 pass attempts for 2,693 yards and 34 TDs.

Adrian Wardrup will return for North Laurel and has the ability to put up some huge numbers this season. He threw for 447 yards and five touchdowns, but did most of his damage on the ground with 1,216 rushing yards and 10 TDs.

• New faces

Both North and South Laurel will have new coaches once the season begins.

Former North Laurel coach Larry Welch replaced Jason Chappell at South Laurel, while Chris Larkey replaced David Abott at North Laurel.

Things should be interesting in Laurel County. I’m really impressed with Larkey and I really believe he’ll turn the Jaguars into a play-off contender year in and year out in the near future.

• Old faces

Yep, David Mitchell will be returning as Lynn Camp’s head coach for the 32nd year, while Steve Jewell enters his 11th season as head coach at Corbin.

• Who’s capable of putting up big numbers?

I know I might be looking too far ahead, but hey, this is fun. I’m going to list one player for each team that could turn in a solid season.

Corbin - It’s got to be Caleb Watkins. Look for him to put up All State numbers during his senior season as a Redhound.

Knox Central - I know he’s only a sophomore and a first-year starter at quarterback, but I believe Johnathon Barger could have a surprise season for the Panthers.

Lynn Camp - You know the Wildcats are going to run the ball, so with that said, look for Tyrone Person to have a big year. He ran for a team-high 1,045 yards and 11 touchdowns last season.

North Laurel - Look for Adrian Wardrup could turn in an All State season, too. He’s one of the most athletic kids in the Tri-County. He rushed for a team-high 1,216 yards and 10 touchdowns last year and could break former Jaguar Nik Blair’s rushing record this season. He also passed for 447 yards through the air last season along with five touchdowns.

South Laurel - If the Cardinals are going to run the ball more this season, then look for Tyler Vaughn to put up some big numbers.

Whitley County - It is Josh Wynn’s turn to shine in the backfield for the Colonels and look for him to improve on his last year’s total of 616 rushing yards and three touchdowns.

Williamsburg - Ryan Moses will put up some big numbers this season for the Yellow Jackets. He rushed for 572 yards and nine touchdowns and completed 153 of 274 pass attempts for 2,693 yards and 34 TDs — look for those numbers to get even better this year.