Despite injuries to key players, Lynn Camp made a run to district title game

CORBIN — Lynn Camp coach Allen Harris' expectations coming into the 2019 season were the same as it had been in years past — win district, regional and state championships.

But to do so, numerous holes caused by graduation had to be filled from last season’s 10-win squad while trying to remain healthy throughout the season.

New faces along with some old were able to fill the holes, but the injuries piled up.

Injuries to numerous players played a role in the Wildcats’ four-game losing skid during the middle of the season.

Despite their midseason struggles, Harris’ players never gave up and continued to fight through adversity. Lynn Camp recovered from its slow start by closing out the season with a 3-1 mark while winning a road playoff game that led to their appearance in the District 8 title game.

“I am very proud of this football team. They had a ton of injuries this season and had to overcome a lot of adversity, played a tougher schedule than in recent years, and still never gave up,” Harris said. “There were many times we could have thrown in the towel and we didn’t.

“Our seniors were part of three consecutive district runner-up championships, three straight, round two playoff games, and part of one the winningest teams in program history,” he added. “Our quarterback threw for over 1,000 yards this year, and he is now one of only three quarterbacks in Lynn Camp history to ever do that. So I feel like we accomplished a lot and they have nothing to hang their heads for.”

When Harris took over the Wildcat football program, it was struggling to get out of the Class A basement, but now, Lynn Camp is not only a district contender but also a regional contender.

“I am very honored to be the head football coach of this program. I have one of the best coaching staffs in the state,” Harris said. “Those guys work way beyond their scope as assistants. I want more though for our program and our school. If I am ever satisfied with where we are, then it’s time for me to stop coaching — I’m not satisfied. I’m hungry to get better. I can’t wait to get started on next year’s team.

“Our ultimate goal for every season is to get better than the season before,” he added. “We are excited as a coaching staff that we have a lot of young talent that received a ton of experience this year. We have a lot of young talent coming in next season and we have some older kids like Tylen Smith and Spencer Gilbert that will turn a lot of heads next year. Go Cats.”