[Hoot Gibson]

I’m just happy this game is going to be played and both coaches are prioritizing preparing for the playoffs over 10 easy wins.

JC should have an advantage early in the season. If this game was 7th or 8th on the schedule I think it would be closer to 50/50. But early in the season I think JCs rushing attack will be too much.

There is no doubt JC is going to have an elite rushing attack led by McCoart and Conley but the real question is can they sprinkle in enough success with the passing game to keep good teams honest. For JC to get back to Kroger field they have to have a few chunk plays here and there in the passing game. That was non-existent most of last year.

Do you have a feel for who JC may play at fullback? I am also wondering whether Coach Peck might find some snaps for Dalton Matney on offense.

I have no inside knowledge but I would think the sophomore Logan Morrow would get some snaps at fullback. Strong, powerful runner and a really good baseball player as well. I wouldn’t be surprised to see Dalton Matney get snaps on offense as well. He had a strong freshmen season at linebacker and I expect him to be even better this year.

Anytime you have to replace a kid like Chase Price at fullback there will be a drop off early. JCs program has been built on churning out really tough kids like Chase Price every year. I expect Morrow/Matney to get better and better as the year goes on

Thanks, that's what I suspected but I also have no insider info and have no idea who played where in JV games in recent decades. Johnson Central does have a long history of great linebacker/fullbacks, and Matney is well on his way to becoming one of those great linebackers. I also wondered about the possibility of having McCoart play some snaps at fullback with Logan Music in the backfield. McCoart definitely has the size and strength for the position and he is also a great blocker. 

I believe that Coach Peck will have the same dilemna as he faced when last season opened about how to get all of the running backs the snaps that they deserve. Conley's early season injury made the decisions last year a little easier. Hopefully, JC will enter the playoffs this season with all of their key players healthy.