[Dragonsdad]

Stikeout King, You gotta have a little hope. There are a couple of bright spots for the Tigers that they can build on. First, they have 11 sophomores coming into this season. Second, the Helton kid shows some possibilities. He had nearly 100 yds. rushing on just 12 carries and then there's the Hall kid. He had 100 yds. recieving. Third, they have 3 senior linemen coming into this season. That could be better,but it is something to build around. Last year Harlan had 14 sophomores 3 juniors and 3 seniors that started. We went 5-7,but could have been 7-5. We started out the season without any confidence and played that way until we played Hazard and the score was 28-20 Hazard at halftime. The Dragons realized that they could play football. This year we have 14 juniors and are looking at challenging for the district title. Hazard is still going to be a tall tree to climb but with alot of hard work who knows? Whatever happens this season, next season could turn it around for the Dragons. Paintsville is,in some ways, in the same boat as Harlan was last season. When those 11 are seniors Paintsville could be at a turning point. They may not get Pineville this season,but Pineville graduated 2,806yds. of 3,190yds.rushing. They also had 12 interceptions on defense and 11 of those graduated. I,m not saying that they lost everything,but they will not be able to come close to replacing that this season. If the coaches can get those sophomores pumped up and ready,they can give the Mt.lions a run for thier money. I still say it will be a good game.