[mysonis55]

Graves County Eagles Preview 2013


The big question for the Eagles this year is the same as any other year. That question is, What can we do to make it past the 2nd round of the playoffs. That and of course, Can we beat Mayfield. The answer to that question could be answered by a big returning line (as is the norm) and some unusual team speed. The speed issue has been the missing equation for the Eagles for many years. This year they seem to have the speed needed.

The Eagles will have one of the larger front lines in West Ky this year. They have several linemen back this year that contributed last year. They also return their starting qb as a senior in Peyton Puckett. This kid is tall, has fairly good foot speed, a big arm and makes good decisions. He has some speed to get the ball to this year, which will help his stats a lot. He has a burner in Joey Marshall and a absolute athlete in Cody Crider. He also has the added talent of Mayfield’s burner of the future in Jordan Tyler. The Eagles were 3rd in the state in 5a in total offensive stats last season. This should mean great things for them, with the addition of this speed.

The Eagles schedule is about the same as last season in terms of strength. They start the season hosting Franklin-Simpson. F-S is a 4a team that went 3-8 last season. This is unusual for them as they are a tradition rich program. They then travel to Murray to play the 2a Tigers. The Tigers went 10-3 last season and were bounced from the playoffs by eventual state runners up Caldwell in a 3 point game at Caldwell. They then host Paducah Tilghman a 3a power that went 8-4 on the season last year. They then travel across town to their rivals, the defending 1a state champs in Mayfield. The Cards went 14-1 last season and won the crown in 1a. They then travel to Owensboro to play Apollo. Apollo is a 5a dist opponent that went 2-9 on the season last year. They then host the new McCracken Co Mustangs. The Mustangs will play in 6a and are being billed as the new power in West Ky 6a football. They then travel to dist opponent Ohio Co. Ohio Co went 3-7 on the season last year. They then host Christian Co, who came in 2nd in their district last year to the Eagles, by virtue of a 5 point regular season loss to Graves. Christian Co finished 2012 with a 9-3 record. They then host Hopkinsville, which is also a district opponent. Hopkinsville is looking to return to their years of glory but went 3-7 on the season last year. They finish the season at 6a Marshall Co. The Marshall’s went 5-6 on the season last year.

This schedule could use some beafing up to get the Eagles ready for the playoffs in 5a. There are some teams on the schedule that will help them to be prepared for that run though. While the Eagles had size and speed their depth is questionable. This means they cannot afford injuries during this schedule.

Players to watch for:

Peyton Puckett/qb This kid has all the right tools and in my opinion should
focus more on this sport Than the basketball if looking to
get his college paid for. He has good size at About 6’2”.
He has a very good arm and average speed. He threw for
over 1,300 yards and 15 touchdowns last season. I think
that number should increase this season.

Joey Marshall/ wr This kid is a blaze. I have personally coached helped
coach him in another Sport. The kid has a great attitude
and should be a coaches dream. He broke A huge kickoff
return against Mayfield last year and displayed that speed.

Cody Crider/ rb Oh no, the cupboard is not bare with the loss of Zach
Katzman at this position. That is because Crider is a
stud in the backfield, he is quick, fast and strong. I
Have also coached this kid and he is a great kid and has
great tools to carry The load left by the graduation of
Zach Katzman.

Jordan Tyler/ rb This kid is the burner that Mayfield wishes they hadn’t
lost. The kid has great Speed, talent and experience
over the past 2 years. I look for him to be used As
more of a wing back in the wing tee, to best utilize that
speed.