[All About That Ball]

With all due respect to the Middlesboro poster talking about team speed, while we will be fast this year, we have had many, many teams with phenomenal speed and athleticism. This one actually may not crack the top 5 even. And that doesn't even mean we won't be fast. Just that you are underestimating our rich past.

MHS will have some solid skilled players this year. While we will have a very strong freshman group, I'm not sure they will be ready to make a huge impact on the varsity level next year, even though they will have to be asked to do so. Two freshman in particular, Raynoch Thompson and Isaiah Williams, will both see the field early and will be standouts as sophomores. Elliott and Capps will also be called upon to carry much of the weight early for the offense. Evans returns experience for the backfield but I'm not sure he will hold off the young talent.

Sophomores Michael Carroll, Owen McWilliams, Anthony Jackson, and Tyler McClelland, all of whom played special teams last year as freshman, will see significant time on the field as well.

The offensive line will certainly be young and undersized, with the exception of returning starter Daniel Webb. That said, if they are well coached, lineman don't have to be huge at the high school level to be effective.

That brings me to my next point. Middlesboro added former MHS and UPike standout Trevor Hoskins to the coaching staff. He has been working hard with Elliott and the recievers and will undoubtedly bring a fresh perspective to the offense. Derringer, a former collegiate lineman, returns to the staff as the new offensive line coach.

Realistically, I think MHS can win 5+ games and a 7 win season would be a great year for the Jackets. Better times are on the way though.

Thank you for a fresh outlook. I could not explain myself as well because I will not call out kid's names. Just don't like to because if someone said something negative about one of them, I would lose it.
I sputter around with what I say, you are giving information to coaches of other teams, and not that is really matters, but do not show your hand unless you are about to fold. I am well aware of the changes and the speed. There are two on offensive that are exceptionally fast, in case it was me you were speaking to regarding speed.
We will be fine and I think maybe even a little better than last year. I know everyone thinks I'm crazy because of all the seniors we had last year...well, we all know what happened there. I think this season is going to be more of a team effort and Massengill will have total control over His team. Practice is going good, the boys seem to be more willing to learn and they are enjoying themselves. I cannot wait, after all, IT IS all about that ball!:Thumbs: In the next few years, Middlesboro will be back with a vengeance. God Bless MHS!