[The Ole Man]

Powell County lost 7 seniors. They are not the same team as they were last year. They are not on the same level. They still have talent. Powell returns what could only be described as three role players. The only returning player that played in the District Championship game, was Williams. Williams played maybe 5 minutes due to the fact that Lindon was in foul trouble. It appeared that Williams was not ready for such a big stage, it overwhelmed him. He actually started last season on the JV team. Fraley didn't trust anyone on this year's team in that moment last season, they weren't even role players. Because when it came to crunch time they weren't in. He trimmed down his rotation to just the seniors. Coach Fraley believes that there is more talent in his younger players than with last year's senior latent team. As far just athleticism he is right, for sure. I've heard rumors that Nate Skidmore will play this season. If he does, man is he a baller, I will have a different outlook for the basketball team. I don't know how much Skidmore will be able to affect the Buckhorn game because he will only have a week to learn the system, style of play, practice with the team, and only have a week to wear off the rust. Also Drew Ginter also will be dealing with the same dilemma. This will cause Powell to have a slower start to the season than they would have had if the football team's season had ended earlier. Because of a complete turnover in the roster, and the lack of practice time for Skidmore and Ginter, Buckhorn will steamroll the pirates on opening night. That being said it will be a great atmosphere down in Stanton.