[Hoot Gibson]

Johnson Central's Mason Lawson, who averaged 143.5 yards/game and 12.5 yards/carry in two games, has been lost for the season. He was also a key player on defense. Combined with the tragic death of Coach Jim Matney, the Golden Eagles have an uphill battle facing them. I think that the #4 ranking is about right, although I can still see an argument for #3. At this point in the season, there is a significant gap between Boyle County/Corbin and the rest of 4A, IMO.

I know it’s got to be hard to move past a death like this. But eventually you’ll have to move forward. Not forget! Just move forward. So with that, who is gonna step up and be the interim coach? 

I’ll be honest. I thought all along that Jc was behind Corbin and Boyle, and that was before death and injury. But I didn’t  think they are that far behind. Now, I’m gonna have to agree. If I had to put a numeric value on it. Let’s say Corbin and BC are 10’’s on a scale from 1-10 in 4A. I’d give JC a 7.5.

I don't want to debate the point this soon after Coach Matney's passing but I disagree. The only reason that I would not have ranked JC #1 before Matney fell ill and lost Lawson for the season was the fact that they were not the defending a state title. JC has one of the best offensive lines in the state (if not the best), a returning senior quarterback, and a very deep stable of running backs. However, Mason Lawson was the one running back that the Golden Eagles could not afford to lose because he created opportunities for everybody else on offense. Without Lawson in the lineup, Grant Rice will have to provide more of the offense and JC will probably need to pass more than they have in the past.