[LOOKAYANNER]

The school enrollment is not what it was when Keith was at his peak of success in the 1980’s. Clay County has lost almost 4,000 people since the ‘80’s. It’s tougher to keep up the high level of success when the numbers of boys in all grades aren’t the same as 30 years ago. It lessens the talent pool. Some schools are able to develop and keep the talent levels very competitive after losing enrollment but after a closer look many of those same schools also have a few talented transfers to help reach that level.
However, my guess is Clay County will develop talent for the future. Their school is just going through a low period but it will probably improve. I’m not from there, nor do I know their coach, superintendent, principal, etc. But I am from an adjacent county in a different region and have always kept up with the Tigers in most years.

But all factors considered with this year’s team, the talent just isn’t there. Which is an anomaly for them and their fans. It’s hard to digest when you’re used to being one of the regional contenders every year.
There’s an old saying that I heard a retired coach say one time: “You can’t take a mule and win the Kentucky Derby”.