[cat86]

The short answer is, "Who knows?"

No one expected much from this year's team. McKinney and Craynon hadn't carried the ball a combined 20 times between the two in their previous 3 years, yet they became very good running backs/receivers this year. Blackburn hadn't played hardly any WR in his 3 previous years, yet he became probably our most clutch receiver this year. Tyler Hall hadn't played at all until this year, yet he played a huge role. Cameron Tincher didn't play at all until this year, yet his play probably won a couple of games for us. Cody McCoy hadn't played any, but was a workhorse on the DL.

Alex Griffith hadn't played any OL, but did a great job at C. Alex Garner had very limited experience, but was a staple this year. Trevor Stovall and Chris Cook had not played any OL, but became part of an effective line this year.

I guess what I am saying is that this year, the coaching staff excelled at finding positions for players who had little or no experience. They coached the players up, better than they probably ever had. There is no reason to think they cannot do the same thing next year.

I expect us to go back to the run a little more next year, with our line being basically intact. Max Turner, 275, will take over for Zak Key, and we will return 4 other starters on the O line. Adam Crisp has a great arm, but lacks meaningful game experience. He can throw...but to expect him to make the same reads and plays as Burchett did this year is presumptuous. As far as backs go, Wes Robinson has great speed, but I expect the surprise back next year to be Kain Collins. He is a tank and runs harder than anyone on the team. Bryson Williams will split time between WR and RB, and has good speed also. This year, our skill players were our more experienced guys, with our line being inexperienced. Next year it will be the opposite.

On defense, how do you replace an Austin McKinney? He simply was the best tackler I can recall in recent Blackcat history. He always was around the ball, always made plays, and had a motor that never quit. He will be sorely missed. However, there are a few younger guys that have been itching to see the field, and now is their time to shine. Our DL will be stout, with Cook, Garner, and Turner, plus a few of the bigger freshmen with great size. LB will be solid with the return of Griffith, a tackling machine, and Stovall, probably the most improved player on the team this year. End play will be a question mark, and someone will need to step up there. We lose alot in the secondary, but with Jamerson, Nathan Slone and Bryson Williams returning, and Joe Chirico coaching them, I expect us to be good there too.

On paper, it looks to be a rebuilding year next year, just simply due to the loss of the skill players. However, that is what everyone thought about this year too. More numbers and depth is what would help this team more than anything. Without greater depth, our glass ceiling appears to be a regional championship. If we keep meeting DeSales/NCC at the Semi-Final level, their depth and numbers advantage just is alot to overcome.

There is alot of very good young talent in the middle school feeder programs, and some of the incoming true freshmen could play next year too.

Exciting times to be a Blackcat...Great kids, Great coaching staff, and great fans.