[The Cross Movement]

Somerst has a tremendous coaching staff and very good players they will be competing for a state championship again this year. Hopefully they finally get it. Next to McCreary football I root for the Briar Jumpers! Go get it Somerset! This is your year......

[Briar jumper bd]

Only 19 kids on Thursday for spring ball!!!! Disappointing to say the least! I don't understand how a team is so close to a state title in the fall and doesn't jump at the chance to get back into pads. I know baseball and track are in season but 19 out of 35+ kids,....really??? I have no words at this point other than our dedication is not where it needs to be! You don't win state titles in football by just showing up in the fall! We have the talent, but every one does come December!

[Norm Peterson]

Only 19 kids on Thursday for spring ball!!!! Disappointing to say the least! I don't understand how a team is so close to a state title in the fall and doesn't jump at the chance to get back into pads. I know baseball and track are in season but 19 out of 35+ kids,....really??? I have no words at this point other than our dedication is not where it needs to be! You don't win state titles in football by just showing up in the fall! We have the talent, but every one does come December!

How many of the kids that weren't there are playing baseball or running track? Both of those sports are getting ready to start their postseasons. If I'm not mistaken aren't at least a few of the sprinters contenders for state championships in track? It is tough at a small school where you have to share athletes. While I'd love to see them at spring football practice if they have made commitments to other sports I can see where they would give them the same amount of consideration that they give football. There's not really a right choice for the kids in that situation. Now if there were some kids not there that weren't playing spring sports I could understand your concern.

[Briar jumper bd]

7 run track or play baseball. Our lineman were there as always and did a great job and 2 of the track guys came down after working on handoffs for track and another one of them is nursing sore hamstrings. My problem isn't really the other sports, its the kids using them as excuses to not lift or get in some off season technique. We have 7th period weights for sophmores up, and some of the multisport athletes have a hard time being motivated to lift. Not all, but some. I hope Monday is better.

[Norm Peterson]

7 run track or play baseball. Our lineman were there as always and did a great job and 2 of the track guys came down after working on handoffs for track and another one of them is nursing sore hamstrings. My problem isn't really the other sports, its the kids using them as excuses to not lift or get in some off season technique. We have 7th period weights for sophmores up, and some of the multisport athletes have a hard time being motivated to lift. Not all, but some. I hope Monday is better.

With Somerset's experience at the skill positions I wouldn't be as concerned about them missing time with track or baseball. The line, where 4 of 6 starters have to be replaced, would be more of a concern for me. I'm glad they have been there consistantly. As for using the other sports as an excuse not to lift, that isn't a good thing. My son played multiple sports and he (at least this is what he told me) only took it easy on the lifting on days that he was pitching. I can see the track guys taking it easy on the legs on days that they have a meet or pitchers when they are pitching but otherwise there's no reason not to lift. In college and the pros most of the basketball and football players do some type of lifting daily. Hopefully this group realizes what they are capable of and decides to put in the time necessary to maximize their potential.

[Old Jumper]

I've watched the Jumper program up-close and personal for about 40 years now.

Lots of things are in flux right now. Hope I'm wrong, but it could get worse before it gets better.

[JumperPride1]

I've watched the Jumper program up-close and personal for about 40 years now.

Lots of things are in flux right now. Hope I'm wrong, but it could get worse before it gets better.

You must know something I do not (which is highly unlikely for various reasons). Jumpers did only have 19 out last Thursday but have had as many as 30 in spring ball this year. Several out for various reasons. Everyone back off the ledge... 4 consecutive regional titles, a state runner up and have not lost a district game in 4 years... This group knows how to win, they're senior loaded and will be the most athletic group to have come through since 2000. What exactly is in flux old jumper? The staff is still in place and the upcoming seniors have been starting since they were sophomores!

[Buffalo Bildos]

7 run track or play baseball. Our lineman were there as always and did a great job and 2 of the track guys came down after working on handoffs for track and another one of them is nursing sore hamstrings. My problem isn't really the other sports, its the kids using them as excuses to not lift or get in some off season technique. We have 7th period weights for sophmores up, and some of the multisport athletes have a hard time being motivated to lift. Not all, but some. I hope Monday is better.

Always has been a problem, always will be a problem. this is the problem with sharing athletes at a small school and the unmotivated.

[NCRoughRider]

Tough schedule for the Bunnies. What did Coach Ford coach at SHS?

[Cellking]

Somerset will be fine. Watched practice a Couple time. Had 25 to 30 each time I watched. Lot's of talent on this team.

[JumperPride1]

Tough schedule for the Bunnies. What did Coach Ford coach at SHS?

Tough schedule indeed. Ford will still be here next season, it is Mcreary's loss and Somerset's gain. Coach Ford is second to none in d-line and receivers along with offensive scheme.

[NCRoughRider]

Glad to hear coach Ford has made it back. Sounds like it would have been a very difficult situation to step into in. Does or has Coach Ford coached the offensive line any since he does coach d line? Seems to me like the oline play has hurt Somerset when they get to bigger size schools or the final four in 2A. I watched SHS play three times last year. They look physically superior on the line compared to most teams they play but seem to be lacking technically against well coached teams like NCC. Maybe coach Ford can help out on that position as well.

[Buffalo Bildos]

Glad to hear coach Ford has made it back. Sounds like it would have been a very difficult situation to step into in. Does or has Coach Ford coached the offensive line any since he does coach d line? Seems to me like the oline play has hurt Somerset when they get to bigger size schools or the final four in 2A. I watched SHS play three times last year. They look physically superior on the line compared to most teams they play but seem to be lacking technically against well coached teams like NCC. Maybe coach Ford can help out on that position as well.

Technique was always great, discipline is what always screws the o-line over.. Except for the state game in '09, PT was to quick for our big offensive line.

[Gitback Coach]

SHS has played in seven state semi-final games since 1999, and in those match-ups, the Jumpers are 1-6.

In their lone victory, they gave up 12 points to their opponent (Sheldon Clark).

In their six losses, they have given up an average of 37.5 points per game to their opponents. The fewest points surrendered in any of those 6 losses was just last year, when they allowed "only" 27 to Newport Catholic.

I think I see a trend.

[PaytoPlay]

Who will play QB this coming season. I tried to follow the threads last season and it seemed like Gadberry was the starter but he was benched from time to time for a talented younger player. QB battle going into the season?

[cj2561]

Breathitt didn't want to play, Belfry and Pikeville are in Pike Bowl don't know who Somerset plays. Don't know open week.

hazard play pikeville in the pike co bowl. i guess somerset will play belfry or PCC. there is 3 or 4 games in the pike co bowl. 2 on firday and 1 or 2 on saturday.

[Dumpster Diving]

Who will play QB this coming season. I tried to follow the threads last season and it seemed like Gadberry was the starter but he was benched from time to time for a talented younger player. QB battle going into the season?

I don't see a battle, just a sophomore starter.

[Old_Gold73]

It Wins Championships
SHS has played in seven state semi-final games since 1999, and in those match-ups, the Jumpers are 1-6.

In their lone victory, they gave up 12 points to their opponent (Sheldon Clark).

In their six losses, they have given up an average of 37.5 points per game to their opponents. The fewest points surrendered in any of those 6 losses was just last year, when they allowed "only" 27 to Newport Catholic.

I think I see a trend.

You need to look at the last four Semi Final games not the last seven and do your averages 99, 05, & 06 were under a different HC with a different scheme. 09, 10, 11, & 12, were all with the current HC and staff and there is only 1 game where we gave up more than 28 pts and that was the 2011 team which was the worse team of those 4 years.

[Cellking]

I don't see a battle, just a sophomore starter.

I agree. After the fr. season Hatcher had how could he not start.

[Norm Peterson]

Any word on a team to replace Bourbon County on the schedule or are the Jumpers still at 9 games?

[RoShamBo]

Any word on a team to replace Bourbon County on the schedule or are the Jumpers still at 9 games?

I hadn't heard about this. What happened with Bourbon County?

[Norm Peterson]

I hadn't heard about this. What happened with Bourbon County?

I think they double-booked the week that they were supposed to play Somerset.

[Briar jumper bd]

I hadn't heard about this. What happened with Bourbon County?

We will more than likely leave it open. It was a miscommunication between the 2 teams.

[RoShamBo]

Well that sucks, I hate it that the kids miss out on a game this year but it happens.

[Dumpster Diving]

That does suck!! I guess there is no one else that would be able to fill that week this late in the game huh?

[Gitback Coach]

You need to look at the last four Semi Final games not the last seven and do your averages 99, 05, & 06 were under a different HC with a different scheme. 09, 10, 11, & 12, were all with the current HC and staff and there is only 1 game where we gave up more than 28 pts and that was the 2011 team which was the worse team of those 4 years.

Good point; hadn't thought of that since I was just commenting generally on the Somerset program, not any coach, in particular. Granted, the Jumpers' current head coach was the Defensive Coordinator for the three regional title games you prefer to omit, but okay, here goes:

So since 2009 (not 1999), SHS has played in four (not seven) state semi-final games, and in those match-ups, the Jumpers are1-3 (not 1-6).

In their lone victory, they still gave up 12 points to their opponent (Sheldon Clark).

In their three (not six) losses, they have given up an average of 34.5 (not 37.5) points per game to their opponents. The fewest points surrendered in any of those 3 (not 6) losses was (still) just last year, when they allowed "only" 27 to Newport Catholic.

So basically, if a team gives up 37.5 points per game in regional title games, then that's an area for concern, but if they surrender only 34.5 per game, then . . . what?

Yeah, that changes the data drastically; thanks for your help.

[Norm Peterson]

That does suck!! I guess there is no one else that would be able to fill that week this late in the game huh?

Madison Southern is open that week as well but that would be another 5A opponent--and in week 10.

[Buffalo Bildos]

I would love to see MAdison Southerns running back against Somersets' defense. Would be a fun match up.

[JumperPride1]

Good point; hadn't thought of that since I was just commenting generally on the Somerset program, not any coach, in particular. Granted, the Jumpers' current head coach was the Defensive Coordinator for the three regional title games you prefer to omit, but okay, here goes:

So since 2009 (not 1999), SHS has played in four (not seven) state semi-final games, and in those match-ups, the Jumpers are1-3 (not 1-6).

In their lone victory, they still gave up 12 points to their opponent (Sheldon Clark).

In their three (not six) losses, they have given up an average of 34.5 (not 37.5) points per game to their opponents. The fewest points surrendered in any of those 3 (not 6) losses was (still) just last year, when they allowed "only" 27 to Newport Catholic.

So basically, if a team gives up 37.5 points per game in regional title games, then that's an area for concern, but if they surrender only 34.5 per game, then . . . what?

Yeah, that changes the data drastically; thanks for your help.

That 34.5 pts given up is severely skewed by a 45+ point performance by a great offense in cov holy cross. Stats can be spewed by any moron with google, Somerset has been very successful for a long long time, and eventually they'll break into the stat championship holder rather than contender category. I support kids, and the Somerset staff and players deserve a title for the work they put in. Gitback coach, what program do you support? You'll be hard pressed to find a better program than what we have here at Shs. They exist obviously, but for a public small school we more than hold our own

[Norm Peterson]

That 34.5 pts given up is severely skewed by a 45+ point performance by a great offense in cov holy cross. Stats can be spewed by any moron with google, Somerset has been very successful for a long long time, and eventually they'll break into the stat championship holder rather than contender category. I support kids, and the Somerset staff and players deserve a title for the work they put in. Gitback coach, what program do you support? You'll be hard pressed to find a better program than what we have here at Shs. They exist obviously, but for a public small school we more than hold our own

Somerset was tied with Holy Cross in the 3rd quarter of that game before the wheels came off after some turnovers. The other 2 losses were very competitive games. Of those 4 losses 3 of them were to the State Champion for that season.