[EKY Sportster]

With the graduation losses, how strong are the Eagles supposed to be this year?

[Uncle Buck]

JC should be ready to go for another strong run. They lost quite a bit but are returning a good solid core to build on for another successful season.

[Redneck]

I think they are losin too much to be a region contender next year. Guess we'll have to wait and see.

[Mr.Kimball]

Even with what they are losing, I personally think as a team they will be better next year than they were this year.

[UnderArmour24]

I think they will still be good and win district but i dont think they will contend for region next year but who knows.

[Redneck]

Even with what they are losing, I personally think as a team they will be better next year than they were this year.

Everybody said that about this years team too bein better than last years. I think we all know better now, they weren't even close...

[Mr.Kimball]

Everybody said that about this years team too bein better than last years. I think we all know better now, they weren't even close...

I can agree with you on that. Main defenency was because of the linemen they had lost from the previous season. They were young and had no experience. That is not the case this coming season.

Who besides Grimm and Dials cannot be replaced at the same level immediately? The rest of the team will be bigger, faster, stronger, etc., and that is from where the compensation will come. There is a reason why you have 22 guys starting and in Johnson Central's case a 50 man bench. Remember they also have Casey Brown coming on board as well.

[The Guru]

I can agree with you on that. Main defenency was because of the linemen they had lost from the previous season. They were young and had no experience. That is not the case this coming season.

Who besides Grimm and Dials cannot be replaced at the same level immediately? The rest of the team will be bigger, faster, stronger, etc., and that is from where the compensation will come. There is a reason why you have 22 guys starting and in Johnson Central's case a 50 man bench. Remember they also have Casey Brown coming on board as well.

I'm not sure, but was told that JC had around 6-7 that went both ways, including Dials and Grim. If so, then that would mean that they are replacing around 14-16 of the starters.
There are few programs in E. Ky that could do that and still have success, but JCHS is one of those programs.

[Mr.Kimball]

I'm not sure, but was told that JC had around 6-7 that went both ways, including Dials and Grim. If so, then that would mean that they are replacing around 14-16 of the starters.
There are few programs in E. Ky that could do that and still have success, but JCHS is one of those programs.

That's true. Dont claim to be an expert at all on the subject. Just comments from a dummy I guess. Just in watching however, I was just thinking that most of the others that were lost ,while being good players , were not the type players that had the impact as say Dials and Grimm. With still almost another complete calender year to develope physically these replacements from the underclassmen ranks could not step right into those positions and fill those shoes equally as well. The kicking game with the loss of Barrett had as big of a negative impact as anything else for Central this past season , IMO.

Keep in mind that I said that I thought that Central would be a better all around team. I did not say they would be regional champs or anything else along that line. A lot of the success that they could obtain next year depends a lot upon how everyone else in the district/region fairs out with what they return. So in theory, you can replace the former team with a better team, and still not advance as far as the previous team. I guess that makes sense.

[The Guru]

That's true. Dont claim to be an expert at all on the subject. Just comments from a dummy I guess. Just in watching however, I was just thinking that most of the others that were lost ,while being good players , were not the type players that had the impact as say Dials and Grimm.
True, but I think Ratliff might be a little hard to replace as well, at least early.

With still almost another complete calender year to develope physically these replacements from the underclassmen ranks could not step right into those positions and fill those shoes equally as well. The kicking game with the loss of Barrett had as big of a negative impact as anything else for Central this past season , IMO.
Barrett's loss was huge.

Keep in mind that I said that I thought that Central would be a better all around team. I did not say they would be regional champs or anything else along that line. A lot of the success that they could obtain next year depends a lot upon how everyone else in the district/region fairs out with what they return. So in theory, you can replace the former team with a better team, and still not advance as far as the previous team. I guess that makes sense.

JC returns a lot as well, so yes, I agree quite a bit with you on this.

[Ring'Em Up]

Personally, I am very excited to what Freshman JK Hall will do as the QB. That's IF he wins the position next year as a Soph. After seeing him in Frosh games and late game varsity action, I think he has some very nice potential jus waiting to be developed. There is much, much talent in this freshman class, but it's hard to imagine the majority of them developing enuff this offseason to make a major impact this upcoming season as Sophomores.. Maybe if just a couple more could reach the level needed to be impact players that early, then that will buy some time for some of the others, over the next couple years.

[Mr.Kimball]

Personally, I am very excited to what Freshman JK Hall will do as the QB. That's IF he wins the position next year as a Soph. After seeing him in Frosh games and late game varsity action, I think he has some very nice potential jus waiting to be developed. There is much, much talent in this freshman class, but it's hard to imagine the majority of them developing enuff this offseason to make a major impact this upcoming season as Sophomores.. Maybe if just a couple more could reach the level needed to be impact players that early, then that will buy some time for some of the others, over the next couple years.

Have to also keep in mind that Dennis Dillon did an outstanding job at QB while Ratliff was injured year before last. He added a demension that Ratliff didn't offer, but it does kind of appear that Hall might be projected to take over the reins.

[Gator]

Jim Matney's 2009 version should again be a very good football team,different from the teams over the last couple of years built with a speed back, but still very good.
They have 2 options at QB with Dennis Dillion(SR) and JK Hall(SO), both good runners. In the backfield they have two powerful backs in 3 year starter Chase Richardson(SR) and Nathan Dillon(JR) and several fighting for other spot. Throw in 3 year starter Ian Welch(SR) at end and the biggest line Matney has had at Central in Casey Brown(SR),John Corey Little(SR),Josh Lackey(JR),Ryan Harlow(JR), and quick guard Travis Scott(SR) and Central should be able to run the ball down opponents throats.Plenty of talent with experience coming back to help on both sides of the ball like LB Tanner Bratton,Brady Hamilton,Blake Castle,Alex Kiel and many JV players ready to step in.
As for last years team JK Ratliff,Dials,Grimm will be tough to replace but Trey Belhasen at DB flew under the radar screen making big plays every game and having a nose for the ball may be the toughest to replace!
As for comparing teams year to year it really is ridiculous, the 2007 team in 5A played one of the toughest schedules in school history and went 10-3 demolishing State Champion Louisville Central and the 2006 team 13-1 in 3A and never tested till week 12. My point is the 07 and 08 team will soon be forgotten by the people that get on here and know nothing about football and the 2009 team that will probably drop back to 4A will be the next great JC team.

[Cash]

This upcoming team has all the ammunition it needs.

- A hard hitting running back that can really hit the hole in Junior Nathan Dillon
- A strong, stout fullback that can be call upon for tough yardage in Senior Chase Richardson
- Perhaps the reciever with the best hands in the region with Senior Ian Welch
- And 2 very versatile quarterbacks in Senior Dennis Dillon and Sophomore JK Hall. Both can run great and throw the ball decent.

This team lacks a more, swifty running back like Grim was, but I'm sure someone will step up

On the Defensive side, the Secondary will be the most experienced it has been in a while, with a 4 year starter and 2 2 year starters. Replace Belhasen, and it will be hard to pass on the Eagles in 2008.

ONE thing can hurt the Eagles next year, and that is Power at all positions. The Line was very weak this year, and it was noticeable. If this team pumps some iron, and i mean alot of iron, then look out, cause the offensive line will be hard to get by.

[Ring'Em Up]

I look for a certain freshman to step into Belhasen's spot in the secondary, as well as working towards being the next great speed back at JCHS, with the opportunity for that coming in 2 years.

[Mr.Kimball]

Jim Matney's 2009 version should again be a very good football team,different from the teams over the last couple of years built with a speed back, but still very good.
They have 2 options at QB with Dennis Dillion(SR) and JK Hall(SO), both good runners. In the backfield they have two powerful backs in 3 year starter Chase Richardson(SR) and Nathan Dillon(JR) and several fighting for other spot. Throw in 3 year starter Ian Welch(SR) at end and the biggest line Matney has had at Central in Casey Brown(SR),John Corey Little(SR),Josh Lackey(JR),Ryan Harlow(JR), and quick guard Travis Scott(SR) and Central should be able to run the ball down opponents throats.Plenty of talent with experience coming back to help on both sides of the ball like LB Tanner Bratton,Brady Hamilton,Blake Castle,Alex Kiel and many JV players ready to step in.
As for last years team JK Ratliff,Dials,Grimm will be tough to replace but Trey Belhasen at DB flew under the radar screen making big plays every game and having a nose for the ball may be the toughest to replace!
As for comparing teams year to year it really is ridiculous, the 2007 team in 5A played one of the toughest schedules in school history and went 10-3 demolishing State Champion Louisville Central and the 2006 team 13-1 in 3A and never tested till week 12. My point is the 07 and 08 team will soon be forgotten by the people that get on here and know nothing about football and the 2009 team that will probably drop back to 4A will be the next great JC team.

I think you may be a bit confused with your seasons here. Next season is the 2008 season not the 2009 season. You are referring to players playing on a 2009 team that will have already graduated. I am a little confused on what you are trying to point out.

[Gator]

Mr. Kimball you are right,It should have read for 2008 season. Point I was trying to make is it is likely JC will go to 4A in 2009 playing the likes of Lawrence,Boyd,Greenup,much like the 2006 team played and just demolish the district competition again. The 2008 team will again be playing a very tough schedule but should be ready for the test and some close competitive games.

[Tomcat68]

Mr. Kimball you are right,It should have read for 2008 season. Point I was trying to make is it is likely JC will go to 4A in 2009 playing the likes of Lawrence,Boyd,Greenup,much like the 2006 team played and just demolish the district competition again. The 2008 team will again be playing a very tough schedule but should be ready for the test and some close competitive games.

If JC does drop down to 4A you'll also have Ashland to contend with as well. If enrollment numbers for this current school year would have been used in the alignment Ashland would have already been in 4A and we're projected to lose several more in enrollment over the next couple of years.

[Ring'Em Up]

It is hard to say. Nobody will know how good they will be untill the recruting season is over with.

Seriously, you've had 3 days since this thread was started, and couldn't come up with sumthin better than that?

[Mr.Kimball]

It is hard to say. Nobody will know how good they will be untill the recruting season is over with.

What's the matter? You get tired of ragging on Jared Crum, and just couldn't think of anythiung else to do?

[A Decent Lineman]

Nebody hav a schedule yet?

[THOMCAT]

Seriously, you've had 3 days since this thread was started, and couldn't come up with sumthin better than that?

Maybe it was the best he could have come up with. I think I will check back on Monday to see if he responds.

[More Cowbell]

Guys, this thread is being watched closely. Please do not bring up recruitment or call out other BGR members.

Keep it up and this thread will be closed.

[Keepnitreal]

Its been posted on another website (southeasternohiopreps.com) that JC will be playing Ironton in week 2. If this is the case it will be a great addition to the schedule. Hopefully an annual event. As for how good they will be............ Thats really up to the kids and coaches. All of the talent and athletic ability will be in place. It will boil down to how bad we want it and how much work we're willing to put in to get it. Although Dennis Dillion did play very well at QB when JK Ratliff was injured. I think in the end Josh Hall will be the starter. He has a stronger arm and is a great runner. Dennis is much more experienced, but as Josh gains that experience his athletic ability will take him to the next level. We have a great core returning on offense and defense, with nearly the entire offensive line. Not to mention we had a great bunch kids in our freshman class last year how could step up. In the backfield, as good a back as Grimm was, I don't think we will be hurt to bad by his departure, and if Hall ends up being the starting QB his mobility will help to free up the backs cause this kid can motor. We also have another upcoming freshman QB, Cody Parker, that has an amazing arm. He can toss it 70-75 yards in the air and put the ball on the mark, but he's not real mobile. It really just depends on what we want to do offensively.

We did lose a great senior class with some awesome talent, but I think with some hard work, heart and desire we have the potential to be playing in the region championship again.

[EKY Sportster]

I don't doubt that JC will have plenty of talent returning. That should help. But I don't think they will be as good as the teams of the past two years. But depending on what the other district teams return, they may not have to be. It won't hurt JC or Ashland to drop to 4A in 09.

[Old School]

Does anyone know if JC will be playing Wheelersburg Ohio or Central again in 2008?

[A Decent Lineman]

I heard a rumor we might be playing yall next season...idk...just sumthin i heard..lol

[brotherinarms]

I can agree with you on that. Main defenency was because of the linemen they had lost from the previous season. They were young and had no experience. That is not the case this coming season.

Who besides Grimm and Dials cannot be replaced at the same level immediately? The rest of the team will be bigger, faster, stronger, etc., and that is from where the compensation will come. There is a reason why you have 22 guys starting and in Johnson Central's case a 50 man bench. Remember they also have Casey Brown coming on board as well.

Trey Belhasen graduates leaving an inexperienced D-back on the field. Wes Preston graduates and he didnt even have a replacement this year I think that the replacements might struggle early but will be grow as the season goes on.

[brotherinarms]

Does anyone know if JC will be playing Wheelersburg Ohio or Central again in 2008?

Im not sure about Central, but they will play Wheelersburg again

[Eagle Pride]

I know they play Hazard next season and it should be a good one.