History, a word that is used very rarely on the ridge of East Ridge. This season marks the 4th year of former Breathitt County and Pikeville College super-star Brad Allen at the helm as Head Coach. Not only is Allen the longest football coach in Warrior history, he is the longest consecutive returning coach as well. In Allen’s first 3 seasons, he has shown moderate success. With a combined record of 9-23, and two playoff trips in the last two years Allen will be looking for big thing from his players. East Ridge finished the 2010 season with a record of 5-6. Another first for the young school. The Warriors enter the 2011 season into what experts argue one of the toughest districts in the whole state.East Ridge was rocked last season due to graduation, losing 12 seniors while only returning 7. The most notable position that will be missing on the football field will be at the QB position.
“Losing a 3 year starter at QB is tough. We’ll be working very hard over the summer and the best will step up into that roll.” Said Head Coach Brad Allen.The Warriors also lost their running back core. Leading the charge for the Warriors running wise will be senior Josh Colly and sophomore Jacob Skeens. Second year player Brandon Thacker will step up as fullback. East Ridge returns several key offensive linemen in: Kyle Colly, Josh Coleman, and Chad Mullins.
The defensive side of the ball will no longer being coached by Grundy High and Pikeville College standout, Matt Slone. Stepping up to the roll of Defensive Coordinator is the Lady Warrior Softball and Elkhorn City Cougar legend, Terry Morgan. Morgan who led the Warrior defense in 05,06 and 09 will return to help the Warriors out. Former Belfry defensive assistant coach Paul Sullivan will also be tagging along the Warrior sidelines. East Ridge lost the nucleus of last seasons defense. Allen and co. will have to stick to their guns when coaching defense.
Outlook:
*2011 East Ridge Warrior Varsity Football Schedule*
Aug. 27th - Pike County Bowl @ Pikeville High School - Shelby Valley - The most hated rival of all the tribe, for the second year in a row, East Ridge will play the Shelby Valley Wildcats in the Pike County Bowl. East Ridge claimed their first win ever over SVHS last season with a 31-6 victory at Shelby Valley. With both schools being hit hard due to graduation this years game will be more level. East Ridge because of their veteran coaching staff will pull out the W with a score of 26-14.
Sept. 2nd - vs. Phelps - The battle of friends will happen on the football field as former Pikeville College teammates Brad Allen of East Ridge and Jesse Peck of Phelps will due battle. East Ridge’s only loss to Phelps came in 2002 by a score of 8-0. Since then East Ridge has never lost to Phelps. East Ridge will put on a show for the reservation rolling to a 42-14 victory over the hornets.
Sept. 9th - vs. Haysi, VA - The last regular season meeting between East Ridge and Haysi ended with a 70-0 Warrior loss. Last season East Ridge scrimmaged the Tigers and came victorious. Haysi will come to play this time around beating the Warriors by a score of 28-14.
Sept. 16th - @ Hurley, VA - They Warriors are 3-1 all time vs. the Rebels. Last season East Ridge laid it to Hurley beating them 49-28. I can see East Ridge improving the streak to 4-1 all time as they beat Hurley 37-20.
*Sept. 23rd - vs. Pike County Central - The Warriors are 0-9 against the Hawks. Coming close a few times but recent meetings have been blow outs as Brad Allen’s former coach, and current Hawk’s coach, John Chapman leads. East Ridge, while much improved, I don’t see them comparing to players Pike Central have picked up recently. Central rolls 52-8
*Sept. 30th - vs. Belfry - The Big Red rolls into the reservation, like Pike Central, a perfect record against East Ridge. This legendary program, while much more respected then Pike Central, will cruise to a victory. Belfry 48-0
*Oct. 2nd - @ Sheldon Clark - East Ridge travels to The Rock to play the Cardinals. East Ridge’s only victory against Sheldon Clark came by one point in 2004. Since then Sheldon Clark has tossed East Ridge around. Last season beating ER by a score of 63-36, East Ridge will have their hands full yet again. Cards 45-18
Oct. 14th - vs. Grundy, VA - a familiar foe rolls into ER. In the past seasons at East Ridge, the Golden Wave have managed to barely escape the Warriors. With the Golden Wave offense smash mouth style, the young Warrior defense will struggle to keep up. Grundy moves 4-0 all time against East Ridge and wins 37-8
*Oct. 21st - @ Lawrence County - The newest member to the 3A-8 district. Former 4A power Lawrence will join the ranks with Belfry, East Ridge, Pike Central, and Sheldon Clark. The Bulldogs are no stranger to East Ridge, having played them in 2009 and 2010, winning both matches easily. Lawrence will move on with minor trouble here. Lawrence County 49-21
Oct. 28th - @ Tug Valley, WVa - The Warriors gave Tug Valley a 44-28 loss last year at the reservation. I don’t foresee Tug Valley doing any different. Warriors roll and close out the season with a W 42-7
*3A-8 district matches
*Schedule is subject to change at any time
From 4 to a possible 6 wins, this season just adds to the excitement and growing tradition that 4th year coach Brad Allen is building on the Ridge.
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