Pike Co. Central Hawks: Season Preview & Outlook

It's that time a year again, Football time in the mountains. Teams are practicing, and working hard in the Summer heat to prepare for the season. Among those teams is the Pike Central Hawks. Lead by third year Head Coach John Champan who has shown success in his previous two years as Head Coach. Last season for Pike Central was eventful to say the least. With rumors and scandal floating around Pike Central finished 8-2 with an first round playoff loss. The Hawks enter this season as what seems to be the toughest district in the mountains. The 3A district 8 beefed up by adding Lawrence County to the mix. The District ended in a 3-way tie last season between Belfry, Sheldon Clark, and Pike Central. Look for this District to bring some exciting games. The Buckley's Creek Faithful feel their team can overcome, and win the schools first District title.

The Hawks took some key losses due to graduation, but on the other hand return some key players. Among these players is 3A Player of The Year Senior Quarterback Alan Boggs. Boggs passed for 2,697 yards and 39 touchdowns last season. Also returning for the Hawks is Boggs favorite target Junior Wide Receiver Wes Pugh the duo hooked up for 796 yards and 12 touchdowns. A few of Boggs favorite are also coming back Senior wide out Robbie Hopkins, and Senior Running Back Justin Smith. With the Hawks only returning one starting lineman in Senior OG in Mark Maynard, we should see some younger guys to step up in to starting roles. The Hawks look to bring fireworks on Offense this season, but can they stop anybody? This brings me to the Defensive side of the ball. The Hawks bring in a new DC in Coach Mike from Middlesboro. Leading the Defense is 3 year starter at Linebacker Senior Kody Trivette. Trivette has played big games for the Hawks, and looks to have a big season this year. Another returning starter on defense is Junior Safety Cory Shouse. Shouse is a big hitter in the secondary, and if you haven't seen the youtube video then I suggest you check it out. The Defensive line returns two starters in Seniors Calvin Cline and Justin Runyon. Cline and Runyon have made big plays in key moments for the Hawks in years past.

With all the being said let's take a look a what the Hawks will be facing this upcoming season.

(Outlook)

August 19- @ Greenup County- This will be Greenups first game with new Head Coach Chris Mullins. I'm not sure how he will run the team, but in years past Greenup has been run heavy. Pike Central's John Chapman is a defensive mastermind, and is a master at stopping the run. (Hawks win 42-18)

August 27-Phelps(Pike County Bowl)- These two meet up last season with Pike Central winning 47-14. The Hawks pulled the starters early in this game last year, and I don't look for the game to change this year. (Hawks win 49-7)

September 2- @ Powell County- I'm not very sure about Powell County, but from research they are coming off a 6-5 season returning their leading rusher. As I have said before Champan knows how to stop the run. (Hawks win 41-24)

September 9- Shelby Valley- In the 2010 season the Hawks won this one in overwhelming fashion(63-18). With SV bringing in a new Head Coach and losing their starting QB and RB, I don't see much changing this year.(Hawks win 52-21)

September 16- OPEN

September 23- @ East Ridge- This is the first game of the actual season for the Hawks. District game play is the most important. The Warriors have never beat Pike Central since the school has existed, and I don't see this year being the year. (Hawks win 52-14)

October 7- Lawrence County- The Bulldogs have been a great team over the last few years, but lost their Head Coach from those years. This will be a very tough game for both teams in this one. (Toss-up)

October 14- @ Sheldon Clark- Pike Central has had Sheldon Clark's number the past two season. Last season this was a hard fought game, and it will probably turn out the same. (Hawks win 18-12)

October 21- Belfry(The Battle For 119)- Possibly the biggest game of the year for these two, because of all the trash talk that travels up and down 119. This has become a heated rivalry between fans and players. Everyone wants the bragging rights of 119, but Belfry has always came out on top. This year I look for another great game between the two. Pike Central can win this one by minimizing mistakes. (Toss-up)

October 28- Prestonsburg- This will be Senior Night for the Hawks, and I look for them to have the confidence to win. The problem is the Blackcats may still have the bitter taste in their mouths from last season. Last year Pike Central came in on Senior Night in Prestonsburg, and crashed the party. (Toss-up)

This season looks to be tough, but quite an exciting one also. I for one can't wait to see how Pike Central fairs out in the District, and in the rest of the season.