Johnson Central Golden Eagles: Season Preview & Outlook

Since taking over at Johnson Central, Jim Matney has turned Johnson Central's football program into one of the most respected football programs in the state and the #1 team in Johnson County, over rival Paintsville. Many are aware that Matney has coached some very talented players during his time in Paintsville, but many can't argue that they've seen one as talented as Mr. Football candidate, JJ Jude. Jude rushed for over 3,000 yards last season, including a state-record breaking 584 yard rushing performance against Woodford County. However, those yards may not come to Jude as easy as they did last season, as Johnson Central graduated many of his key lead blockers like DJ Ousley & Tanner Bratton. The Eagles also graduated 8 other players, including their 2nd leading rusher, JK Hall. Hall was the starting quarterback and starting safety for the Eagles and filling in for him will likely be Ross Sanor. Sanor brings in a athletic frame and has the ability to step in and do just as good of a job as Hall did as an Eagle this upcoming season.

Defensively, Bratton, Ousley and Hall were the leaders also. Neither of those 3 will be easily replaced, however Johnson Central reloads with young guys every season and one familiar with their program can't expect anything less. Guys like Matt Hall, Ross Sanor and even JJ Jude will be the leaders on both sides of the ball this season for the Golden Eagles.

Outlook:

Aug. 20 - Heath - Unfamiliar opponent for the Eagles, however it's an opponent I think Johnson Central shouldn't have many problems with. (JC wins, 40-14)

Aug. 26 - Perry Co. Central - Perry Central could pose some matchup problems for Johnson Central with their athleticism & speed and might be able to wear the Eagles down some in the 2nd half and if Perry can keep it within a touchdown, then they might be able to pull the upset. Should see the scoreboard light up in this one. (JC wins, 48-26)

Sep. 2 - @ Clay County - Clay County has a new coach and with it being this early in the season I don't expect the Tigers to give JC too much of a game. (JC wins, 42-14)

Sep. 9 - St. Thomas More (ON) - The Canadian team, St. Thomas More returns to Paintsville for some revenge after getting blown out by the Eagles in '08. Don't know much about this Canadian team, but I'd say Johnson Central should win. (JC wins, 35-17)

Sep. 16 - @ Logan (WV) - The Wildcats finished 6-5 last season and a suffered a first round loss in the West Virginia playoffs. (JC wins, 41-12)

Sep. 23 - Boyd County - The Lions are improving, but Johnson Central is just too much. (JC wins, 55-14)

Oct. 7 - @ Greenup County - Greenup has talent, but they aren't on the same level as Johnson Central. (JC wins, 46-14)

Oct. 14 - Rowan County - The Vikings have one of the best in quarterbacks in the state this upcoming season in Adam Wing as he was once committed to Marshall, but has decided against football and will play college basketball at Oklahoma State. Might be a very interesting game. (JC wins, 36-16)

Oct. 21 - @ Ashland - Big rivalry game that has went in the Eagles favorite over the past few meetings, however the Tomcats are expected to have a tough team this upcoming season and the district championship should come down to this game. (JC wins, 27-21)

Oct. 28 - @ Belfry - Johnson Central has owned this series lately, but the Pirates are young and very, very talented. This could be a VERY good game. (JC wins, 27-14)

A undefeated season is probable, but some losses to Ashland or Belfry wouldn't be that surprising, however Johnson Central plays their best football at the end of the season. 

If he stays healthy, JJ Jude could have another 3000+ rushing season in 2011. Should be a fun team to watch that should make yet another deep run into the playoffs.

Best of luck Eagles!