Last year, the Eagles lost to eventual state champion and 5A juggernaut Bowling Green in the regional championship game. This year, the Eagles have redemption in their sights. But head coach Lance Gregory knows his team can’t be caught up in the success of last year.
“Last year was fantastic,” Gregory said. “But we can’t get caught up in last year if he want to be successful this year.”
The most integral piece to the puzzle for this year's Eagles is running back Cody Crider. Crider (1,985 yards) was one of 5A's leading rushers last season, and with the Eagles returning a majority of their offensive line, 2014 may prove an even bigger campaign for the Eagles' offense.
"We've got a veteran offensive line and a veteran running back behind them," Gregory said. "We're going to need that this season, especially early on."
The biggest mystery for Graves County this year is who will start the season under center. 2,000-yard passer Peyton Puckett graduated and left coach Gregory with a heated quarterback competition. Sophomore Tristan Bonnstetter and junior Conner McKee have been competing throughout the summer for the starting job, and Marshall County transfer Cole Barnard is also a name to watch.
Coming off their stellar 2013 season, Graves County begins the year as our preseason favorite in Class 5A District 1. The Eagles blitzed through the Class 5A District 1 schedule last season, outscoring their opponents by a combined score of 200-74.
Christian County figures to be the top competitor for the Eagles with big-time playmaker Keyron Catlett returning for the Colonels, but overall talent still favors the Eagles. Hopkinsville, who has lost to Christian County eight times in a row, could also contend for the district title if they can find a way to knock off the Colonels this season.
A key stretch for the Eagles will be October 17 and October 24 as Graves County travels to Christian County and Hopkinsville in back-to-back weeks.
Predicted 5A Standings
1. Graves County- The Eagles are poised for back-to-back district championships with a majority of their offensive and defensive lines returning, as well as leading senior rusher Cody Crider. Will the Eagles have a quarterback that can fill the shoes left vacant after the graduation of Peyton Puckett?
2. Hopkinsville- For the Tigers to finish at least 2nd in the district, they'll need to do something they haven't done in their last eight attempts; beat Christian County. My hunch is that Hopkinsville will do that this season. The Tigers will depend heavily on 5'11'' senior running back Ameer Love this season. A great season from love could equate to a great season for the Tigers.
3. Christian County- The Colonels experienced something last year they hadn't experienced since 2007; have a losing record. Christian County finished the season 5-7, and veteran head coach Steve Lovelace is looking for a vast improvement this season. A district title is not out of the question for the Colonels, but they'll have a tough road test at Hopkinsville before they'll host Graves County in October.
4. Apollo- Apollo is still a ways away from contending for the district title, but they still have an opportunity to make the playoffs again this season. Early match ups with crosstown rivals Owensboro Catholic, Daviess County, and Owensboro may drain the Eagles emotionally before they enter district play.
5. Ohio County- The Eagles will struggle this season on both sides of the football, but are hopeful to rebuild for a strong showing next year. A dismal 2013 left the Eagles with a 2-8 record and without a postseason bid. With such a strong field atop the District 1, the Eagles may be relegated to rebuilding their program for another year.
Key Returning Players
WR 8 DIONTE GRAY 6-3 190 SR
RB 11 JOEY MARSHALL 5-9 155 SR
RB 28 CODY CRIDER 6-1 195 SR
OL 60 HEATH WIGGINS 6-3 245 SR
OL 59 TIM KLOSS 6-1 220 SR
LB 25 TANNER HAYDEN 5-9 185 SR
DL 66 MATT SMITH 5-11 198 SR
LB 3 JOSH CARTER 5-11 175 SR
DB 23 DYSTAN HOLMES 5-11 175 SR
K 15 HECTOR GARCIA 5-10 180 SR
DB 27 DAKOTA DIXON 5-10 175 JR
Marshall Toy is the owner of One Guy's Two Cents, a sports blog focused heavily on western Kentucky Sports. Marshall is a color analyst for McCracken County High School sports on 99.5FM The Fan. You can check out his blog daily at http://www.oneguystwocents.com.
