Written by Jim Swinford of WCYN.
In his first season as the head coach of the Harrison County Thorobreds last year, Van Isaac’s team faced many obstacles including inexperience, injuries and a tough schedule which resulted in a 2-9 record and a first-round loss in the playoffs at Ashland.
However, as the regular season progressed, the team played with better execution and reflected a positive culture in which personal fouls and unsportsmanlike conduct calls became nearly non-existent which led to a more disciplined team.
With several players back this season, and a more manageable schedule, Harrison County is looking forward to a solid season.
The Breds return the majority of their offensive and defensive lines including LeLand Rowell, C. J. White, Braxton Colemire, Andrew Burgan and Landon Combs. Isaac commented, “These five key players will bring toughness and experience. We’re also excited about several sophomores who will be stepping into bigger varsity roles, including Nathaniel Carson, Logan Combs and Chris Shepherd who will all contribute to making this unit even stronger.”
Isaac noted that the Breds picked up senior Caleb Miles, a transfer from Bourbon County during the off-season. Isaac thinks that Miles will bring an immediate impact at guard and defensive end.
In the skill positions, Harrison County returns a talented group of running backs and wide receivers. The backfield will be led by Karsyn Sumpter, last season’s leading ground gainer. Tripp Nichols, who missed most of last season because of an injury, joins Sumpter to make a formidable one-two-punch. Other players who will populate the backfield are Hunter Jones, Jackson Herrington and Daniel Switzer. The overall speed of this unit should help the Breds win several games. According to Isaac, the receiving corps will feature Ashton Gaunce, JaCory Hinton, Owen Northcutt, Logan Harris, Landon Custard, Rylan Batt, Quentin Hardin and Malachi Sandoval, a transfer from California.
The most significant change from last year is that Carter Curry has taken over as the starting quarterback. Isaac commented, “We’re confident in his growth and excited to see what he brings this fall.”
The kicking game should be strong. Logan Harris, who was 12-of-13 on PATs last season, returns as the team’s kicker.
There are 11 seniors on the squad. Isaac expects them to be strong leaders.
Isaac concluded by saying. “Our roster is growing with around 45-50 players this season. We’re more experienced, stronger thanks to a solid off-season, and better prepared with over a year in this system. Our #1 goal is to have a winning season – but I believe we’re capable of much more. This group has what it takes to surprise a lot of people.”
Harrison Co. begins the pre-season schedule with a scrimmage against Nicholas Co. at the Athletic Complex on 8/8 at 6:00. The following Friday night, the Breds will travel to Erlanger to take on Lloyd Memorial, also at 6:00.
The regular season begins with a trip to Henry County on August 22nd, with kickoff at 7:30.
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