2019 Season Week 5 Update vs. Pulaski County (Homecoming)

2019 Season Week 5 Update vs. Pulaski County (Homecoming)

September 24, 2019

Greetings Colonel Nation!

Happy homecoming week Colonel fans and thank you to the many people who came out to support our team last Friday vs Bell County.  We didn't play our best, especially in the first half, but I was proud of the effort and toughness we showed in the second half.  The staff challenged the team to play tougher in the 3rd and 4th quarters and we did that.  The players have always responded when challenged and that is a trait that we will build upon to continue to improve as the season goes on.

Players of the Week vs Bell County:

Here are some links of interest for the Bell County game:

• Pictures by Dylan Wilson
• Game Stats from Hudl

We have another tremendous challenge this week as we take on Pulaski County, the defending region champions who have a record of 4-1 this season.  Our one common opponent is Corbin, which Pulaski beat in a very close game three weeks ago by a score of 23-22.

Pulaski County Stats
Pulaski County Roster - starters highlighted

Our JV team improved to 3-1 on the season with a 14-0 shutout of Bell County on the road last night.  Trevor Downs had a forced fumble and 2 TDs receiving from Mason Croley, while Bryson Potter caught a 2-pt conversion and David McFadden had several tackles and a forced fumble.  The defense played great in the red zone and our offensive line played the best they have all JV season.  We have 4 of the last 5 JV games at home - here is the updated JV schedule - games start at 6 p.m.:

THURSDAY 9/26 UPDATE:  MONDAY'S JV GAME IS NOW AWAY vs PULASKI CO.

On Saturday night the 2019 Whitley County High School Athletics Hall of Fame Induction ceremony and banquet  was held.  Among the new indutees were two former Colonel Football players Darin Shelley and Rick McKiddy, both all-state offensive linemen from the mid to late 1990s.  Congrats and thank you to them for helping to set the standard for outstanding achievement in the sport of football at our school.

That's all for this week - hope to see you at Colonel Stadium Friday night for our homecoming festivities and game.

GO COLONELS!!

2019 Season Week 4 Update: vs Bell County

Week 4 Update: vs Bell County

Happy Thursday Colonel Nation!

We are chomping at the bit to get back out on the field tomorrow night for our Alumni/Hall of Fame game vs Bell County!  Our district administration has declared Friday as a black out day for Colonel Nation.  Wear black to work tomorrow and the game so we can #blackoutbell in support of the team tomorrow night.

Our JV team was on the road (long road) at Harlan County Monday night and came out with a hard-fought 12-8 victory, improving their record to 2-1.  PLEASE NOTE THE JV PLAYS AT BELL COUNTY ON MONDAY THE 23RD, NOT SOUTH LAUREL.  Here is the link to our updated JV game schedule.  Expect more changes as the JV season continues.

The coaching staff recognizes these standouts as JV players of the week:

Bryson Potter - Receiving TD

Jesse Davis - fumble recovery

Sam Haynes was a leading tackler coming back from an injury

Payton Lawson played center on short notice due to an injury

Caleb Canada - interception

Brad Biscchop had in interception

Game Notes vs Bell County:

• Bell County is undefeated and ranked #1 in the Class 3A AP Poll this week
• Our Teacher of the Week is ROTC instructor Master Sargeant Donald Gross
• Our Honorary Captain is WCHS Alum Class of 2008 Benji Campbell - who has just been promoted to Chief Petty Officer in the U.S. Navy
• The 2019 WCHS Athletics Hall of Fame Class will be introduced at halftime tomorrow night

That's all for today - see you tomorrow night!

Go Colonels!!

2019 Season Update: Week 3 vs Perry Central (Appalachian Bowl)

September 10, 2019

Greetings Colonel Nation!

Thank you to all who traveled to Clay County HS last Friday and cheered for our boys as we won the Appalachian Bowl vs Perry Central HS by a score of 33-6.  Even with the early kickoff time of 6 p.m. we could see and hear our crowd and the team definitely appreciated it.





Perry Central Game Recap/Notes:
Here are the stats for the game from Hudl
Times-Tribune Story by Less Dixon, Photos by Dylan Wilson
Video Highlights from Hudl (thank you Coach Jody Mouser)
Game Photos - thank you Dylan Wilson

Our defense was very strong all night and only allowed two plays over 15 yards and just 201 total yards.  We also had 3 takeaways, with two interceptions by Cam Gibbs and Bobby Downs and one fumble forced and recovered by Barrett Hollis. 

Offensively we were limited to 59 plays but still had over 350 yards of offense and scored 5 TDs.  Three areas of improvement offensively are limiting penalties, sacks, and turnovers.

Special teams were not as sharp as we struggled to cover kicks and make extra points, two things we will work hard on this week. 

Players of the Week for Week 3 vs Perry Central:

JV Update and Schedule:

Last night the JV played at SW Pulaski and came up short 24-0.  Next week we have another away JV game - PLEASE NOTE that our opponent has changed from Middlesboro (who had to cancel) to Harlan County.  So, the JV team will play at Harlan County High School on Monday the 16th at about 6 p.m.

Media Guide / Program:
Scott Powell is submitting the media guide for printing later this week.  If you would like to purchase an AD for your player you will need to complete this form and submit payment by the end of the day tomorrow (Wednesday the 11th).

Our next home varsity game is September 20th vs Bell County.  This will be our annual Alumni/Hall of Fame game in addition to being a top flight match-up against Bell County, who is undefeated on the season and ranked highly in Class 3A.

The WCHS Athletics Hall of Fame Banquet and Induction Ceremony will be Saturday, September 21st at 5 p.m. in WCHS cafetria. Two former Colonel football players will be inducted:  Darin Shelley and Rick McKiddy.  We plan to have several of our players and coaches attend and the public is also welcome to purchase a ticket and attend.  Email me at jepirwin@gmail.com if interested.


That's all for this week - Go Colonels!

Coach Irwin

2019 Season Week 2 Update

September 4th, 2019

Dear Colonel Parents and Family,

What a tremendous first week to kick-off our 2019 season!  Varsity and JV both won and we had a huge crowd and beautiful night for our first home game vs Scott HS (TN)



Scott HS Game Recap:

It was a solid team win - our offense generated over 500 total yards and our defense allowed less than 200 total yards.  Scott was o/12 on 3rd downs.  We ran almost 30 plays more than Scott did, starting with a 67 yard run by Cameron Gibbs.  Here are the stats and box score for the game: http://www.hudl.com/game/whitley-county-vs-scott/varsity-football/31782-10991783/box-score

Of course a highlight of the night was the recognition of our honorary captain Ryan Leach, a new tradition for each home game.  Contact me at jepirwin@gmail.com if you would like to nominate an honorary captain this season.

Ryan was nominated by senior DB Bobby Trent Downs.  Also each week we will recognize a teacher or staff member that has made a positive impact on one our players.  Our first honoree was Ms. Renee Lawson of the English Department.

 Players of the Week for Week 1:

This week's varsity game is vs Perry County Central at Clay County High School in the Appalachian Bowl.  Please note that kick-off is at 6 p.m., so make plans to leave early. 

Scott Powell is our team photographer and is also putting together our media guide.  If you would like to purchase a page for your son please complete this form and return with payment.

That's all for this week - see you at the field. 

Go Colonels!!

Coach Irwin