2016 Lawrence County Bulldogs
Louisa, Ky. — ‘Ground and Pound’ will be back at Luke Varney Memorial Stadium this fall as the Lawrence Co. Bulldogs will get back to the belly option that has been a staple for many years. The Dawgs will open the season on Friday night as they travel to Boyd Co. and look to chew up the Lions on the ground under first year head coach Alan Short.
LCHS Coaching Staff
LC lost about 98% of their offense from last year as they return only three touchdowns total and under 100 yards rushing from 2015, senior Jacob Wellman scored two of those vs Boyd Co. before being lost for the season on the opening series of game two at Montgomery Co. and senior Jordan Johnson scored the other one through the air vs Pike Central.
LCHS 2016 Seniors
LCHS Juniors
LCHS Sophomores
LCHS Freshmen
Sophomore Noah West will get first crack at quarterback as he takes over for record setting QB Grant Kiser who was the District 6 player of the year in 2015.
West doesn’t have the throwing ability of Kiser just yet but does have some similarities in size, speed and running style. The Dawgs will look to seniors Wellman, Johnson, and Avery Bowman along with Sophomore Dylan Sizemore to ease the stress on West in the backfield. Junior Jarrett Fairchild will be the backup QB to start week one and may see some time as well.
Up front LC will replace four starters as Junior Caden Ratliff will be the leader of the inexperienced linemen at one of the tackle spots, look for Juniors Braydon Robertson, Dakota Shortridge, Bobby Cox and Sophomore Eric Price to round out the starting five at Boyd Co. on Friday night. If the Dawgs choose to go to the air, Junior Trey Dotson and Johnson will be the probable targets.
On Defense Lawrence Co. doesn’t have to replace as much as the offense but still have a lot of spots to fill. Senior linebacker Aaron Roberts, linebackers Fairchild, Johnson and Junior lineman Caleb Fletcher will be keys in the middle of the Bulldog defense. Dotson and Freshman Corbin Fairchild will lead the defensive backs. The Dawgs will use a host of players up front on the defensive side of the ball.
The Dawgs traveled to Prestonsburg last Friday night and showed some promise vs Class 5A Letcher Co. Central. Noah West scored a couple touchdowns on the ground and also tossed a touchdown pass to Jordan Johnson.
Lawrence Co. will compete in Class AAA District 6 with defending state champion Belfry who is the favorite to repeat as district and state champions in 2016 as the Pirates return 18 starters. Pike Co. Central will round out the district as Sheldon Clark chose not to play for the District even though the two teams will meet this season. The Cards are not eligible for the playoffs in 2016. New coach Chester McCoy has a 24 man roster made up of mostly untested players so the school decided to take the year off district play.
Lawrence Co. Head Coach Alan Short
COACH’S COMMENTS
“… We as a team are very excited to open our season. Our players have shown a great commitment since January, so they are anxious to put all that hard work to use Friday night. We know our players will come out tomorrow and play with great energy and passion. We understand that we will get Boyd County’s best shot tommmow. They are much improved from the last couple of times we have played. Coach Gilliam and his staff have done a great job with their football program.”
Click to see Bulldogs 2016 Schedule