Health Quest Wellness Center Post Game Report

Injury report with Dr. Johnny Newcom

Post-Game Comments with coach Al Starnes.

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Rockets complete Warrior Bowl mission

Crittenden County completed its mission with military-like precision, dispatching Massac County, Ill., in the first ever Kentucky National Guard Warrior Bowl Saturday at Rocket Stadium.

The Rockets' methodical ground game chewed up nearly the whole first period before they scored on a two-yard run by Brian Berry and J.R. Adams kicked the point after.

The Patriots turned the ball over on downs a series later after Andrew Freeman broke up a punt attempt, giving Crittenden the ball on the Massac 35. Berry again scored two plays later on a 35-yard run.

The visiting Patriots pulled to within a touchdown on a passing play late in the second period, but the Rockets came roaring back. Quarterback and Warrior Bowl MVP J.D. Gray led a short drive, scoring from 20 yards out to give his team a 21-7 edge at the break.

Berry rushed for a game-high 133 yards to lead the Rockets and Gray ran for 76 and threw for 31, completing half of his six passes. Gray was also the game's Offensive MVP and teammate Dylan Clark was the defensive MVP.

The Rocket defense was relentless early, throwing the Patriots for negative yardage on 11 plays and holding Massac to only 22 total yards in the first half.

Massac turned to speedy tailback Jordan Jackson to change the tempo of the game in the second half, but it was too late. Although Jackson rushed for 113 yards in the final two periods, Crittenden's defense prevented further scoring.

Two first half Rocket fumbles – one in the red zone – allowed the Patriots to stay within striking distance until Freeman capped the scoring in the third period on a one-yard run. That touchdown, which put the Rockets ahead by 20, was set up by a fumble recovery and 40-yard return by defensive back Tanner Nix.

Crittenden's smash-mouth ground game kept Massac on defense most of the contest. The Patriots had just three possessions in the final two quarters. They fumbled once and were stopped on downs another time. Crittenden did not punt a single time during the matchup.

Terry Werne intercepted a Patriot pass in the first half and the Rocket secondary held the Patriots in check much of the game with help from steady pressure up the middle.

Pictured above is Brian Berry rushing for part of his game-high 133 yards. At top, is Dylan Clark (6) who just missed catching a first-half pass.

SCORE BY QUARTERS

Massac County       0    7   0   0

Crittenden County  7   14   7   0

SCORING PLAYS

CC-Brian Berry 2 run (J.R. Adams kick) 1:44,1st

CC-Berry 35 run (Adams kick) 8:55, 2nd

MC-Brandon Pender 28 pass from Caleb Crim (Crim kick) :55, 2nd

CC-J.D. Gray 20 run (Adams kick) :18, 2nd

CC-Andrew Freeman 1 run (kick failed) 3:48, 3rd

TEAM TOTALS

First Downs: Crittenden 15, Massac 12

Penalties: Crittenden 4-30, Massac 5-45

Rushing: Crittenden 46-256

Passing: Crittenden 4-7-0, 29 yds.; Massac 8-12-1, 91 yds.

Total: Crittenden 285, Massac 231

Fumbles/Lost: Crittenden 3-2, Massac 3-1

INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS

Rushing: Crittenden-Berry 19-133, Gray 13-76, Freeman 13-46, Nix 1-1. Massac: Jordan Jackson 12-113, Jarelle Johnson 4-11, Crim 10-11, Daniel Duncan 7-6, James Cannamore 1-3, Logan Wheeler 1-(-4).

Passing: Crittenden-Gray 3-6-0, 31 yds., Berry 1-1-0, (-2 yds.). Massac-Crim 4-4-0, 49 yds., Duncan 3-4-0, 48 yds., Wheeler 1-4-1, (-6 yds.).

Receiving: Crittenden-Nix 2-15, Berry 1-16, Gray 1-(-2).

Defense: A.Berry 6 solos, 4 assists, 2 TFL, 2 sacks; B.Berry 3 solos, 4 assists, caused fumble; Clark 7 solos, 3 assists, 4 TFL, caused fumble; Collins 2 solos, 3 assists, sack; Collins 2 solos, 3 assists, sack; Cudnik solo, 2 assists; Cozart assist; Fletcher 5 solos, 7 assists, TFL; Freeman 2 solos, 4 assists; TFL; Gray 6 solos, 2 assists, TFL; Kirk 3 solos, TFL; Lee solo, assist; Long solo, 2 assists; Nix 3 solos, 2 assists, fumble recovery; Price assist; Thornton 4 solos, 5 assists, TFL; B.Wallace assist; Werne solo, 4 assists, blocked punt, interception; Willis 2 assists.

Pizza Hut Players of the Game: Offense: Brian Berry. Defense: Dylan Clark. Lineman: Aaron Berry (as chosen by coaching staff).

Records: Crittenden 1-0, Massac 0-1.

Glasgow 26, Herrin 22

Game 1 of the Kentucky National Guard Warrior Bowl was a doozie with Glasgow winning in the closing minutes 26-22 over Herrin, Ill. Read the Glasgow Account of the Game.

A controversial fumble call in the end zone late in the game caused tempers to flare following the final whistle. Herrin's coaching staff confronted the game officials after the, exchanging words on the field. Police were called and things quietened down.

The Rockets play Massac County Saturday night in Game 2 of the Warrior Bowl.

Just-a-Burgr Warrior Bowl - Podcast

Click on the play button below to hear this week's Just-a-Burgr Pre-Game Podcast with Head Coach Al Starnes, Defensive Coordinator Al Starnes and Press Online host Chris Evans.

The Kentucky National Guard Warrior Bowl

kicks of Friday and Saturday night at 7 p.m.

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Meet the Rockets

Meet the Rockets Tonight starting at 6 p.m., at Rocket Stadium.

Meal is at 6 with introduction of players and staff at 6:30. A scripted scrimmage will follow at 7 p.m.

Silent Auction: Get you cornhole boards

High school sports fans will have an opportunity to get their hands on specially designed cornhole (bag toss) boards this weekend during the first ever Kentucky National Guard Warrior Bowl.

The custom-made boards depict mascots from all four teams playing in the bowl: Crittenden County, Massac County, Ill., Glasgow and Herrin, Ill.

Boards will be used for open play starting at 4:30 p.m., before each game then will be sold at silent auction to the highest bidder. Sold will be a set of 2 boards and eight bags depicting each team's colors and logo.

New PA Voice of the Rockets

The Crittenden County Rocket football program has announced that former Rocket player Jody Porter will be in the pressbox this season as the public address announcer for home varsity games.

Porter, a 1995 graduate of CCHS, replaces Nicky Winders behind the microphone. The Rocket public address announcer's position has a great deal of tradition behind it. Porter becomes only the fourth regular PA man in more than 25 years, following in the footsteps of Jack Mason, Del Brantley and Winders.

Porter will be assisted in the booth by spotter Matthew Hardin. Dr. Steve Crider is back as the game clock operator for the 25th season.

WMJL-Radio will feature the familiar voices of Zac Greenwell and Wompie Stewart each week.

Join the defending Class A First Region champion Rockets as they kick off the 2009 season at 7 p.m., Saturday against Massac County, Ill., in the Kentucky National Guard Warrior Bowl.

Football Weekend Ahead

National Guard Warrior Bowl held at Rocket Stadium

Crittenden County is hosting the first ever Kentucky National Guard Warrior Bowl Friday and Saturday at Rocket Stadium.

The two-day event will feature two high school football games and much more. There will be a 5K run, All Pro Dads’ Breakfast, bag toss (corn hole) tournament, youth flag football tournament, an academic bowl, a punt, pass and kick competition and a great deal more.

The featured events are high school football games with Herrin, Ill., facing Glasgow at 7 p.m., Friday and Massac County, Ill., playing Crittenden County at 7 p.m., on Saturday.

Bag toss boards featuring each school's mascot and colors will be sold by silent auction and the Kentucky National Guard will have its inflatable obstacle course and rock wall set up Friday night and all day Saturday. Concessions will be available and there will be a dunking booth with some local dignitaries riding the board.

The 5K race and 1 mile fun run starts at 8 a.m., at the Kentucky National Guard Armory. Registration day of race is $20. A discount is available to register in advance. Call 965-5249 to enter.

Flag football teams for grades K-2 will play Saturday morning in a tournament sponsored by Farmers Bank and Trust Co., of Marion. Winners will be recognized during Saturday’s game.

The punt, pass and kick competition, also sponsored by Farmers Bank, begins at 2 p.m., with divisions for grades K-8 and an open division for teens or adults. Winners receive prizes and game-time recognition.

The Kentucky National Guard Patriot Chopper will be on display. The chopper was built especially for the Guard by Orange County Choppers of cable television fame. Have your photo made with the chopper for free. Kids will love the rock wall and obstacle course.

Gates open at 8 a.m., on Saturday morning with activities all day long starting with a free All Pro Dads' Breakfast. Come bring your child and enjoy fellowship and a short program that will help dads learn how to connect better with kids.

Gate prices are $4 and $8. It's $4 for daytime events and $8 for the game each night. If you pay during Saturday's pregame events, you only pay $4 more to get in at the game.

For general information regarding this event, call 704-0435.

The Peoples Bank Academic Bowl at 1 p.m., at the school will feature academic matches between high school teams and a local celebrity face off.

The Academic Bowl is looking for teams of bankers, business professionals, elected officials and teachers to participate. People who like Jeopardy!, Trivial Pursuit and those who get excited about increasing their knowledge, are ideal participants in the Academic Bowl, sponsored by The Peoples Bank. Call 704-1446 for more information.

Veterans and active duty soldiers from all branches of the military are encouraged to participate in the Kentucky National Guard Warrior Bowl Recognition Ceremony Friday night.

Veterans of all ages and active duty military personnel will be recognized during a halftime ceremony. To participate, simply attend the Friday game and listen to directions that will be provided by the public address announcer.

Warrior Bowl this weekend

CRITTENDEN CO. (0-0)

Injury Report: Eli Bebout, freshman lineman, (knee) will not play.

Offense: Multiple

Defense: 50

Rankings: 6th BluegrassPreps.com

MASSAC COUNTY (0-0)

Offense: Spread

Defense: 3-5

The series: Crittenden is 0-3 against Massac County. The Rockets’ most recent encounter with the Patriots was a 63-0 loss in 2007 at the Graves County Alliance Bowl. Crittenden lost 34-13 to Massac in Marion in 1990 and 26-6 at Metropolis in 1989. Massac leads the scoring in the series, 123-19. Crittenden County is 2-5 all-time against out-of-state opponents.

Game Notes: Massac was 7-4 last season and won its conference championship. The Patriots are considered a traditional football program in southern Illinois. The Rockets were 10-4 last year, winning their district and regional title before losing in the state semifinals. Illinois schools cannot have pre-season scrimmage games with outside opponents. This will be the first live contact Massac has had other than intra-squad scrimmaging.

Scouting Report: Massac has a 57-man roster, which includes only the top three grades. Of those, 16 are seniors.

Scouting report: Very physical team. Very good skilled players. RB Jordan Jackson, No. 4, will be a player to watch. He’s a good size back with good speed. QB is still up in air with three vying for job. Looks like Logan Wheeler, No. 10, has the inside track, but Jerrell Johnson, No. 11, is a RB who could also take snaps. The Patriots implemented the spread offense a couple of years ago to take advantage of graduated QB Zach Kester’s arm and a corps of receivers. They are all gone, but Massac has kept the same offense, adding a few wrinkles and making it more of a run-oriented attack. Defensively, look for stunting linebackers all the time. Their 3-5 scheme centers around gambling and bringing persistent pressure.

Bowl Game Opener: The Rockets are hosting their first ever Kentucky National Guard Warrior Bowl. The bowl will be played over two nights and will include a variety of other activities beyond the two high school football games (see related article this issue). In Friday’s game, Glasgow will play Herrin, Ill. Glasgow won its season opener last week 26-14 over Warren East in the Scotties own T.J. Samson Bowl. Herrin is projected to be one of the better teams in southern Illinois this season and is favored to win the Warrior Bowl opener by 10 points, according to the Massey Ratings. 

 

Here are the high school football rankings from Bluegrasspreps.com following the first weekend of the 2009 season.

 

For the latest high school sports news and discussion, visit us at www.bluegrasspreps.com.

 

Class A
1. Beechwood vs. 5A Dixie Heights (8/29 at Nippert Stadium, Cincinnati)
2. Lexington Christian at Christ Presbyterian Academy, TN
3. Frankfort vs. Paris
4. Mayfield vs. Trousdale County, TN (8/29)
5. Raceland at 5A #10 Ashland
6. Crittenden County vs. Massac County, IL (8/29)
7. Pikeville vs. 2A Covington Holy Cross (8/29)
8. Williamsburg vs. 5A South Laurel (8/29 at North Laurel)
9. Hazard at 2A Leslie County
10. Louisville Holy Cross vs. 4A #4 Bullitt East

Class 2A
1. Fort Campbell at Kenwood, TN
2. Corbin at 1A Harlan
3. DeSales at 6A Central Hardin
4. Newport Central Catholic vs. 6A #9 Simon Kenton (8/29 @ Nippert Stadium, Cincinnati)
5. Green County vs. 3A Taylor County
6. Danville vs. 4A Franklin County (8/29)
7. Prestonsburg vs. 1A Paintsville
8. Monroe County at 3A Edmonson County
9. Owensboro Catholic vs. 5A #2 Bowling Green (@ KY Wesleyan/Rash Stadium)
10. Murray vs. 4A Calloway County

Class 3A
1. Central vs. 6A #3 Henry Clay (at Tates Creek)
2. Breathitt County at #9 Sheldon Clark
3. Mason County vs. 5A Montgomery County
4. Belfry vs. 4A Boyd County
5. Somerset vs. 5A Pulaski County
6. Paducah Tilghman vs. St. Louis Beaumont, MO (8/29 at Ballard Memorial)
7. Union County at 1A Ballard Memorial (8/29)
8. Elizabethtown vs. Spencer County (at Central Hardin) 
9. Sheldon Clark vs. #2 Breathitt County
10. Russell at 4A Greenup County (8/29)

Class 4A
1. Boyle County vs. Rockcastle County (8/29 at Danville)
2. Bell County at #7 Marion County (8/29)
3. Lexington Catholic vs. 5A Covington Catholic (8/29)
4. Bullitt East at 1A #10 Louisville Holy Cross
5. Allen County-Scottsville -- OPEN
6. Fairdale -- OPEN
7. Marion County vs. #2 Bell County (8/29)
8. Lone Oak at 2A Reidland
9. Western -- OPEN
10. Knox Central at North Laurel (8/29)

Class 5A
1. Highlands at 6A #8 Ryle
2. Bowling Green at 2A #9 Owensboro Catholic 
3. Owensboro vs. Evansville Reitz, IN 8/29
4. Whitley County at 1A Lynn Camp 
5. John Hardin vs. 6A Madison Central (at Marion County) 8/29
6. Letcher County Central vs. 2A Middlesboro
7. Anderson County vs. 6A Meade County
8. Christian County vs Franklin, TN (at Hopkinsville) 8/29
9. Johnson Central vs. Horn Lake, MS
10. Ashland vs. 1A #5 Raceland

Class 6A
1. Saint Xavier at Ballard
2. Trinity vs. Lawrence North, IN
3. Henry Clay vs. 3A #1 Central (at Tates Creek)
4. Male at #5 Eastern
5. Eastern vs. #4 Male
6. Boone County at Lafayette (8/29 at Tates Creek)
7. Manual at Fern Creek
8. Ryle vs. 5A #1 Highlands
9. Simon Kenton vs. 2A #4 Newport Central Catholic (8/29 at Nippert Stadium, Cincinnati)
10. Scott County vs. 5A Clay County

Scrimmage Photo

Rocket Brian Barry carries the  ball against Ohio County's Defense.

Rockets vs. Ohio County Scrimmage Statistics

	1	2	3 4 Final
Crittenden County	14	0	7 8	29
Ohio County	0	7	0 0	7
Scoring:	CC - ANDREW FREEMAN  2 yard RUN (KICK GOOD - J.R. ADAMS) 1st Qtr.
	CC - Freeman 1 yard RUN (KICK GOOD - Adams) 1st Qtr.
	OC - #21 30 yard RUN (KICK GOOD - #8) 2nd Qtr.
	CC - TANNER NIX 63 yard RUN (KICK GOOD - Adams) 3rd Qtr.
	CC	OC
First Downs	8	4
Penalties	1-5	1-5
Fumbles	0/0	1/2
Rushing Yards	21-116	22-81
Passing Yards	51	0
Total Yards	167	81
3rd Down Conversions	1/5	1/6
4th Down Conversions	0/1	1/2
Rushing:	Gray 4-(-2), Nix 9-99, Freeman 5-(-2), B. Berry 3-21
Passing:	Gray 6-11-51-1
Receiving:	Nix 2-22, Dy. Clarke 2-13, Kirk 1-(-2), B. Berry 1-18
Kickoffs:	Adams 5-267 (53.4 yard avg.), 1-Touchback
Highlights:	To note, deadball on all kickoffs and each team would take possession on the 35 yard line.
	Andrew Freeman scored two goal line touchdowns.
	Only touchdown for Ohio County was on a play where defensive assignments were confused and let the runner around the left side.
	Rocket defense held the Eagles to one first down and 0-4 on 3rd down in the first half.
	Rocket defense held Ohio County to 11 total yards in the 3rd quarter.
	Tanner Nix ran for a 63 yard touchdown on a counter play.
	J.R. Adams had a solid night kicking averaging 53.4 yards on kickoffs and going 3/3 in extra points.
	Freshman Eli Bebout left the game with a knee injury that did not look to be too serious.
	JV Action:
		Freshman Clint Asbridge blocked a punt.
		Freshman Devin Clark caught 2 passes for 25 yards including a seven yard reception for a touchdown in the fourth quarter.
		Brian Berry was 3-3 for 27 yards and a touchdown.
		Dustin Hernandez scored the JV Rockets 2-point conversion on a pass from Brian Berry.

Rockets 6th in preseason poll

 

Here are the preseason Kentucky High School Football Polls for each class from Bluegrasspreps.com.

 

For the latest high school football news, real-time scores, contests, and previews of every team in the state, visit www.bluegrasspreps.com

 

 

 

Class A

1. Beechwood
2. Lexington Christian
3. Frankfort
4. Mayfield
5. Raceland
6. Crittenden County
7. Pikeville
8. Williamsburg
9. Campbellsville
10. Hazard

11. Bellevue
12. Louisville Holy Cross
13. Fairview
14. Ballard Memorial
15. Lynn Camp
16. Harlan
17. Allen Central
18. Paintsville
19. Paris
20. Pineville

21. Gallatin County
22. Bethlehem
23. Berea
24. Eminence
25. Ludlow
26. Trimble County
27. Walton-Verona
28. Dayton
29. Fulton County
30. Betsy Layne

31. Caverna
32. Fulton City
33. Phelps
34. Nicholas County
35. Kentucky Country Day
36. Clinton County
37. Bishop Brossart
38. Bracken County
39. Jenkins
40. South Floyd

Class 2A

1. Fort Campbell 
2. Corbin 
3. Newport Central Catholic 
4. Danville 
5. DeSales 
6. Green County 
7. Owensboro Catholic 
8. Prestonsburg 
9. Monroe County 
10. Middlesboro 

11. Murray 
12. Christian Academy-Louisville 
13. Bardstown 
14. Caldwell County 
15. Shelby Valley
16. Bath County 
17. Trigg County 
18. Lloyd Memorial 
19. Covington Holy Cross
20. Glasgow 

21. Heath 
22. Washington County 
23. Newport 
24. Leslie County 
25. Carroll County 
26. Metcalfe County 
27. Hancock County 
28. Owen County 
29. Knott County Central 
30. Todd County Central 

31. Fort Knox 
32. Reidland 
33. Morgan County

Class 3A

 

1. Central
2. Breathitt County
3. Mason County
4. Belfry
5. Paducah Tilghman
6. North Oldham
7. Elizabethtown
8. Union County
9. Sheldon Clark
10. Russell

11. Russellville
12. Somerset
13. Wayne County
14. Western Hills
15. Butler County
16. Shawnee
17. Spencer County
18. Edmonson County
19. Garrard County
20. Pike County Central

21. McLean County
22. Estill County
23. Taylor County
24. Hart County
25. Henry County
26. Powell County
27. West Carter
28. Fleming County
29. Adair County
30. Magoffin County

31. Casey County
32. East Ridge
33. Moore
34. Webster County
35. Lewis County
36. Jackson County

 

Class 4A

1. Boyle County
2. Bell County
3. Lexington Catholic
4. Allen County-Scottsville
5. Bullitt East
6. Western
7. Knox Central
8. Fairdale
9. Marion County
10. Calloway County

11. Harrison County
12. Rockcastle County
13. Franklin County
14. Franklin-Simpson
15. Lone Oak
16. Holmes
17. LaRue County
18. Bourbon County
19. Warren East
20. North Bullitt

21. Valley
22. Russell County
23. East Jessamine
24. Hopkins County Central
25. Boyd County
26. Greenup County
27. Rowan County
28. McCreary Central
29. West Jessamine
30. Logan County

31. East Carter
32. Madison Southern
33. Lawrence County
34. Pendleton County
35. Atherton
36. Breckinridge County

Class 5A

1. Highlands
2. Whitley County
3. Bowling Green
4. Owensboro
5. John Hardin 
6. Johnson Central
7. Christian County
8. Letcher County Central
9. Pulaski County
10. Anderson County

11. Ashland
12. Bullitt Central
13. Covington Catholic
14. Oldham County
15. Mercer County
16. Warren Central
17. Clay County
18. Southwestern
19. Grayson County
20. Dixie Heights

21. Perry County Central
22. Woodford County
23. Hopkinsville
24. Harlan County
25. Madisonville-North Hopkins
26. South Laurel
27. South Oldham
28. Doss
29. Grant County 
30. Montgomery County

31. Lincoln County
32. Barren County
33. Waggener
34. Scott
35. North Laurel
36. Jeffersontown
37. Ohio County
38. Iroquois

Class 6A

1. Saint Xavier
2. Trinity
3. Henry Clay
4. Male
5. Eastern
6. Boone County
7. Manual
8. Ryle
9. Simon Kenton
10. Scott County

11. Conner
12. Lafayette
13. Ballard
14. Fern Creek
15. Seneca
16. Bryan Station
17. Shelby County
18. Madison Central
19. Campbell County
20. Pleasure Ridge Park

21. Henderson County
22. Nelson County
23. Greenwood
24. Butler
25. Tates Creek
26. Meade County
27. North Hardin
28. Central Hardin
29. George Rogers Clark
30. Apollo

31. Paul Dunbar
32. Southern
33. Graves County
34. Daviess County
35. Marshall County
36. Cooper
37. Muhlenberg County

Rockets 29, Ohio Co. 7

CCHS wins final scrimmage.
Details Friday morning.

CJ picks Rockets as a Class A sleeper

The Courier-Journal's Class A football preview lists Crittenden as a "sleeper," but says Mayfield is back and ready to contend for a title. See the article, click here.

SCRIMMAGE TONIGHT at 6:30 p.m., vs. Ohio County at Rocket Stadium.

A look at a Rocket opponent

Want to get an early look at the Rockets' Week 4 opponent. Webster County has a new coach and new attitude, according to an article in the Providence newspaper. Read it, click here. The Rocket splay the Trojans on Sept. 18 at Rocket Stadium.

Rockets tie MCHS in scrimmage

In its first pre-season test, the Rocket football team tied Muhlenberg County 1-1 in varsity play Friday at Greenville.

Going up against a formidable 6A foe in its scrimmage game gave the coaching staff plenty of areas to troubleshoot over the final two weeks of preseason.

“We didn’t look too bad,” head coach Al Starnes said. “We saw plenty of things we need to work on. You have to remember that although we have a lot of returning starters, most of them are playing new positions.”

The Rocket defense is well ahead of the offense, Starnes concedes. 

“But we’re nowhere close to where we need to be,” adds defensive coordinator Vince Clark.

Crittenden’s third-year quarterback J.D. Gray was impressive on a limited number of running plays. He scored the Rockets’ only touchdown in the down-and-distance portion of the scrimmage. Gray scored from 10 yards out on a designed running play. The 70-yard scoring drive was set up by a couple of long pass plays to tight end Dylan Clark and running back Andrew Freeman.

Crittenden scored earlier in the contest on a middle screen to Brian Berry, but the TD was erased because of a holding penalty. CCHS was threatening to score on its first drive of the game, too, but a fumble inside the 20 ended that chance.

“We have some work to do on the offensive line,” the coach said. “We’re not coming off the ball like we’re capable of. A lot of that is because we’re young and inexperienced and that makes for slow feet.”

Crittenden could end up starting three freshman on the offensive line and two on the defensive side.

The play of ninth graders Zach Collins and Eli Bebout was encouraging, Starnes said. He also pointed out Gray’s running and throwing, Clark’s play at tight end and Bowe Wallace and Jacob Long’s play in the junior varsity series as bright spots.

Muhlenberg County scored early in the scrimmage on a long pass play down the right sideline.

“We know we have some work to do in the secondary,” Starnes said.

 Muhlenberg, a team created when Muhlenberg South and Muhlenberg North consolidated, had plenty of speed and good size.

“They were a pretty good football team,” Starnes said. “We found out that we’re not in good enough shape yet.

“We’re just trying to find the right mix and get the right people on the field,” Starnes said.

The Rockets will host 4A Ohio County tonight (Thursday) in their final pre-season scrimmage. Kickoff is at 6:30 p.m. This warmup game will be played much like a normal varsity contest.

Meet the Rockets Night is next Thursday, Aug. 27 and Crittenden will host the first ever Kentucky National Guard Warrior Bowl on Friday and Saturday, Aug. 28-29. The Rockets play Massac County, Ill., in the Saturday game.

ROCKET RETURNING REGULARS: At a Glance

TOP RETURNING STARTERS

Aaron Berry, 5’11” 240 lbs., OL/DL, Senior, 53

Last Season: 93 tackles (48 solo), 16 tackles for loss, 4 sacks, 2 fumble recoveries, and 1 caused fumble.

 ˝ Tough, hard-working player in the middle of it all. Had a superb year last season from the defensive tackle position with 93 tackles (2nd most on team) with 16 of those going for a loss (most on team in 2008). Most likely will be the leader for this year’s Rocket defense considering he is a 4-year starter. Pressuring the QB is his forte. On offense, Berry will be a mainstay on the line.

J.D. Gray, 5’10” 170 lbs., QB/DB, Senior, 14

Last Season: 871 passing yards (9th most in a single season), 66 passing completions (7th most in a single season), 10 touchdowns (5th most in a single season), 160 rushing attempts, 1,129 rushing yards (8th most in a single season), 14 rushing touchdowns (8th most in a single season).

 ˝ Currently, a 2-year starter at QB and will be the team’s leading returning offensive threat. The ability to replace RB Rodney Robertson on the 2009 squad may be the factor that affects Gray’s season the most but expect him to climb the ranks in the record books this season.

Dyllan Thornton, 5’7” 170 lbs., OL/LB, Senior, 61

Last Season: 80 tackles (38 solo), 5 tackles for loss, 1 sack, 3 caused fumbles, 1 fumble recovery, and an interception.

 ˝ Just another example of a player that had a breakout 2008 season for the Rockets. Thornton grew several inches and trimmed down to a lean 170 pounds before the start of last season, one reason for his improvement on the field. At Fulton County in 2008, Thornton returned a fumble 19 yards for his first career touchdown. Thornton looks to be a major defensive force in the Rockets linebacker corps in 2009. 

Dylan Clark, 6’0” 200 lbs., TE/DE, Senior, 56

Last Season: 83 tackles (37 solo), 12 tackles for loss, 5 sacks, 2 caused fumbles, and 1 fumble recovery.

 ˝ Experienced and non-stopped. His motor and mind are always running. Clark has played a major role the past two seasons and he looks to be one of the primary leaders on the team in 2009. After having 12 tackles for loss in 2008, Clark will look to increase those numbers and stabilize the defensive line. On offense, look for him to catch some passes at the tight end position.

Andrew Freeman, 5’10” 180 lbs., RB/NG, Junior, 31

Last Season: 35 rushing attempts, 71 rushing yards, 2 receptions, 29 receiving yards, 72 tackles (33 solo), 7 tackles for loss, 1 sack, 3 caused fumbles, 5 fumble recoveries.

 ˝ Freeman became a force defensively as the season progressed last year and will be another reliable presence this time. In the playoffs against Kentucky Country Day, Freeman recovered a fumble in the end zone and returned another fumble 21 yards for a touchdown. The bigger issue is that Freeman could have one of the biggest impacts on the Rocket offense this season. Looking to replace former Rocket RB Rodney Robertson, the coaching staff is keying in on Freeman as the heir apparent. Of the returning ballcarriers, Freeman had the second most rushes last season.

J.R. Adams, 5’9” 165 lbs., K, Senior, 2

Last Season: 36 extra points made (2nd most in a single season), 50 extra points attempted (most in a single season).

 ˝ Adams is another success story from last season. Adams transferred into the school, never having played football before and was actually a soccer player until the coaching staff converted him into a kicker. Through Adams hard work and determination, he had one of the greatest seasons kicking in school history. Look for him to be high in the ranks of the career kicking leaders after the 2009 season is over. Adams was 36 for 50 in extra points last season. At one point in 2008, he kicked 11 straight extra points, which is the fourth longest streak in school history.  

Brian Berry, 5’10” 160 lbs., RB/WR/LB, Junior, 3

Last Season: 31 rushing attempts, 158 yards, 2 rushing touchdowns, 5 passing completions, 8 passing attempts, 23 passing yards, 11 receptions, 78 receiving yards, 75 tackles (31 solo), 2 tackles for loss, 2 fumble recoveries.

 ˝ Used as a utility man in 2008 playing QB, RB, WR, LB, DL and OL for the Rockets, but settled in at running back and linebacker as the season progressed. Berry will play a major role in the success of the Rockets this season as he will look to add strength and speed at RB and LB. He may also be called upon to fill varying roles again.

Terry Werne, 6’1” 205 lbs., OL/LB, Junior, 57

Last Season: 65 tackles (30 solo), 2 tackles for loss, 3 sacks, 2 fumble recoveries and 1 blocked kick.

 ˝ Werne (pronounced Wer-nee) received valuable minutes last year and was an important part of the Rocket defense. Werne will be an upper classman this year and looks to be the other solid bookend of the defensive line to go with Dylan Clark. 

Scrimmage Friday at Greenville

Crittenden County's football team will scrimmage Muhlenberg High School at 6 p.m., Friday in Greenville. The game will be played at Muhlenberg South Middle School, where Crittenden played once before. The address is 200 Pritchett Drive. Click here for map.

Pictured at right during practice Monday are Tanner Nix, Dylan Clark and teammates going through conditioning drills.

Rockets preseason heats up

Pre-season football practice is in full swing as the August heat nears 100 degrees and students head back to school.

Here, some of the young lineman go through conditioning drills at the end of practice Monday.

The Rockets play a scrimmage game at 6 p.m., Friday at Muhlenberg County. Muhlenberg has consolidated into one school and one team this season.

QB J.D. Gray missed practice Monday due to a stomach virus. 

Okay, sports fans... it's time !

Rocket football fans are already biting at their nails, anxiously awaiting the upcoming football season. Coming off last year's state semifinal loss to Beechwood, Crittenden County is poised for another stellar season. But guess what? Mayfield is ticked off. The Cardinals are projected as the district champion this year by Cat's Pause Magazine, with CCHS second.

Rocket coach Al Starnes is very pleased with preseason numbers and workouts. A host of incoming freshmen help bring the roster to 40 players. Many of those freshmen will be impact players. Look for ninth graders Stephon Cozart, Zac Collins, Eli Bebout and Bowe Wallace to letter this season and few others may also. The young guys are pushing the upperclassmen, making the competition for positions fierce. The result will be a much improved football team.

Stay tuned for more ....