By Charles Prince

The North Jefferson News



Things may be getting better for the Hayden Wildcat football program. Last fall, they snapped a 17-game losing streak when they beat Curry in the season’s ninth week. The following Friday, they whipped bitter rival Corner. Their winning ways carried over to last week, when the Wildcats took two games in the Blount County Spring Jamboree, winning 17-16 over J. B. Pennington and whipping Locust Fork, 15-8.

“Two weeks is just not enough to get ready for a spring game,” Hayden head coach Shane Howard said. “But, we had a solid spring. We found some weaknesses we need to work on and some strengths we can build on.”

According to Howard, one strong point that emerged this spring was in the offensive line. Prior to spring drills, Howard and his staff weren’t sure what to expect up front, but two weeks later, Howard said he was impressed with the groups play.

“The offensive line was a big surprise for us this spring,” he said. “We’re a little bigger there this year. Not much bigger over last year, but a little. But, we found some guys who are ready to play hard and who come off the ball pretty good.”

The 32 points in last week’s jamboree was a good sign for the Wildcats offense, just a year after struggling to score points.

“We’ve been in the offense for a while now and everyone knows what to do,” Howard said. “That’s a big plus. The line played well and we’ve got good backs and receivers.”

Howard said several sophomores may contribute this fall, including offensive lineman Jordan Jones and Dakota Stewart. On defense, two more sophomores who should see plenty of snaps this fall are linebacker/safety hybrid’s Zac Henderson and Ethan Hayes and running back Isaac Vitch.

“We’ve got several players who’ll be sophomores this fall, who we think can contribute soon,” Howard added. “That was another surprise, that we’ve got several young players who can play right away.”

One position which was not settled after the spring drills was the starting quarterback slot, where rising juniors Reese Butts and Skylar Powell split playing time this spring.

“We’re not sure who the starter will be yet,” Howard said. “We’re sure things will work themselves out there this fall.”

The Wildcats had 68 players—who will be sophomores, juniors and seniors this fall—take part in spring drills. That number is up about 15 players over the same time a year ago.

Among the 68, Howard and the Wildcats staff are counting on the club’s 22 seniors to show the way.

“All the seniors will contribute, even if they all don’t start,” Howard said. “They’re strong class leadership-wise and they’re a gutsy group. They’re the type of players you want to coach in a close game. These kids won’t quit. They just keep fighting.”

Three Wildcats return this fall, after being named to The North Jefferson News All-North Jefferson football team in 2007—Jason Warden, Josh McCoy and Owen Hargett.

“Those are three guys were counting on to have big years for us,” Howard said.

Running back Warden gained over 1,500 combined yards in 2007, on rushing attempts, pass receptions and kick returns. Safety McCoy was the club’s second leading tackler and lead the club in takeaways, a combination of fumble recoveries and pass interceptions. Hargett, who lead the club in tackles with more than 10 per game, will see time at fullback and tight end on offense, but Howard knows his best position is defense.

“Owen’s just a great linebacker and he’s a great competitor,” Howard said.