Article Archives
 The Paducah Sun's Joey Fosko on more KY HS Football, KY Football re-alignment
In part two of his weekly visit to the Travis Turner Sports Show, the Paducah Sun's Joey Fosko takes a look at more matchups from the Kentucky high school football schedule for September 3. Hear Joe break down the following games...
Hopkins County Central at Caldwell County Todd County Central at Reidland Heath at Ballard Memorial Fulton City at Murray Massac County, IL at Fulton County
Joe also provides his insight into potential class re-alignment for Kentucky high school football in 2011.
The Mayfield Messenger's Kevin Weaks talks Graves County and Mayfield football
Mayfield Messenger sports editor Kevin Weaks joins us for his weekly visit on the Froggyland Sports Network to provide his special insight into Graves County Eagles and Mayfield Cardinals football. Kevin first takes us inside Graves County's opener with Tennessee power Trousdale County, and he highlights the bright spots for Lance Gregory's team in the 37-16 loss. He then provides a preview into Graves' visit to Muhlenberg County, an early season district battle that could be critical to the Eagles' chances in the 6A First District race. Kevin then turns his attention to Mayfield's Cardinals, and he says Joe Morris' Redbirds were very impressive in dispatching Trigg County 45-7 on Saturday night. He highlights the many offensive weapons Mayfield deploys, and he indicates that they will need them all as they welcome Paducah Tilghman to War Memorial Stadium for the 97th meeting in the schools' storied rivalry. Kevin talks about the keys for Mayfield on Friday night, and he shares with us what it's like to be in the middle of the grandeur of one of the state's longest-running battles.
Paris P-I's Tommy Priddy talks Henry County Patriots football
We introduce another of Froggyland's finest sportswriters as we welcome the Paris Post-Intelligencer's sports editor, Tommy Priddy, to the Froggyland Sports Network. Tommy does a fantastic job covering all things relating to Henry County athletics, and he makes certain Henry County football fans have a great outlet to find out what's going on with one of the best football programs in Tennessee. We talk to Tommy about Henry County's 31-6 win over Humboldt, and he talks about the improvements James Counce's team made from their season-opening loss at Liberty. He provides a look at the tremendous talent the Patriots have on offense, and we take a close look at a backfield that is especially blessed with game-changing talent. We also get a glimpse of the Patriots defense, and Tommy talks about how it is all beginning to come together through the first two weeks. Tommy also gives us a preview of Henry County's trip to Kenwood, and he says the district opener could be quite a test after Kenwood dispatched Fort Campbell 52-34 last Friday.
NW TN Football with the UC Messenger's Mike Hutchens
Union City Messenger sports editor Mike Hutchens joins the Froggyland Sports Network once again to break down the September 3 slate of high school football games in northwest Tennessee. We put Mike's 28 years of experience and his passion for high school football to work as he provides insight and analysis to the following contests...
Milan at Westview Dresden at McKenzie Humboldt at Lake County Crockett County at Obion County Central Union City at Trenton Peabody Greenfield at South Fulton
Calloway County QB Tyler Greer on learning on the job, facing Murray High
Calloway County quarterback Tyler Greer is just a sophomore, but the Lakers signal-caller is already a veteran after assuming the starting QB job as a freshman in 2009. Greer talks about what his on-the-job training has been like, and he discusses his personal evolution as the leader of the Lakers' spread offense. He says his second year in the system has him feeling more comfortable, and he provides a look at the work he and Coach Josh McKeel have done to increase his mastery of Calloway's passing offense. Greer highlights the importance of his offensive line, talks about his talented receiving corps, and tells us what it would take for Calloway County to knock off Murray High in the Murray Bank Crosstown Classic.
Murray RB/LB Matt Deese on his brand of power football, facing Calloway County
Murray High's Matt Deese is one of the most physical football players in western Kentucky, whether he's running over would-be tacklers and punishing opposing ball-carriers. We talked to the Tigers' two-way threat about his fantastic performance against Madisonville-North Hopkins, where he came up with a pair of critical sacks in the fourth quarter...including a bone-crushing hit on Maroons QB Tray Carr. Deese breaks down the Tigers' stout defense, talks about his role as a leader, and describes his passion for seeking out contact. Deese says the respect Murray has earned with a #4 ranking in the state is nice, but working toward a championship is what matters most. He also provides a look at what Murray needed to do to defeat Calloway County in the Murray Bank Crosstown Classic.
Calloway County's Josh McKeel on his team's effort in the Crosstown Classic
In his weekly appearance on his coach's show on 1340 WNBS, Calloway County's Josh McKeel talked about his team's heart-breaking loss to Murray in the Murray Bank Crosstown Classic. McKeel says he could not have been prouder of his football team for the effort and execution that put them in position to upset Murray High. The Laker coach talked about the way his club rallied together in the face of doubt, and he says his team's grit and courage have made the group a joy to coach. McKeel praised the great effort of the Laker defense, citing the effort of the entire unit and offering high marks to Michael Treadway, Steven Treadway, Dustin Harvey, and Travis Manning for their play on Friday night. He said wide receiver Josh Friedrich is quickly becoming a force that other teams will have to account for, and he noted the great all-around play of Keaton Starks and Garrett Cowen. And despite an up-and-down night, McKeel indicated he loves the toughness, talent, and character of young quarterback Tyler Greer.
Steve Duncan talks about Murray's rally to win the Crossown Classic
In his weekly visit to his coach's show on 1340 WNBS, Steve Duncan indicated that while he wasn't happy with his team's effort, focus, our execution for much of the night during the Murray Bank Crosstown Classic, he was very pleased with his team's resolve and refusal to quit as they rallied from a 21-6 deficit after three quarters to slip by Calloway County by a 28-21 margin. Duncan praised the effort and talents of Calloway County, and he noted that his team failed to match the Lakers' intensity early on. With the exception of a couple of coverage breakdowns, Duncan says he was happy with is defense, especially the six turnovers (five interceptions) they created. After failing to capitalize on many of the turnovers, the hard-charging running of Christian Duncan (170 yards, TD) and Matt Deese (115 yards, TD, receiving TD) and a dominant offensive line took over in the fourth quarter. Duncan lauded the all-around play of Deese (he added two interceptions, one returned for a TD and a rush for a two-point conversion) as critical to Murray being able to lift the traveling trophy, The Helmets, that goes to the game's winner.
Kevin Weaks previews the 2010 Graves County Eagles, breaks down Eagles' opener
Mayfield Messenger sports editor Kevin Weaks turns his attention to Lance Gregory's Graves County Eagles in the second part of his visit to Froggyland Sports, and he discusses the fantastic job Gregory and the Eagles did as they outpaced expectations in the new coach's first year on the job. 2009 was a terrific year for Graves County football, and they return in 2010 as a contender for the district title in 6A's First District. Weaks gives us insight into the personnel that will lead the way for the Eagles, and he talks about the Wing-T offense and physical defense that should keep Graves competitive against one of the region's most difficult schedules. We also get Kevin's thoughts on Graves County's season-opening matchup with Trousdale County, Tennessee's defending 2A state champions.
UC Messenger Sports Editor Mike Hutchens breaks down the matchups in NW TN (Part 1)
Union City Messenger sports editor Mike Hutchens returns to Froggyland Sports to reflect on the action from the opening weekend of the season and provide his special insight on the Friday night matchups in northwest Tennessee coming up on August 27. We begin our conversation with Mr. Hutchens by getting his thoughts on Westview's rout of Huntingdon, Union City's amazing rally at Trigg County, and Obion County Central's season-opening win over Fulton County. Mike then turns to this week's slate and evaluates the matchup of West Carroll at South Fulton, a game that will be the first of the season for both teams. And as we complete the first segment of Mike's visit, he'll preview one of west Tennessee's best matchups as McKenzie travels to Westview.
UC Messenger Sports Editor Mike Hutchens breaks down the matchups in NW TN (Part 2)
In part two of our visit with the outstanding sports editor from the Union City Messenger, Mike Hutchens, we continue to tap Mike's deep resorvoir of knowledge on the prep football scene in northwest Tennessee. Mike guides us through the following battles on Friday night...
Sikeston, MO at Obion County Central Trenton Peabody at Dresden Fulton County at Lake County Fulton City at Gleason Humboldt at Henry County
The Paducah Sun's Joey Fosko breaks down the KY HS football schedule for August 27 and 28 (Part 1)
The Paducah Sun's Joey Fosko made his weekly visit to the Travis Turner Sports Show, and in his first segment, Joe got things underway by sharing what we learned from last week' s action and by beginning his look at this weekend's slate of prep football action in western Kentucky. Joe takes a look at the following games in part one...
Murray at Calloway County (at MSU's Roy Stewart Stadium Reidland at Lone Oak Union County at Ballard Memorial
The Paducah Sun's Joey Fosko breaks down the KY HS football schedule for August 27 and 28 (Part 2)
In part two of his visit to the Travis Turner Sports Show, the Paducah Sun's Joey Fosko continues his look at the Kentucky high school football matchups for August 27 and 28. In this segment, hear Joe preview the following games...
Fulton County at Lake County Fulton City at Gleason Evansville Bosse at Marshall County Gateway, MO at Paducah Tilghman Crittenden County at Massac County, IL Trigg County at Mayfield (Saturday at War Memorial - second game) Trousdale County, TN at Graves County (Saturday at War Memorial - 6:00 PM)
Kevin Weaks talks about his work at the Mayfield Messenger and Mayfield Cardinals football
Mayfield and Graves County are well-blessed with one of the region's best sportswriters in Mayfield Messenger sports editor Kevin Weaks, and Froggyland Sports is very pleased to add Weaks' expertise to its very talented list of contributors. Our first visit with Kevin provides us with his background and experience covering sports in northwest Tennessee and western Kentucky. He talks about his passion for covering prep sports, and we talk about the joy of covering football in a community that loves the game and has such an amazing football legacy. Kevin also gives us a look at Mayfield's performance against Marshall County, and he gives us a preview of what we should expect as the Cards host Trigg County in the nightcap of the Jackson Purchase Medical Center's Alliance Bowl. Be sure sure to click the 'read more' link to read a brief bio on Mr. Weaks.
Calloway County WR/S Keaton Starks talks about the Lakers' season opener
Calloway County senior wide receiver Keaton Starks will play a very important role in the Lakers' spread passing attack this season, and coach Josh McKeel will also ask Starks to provide toughness and leadership for the Calloway County defense from his safety position. We had a chance to visit with Keaton prior to Calloway's meeting with Caldwell County, and he talked about the effort it takes to get ready for each football season. Starks also talked about playing wide receiver and safety, providing insight on the skills and knowledge required to play each position well. He discusses the desire to see the Lakers bounce back from a tough 2009 with a strong season, and he shares with us the excitement of taking the field on a Friday night.
Murray OT/DT Robert Olive on the brotherhood of the O-Line, getting ready for the Tigers' opener
Murray High offensive tackle Robert Olive is a Division I prospect thanks to his size, skills, and intelligence, but late last year the Tigers' coaching staff found the big guy is as devastating on the defensive line as he is at offensive tackle. In a visit with Olive prior to Murray's opener at Madisonville-North Hopkins, we hear Robert talk about his growth as a player under Steve Duncan and offensive line coach David Bloodworth. Olive also talks about the brotherhood of offensive lineman, and how he and his linemates help push each other through the dog days of summer and any adversity they encounter on Friday nights. Olive expresses his strong desire for a strong academic environment as he evaluates potential college homes, and he says his Tigers are ready to go week in and week out in pursuit of another fantastic season.
Murray RB/S Christian Duncan on growing up in a football family, leadership, and doing whatever it takes to win
Murray High senior Christian Duncan is one of the region's toughest players, and he plays the game with a passion that is impossible to miss. As we talked with the do-it-all performer, Duncan tells us what it's like playing for his father and how growing up in a family immersed in the game has made football as natural as breathing. He talks about the versatility in his game, and he shares his excitemnt at moving back to running back on the offensive side of the ball. Duncan further addresses his ability to move around the field as we take a look at his ever-evolving role on defense, a role that will see him start the season at safety. He says his older brother Zipp, who recently starred at UK, was a great example in showing him the value of hard work and leadership...leadership he hopes to apply in helping Murray reach the 2A state championship game.
Steve Duncan breaks down Murray's win over Madisonville, looks ahead to Crosstown Classic
Murray High football coach Steve Duncan joined us for his weekly show on Saturday morning, and the Tiger leader was a happy man after his club went on the road and shut out Madisonville-North Hopkins 7-0. Coach Duncan was full of praise for his defensive unit, a group that dominated the first half and came up with one big stand after another to keep the talented Maroons out of the end zone in the final two quarters. Duncan was also very pleased with a special teams unit that got huge performances from first-year starters Carson Greifenkamp (kicker) and Alex Ward (punter) and received a blocked field goal from Christian Duncan. Duncan indicated he would like better offensive execution this week, but he lauded Madisonville's defense effort as well as the spectacular touchdown catch by Marte Foster off a beautiful delivery from Kendall Deese that provided the game's final margin. The Murray High head coach then took a look ahead to this week's Murray Bank Crosstown Classic and talked about what a grand stage the game is for all the players involved.
Josh McKeel talks about the Lakers opener with Caldwell County, previews Crosstown matchup with Murray
Calloway County's Josh McKeel made his weekly visit to his coaches' show on 1340 WNBS on Saturday morning, and he indicated that despite a 40-19 loss to Caldwell County, he saw plenty of positives from his Lakers in the 2010 season opener. Coach McKeel was pleased with his team's effort out of the gate, and he said that a 7-6 halftime score (the Lakers led at the time) and a 20-17 deficit after three quarters was much more indicative of the game's level of competitiveness than the 21-point final margin might reveal. McKeel said the Calloway County defense played well, and he saw plenty of good things from young quarterback Tyler Greer (277 yards passing) and breakout receiver Josh Friedrich (155 yards receiving, TD). McKeel tipped his cap to Caldwell's Brandon Sigler for his all-around brilliance (two rush TD's, INT return TD, KO return TD) and credited him for tipping the scales in the Tigers favor. McKeel also took a look ahead that this week's Classic battle with Murray High, and he talked about getting his players to believe they could pull an upset of another set of Tigers.
Area's best sportswriters lend their talents to enhance Football Night in Froggyland
by Travis Turner
written 08/20/10
Western Kentucky and northwest Tennessee are blessed with some very dedicated and very talented men and women that cover high school sports in our area. Whether they cover one or two schools for a hometown newspaper, or cover many schools for a regional paper, you'll find that these folks are going the extra mile to provide coverage that is simply outstanding for a region with the population we have across Froggyland. Many of these sportswriters and sports editors have been gracious enough to provide us some of their time and some of their insight to allow us a platform to further illuminate the exploits of our student-athletes in this area. We begin our first significant work with the Froggyland Sports Network with our new Football Night in Froggyland show...learn more about it here...and we wanted to let our audience know who these writers are and how much we appreciate their work. You can read more about two of these talented guys here, and we hope to provide you more information on this esteemed group as we move through the season. See our full list of contributors inside...and be sure to visit their respective online homes.
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