Running game a strength for Hornets

By JOHN VERSER
Glasgow Daily Times

EDMONTON July 30, 2008 01:39 pm

— A strong running game has been the highlight of Metcalfe County football practice early on, while an injury at quarterback and attendance issues have been the low points.
The Hornets practiced in helmets and shoulder pads for the second straight day on Tuesday as their camp heads into full swing.
“We went in them yesterday (Monday) for just a little while,” Metcalfe coach Larry Harbison said. “You could see how sluggish it was today. But it was hot for everybody, I guess.
“Of course we just barely got to put them on in the first place (due to the heat).”
Sophomore Zack Morgan, who was slated to start at quarterback for the Hornets, has been recovering from hernia surgery and hasn’t been able to practice yet. That pushed Justin Bonema into action. Bonema moved from receiver to under center.
Even without the injury at quarterback, Harbison knew it would be a challenge after losing the bulk of his offense from last year’s state semifinal team.
But that challenge is now a little tougher.
“We knew it was going to be tough to put everything together, but this guy’s only been quarterbacking for a week,” Harbison said. “The guys have shown positive attitudes. We’re trying to get him quicker, better, faster. But the kid hasn’t played quarterback.”
Strong points early on for Metcalfe has been both its physical strength and the running game.
Senior running back Daniel DeLeon, who rushed for over 1,000 yards each of the last two seasons, is expected to lead the offense.
“Daniel is a good running back,” Harbison said. “We’ve got a couple of other boys that can run the ball as well. We’ve got good strength. That’s no surprise. We work our tail off. We’ve got some speed.
“The thing that’s probably got me as pleased as anything is that we’ve got a little bit more depth at certain positions than I thought we’d have.”
The Hornets return just three starters off last year’s team that was within one win of playing for a Class 2A state championship. DeLeon is back at running back and strong safety, Steven Lambert returns on both lines while Jordan Buys returns on the offensive line.
Harbison said he was frustrated with lack of attendance at practice at times as well.
“It’s frustrating because we have not had what I would consider our whole varsity here for a single practice,” Harbison said. “It’s frustrating for me, it’s frustrating for the other guys, and again, when they get back they have to run and it gets them. So it’s discouraging on that.”
The Hornets scrimmage at Russellville on Aug. 15 and play in a jamboree Aug. 23 at Bardstown Bethlehem. They open the season Aug. 30 against Barren County in the T.J. Samson Bowl.

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