Beech Tree News Network

Coming off a successful 7-4 season in 2013 that ended with a playoff loss at Murray, the Butler County Bears football squad is set to take to the field Friday night, August 22, against Logan County to begin its 2014 campaign.  Kick-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. - 30 minutes later than usual due to an expected high heat index.

BCHS Head Coach Ryan Emmick has several holes to fill from his 2013 roster.  Key losses from last season include Zeke Woodcock -WR/DB, Bryce Shanklin-QB/DB, Jimmy Burns-QB, Michael Cortez OL/DL, Cody White-RB, Matt Moore-WR, Austin McKinney-OL, Dakota Lawrence-OL, Travis Brooks-RB/LB, and Dakota Merrick-DL

"We will need our younger players to step up and be ready to fill positions. They have to work to get better each and every week and focus on the details to improve," said Emmick.  "We have plenty of talent to replace the great senior class from last season but we have to use our practice time to perfect our craft at each position."

Filling some of those key positions will be quarterback Rex Henderson, a trio of wide receivers - Drake Embry, Kory Johnson, and Blake Graham, running back/linebacker Dillon Brosnan, and linemen Kaleb Hunt, Mason Barks, and Seth Gaskey. 

Coach Emmick envisions a level of continuity in his overall offensive and defensive game plans. 

"We will continue to expand our offense and defense but we feel like we are at a point where we can tweak things without whole-sale changes," said Emmick.  "We look at everything that we are doing on offense, defense and special teams to see if we can change specific aspects to make our team better."

A breakdown of the upcoming game schedule features border rivals, key district games, and out-of-district opponents as well.

"Always, our district schedule is most important, but we have to focus on each and every game," said Emmick, whose focus at the moment is squarely on the season opener.  "Logan County has a great new coach who has been successful for many years at Murray High School. We won't know much about them until after kickoff and have to make adjustments in game," added Emmick. 

According to Coach Emmick, Russellville again is one of the "top contenders for the 1A championship and will be as well coached as always."

Always a student of the game and a meticulous at preparations, Emmick offered a quick rundown of key opponents.   

"Breckinridge County continues to improve each and every year. They are solid fundamentally and will challenge us to be able to utilize our fundamentals to be successful this season. Grayson County returns 19 seniors and will be loaded. Coach Smart will have the Cougars prepared," said Emmick.  "Owensboro Catholic is loaded and a contender in 2A once again. Coach Edge (at Catholic) has taken the reigns of the defense and they will be solid fundamentally. Union County lost a big senior class but again returns another large senior class. They are athletic and physical and we must step up to meet their challenge. McLean County continues to build their program. This is the second year for the staff and I have heard they have made great strides in developing their program. Todd County Central continues to get better each year and have several athletes returning. Hancock County has a large senior class that expects to compete for the district title. Hancock is solid in the skill department and is well coached on defense. Edmonson County continues to be our final game of the season. Coach Pierce will bring a physical, strong, and hard-nosed team to Morgantown this year."

Regardless of the opponent, Emmick said the Bears cannot afford to overlook anyone. "Every game is a big game and we must step up to meet the challenge each week," said the coach.   

Joining Emmick on the sidelines will be several familiar faces and plenty of experience. 

Brandon Embry is the defensive coordinator, OL/LBs; Barry Frazier is the offensive coordinator, OBs/LBs; Brian Bivens is the assistant defensive coordinator, DBs and strength coach; Myke Embry- JV defensive Coordinator, OL/DL; Andy Fuller- JV offensive coordinator, WR/DBs; Mark Allen- freshman head coach; Jim McDaniel- Trainer; and Cody Donaldson will be heading up the team's stat department.

Butler County will open against Logan County on Friday, August 22.  Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m.  This and all games will be broadcasted live on WLBQ "The New Q" 101.5 FM.  Jeff Jennings will have the play-by-play call and will be joined by Coach Cody Donaldson in the broadcast booth. 

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BUTLER COUNTY FOOTBALL

2014 Varsity Football Schedule

Aug.   22        Logan  County                                  Away              7:30 p.m.

Aug.   29        Bye Week                              Open               7:00 p.m.

Sept.     5        Russellville                           Away              7:00 p.m.

Sept.   12        Breckinridge County          Home             7:00 p.m.

Sept.   19      Grayson County               Away             7:00 p.m.

Sept.   26        *Owensboro Catholic        Home             7:00 p.m.

Oct.      3         *Union County                    Home             7:00 p.m.

Oct.    10         *Todd County Central          Away                        7:00 p.m.

Oct.   17         *McLean County              Away             7:00 p.m.

Oct.    24       *Hancock County            Home            7:00 p.m.

Oct.   31          Edmonson County        Home            7:00 p.m.

NOTE:

-  BOLD TEAMS ARE MID-WEST ATHLETIC CONFERENCE TEAMS

-  *   STANDS FOR CLASS 2A DISTRICT 2 GAMES

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2014 JV Football Schedule

Aug.  25                      Edmonson County              Away                          6:00pm

Sept 8                         Franklin Simpson               Away                          6:00pm

Sept 15                        Todd County                         Home                         6:00pm

Sept 22                       Hancock                                Away                          6:00pm

Sept 29                       Open                                       Away                          6:00pm

Oct 6                           Fall Break

Oct 13                         Logan county                  Home                         6:00pm

Oct 20                            Mclean County            Away                          6:00pm

Oct 27th                     Grayson                                 Home                         5:30pm

2014 Freshman Football Schedule

Aug 28                       Apollo                                       Away                          6:00pm

Sept 4                         Open                                       Home                         6:00pm

Sept 11                        Grayson                                 Away                          5:30pm

Sept 18                       Franklin Simpson        Away                          6:00pm         

Sept 25                       Greenwood                           Home                         6:00pm

Oct 2                           OPEN                                    Away                          6:00pm

Oct 9                           Fall Break

Oct 16                         Open                                       Away                          6:00pm

Oct.  23                      Todd County                         Away                          6:00pm

Oct 30                        Hancock                                Away                          6:00pm

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