After some tough seasons over the past few years, there is cautious optimism around the Fort Campbell football program headed into the 2019 football season. For a change there have been some new players arriving on post, instead of departing, and some of those should make an immediate impact during the season.
Additionally, the two years per coach string has been broken with the return of Josh Robins for a third season on the Fort Campbell program. The previous two coaches, Tony Butler and Josh McKillip, both left the program after just two seasons on the job.
Another positive sign for the program has been the concerted effort to get parents and fans more active with their support of the Falcon players and the program in an effort to build momentum off the field as well as on. That effort appears to be making strides on the campus of Fort Campbell High School and in the community on post.
Now, the challenge for the Falcons will be to make progress on the field, and keep that energy rolling forward.
The biggest area that has to see improvement is on the line, especially on the offensive side. Senior quarterback Matt Middleton has the necessary skill set, but he can’t spend all night, every Friday night running for his life. By the end of the 2018 season, Middleton was so beat up, he was unable to finish the season on the field. The second season in a row for the Falcons where the starting QB from the beginning of the season, did not close it out.
The offensive line has seen some additions and some increase in size. Now, that just needs to convert into holes for the running backs and time for Middleton to find his receivers.
Speaking of running back, the Falcons will be looking early in the season for someone to step up and take the lead at that position. Nathaniel Massey, Kamaril Williams, and Ethan Tomerlin are the leading candidates at the beginning, but do not be surprised if someone else pops up along the way.
The potential highlight spot for the offense could be at wide receiver, where the Falcons have added some height, speed, and athleticism. Holding on to the ball, which has been a problem at times over the past few seasons will be key for this fleet of receivers. Jordan Edwards is a “good hands” kind of guy, who is not afraid when he has to go across the middle to make the catch.
The Falcons will need to make strides on defense too. Last season, the only game the Falcons gave up less that 28 points was the win over Fort Knox, which was the Falcons only win for the season. Giving up an average of 35+ points per game will not make much headway.
The schedule is a bit friendlier in 2019, as the Falcons will be playing several schools that compare in overall enrollment numbers. The district slate will not be an easy one, as the Falcons will have to take on Caldwell County, Ballard Memorial, Mayfield, and Murray. Murray and Caldwell County will be on the road. Other matchups have the Falcons at home against Crittenden County, Grayson County, and Fort Knox, with road trips to Todd County Central, Trigg County, and Emminence.
The Falcons have not won more than 2 games in a season since 2014, with their last .500 record during the regular season coming in 2013.
Fort Campbell opens at home tonight at 7:00 against Crittenden County.
