When the Allen County-Scottsville Patriots kick off the program’s 57th year Friday night, August 22, questions will abound. The team is coming off a 9-3 season---the best year win-wise since the 2010 state runner-up squad tallied 13 wins and a touchdown and two-point conversion away from a state title. However, key losses to graduation have left the Patriot coaching staff with several key spots to fill.
Still, coach Brad Hood sees unlimited potential in his players. From seniors looking to carry forward the success of last season to freshmen seeking time on the field under the Friday night lights, expectations are high.
“The guys have been working really hard,” notes Hood, who is starting his 20th season at the helm. “Practice has been pretty upbeat and the players are really pushing themselves. We have a big group, lots of talent, lots of ability, and lots of character.”
An extremely large senior class of 25 players leads Hood’s team. The group includes seasoned veterans, first year players, transfers in their second season, and an exchange student getting his feet wet in the American sport. Players are Tyler Turner (6’2, 170), De’Antre Grainger (6’1, 175), Edy Chavez (5’8, 190), Ayden Johnson (5’10, 185), Ryan Hensley (5’11, 160), Aiden Meador (5’10, 155), Keagon Towe (6’0, 165), Eli McCoy (5’7, 170), Brayden Holland (5’10, 175), Braxton Nichols (6’2, 205), D.J. Frields (6’2, 225), Laken Clark (5’7, 140), Kaleb Jessie (5’9, 160), Greyson Walker (6’2, 175), Ace Moore (6’1, 225), Cameron Ballard (5’10, 140), Wesley Steenbergen (5’8, 180), Preston Willoughby (6’2, 170), Hyung Jun Lee (6’2, 185), Colton Murphy (6’2, 230), Ivan Harper (5’7, 180), Jaxen Carver (5’10, 260), Tyler Shaw (5’8, 165), Carson Holland (6’0, 225), and Robert Higginbotham (6’5, 190).
The AC-S offense will run and pass behind a line anchored by Jaxon Carver and Carson Holland. The pair will lead a group charged with creating gaps for players like Braydon Holland, junior Bladen Beavers (5’9, 155) , and junior Jeffrey Garcia (5’9, 165) to run through.
“Jaxon and Carson work really hard and give great examples of what to do on the line,” Hood pointed out. “Braydon Holland and Blladen Beavers are both returning to the backfield and working hard. Holland is our workhorse. Beavers has a little flash. Garcia is also working really hard and will be someone people will see often.”
A key position to be filled is at quarterback. Last season’s signal-caller and 1,200-yard passer Braylon Adams was lost to graduation. The open position has seen a battle between junior Josh Williams (5’11, 155) and sophomore Cannon Hood (5’10, 165). The pair has shared time at quarterback in the team’s preseason scrimmages. How the QB situation progresses remains to be seen.
Both Williams and Hood have a high knowledge of the game and strong arms to sling the ball. AC-S has solid receivers that can make grabs plays beyond the catch. Expect seniors Turner, Hensley, and Towe to be targets. Senior De’Ante Grainger will also be asked to be a vital part of the Patriot attack this year.
When asked about the Patriot defense---a staple of Hood for his two decades on the sidelines---the coach is quick to note that spots have been filled with new players but the same mindset prevails.
“New faces, same tough mentality,” Hood said. “On the D-line a lot of new guys will be filling the gaps for us this year. Working on our depth is one of our main goals this year early. Edy (Chavez) will be our returning guy at linebacker bringing the energy. Ace (Moore) has moved from D-line to LB and has had a really good summer. DeAnte (Grainger), Kaleb (Jessie), Eli (McCoy) all return back to the secondary this season. Other names to watch are Laken (Clark) , Cameron (Ballard), and AyDen Grainger (6’2, 185) who will be filling out the secondary.”
The Patriot special teams include a solid punter and return specialist. Chavez has emerged as one of the area's best punters while De’Ante Grainger can turn any return opportunity into six points in the blink of an eye---making him “one of the best around” according to Coach Hood.
Like most teams, strengths and weaknesses balance out. Such is AC-S’s case this fall.
“Numbers are up and a big senior class has really started to lead this bunch,” Hood added. “We have lots of new faces in new places and that will take some time getting used to. Another strength is our overall depth on the offensive and defensive lines.”
AC-S opens this week in the Cole Lumbar Backyard Bowl game at Greenwood against Station Camp from Gallatin. After that, the Patriots face a tough schedule before and during District play. The toughest challenge will come in the District starting with the defending Class 4A state champions.
“Paducah is hands down the favorite in the District,” Hood stated. “I expect Logan to be really good. East lost a lot but always has talent coming up and having Franklin-Simpson back will add some history and toughness to an already very deep district.”
The Patriots enter the season with an opportunity to reach a milestone program mark. The program’s overall record win total stands at 292, leaving the squad eight wins away from 300. Hood starts his third decade on the Patriot sidelines with an overall record of 114-104, the winningest coach in Patriot football history.
Kickoff for AC-S’s opener this week at Greenwood is at 5 p.m. according to officials with the Cole Lumbar bowl. Follow AC-S sports on X for any changes due to heat or other factors.