WAGGENER (6-5 in 2015)
Coach: Jordan Johnson (second season).
Starters back: Offense 6, defense 4.
Class: 3-A, District 3.
Player to watch: Junior Jairus Brents (5-9, 160 pounds) played all over the field for the Wildcats last season and will play a prominent role again this year. Predominantly a wide receiver last year, he hauled in 43 catches for 758 yards and 11 touchdowns. He also rushed for 248 yards and three TDs and saw spot duty at quarterback. His primary position is at cornerback, where he posted 40 tackles and two interceptions last year. He’ll also play linebacker this year, Campos said. Brents reportedly has several scholarship offers, including from Kentucky, Louisville, Indiana, Tennessee and Western Kentucky.
MORE COVERAGE | In-depth look at the Waggener Wildcats
Other top players: QB/DB Larry Harper (Sr.), WR/DB Manny Harper (Jr.), OL/DL King Henderson (Jr.), OL/DL Jonas Watts (Sr.), DE Tahj Rice (Jr.), RB/LB Tre Chappell (Jr.).
Outlook: Expectations are high for a Waggener program that is ranked No. 7 in Class 3-A in The Courier-Journal’s preseason poll of coaches and last year posted its first winning season since 2004. “Our goal this year is a state championship,” Johnson said. There are several starters to replace from last year, but most of the big-time talent returns in Brents, Rice and the Harper brothers. Rice (6-3, 280) has scholarship offers from Duke, Louisville and Indiana, among others. Larry Harper passed for 786 yards and nine touchdowns after transferring from Trinity last year, and Manny Harper posted 20 catches for 321 yards and two TDs.
Schedule:
8/19 IROQUOIS
8/26 a-Knox Central
9/9 SHAWNEE
9/16 at Atherton
9/23 *at Central
9/30 *BARDSTOWN
10/7 *at Henry County
10/14 *THOMAS NELSON
10/21 *at Moore
10/28 VALLEY
a-at Corbin
*-District game
