Expect a different look from the 2021 Tigers.
After spending much of the last decade putting up big yardage and point totals, Caldwell County will likely try to win games this season by running the football and counting on its defense.
With a cast of largely unproven skill players, the Tiger offense is going to be a work in progress, especially early in the season as the Caldwell offense looks to find its footing.
“It’s probably going to be a little different than it’s been in the past,” noted Will Barnes, the son of longtime Caldwell skipper David Barnes, who begins his second season as Tiger head coach.
“We’re probably going to be more run-oriented. And we’ve been pretty close to 50-50 anyway.
“You’re probably going to see more backs in the backfield than you’ve seen the last 10 years or so. We’re going to look more like those 2006, 2007 teams with two running backs or a back and a blocking back. We started running a little more with the quarterback last year with Russ (Beshear) and you’ll probably see some more of that.
“It’s just going to take us a little time to get to where we need to be offensively. Although, hopefully, it won’t take too much time.”
Caldwell still has an unsettled situation at quarterback as the regular season opener against Christian County quickly approaches.
Senior Jack Stevens will likely get the initial call at QB but freshman Luke Parker is also going to get playing time.
“We’re going to keep playing both quarterbacks,” said Barnes. “I foresee both playing in that first game. Both have done some good things and both have the ability to make us good offensively.”
But both are largely untested at that position, which means both are learning as they go.
Whichever ultimately becomes the full-time quarterback, the other will be on the field at one of the receiver spots.
The receiving corps is another spot that’s relatively lean with experience.
Max Kramer took advantage of the extra year and becomes a super senior this season. Kramer is the leading returning pass-catcher, despite making just four receptions for 52 yards last season.
That accounts for all the catches back from last year’s abbreviated season that saw the Tigers go 3-4.
Senior Billy Wallace looks to join Kramer at an outside receiver spot. Sophomore Canyon Richardson, junior Jamus Carneyhan and junior Logan Chambliss will also see time at receiver along with either Stevens or Parker.
In the backfield, senior Logan Smiley looks to get the bulk of the work after running for 110 yards and a touchdown last season. Carneyhan had 141 yards last season, including a 90-yard touchdown run. Chambliss ran for 36 yards.
Sophomore Landon Davis, at 224 pounds, could bring some bulk to the rushing attack.
Up front, Caldwell is expecting a strong year with a cast of mostly returning players.
Senior Gavin Board is slated in at left tackle and junior Brady Holeman mans the center spot.
Junior Connar King starts at right guard with sophomore Cole Sherill at right tackle.
Only the left guard spot is up the air.
Caldwell doesn’t typically like to play linemen on both sides of the football, but defensive starters Drew Davis, a junior, and Angel Long, a senior, will help at that position. Juniors Ethan Ward and Caden Alfred are also in the running at left guard along with freshman Daniel Laurent.
The offensive line is easily the most experienced group on that side of the football and will be counted on heavily as the skill players gain experience.
Defensively, Caldwell’s front three may be the strongest unit on the team.
Davis, Long and senior Elijah Shaheen are solid against the run and quick enough to put pressure on opposing quarterbacks when they try to pass.
“Coach Mac (Waynee McGowan) and Coach (Jeff) Riley are going to head up our defense,” said Barnes. “That will be a collaborative effort. Coach Mac will still make the play calls on Friday night but those two are going to be handling our defensive game plan.
“But we are going to heavily rely on those three guys up front. We expect them to play extremely well every game.”
All three have the potential to play college football.
At linebacker, Landon Davis is the only returning player with much experience. He and sophomore Miguel Pena figure to start at the inside spots.
At outside linebacker, Carneyhan, junior Barrett Cotton and sophomore Camden Woford will battle for playing time with freshman Skyler Cooper working to get into the mix as well.
Kramer returns to the Tiger secondary at the strong safety spot while Stevens will play free safety.
Chambliss and senior Isaiah Joyner will be the cornerbacks.
Parker and Richardson will also see playing time in the secondary while sophomore Jackson Riley will look to get in the mix as well.
Caldwell appears to be solid in the kicking game with senior Blake Vivrette handling those duties.
Vivrette is able to deliver deep kickoffs and is within range on field goals from 50 yards in. He has also looked good in the punting game in the preseason and could help the Tigers swing field position with his boots.
Caldwell feels like it will be competitive with most of the teams on its 2021 schedule, especially if the offense can find ways to be effective.
The Tigers will open the year with back-to-back home dates. Christian County visits on Friday, Aug. 20, while Madisonville-North Hopkins travels to Tiger Stadium on Aug. 27.
“We’ve got to be able to run the football,” said Barnes. “That’s the first thing. And then we’re going to rely on our defense. If we can do those things, we can be successful this season.”
