[Panther1]

LAST year was the "rebuilding year" for Hazard. Other than their linemen, they were VERY young and lost their most productive skilled players from the previous year. They certainly overachieved at the end of the season.

NEXT year should be the year it all comes together for Hazard...IF their OL and DL that are replacing all those departing seniors do a good job.

As far as going from a STRONG district to a "weaker" district, I don't think that's AT ALL the case. Cumberland will be comparable to Painstville, Harlan (at least DEFENSIVELY) will be comparable to Pikeville, and the rest are at least CAPABLE of beating someone if the other team has an "off-game" (as opposed to the "rest of the district" they played in before).

Nonetheless, Hazard will still win that district going away.