[BlackcatAlum]

Are you guys sure Prestonsburg will be good enough to have a 7-3 record?

They lost the heart and soul of their team graduating Craynon, Setser, Gearheart, Trout, and others. I don't see how they can replace them with next year's talent. Michael Burchett, Josh Craynon, Austin McKinney, and Joseph Jamerson are the only reliable players returning.

How is the running back situation doing this summer? I really don't see how Setser and Craynon will be replaced. I mean, where is this size? I thought Prestonsburg was small last year. Next season they will be even smaller. I hate to be cirtical, but I just don't see the Blackcats doing much better than .500 next season.

Shelby Valley even came close to beating Prestonsburg last season, so that could be a game to look out for. I understand Shelby Valley has a new coach, but it's just another questionable game in my opinion.

I'll predict a 5-5 finish to the regular season and a district championship.

Once again, good luck to the Blackcats.

Only games Prestonsburg has a chance at losing is Belfry, Breathitt County, Sheldon Clark, Matewan (WV), and Shelby Valley. But with the coaching changes and with players possibly quitting at Valley I don't even think Prestonsburg will have to worry about them. I'm not very familiar with Matewan, but they lost 11 players off a team that only fielded 31 according to MaxPreps.com.

Prestonsburg will have a very good passing game this upcoming season. Josh Blackburn has emerged as a very good receiver along with Austin McKinney, but he'll more than likely be our go to back. Joseph Jamerson, Josh Blackburn, Josh Craynon, and probably a few more will become very surprising offensive weapons this year. The defense will be tough like always. Prestonsburg doesn't face anyone that could really hurt them through the air, so they can load up the box against just about every team. Prestonsburg speed will hurt the slower teams like last season also.

Only time will tell, but I do believe that Prestonsburg will win 7-9 games this season and take district.