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Bulldogs looking to defend state title
by Tony McGuire
Sports Editor
Hazard's Jordan Olinger will be among the state's leading receivers this season. (photos by Tony McGuire)
Hazard's Jordan Olinger will be among the state's leading receivers this season. (photos by Tony McGuire)
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Hazard senior Austin Johnson will provide leadership for the Bulldogs as they look to repeat as Class A state champions.
Hazard senior Austin Johnson will provide leadership for the Bulldogs as they look to repeat as Class A state champions.
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Bulldog running back Brandon Jones will be returning for his sophomore season, and will prove to be a vital part of the Hazard offensive punch.
Bulldog running back Brandon Jones will be returning for his sophomore season, and will prove to be a vital part of the Hazard offensive punch.
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Over the past couple of years, the Hazard Bulldogs’ football team had been inching closer to a state Class A title, and finally last season, they accomplished the goal. This season will be a little tough as it is always more difficult to defend a title as everyone is focused on you.

The Bulldogs lost nearly all of their experienced players off their offensive and defensive lines, and will be looking for some of their younger players to step up. However, Hazard will be returning a number of skill players to the lineup.

Hazard will return Evan Whitaker at the quarterback position. Whitaker will have several dangerous targets returning. Receivers Austin Johnson, Jordan Olinger and Nathan Higgins will cause major problems for opposing teams’ secondary.

Things will not get any easier for opposing lines either, as the Bulldogs will have a pair of strong running backs returning. Defenses will have a hard time bringing down Hazard’s Brandon Jones and Josh Meehan, who have both proven themselves to be strong and durable runners. Evan Whitaker has also caused some problems for defenses running the ball.

Once again, Hazard will have but nine games on their regular season schedule. However, the Bulldogs will go on the road to take on Somerset and Lexington Christian. They will host a pair of strong teams in Breathitt County and Prestonsburg.

Look for the Bulldogs to make a strong run through the playoffs this season, with their state title hopes hanging on how well their offensive and defensive lines progress throughout the regular season.

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Furniture, supplies, and other materials lined the walls of the hallway at Big Creek that just a day before had been full of mud and water. (photo by Amelia Holliday | Hazard Herald)
Furniture, supplies, and other materials lined the walls of the hallway at Big Creek that just a day before had been full of mud and water. (photo by Amelia Holliday | Hazard Herald)
slideshow
The hardest hit room at Big Creek was the kindergarten room which is in a separate building to the side of the school. Mud and water from the overflowed creek still covered the floor of the room Wednesday afternoon as cleanup had yet to begin in that area. (photo by Amelia Holliday | Hazard Herald)
The hardest hit room at Big Creek was the kindergarten room which is in a separate building to the side of the school. Mud and water from the overflowed creek still covered the floor of the room Wednesday afternoon as cleanup had yet to begin in that area. (photo by Amelia Holliday | Hazard Herald)
slideshow
Debris and vegetation stuck to the chain-link fence and playground equipment behind Big Creek Elementary on Wednesday, evidence of the moving flood waters that filled the school Monday night. (photo by Amelia Holliday | Hazard Herald)
Debris and vegetation stuck to the chain-link fence and playground equipment behind Big Creek Elementary on Wednesday, evidence of the moving flood waters that filled the school Monday night. (photo by Amelia Holliday | Hazard Herald)
slideshow
Rugs and other upholstered furniture was set out to dry in the parking lot on Wednesday as cleanup efforts continued. (photo by Amelia Holliday | Hazard Herald)
Rugs and other upholstered furniture was set out to dry in the parking lot on Wednesday as cleanup efforts continued. (photo by Amelia Holliday | Hazard Herald)
slideshow
Volunteers came from cross the Perry County School District to help continue cleanup efforts Wednesday at Big Creek Elementary. The resource center, situated in a separate building behind the school building, was one of the harder hit areas of the campus. (photo by Amelia Holliday | Hazard Herald)
Volunteers came from cross the Perry County School District to help continue cleanup efforts Wednesday at Big Creek Elementary. The resource center, situated in a separate building behind the school building, was one of the harder hit areas of the campus. (photo by Amelia Holliday | Hazard Herald)
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Furniture, supplies, and other materials lined the walls of the hallway at Big Creek that just a day before had been full of mud and water. (photo by Amelia Holliday | Hazard Herald)
Furniture, supplies, and other materials lined the walls of the hallway at Big Creek that just a day before had been full of mud and water. (photo by Amelia Holliday | Hazard Herald)
slideshow
The hardest hit room at Big Creek was the kindergarten room which is in a separate building to the side of the school. Mud and water from the overflowed creek still covered the floor of the room Wednesday afternoon as cleanup had yet to begin in that area. (photo by Amelia Holliday | Hazard Herald)
The hardest hit room at Big Creek was the kindergarten room which is in a separate building to the side of the school. Mud and water from the overflowed creek still covered the floor of the room Wednesday afternoon as cleanup had yet to begin in that area. (photo by Amelia Holliday | Hazard Herald)
slideshow
Debris and vegetation stuck to the chain-link fence and playground equipment behind Big Creek Elementary on Wednesday, evidence of the moving flood waters that filled the school Monday night. (photo by Amelia Holliday | Hazard Herald)
Debris and vegetation stuck to the chain-link fence and playground equipment behind Big Creek Elementary on Wednesday, evidence of the moving flood waters that filled the school Monday night. (photo by Amelia Holliday | Hazard Herald)
slideshow
Rugs and other upholstered furniture was set out to dry in the parking lot on Wednesday as cleanup efforts continued. (photo by Amelia Holliday | Hazard Herald)
Rugs and other upholstered furniture was set out to dry in the parking lot on Wednesday as cleanup efforts continued. (photo by Amelia Holliday | Hazard Herald)
slideshow
Volunteers came from cross the Perry County School District to help continue cleanup efforts Wednesday at Big Creek Elementary. The resource center, situated in a separate building behind the school building, was one of the harder hit areas of the campus. (photo by Amelia Holliday | Hazard Herald)
Volunteers came from cross the Perry County School District to help continue cleanup efforts Wednesday at Big Creek Elementary. The resource center, situated in a separate building behind the school building, was one of the harder hit areas of the campus. (photo by Amelia Holliday | Hazard Herald)
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Furniture, supplies, and other materials lined the walls of the hallway at Big Creek that just a day before had been full of mud and water. (photo by Amelia Holliday | Hazard Herald)
Furniture, supplies, and other materials lined the walls of the hallway at Big Creek that just a day before had been full of mud and water. (photo by Amelia Holliday | Hazard Herald)
slideshow
The hardest hit room at Big Creek was the kindergarten room which is in a separate building to the side of the school. Mud and water from the overflowed creek still covered the floor of the room Wednesday afternoon as cleanup had yet to begin in that area. (photo by Amelia Holliday | Hazard Herald)
The hardest hit room at Big Creek was the kindergarten room which is in a separate building to the side of the school. Mud and water from the overflowed creek still covered the floor of the room Wednesday afternoon as cleanup had yet to begin in that area. (photo by Amelia Holliday | Hazard Herald)
slideshow
Debris and vegetation stuck to the chain-link fence and playground equipment behind Big Creek Elementary on Wednesday, evidence of the moving flood waters that filled the school Monday night. (photo by Amelia Holliday | Hazard Herald)
Debris and vegetation stuck to the chain-link fence and playground equipment behind Big Creek Elementary on Wednesday, evidence of the moving flood waters that filled the school Monday night. (photo by Amelia Holliday | Hazard Herald)
slideshow
Rugs and other upholstered furniture was set out to dry in the parking lot on Wednesday as cleanup efforts continued. (photo by Amelia Holliday | Hazard Herald)
Rugs and other upholstered furniture was set out to dry in the parking lot on Wednesday as cleanup efforts continued. (photo by Amelia Holliday | Hazard Herald)
slideshow
Volunteers came from cross the Perry County School District to help continue cleanup efforts Wednesday at Big Creek Elementary. The resource center, situated in a separate building behind the school building, was one of the harder hit areas of the campus. (photo by Amelia Holliday | Hazard Herald)
Volunteers came from cross the Perry County School District to help continue cleanup efforts Wednesday at Big Creek Elementary. The resource center, situated in a separate building behind the school building, was one of the harder hit areas of the campus. (photo by Amelia Holliday | Hazard Herald)
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Furniture, supplies, and other materials lined the walls of the hallway at Big Creek that just a day before had been full of mud and water. (photo by Amelia Holliday | Hazard Herald)
Furniture, supplies, and other materials lined the walls of the hallway at Big Creek that just a day before had been full of mud and water. (photo by Amelia Holliday | Hazard Herald)
slideshow
The hardest hit room at Big Creek was the kindergarten room which is in a separate building to the side of the school. Mud and water from the overflowed creek still covered the floor of the room Wednesday afternoon as cleanup had yet to begin in that area. (photo by Amelia Holliday | Hazard Herald)
The hardest hit room at Big Creek was the kindergarten room which is in a separate building to the side of the school. Mud and water from the overflowed creek still covered the floor of the room Wednesday afternoon as cleanup had yet to begin in that area. (photo by Amelia Holliday | Hazard Herald)
slideshow
Debris and vegetation stuck to the chain-link fence and playground equipment behind Big Creek Elementary on Wednesday, evidence of the moving flood waters that filled the school Monday night. (photo by Amelia Holliday | Hazard Herald)
Debris and vegetation stuck to the chain-link fence and playground equipment behind Big Creek Elementary on Wednesday, evidence of the moving flood waters that filled the school Monday night. (photo by Amelia Holliday | Hazard Herald)
slideshow
Rugs and other upholstered furniture was set out to dry in the parking lot on Wednesday as cleanup efforts continued. (photo by Amelia Holliday | Hazard Herald)
Rugs and other upholstered furniture was set out to dry in the parking lot on Wednesday as cleanup efforts continued. (photo by Amelia Holliday | Hazard Herald)
slideshow
Volunteers came from cross the Perry County School District to help continue cleanup efforts Wednesday at Big Creek Elementary. The resource center, situated in a separate building behind the school building, was one of the harder hit areas of the campus. (photo by Amelia Holliday | Hazard Herald)
Volunteers came from cross the Perry County School District to help continue cleanup efforts Wednesday at Big Creek Elementary. The resource center, situated in a separate building behind the school building, was one of the harder hit areas of the campus. (photo by Amelia Holliday | Hazard Herald)
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Furniture, supplies, and other materials lined the walls of the hallway at Big Creek that just a day before had been full of mud and water. (photo by Amelia Holliday | Hazard Herald)
Furniture, supplies, and other materials lined the walls of the hallway at Big Creek that just a day before had been full of mud and water. (photo by Amelia Holliday | Hazard Herald)
slideshow
The hardest hit room at Big Creek was the kindergarten room which is in a separate building to the side of the school. Mud and water from the overflowed creek still covered the floor of the room Wednesday afternoon as cleanup had yet to begin in that area. (photo by Amelia Holliday | Hazard Herald)
The hardest hit room at Big Creek was the kindergarten room which is in a separate building to the side of the school. Mud and water from the overflowed creek still covered the floor of the room Wednesday afternoon as cleanup had yet to begin in that area. (photo by Amelia Holliday | Hazard Herald)
slideshow
Debris and vegetation stuck to the chain-link fence and playground equipment behind Big Creek Elementary on Wednesday, evidence of the moving flood waters that filled the school Monday night. (photo by Amelia Holliday | Hazard Herald)
Debris and vegetation stuck to the chain-link fence and playground equipment behind Big Creek Elementary on Wednesday, evidence of the moving flood waters that filled the school Monday night. (photo by Amelia Holliday | Hazard Herald)
slideshow
Rugs and other upholstered furniture was set out to dry in the parking lot on Wednesday as cleanup efforts continued. (photo by Amelia Holliday | Hazard Herald)
Rugs and other upholstered furniture was set out to dry in the parking lot on Wednesday as cleanup efforts continued. (photo by Amelia Holliday | Hazard Herald)
slideshow
Volunteers came from cross the Perry County School District to help continue cleanup efforts Wednesday at Big Creek Elementary. The resource center, situated in a separate building behind the school building, was one of the harder hit areas of the campus. (photo by Amelia Holliday | Hazard Herald)
Volunteers came from cross the Perry County School District to help continue cleanup efforts Wednesday at Big Creek Elementary. The resource center, situated in a separate building behind the school building, was one of the harder hit areas of the campus. (photo by Amelia Holliday | Hazard Herald)
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Furniture, supplies, and other materials lined the walls of the hallway at Big Creek that just a day before had been full of mud and water. (photo by Amelia Holliday | Hazard Herald)
Furniture, supplies, and other materials lined the walls of the hallway at Big Creek that just a day before had been full of mud and water. (photo by Amelia Holliday | Hazard Herald)
slideshow
The hardest hit room at Big Creek was the kindergarten room which is in a separate building to the side of the school. Mud and water from the overflowed creek still covered the floor of the room Wednesday afternoon as cleanup had yet to begin in that area. (photo by Amelia Holliday | Hazard Herald)
The hardest hit room at Big Creek was the kindergarten room which is in a separate building to the side of the school. Mud and water from the overflowed creek still covered the floor of the room Wednesday afternoon as cleanup had yet to begin in that area. (photo by Amelia Holliday | Hazard Herald)
slideshow
Debris and vegetation stuck to the chain-link fence and playground equipment behind Big Creek Elementary on Wednesday, evidence of the moving flood waters that filled the school Monday night. (photo by Amelia Holliday | Hazard Herald)
Debris and vegetation stuck to the chain-link fence and playground equipment behind Big Creek Elementary on Wednesday, evidence of the moving flood waters that filled the school Monday night. (photo by Amelia Holliday | Hazard Herald)
slideshow
Rugs and other upholstered furniture was set out to dry in the parking lot on Wednesday as cleanup efforts continued. (photo by Amelia Holliday | Hazard Herald)
Rugs and other upholstered furniture was set out to dry in the parking lot on Wednesday as cleanup efforts continued. (photo by Amelia Holliday | Hazard Herald)
slideshow
Volunteers came from cross the Perry County School District to help continue cleanup efforts Wednesday at Big Creek Elementary. The resource center, situated in a separate building behind the school building, was one of the harder hit areas of the campus. (photo by Amelia Holliday | Hazard Herald)
Volunteers came from cross the Perry County School District to help continue cleanup efforts Wednesday at Big Creek Elementary. The resource center, situated in a separate building behind the school building, was one of the harder hit areas of the campus. (photo by Amelia Holliday | Hazard Herald)
slideshow
Furniture, supplies, and other materials lined the walls of the hallway at Big Creek that just a day before had been full of mud and water. (photo by Amelia Holliday | Hazard Herald)
Furniture, supplies, and other materials lined the walls of the hallway at Big Creek that just a day before had been full of mud and water. (photo by Amelia Holliday | Hazard Herald)
slideshow
The hardest hit room at Big Creek was the kindergarten room which is in a separate building to the side of the school. Mud and water from the overflowed creek still covered the floor of the room Wednesday afternoon as cleanup had yet to begin in that area. (photo by Amelia Holliday | Hazard Herald)
The hardest hit room at Big Creek was the kindergarten room which is in a separate building to the side of the school. Mud and water from the overflowed creek still covered the floor of the room Wednesday afternoon as cleanup had yet to begin in that area. (photo by Amelia Holliday | Hazard Herald)
slideshow
Debris and vegetation stuck to the chain-link fence and playground equipment behind Big Creek Elementary on Wednesday, evidence of the moving flood waters that filled the school Monday night. (photo by Amelia Holliday | Hazard Herald)
Debris and vegetation stuck to the chain-link fence and playground equipment behind Big Creek Elementary on Wednesday, evidence of the moving flood waters that filled the school Monday night. (photo by Amelia Holliday | Hazard Herald)
slideshow
Rugs and other upholstered furniture was set out to dry in the parking lot on Wednesday as cleanup efforts continued. (photo by Amelia Holliday | Hazard Herald)
Rugs and other upholstered furniture was set out to dry in the parking lot on Wednesday as cleanup efforts continued. (photo by Amelia Holliday | Hazard Herald)
slideshow
Volunteers came from cross the Perry County School District to help continue cleanup efforts Wednesday at Big Creek Elementary. The resource center, situated in a separate building behind the school building, was one of the harder hit areas of the campus. (photo by Amelia Holliday | Hazard Herald)
Volunteers came from cross the Perry County School District to help continue cleanup efforts Wednesday at Big Creek Elementary. The resource center, situated in a separate building behind the school building, was one of the harder hit areas of the campus. (photo by Amelia Holliday | Hazard Herald)
slideshow