JOHN MIDDLETON
Sports Editor
After three straight losses, Harlan got back on track with an impressive victory over Lynn Camp last week. The Dragons will now look build momentum heading into the district slate as they host Leslie County on Friday.
“It could be huge for momentum to go into the off week with a two game win streak,” said Harlan coach J.B. Donahue.
Harlan’s offense came back to life with a 52-point performance last week. The Dragons piled up 258 yards on the ground, and senior Ty Saragas put up 338 yards through the air.
“I think we have to be able to keep running the football with some success Friday. The ability to run the football opens things up for the passing game. I thought the offensive line was big. We have to be able to move ball on the ground,” Donahue said. “I thought Ty was more in command of our offense against Lynn Camp and made some good adjustments at the line of scrimmage.”
However, Leslie County’s defense will pose a much bigger challenge than Lynn Camp presented last week. The Dragons’ offense struggled in a 12-6 loss at Leslie County last season.
“Defensively, I thought Leslie County played us as well as anybody all year last year. They are a good football team,” Donahue said. “They are well-schooled defensively and play good assignment football.”
It has been all or nothing for Leslie County on the defensive side of the ball through five weeks this season. The Eagles have allowed just 12 points per game in each of their three wins, while surrendering 45 points per game in a pair of losses.
“Defensively, we just want to go out and not give up any big plays. To shut them down two years in a row is probably not realistic,” said Leslie County coach Eddie Melton “We expect them to put points on board, but we have to limit big plays.”
Much like the Dragons, Leslie County features an offensive attack that includes several playmakers.
“They have some playmakers of their own. Defensively, it will be a big challenge,” Donahue said. “They do a lot of different things. They can throw the football well and can line up and run the football well too.”
Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m.
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