Butler-McLean matchup set for Senior Night

Thu, 10/17/2013 - 1:20pm — John Embry

"McLean is a solid, hard fighting football team." That's the message Butler County football coach Ryan Emmick has for his team as they prepare to tangle with the McLean County Cougars (3-4, 1-2) on Friday night in a Class 2A, District 2 game. Butler County (4-3, 1-2) will also have Senior Night activities as 12 players will be playing in their last regular-season home games. Kick-off is set for 7 p.m.
"They (McLean) will run the football from multiple formations. We have to recognize their offensive formation and adjust to what they do well. #3 Austin Gross is their primary ball carrier and we have to recognize when he moves positions," said Emmick.   "First and foremost we have to control the line of scrimmage and stop the run. Offensively, we have to be balanced between the run and the pass. McLean gives different looks along the defensive line and we have to be certain in our blocking assignments and then execute," added Emmick.
Coach Emmick is looking for an aggressive defensive performance for his team.
"Defensively, we have to attack. We are at our best when we are attacking downhill and getting 11 hats to the football. That is a defensive mindset - one we pride ourselves in and we have to continue to do that," said the coach.
For Emmick, this group of seniors is a milestone in his coaching career.
"This senior class is my first 4 year class, so its special in that these guys started as freshmen my first year as head coach. Each and every year we have worked to improve this program and they have done just that," said Emmick.
Coach Emmick had the following comments for each senior:
"Austin McKinney has been a three-year starter for us on the offensive and defensive lines. Austin is a great kid to be around, he makes coaching football fun. Over the past four years he has developed into a leader both on and off of the football field."

Zeke Woodcock is a three-year starter that has strives to be the best player he can be. Zeke is a natural leader that is a great player both offensively and defensively. His character and determination will take him far in life.

"Micheal Cortez has started for two years, growing and developing for the past four years into the dominant lineman that he is. Micheal has the attitude that you want in offensive and defensive linemen, he tries to outwork the guy in front of him and beat him each and every play."
"Matt Moore is a three-year starter as well. He is one of the top receivers we have had here at BCHS and has for the past three years been a staple in our offense. We have asked him to do more defensively this year and he has stepped up to the challenge. He works continuously to get better and has made those around him better."
"Dakota Lawrence is a two-year starter for us at center. He has worked to develop himself physically and is one of those guys that you can count on to know his assignment each and every play. He is a hard worker in practice and that has carried over this year to his play on the field."
"Walker Weathers is a two-year starter at running back. Walker has provided us with a mix of both running ability and pass catching ability that has kept defenses on edge throughout the year. He has made several big plays for us over the past two years and his effort and enthusiasm have carried over to his teammates."
"Russell Woosley has really grown these past four years as a person and a player. Russell has developed the skills needed in his life to be a winner both on the field and off of the field. Russell has contributed more and more each and every week and we have been able to count on him to make plays when we need him to."
"Travis Brooks, a three-year starter, suffered an unfortunate collarbone break two weeks ago at Union County but is fighting to get back on the field. This is a testament to his love for the game, a love for the game that feeds his teammates. Travis puts everything he has into football and does what it takes to win games."
"Cody White is a two-year starter at fullback for us. He has stepped up in games when we have needed him the most. Cody is a hard-nosed runner that gets the tough yardage for us each and every week."
"Dakota Merrick is a two year-starter as well. Dakota has anchored our defensive line the past two seasons. He has become a dominant defensive lineman who controls the middle of the line allowing his teammates to run and make plays."
"Hayden Hampton is a first-year player who put the pads on for the first time this year. Hayden is the kind of kid you can count on each and every week to give everything he has and to do the right thing. Hayden has worked tirelessly to improve and is now a defensive starter."
"Jimmy Burns transferred here from Warren East. Jimmy has worked to learn the offense while integrating himself in with his teammates. Jimmy has stepped in at quarterback and performed well under pressure, creating big play after big play this season."
"Bryce Shanklin transferred from Todd County. Splitting time with Jimmy at quarterback, Bryce has brought an added dimension to our offense and defense with his athletic ability. He has fun while playing the game and gives everything he has on the field. Bryce is an explosive player that has brought many things to our football team."
Coach Emmick concluded:
"This senior class has been a blast to work with the past four seasons. While the season is not done, this is their last regular season home game. These young men deserve the recognition they receive and the adulation of their parents, fans, and coaches for the hard work and dedication they have put in."
The Bears and Cougars will kick-off at 7 p.m. with Senior Night recognition to take place before the game. The game can be heard live on WLBQ 1570 AM and streamed from www.beechtreenews.com. Mark Allen will be doing play-by-play.

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This sports coverage is brought to you by the sponsors of the 2013-14 BC Sports Package with WLBQ/BtN. We are grateful for their continued support of Butler County student-athletes.
The following are 2013-14 BC Sports Package Sponsors:

- Jones Funeral Chapel & Monument Company
- Morgantown Bank & Trust
- Hocker Family Insurance
- Parkway Cars & Tires
- PBI Bank
- Final Finish
- Butler County Farm Bureau Insurance
- Bluegrass Oral Health
- Orthopedics Plus Physical Therapy
- Butler County Board of Education
- Warren RECC
- Butler County Drug Free Coalition
- Butler County Judge-Executive David Fields
- Tiffany's Tanning