Beech Tree News Network

With the 2017 prep football season just around the corner, the Butler County High School Bears open the season at home against the Logan County Cougars on Friday, August 18th.  Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. The Bears have quietly, since January, been building for the regular season.

The Bears 2016 campaign ended at 8-4 overall and graduation losses of Rex Henderson, Blake Graham, Kaleb Hunt, Dillon Brosnan, Seth Gaskey, Issac Flener, Issac Pendley, Kyle Householder, Lake Cameron, Logan Richardson, Dalton Lee and Ty Burden. All will be missed.         

The 2017 Bears, led by Head Coach Ryan Emmick and staff, are daily working with a very young squad. Seniors are Christian McKee, Brenden Shanklin, Noah Beasley, Daltyn Havens, Tanner Herrera, Andrew Henry, Houston Hampton, Ty Smith, Gage Ward, Cole Maxfield and Colten Embry.       

Juniors are Alex Rich, Aaron Bratcher, Dawson Carroll, Cooper Maxfield, Michael Elmore, Duane Daniel, Kain Neighbors, Logan Inglis, Logan Binion, Hayden Durbin, Tristin Phelps, Weston Merritt, and Keaton Diaz.        

Sophomores are Warren Cameron and Ethan Lawrence.

Freshmen are Jacob Cox, Dakota Powell, Trenton Embry, Trevor Jones, Bryar Beasley, Jordan Todd, Keagan Ford, Carson Carroll, Shane Norris, Josh Morris, Dylan Roberts and Lance Lasiter.          

On offense the Bears return only four starters from last year. Hampton, Havens, Ward and Shanklin, all seniors at the skill positions. The Bears' receiver corps is made up of Havens, Ward, Phelps, Carroll, and Diaz; all may rotate on game nights depending on situations. Throughout the summer, the 7-on-7 passing leagues provided great repetitions against quality competition.              

The offensive line will have all new faces with no returning starters.   At press time starting offensive line is not set and competition is still ongoing.  Noah Beasley, Andrew Henry, Logan Inglis, Aaron Bratcher, Cooper Maxfield, Weston Merritt, Alex Rich, Logan Binion, Michael Elmore, Kain Neighbors and Ty Smith are all working for spots.    

The quarterback position has Shanklin and Cameron taking reps and working daily. Both are capable and preparing to fill the role.            

The kicking game will also have new faces. Christian McKee and Colten Embry are working reps daily on the punting game, extra points, and field goals. Shanklin and Cameron may handle long snaps on punts and the snaps on extra points and field goals. Havens will hold on extra-point attempts and field goals.    

On the defensive side of the ball, the Bears return only (3) three starters in Smith, Ward, and Cameron. The Bears' base defense will adjust weekly if needed depending on opponent.  

Butler County Bears 2017 Football Schedule:

 Fri. Aug. 18         Logan County                Home

Fri.  Aug. 25         Edmonson County         Away

Fri. Sept.  1           Russellville                     Home

Fri. Sept. 8           Apollo                             Away

Fri. Sept. 15          Muhlenberg County      Away

Fri. Sept. 22         Owensboro Catholic       Away

Fri. Sept. 29         Hancock County            Home

Fri. Oct.    6          Open Date                      No Game

Fri. Oct.  13          Todd County Central     Home

Fri. Oct. 20           McLean County             Away

Fri. Oct. 27           Ohio County                    Home

Click the following link for a 2017 roster and KHSAA schedule:

 https://scoreboard.12dt.com/scoreboard/khsaa/kyfb17/?id=51024

The Bears are Class 2A/ District 2-Region 1; advancing to the 2nd round of the state playoffs in both 2015 and 2016.         

The Bears coaching staff by positions: Brandon Embry-Linebackers/offensive line, Brian Bivens-defensive backs, special teams, and Mark Allen-running backs; Barry Frazier-quarterback coach/offensive coordinator. 

All games will be aired live on The New Q - 101.5 with John Embry, Cody Donaldson and Josh Scott. 

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All photos by Laurie Keen Photography.