McCreary Central gridiron slate changed

By: Steve LeMaster

STEARNS – McCreary Central High School has made some changes to its 2017 football schedule, adding Class 6A member Paul Laurence Dunbar.

The Raiders are still set to host Perry County Central in a season opener on August 18.

However, following the first of multiple schedule changes, McCreary Central is due to entertain South Laurel on August 25, exactly one week later.

The Raiders will open the 2017 season with a three-game homestand. McCreary Central will welcome in Clinton County on September 1.

The Raiders have additional home games scheduled versus Bell County (Sept. 22) and Casey County (Oct. 6).

McCreary Central has away games slated against Fort Knox (Sept. 8), Paul Laurence Dunbar (Sept. 16), Corbin (Sept. 29), Jackson County (Oct. 13) and Lynn Camp (Oct. 27).

McCreary Central concluded the 2016 season 7-3. The Raiders notched wins over Jenkins, Clinton County, Berea, Sheldon Clark, Pineville, Fort Knox and Thomas Walker, Va., last season. McCreary Central dropped games to Lynn Camp, Providence, Ind. and Harlan during the 2016 season.

Much-improved McCreary Central is preparing to re-enter district competition as a member of Class 3A, District 8. The Raiders’ new home in District 8 also includes preseason Class 3A favorite Corbin (12-2), Casey County (10-2), Bell County (4-8) and Jackson County (2-9).

McCreary Central, under the direction of head coach Lucas Ford, opened preseason practice in July. Currently, around 40 players are participating in practices for the Raiders.

“We’ve had around 40 players out for practices and we always add a few more when school starts,” Ford confided. “We’re looking to have anywhere from 40 to 50 players on our roster.”

The Raiders resumed preseason practice earlier in the week.

Kickoff for each of McCreary Central’s games in the 2017 season is set for 7:30 p.m.