After falling just short in the state championship in 2020, Owensboro is ready to take the next step in order to prove that they’re more than capable of coming out atop the best teams in the Commonwealth.
Leading the way will be future Rutgers quarterback in senior Gavin Wimsatt, who Head Coach Jay Fallin said is primed for a historic season.
Helping give the offense even more depth is senior Javius Taylor-Byrd and Kenyatta Carbon in the backfield.
The Red Devils have a number of lineman returning to keep Wimsatt and the backfield protected, with Ryland Chaney, Trey Miller and Jack Lindsey all expected to make an impact.
“All three linemen have big game experience to go along with the great toughness, skill, and grit they possess,” Fallin said. “They will anchor what we expect to be a great unit.”
The defensive line will have two juniors in Sahvon Hines and Jacoryon Miller also prepared to cause disruption for opposing team’s offenses.
Kindrick Williams will set the tone defensively for Owensboro, following a switch in positions for his senior season.
“A defensive lineman for his first three years, Kindrick has settled into his new role at middle linebacker and will be the leader of our defense,” Fallin said.
He’ll be accompanied at the linebacker position by transfer sophomore Xander Early who is expected to be a key cog in the Red Devils defense.
Owensboro also has a number of players set to take away the deep threat, with Taylor-Byrd, Carbon and Tramel Barksdale playing both sides of the ball.
Fallin wants the team to improve from last year by focusing on the little things, as well as being more dynamic with its run game.
“We want to improve on all the small details that can be the difference in championship games,” Fallin said. “From a broad perspective, we need to be able to run the football more effectively than we have the past two seasons.”
As far as expectations for the 2021 slate go, Fallin wants OHS to be the best possible team they can in November and December while doing things the right way by doing a number of things.
That includes veterans becoming leaders and team chemistry coming together as a result of trust, reliability and accountability to one another.
Fallin wants his team to not lose a single ounce of fierceness at each position on the field on every down.
Limiting extra downs on defense, staying ahead of the chains offensively and taking advantage of “hidden yardage” are three keys Owensboro will be focused on.
If the team can stay healthy and come together and apply all the points of emphasis Fallin and his staff look to enforce, the Red Devils expect to come away victorious, including in the postseason.
