Despite a disappointing 2-9 finish a year ago, Apollo is looking to bounce back with a deep playoff run this year.
“I want us to be the best we can be every week,” head coach John Edge said. “When you get better as the season progresses, you can make deep runs in the playoffs. If not, then you’re just going to peak and not improve. We need to show improvement. Players need to be coachable, and coaches need to adjust.”
Edge has been with Apollo since 2020 and is eager to call plays for the Eagles yet again. He said the offense will change its scheme based on what the defense gives it.
Sophomore Maxwell Johnson returns to Apollo’s QB room after throwing for 1,322 yards and nine touchdowns a year ago.
“He’s smart and loves to make plays and run when possible,” Edge said. “He can still improve but excels at getting the ball out quickly. That frustrates pass-rushing teams.”
Junior John Edge also took some snaps for the Eagles last year, throwing for 514 yards and three TDs.
Coach John Edge said Apollo’s offensive line is structurally sound and has improved at wearing down teams, which allows the Eagles to run it more in the second and fourth quarters.
Defensively, they will run multiple fronts, including a 4-3 stack. In the secondary, Edge said, juniors Caiden Tuck and Ehmadjei Badger have emerged as lockdown corners.
“Our defense is made up of veterans and older players,” he said. “Our defense will be why we are in games and why we win.”
Apollo opens up their season this Friday at home against Owensboro Catholic, who defeated them last year 42-6 en route to a 2A state finals appearance. Week 2 will see the Eagles travel to McCracken County before they host back-to-back home games against Meade County and 5A defending state champion Bowling Green. Apollo will face off against district rival Muhlenberg County in Greenville on week 5 after shutting out the Mustangs 41-0 last season.
To finish district play, Apollo will face Owensboro and Graves County on the road while hosting Madisonville-North Hopkins and Marshall County. Their final game of the season will be a road matchup at Reid Stadium against their archrival, Daviess County, on November 1.
With the season less than a week away, Edge wants his team to show improvements in their last scrimmage and come away healthy.
“It’s time to put up or shut up,” Edge said. “We have to show everybody, and if we do, then I know we can get to the second and third rounds of the postseason.”
