Football Is Back This Friday: Our Q&A With Wildcat Coach Nathan Smith

Wildcats Kick Off Season Against Hancock County This Friday Night

Nathan Smith speaks at a previous ECHS event.

​All content copyright 2020, Edmonson Voice, LLC.

Darren Doyle, story and photo:
​Edmonson County Wildcat Football is back this Friday night, September 11th as they host Hancock County at home at 7pm. While the fan experience will be different this year due to attendance and state regulations, Head Coach Nathan Smith is looking to build on last year's momentum of a district championship. We had a question and answer session with him yesterday.

​EV: We counted seven seniors gone from last year's team, which is significant, but you have a good number of seniors this year, correct?
NS: Yes that is correct. We lost 7 last season and currently have 12 seniors. 

EV: Who are the leaders of this team so far?
NS: Jon (Smith) has really been vocal so far. Both of the Shaw boys, Michael and Matt, have really increased their role on the team as well. 

EV: What can we expect on both the offensive and defensive side of things, respectively?
NS: We have a very experienced offensive and defensive line. Many have started since they were freshmen, so I'm looking to be able to control the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball. So probably a lot of running offense. 

EV: Are there any underclassmen that might be on the "watch list?"
NS: Definitely look at Matt Shaw to continue where he left off and we will see a lot of Logan Davis (replacing Brock Stethan at linebacker) and a pair of sophomores-- Daren Alexander and Zander Bass-- are also going to see significant minutes in the defensive and offensive backfields.
 
EV: How has the team/coaching staff responded to the regulations/social distancing/mask wearing, etc.?
NS: It's definitely different, but we have focused on staying positive and keeping our minds on just being able to play football--because a few months ago we didn't think that would even happen. 

EV: Compare what you've seen so far to last year, and what are your overall expectations for this year's team? 
NS: Our goals are similar to what we had last season. I expect us to contend for the district championship and make a deep push into the playoffs. We are returning several starters from that team last season who really got a taste of what it feels like, and I'm sure that they want that to continue. 

Edmonson County finished the 2019 season with a record of 6-7, and as Class 2A District 3 champions. The Edmonson Voice will once again provide audio and video streams of ECHS football games this season. This Friday's game will be video streamed on both the Voice's FB page and WildcatsLive page of Edmonson Voice.com. The audio stream will also be available.