The Switzerland County varsity football team made great strides in its inaugural season last year, and as head coach Ryan Jesop and his staff get the Pacers ready to open their second season, optimism is rising that Switzerland County is going to have a very successful year.
That year got underway last Friday night, when the Pacers hosted Clarksville for a scrimmage. The controlled environment gave coaches on both sides the opportunity to see their squads against another opponent, and work on specific things heading into the regular season.
“The scrimmage went perfectly from a coaching standpoint because all of the little mistakes and details you have to focus on in order to win were exposed,” Coach Jesop said. “Many of the things the coaches have been harping on in the off-season with our players, were exploited, and created teachable moments on the field that we would much rather have present during a scrimmage than when we open our season.”
In Friday’s scrimmage, Switzerland County defeated Clarksville by a score of 30-18.
The Pacers got a long touchdown run on a 65-yard scamper from tailback Jonny Thompson on their first possession; and quarterback Casper Stow then added another touchdown on a keeper from the one yard line to add to the early lead.
After that, Switzerland also got scores by Kyle Whitham, Dakota Baatz and Mikey Gatto in goal-line situations.
Clarksville won the junior varsity game 24-0.
With the scrimmage now in the books and most of the early season practices complete, Switzerland County now opens its regular season tomorrow (Friday) night when the Pacers travel to Bracken County, Kentucky. The game is scheduled to kick off at 7:30 p.m.
Bracken County High School is located at 348 Miami Street in Brooksville, Kentucky.
Fans can cross the Markland Dam Bridge and then take Interstate 71 North towards Cincinnati. Continue approximately 72 miles past Florence, and then take Interstate 275 East towards Crestview Hills, after approximately seven miles; take Exit 77 onto Kentucky Road 9 South (Licking Pike); and follow Road 9 approximately 32 miles; then turn right onto State Highway 1159, traveling approximately four miles to the school.
The entire distance is approximately 90 miles, and should take fans about an hour and 45 minutes to make the trip.
The Pacers open their home season next Friday, August 26th, when Gallatin County visits for a 7:30 p.m. kick off.