Debut of new Lynn Camp Football Coach Mark Huddleston pushed back to Aug. 27

Lynn Camp hasn’t yet kicked off the 2021 football season and it has already been knocked for a loop as Friday’s opening of the Mark Huddleston era has been postponed because of COVID–19.

The scheduled home opener against Jellico has been rescheduled for Sept. 30, making the Aug. 27 game at Frankfort Huddleston’s first game leading the Wildcats.

“They are an athletic team that is well-coached,” Huddleston said of Frankfort noting that he will know more about the Panthers after watching film over the weekend.

Huddleston said the focus remains on Lynn Camp.

“This year we are looking for consistency, maximum effort and just downright grit,” Huddleston said noting what he has seen is a willingness to work and get better. “They truly want to learn.”

Quarterback Tylen Smith will again be under center for the Wildcats.

Huddleston said what Smith is called upon to do will be determined by what the opposition is focusing on stopping.

“We may throw for 400 yards one week and run for 400 yards the next,” Huddleston said. “We hope to be as balanced as we can, but we are going to take whatever the defense is giving us.”

Huddleston said the running game will involve multiple people including Smith, Brody Lane, Dwayne Sparks and other.

“We are going to spread it around,” Huddleston said.

One area Lynn Camp must improve upon to be competitive is numbers.

Huddleston said that is particularly true on the offensive and defensive line.

“I like what we’ve got right now in terms of linemen,” Huddleston said. “We just need more of them.”

Defensively, Huddleston said Lynn Camp will be looking to Smith at safety and Lane at linebacker to lead the unit.

“We will be somewhat of a pressure team,” Huddleston said noting that it may appear that the Wildcats are getting pressure without bringing it.

Lynn Camp’s home opener is now scheduled for Sept. 3 against Clay County.

The Wildcats will open district play on Oct 8 at Pineville and then host Harlan on Oct. 15 before traveling to Williamsburg.