CAMPBELLSVILLE, Ky. – Fighting Tiger Football gets their 2022 season underway this weekend hitting the gridiron versus St. Andrews University.
The 2021 season was a struggle for the Tigers as they went 1-8 (1-6 MSC). Their lone win came in week five on Homecoming against Pikeville 31-28. Josh Meglis, the current senior starter, threw for nearly 300 yards and three touchdowns in that win. Meglis averaged just over 171 yards in the air per game in 2021. A favorite target of Meglis',
Luke Sheperson, is coming back for his sophomore season looking to climb even higher after being third on the team in receiving yards with 319 total.
On the other side, the junior linebacker
Kale Hagan led the way for returning defensive returners in the Tigers' 2021 victory over Pikeville players with eight tackles. He was second on the team for total season tackles only to fellow linebacker
Jacoby Miguel (37) who seeks to continue his impact play in his sophomore year. Defensive back
Anton Fant will try to best his 2021 team-leading three interceptions.
"Our preseason focus was on developing winning toughness and unity," head coach
Perry Thomas shared. "We feel like we made strides in these areas but won't know for sure until we're tested in some games." He continued, "We expect to have a great winning season. We know that means that we will need to beat some strong teams, but I think we are ready for that. If we can remain healthy, we can compete in every game."
A predominantly young roster in 2021 now has a year of experience and are hungrier than ever. That same sentiment extends to the coaching staff.
Byron Kennedy and
Lamont Johnson Jr. are two new coaches overseeing running backs and wide receivers respectively. Alongside new hires joining the sideline for their first year, there have also been shifts in coaching duties for those who continue their tenure calling the shots. Coach Thomas has relinquished defensive coordinator responsibilities to
Derek Burnett who had previously focused solely on defensive backs.
Matt Atwood (outside linebackers and co-special teams coordinator),
Hunter Brown (passing game coordinator and quarterbacks coach),
Chris Pardue (offensive coordinator and offensive line and tight ends coach), and
Robbie Gribbins (inside linebackers and strength coach) all resume duties of prior years but also take on new charges. Uniquely,
Forrest Garner, last season's offensive line and tight ends coach now flips sides of the ball and takes over as defensive line coach.
The St. Andrews University Knights similarly won a single game in the 2021 season, so this will undoubtedly be a fight for a promising season for both squads. The Tigers seek to expound on their young players' progression, capitalize on their strong team-oriented philosophies, create fresh dynamics through new coaching, and invigorate the surrounding community with their commitment to competition in 2022. Saturday it's time to show it on the field.
