Pilots looking for turnaround

The Fulton County Pilots are looking to turn around a program, that has struggled for wins the past several years.

But finally, there may be some light at the end of the tunnel.

Coming into this 2018 season, the Pilots bring a talented, balanced team to the field.

“The guys are looking great in practice,” said coach James Bridges, who returns to the sidelines for a second stint as head coach. “We’ve got 22 players right now, and a group that plays well together.”

The Pilots come into the season after a (3-8) record in 2017, and a (5-47) record the past five seasons.

Helping to raise the momentum level for the season is a mix of veteran and younger players.

“The strength of this team is going to be the running backs,” said Bridges. “We are loaded with C.J. Smith, Caleb Kimble, Chrisshawn Gordon and Rod Beard. On the line we have some big guys who can really block, with Tyler Love, John Swain, Dylan Hammond, Mason Eakes and Kyle Bridges. Our receivers will include George Scott, who can go up and get anything that is thrown his way.”

Also on the team is two very athletic quarterbacks, who are competing for playing time.

“Cameron Cole is a tough kid, who is really looking good right now. I also have Jerome Warren who can go right behind him and throw the ball all over the field. Both of these guys have been battling it out since we started practice.”

Beside the basic summer practice sessions the Pilots have at Sanger Field, the team has also competed in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes 7-on-7 competition at Murray State, where they won two games and lost two games

Fulton County also took part in their first scrimmage last week at Humboldt and won the varsity game by a score of 3-to-1.

Bridges said that he and the team are ready to begin season play, and he feels his schedule will be one of opportunity for succcess.

“We start off with Gleason, then Fulton City, Stewart County, Greenfield and Calloway County. We play Ballard Memorial, Russellville and Crittenden County. The schedule is going to be tough, but I think we will win some games. Our guys have been playing together for several years, and I think we are going to see some good results.”

The Pilots coaching staff includes Chad Parker, Will Greer and Rodney Mitchell.