2021 36 Blitz: Anderson County Bearcats

LAWRENCEBURG, Ky (WTVQ) – If you ask Anderson County Head football Coach Mark Palmer, last season was the perfect storm for them be 0-9. His first season, no spring practice, and then a delayed summer practice start. The players though, tried to make the best of it.

“It’s been a blessing, but a struggle at the same time because of COVID and all this kind of stuff, but I see it as just a way to learn more about the team and just getting back at it,” said senior running back Isaiah Fitzpatrick.

The Bearcats didn’t get exactly blown out every week. There were multiple games they could’ve won. That’s led to some confidence this season.

Austin Meacham
Senior LB
“Knowing last year there were so many games that we had even against teams in our conference that we knew we could win,” says senior linebacker Austin Meachem. “Just knowing that we could win and we just missed some little things”

From the sidelines, Coach Palmer saw improvement despite the struggles.

“We got better as the year went on. Being a new head coach with no scrimmages, no spring practices, no summer practices, we basically had two weeks then we played a game,” says Head Coach Mark Palmer. “And when you played county the first game you know who is the state finals. They’re just a great team. Tried to get yourself going and it took some time, but we were more competitive at the end of the year and you started seeing the progression of learning what we wanted to do.”

As the players look to notch some wins this season, they actually know off top what they need to do.

“Doing what our coach asks of us. When he asks us to do something, do it and don’t ask questions,” says Meachem. “He tells you that you’ve done something and needs fixing, don’t think that it’s a bad criticism. It’s just constructive, trying to get better with everything else.”

Head Coach Mark Palmer believes the team needs to focus on not turning the ball over headed into the season.

“We’re going to have to do the little things. Gotta take care of the football. Can’t turn it over,” says Coach Palmer. “Have to eliminate mental mistakes because you know we’re still learning. Still trying to climb that mountain and if we can not hurt ourselves with the turnover, mental mistakes, and penalties, I think that we can be real competitive.”

Coach Palmer is also excited for a return to Anderson Co. football in the stands. Last year due to COVID regulations that cut down on the amount of fans who could watch games, but that’ll change this year. Coach Palmer is excited to see this community get behind his guys.

“They are a very sports hungry community,” says Coach Palmer. “I think that first game we play at home against Spencer County I think everybody is going to come out. They’re going to be hanging off the light poles just ready to watch some football.”