Rockcastle County football relying on tradition to fill void of lost experience

Rockets are coming off of a two-loss season in 2023

MOUNT VERNON, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW)- Head Coach Chris Larkey’s list of positions that need someone younger to step up is a long one.

“Lost my quarterback he was a four year starter. We lost our whole secondary. Lost a tailback, three-year starter. Lost another wide receiver who was a three year starter,” said Larkey.

That synopsis is not even all of the places where Rockcastle County has an open slot.

Larkey’s optimistic though. His multi-year starters from year’s past are the reason that his greener players are getting up to speed quickly.

“Each practice they get better. The more they know each other and play with each other the better they get,” said Larkey.

Some of those leaders are seniors Creed Gabbard and Carter Powell, who know that the team’s “Rock Hard,” mentality of being a physical and tough player is a non-negotiable for everyone.

“It’s everything. That’s what built this team is tradition. Touching the rock before the game,” said Gabbard.

“They think we’re just a bunch of corn bred hillbillies that ain’t got nothing going for them so we’re prove them wrong,” said Powell.