The turnaround has begun for Morgan County football. The Cougars established a whole new mindset by taking Pound, Virginia to overtime two weeks ago. Down by 14 points on three occassions, Brian Turner's team refused to fold and nearly pulled off the "Morgan County Miracle" when Jamie Ferguson stripped a Wildcat ball carrier and lumbered 80 yards to give his team new life.

Then last Friday, the Cougars finally got over the hump with the convincing 16-point win over Powell County at Herdman Field. The Morgan County offense was near perfect with 400-plus yards, including career-game efforts from Mitchell Harvey and Kyle Havens.

Cougar fans should be very exited about what the future holds. Off the 33 players eligible for the season opener, 18 were either freshmen or sophomores. And these are players accustomed to winning with several having played on last year's powerhouse middle school team that advanced to the state final four.

"This is the youngest high school team I can ever remember," said MCHS athletics director Chris Trusty. "Physically, it's hard for them to match up with other teams that are loaded with upperclassmen. But these kids are talented and have great attitudes. Just give them some time. They have the potential do be very special."

Freshmen Joe Holbrook, Larrin Collins, Walker Crase and Tyler Conley have already made a impact in game situations. Collins had a touchdown and two-point conversion in Morgan's win over Powell. Holbrook, who was virtually unstoppable as a middle school back, already has 42 rushing yards in three varsity games. Crase and Conley can get it done at linebacker and defensive end, respectively. Crase collected 18 rushing yards and five tackles on defense last week. Both have talent and a work ethic that would rival any upperclassmen.

Also among Morgan's freshman stars are Jordan Whitt, Jose Santiago, Eli Haney, Dalton Carpenter and Cole Vanover. These are young men convinced they not only win in the future---but win right now. And judging by their impressive track record, there's no reason to doubt it.