(Sept. 17, 2000) — The University of Kentucky junior varsity football team will kick-off its seven-game schedule on Monday, Sept., 18 at Georgetowns Applebees Field at 7 p.m. in Georgetown, Ky.
Entering its fourth year of existence, the junior varsity squad is comprised primarily of walk-ons in addition to a few scholarship players. The JV squad, which runs the same offensive and defensive schemes as the varsity, was formed by Coach Hal Mumme in 1997 to give freshmen and walk-ons the opportunity to perform and showcase their skills in real game situations.
“At most Division I universities, freshmen and walk-ons only stand on the sidelines during practice,” Mumme said. “The junior varsity program gives these guys a chance to show us that they can play at UK.”
UK graduate coach Rob Manchester will be the head coach and defensive coordinator of the junior varsity team. Another graduate assistant, John Schlarman, will serve as an assistant coach and offensive coordinator. Student coaches Randy Garver and Tremaine Gaines will both assist in all coaching duties.
The Cats are 10-5 all-time in the Hal Mumme era, including a 3-1 advantage over Georgetown. Last season the Cats defeated the Tigers in both meetings, winning 38-25 at Georgetown and 45-42 in Lexington. UK is 2-1 all-time when playing in Georgetown and hasnt lost to the Tigers since a 40-48 decision in 1998.
“I think we are more prepared going into our first game this season than we were last year”, Coach Manchester said. “However, we are a young team but we practice extremely hard and have a lot of heart. We are just ready to get a game under our belts and see how we play. Georgetown is a tough team and we played them down to the wire in both games last year.”
The UK aerial attack will be led by varsity back-up Matt Casey. The 6-4, 220-pound freshman is a walk-on from Shelbyville, Ky. Eight varsity players will dress in Mondays matchup, including Adetayo Agboke, Jermaine White, Edgar Gantt, Jeff Meloche, Justin Haydock, Gus Jacobs and Drew Ashcraft.
The complete schedule for the 2000 JV squad follows:
Sept. 18 Mon.@ Georgetown Georgetown, Ky. 7 p.m.Sept. 25 Mon.CAMPBELLSVILLE HOME 6 p.m.Oct. 2 Mon. GEORGETOWN HOME 6 p.m.Oct. 9 Mon. @ Eastern Kentucky Richmond, Ky. 7 p.m.Oct. 16 Mon. SAINT FRANCIS HOME 6 p.m.Oct. 26 Thurs. HARGRAVE MILITARY HOME 6 p.m.Nov. 9 Thurs. @ Pikeville College Pikeville, Ky. 7 p.m.
All times subject to changeHome games will be played at Commonwealth StadiumTimes are Eastern Daylight Time
