Maynard pens new Ashland book
Writers write about what they know. One of the area’s best storytellers has penned another informative tale about 11 players who have stood the test of time, and one of the most cherished rosters in the rich Ashland football history. Mark Maynard, former editor and longtime sportswriter for The Daily Independent and current managing editor of Kentucky Today, releases a new book next month titled…
Mark Maynard, a seasoned writer and former editor for The Daily Independent, has released his latest book titled "The Boys They Call JAWS." The book delves into the story of a legendary Ashland football team that dominated the gridiron in the 1974-1975 season. Maynard, who graduated from Ashland in 1975, spent years writing about the team, including numerous interviews with former coach Herb Conley.
The team, known as JAWS, was characterized by a formidable defense and an unforgettable season. Maynard explains that the nickname originated after a family movie night featuring "JAWS" over a summer vacation. The team lived up to their nickname, as they defeated No. 1 Bryan Station in the second week of the season, solidifying their reputation.
The team's success was not solely attributed to their defense; their offense also played a crucial role. The players were Ashland natives, and their bond with the community was evident through the band playing the JAWS theme during games and the town's efforts to facilitate their road trip to the state championship. Maynard's book offers a deep dive into the team's history, including statistics and quotes from Conley that haven't been shared before.
He hopes readers will appreciate the team's achievements and the impact they had on Ashland. The book is set to be released in late September, with pre-orders available on Maynard's Facebook page.
Written by urgent.news from Yahoo Sports's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
