SEMI-PRO FOOTBALL: Unbeaten and nationally ranked, Hardin County Wolverines ready to host Nashville Kings (07/11)

Jill Pickett

Wolverines Pietri Mercado runs the ball during Saturday's game against the Studs at West Hardin Middle School.

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Jill Pickett

Wolverines' Chris Thompkins wraps up Studs' Marcus Commodore as teammate Brandon Ditto comes in for the assist on the tackle in the end zone for a safety during Saturday's game at West Hardin Middle School.

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Jill Pickett

Wolverines' Steven Milesko hangs on to sack Studs' quarterback Gary Ford during Saturday's game at West Hardin Middle School.

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Jill Pickett

Wolverines' quarterback Kendrick Johnson lets a pass go during Saturday's game against the Studs at West Hardin Middle School.

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By JOSH CLAYWELL jclaywell@thenewsenterprise.com STEPHENSBURG — As if traveling two hours to play one of the nation’s top semi-professional football teams wasn’t enough, the Nashville Kings are in for another treat Saturday afternoon at West Hardin Middle School. The Hardin County Wolverines, the No. 4 team in the country in Minor League Football News’ summer/fall top 50 rankings, just keep adding talent to their already talent-rich team. And that includes someone from the Kings’ backyard. Phellepe Hall, a former Tennessee State University and Nashville Storm quarterback, joins with Kendrick Johnson to give the Wolverines some much needed depth at the position. “Kendrick will be starting this week,” Wolverines coach Larry Jobe said. “But our goal is to get the new kid some time. It’ll definitely open up our passing game.” In 2007, Hall completed 172-of-330 passes for 3,035 yards and 33 touchdowns. “Kendrick is excited about it,” Jobe said. “He’s 40 years old, and depending on Phellepe’s play, the objective would be to put Kendrick somewhere we can use his strength in playcalling. He’ll be on the sidelines with me if everything works out.” In 2005 and 2006, Hall was named the south region first team All-American quarterback by MLFN. And he’ll get a chance to reconnect with former teammate Shaun Boykins, who was named the south region’s Wide Receiver of the Year in 2005. “Shaun’s the one that chased him down and convinced him to play for us,” Jobe said. “That’s going to be a definite plus for us. That’s going to be fun to watch. I’m looking forward to seeing them work together. “Shaun’s a great receiver and the fact that he endorses Phellepe says a lot,” Jobe added. “He’s going to be a good addition for us.” The Wolverines also added Dallas Robinson, a sprinter from Lexington who had hoped to qualify for this year’s Olympics in Beijing. The 6-foot-4, 210-pound Robinson played football and ran track at Morehead State University before earning a scholarship to run track at Eastern Kentucky. “This kid’s going to be something,” Jobe said of the 2001 Oldham County High School graduate. “I’m going to have to teach him to catch, though.” Robinson’s speed will make up for that. At the Kentucky Invitational earlier this year, Robinson recorded the eighth-fastest time nationally in the 60-meter dash in 6.64 seconds. Robinson has also completed the 100 dash in 10.33 seconds with a headwind. “People have a chance to see some new players and some that haven’t played in a while,” Jobe said. “It’s going to be a fun game on Saturday.” The game is the last preseason game before the Wolverines begin the Mid Continental Football League portion of their schedule. And it’ll give the team a chance to showcase some new plays on both sides of the ball. “You’ll see a lot more diversity in our passing game and unique twists in our running game,” Jobe said. “There will be a lot more misdirection plays ran this week. You’ll see a lot more sweeps and trick plays. It’s our last chance to test some of this stuff out before league play on July 19 in Harrodsburg or Danville against the Central Kentucky Studs. While the Wolverines have added several new players since the season began, they will be without star running back Moonie Cunningham, who was in a car wreck on the way to practice last week. Cunningham, who was a standout at Campbellsville University, could miss the next two games, but it’s uncertain how much time off he will need. “He’s just banged up a little bit,” Jobe said. “He’s a big part of our offense. Moonie is one of the hardest runners I’ve seen. He’s quick and he’s got good hands.” But the Wolverines won’t be missing a beat in the backfield with a stable of running backs in Marvin Swope, A.D. Starks, Steven Milesko and Petri Mercado. “Cado (Mercado) is really starting to come into his own,” Jobe said. “He’s that dangerous, quiet guy.” The Kings (0-2) are coming off a 46-6 loss to the Storm, and have been outscored 66-12. The Kings play in the 11-team United South Football League. Kick off is set for 5 p.m. Saturday. Admission is $6 adults and $3 for ages 6-12. Kids under 5 get in free. Josh Claywell can be reached at 505-1752