Bulldogs to host Cardinals for season opener

STAFF REPORT

BSN

LOUISA — Lawrence County is set to open the 2026 high school football season at home versus longtime rival Martin County in a non-district matchup on Friday, Aug. 21.

The Bulldogs pulled away to defeat the Cardinals 35-7 in the two high school football teams’ 2025 season opener.

Lawence County’s 2026 schedule features four home games. The Bulldogs have additional home games slated versus Letcher County Central (Friday, Sept. 25), Powell County (Friday, Oct. 9) and Boyd County (Friday, Oct. 30).

Lawrence County’s 2026 schedule includes five away games. The Bulldogs have away games slated versus Ashland (Friday, Sept. 4), North Laurel (Friday, Sept. 18), Mason County (Friday, Oct. 2), Estill County (Friday, Oct. 16) and Magoffin County (Friday, Oct. 23).  

Lawrence County will meet Lincoln County (Friday, Aug. 28) on a neutral field. The Bulldogs and Patriots are due to meet in a bowl game at Garrard County.

Lawrence County has the week of Friday, Sept. 11 open.

The Bulldogs compete in Class 3A, District 8. Lawrence County is the reigning Class 3A, District 8 champion. Class 3A, District 8 is comprised of Lawrence County, Letcher County Central, Powell County, Estill County and Magoffin County.

Martin County reached the second round of the 2025 KHSAA Class 2A Football State Playoffs. The Cardinals (Class 2A, District 7) compiled a 9-3 record in the 2025 high school football season.

Lawrence County visited Prestonsburg for its final scrimmage in the high school football preseason on Friday, Aug 14.

Kickoff for the Lawrence County-Martin County game is slated for 7:30 p.m.