Golden Eagles to open gridiron campaign at Bell County

STAFF REPORT
BSN

PAINTSVILLE — In a matchup between two of the state's top high school football programs, Johnson Central is set to visit Bell County for a 2020 high school football season opener on Friday, Sept. 11.
The Golden Eagles and Bobcats did not meet during the 2019 high school football season. However, Johnson Central and Bell County battled in a 2019 preseason scrimmage. Reigning state champion Johnson Central is ranked first in the CalPreps.com Preseason Class 4A Rankings. Johnson Central ended the 2019 high school football season 15-0 after outlasting Boyle County 21-20 in the Class 4A title game at Kroger Field in Lexington. The Golden Eagles outscored opponents 677-155 during the 2019 high school football season. Johnson Central has reached five consecutive Class 4A state title games.
Bell County finished at the 2019 Class 3A runner-up. Belfry beat Bell County 30-20 in the 2019 Class 3A title game. The Bobcats ended the 2019 season 14-1. Offensive-heavy Bell County outscored opponents 644-191 during the 2019 high school football season. Bell County is ranked second behind defending champion Belfry in the CalPreps.com Preseason Class 3A Rankings. Johnson Central, Bell County and high school football teams from throughout the state are preparing to open preseason practice on Monday, Aug. 24.