High school football teams set to kick off 2020 season
High school football teams set to kick off 2020 season
STAFF REPORT
BSN
High school football teams from throughout the area are headed into season openers.A look at the area games in Week 1 of the 2020 high school football season follows.
Johnson Central at Bell County
Reigning Class 4A state champion Johnson Central (15-0) will visit Bell County for a season opener. The Golden Eagles and Bobcats battled in a preseason scrimmage prior to the 2019 high school football season kicking off. Bell County finished runner-up to Belfry in Class 3A in 2019. Senior athlete Dylan Preston, who was named the 2019 Class 4A State Championship MVP, returns to lead Johnson Central. Junior quarterback Grant Rice is poised to help lead the Golden Eagles from under center. Up front, Johnson Central returns three starting offensive linemen - junior right tackle Grant Bingham, junior right guard Owen LeMaster and senior left guard Cam Willis. Johnson Central has won 15 consecutive games.
Paintsville at East Jessamine
After finishing runner-up to Pikeville in Class 1A, Paintsville (11-4) will kick off the 2020 high school football season at East Jessamine. The Tigers held on to defeat East Jessamine 41-35 when the two teams met in 2019. Paintsville senior quarterback Jake Hyden is one of the area's most experienced high school signal-callers. Along with Hyden, leading receiver Karsten Poe is back for the Tigers. After reaching the second round of the Class 5A State Playoffs, East Jessamine ended the 2019 high school football season 9-3.
Betsy Layne at Magoffin County
The Bobcats are set to visit the Hornets for a matchup between familiar foes. Magoffin County held on to beat Betsy Layne 36-28 during the 2019 high school football season. Junior quarterback Chase Mims is back to lead Betsy Layne (4-7).After losing leading rusher Jaylon McDuffus to graduation, Magoffin County (3-7) will be looking for a new offensive catalyst to emerge. Accounting for nearly have of Magoffin County's rushing yardage in 2019, McDuffus rushed 77 times for 1,156 yards and 10 touchdowns.
Martin County at Phelps
The Cardinals dominated the Hornets in 2019, pulling away to win 48-8 n Inez. Enjoying a turnaround, Martin County ended the 2019 high school football season 7-4.Leading rusher Logan Proctor is back for much-improved Martin County. Proctor rushed 136 times for 873 yards and 11 touchdowns in 2019. Dominick Francis is back to pace Phelps. Francis led Phelps on the ground during the 2019 high school football season, rushing 155 times for 1,310 yards and 14 touchdowns. Following a loss to Hazard in the opening round of the Class 1A State Playoffs, Phelps ended the 2019 season 4-7.
Prestonsburg at Powell County
Prestonsburg will be looking to top Powell County for the second straight year on the road in Stanton.The Blackcats ended the 2019 high school football season 2-8, missing out on advancing to the Class 2A State Playoffs. Determined Prestonsburg topped Powell County 27-20 in 2019. Senior quarterback Brayden Slone and junior running back Carter Akers are back for the Blackcats. Following a shutout loss to Mason County, Powell County concluded the 2019 high school football season 3-8. Junior quarterback Holden Townsend is the top returning player for the Pirates.
Floyd Central at Hazard
The Jaguars are scheduled to visit the Bulldogs for a season opener between two newfound rivals.Hazard defeated Floyd Central 34-8 in 2019. Senior quarterback Garrett Miller will once again lead the Bulldogs. Thriving through the air in 2019, Miller completed 77 of 130 passes for 1,188 yards and 10 touchdowns while throwing four interceptions. The Bulldogs compiled a 7-5 record in 2019.Back healthy for his senior season, quarterback Caleb Hager is preparing to lead Floyd Central.The Jaguars exited the 2019 high school football season 4-7.