Melvin named Class 1A, District 8 Coach of the Year

STAFF REPORT
BSN

PAINTSVILLE — Paintsville head coach Brian Melvin has been named the Class 1A, District 8 Coach of the Year.

The Kentucky Football Coaches Association honored Melvin.

In his first season as the head coach of the Tigers, Melvin compiled a 5-6 overall record. Paintsville finished third in Class 1A, District 8.

Under the direction of Melvin, Paintsville showed improvement throughout the 2025 high school football season.

Hazard sophomore quarterback William Shoptaw has been named the Class 1A, District 8 Player of the Year. Shoptaw completed 210 passes for 2,798 yards and 23 touchdowns during his sophomore campaign.  

Pikeville senior lineman Caden Thacker has been named the Class 1A, District 8 Lineman of the Year. Through 13 games in the 2025 high school football season, Thacker has recorded over 50 tackles.  

Melvin, Shoptaw and Thacker will be honored during the KHSAA Football State Finals at Kroger Field in Lexington in early-December.