Tigers drop season opener to Pikeville

STAFF REPORT

BSN

PIKEVILLE — Visiting Paintsville scored first but couldn't maintain its early momentum as Pikeville pulled away to win 43-21 in a high school football season opener at Hillard Howard Field on Friday, Aug. 20.

Pikeville carried a lead out of each quarter, edging Paintsville 8-6 in the opening period. The Panthers led 15-6 at halftime and separated themselves from the Tigers after the midway point.

Remaining in control after the intermission period, Pikeville added two touchdowns to lead 29-6 at the conclusion of the third quarter.

Running back Blake Birchfield led Pikeville to the win, rushing 25 times for 204 yards and three touchdowns.

Following Birchfield on the ground for Pikeville, Brayden Thomas rushed nine times for 69 yards and two touchdowns.

Contributing on the ground for the Panthers, quarterback Isaac McNamee rushed for a 12-yard touchdown.

Running back Harris Phelps and quarterback AJ James rushed for one touchdown apiece for the Tigers. Phelps rushed 15 times for 66 yards and one touchdown.

Delivering on special teams for Paintsville, Phelps returned a kickoff 85 yards for a touchdown.

Paintsville is scheduled to host reigning Class 2A champion Beechwood for a home opener on Friday, Aug. 27. Kickoff for the Paintsville-Beechwood football game is set for 7:30 p.m. at Memorial Field.