(WYMT) – Tailgate parties, passionate fan bases and an electric atmosphere can only mean one thing: Another high school football season is upon us.
In the first week there are several great encounters for the mountain teams.
Here are three of the biggest mountain duels that the first week has to offer:
#8 Breathitt County at #4 Belfry
What better way to open the season than with a top-ten duel at Alice Lloyd College Mountain?
Philip Haywood and the Belfry Pirates host the Breathitt County Bobcats, a repeat of last year’s season opener.
The Pirates beat the Bobcats on the road in 2023 thanks to Caden Woolum’s five-touchdown performance.
Will the loss of Woolum be enough for Breathitt County to secure an away win?
#1 Pikeville at #3 Corbin
The direct duel between two football strongholds in the mountains is an exciting start to the season.
Fresh from its third consecutive state title, Pikeville returns to Corbin for a rematch of the 2022 season opener.
The Redhounds overcame a two-point deficit in 2022 and beat the Panthers 24-19.
This season, however, Corbin has a new man at the helm: Luke Salmons.
Despite the coaching change, Pikeville head coach Chris McNamee is aware that his week one opponent still has a rich history.
“Corbin is Corbin,” McNamee said. “They have a great tradition. These kids grow up wanting to be a Redhound. They play hard. They have big, strong, physical kids, a lot of speed. They have a really good quarterback in Kade Elam. They have a lot of different pieces that make you worry as a coach.”
Although he comes from West Virginia, the new man at the helm of the Redhounds is aware of the Panthers’ success and sees the first week as an exciting duel to see where his team stands.
“I think it’s just a measuring stick in a lot of ways,” Salmons said. “It’s a huge opportunity that we have to take advantage of. It’s a great opportunity for our kids. Any time you play against a really good football program, you want to do your best.”
ARH Game of the Week: Prestonsburg at Leslie County
The Wesley Hager era in Prestonsburg makes its debut away in Hyden against Leslie County in a rematch of last year’s season opener.
The Hawks lost 30-21 last year, but with the return of Landry Collett as quarterback and a new addition at receiver, Hager and the Blackcats face a challenging away task at the start of the season.
Highlights of these games and other notable mountain duels in our region can be found on Friday at 11:10 p.m. on ARH Sports Overtime.
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