On September 25, the Hopkinsville Tigers were flying high at 2-0 with a double-digit win over Henderson County and a blowout of Caldwell County on their resume, but it all came crashing down in a week-three trip to Calloway County. The Laker defense forced five turnovers and held the Tigers to just over 150 yards of offense and a single touchdown in a 14-7 upset that opened up the district race.
After that game, both teams faced a two-week quarantine, and while the Lakers were victorious over Madisonville-North Hopkins in their return to the field, the Tigers’ misery was prolonged with a 31-7 thumping on the road at Logan County.
However, the teams’ fortunes are reversed as they head into Friday’s playoff matchup at Jack D. Rose Stadium in Murray. The Lakers managed only 12 points total in losses to Logan County and Murray to finish the regular season at 3-3, while the Tigers beat Madisonville-North Hopkins and Christian County by a combined 65-12 to head into the playoffs at 4-2.
Tiger quarterback Treyvon Jefferson will be hoping for a better night the second time around against the Lakers after throwing for only 52 yards on five completions with an interception in the first game. Reece Jesse was held to three catches for 32 yards, while Jayden Dillard ran for 58 yards and the Tigers’ lone touchdown.
For the season, Jefferson completed 47/107 passes for just over 900 yards with 11 touchdowns and six interceptions. Jesse has been his favorite target, hauling in 20 passes for 523 yards and five scores, followed by Ryan Myers with 13 receptions for 212 yards and a touchdown. Dillard has anchored the Tiger ground attack with 306 yards on 70 carries with five touchdowns.
Laker quarterback Kanyon Franklin finished the regular season with 43 completions for 479 yards and five scores while throwing three interceptions. Zachary Orange rushed for 368 yards and two touchdowns to lead the Lakers on the ground, including 88 yards and a score against the Tigers. Timarian Bledsoe was a force on the defensive side in the win over Hoptown, forcing a pair of fumbles and recovering three.
Hopkinsville won last season’s playoff meeting 28-20 over Calloway before falling in the next round to eventual state-semifinalists Madisonville-North Hopkins. Friday’s winner will move on to face the winner of Logan County and Hopkins County Central.
