If you had told me two years ago that South Laurel football would be undefeated halfway through the season, ranked No. 4 in Class 5A’s RPI, and averaging nearly 47 points a game, I wouldn’t have believed it. But here we are.
John Hines has worked his magic with the Cardinals.
Let’s not forget, this is a program that lost 21 straight games between 2019 and 2021, went 0-8 in 2020, and hadn’t had a winning season since 2007.
He shows up last year, goes 6-4, and now he’s got them rolling at 6-0.
It’s not just the offense either—though Hines has always been known for putting up points, going back to his Pulaski County state championship days.
This group is averaging 46.6 points per game, best in 5A, and the defense is second in the class giving up just 13.6. That’s balance, folks.
And here’s the thing: Hines isn’t the only coach making Laurel County football fun again.
Over at North Laurel, Steven Nelson—yes, the former Jaguar star—has turned his alma mater into a legit contender.
He made waves last year by beating Bell County in his debut, and even though his team finished 5-7, they picked up a playoff win.
Nobody knew what to expect this year after losing so much talent, but Nelson has his guys believing. They’ve already beaten Madison Central and Lawrence County on the road—both top 10 in their classes. And defensively, they’re as good as anyone, allowing just seven points a game.
So circle it now: October 24th. South Laurel at North Laurel. The Jungle.
I’ve been around since the first time these two schools played in 1992, and I don’t think there’s been this much anticipation for a crosstown showdown since.
North leads the series 20-15, but here’s some perspective: South won eight of the first 10, then North flipped the script and has gone 15-3 in the last 18. This one? It feels different. Playoff implications, bragging rights, and maybe the biggest North-South game we’ve ever seen.
Now, let’s head down the road to Middlesboro, where Larry French has the Yellow Jackets chasing a little piece of history. They’re looking for win No. 700 Friday night at Harlan. Seven. Hundred. That’s a number not many programs in the state can touch.
And if they pull it off, they’ll also be 5-0 for the first time since 2020 (and before that, 1997). Oh, and just for fun trivia: Middlesboro’s very first win was a 26-0 shutout over Junction City at East End Park. This year’s Jackets are legit contenders for the Class A crown, sitting at No. 1 in the RPI in the 13th Region.
And finally, let’s talk about what might be the two biggest showdowns of the season this Friday night.
Corbin, trying to avoid a three-game losing streak for the first time since 2015, gets No. 1 Johnson Central at Campbell Field.
The Golden Eagles have been pounding teams, outscoring opponents 215-99. Corbin actually leads the series 3-2 and won a wild one last year, 56-51, but if they lose Friday, the Redhounds could be staring at a road trip after the second round of the playoffs.
Then at Log Mountain, it’s Bell County vs. Rockcastle County. Both 6-0. Both with big-time RPI numbers. Both with state title dreams.
Bell has dominated this series, winning 14 of the last 16, but Rock is for real this year. This is old-school mountain football at its finest—smashmouth, physical, and with plenty at stake.
My take?
Corbin slows down the Golden Eagles enough to pull off a 28-24 win while Bell County rolls at home against the Rockets, 42-14.
So buckle up, folks.
Laurel County has two of the hottest programs in the state, Middlesboro is chasing a milestone, Corbin’s back is against the wall, and Bell County is in for a dogfight.
That’s what makes Friday nights in southeastern Kentucky so special—you never know when you’re about to witness a little history.
