By Stephen D. Bowling

We continue an extended look at the games and events of the seasons of Breathitt Football. This week, we explore 1979.

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The tremendous success of the 1978 season and Breathitt’s undefeated regular season brought renewed interest to the football program.  Newspapers from around the state started to notice the “little mountain program” and its “30 or so players.” Schools also took note of the transformation that the coaching staff had worked with raw talent.

Interest in Coach Dudley Hilton increased, and many schools were watching in 1979 to see if the success was a “one-year fluke” or if the young coach truly understood football.  School administrators and athletic directors were interested in luring the successful coach away from Breathitt; many in the community did not want that to happen.  “We had the coach we wanted and needed,” a long-time football supporter said in 2023.  “We were scared to death that the more he was in the papers in Lexington, the less the chance we would have to keep him here for our boys.”

For the most part, Hilton ignored the distraction and got his boys back to work.  They started in the gym as soon as the 1978 season was over, and the celebrations of their accomplishments faded. “Hard work makes all the difference,” Hilton said.  “I guarantee you one thing: my teams will always out work you.”

Community support was also riding high.  The newly established Breathitt County Football Boosters Club was hard at raising money to purchase some much-needed training equipment beyond the school’s budget.  Fundraisers, meals, and events dotted the calendar as the Boosters helped fund the football program and helped meet the needs of the team.

Success also brought more attention to the program from the BHS students.  The numbers steadily grew, and more boys came out to play football following the previous season’s success.  It soon became apparent that the new BHS stadium’s locker rooms were not large enough to hold the increased number of players.  In conjunction with Coach Hilton, the Boosters identified a major project- the expansion of the locker rooms.

Support for the football program came from many sources in 1979.  In January 1978, Sergeant William “Bill” and Peggy Shepherd started a winter exercise class.  The Shepherds led an exercise class at the old BHS gym three nights a week for area residents who wanted to “remain active during the winter.” The program was a mix of exercise and other activities, including volleyball and folk dancing, designed to keep everyone in shape and moving.  The effort was a huge success.

During January, February, and March of 1978, the Shepherds averaged 150 attendees at each session. They continued the winter exercise nights in 1979 with even greater success.  In exchange for their time and effort, they asked the community to donate a small fee to help cover the cost of the rent for the gym.  By April 1979, so many people attended the program that it made a profit.  The Shepherds, long-time supporters of the football program, knew exactly what to do with the excess money.

Sgt. Shepherd makes donation to football program

After Sgt. Shepherd paid all his bills in connection with his exercise classes at the Old Gym, he discovered he had some money left. In fact, it was $539.00 to be specific. As he said* there were several things he could have done with the money, but he chose to present it to the Breathitt High football program.

At his Monday night class his special guest was Coach Hilton who had been invited to publicly receive the surplus.  It was a fun occasion for all as Sgt. Shepherd counted out five $100.00 bills plus $39.00 which accounted for the sum total.

Coach Hilton has already invested part of the money in weights. All of it will be used in some way or another to improve the weight room.

“I sure did appreciate what he did,” said Coach Hilton. 

The football team is already working out explained Hilton. “In fact,” he said, “we are right in the swing of things.”

Forty boys are presently working out.  That’s a growth of about 10 over last year.  “The program grows some every year,” observed Hilton.

The Jackson Times, March 1, 1979, page 1

The Breathitt County Football Boosters also had success with their efforts to raise money. In late spring, they ordered several pieces of equipment that Coach Hilton thought were needed for the team. The new purchases were delivered in July 1979.

Boosters purchase football equipment

The Boosters’ Club has purchased two pieces of football equipment that should prove valuable as the boys prepare for the ’79 season.

The equipment consists of a high stepper and a 7-man sled.  They were both being put to good use Wednesday morning by about 20 players going into the eighth and ninth grades, mostly ninth.  Coach Hilton has been working with the boys this week, giving them some early assistance before moving into full-scale practice.

“Pick your feet up.  Pick your feet up,” instructed Coach Hilton as the boys ran through the high stepper in different ways.  She could make it through according to directions; others found it difficult to get through.  Hilton explained that the high stepper was designed to get the boys to pick up their feet and to develop good balance.

The 7-man sled cost about $1,800.00.  It is a valuable piece of equipment, explained Hilton.  He said it was found on the football fields of some of the major teams in America.  If the team is working together, the sled can be pushed straight down the field.  If one man slacks in his effort, the sled movement reveals it.  Considerable teamwork can be developed with the use of the sled as Hilton pointed out to the young players.

The new football season is almost here.  The opening game is on August 17 with Anderson County.  It’s a home game.

The Jackson Times July 19, 1979, page 1

The Pre-Season

Football kick-off time

In a home game with Anderson County, the Breathitt Co. Bobcats of Coach Dudley Hilton officially opened their 1979 football season August 17.

It was with that same team that the Cats opened their fantastic winning season last year and got their memorable year off to a victorious start by overcoming their opponent.  Breathitt ended the year as Class AA state runners-up in their fifth year of the gridiron sport.

This week the Cats are in football camp polishing up for the total season but especially for the Anderson County game.

The roster will contain some new names (his year, but Coach Hilton is confident the new lineup will play well. The fans are encouraged to come out and support the team and start enjoying football early in the season.

The Jackson Times, August 9, 1979, page 9

Breathitt vs. Anderson Co. in kick-off game

Football season opener Friday

Anderson County will be seeking revenge when they come to town Friday night for the Cats’ opening football game.  In last year’s opener, Breathitt County overpowered them 32-8.

Those eleven seniors who led the team to a regional championship last year are not around this season of course.  But the word is that Coach Dudley Hilton will put a team on the field that’s ready for their opponent.  Following four weeks of practice, Coaches Hilton and Jack Stanford say they are “ready for the game.”

The team the coaches put on the field will be a young one is the word.  “We are not a senior club like last year,” said Hilton.

From a roster of 37, only 8 are seniors.  One of those is running back Glen Patrick, 5 ft. 8 in. and 149 lbs.  “He’s our only returnee in backfield, and we’re expecting big things from him,” said Hilton.  With three years’ experience, he’ll be giving leadership to that position.  Backing him up will be 5’9″ Mark Barnes and senior David Back, half back.

Quarterbacking the team will be Rhett McKnight.  “And we’re certainly expecting a lot from him,” added Hilton.  McKnight is a junior but has had some experience as a junior varsity player.

On the offensive line will be 6’1″, 190 pounds David King, 6’2″, 215 lbs. John Lewis Back, and Wade Turner standing at 5’6″ and weighing 164.

Playing offensive tackle will be 205-pounders Ricky Stacy and Baker Burke, carrying 87 pounds and standing 6 ft.

On the ends, look for Bucky Deaton, Lin Davidson, and John Paul Chapman.

It is the thinking of the coaches that, overall, the offensive team is inexperienced this season, but the players will have good back-up support.  In the backfield will be Mike Watts, Scott Noble, and Jeff Gabbard.  They represent grades 10, 11, and 9, respectively.

On the line will be Darrell Taulbee, a senior, 11th grader Eddie Johnson, and sophomore Jim Campbell.  The coaches pointed out that the above would see a lot of action as the season moves along.

One of the brighter spots of this year’s team is the defense.  Hilton points out that he has two big people, John L. Back, and Ricky Stacy, on the line with two years starting experience.  Helping them will be two guys who have played but not on the line – Teddy Warren and Darrell Taulbee.

Present plans call for David Back and Mark Barnes to play defensive end.

Linebackers are young, but they improve daily with practice is the word.  They are expected to continue improving as the year goes by.  These young men are 11th graders Eddie Johnson and Mike Ritchie.

Rounding out the defense will be 3 new junior defensive backs Bucky Deaton, Mark Collins, and Scott Noble.  Others who will see action on defense are Rex Turner, Derrick McKnight, David Watkins, Robert Childers, Bobby Hensley, and Robert Swartzentruber.

Mark Collins’ punting is expected to give the team additional strength.  Collins has worked hard at his kicking, according to his coach, and added, “That should help us a lot in our game.”

With 37 young men on the team, it is expected that most of them will see some action.  “That’s just the way it works when you have a young club,” observed their coach.  That young team will be on the field Friday night at 8:00.  From what I have observed they are ready for the rematch.  Since last year Anderson County has changed coaches.  Now under the leadership of Bob Saver, they have a good team and will certainly be looking for a victory.  It is reported they have a good quarterback, 2 big linemen, and they can move the ball.

The young B.H.S. team will appreciate a lot of fan support Friday night as they open their season.  In return, they promise a good game and invite new and old fans to come out and enjoy the action.

Kick off time is 8 p.m. Friday at Breathitt Stadium.  Go Bobcats, Win!

The Jackson Times, August 16, 1979, page 1

The 1979 Season

Anderson County – August 17, 1979 – Win 22 – 0

Cats maul Anderson Co. 22-0 in season opener

Breathitt may have a young football team, nit it executed like a veteran outfit last Friday night winning its season opener 22-0 over visiting Anderson County.

A crowd of about 700 at Breathitt High’s field saw some relatively inexperienced players turn in impressive performances.

David Back had the distinction of scoring the first touchdown of the season in the first minute of second quarter play.  His 4-yard touchdown and two-point conversion broke a scoreless deadlock in the game.  Because the Cats were alert, they capitalized on some fumbles by Anderson County.  No better example than the kickoff play in the third quarter.  They fumbled on their 30 and Breathitt recovered it.  Seven plays later, Glen Patrick scored the second touchdown on a 4-yard run.

With 10:56 remaining in the game, he pushed across the line for his second T.D. bringing the score to 22 to 0.

“It is true we made some mistakes and didn’t play well the first half,” said coach Hilton, “but overall, our young people really came through for us.”

Hilton pointed out that one noted improvement in the team this year is Mark Collins.  His ability at punting fills a void in last year’s team.  Collins’ 38 and 45 yard punts in the first quarter locked Anderson County deep. 

For thirteen of the players, it was their first time to ever even play in a varsity game.  That could have been the reason they came back on the field from the halftime break with renewed confidence.  “We played much better ball in the second-half,” observed Hilton.  “We ran better and our defense was better.  You can’t complain if you win a game, especially, if it’s is a shut out.  Overall, we were well pleased.” 

In the position of running back for the first time David back carried the ball 21 times for 99 yards.

Rushing leader Glen Patrick had a better second hall than first.  He carried the ball 17 times for 48 yards. Jeff Gabbard covered 27 yards on 8 carries and Mike Ritchie 24 on four. 

Rhett McKnight, quarterbacking his first varsity game, completed 5 of 12 passes for 112 yards. John Paul Chapman was on the receiving end for 1 of them for 97 yards.  Bucky Deaton caught one for 15 yards.

Chapman, up from the junior varsity played promisingly.  “I thought he did an exceptional job,” observed his coach.  “Not only did he catch the ball well, but I thought he blocked real good for us.”

First time starter Scott Noble led the Cats in tackles with 6, 2 assists, and 1 fumble recovery. Line Backers Eddie Johnson and Mike Ritchie and 5 tackles apiece.  For John Lewis Back, Ricky Stacy, Darrell Taulbee, and Teddy Warren it was four each.  Warren was responsible for 2 Anderson County fumbles.

Anderson County fumbled the ball five times and recoveries were made by Rick Stacy, Scott Noble, Teddy Warren, Darrell Taulbee, and Derrick McKnight.  Coach Hilton is of the opinion Anderson County has a better team than last year when the Bobcats beat them 32-8 in an opening game.  “They played good solid football,” he said. “They made some mistakes that we were able to take advantage of.”

Quarterback McKnight said the guest team put one of state’s top quarterbacks on the field, “But our defense cut him off and limited him to passes,” he explained.

Commenting on the game McKnight said he felt everybody played well in spite of the fact they were all “tense and nervous” before the game started.  “We had worked hard though preparing for it,” he explained. “And we just went out and did the best we could.”

Friday night the Cats go to Leslie County for their opening game.  According to Hilton they have at least two good football players. “We’re working hard in preparation for the game,” he said. “We saw some of our weaknesses in last week’s game and we’ll he working on them for sure.”

Game time is 8:00.  The Cats would appreciate a good crowd of fans.

The Jackson Times, August 23, 1979, page 16

Leslie County – August 24, 1979 – Loss 6 – 31

Leslie rolls over Breathitt in Cats’ worst off night ever

In the last 18 season games the Bobcats have lost only two games.  That’s counting the stumping Leslie County gave the Cats Friday night when they went under 31-6.  That may be the reason why defeat seemed especially bad.

Whatever happened, or didn’t happen, the Cats suffered one of their worse defeats. It “was an off night from beginning to end. “Nobody could do anything right,” commented Coach Hilton.

At least one thing went right.  In the waning second of the game Jeff Gabbard carried the hall across for Breathitt’s only and the game’s last touchdown.

Hilton said it was hard to win a game if a team made more than 6 mistakes. Yet the Cats made 17 of them. There were 10 turnovers and 7 fumbles which the team recovered.

Psychologically Leslie was ready for the game. They were victory hungry.  In the last three years they had not even scored against Breathitt. “We wanted the game,” observed Hilton, “but apparently they wanted it worse than we did. They had worked hard for the game and on the field they put everything together and it worked.”

Another observation Hilton made was that his team is not use to being behind. It is a new  experience for his young players. “We get behind and we think that is it instead of going ahead and Irving to win the ballgame,” he explained.

Whatever the reason for the lost, the coaches and team are ready to mark it up as an experience and forget it.  “No need to cry over spilled milk,” said Hilton. “We have nine more games left. We have I to look to the future.”

One play that hurt the team’s morale was Leslie County’s interception and ensuing touchdown in the last minutes of the first half. The Cats had worked the ball down to the 1-yard line when Leslie intercepted and ran the full length of the field for their 4th touchdown. The Cats seemed unable to ever snap back with any meaningful momentum.

The game didn’t start off all that badly. Breathitt received on the initial kickoff and moved the hall 18 yards with two first downs. Breathitt fans, which equalled or surpassed in number Leslie fans, thought we were in for another good game.

Breathitt got 2 first downs on their next poscssion, and then things began to happen. The team received 2 five-yard penalties in quick succession and Mark’s punt was blocked.

The defense couldn’t hold their host and they received two first downs in succession, and they scored their first TD before a few minutes of the game ticked off.

Toward the end of the 1st half it looked as if the Bobcats would get on the board. Scott Noble received Leslie’s punt and moved the ball IS yards. Then Mike Ritchie ran another 14 and had a real offensive drive moving. The boys moved the ball on down to the 1 yard line where it was intercepted and carried for a touchdown. “If we had made that TD,” said Hilton, “I fell confident we could have come back and beat that club.  But that broke our back.”

A glance at offensive stats reveals that David Back carried the ball 14 times for 54 yards.  For Scott Noble it was 8 for 18; Mike Ritchie 8 for 25; and Derrick McKnight 6 for 26.

Quarterback Rhett McKnight completed 7 of 17 passes for 76 yads.  Mike Watts completed 1 of 3 for 14 yards.  Three of McKnight’s and one of Watts’ were intercepted.

On the receiving end John Paul Chapman caught 4 passes for 43 yards. Jeff Gabbard had 4 for 32 yards, and Bucky Deaton hung onto one for 14.

The team was led in tackles by Teddy Warren and Mark Collins with 5 apiece. Teddy also had 7 assists.

“He played a good defensive game,” observed Hilton.  “He was all over the field and never quit hustling” David Back made 4 tackles. Rick Stacy and Mike Ritchie had three each. Stacy was credited with 9 assists. Darrell Taulbee and Robert Swartzentruber were responsible for 2 and 3 tackles respectively, and Taulbee made 7 assists.

Assisting the team with one interception each were Mike Ritchie and Rex Turner.

This Friday night the Bobcats take on Hazard at 8:00 for the Honey Bowl game. Word from the catches and boys is that they have been working hard in preparation for the game. There will be a fireworks display at half time as part of the Honey Festival weekend.

The Jackson Times, August 30, 1979, page 14

Hazard – August 31, 1979 – Loss 6 – 7

Breathitt hosts Hazard in first Honey Bowl

Morgan County has its Sorghum Bowl, Bell County its Coal Bowl, Mt. Sterling its Recreation Bowl, and now Breathitt County has its Honey Bowl.

It’s new this year.  It’s all part of the Honey Festival.  The very first Honey Bowl will be played Friday night at 8:00, featuring the Hazard Bulldogs and the Breathitt County Bobcats.

Coach Colin Cox will be bringing a strong Bulldog team Friday night, according to Coach Hilton.  Cox has a stronger team now than he had last year.  Some of his outstanding players will include Clay Miller, a potential all-state running back.  Others are quarterback Steve Marsh, a junior; Tim McCoy, a fullback; Jay Lasslo, a center; and Ralph Asher, an end.

The statewide football ratings that came out Wednesday favor Hazard by 14 points.  Coach Hilton commented, “That doesn’t mean all that much, and we’re not worried about it.  We’ll get out and play the very best ball we can.”

“We’re very excited about playing Hazard,” he said, “because Hazard is known for their good football.  They’re known all over the state.  I just think they’ll make a good first Honey Bowl game for us.” 

There will be a fireworks display at the end of the awards ceremony after the game.  That’s all in celebration of the Honey Bowl and whole upcoming Honey Festival weekend.

Following the game, Honey Bowl trophies will be presented.  There’ll be the following awards presented: Winning-learn trophy, MVP trophy, best offensive line and back, and best defensive line and back.

The word is that both teams are excited about the game.  Breathitt Boys have been working hard all week in preparation for it.  After studying some of their mistakes in last week’s game, they have worked hard to overcome them.  Indications are the team will be Irving to regain face after last week’s defeat in Leslie County.

Everything points toward a good game.  Fans are encouraged to come out and watch the game and enjoy the very first Honey Bowl and Honey Festival opening activity.

The Jackson Times, August 30, 1979, page 14

Breathitt outplays Hazard but loses first Honey Bowl 7-6

It is the opinion of many people who saw the Breathitt-Hazard Honey Bowl Friday night that the Cats soundly outplayed the Bulldogs.  Statistics bear that out also.  However, the Bobcats lost the game 7-6.  As Coach Hilton said, “We beat them everywhere but on the score board.”

Hilton put a team on the field that looked considerably improved compared to the Leslie County game one week earlier.

Offensively and defensively the Breathitt boys played good ball.  In fact, Hilton said he thought the defense just played “a super game.”  Except for one long pass, Hazard gained only about 50 yards during the game.

Now about that long play.  It happened in the last quarter when the host Bobcats had a 6-0 lead.  The Bobcats kicked off after the T.D. and Hazard ran the ball back to the 50-yard line. They made no gain on their first play.  It was 2 and 10.  Hazard dropped back and their quarterback looked around and then looked around some more until he found a receiver open about 30 yards down.  From that closeness, he had no trouble scoring the touchdown, and they made the extra point giving then, a final 1-point advantage in a 7-6 score.

“The quarterback had too much time,” observed Coach Hilton. “We should have put more pressure on him.  Actually, the defense just collapsed for a second and it cost us the game.”

In spite of the loss, Hilton was very complimentary of his team. “I thought we played much better than we did a week ago against Leslie County.  It is a shame we let one play beat us.”  That play did not deter the players’ enthusiasm. They came back and played hard as they had all night.  They moved the ball again to the 20-yard line where it was fumbled thereby killing any possibility of scoring.

I think it was their best game of the year,” observed their coach.  “Theirs is a position you don’t learn overnight,” he continued. “It takes practice.” In the game, Johnson executed 4 tackles and 5 assists.  Ritchie had 4 and 2 respectively and 1 fumble recovery.  Leaders in the tackle division were Rick Stacy and John L. Back with 6 apiece.  Back had one assist.  Other defensive players were Darrell Taulbee with 3 tackles and 4 assists, and Teddy Warren with 5-5.

Glenn Patrick, who is a three-year starter, played one of the best games he’s ever played.  He carried the ball 33 times (which may be record for one game) for 125 yards.  He received the Best Offensive Back trophy for his outstanding performance in the first Honey Bowl.

David Back received the Best Defensive Lineman trophy.  He carried the ball 14 times for 53 yards.

It is the opinion of the coach that the offensive line did a fine job throughout the game. “It was the best performance we have had on offensive line so far this year,” he said. 

The guys on that line were David King, center; Wade Turner, and John Lewis Back at guard. Baker Burke and Rick Stacy played tackle.  Bucky Deaton was at tied end.  Stacy received the Best Offensive Lineman trophy.

Quarterback Rhett McKnight completed 4 of 14 passes.  Bucky Deaton was on the receiving end of all of them for 60 yards.  He also scored the touchdown pass which entered 12 yards.

The team gained a total of 280 yards compared to Hazard’s 50 not counting their long pass.  Except for the long pass, Hazard didn’t have a man that gained over 20 yards.  Breathitt had one that ran 125 and another one 53.

Defensively, Eddie Johnson and Mike Ritchie played some good ball. 

One of the largest crowds ever turned out to watch the first Honey Bowl game that ushered in the second annual Honey Festival.

Just as the football players performed well so did the cheerleaders and band members. The band entertained impressively during half time.  The members looked good in their blue and white with red trim uniforms.  All dressed up with pretty corsages, the cheerleaders are to be commended for the nice job they did. 

From the moment David Back “ran through the Bobcat” followed John P. Chapman and Darrell Taulbee excitement for the game ran high.  The cheerleaders helped maintain enthusiasm.

This Friday night, the Bobcats take on Lewis County in an away game.  They are 1-2 for the season, so they’ll be hard to handle this weekend.

The Jackson Times, September 6, 1979, page 14

Lewis County – September 7, 1979 – Win 28 – 26

Patrick plays his best game

Bobcats 2 for 2 after 28-26 victory over Lewis

Breathitt hosts Morgan Co. this Friday

Things went right for the Bobcats Fridas night when they met Lewis County for the first time ever on the football field.  Without a victory, it would have been three losses in a row and a long 130-mile ride back home.

Touchdowns by Rhett McKnight (his first ever as a varsity player), Glen Patrick (also had two P.A.T.), and two by David Back gave the Breathitt boys their two-point advantage in the final 28-26 score.

It was a nip ‘n tuck game right down to the finish.  It was tied up at 20-20, for example, with four minutes remaining.  It was Breathitt’s ball, and the Cats were trying desperately to break the deadlock when David Back broke for one of his long touchdowns from 65 yards out.  Glen Patrick added the point after a touchdown giving the team a 28-20 lead.

“We thought if we could just hold them, we had won one,” said Coach Hilton. “But here they came right back, marched right down the field, and scored on us again.” With a minute and 40 seconds left on the clock the score was 28-26. Lewis County was going to try for the P.A.T. when Eddie Johnson shot in from a line backers’ position and tackled the quarterback for a 10-yard loss preventing them from scoring the extra point. From that point it was just a matter of the Bobcats running out the clock.

Hilton said he felt Glen Patrick played an outstanding game. “It was his best night in the three years he has been starting,” he added.  Patrick carried the ball 25 times for 208 yards.  That’s slightly over 8 yards per carry.  David Back ran 135 yards on 14 carries.  Derrick McKnight carried four times for 31.  Rhett McKnight completed 3 passes for 40 yards.  Bucky Deaton caught one for 10 and John P. Chapman grabbed 2 for 32.

On defense it was John L. Back leading the team with 9 tackles and 3 assists. Among the other defensively players I eddy Warren had 7 tackles, 3 assists: Robert Swartzentruber 6 and 6; Mike Ritchie 5 and 3; Eddie Johnson 5 and 2; Ricky. Stacy 5 and 2; David Back had 5 tackles. Recovery of fumbles was made by Mark Barnes and Bobby Hensley.

Taking advantage of a Lewis County fumble, the Bobcats got good position and marched the ball down the field.  David Back took it in for the first T.D., making the score 6-0 at the end of the first quarter.

Early in the second quarter, Lewis County scored and took the lead on their extra point.  It was a short-lived lead because Patrick soon scored another T.D., followed by David Back’s making the half-time score 20-7.

The fine kicking of Darrell Taulbee should not be overlooked. Coach Hilton said he felt that was a big part of the game. Teddy Warren made a good play near the end of the first half when he caused Lewis County to fumble. Shortly after that they fumbled again, and Bobby Hensley recovered it giving Breathitt good field position. It looked as if the Cats would score before half time, but they fumbled, and the clock soon ran out.

Lewis County scored 7 points in the third quarter to Breathitt’s none.  They also had two T.D.’s in the last round to Breathitt’s one.

This Friday night’s game for the Cats home with Morgan County’s Raiders. The four games following Morgan County are away.  The players and coaches give the fans a special invitation to come out and watch the game Friday night.  Hilton pointed out that the weather may be bad for the next home game after Morgan County.  The boys all say the bigger the crowd the better they can play.

Coach Hilton, as usual, is not overly optimistic (but not pessimistic, either) about the Morgan County game.

“They’ve got some big boys,” he pointed out, “but our boys are quick!”

“It’ll be a good game and we hope all our fans will be right there yelling for us – it helps us win!” Hilton added.

Game time 8 p.m. at Breathitt Stadium.

The Jackson Times, September 13, 1979, page 13

Morgan County – September 14, 1979 – Loss 6 – 8

Morgan wins over Breathitt 8-6

Bobcats working on “deadly mistakes” before Friday’s P’burg game

The Cats lost another close one Friday night as Morgan County came from behind to win 8-6.   “We’re making too many mistakes,” said Coach Hilton, “sometimes 10-15 a game, and it’s costing us dearly.”

Eliminating those deadly mistakes will be one of the objectives when the Cats take on Prestonsburg Friday night in an away game.  “Prestonsburg is probably the best team we’ve played all year,” agreed Coaches Hilton and Stanford.  They lost two players last year, leaving them 11 seniors on this year’s club.  They did, for example, beat Johnson Central last weekend 35-0.

Last year, the Breathitt boys beat their Friday night host 28-0, and the coaches think Prestonsburg will be out for revenge.  As a matter of fact, that desire for revenge is a strong factor in the narrow defeats the Bobcats have been experiencing.  “People are out to gel us,” said Hilton.  “The last three teams we have played have been sky-high for us.”

Remembering Breathitt’s 11-0 record last season and the fact they had never beaten Breathitt, Morgan County went wild following their 2-point victory last Friday night.  “The team carried on as if they had won the World Series,” laughed Hilton.  “Seemed to me they celebrated for 30 minutes.”

In addition to costly mistakes and the fact other teams are out for revenge, the Bobcats sustained another serious blow in last week’s game.  Quarterback Rhett McKnight suffered a broken collar bone, which will keep him out for the rest of the season.  That accident happened at the start of the second quarter, and he was replaced by sophomore Mike Watts.  There is no denying the fact that McKnight was and will continue to be sorely missed.

However, Hilton said he left that “Basically, Mike did a pretty good job for a boy who had not played much football.  We were real tickled with his playing.”

In spite of the problems that Bobcats are experiencing right now, there is no evidence of pessimism.  “We’re not down by a long shot,” snapped Hilton.  “We have a good ball club.  We have nice kids – good young men, and it’s a shame we have to suffer the results of last year’s 11-0 season.”

Starting the game, Darrell Taulbee kicked off to Morgan County, and during the first quarter, the Cougars had 8 first downs to Breathitt’s 7.  The score at the end of the first period of regulation play was 0-0.

With 5:28 left in the second round, Glen Patrick found an opening from 15-yards out and scored the first T.D.  The offensive drive really started on Morgan’s 48-yard line.  The Cats moved the ball only 5 yards in three downs.  Mark Collins punted, and it was Morgan’s ball on their 25-yard line.  Having gained only three, yards on their first play, they fumbled on their second, and Breathitt recovered giving them good field position.  On about 5-yard gains each by Back and Patrick, the ball was moved down to Morgan’s 15 front, which Glen broke lose for his T.D.

In the final seconds of the third quarter, it was Morgan’s ball.  Following a 15-yard penalty on the Cougars, the ball was placed on Breathitt’s 37-yard line.  After a 20-yard successful pass and rapid ground yardage, the guest Morgan County team scored their first touchdown with 4 seconds left in the quarter.  Their two-point conversion was good, giving them a two-point lead in the 8-6 score, which was also the final one.

Back on the field again, Morgan punted and put the hall on Breathitt’s one-yard line, the Bobcats got their spirit up and had some real momentum going, moving the ball 47 yards on 6 first downs.  But alas, they fumbled it with 6:24 remaining in the game.  That was a turning point since the club was never able to generate any enthusiasm again.

The leading rushers in the game were Glen Patrick, who gained 95 yards on 21 carries.  David Back added 45 and 10, and Mark Barnes 11 on 2 carries.

In passing, Rhett McKnight completed 1 for 1, Mike Watts 2 for 11, and Glen Patrick 1 for 1.  On the receiving end, Bucky Deaton caught 2 for 27 yards, John P. Chapman 1 for 18 yards, and Patrick 1 for 19.

Leading the defense, Eddie Johnson had 7 tackles, 3 assists, and 1 interception.  Others completing tackles and assists were Darrell Taulbee 5 and 8; Mike Ritchie 5 and 3; Ricky Stacy 4 and 7; Teddy Warren 4 and 5; John L. Back 4 and 8; Mark Collins 4 and 1; Mark Barites 3 and 2.  Collins and Barnes had 1 fumble recovery each.

Coaches and Cats are looking for a good crowd of fans at Prestonsburg.  “We need the support,” they added.

The Jackson Times, September 20, 1979, page 13

In September 1979, the Picnic Hill “gang” and the football community celebrated Jennifer Dale Hilton’s first birthday. Coach and Jan Hilton invited friends from the community to their home on Picnic Hill, and they all celebrated together (after football practice, of course.)

Prestonsburg – September 21, 1979 – Loss 8 – 10

Cats face Clay Co. Friday in district game

Last minute field goal gives P’burg 10-8 win over Breathitt County

Coach Hilton’s Bobcats are 2-4 at this point in the season, but they are hopeful of changing that that this Friday night when they meet Clay County in an away district game.

It is well known that Clay County has at least one good running back.  They’re a big team, and they’re going to be trying hard for a victory Friday night.  David Back, though, is optimistic for his team.  “I think we can beat Clay County,” he said, “and maybe the following two games.  If we keep on playing like we did against Prestonsburg, we’ll win some ball games.”

In spite of a very strong defense and some excellent playing by individuals, Prestonsburg overcame the Breathitt club 10-8.  Even so, “It was the best game we have played all year,” explained Coach Hilton.

“We were up for the game. We were sky high,” he added. “We were hurting some on offense because we couldn’t get much going,” said Coach Hilton, “but I have high praise for our defense team. We held them to the last eight seconds of the game.”

During those last seconds, Prestonsburg climaxed a drive which had begun back on their 15-yard line with 5:47 remaining in the game.  From that point on, they possessed the ball except for one play when Scott Noble intercepted a pass.  On six first downs, they moved the ball to Breathitt’s 8-yard line, and there were 13 seconds left in the game.

Dwayne Rodebaugh, a senior who has been kicking for Prestonsburg since the 8th grade, stepped up and kicked a field goal giving his team a two-point margin in the final 10-8 score.

Early in the second half, Rex Turner put the Bobcats on the board with an 80-yard touchdown he engineered.  Prestonsburg kicked off at the beginning of the second half when Rex got the ball and returned through the middle of the field scoring the Bobcats only T.D. Glen Patrick scored the P.A.T.

“We just ran the kickoff back,” said Milton. “We had worked on it all year trying to get the right people back there.  We started Rex that night at offensive halfback, and he got a little experience there.  At the start of that second half, he grabbed hold of that kickoff and the first thing we knew he had scored.”

Hilton added there was some excellent blocking helping him (Rex) along.  Teddy Warren got two excellent blocks.  Jeff Gabbard and Derrick McKnight as well as the front line all got good blocks.  “They just hit in the right spot to open things up and Rex took off,” added Hilton.

Prestonsburg lost no time in getting the game off in their favor.  Following Darrell Taulbee’s opening kickoff, the Black Cats worked the hall right down for a T.D. with 7:06 left in the first quarter. 

“After that our defense settled down and played an awfully good game,” observed Hilton.

He said he felt Teddy Warren played a “super” game.  “He probably played the best game he has ever played.”  The coach said some of the referees commented to him that Teddy was one of the best hitting young men they had ever seen.

With 10 tackles and 5 assists, Warren was the leading defensive player.  Following closely behind him was Eddie Johnson with 9 tackles and 7 assists.  For David Back it was 9 and 5; Darrell Taulbee 8 and 6; Mike Ritchie 5 and 4.  Jeff Gabbard recovered a fumble.

The leading rushers were Glen Patrick who carried the ball 19 times for 64 yards.  Mark Barnes was 3 for 8.

Mike Watts completed one pass for 7 yards, and on the receiving end John Paul Chapman caught one for 15 yards.

Mark Collins made a fine contribution to the team with his punting.  He put Prestonsburg way back with his five punts consisting of 30, 33, 37, 41 and 23 yards.

Friday night the club will be in Clay County for a district game.  The boys and coaches appreciate the fans who have supported them in the rain and the sunshine.  They invite each and all to accompany them to Manchester Friday night.  The boys all say, “The more fans the better we play.”  Three of the 4 games they’ve lost have been by a total of 5 points.  The team feels they can beat Clay County.  Your support would help.

The Jackson Times, September 27, 1979, page 14

Clay County – September 28, 1979 – Win 40 – 0

Cats crush Clay County winning a district game

Thanks to some good offensive drives and a fired-up defense, the Bobcats shut out Clay County Friday night 42-0.  “Any time you shut out anybody on their own field, it’s bound to be a big plus,” said Coach Hilton.

In fact, Clay County did not come close to scoring in spite of the fact that several young and inexperienced Bobcats got in the game.  Every player who went to the game saw some action.  The fourth quarter was played mostly by freshmen and sophomores who made quite a record for themselves, scoring 22 points.

Now 1 and 1 in district games, the Bobcats are 3-4 in their season record.  In their series of 4 away games, they have lost one and won one.  Friday night, they’ll be taking on the Yellow Jackets in Whitesburg. 

“Whitesburg probably has the best record of any team we have played so far,” observed Hilton.  Now 5-2, they are a young ball club but have at least two large tickets.  One weighs in at no less than 265 pounds, and the other is 240.  Last week, they beat a strong Fleming-Neon 19-0.

Clay County made several turnovers early in the Friday night game, and alert Breathitt took advantage of most of them.  The first time Breathitt had the ball, for example, Clay County’s defense held the line.  Mark Collins executed a good 30-yard punt.  Clay dropped the ball, which Rick Stacy recovered, giving Breathitt really good field position.  The offensive team started its drive from 8 yards out, and Glen Patrick scored the first T.D. with 5:57 left in the first quarter.  He also scored the P.A.T.

Clay continued making mistakes, which the Cats continued to capitalize.  There was another T.D. in the first quarter and one in the second for a 20-0 half-time score.

In the rushing category, Clay County gained only 3 yards during the entire first hall and 24 passing yards during the same time.  During the course of the game, they fumbled the ball 9 times and lost 5 of them.

Scoring two T.D.’s in the 4th quarter, freshman Derek McKnight did a super job.  They were scored from two and five yards, respectively.  Stevie Stanford, another freshman, quarterbacked the last round of play.  “And it was mostly freshmen in the backfield,” explained Hilton.  “And a lot of freshmen on the line.”

He said he thought Mike Watts did a good job as quarterback.  One of the Clay County coaches said he was as good as any quarterback they had seen on short passes.

In addition to Glen and Derek, others who scored were David Back, Mike Ritchie, and Jerry Deaton.  Ritchie carried the ball two times for a total of 60 yards.  One of the exciting moments in the game was when he scored his 54-yard T.D.  P.A.T.’s were scored by Glen Patrick, Mike Watts, and Steve Collins.

Following Ritchie, the leading ball carrier was Glen Patrick, who carried 15 times for 45 yards.  Derek McKnight covered 44 yards on 13 carries, and David Back had 8 carries for 19 voids.

Mike Watts completed 8 of 21 passes.  John Paul Chapman caught 6 for 61 yards, and Bucky Deaton caught 1 for 6.

Teddy Warren led the defense again with 7 tackles and 2 assists.  David Back was 5 and 1; Mike Kichie 4 and 3; Scott Noble 3 and 0; Mark Collins 3 and 1.

Recovering fumbles for the Bobcats were Ricky Stacy, John Paul Chapman, Mark Collins, Kevin Collins (who ran about 30-plus yards), and Darrell Taulbee.

Pass interceptions were made by Eddie Johnson and Steve Stanford.

The Jackson Times, October 4, 1979, page 10

Whitesburg – October 5, 1979 – Win 22 – 11

Cats improve record to 4-4 with Whitesburg victory

Mark Barnes broke loose for a 60-yard run in the second quarter of the Whitesburg-Breathitt game Friday night to help the Bobcats defeat their host 22-11.

The action started on a hand off and Mark took the ball right up the middle before he was brought down on Whitesburg’s 36-yard line. John Paul Chapman then carried the ball for 15 yards, and on a pass from quarterback Mike Watts Barnes took the ball on in for a touchdown. The 60-yard run was Barnes’ longest and the T.D. was his first.

Beating Whitesburg, the Bobcats have now won two in a row and their record is 4-4.

Whitesburg got on the score board early in the first quarter.  Being unable to move the ball on their 3 downs they kicked a field goal on their 4th down making the score 3-0.

As in the past few games the defense played a super game. “I feel like we controlled the game defensively,” said Hilton. “In fact, I feel our defense played a top-notch game throughout.”

The defense is due some commendation for a good field position allowing Derek McKnight to score the first touchdown from 6 yards out.  That gave Breathitt a three-point advantage in the 6-3 score.

Picking up a fumble, Derek also scored the second T.D. on a 24-yard run. David Back completed the two-point conversion pushing the score to 14-3.

The Bobcats soundly outplayed Whitesburg. The Yellow Jackets scored the first and last points and everything in between went to B.H.S.  Whitesburg scored their total of 11.  Their T.D. was scored against Breathitt’s young freshmen team.

Whitesburg made some expensive turnovers, and the Breathitt guys were on top of the situations with intercepted passes and fumble recoveries.  At the close of the first quarter, for example, Mark Collins intercepted a pass and ran it almost for a touchdown—lacking only five yards.  Scott Noble and Teddy Warren also completed interceptions. ‘‘People are trying to pass now since they can’t run,” said Hilton. “These young people such as Mark and Scott are really coming along for us in the secondary.  Of course, we know Teddy can play there. He’s been doing it for three years.’’

All of Whitesburg’s turnovers didn’t happen accidentally. The defense caused some of them. “The Bobcats hit those Yellow Jackets so hard they couldn’t hold to a ball,” observed one fan.

On two different occasions, for instance, Teddy Warren hit the kicker extremely hard.  On one occasion, he caused the ball to be fumbled which Breathitt recovered.

Fumble recoveries were made by Derek McKnight, Wade Turner, Robert Swartzentruber, Scott Noble, Jimmy Campbell, and John Paul Chapman.

Leading rushers in the game included Mark Barnes who carried the ball 6 times for 70 yards.  Glen Patrick had 16 carries for 56 yards, and David Back had 7 for 23.

Mike Watts completed 5 of 12 passes.

Leading the tacklers were John Lewis Back with 5 tackles and 5 assists. Teddy Warren had 5 tackles; Mike Ritchie completed 5 tackles and 2 assists. For Eddie Johnson, it was 5 and 4; David Back 4 and 2, and three tackles each for Robert Swartzentruber, Mark Barnes, Robert Childrers, and Scott Noble.

Friday night the Bobcats will take on M. C. Napier in an away game. The game will start at 6:00 rather than the usual starting time of 8:00. Even though M.C. Napier has lost 6 games and won only 1, the team is capable of beating almost any team on their schedule with a given set of circumstances. “They should not be underestimated,” urged Coach Hilton.

The Jackson Times, October 11, 1979, page 16

M. C. Napier – October 12, 1979 – Win 44 – 0

Bobcats scalp Navajos 44-0

The Bobcats ended their series of road games in high style Friday night as they shut out M.C. Napier 44-0.  Having won three of their four road games, the Bobcat will be playing at home the following two Fridays as they wind up this year’s football season.

Friday night, they will host Estill County, one of the better teams in Eastern Kentucky.  For the last three years, the Bobcats have defeated the Engineers.  It was a difficult task last year however, as attested by the 13-7 score.

In the M.C. Napier game, it was a game of “firsts” in some ways.  John Paul Chapman scored his first T.D.  So did Mike Watts.  It was the first time the team had scored as many as 44 points in a game this season.  It was the first time Wess Robinson did so much kicking – did it all except the first.  And it was the first time the team won 3 games in a row.

John Lewis Back opened the game with the kickoff and M.C. Napier took over on their 40-yard line.  Being unable to get a first down, they attempted a punt, which Lewis blocked.  Breathitt recovered on their 47.  Following one play and a penalty on Breathitt and Napier, the ball was placed on Napier’s 46-yard line.  From there, quarterback Mike Watts completed a 15-yard pass to John Paul Chapman, who scored his and the game’s first touchdown with 5:13 left in the first quarter.

On the Cats’ first play of their next possession, David Back broke lost with 2:00 remaining and scored the second T.D.  Glen Patrick was successful with the PAT and the score stood at 14-0.

On the very first play and before a minute had ticked off in the second quarter, Mike Walts completed a spectacular 65-yard run for a T.D.  On a pass from Steve Stanford, Bucky Deaton completed the P.A.T. and the score was 22-0.

Only three minutes rolled by when Mark Barnes intercepted a pass and executed a 52-yard run for another 6 points.

Closer to the end of the 1st half, the Breathitt guys took over on their 30 and steadily moved the ball to Napier’s 40.  From there, Glen Patrick got the ball and literally fought his way through Napier’s defense for another T.D.  David Back scored the P.A.T., and the half-time score was 36-0.

The second half was played entirely by JV’s and freshmen.  The last T.D. was scored when Mike Watts passed to Steve Collins for a 10-yard run.  Jeff Gabbard scored the final P.A.T. for a 44-0 score.

The leading rushers were Glen Patrick, who carried 8 times for 95 yards.  Others were David Back, who had 5 for 81; Mike Watts, 4 for 86; Jeff Gabbard, 8 for 34; and Derek McKnight, 8 for 31.

Mike Watts completed 3 of 3 passes, of which 2 were T.D.’s.

John Lewis Back was the leading tackler with 6 and 3 assists.  Mark Collins, Mark Barnes, Teddy Warren, Eddie Johnson, and Tim Noble each had four tackles.  Mark Barnes intercepted a pass for a T.D.  Kevin Collins and Wade Turner had three tackles each.

The Jackson Times, October 18, 1879, page 10

Estill County – October 19, 1979 – Win 16 – 8

Bobcats blow the whistle on Estill Engineers 16-8

One of the truly exciting football games played in the state of Kentucky last weekend was played right here in Breathitt County.  It seems to be the consensus of opinion that the Bobcats played one of their best games ever as they upset visiting Estill County Friday night 16-8.  A perfect Homecoming game for the Cats.

“One of the things that’s so nice about it,” said Hilton, “Is that it was a total team effort.  It was a big game all the way around,” he added.  “We were ready to play, and we went after them.  When you play for the team and not yourself, you can win games like this.”

The Cats soundly outplayed their guests both offensively and defensively.  So impressed were some of the fans that they concluded it was the hardest fought ballgame they had ever seen played at BHS.

Quarterback Mike Watts played a fine game completing 11 of 19 passes for 187 yards.  On the receiving end were John Paul Chapman who carried the ball 6 times for 97 yards and Bucky Deaton, who was 5 for 90.

Glen Patrick had 18 carries for 87 yards.  David Back carried the ball 11 times for 41 yards.

Led by John Lewis Back and Eddie Johnson, the defense kept high scoring Robbie Wiseman in check.  He scored Estill’s only TD on a one yard run in the last quarter.  Back was responsible for 10 tackles and 3 assists; Johnson completed 9 and 1.  Ricky Stacy had 5 tackles and 4 assists; Scott Noble, 4 and 1; Mike Ritchie, 1 and 9.

Mark Collins intercepted a key pass on Estill’s 5-yard line which may have prevented the Engineers’ scoring again.

In reference to the total team effort, Coach Hilton said he felt Baker Burke and Wade Turner did a good job blocking.  David King, he said, handled one of the best men in the state.  Three or four of Chapman’s catches “were just unreal.”  He felt that Glen Patrick ran the ball well, and David Back did a good job on the defensive end.  So far as Mike Watts and Teddy Warren are concerned, there is no denying they both played super games.  His cornerbacks, Mark Collins and Scott Noble, received their coach’s commendation for playing well in their positions.

Estill started the action by kicking off to Breathitt.  The Cats took over on their 7-yard line and moved the ball 65 yards through 5 first downs before Estill took over on their 28 with 6:11 remaining in the first quarter.

The Engineers moved the ball 12 yards, then fumbled, but recovered on a 10-yard loss. They punted on their 4th down, Breathitt fumbled, and Estill recovered on the Bobcats’ 35-yard line with 2:53 left in the first quarter.

It was a potentially bad break for Breathitt, but the defense held the line.  In the remaining almost 3 minutes the Engineers moved the ball only 14 yards to Breathitt’s 21-yard line.

With 5:20 left in the 2nd quarter the Bobcats took over on their 46.  Surely but steadily, they moved the ball yard by yard closer to the goal line. There seemed no power capable of stopping them.  Bucky Deaton caught a 12-yard pass for a first down.  About 90 seconds later he caught another pass that put the ball on Estill 17-yard line.  A 16 yarder to John Paul Chapman was good for the first touchdown. Patrick ran the P.A.T. and the score was 8-0.

There was no score in the 3rd quarter.

Early in the 4th Estill recovered a Breathitt fumble on the Cats’ 10-yard line.  Four plays later Robbie Wiseman scored Estill’s only TD on a 1-yard run.

Estill kicked off and Breathitt took over on their 23rd, with 8:38 remaining in the game.  Estill appeared completely powerless to halt the indomitable spirit of the Bobcats as they threw and ran the ball right through Estill’s defense. With 4:27 left Glen Patrick scored the second TD on a two-yard pass and also completed the P.A.T. for a final score of 16-8.

Three Bobcats were mentioned in the Lexington Leader’s honor roll Tuesday for their outstanding performance in the Estill-Breathitt game.  Quotes from the paper as follows:

John Paul Chapman, senior split end caught 6 passes for 97 yards and 1 TD.  John L. Back, 6-3, 222-pound Senior noseguard had 10 solo tackles and 3 assists.  Eddie Johnson had 9 tackles and 1 assist.  He’s 5-11 and weighs 190.”

Friday night the Cats play the last game this season as they take on Cawood locally at 8:00.  Cawood has a 6-3 record.  It will be a district game.  All fans are encouraged to come out and support the Cats and enjoy the last game this season as they wind up their winning year.

The Jackson Times, October 25, 1979, page 16

Cawood – October 26, 1979 – Win 36 – 8

Breathitt ends season with Cawood victory

Coach Hilton probably vocalized the feelings of the football club, student body, and football fans throughout the county Monday afternoon when he said, “We just hate to see it all come to an end.”

Down 2-4 at one point early in the season, the Bobcats staged a comeback and ended up with a 7-4 record.  They have won their last five games.  “Just when things were going good for us,” added Hilton, “here it is all over with.”

The Cats wound up their season Friday night with Cawood when two seniors ran a total of 300 yards to pulverize Cawood 36-8.  Leading rusher Glen Patrick carried the ball 42 times for 169 yards.  David Back carried it 19 times for 131.

Soundly outplaying their guests, the Bobcats controlled the game both offensively and defensively and maintained control of the game throughout.

Following touchdowns in the second quarter by Mike Watts and David Back, the half-time score was 16-0.

Cawood fumbled the hall on their first possession following the Cats’ first T.D.  The alert Cats recovered and converted the recovery into the second touchdown.

Cawood kicked off the second half, and Breathitt took over on their 40.

On the 4th play, Cawood intercepted a pass but fumbled it.  Ricky Stacy recovered it on Cawood’s 40.  On the following 7 plays, Patrick carried the ball 6 times and on the 7th play, scored a T.D. with 6:55 left in the quarter.

In the 4th, Cawood broke loose for a 45-yard run, their only impressive play in the game.  It all happened right after Cawood intercepted a pass.

The P.A.T. was good, and the score stood at 22-8 with 10:05 remaining in the game.

Thanks to Derek McKnight, who ran the kickoff ball back about 20 yards, the ball was placed on Breathitt’s 43rd-yard line.  Yard by yard, Patrick and Back continued to push their opponent’s line until the ball was back on Cawood’s 17.

A 15-yard penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct against Cawood resulted in the ball being placed on the 2-yard line.  There was no stopping the momentum.  Another T.D. with 6:27 left put the Cats out front by 20.

Breathitt’s final drive started from Cawood’s 47-yard line, where Bucky Deaton caught their kickoff.  At the end of five plays, the Cats had moved the hall down to the 5.  With less than a minute to play the local team scored their 5th touchdown.  Robert Swartzentruber kicked the extra point, and the final score was 36-8.

Derek McKnight gained 19 yards through 4 carries, and Rex Turner was 2 for 20.

Touchdowns were scored by Mike Watts, David Back, Glen Patrick (2), and Rex Turner.  Robert Swartzentruber kicked extra points following the last two touchdowns.  Patrick ran two successful P.A.T.’s.

Mike Watts completed 3 of his 9 passes for 49 yards in the air.

Ricky Stacy headed up the defense with 8 tackles and 4 assists.  “I feel he has done a good job every night he’s played,” observed Hilton.  “He’s a consistent hall player.” Others contributing to the strong defense were Mike Ritchie with 4 tackles and 4 assists, Darrell Taulbee 3 and 6, and Teddy Warren with 3 tackles.

Hilton continues to be full of praise for his defense.  “Those boys have done a superb job all year,” he added.

Robert Swartzentruber kicked a couple of impressive field goals for his team.  It was the first time the team had tried kicking in a couple of years.

Reviewing his team’s accomplishments this year, Hilton said he felt there were at least three factors that contributed to the Cats’ winning season.  One was the strong defense.

Another was the fact the boys really wanted to win – they had the determination.  The third reason was that he had some depth on the bench.

Evidence of that was Mike Watts, who stepped in as quarterback following Rhett McKnight’s injury.  “He built confidence in the team,” said Hilton.

A bright spot of the season has to be the fact that the Breathitt guys beat teams with a real good record, one of which is Cawood.  Estill County, for example, is in the playoffs.  Whitesburg had a good season, and Lewis County ended up winning 7 games.

The Jackson Times, November 1, 1979, page 10

Post Season Awards

Four Bobcats receive honorable mention

Four Bobcats received honorable mention last week for the All-State football team.  They were Rick Stacy, John L. Back, Eddie Johnson, and Teddy Warren.

In addition to receiving state recognition through honorable mention for the All-State team, each of the above boys received local recognition for their football accomplishments at the end of the football season. 

Eddie Johnson was recognized as best defensive back, John Lewis Back, best defensive lineman, Teddy Warren, most tackles, and Rick Stacy, defensive leadership and MVP.

The Jackson Times, December 6, 1979, page 1

Football Banquet

Warrix says the sport has “Come a long way, baby”

Football heroes honored at banquet

Reminiscing about his own high school days at Breathitt High, emcee Lewis Henry Warrix appeared to express the sentiments of football fans at the football banquet Tuesday night when he philosophized, “We’re coming up in the world.  In fact, we’ve come a long way.  Baby.  And I’m proud of it.”

In its relatively young life, football at BHS has grown from a meager beginning to somewhat of a glamorous stage.  Principal Toler related how he was coaching when Coach Hilton came to Jackson as a prospective coach 5 years ago.  “In those days we had 13 little boys on the team,” said Toler.  Hilton must have seen some talent, because it was with that bunch of boys, he began his coaching responsibilities at Breathitt and proceeded to develop teams to their present very respectable status.

That accomplishment was not made by the players and coaches alone stressed Coach Hilton and Mr. Toler.  The parents have played a major role in football growth, voiced both men.  “If you don’t have your parents with you, you are not going to go very far,” said Toler. “We appreciate all the sacrifices they have made.”

Concerning this team specifically he said he was not sure what to expect so far as winning and losing when school started in the fall.  For one thing, the team had a hard act to follow after last year’s 11-0 season.  Many of the boys were relatively inexperienced.  Following the licking Leslie County gave the Breathitt Club.  Mr. Toler said he felt the team would have gone either way.  “We could very easily have fallen apart.”  Instead, he said the coaches and teams buckled down and dedicated themselves to the task ahead and came out shining like heroes.  “That’s the mark of good coaches and a good team.  I, myself, am extremely proud of them.”

Judging from the round of applause, it was evident he vocalized the sentiments of those present.

“Football is not a one-man show,” explained Hilton as he came to the podium for the first time during the program.  Expressing deep appreciation for Coaches Stanford and Gabbard he said, “We’re played 27 footballs games this year.  That’s the most games we’ve ever played in one year at Breathitt High.  We’ve put a lot of effort into the program.  We’ve stuck together, and I’m thankful for these two men for the fine job they have done this year.”  The freshmen team had a 9-0 record; the junior varsity was 6-1 and the varsity 7-4.

Referring to his varsity team, Coach Hilton said early in the season his club was 2-4 and could very easily have gone downhill.  But due to good senior leadership and hard work the team bounced back.  “Because of that, I am as proud of this young football team as any team I’ve ever stood up here and talked about,” he said.

Indicative of the team’s ability he said was the fact that only three teams on this year’s schedule had a loosing season.  The other eight enjoyed a winning season.  “We played top-quality teams,” he said.  Three of them were om the regional play offs.  “A lot of teams don’t get to play one, and here we played three.  We’re real tickled with the team we get to play,” concluded the Bobcat’s coach. 

One indication of the Bobcats’ strength was the fact they scored a total of 236 points this year.  That’s an average of 21.5 points per game.  By contrast, their opponents scored 109 points for an average of 10 per game.

Introducing his 8 senior players, Hilton summarized a few highlights of their accomplishments.  He explained that Rick Stacy, was selected defensive and offensive tackle.  His best game was with Cawood, the last in the season.  In that game Rick had 8 tackles, 4 assists, and 1 fumble recovery.

Teddy Warren, defensive safety, played his best game against Prestonsburg.  He made 10 tackles and 5 assists.

David Back, defensive end-offensive back, had his best game with Lewis County where he gained 135 yards and had two touchdowns.

Darrell Taulbee, defensive tackle, played his best game at Prestonsburg when he had 8 tackles and 6 assists.

Glen Patrick, running back, enjoyed his best game in Lewis County when he rushed for 280 yards, scored one touchdown, and 2 P.A.T.’s.

John Lewis Back, guard, played his best game in the upset of the year when the Cats downed Estill County, he had 10 tackles and 3 assists. 

Lin Davidson, unable to play this year, had his best game last year against Cumberland when he caught 3 passes for 70-yards and ran one TD.

John Paul Chapman enjoyed his best game against Estill Co. when he caught 6 passes for 95 yards and 1 TD.

The juniors included Rhett McKnight who quarter-backed 5 games before he injured himself and was unable to play for the rest of the season.  Scott Noble started as defensive back in all 11 games this year.  Mike Ritchie started as defensive linebacker in every game.  Rex Turner, on the kicking leant started a couple of games.  Mark Barnes started at defensive end and fullback. He was the only junior going both ways. 

Wade Turner started as offensive guard in every game. Bobby Hensley played guard.  Baker Burke started every game as tackle. He was also a starter last year.  Eddie Johnson was a starting linebacker in every game.  Robert Childers played on the kicking team.  Bucky Deaton started 5 games as safety and 9 games at tied end.  Mark Collins started as defensive back in every game and also punted.  David King started all year as offensive center.

Team sophomores included Mike Walls, John Couch, Charles Ray Moore, Robert Swartzentruber, David Watkins, Jim Campbell, Russ Hale, and Steve Collins.

A good group of freshmen coming along include Steve Stanford, Derek McKnight, Gary Thompson, Jeff Gabbard, Kevin Collins, Jim Stacy, Wes Robinson, Tim Noble, Tom Allen, Drake Back, Steve Thomas, Terry Strong, David O’Donnell, Glen Griffith, Greg Robinson, Parnell Francis, Ronnie Howard, Everett Jett, Wayne Moore, Ray Collins, Darren McKnight, Kevin Watts, and Terry Mullins.

Preceding the individual awards presentation, Coach Hilton said he felt the biggest award of all was having a sound, well body and being able to get out and play the game. Therefore, everybody on the team was a winner whether or not he received individual recognition.

The 1979-80 football awards were presented as follows:

Most Improved: Because he’s helped himself and the team and because of his hard work both during and before the season, we’re a much better team.  Started at defensive half back, had 29 tackles, 13 assists, 2 interceptions, and 2 fumble recoveries.  Recipient: Mark Collins.

Leading Rusher: Carried the ball 204 times for 992 yards.  Had 9 TD’s and 9 P.A.T.  He was a three-year starter and his coach said he had come a long way. Recipient: Glen Patrick. 

Best Defensive Lineman: Third leading tackler on team, on more tackles than anybody (49 assists). “Just a good football player, ” said his coach.  Recipient: John Lewis Back.

Best Defensive Back: Second leading tackler on team with 53 tackles, 35 assists, and 2 interceptions. “This boy has come a long way and thank goodness he’ll he back next year.”  Recipient: Eddie Johnson.

Best Receiver: Caught 28 passes for 397 yards for an average of 14.2.  Scored 2 touchdowns.  He set a record in passes caught in one season.  Recipient: John Paul Chapman.

Offensive Back(s): These two guys worked so hard I could not separate them observed their coach.  David Back was one recipient.  He carried the ball 125 times for 687 yards.  That’s an average of 5.5 yards per game.  Scored 6 touchdowns and 5 P.A.T.  He’s a tremendous blocker.  The other offensive back was Glen Patrick whose contributions were listed above.

Best Offensive Lineman: We used him as an example of how things should be done said Hilton.  He did things the ways they should be done.  He played a big man’s position to be a small player.  Recipient: Wade Turner.

Most Tackles: 55 tackles, 27 assists, 1 fumble recovery, and 2 interceptions.  Whomever he tackled remembered the impact a long time, joked the coach.  Recipient: Teddy Warren.

110 Percent:  We love to coach these 110% guys, said Coach Hilton.  This fellow tries hard.  When we say stop, this one goes another 10 yards.  On defense, he had 10 tackles, 10 assists, 3 fumble recoveries, and 1 interception.  On offense, he carried the ball 86 times for 34 yards. Recipient: Mark Barnes.

Offensive Leadership: We feel like this boy does a good job.  He hustles all the time, he’s just a good coachable boy.  He’s the man that gets us organized before a play, always standing out there with his hand up.  Recipient: David King.

Defensive Leadership: For two years, he has run the defensive team, he’s done a tremendous job, and I know we’re going to miss him.  Recipient: Rick Stacy.

Special Award: A starter since a sophomore and junior year, this year played defensive tackle.  Just a good defensive player.  He had 37 tackles, 44 assists, and 2 fumble recoveries.  Recipient: Darrell Taulbee.

Others who received special awards were: Glen Patrick, Ricky Stacy, David Back, Teddy Warren, and John Lewis Back.

Most Valuable Player: Always a hard decision.  This one is an all-around good player, coachable, and enjoyable to work with.  He had 45 tackles, 37 assists, and 3 tumble recoveries.  Recipient: Rick Stacy.

The Jackson Times November 15, 1979, page 12

Busy Boosters raise $15,000 for football in first year

The Football Boosters Club is celebrating its 1st birthday this month.  And it has quite a lot to celebrate in its short life.  It isn’t taking time out for much celebration, however.  Instead, it is plunging ahead with the business at hand – aiding the football program in any way possible.  Just because the competitive part of the football year is over does not mean the club goes into winter hibernation.

They are getting wound up for one of their most ambitious undertakings yet.  They have dreams of having a $20,000.00 locker-weight room combination under construction when football season opens next fall.

And is such a room ever needed!  Imagine 50 to 60 football players trying to get dressed (and then undressed) in a room designed for about 25 players.  Too, presently, the weightlifting equipment is scattered among different buildings.  It definitely needs to be centralized.  Use of the weightlifting equipment will not be limited to football players.  It will be available to any B.H.S. athlete.

The Boosters Club held its annual meeting last week following the football banquet.  At that time, they elected officers, appointed a board of directors, received a financial report, and transacted necessary business.

Al Collins will continue as president, and Boyd Noble will serve as vice president as the club moves into its second year.  The secretary and treasurer, Ester Patrick, and Bill Burke, respectively were re-elected.  Appointed to the board of directors for 2-year terms for Charles Watts and Charles Thompson.  Daniel Earl Haddix was appointed to a 1-year term to complete the unexpired term of Boyd Noble, who resigned with elected vice president.  Completing the 4-member board of directors, Alena Hale has one more year of service.

Who can be a member of the Boosters Club?  According to President Collins, “We welcome anybody who would like to join us.  We need all the help we can get.” He explained that membership dues are $10.00 annually.  Any officer or board of directors will be happy to answer questions from prospective members.  Or inquiry can be made to writing the Boosters Club, Box 85, Jackson.

For a one-year organization, the list of accomplishments is very impressive.  Their first official act was to sponsor a banquet preceding the Russell-Breathitt game last fall.  Since then, they have bought a 7-man sled, high stepper, 20 pairs of shoes, elbow and arm pads, and a pressurized water container – just to mention a few.

That all amounted to about $15,000.00.  Not bad for a 1-year-old.  How did they make that much money.  Basically they worked for it.

President Collins said the club did not like to ask for donations.  “We like to give something in return,” he said.  Some of the activities included sponsoring a New Year’s Dance, selling ads, conducting rummage sales, and operating a booth at the Honey Festival.  “It’s a year-round job,” explained Collins.  “During the winter months, we’ll be busy getting things ready for next fall.  It will take a lot of hard work to get the money for our new building.”

Among this hard-working group of citizens are about 80 regular members.  However, many businesses and citizens at large have contributed to and helped with the Boosters’ Club activities.  Vocalizing the feelings of all the members, President Collins said, “We certainly want to express deep appreciation to all who have contributed to our efforts. We thank them sincerely.”

The Jackson Times, November 22, 1979, page 8

Boosters Selling Bobcat Print

Breathitt County Football Boosters Club offered for sale this week for the first time the official 16 x 20 Breathitt Bobcat print thanks to the generosity of the First National Bank of Jackson and Ruby O’Donnell Haiflich, a local artist.  Mrs. Haflich donated her original Bobcat painting centered on an outline map of Breathitt County, and First National Bank paid for file printing.

The beautiful print, and of course every loyal Bobcat fan will want one, sells for $15.00, and the Boosters will use the proceeds for their project of making improvements at the football stadium.  The club has plans for extensive additions at the stadium to make the facility bigger and better for the fine Bobcat gridiron teams and their hundreds of loyal fans.

The vicious-looking Bobcat is growling ferociously in living color, and the outline map of the county is done in Bobcat blue.  To make the print even more appealing to Bobcat fans, the print is signed by all of Breathitt High School’s fine coaches: Dudley Hilton, John Gabbard, Jack Stanford, Joyce C. Mayes, and James Turner.

J. Phil Smith, President of the First National Bank and Parkway Branch, said he was “very pleased” with the print and happy to be able to make a contribution to the football program, which means a lot to the school and to the community, too.  “I feel football adds a lot to our community spirit here in Jackson,” he added.  “People enjoy it so much.”

The Breathitt Bobcat print can be seen locally at Jackson 5 & 10 (The Ben Franklin Store), Lena’s Jeans & Things, J. K. Murphy’s Studio, Quality Home Supply, Old Country Inn, Karat Korner, JoRay Flowers & Gifts and The Jackson Times.  These fine businesses are assisting the Boosters Club with the sale.  Remember, all proceeds go to the Boosters Club to benefit the football program at Breathitt High.

May we suggest the Bobcat print as a last-minute gift suggestion!

The Jackson Times, December 20, 1979, page 18

Football Appreciation Day

The word is out that the folks at Jackson Christian Church are all excited about their Sunday doings this week. They have designated this coming Sunday as Football Appreciation Day.

That means they have invited all the football players, parents, coaches and school administrators to a potluck dinner in their church at 12:30 following morning services. They also extend an invitation to anyone who so desires to attend their morning worship services.

Who’s going to provide all the food for that many people? The church members. They have done things of this nature in the past and think nothing of taking on another big event.

Furthermore, the church promises a small gift for each of the players.

Coach Lichtenburg from Morehead will be the banquet speaker.  An outstanding Christian athlete, he is no newcomer to Jackson. He was here more than once in the process of recruiting and signing Danny Back to the Morehead Football Squad.

Ihe church has gone all-out in an effort to show its appreciation lor the players as individuals and the team as a whole.  “We hope we can have a real good turnout” said Pastor Bill Hancock who hardly missed a game during the season. “We have tried to plan an event that will let the players and coaches know that we really do appreciate them.”

Lichtenburg has been an inspiration to the football players at Morehead since he accepted the head coaching position there last spring. “Coach Lichtenberg came in here and talked about the positive things,” wrote one commentator, “he made our players believe that they have a chance to win every game they play.”  Under his coaching Morehead had its first winning season since 1973.

The Christian Church feels he can be the same inspiration to the Bobcats as he was to the Morehead players.

Letters have gone out, a lot of work has been done (and more will be), and the call to all football players and their parents is loud and dear- U All come.

The Jackson Times, November 29, 1979, page 8

1979 ended not like the coaches and team wanted. They won seven of their eleven games and closed the year on a five-game winning streak. The team graduated eight seniors who were some of the first veterans of the Hilton system. Work finally got rolling on the new locker room expansion in late 1979. Breathitt football was once again on the move, but the players were not happy to have missed the playoffs.

“It just didn’t go the way we wanted it,” a 1979 team member said. “We wanted the success that we had experienced the year before, but we found our own kind of success. That team was closer than any I ever played on, and they were all my brothers.”

And brothers, they will always remain- tied together by the shared experience of being members of the 1979 Breathitt High School Bobcat football team.

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© 2023 Stephen D. Bowling