By Stephen D. Bowling

We continue an extended look at the games and events of the seasons of Breathitt Football. This week, we explore 1984 and a new head coach.

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Mike Holcomb entered his second year as head coach of the Breathitt High School football team with high hopes. His 1983 team finished the year with an 8-4 record, but he was most pleased with the progress they made at key spots. Hours in the weight room by his running backs and lots of work by the quarterbacks and the kicking team gave Holcomb hope for more great things in 1984. He added two new coaches after the departure of Gene Peterson at the end of the 1984 school year.

Holcombs added greater emphasis on personal development and individual effort in the weight room. He and his staff encouraged the growing trend of weightlifting competitions and allowed his players to participate in many events.

Three way weight lifting win for Bobcats

The meet provides some in-between seasons activities for the football players who continue working out year-round.

There is also a little socializing that goes between the teams, said coach Holcomb, that is not possible during season games.  While there is some competition between teams in the meets, there is also individual competition with “yourself,” Holcomb pointed out.

This is the first weightlifting contest the Bobcats have competed in this year; the results are as follows.  The figure presented here is the individual’s total in deadlift and bench press.  The following are all winners in their weight division.

119-124 division, Eddie Strong, 470;

135-145 division, David Arrowood, 570;

145-155 division, Ray Baker, 565;

165-175 division, John Cable was second with 545;

175-185 division.  Randy Couch tied with Bark Campbell of Hazard at 630;

205-220 division, John Adkins, 700;

220 and up, Rickey Brewer, 930.

Others who participated had the following scores: Chris Swetnam 500, Ronald Combs 480, Albert Howard 510, Dallas Warren 590, Curtis Watts 540, Keith Couch 520, Paul Turner 590, Porter Henson 480, Dennis Cornett 540, Mike Bailey 570, and Steve Holland 500.

Breathitt Bobcats hosted a weightlifting contest this week and came out of it in first place.  Participating in the meet, besides Breathitt, were Hazard and Knox Central of Barbourville.

Breathitt had a total of 45 points; Hazard was second with 33, and Knox Central came in third with 32 points.

The Jackson Times, February 16, 1984, page 14

Ricky Brewer sets state record in powerlifting

Ricky Brewer has done it again.  He’s won another state high school powerlifting contest.

Saturday, he went to Louisville and walked away with the three top honors in the heavyweight division.  He not only came out on top in the bench press and deadlift, but he also set a new record.

He benched 420 and broke the state record.  Lifting 575 in the dead life category, he came out in first place there, also.

His third trophy was in recognition of his coming out on top overall in the heavyweight division.

The action took place at Moore High School in Louisville on Saturday, where approximately 150 participants gathered for the power man contest.

David Arrowood was the other delegate from Breathitt, and he placed 6th in his division of 148 down.  “Ricky’s dedication to getting strong has reaped benefits for him,” pointed out coach Holcomb.  “We hope this will motivate other kids in our program and help people coming up,” he continued.

Rich said he had not stuck with the weight-lifting program just for the sake of lifting weights.  “I’ve done it to make me a better football player,” he stated.  “First and foremost, I’m a football player,” he stressed.  “I lift weights to play better.”

Ricky said he had enjoyed his experience of going to the contest in Louisville.  He said he got to meet other players and coaches.  “I got to meet some big names in the football program,” he concluded.

The Jackson Times, April 5, 1984, page 11

The Breathitt County Football Boosters continued their work as well. In 1984, they scheduled 15 events, with the annual May horse show as their primary fundraiser for the year.

Breathitt Horse Show scheduled May 4-5

Breathitt County will host the biggest horse show in Southeast Kentucky this spring.  That’s the word from Sue Bailey, president of the Boosters Club that is sponsoring the horse show.

It will be both bigger and better than last year.  There will, for example, be 13 more classes than last season.  Because of the improvements made, the event jumped from a 2-A show to a 4-A one.

“We’re very pleased to be able to provide the good horse show that we’ll have,” said Mrs. Bailey.  “We hope people will come out to support and enjoy it.”

The show will be held on two different days.  It will start May 4 at 7:00 p.m.  On the 5th, action will begin at 4:00 p.m.  As usual, the show will take place at Breathitt High Football Field.

Community support for the show has been good, according to Mrs. Bailey.  “We just could not have done it without the help of our sponsors,” she explained.  “On behalf of the club, I want to thank all of them,” she added.

There will be a total of 45 show classes.  Each class has been sponsored by a business, organization, or individual.  The two most expensive classes of $500.00 are sponsored by the First National Bank and Pedigree Associates, Inc.

The first-place winners of these classes will receive a silver wine cooler and a cash prize of $200.00 each.

All profit made through the horse show will go to the B.H.S. football program, explained Mrs. Bailey.  The Boosters’ Club is hopeful that enough can be made to finish paying off the indebtedness on the weight room.  When that is done, the club can turn its attention to other football needs.

The invitation from all Booster Club members and Don Ison, horse show chairman, is to reserve the evening of May 4 and the afternoon of May 5 for one of Breathitt’s County’s largest events, its annual horse show.  They encourage people to write family members living away to tell or remind them about the show.  It would be a good time for a spring visit, club members point out.

The Jackson Times, April 26, 1984, page 1

Scholarships

In the Spring of 1984, the hard work and effort exhibited by several members of the 1983 BHS football team paid off.

Rickey Brewer signed a National Letter of Intent to play football with the Murray State University Racers. Coach Mike Clark signed Brewer and awarded him a scholarship at 8:05 a.m. on the morning of February 8, 1984, at Brewer’s home on Highway 205.

Coach Mike Holcomb said he was “very pleased with the honor Rickey has received.” “He is very deserving,” added Holcomb, “because he’s worked hard on his own and has made a lot of personal sacrifices. Furthermore, he’s a good student and a fine individual.”

“Rickey’s having signed a national letter of intent is a big plus for our program,” observed coach Holcomb.  “The whole coaching staff and entire school are extremely happy for Rickey.  We hope that this is the beginning of a tradition that will continue here at Breathitt High.”

Rickey, the son of O.G. and Ina Brewer, told The Jackson Times that he would “like to thank coaches Holcomb, Peterson, Gabbard, Chapman, and Dudley Hilton of Bell County for coaching him, giving him a chance to play, and helping him with his problems.”

 “I would also like to thank those friends and teammates who believed in me and supported me from the beginning. But most of all, I want to thank my family for believing in me, putting up with me, and sacrificing a lot for me.  They made it all possible for me.  I realize there aren’t many families that would make these sacrifices for their son.  I would just like to tell them that I appreciate it, and I love them.”

In February 1984, David Warren accepted an offer from Georgetown College to continue his academic career and play football at the school in Scott County. A distinguished tackle during his four years at BHS, Warren received numerous awards, including Best Offensive Lineman and Best Defensive Player. The Cat’s Paw magazine listed Warren as one of the state’s top prospects following the 1983 season.

“This is another plus for our program here at Breathitt High,” Coach Mike Holcomb said. “We hope we can continue to put boys in college programs.”

Warren, the son of Alan and Betty Warren of Whick, was a member of the National Honor Society, the BHS Student Council, Who’s Who in America High Schools, and carried a 4.0 grade point average at Breathitt. He told friends that he looked forward to joining several former BHS players at Georgetown and said that he would feel right at home with Mark and Kevin Collins and Bucky Deaton, who are students there but not on the football team.

In mid-May of 1984, Roger Stamper made an official visit to Georgetown College and liked what he saw there. He returned to Breathitt and signed a letter of intent. He accepted a four-year scholarship offer from the school to play football as a Tiger.

“I liked everything about the school,” Stamper said. “I think it’s high academically.”

Stamper was recognized numerous times during his career as a Bobcat running back. In 1984, he was chosen as the Honey Bowl Most Valuable Player and had previously been recognized as the Best Running Back. He also received acclaim for his efforts on the baseball field as well.

“I think he is very deserving of it,” Coach Mike Holcomb said. “He’s an outstanding person as well as a fine football player.” Coach Holcomb added that having three of his players sign with major colleges is a good “reflection on the boys themselves and the football program at Breathitt High.”

Weightlifting clubs challenge athletes

At this time of year, most people are not thinking about football.  For the majority, it’s probably baseball right now.

Football, however, seems to be very much on the minds of some people- especially football players at Breathitt High.  It’s not football games, of course, at this season of the year, but it is preparation for games- preparation that’s made in the weightlifting room where day after day, the football team is there lifting weights, developing muscles, and building stamina.

Team members don’t have to wait until this fall to be aware of their accomplishments.  There are three recognition clubs to which they can gain membership depending on the boys’ accomplishments.  For example, there’s the Bobcat Club, the 1,000 Pound Club, and the Super Bobcat Club.  To be a member of the Bobcat Club, a boy must bench press 250 pounds or one times his body weight; squat lift 350 or 1 Vt times his body weight; and deadlift 400 pounds or two times his body weight.

Freshmen members of the Bobcat Club are Mike Bailey and Greg Deaton.  Sophomores include Keith Couch, Paul Turner, Eddie Strong, Ray Baker, David Arrowood, Randy Couch, Chris Swetnam, Albert Howard, Keith Gribbons, Steve Caudill, and William Boggs.

The junior class is represented by Ricky Clemons, Dallas Warren, Gary Watkins, Ronald Combs, Curtis Watts, and John Adkins,

To be a member of the 1000 Pound Club, a person’s total points from the bench, squat, and deadlift must equal 1000.  Having reached that plateau are John Adkins with 1,085 lbs.; Scott Barnett with 1,060 lbs.; David Arrowood, Steve Caudill, and William Boggs at 1,000 lbs. each.

Only two boys are members of the Super Bobcat Club.  They are David Arrowood and Dallas Warren.  To earn that membership, they had to bench 1 1/4 times their body weight, squat lift twice their weight, and deadlift 2 1/2 times what they weighed.

Coach Holcomb said he was pleased with the interest his players are showing in the weightlifting program, a program he thinks will bear fruit in the ’84 football season.

One nice feature of the program is that no one is in competition with anyone else.  It is a self-improvement program.  “If there is any competition,” said coach Holcomb, “It is with self to make every day a little better than the previous one.”

The Jackson Times, May 17, 1984, page 12

KDE Changes

In April 1984, a general discussion at the Breathitt County Board of Education’s monthly meeting turned controversial as the Board reviewed the practice of having students “condition during school.” The discussion was sparked by a presentation by members of the Kentucky Department of Education’s Accreditation Committee. In the weeks that followed, the discussion of athletics during the school day proved to be one of the major topics for discussion around Jackson.

The Board met again on May 21, 1984, to conduct their regular business, but many attended interested in the impact the new National Education Foundation recommendation would have on Breathitt’s sports programs. Principal Bill Toler and every athletic coach at Breathitt attended the meeting and “were on hand to dispute the charge that participating in athletic training during school hours weakens a student’s academic achievement level.”

Principal Bill Toler, who believes athletics and academics complement each other, spoke at the meeting and cited the number of student-athletes who are now in college because of sports. He said that three of the top four students in academics are also athletes. “Those students who participate in athletics, the band, and the Army R.O.T.C. programs are your leaders,” he told the Board and members of the accreditation committee.

Coach Holcomb echoed Toler and told those at the meeting that “at least three, and maybe six, football players will be going on to college this fall on full scholarships.” 

“We are all part of the same team,” Toler said. “We are a rural school.  We are here to serve the children up the hollow.” Toler said he wished those who wanted athletic programs moved to after-school hours had to “ride the bus from Barwick, put in seven hours at the high school, and then ride back home.”

After some discussion, Toler agreed to “make some changes” in the coaches’ teaching schedules to abide by the rules of the National Educational Association.  According to Toler, coaches would teach a full load of six hours per day, incorporating physical education classes for any student into their two-hour daily training period during the off-season months. Toler said required the coaches to forfeit their planning period, but he said they were willing to keep the training during school hours.

Summer Youth Camp

Breathitt Football Camp

Coach Holcomb, his football staff, and volunteers recently completed a football camp for local aspiring football players.

“We were pleased with the camp,” observed Holcomb. “We thought the boys who enrolled were serious about football,” he continued, “and think they were able to develop some understanding of and skills in the sport.”

Enrollment was limited to grades 5-9 during the coming school year.

The young athletes received training in several football positions including receiver, quarterback, running back, defensive back, and line backers. The boys also had the opportunity to work out some in the weightlifting room where they received training in proper weightlifting techniques.

Coach Collins, newest member of the B.H.S. coaching staff, said he felt the camp introduced the boys to Breathitt’s style of football, and that alone was a valuable part of the week’s experience, he said.

Held June 18-22, the camp was the third of its kind to help young boys in the county increase their understanding of and develop skills in the game of football.

The Jackson Times, August 2, 1984, page 12

Peterson Resigns

Gene Peterson helped coach Breathitt High School football under two coaches: Dudley Hilton and Mike Holcomb.  When he was hired in 1981, the Breathitt County Board of Education assigned him to teach industrial arts at BHS.  With a bachelor’s degree from MSU, Peterson gained admission to the Master’s program at Morehead.

Peterson taught at Breathitt and, in the evenings, attended Morehead classes to earn his Master’s degree.  He enjoyed teaching drafting and industrial arts and focused on furniture design and construction.  As the school year ended in May 1984, Peterson and his first-year woodworking class students displayed their work in the Lobby of Breathitt High School.

“These are the finest projects that have come from Breathitt High,” Peterson told the local newspaper.  “I’m extremely pleased with this evidence of what the students have accomplished this year.” Peterson told faculty members that the final products were great, but the most important impact the projects had was to build “confidence in themselves and an increased self-worth” for having planned and completed their work.

The students told the newspaper that Coach Peterson allowed them to follow their own course in class. “He supported us and helped us be creative in our own way,” a student said. He guided us as we turned rough lumber into something we can keep forever.” Many of the projects were entered into a Project Fair at Morehead State University. The students expressed their appreciation for Coach Peterson and his dedication to them.

The community liked Coach Peterson too. He was in his third year at Breathitt and, despite his busy schedule, had been accepted as “one of the guys” around Jackson. Many at the high school were shocked when Peterson announced in June 1984 that he would leave Breathtit for a new position at the end of the school year. The journalism class at BHS offered their assessment of Peterson’s time at Breathitt in the June 7, 1984 edition of “BHS on Campus” printed in The Jackson Times. “He has been appreciated by teachers and students and will be greatly missed by all.” The students offered their thanks and hope for Peterson, saying, “Good Luck, Coach Peterson.”

New Assistants

Collins new assistant football coach

Superintendent Eugene Sebastian of Breathitt County School system has announced the addition of Jonathan David Collins as assistant football coach and instructor in Industrial Arts at Breathitt County High School for the coming year.

Collins was born at Homeplace Hospital at Ary in Perry County. He graduated from Tates Creek High School in Lexington and received his BS in Industrial Arts Education from Eastern Kentucky University.

While at Tates Creek, he played four years under the well-known tutelage of Coach Roy Walton during which time the team accumulated 35 wins and only four losses. In addition to his duties in the Industrial Arts section at Breathitt High he will also become an assistant football Coach under head coach Mike Holcomb.

Collins indicated he is fond of weightlifting, and this should add an additional boost to this activity which has been growing in popularity among the athletes at Breathitt High. In addition to weightlifting he enjoys reading scientific magazines and periodicals. In addition to these hobbies, he is fond of cooking and traveling. He also admits to being a Kentucky Wildcat fan totally plus his love and admiration for the football program at Eastern Kentucky University led by Coach Roy Kidd.

Collins was extremely enthusiastic with his opportunity to join the Breathitt County school system. He said he felt like he was returning home. His parents, Thomas P. and Treva Collins, are natives of Breathitt County now retired and presently living in Lexington. In addition to his parents, he has an older sister Rebecca McFarlan who also graduated from EKU and Northern Kentucky University.  She presently resides in Fort Thomas.

His younger brother, William G. Collins, just graduated from Lafayette Senior High in Lexington and plans to enter Eastern Kentucky University this fall.

His older brother Thomas R. Collins has an English degree from UK and resides in Lexington where he is employed by Northwestern Mutual.

In visiting with Collins, he stated “The Breathitt County High School and entire system is as fine a facility as I have ever seen, and the football program gets a tremendous amount of support. I think working here will be one of the best experiences of my life.”

“Breathitt County football gets the deepest respect of the Lexington schools and that’s very uncommon for Eastern Kentucky schools.”

That’s right, young ladies, he is single, is smart, loves sports, children, and loves to cook. He displays an outgoing personality and sense of humor, and from his picture you can see he is a nice-looking young man.

The Jackson Times welcomes you to Jackson and to Breathitt County.

The Jackson Times, June 7, 1984, page 18

Russell to play Bobcats in Honey Bowl

The 1984 Honey Festival Weekend will be kicked off this year with the Honey Bowl Football Game, in which the Bobcats will take on powerful Russell Friday night.

Coach Holcomb said he felt very fortunate to get Russell for an early season game.  As he pointed out, the team will bring a large following, and the game should get the Festival off to an exciting start.

The game is one of several interesting features that are shaping up for the 7^th Annual Honey Festival.  Another exciting development is the fact that Sen. Walter D. Huddleston will serve as Grand Marshal for the Saturday parade that will begin at 1:00 p.m.

And speaking of the parade, let it be pointed out that the Festival committee feels parade support is one way the whole community can get involved in the Festival to make it an exciting event in the county that was designed to be.

In the Monday night Festival meeting, the need for additional floats was highlighted.  It was stressed that floats need not be elaborate.  Participation is the big thing.  All civic groups, churches, businesses, and government agencies such as the Health Department, Extension, Soil Conservation, Corp of Engineers, and others are encouraged to enter a float.

The positive role the Festival has played for Breathitt County was also mentioned.  “The Festival has definitely put Breathitt County on the map,” said one committee member.  “People have heard about us in a positive light,” she continued.  “Many people have been here simply because of the Festival.”

The consensus was that the entire county should support the Festival wholeheartedly because the entire county benefits from it.

Any person or group that would like to have an entry in the parade should contact Mildred Rogers at the Head Shed on Broadway.

Kick-Off Dinner

One part of the Festival that is fast approaching a deadline is the nomination for outstanding citizens to be recognized at the kick-off dinner.

Anybody can make a nomination in one of the following fields: religion, education, civic involvement, and business.  The nomination should be written in letter form.  There is no form or specific outline to follow.  All nominations are due August 10.  Nominations should be sent to Kick-Off Dinner Committee, Box 764, Jackson, Kentucky 41339.

“We hope every person in the county realizes he or she can make a nomination,” stressed Mildred Rogers, vice-chairman of the Festival.  The following discussion emphasized that there are many, many outstanding people in the community deserving of outstanding citizen recognition.  “They can only be recognized if they’re nominated,” stressed Rogers.

New and traditional events

The Festival committee pointed out that the Festival will feature traditional and new events this year.  Some of the same musicians, exhibitors, food booths, and special features (such as the Falcon strip mine tour) will be back again.  At the same time, there will be new and different entertainment, some new food booths, and new exhibitors.  One new activity will be hot-air balloon rides.

From all indications, this 7th annual Festival promises to be as fun and exciting as the others have been.  The committee urges all local people to write out-of-county relatives and friends urging them to be sure to reserve Labor Day Weekend for Jackson, Kentucky, where a truly entertaining festival will be taking place.

The Jackson Times, July 19, 1984, page 1

1984 Cheerleaders

BHS Cheerleaders get ready for season

Football season is fast approaching at Breathitt High School, and the Breathitt High Cheerleaders have been busy this summer preparing for the upcoming season.

Several morning and afternoon practice sessions have been held during the summer under the direction of Gymnastics Coach Johnny Keene and Sponsor Karen Griffith.  These practices have been used for preparing group cheers, sidelines and dance routines, and individual instruction in gymnastics.

These hard-working cheerleaders have also attended the National Cheerleader Association Spirit Camp at the University of Kentucky, held from July 8 through July 11.  Along with almost 600 other cheerleaders from Kentucky and surrounding states, the Bobcat cheerleaders and their mascot participated in cheer clinics, classes in jumps and partner stunts, and boogie dance.

Two new classes added this year to an always fine cheering program from NCA were Cheerobics and Choreography.  Cheerobics is a newly developed idea that combines warm-up exercises, stretches, and jumps with cheering motions set to music.  This is a fun way to exercise and properly warm up for practices or games.  In Choreography class, dance steps, chants, tumbling, partner stunts, and pyramids were combined and set to music to provide a challenge for the cheerleaders and entertainment for the audience.  This is the format that has been used in National Competitions for the last few years.

At camp this year, on Tuesday night, the BHS cheerleaders participated in Talent Night.  Along with 11 other squads, Breathitt County performed an original three-minute dance routine.  Choosing the song “Let the Music Play,” the girls performed before a large audience of instructors, cheerleaders, and parents.

The girls worked each day, learning new cheers in clinics.  Evaluations were conducted each night by the instructors.  Breathitt County received a ribbon at evaluation, finishing the four days with one outstanding and three excellent ribbons.  At the end of camp, they received a large purple ribbon naming Breathitt County a Super Squad!

The most exciting moment of each day was the awarding of Spirit Sticks.  Spirit Sticks were awarded by the instructors to the squads that exemplified the moat spirit and best sportsmanship.  This award is much coveted by the cheerleading squads and is received by the winners with great excitement.  Breathitt County received the very first Spirit Stick to be awarded at camp.  They also received the very last one to be given on the last day of camp.  This was a very exciting way to end a very rewarding camp experience much enjoyed by the Bobcat cheerleaders.  Sponsor Karen Griffith and Lauren Ann Griffith who accompanied the group.

Special recognition goes to the parents, individuals, and businesses who made it possible for us to attend camp by providing transportation and donations for tuition.

“Thank you” to Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence Jones, Mrs. Cynthia Chapman, Rose Brothers, Jackson Furniture, Quality Home Supply, Gene Bays, Pat’s Service Company, Kentucky Farm Bureau, Janie Hogg, D & M Enterprises, Hershal Branson, Michael A. Stidham, and Turner Graham Chevrolet.

A special thank you goes to Mrs. Charlotte Toler, who provided transportation and acted as chaperone on the first day and night of camp.

The Jackson Times, July 26, 1984, page 12

Practice

Bobcats prepare for ’84 football season

There they were sweating, running, exercising, encouraging each other, and working out in their positions.  It was all part of the action at Breathitt High Football Field this week as the football team got itself in shape for the upcoming season.       

It may still be too hot for the average person to think of football, but not the Bobcats.  The season officially opens on August 17 in an away game with Nelson County.  (That’s only three weeks away, folk).  The Cats intend to be ready for It even if they are having to practice in 90 degrees plus temperatures.

The team has already had one week of conditioning and is now into regular practice, according to Coach Holcomb.  He said he has about 50 on the vanity team and is expecting a large freshman enrollment when school starts.  Freshmen are not required to come in for pre-season practice.

“The team is falling into the swing of things,” said Holcomb, “and everybody is working hard.  In fact, we can see improvement every day.”

He added that he felt the team was getting more excited with each day of practice as the season draws that much nearer.  “To be competitive, the boys know they have to work hard, be fundamentally sound, and keep their discipline on the field,” added Holcomb.  He stressed that the team was not only working hard but has a good attitude about practice and the approaching season.

Having lost 11 seniors to graduation last year, Holcomb said he was beginning the season with basically an inexperienced team with many positions in doubt at this point.

He pointed out that there will be only three boys back on defense and three on defense.  “That leaves a lot of vacancies to be filled,” admitted Holcomb as he talked about his team earlier this week in his office.

Since there are only seven seniors on the team, sophomores and juniors will see considerable action, he explained.

As the team is working hard, so are all the coaches.  New on the staff this year are coaches Collins and McKnight.  Collins is working basically with the offensive and defensive backs, while McKnight concentrates on the quarterbacks and defensive ends.  Coach Chapman helps the receivers and defensive linemen.  Coach Gabbard works mostly with the freshmen, and Holcomb gives special attention to the line and linebackers.

Though the first game is only three weeks away, Holcomb said the coaches felt positive about the team’s readiness for that game.  “We’re coming along on time,” he said.  “Everybody is working hard.  We’ll be ready.”

The week before the kick-off game, the team will be in football camp for last-minute drills and workouts before the Cats begin what Holcomb described as the “toughest schedule” we’ve ever faced.

The Jackson Times, July 26, 1984, page 14

Football Camp

Bobcats in football training camp

When the Breathitt Football Bobcats are together, they are usually in good spirits.  Sunday afternoon was no exception.  The occasion was the assembling of the team for the afternoon ride to football camp at the J.M. Feltner 4-H Camp in London.

Football camp is an annual event for the team when the coaches attempt to iron out last-minute problems and work on skills and techniques in preparation for the season starting August 17 with Nelson County in an away game.

Some of the boys going said the camp would be a new experience for them.  It was a repeat experience for most of the team, however.  Camp this week makes the fifth time for some of the Bobcats.

Jovial in spirit, most of the boys seemed eager to “get the show on the road” Sunday afternoon.  The big majority of them were loaded and on the buses well before the 1:30 departure time.

Next week, The Times will carry a lengthy article on the team immediately preceding the season-opener game.

The Jackson Times, August 9, 1984, page 12

The 1984 Season

Bobcats to tackle Nelson County in opener

The football season is here, folks!  The Breathitt County Bobcats’ first game is Friday night when they open the season with Nelson County in an away game that begins at 800 p.m.

Not only is the game exerting because it is the first in the season, but it is exciting because Nelson County High is Coach Mike  Holcomb’s alma mater.  It is the first time a Breathitt High team has ever played Nelson High.

Coach Holcomb said the coaches and team are excited about the season opener.  The team that takes to the gridiron Friday night will not be the most experienced nor the biggest that Breathitt has ever fielded, but it will be a team characterized with enthusiasm, aggressiveness, and a deep desire to win.

“It will also be a disciplined team that is well aware of the importance of football fundamentals,” stressed Holcomb. 

Nelson High is a 4-A team that had a 6-5 record last year in a tough football area.  Holcomb described the team at “big and strong.”

He said his own team is young and inexperienced this year.  “We have to replace several boys who played a lot of ball last year,” said Holcomb.  The ’84 season opens with six seniors expected to give leadership to this year’s squad, that has a very demanding schedule.  The seniors are Dallas Warren, Curtis Watts, Gary Watkins, Scott Barnett, Banger Howard, and Ronald Combs.

“So far, our seniors are doing a fine job,” continued Holcomb.  “They know and understand what we’re trying to accomplish.  They have helped the team become fundamentally strong and have helped the boys develop and maintain a good attitude.”

As Holcomb talked about the team that’ll take the field Friday night, he pointed out some players that fans can look for in certain positions.  Dennis Cornett, Keith Gibbons, and Jeff Trent will be at tight end.  Jeff has been slowed down some this season due to a knee injury.

At right tackle, look for Dean Turner.  Steve Hollan is expected to see some to see some action at both tackle positions.

The right guard position will be manned by Steve Caudill and Paul Turner, both juniors.

John Cable, a junior, will be at center.  He’ll be backed up by sophomore Porter Henson.

At left guard will be Curtis Watts, returning to a position where he’s had experience.  Jimmy Engle will be backing him up.

The left tackle position will be controlled by Scott Barnett with assistance from Kyle McKnight and freshman Rich McCune. 

Look for Meredith Howard, backed by Craig Turner and Paul Combs at split end.

The wide receivers will be Eddie Strong, Chris Swetnam, and Gary Watkins.

Holcomb said he has three good fullbacks in Mike Bailey, Ray Baker, who is very quick, and Albert Howard.

Dallas Warren will be at tailback, a position new for him.  Backup support will come from Joe Henson, Chris Swetnam, and Eddie Combs.

Randy Couch, a junior, will be quarterbacking the Bobcats.  “We feel Randy will do a good job,” said Holcomb.  “He’s a good leader, good ball handler, and has a good arm on him.”

Others to see offensive action include Todd Mitchell, Henry Turner, Darrell Parks, Johnny Deaton, Albert Fugate, Bobby Turner, and Keith Swartzentruber.

The defensive team will have three returnees.  At left end will be Paul Turner, backed by Keith Gibbons.

The left tackle position win be controlled by Dean Turner with help from Curtis Watts and Rich McCune.

At nose guard, look for William Boggs and Joe Henson.

At right tackle will be Steve Hollon, Steve Caudill, Kyle McKnight, and Porter Henson.

Meredith Howard and Bobby Turner can be seen at right end.

Holcomb said he had more depth in his linebacker position than anywhere else.  At that position will be Banger Howard, Mike Bailey, Dennis Cornett, and Albert Howard.

Secondary will be led by Dallas Warren, who will play rover and quarterback.  Others in the secondary are Gary Watkins, Ray Baker, Chris Swetnam, Eddie Combs, Ronald Combs, Keith Couch, Eddie Strong, Todd Mitchell, Johnny Deaton, and Wig Noble.

Some Bobcats that have seen very limited action this season due to injuries are Jason Hubbard, Chris Gibson, and Jeff Trent.

Though the team begins action Friday night, Holcomb pointed out the Cats still have learning to do and progress to make to face the difficult schedule ahead of them.

Two other people expected to make a big contribution to the success of the Cats this season are manager Jack Strong and trainer Jeff Morrison.

Holcomb’s coaching staff also includes John Gabbard, John Collins, John Chapman, and Rhett McKnight.

The Jackson Times, August 16, 1984, page 14

Nelson County – August 17, 1984 – Loss 7 – 14

Nelson Co. squeaks past young Bobcats in season opener

The Bobcats opened their football season last Friday night against Nelson County and fell to their host 14-7.

Even though the Cats lost, Coach Holcomb said he was well pleased with the way his team played.  “I thought we played well for our first game,” he added.  “In fact,” he continued, “on four or five plays, I thought we played superb ball.”

He said the game did reveal some weaknesses that he and the coaches need to work on.  ”On the whole, however, they saw more positive than negative things.

Holcomb pointed out that he and his staff were pleased with the line.  They thought the boys there- Curtis Watts, Dean Turner, Steve Caudill, John Cable, Scott Barnett, and Steve Hollan did well even though they are basically a young line.

Quarterback Randy Couch completed 7 of 13 passes for 110 yards.  Holcomb said he was pleased with Couch’s performance and expected him to improve with experience.  The game was Randy’s first varsity play as quarterback.

By way of contrast, the Nelson County quarterback completed 7 of 15 passes for 76 yards.  Dallas Warren carried the ball 24 times for the Bobcats, gaining 120 yards, which made him the leader in that category.  It was a performance with which Holcomb said he was pleased.

The Bobcats got on the scoreboard with 23 seconds left in the First quarter.  The touchdown occurred after Steve Hollan recovered a Nelson County fumble on Nelson’s own seven-yard line.  Warren carried the ball for a five-yard run and then took it in for the TD.  Trent’s kick was good, and the Cats enjoyed a 7-0 lead.

On Breathitt’s next possession early in the 2nd quarter, the Cats moved the ball 76 yards to Nelson’s four-yard line but were unable to score despite the good plays the Cats executed, moving the ball downfield.

Taking over on Breathitt’s 15, Nelson Cardinals began a drive that ended with a TD and successful kick and tied the score with less than a minute to play in the first half.  Their speed and determination seemed too much for the Cats at that point.  The Breathitt defense was unable to hold them.

Coming back from the intermission, the Cardinals were still fired up from their last TD.  They caused a fumble, took over on Breathitt’s 30, and three plays later scored another TD, which, with the successful kick, gave them a 14-7 add, a lead they maintained for the rest of the game.

In addition to Warren’s carries, Chris Swetnam carried the ball four times for 22 yards.  Ray Baker gained eighteen yards on five carries.  Couch ran on seven keepers for 41 yards.  That was a total of 40 carries for 201 yards.

The Bobcats have another away game this week.  They’ll be playing Johnson Central on Friday night.  Game time is 8 p.m.

The Jackson Times, August 23, 1984, page 24

Johnson Central – August 24, 1984 – Win 3 – 0

Bobcats Squeeze past Johnson Central 3-0

By Jack Niece

The Bobcats won their game Friday night with Johnson Central on their very first possession.  Jeff Trent kicked a field goal for a 3-0 lead, and when the final horn sounded, the score was unchanged, giving the Bobcats their first win of the season, a season that’s only two games old.

Coach Holcomb said he felt his team played hard the entire game and never had any mental letdown, but even so, the Bobcats were unable to improve on the lead-off score.  “We played consistently throughout the game.” added Holcomb, “and that’s the way we have to play to win.  We can’t play in spurts.”

Though the offense was unable to initiate a successful second drive, the defense held the Johnson Central Eagles scoreless.  “Our defense bent but didn’t break,” observed Holcomb.

Holcomb pointed out that he felt Meredith Howard and Dennis Cornett were two standouts in the game.  Too, Banger Howard, linebacker, and freshman Joe Henson, nose guard, played their position well, stressed their coach.  “And so did Steve Hollan.  “he added.  Jeff Trent did a good job kicking and punting the ball all night.  “He got us out of the hole time after time,” observed

Holcomb, “and he never allowed Johnson Central good field position.”

The Bobcats ran the ball 29 times for 95 yards.  Dallas Warren gained 32 yards on 14 carries.  Ray Baker ran five times for 11 yards.  On six carries, Chris Swetnam gained 30 yards.  The other 22 yards were picked up on single runs of 18 and four yards, respectively, by Eddie Strong and Dennis Cornett.

Quarterback Randy Couch completed one of four passes for 13 yards.

Johnson Central used a couple of quarterbacks, Chris Gambill and Jimmy Daniels, a sophomore and freshman, respectively.  Together, they completed four of 15 passes for 34 yards.

Dennis Cornett led the defensive effort with 12 solo tackles and seven assists.  Dallas Warren and Banger Howard had 10 solo tackles each and 8 & 9 assists, respectively.  Meredith Howard and Joe Henson had six each to their credit.

Early in the second half, the Breathitt defense got their heads together and stopped a strong drive that looked as if it were going to result in a TD.  The Eagles moved the ball 59 yards down to the Bobcats’ 11.  It was 4th down and 2 to go, a very important play.  The defense stood strong, permitted no gain, and the Cats took over.

Early in the last quarter, the Bobcats got a good break when they forced a fumble, which they recovered on Johnson Central’s 35-yard line.  From there, they moved the ball to the 15-yard line and tried a field goal, but it was unsuccessful.

Glad to have the game in the win column, Coach Holcomb said he appreciated the effort of his team and the fine fan support the team received.  There was a good crowd that followed the team to Paintsville.

Friday, the Cats will have their first home game, the Honey Bowl with Russell.  Russell is expected to bring a big, strong team Friday night.  It is a school that is rich in football tradition and one that is regularly in the play-offs.  It is also a team that has given Breathitt a hard time in the past.

The invitation from the coaches and team is to come out Friday night, enjoy the game, support the team, and get in the swing of the Honey Festival weekend spirit.

The Jackson Times, August 30, 1984, page 10

Honey Bowl Fever

Breathitt vs Russell

HONEY BOWL HISTORY

The Breathitt County Honey Bowl was established in 1979 with the advent of the Honey Festival.  In the opening game, the Breathitt Bobcats faced a well-established Hazard team, and Hazard was fortunate to eke out a win over the Bobcats 7-6.

In 1980, Breathitt faced a strong Leslie County team that featured Mike Whitaker in the quarterback slot.  Leslie County came out the winner 30-20.  In 1981, Breathitt renewed the Hazard rivalry and smothered the Hazard Bulldogs 34-0 for their first Honey Bowl Championship.

In 1982, Breathitt faced Hazard again, and Breathitt won their second consecutive Honey Bowl championship, thrashing the Bulldogs 48-6.  In 1963, Breathitt again faced the Hazard Bulldogs and humbled Hazard by the tune of 36-0 and their 3rd straight Honey Bowl victory.

In the 1984 game, it will be the host Bobcats facing their usual playoff foe- the Russell Red Devils.  The Bobcats have faced the Red Devils the past two years in the state playoff.  These two meetings have been shown on the losing side of the ledger for the Bobcats.

Russell is fielding a team this year that will outweigh the Bobcats by 15 to 20 pounds per man.  The Russell school is much larger than Breathitt County, but the odds appear to be leaning toward a Breathitt victory.  Revenge would be sweet for the past two playoff losses to the Red Devils, and the Bobcats have been prepared mentally for this most important game in the Honey Bowl.

We expect the crowd and the team to be prepared for a Breathitt win and their fourth consecutive Honey Bowl championship.

HONEY BOWL TIME

Breathitt County gridiron gladiators are fresh from what could be described as a surprise, if not an upset, of the Johnson Central Golden Eagles at Johnson Central last Friday evening at Paintsville.

The hard-fought victory by a field goal and the 3-0 final score was the first win this season for the Bobcats.  The win also was the fifth consecutive win for the Bobcats over the Golden Eagles.  The comment we heard about town was that Johnson Central must be feeling “Snake Bit” when they challenge the Bobcats.

Putting the game more in perspective, it appears to us that the Bobcat coaching staff better prepares the Bobcats.  When you are not expected to win, it is often the difference between the coaching staffs.  The mental preparation will always be the difference between what is considered teams that are evenly matched.  We, of course, realize the coaches don’t get out on the field and play the game; their ability to teach the game and build the winning habit is apparent here at Breathitt County.

This Friday night, starting at 8:00 p.m., the Bobcats will face the challenge of the Russell Red Devils.  It has become a habit for the Bobcats to meet the Red Devils, but those meetings have been in the playoffs at the end of the season.  We just happen to believe the Bobcats will take advantage of this regular season meeting with Russell and again claim the title of Honey Bowl Champions.

The Jackson Times, August 30, 1984, page 10

Russell – August 31, 1984 – Loss 3 – 22

Strong Russell grid team wins 22-3

Russell proved too strong for the Bobcats Friday night and took home the Honey Bowl title after they defeated the Cats 22-3.

Quarterback Randy Couch probably summarized the attitude of the team as well as anyone when he pointed out, “That game’s behind us now.  We’re looking forward to Boyd County Friday night.  We’ve got to get ready for that.”

Even though the Bobcats lost, Coach Holcomb said he felt his team played hard.

At the end of the second quarter, Russell led by only 7-3.  The fact that Dallas Warren was out of the game in the last half, due to an injury he received, seemed to bother the Bobcats, thought Holcomb.

Quarterback Couch completed four of 11 passes for 68 yards.  On the receiving end of one was Meredith Howard for 28 yards.  Gribbons caught one for five yards; Dennis Cornett caught two for 35 yards.

The Russell quarterback was unsuccessful on each of his four attempted passes.

Before Warren was injured, he carried the ball seven times for 20 yards.  Freshman Joe Henson gained 19 yards on eight carries.

In keeping with the Honey Bowl tradition, certain players on each team were recognized.  The Bobcats that received trophies were Curtis Watts, Best Offensive Lineman, and Steve Hollan, Best Defensive Lineman.

Randy Couch received the Best Offensive Back award, and the Best Defensive Back trophy went to Dennis Cornett. 

Friday night, the Bobcats will take on Boyd County, a 4-A team from the football-strong Ashland Area.  “It’ll be another tough game,” observed Coach Holcomb.  “It will be a challenge we’ll have to rise to.”

It will be a home game with action beginning at 8:00.

The Jackson Times, September 6, 1984, page 12

Boyd County – September 7, 1984 – Loss 0 – 21

Boyd’s BIG BOYS bounce Bobcats

For two weeks in a row now, the Bobcats have fallen to strong football teams from the Ashland area, a section of the state rich in football tradition.

Friday night, the Cats took on another 4-A team, and even though they played well at times, they were unable to score.  When all was said and done, they fell to “Big Boyd” 21-0.

Looking on the positive side of the two last contests, coach Holcomb said the games had been learning experiences for the coaches and team.  They have pointed out, he said, certain areas on which the team needs to work especially hard.

The games have also made obvious, Holcomb added, that the team must play the whole game.  There can be no mental letup.

Considering the size and experience of the Boyd County team and the fact that two of Breathitt’s regular starters, senior Dallas Warren and junior Ray Baker, were sidelined, the Cats played a creditable game.

Sophomore Mike Bailey and freshman Joe Henson picked up the slack for Warren and Baker and gained a total of 95 yards of the 110 the Bobcats picked up on the ground.  On ten carries, Henson picked up 48 yards, while Bailey rushed for 47 on 11 carries.

Jeff Trent punted five times for a total of 112 yards, an average of 22 per punt.

Dennis Cornett led the defensive effort with a total of 18 solo and assist tackles, 12 and 6, respectively.

Banger Howard was credited with ten, and Mike Bailey with seven.

Their first TD came with 6:19 left in the first quarter of action.  Taking over on their 21 on their very first possession, the guest team did not stop until they had their first touchdown.

Early in the second quarter, the Bobcats got a good drive going and moved the ball 50 yards, during which time quarterback Randy Couch completed two passes.

After their best drive of the night, though, the Cats fumbled, and Boyd recovered.

Boyd then took over and moved the ball steadily down the field on short runs except for one 8-yard pass and scored their second TD.  Following a two-point conversion, they were out front 14-0.

Their last score came in the 4th quarter when RB Tom Bell ran from one yard out for TD number three.  He also scored his team’s first TD when he ran from nine yards back.

Jeff Walden scored Boyd’s 2nd touchdown from three yards out.

Friday night, the Cats will be away for a game with Morgan County.  That will be followed by four home games, the first two of which will be district games.

Now that the Cats will be playing teams more nearly their caliber, maybe they’ll be able to mark some games in the win column.  Here’s wishing them that kind of success.

The Jackson Times, September 13, 1984, page 14

Morgan County – September 14, 1984 – Loss 0 – 14

‘Molasses Sticky’

Morgan Co. defense thwarts Bobcats

Looking back at last week’s football game, Coach Holcomb probably expressed the sentiments of the Bobcats and all their fans when he said, “We are due something good to happen to us.”

All fans would agree that the Cats deserve “something good” to come their way with their 1-4 record.  Maybe it will this week when they host Leslie County in a district game on Friday night.  It will be the first of the three district contests.

Even though the Breathitt squad fell to Morgan County 14-0 Friday night, Coach Holcomb said the game still had some bright spots.  For the most part, he said the Bobcats moved the ball up and down the field well, and some individual players had a good game.  He said he thought Banger Howard did a good job on defense, and Dean Turner played well on both offense and defense.

The team was plagued with factors that made it difficult to win games, however.  The Cats had a total of seven fumbles, for example, and they were penalized nine times for a total of 95 yards.  They drew five 15-yard penalties.

Another discouraging factor was the fact that the Bobcats moved the ball within five yards of scoring but were unable to get it across the goal line.

Being unable to play in the two previous games due to an arm-shoulder injury, Dallas Warren was back on the field Friday night.  He picked up 110 yards on 20 carries.  Mike Bailey carried the ball six times for 32 yards, and Joe Henson picked up 31 on five runs.  Randy Couch rushed for 11 yards on eight carries, giving the team a total of 185 yards on 40 carries.

Warren had a good run of 47 yards only to be tackled from behind, thus preventing what otherwise would most probably have been a TD.

The defensive effort was led by Banger Howard, who had a total of 23 tackles, 14 of which were solos.  Dennis Cornett was credited with a total of 15, and Steve Hollan had 10.

Quarterback Couch completed three of 11 passes for 26 yards.  On the receiving end of two was Dennis Cornett for a total of 23 yards.  Meredith Howard caught one for three yards.

Morgan County quarterback completed five of 16 attempted passes for a total of 104 yards.

Morgan scored their first touchdown with 4:05 left in the first quarter.  They got their second one with only 1:15 remaining in the game.

The fans are encouraged to come out and support the Cats on Friday night.  It’s an important game, a district one.  They will need all the fan support they can get.  The invitation from the team is to come out, enjoy the game, get involved, and lend support as the Bobcats try to overcome Leslie County and improve their won-lost record.

The Jackson Times, September 20, 1984, page 12

Leslie County – September 21, 1984 – Win 14 – 0

Bobcats clip Leslie Eagle’s wings

Friday night, the Bobcats played as if they really wanted to win a game.  And that they did.  They carved themselves out a 14-0 win over Leslie County, the first in a series of district games.

The Cats wasted no time in scoring a TD, the first in four games and 2nd in the season.  With 7:08 left in the first quarter, the Bobcats took over on their 48 on their 2nd possession and didn’t stop until they crossed the goal line almost five minutes later.  Dallas Warren ran the touchdown from 13 yards out, a feat that caused considerable jubilation, especially among the players.  They jumped up and down, congratulated each other, and at least one player turned a flip on the field.

Indicative of the team’s enthusiasm and ability with which they were playing was the 4th play before the TD.  It was the fourth down and five to go.  Instead of punting, the team decided to go for it, and a good decision it was.  Joe Henson ran the ball and picked up not only the five needed yards, but three extra, giving the team a first down.  From there, they moved ahead to score.  The extra-point try was not successful, leaving the Bobcats with a 6-0 lead.

The Bobcats scored their second TD on one of the truly exciting runs of the game when Ray Baker zigzagged his way through the Leslie line and successfully outran his pursuers to register a 70-yard run and put his team ahead 12-0.  Randy Couch carried the ball for two extra points, giving Breathitt boys their final score (14-0), as neither team registered a point after that.

Coach Holcomb said he felt the win was a total team effort, an effort he said with which he was well pleased. 

“We put the offense and defense together,” he said, “and got good results.”

He added that he felt the boys played hard and emotionally.  “We’ll have to continue to play that way as we get into our district play.”

He said he was pleased with his offensive team that put together a good show.  On the line were Dennis Cornett, Jeff Trent, Meredith Howard, Scott Barnett, Curtis Watts, John Cable, Steve Caudill, Dean Turner, and Eddie Strong.

Holcomb added that he thought his backs ran hard and blocked well for each other.  In that position were Mike Bailey, Ray Baker, Dallas Warren, and Joe Henson.

Randy Couch, quarterback, also received some words of praise from his coach, who said he thought Couch did a good job directing the offense.  “He showed good leadership,” stressed Holcomb.

The defense also performed well.  Holcomb said he thought the defensive team played with discipline, carried out its responsibilities, and hit well.  Contributing to the defensive effort were Paul Turner, Meredith Howard, Dean Turner, Steve Hollan, Rich McCune, William Boggs, Dennis Cornett, Banger Howard, Ray Baker, Chris Swetnam, Dallas Warren, Cary Watkins, and Ronald Combs.

Holcomb said he felt Jeff Trent did a good job punting the ball.  He averaged 34 yards a punt.

Dallas Warren amassed 83 rushing yards on 17 efforts.  Freshman Joe Henson picked up 64 on 16 carries.  Mike Bailey took dives through the line and gained 15 yards.  Couch ran on three keepers for nine.  Ray Baker went on six excursions, one of which was his 70-yard TD, for a total of 77 yards.

Banger Howard was the leader in solo tackles with nine.  Dennis Cornett was credited with a total of 13, of which eight were solos.  William Boggs and Meredith Howard made a total of nine tackles each, while Dean Turner and Steve Hollan executed six apiece.  Boggs also intercepted a pass.

Porter Henson made a very important tackle near the end of the first quarter when a Leslie Eagle flew through Breathitt’s line, and successfully dodged other Bobcats only to be brought down by Porter, an accomplishment that prevented Leslie from scoring.

The Bobcats ran 52 plays during the game; the Eagles 46.  The Cats had seven first downs, all of which came in the first half.  The Eagles had five, with all of them coming in the last two quarters.

The Jackson Times, September 27, 1984, page 16

Clay County – September 28, 1984 – Win 7 – 14

Clay Co. sneaks by Bobcats

The Bobcats’ 14-7 loss to Gay County Friday night was a disappointing one.  It was an important district game for the Bobcats, a contest the Breathitt squad had been working toward and looking forward to for many months.  To come up on the short end as they did was a bitter blow.

Though the players were down some over the weekend, they have snapped back this week and are preparing now for the rest of the season that continues with Whitesburg at home Friday night.  There is still an opportunity to have a winning season.

Coach Holcomb said part of Friday night’s game plan was to come out playing hard and register a score as soon as possible.  That’s exactly what happened.  The game opened with Breathitt receiving, and on the second play, Ray Baker ran for a 76-yard touchdown (his second long TD run in two weeks) down the right side of the field.  The kick was good, and the Cats enjoyed a 7-0 lead with 10:56 left in the first quarter.

With that momentum, the Cats treated their fans to a fine first quarter.  They picked up 113-yard rushing while the Tigers, gained only 36.  The Bobcats made three pass interceptions- two by Gary Watkins and one by Ray Baker.  On Clay’s second possession, they lacked only inches picking up a first down, but the Breathitt defense would not permit it.

Meredith Howard broke through the line and sacked Gay’s quarterback for a loss of 10 yards.  On top of all that, Randy Couch completed a nice pass to Dennis Cornett and picked up nine yards in the air.

In the second quarter, Gay went to the air much more, as was part of their game plan. Their quarterback completed five of six passes during that 12-minute period.  Even so, they were unable to score, and the Bobcats went into the halftime intermission with a 7-0 lead.

Beginning the 2nd half, Gay took over on their 32 and, following a long sustained drive, scored their first TD and evened the score at 7-7 following their successful kick.  That left 4:41 in the third quarter.

With 4:21 remaining, the Tigers scored again after they recovered a Breathitt fumble.  After the kick, they were out front 14-7, which ended up being the final score.

Following Clay’s second TD, the Cats seemingly had trouble playing with enthusiasm.  They were beset with adversities of one kind or another.  Of no little significance was the number of penalties called against them.  The officials called nine for a total of 95 yards.

Coach Holcomb said he felt the Cats played hard and “with a lot of heart.”  Continuing, he added that his club played emotionally.  “We were well prepared,” he added.  “It just so happened that we came up on the short end.”

Holcomb said he felt Gay had a fine team, basically.  It was an important game for them, just as It was for the Bobcats.  The Tigers wanted it because it was a district game and also because they had never beaten Breathitt.

Looking to the future, Holcomb explained, “We’ll regroup now.  We’ll go out and play as hard as we can against our rivals.  It still can be a winning season.”

He said he thought the secondary played a good game Friday night.  He was pleased with the interceptions by Watkins and Baker.  Ronald Combs and Chris Swetnam were complimented for their accomplishments, as well as the linebackers.

Ray Baker led the Cats in rushing.  He picked up 94 yards on six carries.  Joe Henson ran the ball 18 times for 61 yards.  Mike Bailey picked up 14 on three runs, and Randy Couch got eight on three.  Total team efforts included 177 yards on 30 carries.

Defensively, Dennis Cornett and Banger Howard paced their team with 11 solo tackles each.  Following closely was Ray Baker with nine, Meredith Howard had five solos, and four each were made by Gary Watkins, Chris Swetnam, Steve Hollan, and Ronald Combs.

Clay completed 12 of 28 passes for 110 yards.

The Jackson Times, October 4, 1984, page 10

Parents’ Night is Friday at BHS

Breathitt High School announces that Friday night’s home football game has been designated as Parent Recognition Night. That means, says principal William Toler, that before the game there will be a short ceremony at which time players will escort their parents onto the football field where they will be introduced.

According to Toler, parents have played a vital role in the sports programs at B.H.S. this year, and their role will become increasingly important. Sue Bailey, Athletic Boosters Club President added ‘‘Parents have been great to support our after-school practices and to provide transportation for the players.”

She said that the recognition on Friday night is a way of showing appreciation to the parents for the essential role they play in the school’s sports program.

The Jackson Times, October 4, 1984, page 10

Whitesburg – October 5, 1984 – Loss 12 – 13

Yellowjackets sting Bobcats 13-12

Though the Bobcats did a lot of things right Friday night and took a 12-7 lead to the dressing room with them at halftime, the Whitesburg Yellowjackets inflicted a fatal sting to the Bobcats and carried a 13-12 victory back to Whitesburg.

As has been true in several games, the Bobcats got on the board early Friday night.  Continuing a strong drive that started on their 41-yard line on their second possession, the Cats didn’t stop until they put the ball in the end zone.  And freshman Joe Henson did it on an eighteen-yard run with 2:24 left in the first quarter.  Henson muscled his path right through Whitesburg’s line and outran some startled Yellowjackets to climax one of the most exciting drives of the game.

Hardly two minutes into the second quarter, Henson treated the BHS fans to perhaps the most thrilling single run of the game.  Following two penalties for a total of 20 yards, the Bobcats were playing from their 30 when Joe broke loose for a nonstop flight that ended only after he crossed the goal line for a 70-yard TD that placed Breathitt out front 12-0.

Coach Holcomb said he was pleased with the defensive effort of his team.  That team did, by the way, give up only 27 yards rushing in the first 16 minutes of the game.

Speaking of teams, Holcomb added the specialty teams had trouble against Whitesburg.

The Yellowjackets got their steam up midway through the second quarter and didn’t let up until they crossed the goal line on a 10-yard pass from quarterback Mike Jackson to receiver Fritz Boggs.  The kick was good, and Breathitt’s lead was cut to five.  12-7.

During the third quarter, neither team scored, and neither dominated the other.  However, early in the final quarter, the Yellowjackets blocked a Breathitt punt, a definite turning point in the game, got possession of the ball, and took over on Breathitt’s 15. Four plays later, they took the lead on a four-yard TD run that resulted in the final 13-12 score.

Henson was the leading ball carrier, rushing for 181 yards on 24 carries.  Ray Baker ran the ball six times for 20 yards, and Bailey ran twice for five yards.  Eddie Strong picked up 14 on three.  Couch got six on six, and Chris Swetnam gained 12 on two plunges.  The team’s total rushing yards were 236 on 43 carries.

Dennis Cornett led the team in defensive efforts with 19 tackles, of which 11 were solos.  Steve Hollan had 11, Paul Turner 10, Dean Turner 6.  Mike Bailey 6, and five each by Chris Swetnam, Meredith Howard, William Boggs, and Ray Baker.

Friday night will be a big game since it is “Homecoming,” and it will also be the last home game this season.  The Bobcats will be hosting M.C. Napier, a big rival.  Coach Holcomb pointed out that coach Dixon always puts a well-coached team on the field, and he expects the Navajos to be in top condition for the Friday night game.

He stated that he would like to give all fans a special invitation to the game, and he would especially like to invite all former players back for “Homecoming.”  The game will start at 8:00 p.m.

The Jackson Times, October 11, 1984, page 18

M. C. Napier – October 5, 1984 – Win 30 – 6

Bobcats scalp the Navajos 30-6

The Bobcats got their net together Friday night and gave the M.C. Napier Navajos a 30-6 scalping, thus ending a two-game losing streak.

“It was a fine team win,” observed coach Holcomb.  “I thought we played well as a team.”

He added that he was especially pleased with the offense, which showed more “explosiveness’ than it had in a long time.  “The receivers concentrated on the ball well and made some nice catches,” he observed.

Completing six of 10 passes, two of them for touchdowns, quarterback Randy Couch had one of his best games as he passed for 130 yards.

Holcomb said he was pleased with the passing and catching ability of Jeff Pearce, a newcomer to the team.  It was not just an offensive game.  Holcomb added that he was also well-pleased with the defensive effort.  “The defensive team worked well as a team and held Napier scoreless until the last quarter,” he pointed out.

The Bobcats got on the board in the first quarter when Chris Swetnam ran for a 16-yard TD, followed by Jeff Trent’s successful kick that put the Cats up by 7. 

In the third, Dennis Cornett scored on a 55-yard pass, and Jeff Pearce got a safety to cushion the Cats’ lead of 16-0 going into the final round.

With 4:45 left in the game, Buddy Baker, carrying the ball for the first time on offense in a varsity game, picked up a 25-yard touchdown.  With only 11 seconds of action remaining, Eddie Strong scored on a five-yard pass to give Breathitt its final score after Jeff Trent’s successful kick.  Trent scored on four of five kicking attempts.

Bobby Dixon scored Napier’s only TD on an 85-yard kick-off return.

Probably the most exciting play of the game came on a double pass when Randy Couch threw to Jeff Pearce, who hurled the ball to Dennis Cornett, who took it in for a touchdown.

Due to injuries, Joe Henson did not play, and Dallas Warren saw very limited action.

Picking up 171 yards on 28 carries, freshman Buddy Baker was the leading rusher.

Chris Swetnam ran for 39 yards on nine carries; Ray Baker picked up 19 on five plunges; Jeff Trent went once for 13, and Mike Bailey dashed for five on one effort.

On a couple of keepers, Randy Couch paced off 27 yards.  That adds up to 274 total team yards, one of the best performance this season.

Cornett led the defensive effort with 11 tackles, of which seven were solos.  Mike Bailey was second in that category with 10.  Meredith Howard made 9, and Chris Swetnam had 7.  Paul Turner was credited with 6 tackles, of which five were individual.

Though delighted with the win, Coach Holcomb said one of the best things about the game was that the team overcame some of the factors that had plagued it in recent games.  There were fewer fumbles and fewer interceptions.  “The fact that we overcame these made a big difference in the game,” he stressed.

Friday night, the Cats take on Knott Central, at Knott Central, in next to the last game this season.  It is a district contest and is highlighted by the fact that Knott County is always a big rival.  The coaching staff and players invite everyone to the game that will begin at 8:00.  Fan support is especially needed at away games, stressed Holcomb.

The Jackson Times, October 18, 1984, page 16

Homecoming Queen

We would like to take this time to congratulate Melisa Deaton, the 1984 Homecoming Queen. Melissa is the daughter of Earl and Pat Deaton of Whick.  She was one of the football candidates. When asked how she felt when she was announced queen, she replied, “I was very shocked.  It was one of the happiest moments of my life.” 

Her comments of this event were, “I would like to thank everyone who helped elect me as their 1984 Homecoming Queen.  I am very proud to hold this title.”  What made it so special for her was that her escort was Dallas Warren, her boyfriend for the past year, and she was crowned by Shelby Prater, one of her good friends.

We would also like to congratulate Kim Landrum, the 1984 Runner-Up for Homecoming Queen. Kim is the daughter of Donald and Patricia Landrum of Quicksand.  She was one of the Junior Class Candidates and her escort was Senior Gary Watkins.  While talking with Kim, she said, “I am very happy and honored to be runner-up, and I would like to thank all of the people who voted for me and helped me campaign.”

The Jackson Times, November 8, 1984, page 16

Knott County – October 19, 1984 – Win 9 – 7

Trent’s field goal gives Bobcats a win

Thanks to a 23-yard field goal by Jeff Trent in the last quarter of the Breathitt-Knott game Friday night, the Bobcats pulled off a 9-7 victory.  Trailing 7-6 with 4:34 left in the game, the Cats pulled ahead after the field goal for the first time in the contest and held on to the two-point cushion until the final horn sounded.

In a game dubbed “The Mud Bowl,” the Bobcats have probable reason to be grateful for the mud that made it almost impossible to hold the ball.  On Knott Central’s first play following Trent’s field goal, the Patriots likely would have scored a touchdown had Knott’s receiver not let the wet ball slide through his hands.  The receiver would have been wide open had he held the ball.  From that point, it seemed evident that the Bobcats would mark another one up in the win column.

Knott Central got on the board early in the game with 3:26 remaining in the first quarter when the Patriots scored on a 23-yard TD pass and completed their PAT.

The third period was more than half over when the Cats took the ball across the goal line.  And Meredith Howard was the one that did it from 20 yards out.  The wet conditions came into play again.  Ray Baker was running with the ball when it was knocked loose and sailed a few feet into the air, and landed in the arms of Meredith, who sloshed his way into the end zone.  The two-point conversion failed, and the Cats trailed 7-6.  That score remained intact until Trent’s field goal.

Coach Holcomb said he was pleased with the win.  This was especially true since the team overcame some obstacles to win.  One obstacle was certainly the weather.  Too, some of the regular players were out, and the fact that the team trailed all but the last 4:34 minutes was a disquieting factor.

On the plus side, Holcomb said, was the good defensive effort of his boys.  Another plus was the way some of the boys filled in positions where they had never played before.  Particular reference was made to Porter Henson, who filled in at center, doing all the snapping from the 3rd quarter on.

Joe Henson and Buddy Baker were the leading ball carriers, each rushing 14 times.  Baker picked up 83 yards and Henson 48.  Mike Bailey gained 11 yards on four dashes.

Defensively, Dennis Cornett led his team in tackles with a total of eleven.  Steve Hollan made eight, Meredith Howard seven.  William Boggs six.  and five each by Mike Bailey and Dean Turner.  Jeff Trent punted five times for an average of 35 yards per punt.

Quarterback Randy Couch completed four of eight passes for 49 yards.  On the receiving end for two were Eddie Combs and Meredith Howard, who picked up 10 and three yards, respectively.  Dennis Cornett latched onto two for 36 yards.

Friday night, the Bobcats dose out the 1984 football season in an away game with arch-rival Estill County.  “They are similar to us,” observed coach Holcomb.  “Both of our records are down, but you can throw the records out where this game is concerned.”

Both teams are expected to play tough as each is especially anxious to end the season on an upbeat.

Holcomb said he expected coach Niece to have his Engineers ready for us.  “They are always a hard-hitting team,” he added.

The coach and players say they would appreciate a large turnout of fans Friday night to encourage the Bobcats in their efforts to close out the ’84 season with a good win.

The Jackson Times, October 25, 1984, page 13

Estill County – October 26, 1983 – Win 19 – 6

Bobcats railroad Estill

The last football game of the season is an emotional one for the seniors.  It is not easy to close the book on an aspect of one’s life that has been fun and memory-packed, as is usually true for football players.

Friday night, five Breathitt seniors concluded their high school football career, and they did so in an upbeat mood.  The Bobcats pounded archrival Estill County 19-6.

Wearing their Bobcat uniform for the final time were Scott Barnett.  Ronald Combs, Gary Watkins, Dallas Warren, and Curtis Watts.

Coach Holcomb said he was proud of his seniors and appreciated their contributions to the team this year.  “They have given us leadership and helped us through many a rough spot,” he added.

Not only did the game Friday go in the win column, the last three have.  The Cats beat M.C. Napier 30-6, Knott Central 9-7, and Estill County 19-6.  “1 hate to see the season come to an end now,” laughed coach Holcomb earlier this week.  He said he felt his team is just now maturing and is playing with more confidence than it has all year.  “I wish we had four or five more games to play,” he added.

Looking at the Estill game in review, he said he was pleased with the passing performance of Randy Couch, who completed nine of 16 passes for 128 yards.

On the receiving end were Jeff Pearce, Meredith Howard, and Dennis Cornett, who performed well, said Holcomb.

And speaking of jobs well done, one cannot overlook the line where good blocking took place most of the night.

Holding down the important positions, there were Scott Barnett, Jimmy Ingram, John Cable, Steve Caudill, Dean Turner, Jeff Trent, and Dennis Cornett.

Following an action-packed first quarter, Breathitt got on the board with just one second left to play when Joe Henson scored on a 1-yard TD run.  Trent’s kick was good, and the Bobcats started the 2nd quarter with a 7-0 lead.

The Cats got some good breaks in the first period and didn’t fail to capitalize on them.  For example, Breathitt recovered an Estill fumble on Estill’s 36 to begin their drive.  Thanks to a couple of Estill penalties, the Cats were able to maintain possession of the ball and push it across the goal line.

The Engineers took over on their 30 to begin the second quarter and didn’t stop until they reached the end zone with 8:30 left in the first half to narrow the Cats’ lead to one.  7-6.  Even though Ronald Combs made a fine tackle on the kickoff return, the Engineers completed some good runs and connected on some passes to gradually work their way across the goal line.

As though not to be outdone, the Cats began their own long drive from their 20 and didn’t stop until Henson scored another TD from one yard out again.

Along the way in that drive, Couch completed two of three passes, with Cornett and Howard receiving them.  Meredith made a fantastic catch, with the ball bouncing off his fingers twice before he latched securely onto it.

Following an exciting first half, the Cats took a 13-6 advantage with them to the dressing room at intermission.

Near the end of the 3rd quarter, Dennis Cornett increased Breathitt’s lead to 19-6 after he scored on a 35-yard pass. 

Estill returned the ensuing kickoff to their 35, where Ronald Combs brought the runner down with another good tackle.  From there, the Engineers railroaded the ball to Breathitt’s five-yard line.  They had a little help along the way in the form of two 15-yard penalties against the Cats.  The Engineers’ long drive proved to no avail as they fumbled the ball on Breathitt’s five, where the Cats recovered it.

Ray Baker carried the ball 14 times for 65 yards.  Dallas Warren picked up 47 on seven plunges, and Joe Henson ran 14 times for 27.

In the tackles category, Mike Bailey and Dennis Cornett led the list with nine each.  Paul Turner had six.  Four each were made by Ronald Combs (He had one interception, too).  William Boggs, Dean Turner, and Meredith Howard.

Though the ’84 season is over, the football program goes on.  Holcomb said the non-senior members will begin their workout program in the weight-lifting room now.  “We have already started working on our ’85 program,” he concluded.

The Jackson Times, November 1, 1984, page 6B

Debt-Free

Bobcat Boosters now debt-free

Monday afternoon of this week was an exciting time for the Breathitt County Boosters Club.  That’s when they made the final payment on the loan for money they borrowed to build the Bobcat Den.  “Our members have worked hard to get the building paid off, and it is a joy and relief to make the final payment at this time,” said Sue Bailey, booster club president.

She said the club borrowed $15,374.07 in 5-2-81.  Saddled with that debt, the members got involved in several fundraising projects that included the Breathitt County Horse Shows, program ads, basketball games that featured the Red Heads, and concession stands.  Little by little, the debt was reduced to a balance of only one thousand.  After Mrs. Bailey presented the club’s check Monday, the statement read “0.00 balance.”

“We certainly want to thank the merchants who bought ads and all the people who supported our fundraising efforts in any way,” said an elated Mrs. Bailey.

In addition to paying off its building, the Boosters Club has been involved in other athletic-related activities.  It has, for example, sent football players to camp, bought football equipment, and helped build the baseball dugouts- to mention just a few.

The club is planning a larger celebration on Sunday when the members will enjoy a pot-luck dinner and note-burning ceremony.  At that time, they will elect officers and discuss possible future projects for involvement.

The Jackson Times, November 1, 1984, page 22

Breathitt Football

By Bonita Combs and Amy Wittenmyer

Friday the 26 was the last football game for the seniors.  We asked the five seniors what they thought about the season.  They commented:

Curtis Watts – “I thought we had a tough schedule, but I think we should have been close to undefeated, we had a good team, but we could not get any breaks, I would have liked to finish the season, but altogether I had a real fine year.”

Ronald Combs – “I thought we played hard all year, although we had a tough schedule, we could have won a few more games than we did.  Overall, we had a good season, and also prepared some young kids for next year.”

Scott Barnett – “We had a pretty good season. We played some tough teams and got off to a slow start. We worked hard and played with all our hearts. I’m happy with our season, but it could have been better.”

Gary Watkins – “Well, I think that our season was good compared to whom we played. I was happy with all of the players and the way all of them played. We worked very hard but we just could not win.”

Dallas Warren – “I thought we had a tough schedule and some of our boys were inexperienced, but over all I thought we had a good season.”

We also ask the coaches what they thought about the season.

Coach Collins – “This is my first year of teaching and coaching: there is a tremendous amount to learn about each job.  I would like to thank Mr. Toler, Coach Holcomb, and the other assisting coaches for their patience and help.  Unless you win the state championship and teacher of the year, you can always do better.  But this year’s team gave all they had, and there were some very special moments.”

Coach Holcomb – “We were very young this year with only five seniors.  However, we grew up and matured the last part of the season. We are looking forward to working hard this winter, for next year.

The Jackson Times, November 8, 1984, page 16

Football Banquet

Bobcats Football Banquet

The Bobcats Football Awards Banquet was held on November 15, and it was an upbeat occasion all the way.  One word that kept popping up and seemed to best describe the ’84 team was “pride.”

“Our kids have pride,” said coach Holcomb.

In his comments about this season, Coach Collins pointed out that he appreciated the team because it didn’t quit.  “It was a team that played with pride,” he stressed.

Other references were made about the fact that the club did not get down on itself but held its head up even though its win-loss record was not as good as some previous B.H.S. teams.

Holcomb probably expressed the sentiments of all the coaches, parents, and football fans in general when he added, “Our kids were successful.  They are not losers just because they came up on the short end.  Our team was young, and we played a tough schedule.  Our kids played hard.  They gave their best efforts to the games.  I’m proud of them all.”

The banquet was held at Breathitt High Cafeteria, where the players, their families, and friends enjoyed one of Wilma Quicksell’s delightful meals.  It was an occasion not only to recognize football players but others who helped make the program successful.

Cheerleader sponsor Karen Griffith introduced each cheerleader and expressed her appreciation to the many people who had helped her.  She especially mentioned Johnny Keene, a gymnastics teacher, and told how much he had taught the girls.  The cheerleaders included Tammy Carpenter, Stacy Chapman, Melissa Deaton, Jennifer Fugate, Lavonna Howard, Tammie Jones, Scarlet Litteral. Heather Noble, Shelby Prater, and Julie Toler.

Realizing that many individuals contribute one way or another to a football program, coach Holcomb expressed appreciation to a host of people.  “I do this,” he said, “at the fearful risk of leaving out someone unintentionally that has helped us.” Continuing, he expressed appreciation to the administration, board of education, Mr. and Mrs. Toler, teachers (especially Mrs. Watts), Sam Herald, Karen Griffith, Mr. DeHoag and the band, Jack Niece, Jerry Bowling, Ben Vest, Mr. and Mrs. J.K. Murphy, Dr. Comen, the Boosters Club, the 100 Club, all fans, parents, and his own family.

Coach Johnny Gabbard pointed out that the freshmen had a fine year with a 7-2 record.  “This young team seemed to have a lot of talent,” he remarked.  “And that certainly made coaching easier.” He added that the quality of young players coming along gave him confidence for strong future clubs at Breathitt High. 

Some of the freshmen saw extensive varsity action.  Among those were Joe Henson and Buddy Baker.  Other varsity freshmen were Rich McCune and Kyle McKnight.

Coach Holcomb did not give individual awards such as best lineman, best defensive player, etc.  He stressed that he felt football was a team effort and the ability of one player to perform his role depends on how well a teammate performs his responsibility.

He did, however, give each of the seniors a plaque and commented about their contributions to the team.  Concerning senior Ronald Combs, Holcomb said Ronald was a first-year starter at cornerback.  “He did an outstanding job, improving with every game,” said Holcomb.  “He was one of the hardest hitters on the team.”

Gary Watkins was a first-year starter at safety.  “He did an excellent job for us in the secondary,” said his coach.  “He also got better each week.”

Scott Barnett was a first-year starter at offensive tackle.  Holcomb said he did a good job blocking and was one of the most improved ballplayers on the 1984 team.

Curtis Watts was a two-year starter at offensive guard.  “He was an excellent blocker over the past two years,” Holcomb explained.  “He did whatever it took to get the job done.”

Dallas Warren was a two-year starter at running back and captain in ’84.  Holcomb added that Dallas had been a super ball player over the last two years.  He said that Dallas played a very important role as a junior at fullback.  “This year, he was moved to tailback and did a good job for us while healthy.” He missed five games due to an injury.

Though the seniors will be missed, it was pointed out that their contributions live on.  Future B.H.S. football teams will be better because of the positive attitudes of the 1984 seniors.

The Jackson Times, November 29, 1984, page 24

Back to Work

Football

What does the football team do now that football season is over? The players are still hard at work, and it is anything but easy. Three days a week, Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, they lift weights.  These include the dead lift, squats, bench press, curls and one called step-ups.

On the other two days they workout in the gym by running, jumping rope, doing monkey flips, and push-ups as well as other exercises.  Without a doubt these boys are staying in shape for the upcoming season. Keep up the good work!

The Jackson Times, December 13, 1984, page 6

Football was alive and well in Breathtit County despite what several of the players said was a “disappointing year.” When The Jackson Times ran their annual letters to Santa from local grade school children, one of the most popular requests was for a football or football gear (second only to the many requests for Cabbage Patch Kid dolls by many Breathitt County girls).

Many in the community believed that that signaled an important interest in football that would bring more players to the grade school teams and greater experience to the high school squad. Only time would tell if that belief was true.

Post Season Awards

Dennis Cornett named to All-State Team

When The Courier-Journal came out with its listing of all-state football teams recently, one of the Breathitt Bobcats was listed there.

Dennis Cornett was named to the All-State Honorable Mention football team.

“We’re all real proud of him,” said coach Holcomb. “That’s the rest of the team as well as the coaches,” he continued.

Standing at 5’10” and weighing 175 pounds, Cornett had a fine year at Breathitt this fall and made excellent contributions to the team.  As a matter of fact, he established two B.H.S. football records.  He made 99 solo tackles during the year and 56 assists-putting him in a category all by himself.  Dennis was a linebacker for the Bobcats and also played tight end on offense.

Making an all-state team was a dream that came true for Dennis.  Earlier this week, he said one of his goals had always been to receive some type of state-wide football recognition.

The son of Lennox and Jackie Cornett at Canoe, Dennis said one of the highlights of his ’84 season was catching a pass in the M.C. Napier game.  He said one thing that made that special was that catching the pass helped re-establish his confidence because he missed a pass in the preceding Whitesburg game.

The Jackson Times, December 27, 1984, page 6

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The 1984 schedule proved to be long and difficult. It followed Coach Holcomb’s belief that teams and players had to continually be challenged to grow and develop. Many years later, he would say, “You have to play the best in order to become the best.” The quality of football in the mountains was improving too. Teams who were traditionally tough opponents like Morgan, Russell, and Whitesburg gave Holcomb’s “play the best” philosophy a serious test.

The 1984 team lost five very talented seniors to graduate. They finished the year 5-6 but were runner-ups in the District. Holcomb, now 13-10 after two seasons as head coach at BHS, and his young staff turned their eyes toward 1985 and another difficult schedule.

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© 2023 Stephen D. Bowling