By Stephen D. Bowling

We continue an extended look at the games and events of the seasons of Breathitt Football. This week, we explore 1989. Our look at 1989 was much delayed as we looked for the negatives of the 1989 team in the J.K. and Addie Murphy Collection at the Breathitt County Public Library. Sadly, the photographs are missing and have not (to date) been located among the millions of images. A wide variety of sources were used to find views of the 1989 team from newspapers, programs, and private collections.

---

Coach Holcomb honored with selection as KY-Tenn. All-Star coach

Breathitt Football Boosters have a right to be proud this week for the 1988 Kentucky High School All-Star team has been selected by the Kentucky High School Coaches Association, has been named, as well as the coaching staff that will be leading the Kentucky High School All-Stars against this the Tennessee State All-Stars this summer.

The announcement is prominent for Breathitt County High School in that Breathitt High Head Coach Mike Holcomb has been highly honored by his selection as one of the assistant coaches who will join Head Coach Hillard Howard in preparation for the annual series with the state of Tennessee.  The game is annually played in the new stadium in Knoxville, Tennessee.

In addition to Head Coach Hillard Howard, the assistant head coach is Lynn Ray, Covington Catholic High; Assistant coaches Ed Van Hoose, Boyd County High; Bill Alare, Pikeville; Mike Holcomb, Breathitt High; and Tim Saylor, Pineville.

Coach Howard is the Head Coach of the Pikeville team that just won their second consecutive state championship in their classification in our state.  To win just one state championship is a tremendous feat, but Pikeville, under the leadership of Hillard Howard, points out just how coach Howard has garnered the respect he has in this game of football.

Regretfully, there was not a Bobcat named at this time to that elite All-Star status.  However, Tim Craft was named to the All-Mountain team this season, with no other team accumulating over two players on this elite Mountain Team.

In the Kentucky squad last year, in that annual event in Tennessee, the Bobcats had Rich McCune named to the Kentucky All-Star team, where he was graded well by the coaching staff.  McCune finished his freshman year with head coach Jerry Claiborne and his Kentucky Wildcats.  Rich was redshirted by the staff and will thus return this fall as a really talented freshman.

Talking with coach Holcomb on his selection, he stated, “It will be an honor for me to be able to work with some of the most outstanding coaches in the state, namely Hillard Howard, Ed Vanhoose, Bill Alare, Tim Saylor, and Lynn Ray.

Also, it will be a distinct pleasure to coach some of the outstanding football talent in Kentucky.

The Jackson Times, February 9, 1989, page 18

Boosters Plan Their Work

Breathitt Football Boosters Meeting

The regular monthly meeting of the Breathitt High Football Boosters will be in the Bobcat Den on Tuesday evening, February 14, at 6:30 p.m.  All interested are invited and encouraged to join this group and show their support for the outstanding BHS football program in place at the school.

David Hubbard, the current president of the group, stated that this meeting should be the most important meeting of the year with regard to their future club activities.  There are no dues or financial requirements for the membership, but there is a great deal of work and planning to be accomplished before the summer break.

According to head football coach Mike Holcomb, present plans are being made FOR THE TEAM TO ATTEND A FOOTBALL CAMP AS A TEAM.  In the post, some of the football players have attended various available football camps on an individual basis.  Holcomb stated that the loss of most of the best local material finished with their high school football career, so it is of the utmost importance this year for them to get an early team start together in on established football camp.  While the team lost only eight players, due to graduation, the largest group last year were junior class members with limited playing time together.  

This year, if the team is to have another good season, the team could well be able to excel with the camp activities this summer.  In addition to that group of players returning, this will be the first season for a much larger group of freshmen who have been able to come up through the grade school program that was established last year.  This group from the feeder system, who have had limited playing experience, would get assistance in the sport that has almost not been available heretofore.

Mr. David Hubbard, who is presently serving as president of the boosters, stated that as parents of sons who wish to be involved in the sport, they should have a very special interest in the boosters organization.

In addition to that special group, anyone who would be interested in working to help improve Breathitt High football is urged to join in this important school project for football.

There will not be a boosters meeting in March due to basketball tournaments in our region.  Hubbard also made a very simple statement – We also have lots of fun working for your kids and ours.

The Football Boosters need a boost from YOU!

The Jackson Times, February 9, 1988, page 18

Lift-A-Thon Plans

Bobcats Lift-A-Thon

Head football coach Mike Holcomb announced this week that the BHS Bobcat football team will conduct their annual Lift-A-Thon, which will be held on Saturday, May 6, starting at 5:00 P.M. in the Bobcat Den.

These young men have been working hard during the allotted time in the Bobcat Den and are anxious to show what they have accomplished by working out at the facility on the high school campus.

Your support for the team in the coming season will be greatly appreciated, and you can expect a total effort in the 1989 football season.

Sponsors are urged to make their commitment as soon as possible to ensure this annual event will be a successful one.

Whatever the sport in our nation, weight room activities are an important facet in preparation for any sporting event, and they also lend confidence and self-esteem in the normal development of the young and the young at heart.

The Jackson Times, April 20, 1989, page 8

Lift-A-Thon Preview

Lift-A-Thon

The Bobcats’ annual weightlifting contest is rolling around fast, but it is not slipping up on the Cats.  They have been preparing for it for months now, in fact, ever since last November.

The Lift-A-Thon will be held May 6 in the Bobcat Den.  All of the action is scheduled to start at about 5:00 p.m., and, of course, everybody is invited to attend and watch the young men strive for top honors in their weight division.

Coach Holcomb pointed out that the public has been very supportive of the Lift-A-Thon in the past, and he’s hopeful the same will be true this spring.

He stressed that the money made through this annual contest has been a great help to the football program.  “This will be our major fundraiser.” he said, “and we really hope people will come out and support us.”

The best way to get involved and be supportive of the football program is to pledge a certain amount of money per pound lifted to one or more football players.

There are nine different weight divisions ranging from 139 pounds below to 216 and up.  The boys will be competing in bench, squat, and incline bench.  A first-place winner will be declared in each of the three divisions per weight category.

The word from the football players and coaches is that they would really like to see a large turnout for the Lift-A-Thon.  They promise that the contest will be fun to watch as every boy strives for top honors in the various categories.

The Jackson Times, April 27, 1989, page 9

Lift-A-Thon

There’s no doubt about it.  The football players are looking forward to their Lift-A-Thon Saturday.  The action is scheduled to start at about 5:00 (that’s May 6) in the Bobcat Den.

It’s an event the Bobcats have been working hard for several months now.  Not only will they be straining to lift the most weight in their weight division, but they’ll be making some money for the football program along the way.  Judd Hubbard said he saw a Lift-A-Thon as an excellent means of raising money for the program.

“It also gives us an opportunity to compete against each other,” he added.  He said he further enjoyed the “Lift-A-Thon because it gave the players a chance to show their strength.

Chris Back said he was excited about it and looking forward to Saturday rolling around.  He sees the Lift-A-Thon as a reward for the hard work put in during the winter months.

Chris said his favorite part of the weight-lifting program was the bench press.

Judd said the bench was his favorite, too.  The squat, he said, maybe the most important, but it is also the most difficult.

Harrison White, who won the 203-215 category last year, will be back in that same division this Friday.  Naturally, he wants to win again.  He said he enjoys the Lift-A-Thons and is looking forward to this year’s.  “It’s fun to watch other people,” he said.  Then, with a sly grin, he added, “Too, it’s fun to show off a bit for others.”

The public is cordially invited to go watch the guys as they put forth their best effort to lift as much as possible.

There are nine different weight divisions ranging from 139 pounds below to 216 and up.  The boys will be competing in bench, squat, and incline bench.  A first-place winner will be declared in each of the three divisions per weight category.

Anyone desiring to contribute to the football fund can do so by supporting one or more of the players.  Usually, a certain amount is pledged for each pound a player lifts.  To become involved, simply contact any football player and make a pledge.  If possible, attend the Lift-A-Thon to support your selected player(s).

The Jackson Times, May 4, 1989, page 25

Lift-A-Thon Results

Bobcats Lift-A-Thon is successful, indicates more

From all indications, the football Lift-A-Thon Saturday afternoon was a fine success.  Coach Holcomb said he was well-pleased with the way it turned out.

He told his team Monday afternoon that he was happy with everybody’s participation and the way the whole affair had gone.

He added that he thought the football players manifested “class” throughout the annual competitive event.  He stressed that it was important for the Bobcats to always present that image in order for the community to have a positive impression of Breathitt’s football program.

Holcomb further complimented his team for the excellent spirit evidenced throughout the Lift-A-Thon.  He said that it was important for the guys to work, play, and pull together even when they were in competition against each other.  “We have to pull for each other, and we have to be together if we’re going to be a team,” he told the Bobcats.

Very appreciative of community support for the team’s annual fundraiser, Holcomb said the event had been a financial success.  “For that,” he added, “we’re very grateful.”

He complimented the community’s support for the football program.  “The community always gets behind us in anything we do,” he said.  “That makes you feel good knowing that people are with you.”

The First National Bank presented each participant with a tee shirt, which was designed and screened by Debbie White, mother of football players Miles and Harrison.  Doug Allen at Allens’ I.G.A. donated soft drinks for the players, and McDonald’s gave each a food coupon redeemable at McDonald’s.

It’s true that through the Lift-A-Thon, the team raised some money for the football program, but over and above that the team members competed against each other in weightlifting to compare their strengths and to measure their development compared to the last test period.  They competed on the bench, squats, and incline.

Participation was broken down by weight divisions.  Champions were declared in each division.  Individual accomplishments are as follows:

The Jackson Times, May 11, 1989, page 24

Breathitt Football Notes

We fully realize that these 90-degree days of July do not fit the mold for the fall days when football is the only sport in town.  That is the way it is, and the annual Kentucky-Tennessee All-Star game is in place for this weekend in Knoxville at Neyland Stadium, the home of the Tennessee Vols in college football.

Breathitt High Head Coach Mike Holcomb is spending this week at Shively Athletic Center at the University of Kentucky among the elite on the high school level here in our commonwealth.  Holcomb accepted an invitation from the Kentucky All-Star Coach Hillard Howard of the Pikeville Panthers, who have been the number one football team in Class A and have had 29 straight wins the past two seasons.

Holcomb is just one of the seven coaches named to assist Howard in his quest for a win over the Tennessee stars this Saturday.  The best in the state on the high school level are laboring at Lexington during the hottest week of a hot, humid summer this year.  There are, however, two classes with the stars who gave up this chance to help the Kentucky team.  They stayed home rather than chance injury and the higher echelon of college play in this nation.

Coach Howard is blessed with these highly respected coaches, Assistant Head Coach for the Kentucky squad, Lynn Ray of Covington Catholic.  Assistant coaches include Larry Adams of Corbin, Ed Van Hoose, Boyd County, Bill Allara, Pikeville, Tim Saylor, Cawood, and Mike Holcomb of Breathitt County.

The talent gathered on this coaching staff are all from eastern Kentucky, for this section dominates the smaller schools in this area of Kentucky.

Head coach Mike Holcomb has advised that his players are to report on July 17th at 6:00 p.m., and all varsity players are required to meet in this the first call for the 89 season at Breathitt High.

Holcomb has also called for the grade school camp to report from July 17th to 21st at 7 p.m. each day until 9:00 p.m. at the stadium.  A second section will run from July 24th to 28th from 7 p.m. until 9 p.m. each day.

All young men who will be in grades 6, 7, and 8 this fall are encouraged and invited to join others from the Breathitt school system each day for a NON-CONTACT camp, which is FREE to Breathitt County students in those grades.  Breathitt coaches of those schools are encouraged to be at camp if they are going to work with these players as coaches.  Holcomb stated that other coaches in this area are welcome to join the Breathitt coaches.

Breathitt freshmen players are going to have their own special time: July 17th-21st daily from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. and July 24th 28th from 7:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m.

This group will be for incoming freshmen at Breathitt High when school sessions start this fall.

The Jackson Times, July 13, 1989, page 10

Passing League

Breathitt High Football Notes

Head Coach Mike Holcomb of the Breathitt High football Bobcats announced the formation of their first ever “Passing League” in conjunction with other Eastern Kentucky schools.   Breathitt High, Clay County, Leslie County, Hazard, McCreary County, and Morgan County are the teams that will be associated with this new league activity during the summer vacation period.

They will be new in our area but have been popular in large metropolitan areas of our state over the past few years.  The league has been designed to help develop passing games and

defensive secondary play.  A schedule has not been firmly established, but at each site, there will be two games each scheduled day.  Matchups have not been established, but play will be once each week.  Breathitt has been established for a home appearance on June 29th.

The Breathitt players and their coaches are excited about this development, and they believe it will give them a chance to develop their passing and receiving skills, plus having some fun at the same time.

Guidelines for action in this type of league will include the following:

Each team will consist of seven offensive players, and seven defensive players to include a center, quarterback, running backs, and receivers.

They will play four 14-minute quarters, except the clock will be running at all times except the last two minutes of the first half and the last three minutes of the 4th quarter.

The second quarter will be strictly for junior varsity and freshmen; this way, it should not be necessary to have a halftime break.

Each team will be allowed two timeouts when the clock will stop.  Flags will be used.

Play will start at the thirty (30) yard line with first down 15 yards to go.

Punt and fair catch on the 4th down; if the ball is fumbled, the receiving team will maintain possession.  If the ball is downed inside the 20-yard line, it will be spotted at the 20-yard line.

Field goals and extra points (run or kick) will be allowed.  If kicking, the ball must be snapped and kicked within 1.7 seconds.  If a field goal is missed, the ball will be spotted at the 30-yard line.  If the ball is turned over inside the 20, the ball will be spotted at the 20.

Interceptions cannot be returned.  If interception inside the 20, the ball will be spotted at the 20-yard line.

No blocking or screening of any kind downfield.

Teams should be ready to play as soon as the preceding game is over.

If there is anything you can think of to make this safer, please advise and add.

Scheduling will be announced as soon as available.  Football fans are invited, and there will be no admission charge.

The Jackson Times, June 22, 1989, page 7

A Pre-Season Look at the Cats

Kickoff Breathitt High Football

The annual Kentucky-Tennessee All-Star game foretells the start of the practice season in Kentucky.  That being true, Tuesday was the opening day for practice.  The physical exams were made a few weeks ago.

Carrying on that procedure, a short trip was made to Breathitt High Stadium, where head coach Mike Holcomb greeted a large and enthusiastic group who were on hand for opening the 1989 fall season on the high school level here in Jackson, Breathitt County, Kentucky.

My brief visit on Monday afternoon was a major surprise at the number who were on hand and even with the hot weather, they were eager and willing to get the new season underway.

Football was started in the Breathitt Grade Schools last year, and thus, this large group was the first sign of help from the grade schools of Breathitt County.  To be out on a hot day in July shows the amount of interest the sport has gathered here.

The thing that I believe impressed me most was the spirit of the group.  The cry “PRIDE – BREATHITT PRIDE” was the most noise generated in this session, which served as an organizing meeting between the coaching staff and the players.  Coach Mike Holcomb was the center of attention for these young men, know that he is the head taskmaster.  If a player does not accept this aspect of the sport, then he probably will not be around long enough to accomplish much from the game the way it is taught and played at BHS.

The fact that Holcomb directs a successful program here is well-known and better appreciated by true football fans.  Self-discipline and team discipline are taught early.  Pride-Breathitt Pride! is the first lesson made known, and it is preceded by Pride on each player’s level.  Hard work is expected, and it helps build pride in the work ethic and dedication to a cause on the football turf at our local high school.  Hard work builds healthier bodies and sharp minds.  It is a hard game but rewarding for having taught basic truths early in these young men.

With a good grade school program, even better things can be expected here, but there is a missing ingredient, and that is YOU, the parents and fans of a sport that improves the future well-being of these players.

This new grade school addition improves future prospects for a football program that has been recognized by others outside our daily activities.  Parents can be expected to support these young men, but there is ample room for all, so get yourself hyped up for a pleasant time of relaxing and enjoying the crisp autumn air on Friday night, not just here but on the road to success breeds success and you might as well earn self-respect and enjoy yourself in support of your friends and neighbors as well as the school and their athletic endeavors.

The first game is away from home at Manchester in the Appalachian Bowl against Middlesboro.  That is a short trip, so make your plans now and help the Bobcats open on a winning note.  Middlesboro, a formidable foe, will make the Cats play their best in their first outing in a new season.

The first home game is a biggie, for it will be the annual Honey Bowl Came on September 1 and the opponent is Hazard.  What more could you hope for in a football game on a nice fall evening at Breathitt High Football Stadium?

The Jackson Times, July 20, 1989, page 18

Football Camp

Bobcats in training camp

Tuesday morning, August 1st, Cawood Ledford said on his radio program that high school football teams begin getting very serious about football in the first part of August, the month Kentucky teams start their fall season.

Reacting to that bit of insight, B.H.S. coach Mike Holcomb said his team takes football seriously all year long.

However, about this time of year, he added that the team and coaches begin to get more excited about the sport.

A feeling of “nervousness” he stressed seems to permeate the squad, parents, and fans as the season approaches.

The football Bobcats are surely taking their sport seriously this week.  They’re in a football camp at the Feltner 4-H Camp in London.  They’re busy building team spirit, developing techniques, working on fundamentals, getting in better condition, and growing up some.  Those are some of the goals Holcomb said he had set for the team this week.

Speaking at the camp during his lunch break earlier this week, Holcomb explained that he hoped “that the older players will help the younger players and that everybody will come together.  That’s what we’re shooting for,” he emphasized.

He said he felt the camp provided a tremendous opportunity for the team to grow close and develop the camaraderie necessary to become a good club.

Because the team is isolated from outside distractions while at camp, the Cats are able to concentrate solely on football.  Holcomb likes that.  He said that was one of the real pluses for the team camp.

Fifty are in attendance at the camp this week, and 15 of them are freshmen.

Seemingly in good spirits, Holcomb said he was pleased with the camp and the good things resulting from it.  He stressed that everybody was working hard and enjoying being together in the camp setting.

The Cats open their season on August 19th opposite Middlesboro in the Appalachian Bowl, which will be played at Manchester. 

Tickets for that game are on sale now and can be purchased from any booster club member, football player, or from some of the businesses in town.  The tickets are $4.00.  The team gets to keep 100 percent of the ticket sales.  What a good way to support local football!  It’s a no-lose situation for Breathitt football.

Even if one cannot attend the game, they are encouraged to buy tickets and support the local football program.

The Jackson Times, August 3, 1989, page B6

Kiwanis Helps Out

In the Summer of 1989, Coach Mike Holcomb asked the Breathitt County Football Boosters Club to help purchase a one-man training sled to help with blocking. The Boosters had some funds to help, but more was needed. The Jackson Kiwanis Club stepped up to help.

O. V. Watts and the Jackson Kiwanis Club made a significant donation to the Breathitt High School football team to cover the shortage. Within a week, the machine was ordered and was delivered to the football field the last week of July. The new sled went into service immediately.

Practice

Football Bobcats working hard

With the football season just slightly more than a week away, Coach Holcomb and his staff are busy putting the final touches on the upcoming season’s squad.  And from all indications, it’s going to be a good squad.

To begin with, the team will have 16 seniors.  That’s pleasant music to the ears of any coach.  Holcomb is no exception.  He’s looking forward to big things from the 12th graders, who should be capable of supplying leadership for the team.

Holcomb is up on his seniors.  To talk with him is to realize he’s happy with that much experience working for him.  “We’re expecting good leadership from them,” he stated in his office earlier this week.  “They must be there when times are tough.  That’s when their leadership is most needed.”

Back from a successful football camp last week, the team is working hard this week in preparation for their season opener against Middlesboro in the Appalachian Bowl on August 19.

“We want to get better with each practice,” Holcomb stated.  “And more competitive.”

Another good quality of the team at this point is its positive attitude, which Holcomb and the other coaches consider so very important.  The team is coming together as a unit.  That good attitude and work ethic combine to produce a team that the fans can be proud of and happy to follow.

Holcomb stressed that the team was getting better with each practice.  And that’s the way it must be.  “After all, what we’ve been waiting for is here,” he added.

Holcomb gives last week’s football camp credit for some of the good qualities of the team.  He emphasized the camp had been valuable in helping the team identify its objectives and goals, establish priorities, concentrate on football, and develop desirable team spirit, a quality so important to win games.

Football seems to be on the upswing at Breathitt.  The number of players over last year is up.  Especially encouraging is the fact that there are several talented freshmen on the team this year.  Some freshmen went to camp.  There’s new talent from all over the county, and this will surely make a difference down the road.

When school starts, Holcomb stated that he expects to see more freshmen join the team.  He’s said there’ll be plenty of room for them.  Any 9th grader who is interested in football should contact Coach Holcomb soon after school starts.

He said it was important for them to start early preparing themselves for a lime in the future when they will be needed.

A good crop of seniors and an impressive crew of freshmen are not the only positive qualities of the ’89 Bobcats.  There’ll be some outstanding sophomores and juniors around, and the coaches will be depending on them heavily throughout the season.

Good players are not all the good features of this year’s team.  Holcomb said he had some excellent assistant coaches.

Tim Noble, one of Breathitt’s best-ever linemen, is beginning his 4th year as a lineman coach.  He does a super job, and his capabilities are evident in game after game during the season.

Beginning his second year is Doug Back.  An employee of the Breathitt School System, Back was a former standout football Bobcat.  He, too, does a fine job and makes a valuable contribution to the team.

Steve Thomas is new as a coach, but he distinguished himself as a football player when he attended Breathitt High.  A state policeman, Thomas is expected to be a big plus to this year’s club.

Also new to football this year is Jack Strong.  Strong, of course, is not new to sports in the county.  He is a musician, elementary teacher, and an avid sports fan.  Holcomb is happy to have him on the coaching staff.

Back for his 3rd year will be Irton Sparkman.  Because of his demanding schedule he will not be as actively involved as in the past, but he will be part of the coaching staff.  Holcomb said he was pleased that Sparkman had decided to help out when he can.

It will all come together on August 19.  B.H.S. football fans everywhere have a special invitation to get behind the team early and support it throughout the entire season.  Fans are needed at home and away games.  “We hope the good support we’ve had in the past will continue,” stated Holcomb.  He added that fan support can be a big factor in how well a team plays.

Watch the Times next week for a more detailed article about the 1989 football Bobcats.

The Jackson Times, August 10, 1989, page 7

Panorama Bowl

Football now only game in town

While school did not open at the Breathitt County sites, football moved into the limelight last week for the Breathitt Bobcats when they traveled to Hazard for the annual Grid-O-Rama.  Also variously billed as the Panorama Bowl.  Six local teams took to the gridiron for two-quarters of play.

In the opening scrimmage, it was M.C. Napier against the Patriots of Knott Central at 6:00 p.m.  At 7:30, the Bobcats tangled with the Leslie County Eagles.  In the Grand Finale, the home-standing Bulldogs of Hazard met the Engineers of Estill County and fell victim to the Engineers.

These opening salvos will not go into the record book because they are scheduled and billed as scrimmage sessions.

The really good news for our Breathitt fans is that our Bobcats gave the Eagles a wing clipping as they rocked Leslie County by a score of 27 to 6 in the abbreviated practice game.

According to head Bobcat Coach Mike Holcomb, he felt his team played well enough to win but not strong enough to make their future foes roll over and play dead.

In that two-quarter scrimmage, the short comment of coach Holcomb was “We need to improve in almost every aspect of our game.” There is one comment this writer must make, and that is Holcomb strives for and pushes for improvements in his players.  Sharp as he is in his coaching capacity, he never misses a chance to teach improvements and try to do even better every step along the campaign trail.

In the scrimmage with Leslie County, the Bobcats held a 21 to zip lead in the late stages of the scrimmage.

A bright spot was that on the third play from scrimmage, Brent Lovely scrambled for a 65-yard pickup.

Jesse Allen ground out two TDs from the two-yard line.  Greg Barnett had a seven-yard run for a touchdown.

In the extra point efforts, Bryan Baker scored two points on a running play from scrimmage.

Judd Hubbard, the designated kicker for the Bobcats, picked up the other point on a conversion as the ball split the uprights.

Several Bobcats picked up valuable plays as Mike Landsaw made a valuable fumble recovery for the Bobcats.

David Thomas, another bright spot on the Breathitt roster, had several pass receptions and one interception.

Holcomb said his offensive line played well, and the defensive line blocked one extra point effort by the Eagles.  He stated that Chris Back played extremely well.

Harrison While demonstrated he had recovered from his motorcycle injury.

Holcomb could also rattle off the names of Artie Gross, Kevin Calhoun, Chuck Price, Brian Turner, and Judd Hubbard, who are playing well on defense.

All of this must come to fruition this weekend as the Cats look down the road to their scheduled season opener.  That opener will take place at Manchester this Saturday evening as they travel early to take on an always-good team from Middlesboro.

This game will be the opener for a doubleheader as the home-standing Clay County Tigers open their season following the Breathitt – Middlesboro battle.

All of you Bobcat fans, remember that you should buy your tickets here at home; for all tickets sold here, the money will become the property of the Breathitt High football program.  This is an expensive team sport, and they always have a need to use the money they can raise.  Food and travel are expensive, and this is an away game.  Buy your tickets here even if you are unable to make the journey.  Good appropriate ticket sales also make your team more desirable to larger teams and larger fan-supported schools.  Our Bobcats play with pride and make all of us proud.

The Jackson Times, August 17, 1989, page 14

The 1989 Season

1989 Coaches

Middlesboro – August 19, 1989 – Win 21 – 0

Cats 21 – Middlesboro ZERO

BHS Bobcat Opener is filled with JOY

The Bobcats did it up right in their season opener.  They hurried Middlesboro 21-0 in the Appalachian Bowl Saturday night.  What a crowd-pleaser and what a way to begin a season that looks like it’s going to be a good one from start to finish!

Middlesboro, traditionally a powerhouse in the mountains, was no match for the Bobcats, who had worked hard for their opener.  Victory-hungry and eager to match skills with another team, the Cats got their act together early in the game and played impressive team ball to the very end.

Strong offensively and defensively, they never let Middlesboro get near the end zone.  On the other hand, the Cats pushed their way through and over their opponents’ line and scored with 2:50 left in the first quarter.  Chris Back had the honor of scoring the first touchdown of the season on an 8-yard pass from quarterback Brent Lovely.

Obviously pleased with the game but trying to be modest at the same time, Coach Holcomb simply said, “We were pleased to win.”

He did stress that his team played in a prestigious bowl scene, and he was very happy for the young athletes.  “We put a lot of work into the game,” he stated.  “Hopefully, it headed us in the direction we want to continue.”

He added that he felt his offensive line played extremely well for their first game.  On that line were Kevin Calhoun, Chris Back, Judd Hubbard, Harrison White, Chuck Price, and Artie Gross.  Holcomb said they did a lot of things right, and they played a big role in the win.

He emphasized that they gave Lovely plenty of time to throw and made room to run. 

“We were pleased with the line’s performance,” Holcomb said, “but we want them to keep getting better.”

The defense did its thing well, loo.  As a matter of fact, Holcomb described the defensive effort as “excellent team defense.” Not only did Middlesboro not score, but the team was also never in a threatening position to score.”

Chris Back was a defensive powerhouse with ten tackles and five assists.  Also, there was Artie Gross with nine tackles and Harrison White, eight.  Holcomb had words of praise for the performance of Judd Hubbard and Mike Landsaw.  He said Landsaw played an outstanding game from his noseguard position.

So did Artie Gross in a linebacker position, his first time to play that position. 

Brian Turner played his steady game from the defensive end.

Jesse Allen also received some words of commendation from his coach for the leadership he provided in the secondary.

But there for the first time was Greg Brown, who played impressively, according to his coach.  So did Brian Baker, Brent Lovely, and David Thomas. 

Greg Barnett was the leading rusher with 103 yards on 18 carries.  A sophomore, Greg aroused the attention of several fans.  “Who’s that guy?” fans kept asking.  He averaged 5.7 yards per carry, with his longest run being 23 yards.

Jesse Allen ran seven times for 15 yards, and Brent Lovely dashed five times for 39 yards.  Harrison White got 15 yards on two runs. 

The team picked up 173 yards on 33 carries.

All the Cats’ touchdowns came on TD passes from Lovely.  In addition to Back’s in the first quarter, David Thomas scored on a 57-yard run with just 1:17 left in the first half, which gave the Bobcats a 14-0 margin at intermission.

Back scored again early in the 3rd on a 17-yard run.  Judd Hubbard was successful in getting the P.A.T. each time.

One TD pass to Thomas was called back.

That observation prompted Holcomb to state that one need of the team was to cut down on penalties.

All in all, Holcomb said he was well pleased with Saturday night’s game.  He said he was especially grateful for the way football fans and the community generally supported the game.

Too, he expressed appreciation for the cheerleaders and the band.  He said he was grateful for their support and excellent performance.

Very important to the success of any athletic program is the support of the school administration.  Holcomb emphasized that he and the coaching staff are very happy to have that support.  He expressed pleasure with the support of the school’s new principal, Hargus Rogers, the faculty, and the student body.

Friday night, the Bobcats will be playing Anderson County at Lawrenceburg.  Reportedly, Anderson County is a much-improved team over last year.  The team has an experienced quarterback, some quick running backs, and some impressive talent.

It promises to be an exciting game.  The invitation from all the coaches and players is to go to Lawrenceburg with them Friday night and help them continue their winning beginning.

The Jackson Times, August 24, 1989, page 12

Anderson County – August 26, 1989 – Win 19 – 6

Honey Bowl time is ‘Prime Time’ for the Bobcats

Never mind the slow beginning.  The end result was what counted.

And the end result of the football game Friday night was a 19-6 Bobcat victory over host Anderson County.

That’s back-to-back wins for the Cats this young football season.

The Cats struggled early in the game.  After the first quarter, they trailed the Bearcats 6-0.  The same score stood at intermission.

Beginning the 2nd half, the Cats looked like a different team.  Fans speculated coach Holcomb talked pretty straight to the team during the break.  But he said he didn’t.

He credited the change to the senior leadership.  “The seniors came through the 2nd half,” he said.  “They gave the team the direction we needed to go.”

Voting he did not deserve much credit for the change, he quipped that the seniors did more than he did.  “They took the game by the horns and turned it around,” he stressed.

Anderson County’s quickness was one of their major strengths early in the game.  On their first possession, they moved the ball 48 yards to Breathitt’s 7-yard line.

That’s when the defense dug in and refused to give up anymore.

Anderson soon got possession a 2nd time after they intercepted a pass.  Taking over on Breathitt’s 45, the Bearcats moved the ball steadily, and Farley scored from seven yards out.  The kick failed, and the host team was up by six just before the 1st quarter ended.

The rest of the scoring belonged to the Breathitt Club.

The turning point in the game was Brent Lovely’s interception on Anderson County’s first drive in the 2nd half.

With momentum swinging in their direction, the Cats started their first TD drive from Anderson

County’s 40, and there was no stopping them.  The Bearcat line was powerless to slow them down.  Jesse Allen forced his way through their defense and scored on an 8-yard run.  Hubbard’s kick was successful.  The Cats were up 7-6 with the tide flowing in their direction.

Their next drive originated from their opponents’ 31.  The Bobcats moved the ball 55 yards before Chris Back caught a 14-yard TD pass, which increased their margin to 13-6 since Hubbard’s kick was blocked.

At this point, the Bobcats seemed firmly in control of the game.  All doubt was removed after Brian Baker made an interception and ran the ball to Anderson County’s 20 to begin the team’s 3rd TD drive.

Quarterback Brent Lovely scored his team’s final TD on a 4-yard dash, giving the Cats their 19-6 win over a very talented ball club.

Coach Holcomb said it was a good feeling to have another win.  He stated that overall, he was happy with his team’s performance, especially in the 2nd half.

He added that he felt the offensive line deserved a lot of credit for the win because of their fine performance.

For the most part, his specialty team did a good job, he stressed.

Allen was the leading rusher.  He covered 63 yards on 15 carries.

Greg Barnett, injured during the game, dashed seven times for 22 yards.  Brent Lovely got 19 on four carries.  Brian Baker had 13 on four, and Miles White had three on two.  That was a team total of 120 yards on 32 runs.

Defensively, Allen paced his team with 11 tackles, five solo, and six assists.  Brian Turner got seven and three, Artie Gross got seven and two, and David Thomas got six and one.  Chris Back had five and one.

Anderson County’s quarterback completed two of 13 passes for 15 yards.

Lovely was accurate on six of 16 for 58 yards.  He threw one 14-yard TD pass.

On the receiving end were Baker for 13 yards, Thomas for 27, and Back for 18.

Holcomb said he was very pleased with the large crowd of fans that followed the team to Lawrenceburg.

He added that he was very appreciative of the way the community supports away games especially.

The Bobcats will play their first home game Friday night.  It’s the Honey Bowl, of course.  The Cats will be entertaining the Hazard Bulldogs.  Hazard has some good returning players.  The team will be quarterbacked by Sizemore, who does a good job.

The team has a good, strong running back, Fitz.  Coach Holcomb stressed that the Bulldogs are well coached since the staff there does an excellent job.

The Bobcats would like really well to make Friday night’s game win No. 3.  Holcomb said he hopes his team remembers last year’s 8-7 crushing loss to the Bulldogs.

The coaching staff and team invite all their fans out for their first home game, a game that is expected to be action-packed from start to finish.

The Jackson Times, August 31, 1989, page A6

Honey Bowl Preview

Honey Bowl Game

By Carter F. Combs

In 1979, the first annual Honey Bowl Game was played here at Breathitt High.  It was only fitting that Hazard would be the foe for the Breathitt High Bobcats.  It was not so fitting that the Bulldogs from up the river at Hazard would be the winner of the first Honey Bowl game.  The score of 7-6 was very fitting, however, for that indicates how both teams feel when they meet in an athletic event, whether it be on the turf, the hardwood floor, or a basketball gym floor.

The Bobcats scored first with their 12-yard play from Rhett McKnight to Bucky Deaton. The Dawgs of Hazard were held scoreless until the final quarter when they struck for an aerial which totaled 50 yards; until that time in the game, the Cats had a total of 280 yards while Hazard had only 50 for their nights’ work until that long pass play, late in the game.

This is another Honey Bowl game, which should be enough said, but when these Cats and Dawgs meet, the game is never over until the last play has been whistled dead by one of the officials.

Mike Holcomb, the present Bobcat coach, was brought on the scene here in Jackson by coach Dudley Hilton, who was the coach in 1979 when the Bulldogs won by that 7-6 score in 1979.  Holcomb has many reasons for wanting his 1989 team to topple the Dawgs.  His long-standing friendship with Hilton just made it even more important to beat Hazard in this edition of the Honey Bowl.

While the Bobcats have many reasons to want to win this one, this will be their first home-field game of the year.  Their two previous games were won on the road.  They beat Middlesboro in the opening game of the Appalachian Bowl played at Manchester.  The game last week was played against Anderson County.  Breathitt won the game after a hard battle with the Bobcats, prevailing by a score of 19-6.

Greg Barnett, one of the bright spots on the Breathitt squad, suffered an injury in the Anderson Co. game and underwent surgery on Tuesday morning of this week.  At our press time, no further information was available.

The Bobcats open their district play against Belfry next week.

The Jackson Times, August 31, 1989, page 6

Hazard High School – September 2, 1989 – Win 20 – 0

Stinging Defeat

Bobcats bowl over Bulldogs 20-0

How sweet it is!  The Honey Bowl, that is.  It was a “honey of a game.”

If the Hazard Bulldogs had any sting when they arrived for the annual Honey Bowl, they didn’t have any when they left here Friday night.

The Breathitt County Bobcats shut out the Dogs 20-0 and improved their season record to 3-0.  It was Breathitt’s 2nd shutdown of the season since they defeated Middlesboro 21-0 in their season opener.  In fact, the Cats have given up only 6 points so far this season.  Maybe the Bobcats still smarted from their loss to Hazard last year.

Maybe they just wanted to give their fans an exciting first-home game win.  For whatever the reason, the team played hard from start to finish.  They subdued the Dogs from the onset of the game and never relinquished their grip.

After Breathitt kicked off to the Dogs to start the struggle, they were unable to get a first down.  On a 4-4 situation, the Hazard club executed a bad punt- bad for them, good for the Cats.  It meant the Bobcats took over on Hazard’s 18.

Jesse Allen, who picked up 158 yards on 23 carries during the game, started moving the ball on short gainers up the center.  With 7:01 left in the first quarter, he scored on a one-yard run.  Hubbard’s P.A.T. was good, and the Cats were up 7-0 early in the game.

Coach Holcomb said he was well pleased with the way the boys started playing hard from the very beginning of the game and never let up.  The win, he said, was “definitely a team win.” In fact, the M.V.P. award went to the whole team, not an individual.

Holcomb had words of praise for both his offensive and defensive teams.  He stressed that the offensive line did an outstanding job.  On that line were Brian Turner, Judd Hubbard, Chuck Price, Kevin Calhoun, Artie Gross, and Harrison White.

“Our whole defensive unit played outstanding as a team,” emphasized Holcomb.  Brian Turner, he added, played a superb game and climaxed his fine performance when he scored on a 45-yard interception with 7:12 to go in the game.

Just prior to that, Allen scored his team’s 2nd touchdown.  He scored on a drive that started on Breathitt’s 30, where the Cats forced a Bulldog fumble, a play that sounded Hazard’s death knell.

After all, the Bulldogs had moved the ball bravely from Breathitt’s 20.  On a 4-1 situation, Hazard went for it and picked up a first down.

Later on, during the same drive, the ball was on Hazard’s 44-yard line.  It was the Bulldogs’ 4th down and ten to go.  They went for it again and completed a 15-yard pass, only to fumble on their next play.

The fumble ended the Dogs’ longest drive of the game and seemingly their best chance of scoring.

The Bobcat defense never let up the entire game.  “Outstanding” was the word Coach Holcomb used over and over to describe their effort.

He emphasized that Mike Landsaw, Hubbard, Harrison White, and Chris Back all had a good game.

So did Greg Brown, who played as a rover and had to make adjustments throughout the game.  “He did a good job,” Holcomb commented.

Back, Brian Baker, and Scott McKnight received words of commendation from their coach for blocking well during the game.

He added that he was pleased with the way Jesse Allen made the switch to tailback and performed so impressively.

A 6-foot, 215-pound senior, Allen picked up 158 yards on 23 carries.  Brent Lovely also had a good game.  He ran for 109 yards on 11 rushing attempts.

Freshman Lat Harmon saw some action.  He dashed four times for 25 yards.

The team had 296 yards rushing on 40 carries.

Quarterback Brent Lovely completed five of nine passes for 87 yards.

David Thomas caught three of the passes for 75 yards.  Baker received one for three and Allen one for nine.

Artie Gross and Allen led the team in tackles with 11 each.  Gross had five solos and six assists; for Allen four solos and seven assists.  Chris Back was 6-1, Hubbard 5-0, Landsaw 3-1, Brian Turner 5-3, Brian Baker 4-1, Thomas 2-1, Harrison White 2-0, Greg Brown 1-2.

This being the Honey Bowl game, some outstanding players were recognized.  Receiving trophies for Best Defensive Linemen were Chris Back and Brian Turner.  The best Defensive Backs went to Brian Baker and David Thomas.  Harrison White and Jesse Allen received the Best Offensive Linemen trophies.  As stated earlier, the M.V.P. award went to the whole team.

For each home game this season, Pizza Hut will recognize four outstanding players and treat each to a free meal at the local restaurant.  Recognized for their fine performance in the Hazard game were Kevin Calhoun, Artie Gross, Chuck Price, and Brent Lovely.  They will all be guests of Pizza Hut for a free meal.

This weekend, the Bobcats take on the Pirates of Belfry in the Bobcats’ first District game of the season.  Belfry always has a powerful team, and this year is no exception.  Coach Holcomb, his coaching staff, and the players would like to extend a very special invitation to their fans to load up and follow the Bobcats to Pike County.  Having been faithful for years, this trip is one that most fans always enjoy, except for taking a defeat at Belfry.  Holcomb says, as usual, we need all the fan support we can get.

The Bobcats know they can win, and they also know they will have to give it their best.  They always play well against quality teams like the Pirates.  Fan support could be the spark needed in this first district game of this young season.

The following weekend, the Bobcats will return to the friendly confines of Breathitt Stadium, where they will host the Golden Eagles of Johnson Central in yet another important District game.

The Jackson Times, September 7, 1989, page 18

Thru These Doors

Thru these doors

A sign on the wall greets you as you enter the domain of the BHS Bobcats in their “Bobcat Den” on the Breathitt County High School campus here in Jackson.  And we quote:

The will to win is not as important as the will to prepare to win.  Noted by those who are privileged to enter the domain of the Bobcat Football Players, it probably tells the story that coach Mike Holcomb strives to teach his players day in and day out.  Holcomb, the coach that he is, believes this to be the first and most important lesson that he can teach the young men who report to him each year.

Success in whatever endeavor we approach begins with this concept deeply embedded in your mind.

The Bobcats have now played three games in this 1989 football season.  The fact that they are undefeated at this early stage of this new season does not mean that they are basking in the glory of their early games.

It seems a new season dawns each Monday afternoon as they return to the practice field to prepare.

While this week brings forth a new season, it will be that, in fact, the Cats must open their district season at Belfry this Friday night.  There seems to be an absence of this being called anything special for this group of 16 seniors who have been there before.  They have been taught that every game is an important game.  No looking back, no looking forward.  As it is and as it should be this season, take one game at a time.  Preparations must be made on the basis of whatever team serves as the opponent.  You must take them one at a time and play your game and not the other team’s game.  Preparation is the keyword week after week.  The will to prepare translates into an effort and hard work.

Everyone must have a motivation and a motivator.  That translates into No. 45 for the Cats; Brian Turner moves his teammates and the fans in the stands.  His clenched fists raised high, and his upward jump skyward with clenched fists is simple to translate.

The team concept can win, whereas individual efforts can falter. 

A few other slogans posted around the Bobcat Den seem to be other attributes of this team this year.

“You can if you think you can.”

“If you think you are beaten, you are.”

‘If you think you dare not, you don’t.”

‘Success begins with your own will; it is all in your state of mind.’

“Life’s battles are not always won by those who are stronger and faster.  And sooner or later, the person who wins is the person who thinks he can.”

The Bobcat win over the Hazard Bulldogs last Friday night was a team victory; it was played by the book as interpreted by Coach Holcomb and translated into a team effort by the 1989 Bobcats, who worked hard and displayed their Breathitt Pride!

The Jackson Times, September 7, 1989, page 18

Belfry High School – September 9, 1989 – Win 13 – 6

Monday before the world knew the truth

Bobcats shock Pirates in their home port

The Bobcats turned the tables on the Belfry Pirates Friday night, and they were happy to do so.  Going into the game, the Cats remembered their first match with Belfry three years ago when they took a 29-0 beating at Belfry.  Last year, the Pirates took a 32-16-win home with them.

Friday night, that all changed.  The Cats revenged themselves 13-6.  Not only did they claw out a win, they did it on the Pirates’ home field, a difficult feat, to say the least.

The Bobcats knew their work was cut out for them before the game ever started.  Characteristic of the team they are, they rose to the challenge and defeated one of the powerful and traditionally football-rich teams in Eastern Kentucky.

True, the Cats got off to a slow start.  Midway through the 4th quarter, the Breathitt club was down 6-0.  That’s when the Bobcats decided it was time to make some changes.

Following a Belfry punt, the felines got the ball on their 40 and put together a 60-yard drive that was capped by a 2-yard TD run by Jesse Allen with 5:57 left in the game.

Hubbard’s kick was good, and the Bobcats had their first lead of the game, 7-6.

The Cats got five first downs on that drive.  Lovely faked the ball impressively, and Allen moved it steadfastly down the field.

The Pirates came back and put together a 64-yard drive of their own.  They moved the ball all the way to Breathitt’s 16-yard line, and it appeared they had the momentum to score.

That’s when David Thomas deflated the Pirates and killed any momentum they had for the rest of the game.

On the big play of the night, he intercepted a pass and returned the ball 90 yards for a touchdown, to the sheer delight of his teammates, coaches, and fans.  Score: 13-6.

Hubbard’s kick failed, but that was of no great significance since there was only 1:23 left in the game, not enough time for Belfry to stage a comeback in light of the fact that Hubbard sacked their quarterback on their first two plays for a loss of 8 yards on their last possession.

Basically a junior and senior class club, Belfry got across the goal line early in the game.

To stan the annual fray Breathitt received the kickoff, but the team fumbled on the 2nd play.  The Pirates recovered on Breathitt’s 40, and three 1st downs later were in the end zone.  The score was 6-0 in Belfry’s favor after the unsuccessful kick.

Breathitt rushed 11 times in the first half for 22 yards and got one first down.  Miles White broke the ice on an 8-yard run late in the 1st half.

What accounted for the Bobcats’ decided improvement in the 2nd half?  Coach Holcomb declares that it was not anything he said or did.  He gives the credit to the players themselves- especially the senior leadership.  “Their dedication and closeness would not let up,” he explained.

Holcomb said at halftime that the boys were confident they could win the game.  “They reassured me everything would be fine,” he added. 

And it was.

Holcomb stressed that the team’s hard work and conditioning showed up in the 4th quarter.  The players themselves were aware of that.  On the other hand, they sensed that the Pirates were beginning to tire.

Holcomb said he thought two key factors played a major role in the win.  One was the turnaround offense, and the other was that the defense really dug in the last half especially.

“Over and above that, everything seemed to fall in place,” he acknowledged with a smile of satisfaction.

Looking at the game in review, he pointed out that Lovely made some really good decisions and executed some important plays.  Miles White, who has not seen much action due to injuries, did a good job playing both ways.

Holcomb said he was really pleased with the way Landsaw came in and played the position usually manned by Artie Gross, who was injured early in the game.

Both lines received words of praise from their coach.  At defense were Miles White, Judd Hubbard, Mike Landsaw, Chris Back, Brian Turner, Harrison White, Jesse Allen, Greg Brown, Brent Lovely, Brian Baker, and David Thomas.

Seeing offensive action were Chris Back, Harrison and Miles White, Judd Hubbard, Mike Landsaw, Kevin Calhoun, Brian Baker, Brent Lovely, Jesse Allen, David Thomas, and Chuck Price.

The win improved the Bobcats’ record to 4-0, 1-0 in the district.

Breathitt amassed 119 yards.  On the ground, Allen rushed for 60, Baker had four, Miles White had nine, and Lovely had 12.  Lovely completed one pass to Thomas for 34 yards.

Belfry carried the ball 57 times for 226 yards.  Their three leading rushers were Haggar, 63 yards, Pinson, 75, and Oliver 50.

Holcomb said he was well pleased and grateful for the large turnout of fans that followed the team to Belfry.

This weekend, the Cats host Johnson Central, another big district game.  They beat the Cats last year.  With that victory, their confidence is no doubt up, and they’re eager to do the same again this season.  The Bobcats, of course, are anxious to continue their winning streak and will do everything possible to do so.

All fans everywhere are encouraged to attend Friday night’s game and show the Cats support as they try to make it win No. 5 and 2-0 in the district.

The faculty, administrators, staff personnel, and students are really excited at Breathitt High following this important win over Belfry by the Bobcat football team.  However, they are not overlooking their Johnson Central foe this week on the Bobcat home field.  Game time, as usual, is at 8:00 p.m.  Come early and show your support for the football squad.

You know you are among friends when you join the crowd at Breathitt High Stadium this Friday night.  Of course, you know the band and cheerleaders, with their enthusiasm, will be there.  Come on out and catch the fever.  PRIDE comes naturally with these Bobcats.

The Jackson Times, September 14, 1989, page 12

Johnson Central – September 16, 1989 – Win 46 – 0

Five in a row…..

Bobcats maul Golden Eagles in the mud

The Bobcats gained 325 yards on the ground against Johnson Central Friday night and scored seven touchdowns to claim a 46-0 district win over the Golden Eagles.

It was the Cat’s 5th win this season and their 3rd shutout.  They have given up only 12 points this entire season and suffered no losses.

Jesse Allen led the Bobcats in rushing with 139 yards on 17 carries, and he scored twice.

Miles White added 83 yards on 11 carries, and he scored a touchdown.

Quarterback Brent Lovely hit on 6 of 13 passes for 75 yards and a TD.  He ran twice for 57 yards and scored a couple of TDs.

Other touchdowns were scored by Chris Back on an 11-yard pass and freshman Lat Harmon.  His 1-yard run play was his first time to score on the varsity team.

Even though the Bobcats played in mud and water to their ankles and in continuous rain (heavy downpours at times), they put more points on the board than during any other game this season.

It was a good defensive game, too.  The Bobcats limited the Golden Eagles to just two first downs and sixty yards rushing.

Coach Holcomb said earlier this week that he was very pleased with his team’s performance, adding, “We’re pleased to be where we are.  Our kids showed up with intensity for the game,” he stressed.

He said one concern his staff had was whether or not the team could bounce back after their emotional win over Belfry the previous week and be ready for Johnson Central, another district team.

Did the Cats ever bounce back!  They came on the field ready to play.  Maybe they remembered their 8-6 loss to the Eagles last season, and they were determined that would not happen again.

Holcomb said he thought the seniors had helped prepare the team for the game because of the excellent leadership they have exerted this fall.

Looking at some of the game details, Holcomb said he thought the offensive line blocked extremely effectively and that Miles and Jesse ran the ball well.

Evaluating the defensive effort, he highlighted that everybody is taking care of their responsibility, putting in the mental preparation necessary for the game, and generally getting themselves prepared for the game.

Considering the adverse weather conditions, it is a credit to the team that there were no turnovers even though the ball was thrown 13 times.

Getting into the 4th quarter, the Cats had a 33-0 lead.  That’s when Holcomb put in an almost completely new team.  In that round, the team was quarterbacked by Greg Brown and Steve Spencer.  Some other players who saw action were Wick Chapman, Craig Edmonds, Bill Smith, Jon Franklin, Craig Taulbee, Chris Gillum, Brian Prater, and Aaron McIntosh.

The Bobcats took control of the game on the opening kickoff and never let up.  On their first possession, Lovely broke loose for attaining a 55-yard TD run after slightly more than two minutes into the game.  Hubbard’s kick was good, and the Cats were quickly up 7-0.

On their 2nd possession, the team was moving the ball effectively again.  Lovely picked up two yards on a keeper, Thomas caught a pass for four, and Miles got a first down.  That set the stage for a great catch by Thomas.  Alas, flags on the play, and the Cats were penalized five yards.

Momentum was still up for the Cats’ 3rd possession.  That series of plays was highlighted by Allen’s 62-yard run and near touchdown, just two yards short.  On the 3rd play, Lovely caned it in with 8:38 left in the 2nd quarter.

The Golden Eagles took over on their 43 but failed to get a first down.  It was their only possession during the 2nd frame.

The Cats started their 3rd TD drive, a long one it was, from their 18.  It was highlighted with a 19-yard run by Allen, an 11-yard catch by Brian Baker, a near interception, and a brave play on a 4-2 situation from the Eagles’ 33.  The Cats decided to go for it, and it worked.  Allen dashed for 14 yards.

From Johnson Central’s 19, Miles rushed for two, and Allen sloshed his way to the two-yard line.

There, the Eagles stood firm- would not budge.  Miles and Jesse tried three times to get in but could not break the Eagles’ defense.  On the 4th down and three to go play, Allen broke through with just 12 seconds left in the first half, which put the Cats up 19-0.

Early in the 2nd half, the Cats forced a big fumble and took control of the ball on Johnson Central’s 31, great position.  Five plays later, aided by another good catch by Baker, Allen scored on a 14-yard run.

The two-point safety that followed gave the Cats a 27-0 margin. 

Two minutes later, Chris Back scored the team’s 5th TD on an 11-yard pass aided by a 21-yard pass completed to David Thomas.

That set the stage for some excellent plays by Miles White, who picked up 40 yards on one and scored a touchdown on another with 11:12 to go in the game.

Hubbard’s ensuing kickoff put Johnson Central deep- in fact, on their 3-yard line.  As though that was not enough to make the Eagles’ feathers drop, they fumbled the ball, Breathitt recovered, and Lat Harmon scored the team’s final TD from one yard out with the clock showing 9:34 to go.

Lovely completed six of 13 passes for 75 yards.  Thomas caught two for 25-yards, Back was two for 35.  and Baker was two for 17.

Allen earned the ball 17 times for 139 yards, Miles White 11 for 83, Lovely two for 57, Lat Harmon eleven for 36, Mike Bowling one for 9, and Steve Spencer one for 1.  Thu’s a team tool of 325 yards on 43 rushes.

Miles White and Chris Back led the team in tackles with seven each, six solos, and one assist each.  Harmon had four, Hubbard had four, B. Turner had four, Allen had three, McKnight had three, B. Smith had three, and with two each was Harrison White and Landsaw.  Bowling, Brown, and Neace were credited with one solo apiece.

Friday night, the Bobcats play Fleming Neon away.  The Pirates have a 2-2 record and are well-coached, according to Holcomb.  He stressed that he, the other coaches, and the players would appreciate strong fan support.

The Jackson Times, September 21, 1989, page 10

Fleming-Neon High School – September 23, 1989 – Win 30 – 0

Bobcats enjoy a ‘Mud Bath’ at Fleming Neon

The Bobcats continued their winning ways Friday night with another shutout.  On a rain-soaked field, they sank the Fleming Neon Pirates 30-0 and improved their season record to 6-0.

It was Breathitt’s game all the way.  The Cats intercepted Fleming Neon’s first four passes.  Lovely got two of them, and Baker and Thomas grabbed one each.  Thomas’ was nullified, but it was still a good catch.

The Bobcats scored quickly after their first interception.  With 7:52 left in the first quarter, Allen scored on a one-yard run, and Hubbard’s successful kick put the Cats up by 7.

Lovely’s interception of the Pirates’ 2nd play of their 2nd possession laid the groundwork for Hubbard’s successful 29-yard field goal.

During the 2nd quarter, Thomas scored on a 15-yard TD pass, and Miles White’s 3-yard touchdown run gave Breathitt a 24-0 margin at intermission.

During the first half, Breathitt rushed for 104 yards to Fleming-Neon’s 38.  The Cats got nine first downs.  The Pirates had two.  The Bobcats did not have any punts; the Pirates had three.  The Pirates were never able to get the ball across midfield during the first two quarters.  The Bobcats were able to keep the Pirates deep the first half, in fact most of the game.

The Cats began the 2nd half with the same domination they had shown during the first two periods.

The Pirates were humiliated to have their first pass play intercepted.  Brian Baker did it, and it gave the Cats tremendous field position.  Just four plays later, the Cats were in the endzone.  Allen completed the short TD drive on a 3-yard run with 6:34 remaining in the 3rd quarter.  That put Breathitt up 30-0, which proved to be the final score.

Almost the entire 2nd half was played by subs.  In fact, every boy on the team got to play.

Breathitt’s defense came through with flying colors again.  They caused several turnovers.  Seventeen of Breathitt’s 30 points were attributed to the defense.  “It was another great defensive effort said coach Holcomb.

Speaking of that defensive team, it might be pointed out that last week, the Bobcats were the top-ranked defensive unit in class AAA statewide.

At this point in the season, the team has averaged giving up only 2 points per game.

Holcomb said he thought everybody played extremely well, and he was very happy with his team’s win.  It was the 2nd game in a row that the Cats had to play in mud.  The Bobcats rushed for 159 yards on 39 carries.  Miles White picked up 70 of those yards on 16 carries.  Allen got 39 on ten.

Lat Harmon dashed six times for 25 yards, Greg Brown three for 20, Scotty McKnight two for three, Steve Spencer one for eight, and Lovely one for ten.

Lovely completed six of 10 passes for 71 yards and 1 TD.

Leading tacklers were as follows: Turner seven, Allen five, M. White four, Hubbard four, Back four, Greg Brown three, and two each were made by Lovely, Baker, Parks, and Neace.

Speaking of Billy Neace, Holcomb said he thought he played impressively on the specialty teams and at defensive end.  “He’s a promising sophomore,” he added.

He stated that he thought Greg Brown ran the offense well from the quarterback position in the 2nd half.  So far, as that goes, he emphasized that he was well pleased with the effort everybody gave starters and otherwise.

He did underscore the performance of Miles White, stating that he thought he ran extremely well. 

He also had words of praise for the fans who have braved tough weather the last two weeks to support the Cats.  “That’s much appreciated,” he added.

It appeared Breathitt had as many fans for the game Friday night as did Fleming-Neon.

“We are very grateful for the way the fans stick with us, travel long distances, and support us even in bad weather,” Holcomb stressed earlier this week.

The Jackson Times, September 28, 1989, page 14

Mike Holcomb – Movtiator

His cats are undefeated – 6-0

Motivator – Mike Holcomb, Coach of the Football team

Someone with proven leadership ability is necessary in any team effort.  There must be a leader not involved in the action except from a sideline position.  Coach Mike Holcomb is the epitome of this in his chosen profession.  Coaching a group of young men requires more than usual.  Success in teaching and leading these young men to the victory circle involves some ingredients not found in most other endeavors working in the team concept.

These football Bobcats are making a name for this 1989 team at our Breathitt High School.

They have converted a good group of ardent fans, another mark of the leadership quality so necessary for a worthy cause.  Weather conditions have not deterred them.

Mike Holcomb always puts his team first, and in so doing, success comes to those who strive and succeed in their endeavors.  Holcomb never fails to do his homework in preparing for an opponent.  What he learns each week, he is able to convey to his team.  For six weeks, rain or shine, Holcomb has led his team to victory.  Each win makes the next one more difficult.

This week is a challenge not faced before this season.  Holcomb and his young men accept that challenge.  Each effort is a learning and growing step.  We are pleased to tell you the story each week and make the effort.  This week, we thought it was time to take a look at the team leader – Mike Holcomb!

The Jackson Times, September 28, 1989, page 14

Clay County – September 30, 1989 – Win 15 – 13

Breathitt’ Mud Cats’ slide over Clay Co. 15-13

Bobcat fans will probably be talking about the Breathitt-Clay County Friday night football game for a long time.  It’s been a topic of conservation ever since.

It’s a fact, though, that the Bobcats won the game 15-13 amidst great confusion in the last twelve seconds of play.

After the game was over, Clay County officials in the press box were reporting different results.  Some said the Tigers won, some Breathitt.

When the Bobcats started their final drive, the Tigers had a 13-12 lead with 1:12 left in the game.  The Bobcats started their drive from their 19, and it took them seven plays to move the ball to Clay County’s 31.  It was from there that Judd Hubbard attempted a field goal with 12 seconds left on the clock.  The kick was short.  In fact, it fell through the hands of a Clay County player who was standing on the 3-yard line.  The ball glided through his hands, touched him on the chest, and dropped to the ground.

The Clay County player evidently thought his actions signified the end of the game.  He started celebrating a Tiger victory, and so did his teammates, thinking they had won.

In the meantime, Coach Holcomb said he knew when the boy dropped the ball, it was a live ball.  Scotty McKnight grabbed it and dashed for the end zone.  Two of the officials immediately signaled a touchdown, and Breathitt started celebrating.

After a short conference, the officials ruled that the offense (Breathitt) could not advance the ball but could recover it as a fumble.

When McKnight first touched the ball, the officials said there were three seconds left on the clock.  Therefore, Hubbard kicked a short field goal and won the game.

The quick and bizarre action left the fans of both teams in a state of confusion.  After Hubbard’s field goal, it was several minutes before the final score was posted, and then only after Breathitt fans insisted.  “Put the score up.  Put the score up.”

Finally, 15-13 appeared on the scoreboard for roughly a minute and then disappeared.  The old score, 13-12, which indicated the Tigers won the game, went back up.  After more insistence from the Breathitt fans, the 15-13 score finally reappeared.  Before it did, though, someone in the press box kept urging people to go home, telling them the game was over.

“Go home.  Go on home.  The game is over,” he repeated several times.

Holcomb said it was an “extraordinary” way to win a game.  In all his years of coaching and watching games, he said he had never seen anything like it.

Going into the game, both teams had a 6-0 record.  The game was especially important since it was a district contest.  Naturally, both teams wanted desperately to win.

Concerning McKnight’s play at the end of the game, Holcomb described it as a “heads-up play.” “It made the difference in the game,” he stressed.

In fact, it was McKnight’s second big fumble recovery of the night.  His first one, in the 2nd quarter, helped to keep alive a touchdown drive, and his 2nd contributed directly to the win.

Getting off to an encouraging start, the Cats had an excellent first half.  At intermission, they had a 12-0 advantage.  They set the tone for their first half on their first possession.  They moved the ball 76 yards right down to Clay County’s nine-yard line.  Just when it looked like they would score, the officials called a fumble.

Not discouraged, the Cats held the Tigers at bay and with 8:25 left in the 2nd period.  Miles White broke loose for a 47-yard TD run down the right side line.  Hubbard’s kick was unsuccessful, and the Cats had a 6-0 lead but did not let up.

On the Tigers’ following possession, David Thomas made a big play when he intercepted a pass and returned the hall to Clay County’s 48 with 6:06 remaining in the first half.

Allen got some good runs, and it looked like he was TD-bound on one.  Unfortunately, he fumbled, but fortunately, it was recovered by McKnight.

The drive was climaxed with a four-yard TD pass to Brian Baker from Lovely.  Since the two-point conversion failed, Breathitt went into intermission with a 12-0 advantage.

Clay County started the 2nd half with seemingly more zip than was evident in the first half.

They got three quick first downs to start the last half and held Breathitt to one on the Cats’ first possession.  When the Tigers got control of the ball again, they began their TD drive from their own 46.  Wambles scored on a three-yard pass with 1:27 to go in the 3rd quarter.

Early in the 4th period, Shepherd scored on a 45-yard punt return.  Since the kick was successful, the Tigers moved in front 13-12 with 11:01 left in the game.

Holcomb said he was especially well pleased with his team’s performance in the first half.  He said he thought his offense moved the ball well, and the team played good defense.

Looking at the performance of some individuals, he pointed out that Brian Baker had a good game and that he made a super catch.  Miles ran well, he stressed, and Jesse and Brent both had good games.

Allen was the workhorse of the evening.  He rushed for 156 yards on 18 carries.  Miles went nine times for 70.  Lovely ran four times for 35 yards, and Thomas dashed one time for 11 yards.  Team totals rushing: 272 on 32 carries.

Tackles were as follows: Allen ten, Baker eight, M. White seven, Brown seven, Lovely six, Back six, H. White six, Lansaw four, and Turner four.

Lovely completed 6 of 14 passes for 45 yards.  Thomas caught three for 26 yards.  Baker had one TD pass for four, and Allen two for 15.

Quarterback Marcum completed ten of 22 passes for the Tigers for 103 yards.

Lovely punted four times for 104 yards, an average of 26 yards per punt.

Holcomb said he appreciated the fan support generated for the game.  He said he was grateful for what Mr. Rogers, Mrs. Murphy, the student council, cheerleaders, and faculty did in support of the game.  “We really appreciate their help,” he stated.

He said his team and the entire coaching staff were extremely happy with the way the community got behind the team for the game.  He said he was especially grateful for public notices different businesses put up in support of the game.

Considering the fact that it was another rainy night, Holcomb said he was delighted with the large turnout of fans at the game.  “No fans like Breathitt fans,” he quipped.

The Jackson Times, October 5, 1989, page 18

Russell on the Radar

Bobcats face showdown time

Coach Jerry Claiborne and his team of Kentucky Wildcats fell to a strong Auburn Tiger team on Commonwealth turf last Saturday.  This week, Claiborne and his staff hope and plan that things will be better when Rutgers comes to town.  The event is scheduled for a 7:30 PM starting time.  This will be the annual Homecoming Game for Kentucky, and a gala festive crowd is always assured for the annual homecoming event.  Unlike last weekend, there will be no TV coverage, and the Bluegrass visitors will have the afternoon free for the races at Keeneland.  At the last report, there were some tickets available, and they may be ordered by calling Lexington 257-CATS.

And speaking of CATS, we must not overlook our own Breathitt Bobcat football team for they return to war this Friday night on the grass of Breathitt Stadium.  The game’s starting time will be at 8:00 PM, and their foe is indeed a formidable one.  The team that they will be entertaining will be Russell from up northeastern Kentucky way.

The Bobcats have played and won their first seven games this season, and now Russell, a well-known strong football program, comes to town Friday night with yet another strong challenge for our Bobcats.  I hasten to add, don’t worry about our Bobcats; just go out and support probably the best team Breathitt has ever fielded.  This surmise is based on the strength of the teams here in Kentucky these days.

An undefeated season for Holcomb and his crew probably rides on this game with Russell.  Russell is the 16th-rated team in the state.  They carry a rating of 68.2 on the rating system and have a season record of 7-1.  Breathitt has a 64.3 in that same rating formula.  Breathitt is top-rated in their district.  Russell is the 6th rated team in Class 3-A, while Breathitt is 11th.  A Breathitt win would correct those circumstances, so the incentive is there for the Bobcats.

I am sure Coach Holcomb will have his team ready to play, but there is a missing ingredient, and that is you, the fans of Breathitt.  You should be there this Friday night.  Come early and show these Bobcats where your feelings are and urge them to make this a home team advantage we should take care of for our Bobcats.

The Jackson Times, October 12, 1989p, page A9

Bobcats are 8-0 and three to go

The unbeaten Breathitt Bobcat football team has raised their record to 8-0, with three to go.  They also jumped into the state’s top 20 list regardless of classification.  Riding the crest with the undefeated season to date, the Cats vow they are not finished.

They display a unity seldom observed in a sports effort where heroes normally inject their personal goals into those normally reserved for a team effort.  From the record and casual observation, these Bobcats have grown closer together as their success on the field rises.  When you observe the individual totals, they pale in comparison to their team effort.

In visiting the practice field a couple or more times each week, it is all business; you could easily believe that these young men who comprise the 1989 football team at Breathitt this year have found the working combination toward success on the gridiron.

A coaching staff oversees their daily endeavors, and they have been elated with their combined efforts to mold this team and improve their record week after week.

When you pursue the recap of their efforts against a powerful Russell team last Friday, the end result for that effort and the win over Russell being so emphatic was amply demonstrated.  If you read about the players who could draw special recognition, you can see that there were a total of eleven mentioned for some particular effort.  There are eleven men in a team and on the field during every snap of the ball.

While those eleven demonstrated how this team works as a well-operated entity.  While eleven have drawn personal mention and recognition, they usually mention the fact that everyone had a part in that play.  It is not too unusual, the fans sure were making it noisy for us.

The Bobcats jumped ahead of Russell in the ratings.  The Cats jumped from a 64.3 rating last week to 68.5 in the Dave Cantrall weekly ratings this week.

It appears there is a relationship between Holcomb and his assistants with this team.  More than once, I have heard the remark that the coaches hope their parents realize that they are as well-behaved and cooperative as they are as a group of football players.  When your parents or athletic coach brag on you, then and only then can you walk with pride.  Since their slogan is ‘Breathitt Pride,’ it all seems to fit the mold of someone who accepts his part in a team-style event.

This week is the week reserved for the Knott County Patriots to take their collective lumps Friday night at Breathitt Stadium.

Next week, we would take great pleasure in changing our headline from “Eight and 0 – Three to go.  What about “Nine is fine – Two to find.  Ten is fun – now only one.

For the final regular season game, what about Eleven and 0 – now, here we go for even more in-state playoffs.  In the meantime, it must be one at a time, no looking back – only ahead.

The Jackson Times, October 12, 1989, page 14

Russell High School – October 14, 1989 – Win 38 – 7

Bobcats smash Red Devils 38-7

Friday night, the Bobcats nailed together one of their most thrilling performances this season.  They battered Russell, one of the top-ranked teams in the state, 38-7 and set some team and individual records doing so.  For one thing, it was the first time Breathitt had ever beaten Russell.

In so doing, the Cats amassed 467 total offensive yards, the most ever this season.  Quarterback Brent Lovely set a couple of records, too.  He completed 10 of 14 passes for 71.43 percent and threw his longest-ever TD pass, a 58-yarder.

On the receiving end was Brian Baker, who set a record for the longest TD catch for his career.

Lovely threw two touchdowns- a 20-yarder to David Thomas and an 11-yard completion to Chris Back.  He got 17 yards total in the air.

Elated with the win, coach Holcomb had nothing but praise for the way his team performed both offensively and defensively.

He added that his team played hard and with emotion.  “Our kids played with the same intensity all night,” he said.  “We didn’t let up.”

Holcomb stressed that he was very pleased that the win was a balanced one- 288 yards on the ground and 179 in the air.

The win improved Breathitt’s record to 8-0 and increased the prospect that the Bobcats might have an undefeated season.  However, there are three more games to go- Knott County, Sheldon Clark, and Whitesburg- and neither can be taken lightly.

The Bobcats had October 6 off, which gave them two weeks to prepare for Russell, who had a 6-1 record going into the game.  During the two-week interval, they had ample opportunity to think about the game, which most recognized as a major obstacle to an undefeated season.

Greg Brown said he was nervous but anxious about the game.  Judd Hubbard stated that “anxiety” best described his feelings, and Brent Lovely confessed that he was hungry for action and “eager” to get on with the show.

And “get on” they did.

The Cats received the opening kickoff and put together a non-stop 69-yard touchdown drive that was capped with that 20-yard TD pass from Lovely to David Thomas with 9:01 left in the first quarter.

The Red Devils took over on their 20 and pushed their way right through Breathitt’s defense down to the Cats’ one-yard line.  From there, Todd Ward took the ball in with 1:57 to go in the first period and took a 7-6 edge.

The guests didn’t seem to have a lot of trouble completing their 5-first-downs scoring drive.  “What’s going on here?” Breathitt fans were asking.  “It looks like it’s going to be a long night,” observed one.

What the fans didn’t realize was that after that one successful drive, the Red Devils would be completely shut down.  Breathitt held Russell quarterback Jon Byer to 2-for-6 passing for 15 yards.  The Bobcats also intercepted him twice.  Russell rushed for only 129 yards.

After their first promising drive, the Devils failed to get a first down on their next two possessions.  Late in the first half, they put together a fair drive and moved the ball to Breathitt’s 21.  That’s when Lovely made a big pass interception (one of his two during the night) from which Russell seemed never to recover.  In the 2nd half, the Red Devil earned only one first down.

Holcomb vowed he did not pull out any magic plays to turn the game around after Russell’s impressive but stressful drive.  He stated that what changes were made were made by the team.  “The boys just dug in and played harder,” he explained.  “We did not do anything major, and we didn’t give any specific instructions.”

While the defense was keeping the lid on Russell, the offense exploded.

Early in the 2nd quarter, the Bobcats started their 2nd touchdown drive from their 44, and four plays later, Allen broke loose for a 35-yard TD run, followed by a two-point conversion by Lovely that put the Cats up 14-7.

The next time Breathitt got the ball, Allen scored again from four yards out.  The PAT failed, and the Cats took a 20-7 lead with them into intermission.

Miles White electrified the fans early in the 2nd half with a 61-yard run during which he broke three or four tackles and moved the ball to Russell’s 15. Two plays later, Chris Back caught an 11-yard pass from Lovely for touchdown No. 4.  Brent hit Chris again for the point after, and Breathitt enjoyed a 23-7 advantage.

Judd Hubbard’s field goal upped the Cats to 31-7.

That set the stage for one of the jump-up-and-shout plays of the game, a 58-yard TD pass to Brian Baker that left 11:28 in the game.  Judd’s successful PAT registered the final score, 38-7.

Much of the last quarter was played by subs.  They didn’t score, but they didn’t give up any points either.

Holcomb said he was extremely well pleased with his offensive line.  Manning that line were Kevin Calhoun, Judd Hubbard, Artie Gross, Chuck Price, Harrison White, and Chris Back.  They received words of praise for their ability to open holes for the backs and to block well so the quarterback had time to throw.

And speaking of the quarterback, Holcomb said he thought Lovely played an excellent football game.

He pointed out that Allen again did a great job of running the ball.  On the other hand, Miles White showed the kind of speed he had with his long carry.

David Thomas made some breath-holding catches, catches that Holcomb said he was very happy with.

Allen carried the ball 17 times for 139 yards and two touchdowns.  Lovely dashed four times for 25 yards, Miles White four for 66, Brian Baker one for five, Thomas one for four, Bowling two for 14, Miller three for 27, and Hannon two for eight.

Miles White led the team in tackles with ten, seven solo.  Back and Baker added nine tackles each.  Allen and H. White had seven apiece.  Five each were made by Lansaw and B. Turner.

Coach Holcomb stated that he appreciated and was grateful for how the community got behind the team for the Russell game.  He added that he was impressed with the degree of community support as evidenced through signs posted on business places throughout town.  He pointed out that the student council, cheerleaders, and business people had combined their efforts for an impressive display of Bobcat football support.

The Jackson Times, October 19, 1989, page 14

Homecoming Set

BHS Homecoming set October 20

It’s that time of year again.

Homecoming at Breathitt High School.

This year’s homecoming will take place on October 20, this Friday, at Breathitt High.

The events will start with a parade through Jackson at approximately 1:45 p.m.  There will be lots of floats, the ROTC, the marching band, and the undefeated Bobcat football team.

Following that spectacular event, BHS students will return to school for a “Rip-Roaring” pep rally around 2:30 p.m.  That rally is in anticipation of the annual football homecoming game.

This year the Bobcats will try to up their record up to 9-0 as they face.  The game is set to begin at 8 p.m. as usual.  Half-time will feature the coronation of the 1989 queen.

Members of the court are football candidates Chrissie Turner and Cathy Lovely, seniors Tammy Compkis and Norma Watts, juniors Sheretta Combs and Melissa Taulbee, sophomores Tracey Gross and Alicia Ritchie, and Freshman Brandi Herald and Heather Miller.

1988 Queen Katrina Anderson will crown this year’s winner.

Following the game, students and recent graduates are invited to a homecoming dance.  Sound and music will be provided by Rodney Isaacs and crew.

 All homecoming events will be sponsored by the Student Council.  The BHS Student Council Advisor is Addie Murphy, and the President is Stephen Bowling.

The Jackson Times, October 19, 1989, page 9

A Preview of Knott County

Bobcats stalk Patriots

The Bobcats have a big district game coming up at home Friday night. They host Knott Central for their last district contest in regular season play. The Cats are treating Knott Central as a serious opponent. Last week, the Patriots beat Fleming Neon 32-28. K.C.C.’s record is 2-7.

Coach Holcomb, his staff, and the team invite Bobcat fans everywhere to the game. Very appreciative of the support fans have given the team in the last eight games, Holcomb said he hoped that same degree of enthusiasm would be evident at Friday night’s district challenge to help the Cats continue their winning ways.

The Jackson Times, October 12, 1989, page 14

Knott County – October 20, 1989 – Win 43 – 7

Bobcats lock up district title

The Bobcats, 9-0, locked up the district title Friday night with a 43-7 romp over district rival Knott County Central.

It has been a long time since the Cats enjoyed a district title, not since ’83.  That made the win very special, said coach Holcomb Monday morning at the Bobcat Den.  “Winning the district was a very rewarding experience, especially for our varsity,” he stated.

He said it was something his team had been looking forward to and working hard for.  “They deserved it,” he emphasized.

He had nothing but praise for the way his team played – and the entire team at that.  Every boy that dressed got in the game – Varsity, Junior Varsity, and Freshman.

The Cats got control of the game early and never relinquished their grip.

It was rather evident early in the game that the Breathitt troops had the battle won.  They had a 21-0 lead at the end of the first quarter.  At halftime, they enjoyed a 35-7 advantage.  Hardly any varsity player saw much action in the entire second half.

Five Bobcats scored touchdowns, and Judd Hubbard put his toe to the ball for 3 PATs.  He ran for a couple of points.  One might say he “sailed” for the extra points since that’s literally what he did following a 55-yard TD pass to Brian Baker, which gave the Cats their final score.  As Judd attempted to run the ball across the goal line, he saw a solid wall of Patriots crouched in front of him.  Instead of hitting the line, he simply stretched himself out and sailed right over it for the two extra points.

Miles White scored a couple of touchdowns.  In addition to Brian’s touchdown, David Thomas, Jesse Allen, and Lat Harmon also contributed TDs.

The Patriots received the opening kickoff and had to punt on a 4-4 situation after failing to get a first down.

Taking over, the Bobcats started their first TD drive from their 30, and 11 plays later, Miles scored from six yards out.  Hubbard’s kick was good, and the Cats were ahead by seven with 5:13 to go in the first period.

Judd put a mighty kick to the ball; it bounced through the hands of two Central players and ended on their one-yard line.

After the Patriots picked up a couple of first downs, David Thomas made a big pass interception and scored on a 35-yard run.

On their ensuing very first play, Central fumbled.  Judd recovered the ball, and two plays later, Jesse Allen executed a 22-yard TD run.  

Following Hubbard’s successful kick, the Cats were in control 21-0 with 1:16 to go in the first quarter.

Early in the 2nd period, Lat Harmon scored from six yards out, and late in the period, Miles White executed an electrifying 89-yard run, breaking two or three tackles along the way.  Just five yards shy of the goal line, he stepped into a slight sinkhole, lost his balance, and fell.  Later, he carried the ball in from two yards out for this second TD of the night.

With 9:46 left in the 3rd round, Brian Baker had the privilege of scoring the Cats’ last touchdown.  It was another long, thrilling TD pass, a 55-yarder.  Last week, Brian caught a 58-yard TD pass, the longest of his career.

Stressing that he thought everybody played well Friday night, Holcomb said that he thought Miles White, Scotty McKnight, and Lat Harmon ran the ball exceptionally well.

The team rushed for 322 yards on 39 carries.  Miles dashed ten times for 139 yards, Harmon 14 for 80.

McKnight was five for 26, and Jesse Allen was five for 51.  Baker picked up 13 yards on two runs and on one run each, Lovely gained three, Don Miller had seven, and Mike Bowling had three.

Quarterback Brent Lovely completed one of four passes for 55 yards.  Greg Brown attempted two passes.

For the Patriots, Everidge threw for 62 yards on five of 11 tries.

Brian Turner and Lat Harmon led the team in tackles with five each.  With four apiece were B. Smith, C. Back, J. Allen, M. Bowling, H. White, and M. While.  Brent Lovely and Brian Baker made three tackles each, and the following were credited with 2: D. Thomas, M. Lansaw, G. Brown, B. Neace, C. Edmonds, M. Taulbee, and S. White.

The Jackson Times, October 26, 1989, page 12

“Twin Terrors”

‘Twin Terrors’ Harrison and Miles White

Miles and Harrison White may not look much alike, but they are, nonetheless, twins.

Difference in physical appearance may be their greatest distinguishing characteristic.  Otherwise, they are very much alike.  They both like sports; both have played football for the last eight years.  Both are good students, both are pleasantly mild-mannered, and for the most part, they have had the same kind of experiences since they have always been close and have basically done the same things.

They are the products of LBJ, where they started playing football in the 6th grade, and they have been making contributions to their teams ever since.

As 8th graders, they started taking football seriously and began lifting weights regularly.

For the most part, Harrison has always been a tackle, but Miles has played several positions, including fullback, tailback, quarterback, rover, linebacker, and defensive end.  The latter two he especially enjoys.

Harrison would not trade a tackle position for any other.  It’s much to his liking.  He said he especially enjoyed throwing a good block and helping his team score.  “It makes you feel good knowing you played a part in a touchdown,” he added.

Their football abilities have not gone unnoticed.  Coach Holcomb highlights their contributions weekly.  At the annual football banquets, he’s highly complementary of the twins’ abilities and their dedication to football.

Harrison received the Best Offensive Lineman trophy at the Honey Bowl, and last year, he won his weight division in the annual lift-a-thon.

Miles has won his division the last two years, and last year, he won the overall poundage contest.  In other words, he lifted more than anyone else.

In high school, their athletic involvement has been limited to football.  Before they decided to concentrate on football, they both were very interested in and played baseball, a sport in which they both won several trophies.

Miles and Harrison, age 17, are sons of Harry and Debbie White at Noctor.  They said they were very close, enjoyed doing things together, and liked spending time at home.

They both enjoy TV, and Harrison likes to help his mother.  He’s very handy in the kitchen.  He said he likes to cook, especially spaghetti and desserts.  But that is not the end of his culinary arts.  He said it was no trouble for him to cook a whole meal.  In fact, he often cooks supper.  “It runs in the family,” he smiled.  His grandfather, O.V. Watts, is also a good cook.

He also enjoys helping his mother with her tee-shirt business.  He sometimes helps with designs and assists her with the printing.

Miles, on the other hand, likes talking on the phone, listening to music, and being with his friends.  He also lends his mother a helping hand, which Debbie especially appreciates since she doesn’t have a daughter to help her with chores.

Both boys have some mechanical ability and like working with their dad on cars.

They also enjoy spending time with their girlfriends.

The twins attend Bach Memorial Church.

College is a part of their future plans.  Miles is not interested in playing college football, but Harrison is.  He plans to go to UK and would like to play there.  He also likes the University of Tennessee.

At this point, Miles is interested in studying law, and Harrison wants to become an orthopedic surgeon.

The Jackson Times, September 21, 1989, page 10

Sheldon Clark Preview

Bobcats look for 10th win at Sheldon Clark

Friday night the Bobcats will be looking for win No. 10 when they take on Sheldon Clark away.  It will be the first time the Cats have played on that field, and according to Coach Holcomb, they are looking forward to it.

To get to Sheldon Clark, go to Paintsville and take 23 North for roughly 11 miles to 645.  At the junction of 645 turn right, and Sheldon Clark High School will be visible on the left.

Reportedly, the Breathitt troops are excited about the game, but they need all the fan support they can get to help them continue their winning streak.  After Sheldon Clark, there is only one more season game to go, Whitesburg.  With their present 9-0 record naturally, the Bobcats want an 11-0 season.

The word from the coaches and players is that everybody far and near\ have an invitation to the game on Friday night, the last away game this season.

Holcomb said again how much he has appreciated fan support all season.  In come away games, Breathitt has had almost as many fans as the home team; he said that show of support was very encouraging to the players and coaches.

He stressed that he would be really grateful for a big turnout of fans for this last away season game.

The Jackson Times, October 26, 1989, page 12

Sheldon Clark High School – October 28, 1989 – Win 35 – 6

NO DEFEAT – Quite a Feat…

BOBCATS RISE TO TEN and 0, One to go

David Thomas established squatter’s rights in the end zone Friday night and caught 4 TD passes to lead Breathitt to a 35-6 win over Sheldon Clark.

The victory improved the Bobcats record to 10-0.

They wind up their regular season on Friday night when they host Whitesburg.  The Yellowjackets have a 7-3 record, and they have been playing some good ball this season.  Last week, the Herald-Leader identified them as No. 1 in the state in rushing defense.

Coach Holcomb said he expects Whitesburg to be up for the Cats.  “In other words, we’re expecting a tough game,” he stressed.  He added that his team would have to play excellent football from start to finish to win the game and enjoy a rare accomplishment: an undefeated season.

Now, back to the Sheldon Clark game.

Jesse Allen put the Breathitt squad on the board Friday night with a 14-yard touchdown run 5 minutes deep into the 2nd period.  Thomas scored each of the other TDs.  Perfect with each extra point attempt, Judd Hubbard contributed five points to Breathitt’s winning score.

It took the eats a while to get in the flow of the game, but after they did, the points added up fast.  Brent Lovely boosted the Cats’ spirit and fans’ enthusiasm with a zig-zag 40-yard run that crossed midfield and ended on Sheldon Clark’s 14-yard line.  From there, Allen took it in for the first score.

The Cats had a hard time keeping their momentum up.  Seemed like every time they turned around, another flag was falling.  They were penalized ten times for 130 yards.

Lovely completed nine of 14 passes for 158 yards and four touchdowns.  Some of them were long passes.  One, for example, was a 42-yarder to David Thomas.  Another one was 18 yards, and one was 21.

Jesse Allen led his team in rushing with 123 yards on ten carries.  Scotty McKnight gained 31, and Miles White 10.  Jesse executed a thrilling 61-yard run before being brought down on the Cardinals’ three-yard line; from there, Lovely connected with Thomas on a short pass for TD No. 3 with just 0:37 left in the first half.  The Cats went into intermission with a 21-0 advantage.

The Cardinals actually put together some pretty good runs, but the Cats always managed to put an abrupt end to them.  On their very first possession, they moved the ball 44 yards, and then Thomas made a big pass interception that ended that one.

After three first downs on their next drive, the Breathitt bullets shot through Sheldon Clark’s line and sacked the quarterback twice for a big loss that brought up a four-and-31 situation.  The same thing happened the next time they got the ball.  Harrison White rushed through the line, grounded the quarterback, and forced the Cardinals to punt.

Late in the 4th period, they put together a 60-yard drive that ended on the Bobcats’ 4-yard line.  The defense stood tough, though, and the Cardinals’ feathers dropped when they were shut out of the end zone.

The coaches and team invite all fans everywhere to the last regular season game Friday night.  The Bobcats would really like to end the season with a perfect record.  Good fan support can help make that happen.

The Jackson Times, November 2, 1989, page 26

Assistant Coaches Have Kept Busy In this Pleasing Season

Doug Back: Doug is a ’75 graduate of Breathitt High, and he played on Breathitt’s first football team.  He was the first in his family of 4 to make valuable contributions to Breathitt football.  He was followed by Danny, David, and Darren.  Doug works mainly with the junior varsity and freshmen teams.  He and his wife Tina have one son, Joshua, who is 6.  Doug is an employee of the Breathitt County Board of Education.

Irton Sparkman: Irton is in his 3rd year as assistant football coach at Breathitt.  Before joining the Bobcats, he coached one year at Knott Central.  Irton says that, presently, he is basically a scout for the Bobcats.  When he worked more directly with the team, he concentrated on the defensive ends.  Irton teaches drafting and electronics at the high school.  He’s married and has a 4-year-old son.  He holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Morehead and a Master’s from Purdue.

Jack Strong: This is the first year that Jack has worked with the football team.  He said his major role was to lend moral support to the team and assist Coach Holcomb in any way he could.  As an avid sportsman, Jack loves to play basketball and baseball.  Before Breathitt had baseball, he left the county to attend school in Ohio to play on their baseball team.  A graduate of Morehead, he is B.H.S.’s tennis coach. Jack and his wife have two sons, Neil and Toy.

Tim Noble: This is the 4th year that Tim has assisted with the football team.  A former Bobcat himself, he played from 79-82.  He works basically with the offensive and defensive lines.  With that, he does a great job, according to coach Holcomb.  Tim is single, and Holcomb said he was able to relate extremely well to the Bobcats.  He is able to motivate them effectively and is capable of getting them to perform excellently.  Tim is presently working on his degree.

Steve Thomas: Steve is a former Bobcat turned assistant coach.  He graduated from Breathitt High in 1983.  He is a brother of David Thomas, a current member of the Bobcat team and a senior.  Following his graduation from Breathitt, he enrolled in the State Police Academy and completed the requirements to become a state policeman.  He has been a state policeman since 1986.  His assignments with the coaching staff are to work with the offensive backfield and with the receivers.

He is married to Laura Wireman Thomas, who holds a position with True Value Hardware and Radio Shack.

The Jackson Times, November 2, 1989, page 26

Whitesburg High School – November 4, 1989 – Win 39 – 6

Bobcats close perfect season against Whitesburg 39-6

A dream came true for the Bobcats Friday night.  All season long, one of their goals was to win every game.  They took each game as it came along, and each time, they came out on top.  Friday night was no exception.  They mauled Whitesburg, their last scheduled team, 39-6.

They ended their season with an 11-0 record.

Sure, that deserved some celebration.  However, the Cats were not too jubilant on the field following their win, but they did loosen up in their den.

Coach Holcomb stressed that he was proud of his team and happy for the squad that could end their season play with such an impressive record.

If there was a touch of melancholy about the game, it was that it was the last regular season game for the 16 seniors who have made this season an exciting one for the Breathitt fans.

The Yellow Jackets came into the game with a 7-3 record, but the Bobcats took the Jackets out of the game fairly early.  With 6:11 to go in the 2nd quarter, Amburgey scored for the guest team on an eight-yard run.  That was their main achievement of the night.  Their quarterback threw four interceptions, and the Bobcats recovered two big Jacket fumbles, one of which was converted to a touchdown.

Whitesburg came out throwing the ball.  However, they completed only seven of 18 passes for 78 yards.  Brian Baker intercepted two Whitesburg passes, and one each was made by Greg Brown and David Thomas.

Bobcat quarterback Brent Lovely hit receivers on six of 11 tries for 96 yards and two touchdowns.  He threw no interceptions.

Breathitt intercepted a pass on Whitesburg’s 3rd play of their first possession.  Taking over on their 46, the Bobcats steadily moved the ball on runs by Miles White and Jesse Allen down to the Jackets five-yard line.  From there, Chris Back took it in from five yards out.

Whitesburg’s next two drives were stopped bypass interceptions by Baker and Thomas.  However, on their 4th possession, they did complete a 56-yard drive, their only successful one of the game.

As the second quarter wound down, the Breathitt troops started a long drive from Whitesburg’s 26.  Along the way, Allen had a 21-yard pickup, and Thomas caught a 32-yard pass.  With 2:14 left in the 1st half, Jesse scored on a six-yard run to give the Cats a 12-6 lead at halftime.

Miles While got the 2nd half started with an exciting 49-yard TD run during the first 20 seconds of play.  Toward the end of the 3rd period, the Cats moved the ball down to close field-goal range, but the effort failed.

In the 4th quarter, Jesse Allen scored again.  This time on a 21-yard run.  Twenty-seven seconds later, Thomas scored on a 21-yard TD pass.  That play was set up after Lat Harmon recovered a fumble on Whitesburg’s 21-yard line.  Thomas completed the two-point conversion following Allen’s TD, and Judd Hubbard kicked the extra point after Thomas’ catch.

Lat Harmon scored the team’s final TD of the regular season with just 0:58 to go in the game on a 40-yard run.  Thomas caught two of Lovely’s six passes for 73 yards.  Baker received two of 13, Back one for five, and Allen one for five.

Rushing was as follows: Allen 118 yards on 13 carries; M. While 80 on eight; Lovely eight and six; Baker 14 on three; McKnight 26 on four; and Harmon 41 on two.

That’s a total of 287 yards on 36 runs.

Allen led in tackles with 11 of which nine were solo.  Back had nine, M. White three, Baker three, Turner six, Lovely four, Harmon two, Price five, Brown five, H. White three, Hubbard three, Gross five, Lansaw two, Neace two, Bowling two, and Thomas two.

Friday night, the Bobcats start the playoffs.  They will host Russell, who lost to Ashland last Friday night.

The Jackson Times, November 9, 1989, page 9

Football Booster Pizza Party Time For Cats

The Breathitt Football Boosters Club entertained the undefeated Bobcat football team last Monday night at the football stadium.

It was an extra special occasion as the Bobcats had been declared champions of their 3-A District without any form of a threat from any other team in their division.  Sporting an eight win, no losses record there was no chance for any other team to challenge the Bobcats further.

With only three games left on the schedule, the boosters club had no reason to delay the celebration, and the team and available boosters indulged in one of their favorite foods-  PIZZA.  The team, of course, enjoyed the occasion for more reasons than one.  Practice time was limited on this day, but many were able to enjoy a fun time with girlfriends and teammates.

The local Pizza Hut supplied the tasty favorite food of these teenagers; as we all know, they are always hungry if pizza is on the menu.

Coach Mike Holcomb and his crew of assistants seemed to enjoy the moments just as much as the undefeated team.

When you eat pizza, it is necessary to have a favorite soft drink to help you enjoy the event.  Pepsi, Seven-up, and Mountain Dew were plentiful, and the crowd talked little, for this was a time to eat, and eat we did.

Football fan support started early and is growing by the day.  Let’s look forward to a bigger and better celebration when we have really finished the season.  Hope you can all enjoy with us when the moment arrives for that enjoyable event.

The Jackson Times, October 12, 1989, page 14

Post Season

Russell High School – November 11, 1989 – Win 21 – 18

Cats bedevil Red Devils 21-18 to reach Region Finals

When the Bobcats defeated Russell Friday night, they made football history at Breathitt High.  It was the school’s first team ever to win a district game.  They burned the Russell Red Devils 21-18 in a struggle that went right down to the final seconds of the game.

With just six seconds to go, Russell, 7-4, tried a 38-yard field goal that fell short.  Immediately prior to that, Breathitt fans watched in near heart stopping tension as their defense, which has been worth its weight in gold all season, refused to give up even one yard to the Red Devils in three downs.  The scoreboard read: Cats 21 – Devils 18.

The field goal attempt signaled Russell’s final effort to turn around the score.  After that, all was over except Breathitt’s celebration. 

Both teams played hard for the win.  Both had some breaks, and both experienced some adversities.

Coach Holcomb praised his team for overcoming penalties and fumbles so well.  “Our kids hung tough,” he stated.  “It just showed the caliber of players we have on our team.”  He added that in the end, the Bobcats did what they had to do to win.  They never did get discouraged even when they were behind, he pointed out.  “They always fought back.”

The win improved the Cats’ record to 12-0, and that’s a school record, too.  No Breathitt High football team has ever before won 12 games in a season.

Yes, Holcomb was quick to stress that the Cats are happy with their good record, but they are not stopping, he emphasized.  They want an even better record.  “We’re not stopping where we are now,” he said.  “We want to keep going.” He stressed that the Bobcats are not quitters.  He said that had been evident all season, and that same quality typifies their determination to put more games in the “W” column this remaining season.

One of the big plays of Friday night’s game, if not the biggest, happened late in the 4th quarter when Brent Lovely hit David Thomas for a 20-yard touchdown that gave Breathitt the lead, 21-18, a score that proved to be the final one.

The Bobcats got a good field position to start that TD drive and had a great break along the way.  Starting from Russell’s 46, the Cats had two yards to go on their 4th down.  They called time out and decided to go for it.  It might have been the play of the season.

After the timeout, Russell committed the cardinal sin.  They were penalized for being offsides, and Breathitt got a first down.  Four plays later, Lovely and Thomas teamed up for the winning TD.

“They gave us the big play when he had to have it,” Holcomb pointed out.

Looking at the performance of some of his individual players, Holcomb said he thought Lansaw played an excellent game.  So did Allen and Miles and Harrison White, he added.

Miles made a big fumble recovery that was a major plus in the game.

Toward the end of the 2nd quarter, Lovely punted the ball inside Russell’s five-yard line, and Chris Back sprinted through and downed it.  After that, the Cats forced a tumble just before Miles scored on a one-yard run with 0:42 left in the first half.  That gave Breathitt a 13-12 edge at halftime.

Early in the 3rd period, the Red Devils recovered a Breathitt fumble on the Cats’ 47.  From there, they rushed the ball downfield on a 38-yard gain and a few short-yard dashes to Breathitt’s seven-yard line.  That’s when Ward took it in for the Red Devil’s final score.

Breathitt scored a safety in the 3rd and that final TD in the 4th to clinch the 21-18 victory.

Russell picked up almost all of their yards were rushing.  Their quarterback did not attempt a pass until late in the 4th quarter.  He connected on one of three for only five yards.

Lovely completed four of 13 attempts for 95 yards and 1 TD.  On the receiving end were Jesse Allen and Brian Baker for one each.  David Thomas caught two for 75 yards.

Jesse Allen led the team in rushing with 84 yards on 18 carries.  Miles White gained 46 on nine dashes.  Lovely ran three times for 12 yards. 

Allen also led his learn in tackles- 14, twelve of them were solo.  Lovely had ten, Brian Turner had nine, Artie Gross had eight, David Thomas had six, Harrison White had five, Brian Baker had five, Miles White had four, and Greg Brown had five.

Yes, the team won the game, but they had a lot of help along the way.  Fan support was great at the game.  The school really got behind the Cats as they went for their history-making win, too.  There was a big pep rally at Breathitt High in preparation for the game.  Holcomb said he appreciated all the school, fans, and community generally did to help motivate the Cats and especially to encourage them during the game.

All that support and more will be needed Friday night when the Bobcats host Belfry for their second playoff game.

The Jackson Times, November 16, 1989, page 8

Community Pep Rally

Pep rally, bonfire downtown tonight

Breathitt High School and the BHS Football Boosters have planned a rip-roaring community pep rally complete with a bonfire, music, and cheers at BHS tonight, Thursday, the eve of our big playoff game with Belfry.

Get behind the team; literally, at 5:30 on the Court Street side of BHS, line up behind the Bobcats for a walk-through parade around town.  Bring your favorite noise makers, your family, and friends to walk out Broadway, up College Ave., out of town on Main Street, and back to the stadium through Bobcat Lane for the pep rally scheduled to begin at 6:00 p.m.

Jackson Volunteer Fire Department has graciously agreed to fire up the great bonfire.  Breathitt Funeral Home has even offered to set up some tents to protect sound equipment and some fair weather fans in case of really adverse weather.

Slated to speak some encouraging words are community leaders such as County Judge-Elect Cecil Clair, Breathitt County Superintendent Dr. David Watts, Superintendent from neighboring Wolfe County Dr. Owen Collins, along with BHS Principal Hargus Rogers and head football coach Mike Holcomb.  You can also expect to hear from rabid football fans Ervine Allen, Richard McGee, Mason Morrison, and others.

Football Boosters President David Hubbard urges all of Breathitt County and Jackson to come out for this rally tonight and return Friday night to support this history-making team.  Be warmed by the bonfire and by the Spirit of the Bobcats, who are in the slate playoffs with one down and three to go.  

Advance tickets, which are all one price at $3.00 each, will go on sale at the rally.  Spirit buttons, victory bells, stadium cushions, and blue towels to wave will also be available at the rally.  The cheerleaders and boosters hope to cue our fans in a practice run to stand and cheer for Friday’s game.  Crowd support will be much needed for Belfry, which boasts one of the best cheering crowds in the region.  Get your hats and coats; get ready for a great rally tonight and a great game tomorrow night.  Come on out, fans; Rally Round, cause the Cats are on the Prowl.

The Jackson Times, November 16, 1989, pages 1 and 4

Belfry Rematch Preview

Breathitt red-hot to beat Belfry, win region crown 13-0

Friday night, the Breathitt Bobcats will be striving to become regional champs.  They’ll do it when they host Belfry, one of East Kentucky’s powerful football teams.  For the second week in a row, the Breathitt troops must defeat a team for the second time this season to become regional champs in the second round of Kentucky High Schools Class 3A playoffs.

Last Friday, the Cats defeated Russell 21-18.  Just a few weeks earlier, they routed the Red Devils 38-7.  Belfry is next in the year’s string of 12 Bobcat victories.

On September 8, Breathitt beat Belfry 13-6 in the regular season for the first time ever.  Since then, Coach Mike Holcomb says he thinks the Pirates from Pike County have improved.   He said earlier this week that couch Phillip Haywood’s teams “get better as the season progresses.”

Be that as it may, Holcomb said his team, now 12-0, would be up to the challenge come Friday night.

“We’ll do what it takes to get the job done,” he stated.  “Just like we did against Russell.”

He said the game represented the team’s third step toward reaching their goal.  Rest assured, the Cats will be doing everything in their power to achieve that goal.

On the other hand, the Pirates will be out for revenge.  They have been riding high since they beat Pikeville, ending the Panthers’ 33-game winning streak.

Belfry has run off eight straight victories.  The team has a rich football tradition in its favor.  It also has some outstanding backs.  Pinson rushed for 101 yards against Ashland, which fell to the Pirates 31-14 last Friday night.  Russell Carter got 78 yards.  Dale Oliver is another back who can make things happen. 

Belfry’s Pirates will be quarterbacked by Grady Moore, a talented senior who has been a great plus for his team.

Breathitt will, of course, have some extremely capable players on the field.  Jesse Allen has rushed for 1,159 yards, and quarterback Brent Lovely has thrown for 1,080 yards and 19 touchdowns.  David Thomas is among the state’s best receivers, and there’s great talent bundled up in Chris Back, Brian Baker, Miles and Harrison White, Judd Hubbard, and Kevin Calhoun, to mention just a few of the capable varsity starters.

Holcomb said he expects Belfry to bring a large crowd.  Therefore, it is recommended that Breathitt fans arrive early in order to get a seat.

Fans everywhere are urged to turn out at Breathitt Stadium to support the Bobcats in their effort to claim their first-ever regional title in the Class 3A state playoffs of high school football.

Don’t miss tonight’s (Thursday) pep rally for Breathitt football Bobcat fans.  The action starts at 5:30 on Court Street by Breathitt High!

The Jackson Times, November 16, 1989, page 8

Belfry High School – November 18, 1989 – Loss 13 – 24

Breathitt Bobcats fall to Belfry 24-13

If any Bobcats feel bad about the team’s 24-13 loss to Belfry in the regional championship game Friday night, he should not.

After all, there are many pluses about this year’s team.  They’ve won more games than any previous Bobcat football team.  They advanced farther in the playoffs than any other Breathitt high squad.  They had an undefeated season record, and, of course, they won their district.  They ended the season with a 12-1 record.

Furthermore, the Cats made us proud all season.  They provided their fans with exciting games week after week, and they made Friday night something to look forward to.  Some of the games and plays will long be remembered.

Coach Holcomb probably expressed the sentiments of most fans when he said, “The boys played hard.  They gave the game their best effort.  That’s all we can ask of them.  I’m proud of them.”

Earlier in the season, the Bobcats defeated Belfry in regular season play 13-6 on the Pirates’ field.  Coach Holcomb said the team his club played Friday night was a much-improved team over the earlier match.

That seemed evident from the onset of the game.  The Pirates picked up seven first downs in the first period to Breathitt’s one.  On their possession, the Pirates started a touchdown drive from their own 33, and 12 plays later, Dale Oliver scored on a two-yard run followed by Brad Baker’s PAT for a 7-0 advantage with 6:54 left in the first quarter.

Early in the 2nd round, Belfry got a tremendous position to start their 2nd TD drive.  They began it from Breathitt’s 29, and just a few plays later, David Pinson scored on a 14-yard run.  Baker’s kick was good, and the eventual winners were up 14-0 with 9:00 left in the first half.

The Cats controlled the ball for most of the rest of the quarter.  From their own 27, they started a TD drive that ended with a six-yard pass to David Thomas from Brent Lovely.  Judd Hubbard’s kick was good, and the Pirates’ lead was cut in half.  Belfry was unable to do anything in the minute and 45 seconds remaining in the half.  Halftime score: 14-7, Belfry.

Beginning the 2nd half, Breathitt appeared to be very much back in the game.  Jesse Allen had a good kick-off return that picked up the fans and players.

Things seemed to be going in their direction.  The momentum was short-lived, though.  Breathitt fumbled.  Belfry recovered and converted it to a field goal midway through the 3rd period.

Before 30 seconds ticked off in the last period, Belfry’s four-yard dash by Pinson and Baker’s kick gave the Pirates their 24 points.

Jesse Allen scored Breathitt’s final TD of the season from three yards out with three minutes to go in the game.

During the game, Breathitt had 13 first downs.  Belfry 19.

The Pirates rushed 51 times for 316 yards, an average of 6.1 yards per carry.  The Cats gained 103 yards on 25 rushes.

Allen got 35 yards on eight carries.  Miles White was ten on seven, and Lovely gained 58 yards on ten keepers.

Pinson was the leading rusher for Belfry.  He picked up 94 yards on 20 carries, and Oliver gained 88 on 12 dashes.

The following led the defense with nine tackles each: Lansaw, Allen, H. White, and Lovely.  Baker had seven, Back six, Turner four, Gross five, Hubbard six, M. White four, Thomas four, and Brown three.

In the air, Lovely completed ten of 25 passes for 110 yards and one TD.  Receiving the passes was Chris Back, who caught two for 24 yards; Thomas received six for 80 yards, and Allen grabbed two for six.

Belfry completed two of five throws for 36 yards.

The Jackson Times, November 23, 1989, page 10

A Look Back

A look back on a perfect season 11-0

The Bobcats saw their unbeaten season come to a halt last Friday evening when the Belfry Pirates got their second chance to beat Breathitt County.  A worthy foe lives for a second chance, and the Pirates got that chance and split their 1989 season one and one with the Bobcats.

Perhaps the game was more important the second time around, but the fact remains that the Bobcats got their first-ever win over Belfry this year.

Sixteen tried and true Bobcats finished their football high school days.  It was a hard way to close a season, and there were more than a few tear-filled eyes that trudged off the field after telling the Pirates the best of luck in the final two games to establish the champion in Class AAA in our state.

For most of the Bobcats, there is always next year, and they will have a chance to equal the record set this season with twelve straight wins.  By the same token, these seniors have the pleasure of knowing they helped set the record, and as someone once said, records are made to be broken.  That being true, there are nine juniors and nine sophomores who will return to work toward their goal.  There are also eight freshmen and one 8th grader from the rosier.

This being the first year of organized football in the county grade school system, help will be coming from that area.

The rather large group of 16 seniors will be missed when action returns to the football field next fall.

The evening of December 5, 1989, will be the football banquet for the team this season.  The 16 seniors have been rather outstanding, but they have helped teach the others that hard work, determination, and plain old intestinal fortitude will serve them well as they pursue the football tradition that has been established at Breathitt High.

We have deeply enjoyed the season, and the memories will keep it in our hearts and minds.

I shall always remember those passes lofted to David Thomas in the corner of the end zone and his interceptions.

Jesse Allen will bring smiles to my face and my heart as he crashed into the defenders in the line.  I will always remember that Brent Lovely, a junior, always seemed to have some way to get that first down, even if he had to run the ball himself.  Scotty McKnight always seemed to be in the right place when a ball came loose from a teammate or an opponent.  Miles White and Harrison White could ever be depended on to do the best thing at the best time.  Mike Landsaw, Chris Back, Don Miller, and the three Brians, Baker, Turner, and Prater, were always dependable.

Artie Gross, Kenneth Arnett, Kevin Calhoun, and Chuck Price in the line on offense and defense did more than their share.  Edgar Raleigh made a good target for Lovely, a hard worker and ever faithful.  Judd Hubbard has impressed me for the past two years.  He did service on offense and defense and did the kicking chores for extra points, field goals, and kickoffs.  It seems he never had a dull moment.

The annual football banquet, always a fun time, will keep the home fires burning for next season.  Greg Brown, the understudy for Brent Lovely, will be back to give Brent a little competition for the quarterback position, but most of all, we know there will be a good young man behind the center when the offense needs an operator.

The memories are growing, for I do not believe I have ever seen young men like these.  Football is a team game, and the team requires young men who strive to work and play together as the situation might require.

The Jackson Times, November 23, 1989, page 10

Football Banquet

Bobcats hit the jackpot this year

Coach Holcomb seemed to express the sentiments of everybody at the football banquet last week when he said he hated to see the banquet end because it meant the last time the 1989 football team and fans would be together.  He said the graduating seniors were special to him, and he hated to see them leave.

During the season, the team and fans shared 13 exciting games, highlighted by the contributions of the 16 seniors on the team.

The team had an undefeated season record and went farther in the playoffs than any other B.H.S. team had ever done.  After winning 12 games, the Bobcats were defeated in the Regional championship game by Belfry.  Except for the note of melancholy felt for the departing seniors, the banquet was upbeat all the way, with trophies, plaques, praises, thanks, and commendations.

In his closing remarks, Principal Hargus Rogers expressed another idea that was obviously shared by the audience.  Rogers was fervently applauded when he suggested that “Holcomb should be the coach of the year beyond a shadow of a doubt.  I think he’s one of the better coaches in the state.”

Emcee for the evening, George Fletcher, commented in his opening remarks about the growth of football in the county since the 70s when Fletcher said he wore the blue and white.  “Back then, we could never dream of playing the kind of teams on this year’s schedule.  Without a doubt, football here has come a long way,” he stressed.

Dr. David Watts, Interim Superintendent, spoke briefly following the delicious meal prepared by Wilma Quicksell and her staff of cooks at Breathitt High.  Watts took the word “Pride,” certainly a familiar word with the Bobcats, and related each letter to a word that held special meaning for an athlete.  He talked about perseverance (P), recognition (R), independence (I), dependability (D), and ethical character (E).

Cheerleader sponsor Deana Robinson, introduced the cheerleaders early in the program, saying she had enjoyed working with them and told the girls that she thought they

had done a great job.  Introduced were Tracy Combs, Tammy Compkis, Andrus Douthitt, Katrina Faulkner, Traci Hudson, Cathy Lovely, Donna Moore, Bethel Sheffel, Crissie Turner, Krista Hubbard, and Jill Deaton.  Later in the program, Coach Holcomb presented each with a trophy and expressed appreciation for their contribution to the football season.

David Hubbard, Football Booster President, had a short pan on the program and he told of some of the contributions the boosters had made to the football program this year.  He also extended an invitation for all fans to become football boosters.

Hubbard told the team they had made big tracks this year for other teams to follow.  “But we can do it,” he concluded.

Moving quickly into the heart of the program, recognition of the players and supporters, Coach Holcomb, who is in his 9th year at Breathitt High, expressed appreciation for the large turnout.

He thanked various individuals and/or groups who helped make the 1989 season the exciting one it was.  He expressed appreciation to the administration, board of education, faculty, student body, newspaper broadcasters, community support, police, cheerleaders, band, banks and other businesses, and especially parents.  He asked all parents to stand for an ovation.

Five plaques were presented to people that Holcomb said had made unique contributions to the football program this year or over a period of several years.  Recipients were J.K. and Addie Murphy, Jeff Gabbard, Jack Niece, Carter Combs, and Hargus Rogers.

Holcomb introduced his assistant coaches as follows: Doug Back, who works with the freshman team.  He has been helping for 4-5 years.  Irton Sparkman works with the defensive ends and receivers.  He also scouts a lot.  Steve Thomas concentrates on the secondary and quarterbacks.  Tin Noble assists with the offensive and defensive lines.  Jack Strong helps in several roles- wherever he’s needed the most.  Larry Robinson films the games.

Holcomb also presented the managers saying they had done a good job and played an important role in this year’s good season.  The managers were Wig Noble, Larry Turner, Jeannie Baker, Adam Steurerwald, Waylon Chapman, Greg Gross, and Bruce Neace.

Finally getting to the team itself, Holcomb emphasized that it had been a pleasure working with this year’s squad.  “We had no problems with the kids, not one,” he stressed.  He said the boys on the team had always been a pleasure to work with.

He said the team set high goals and played as hard as it could to reach them.  He explained that one goal was to win the district.

One thing that made the club so outstanding he added, was the “chemistry” of the team.  The senior leadership was another strong plus.

Starting with the freshman class, Holcomb asked each young Bobcat to come up front where he introduced them.  They were Jason Carpenter, George Chapman, Wick Chapman, Jason Fugate, Chris Gillum, Willie Griffith, Lat Harmon, Arthur Kane, Jarred Morgan, Chris Neace, Steve Spencer, Shannon White, and John Wolfe.

The sophomore class was represented by Greg Barnett,  Ronnie Coomer, Darrin Harmon, Morgan Hooker, Aaron McIntosh, Tony Montgomery, Greg Napier, Billy Neace, Cartis Parks, Ronnie Ritchie, Elmer Stamper, Bill Strong, and Todd Williams.

From the junior class were Mike Bowling, Greg Brown, Craig Edmonds, Jon Franklin, Judd Hubbard, Brent Lovely, Brian Prater, Bill Smith, and Craig Taulbee.

Holcomb called each of the seniors up individually, presented them with their hardware, and made comments about each one.

Kenneth Arnett was a four-year player, a nose guard, respected by his team.

Don Miller, a two-year player, always ready, a hard hitter, running back.  He contributed to the team, Holcomb said. 

Edgar Raleigh, a 2-year player, always ready when needed, helped on offense, wide receiver contributor, and hard worker.

Donate Gillum, a 2-year player, dedicated, tackle, and contributor to the team.

Mike Lansaw, a 3-year player, worked hard on weight machines, nose guard, worked hard, 57 tackles, 43 solos.

Kevin Calhoun, a 4-year player, center, always gave something extra, a hard worker, good attitude.

Scotty McKnight, a 4-year player, outstanding blocker, player of the game at Clay County, 18 carries, 87 yards, 10 tackles, eight solo.

Artie Gross, a 4-year player, outstanding blocker, outstanding player, guard, 56 tackles, 38 solo.

Chuck Price, a 4-year player, outstanding guard, worked hard on the field and on the weights, five tackles, four solo, two fumble recoveries.

Harrison White, a 4-year player, never came off the field, remarkable injury recovery, 57 tackles, 37 solo, outstanding player.

Miles White, a 4-year player, fullback, defensive end, linebacker, did a lot for the team, 51 tackles, 36 solo, 84 carries, 603 yards, 7 T.Ds.

Chris Back, a 4-year player, outstanding athlete, good blocker, defensive end, receiver, 25 catches, 164 yards, six T.Ds.

Jesse Allen, outstanding job last two years, great blocker, worked hard on weights, 12 catches, 86 yards, 179 carries, 1,203 yards, 16 T.Ds.

David Thomas, a 4-year player, outstanding receiver, 12 punt returns, 117 yards, 40 catches, 690 yards, 10 T.Ds.

Brian Turner, a 4-year player, Governor’s Scholar, outstanding defensive end, two kicks off returns, seven yards, 87 tackles, 56 solo, two fumble recoveries, one interception for 45 yard T.D.

Brian Baker, a 3-year starter, can play any position on the field, an outstanding football player, five punt returns, 16 yards, seven kick-off returns, 122 yards, 15 catches, 234 yards, 3 T.Ds., ten carries, 44 yards.

Coach Holcomb pointed out that the players selected the recipients of the following three awards: The 110 percent award went to Kevin Calhoun.  Chris Back received the leadership award, and Jesse Allen and David Thomas were both selected to receive the M.V.P. Awards.

Principal Rogers concluded the program, expressing appreciation to Holcomb for a job well done.  He also complimented the team for being the fine young men they are and said he had enjoyed working with the team and had enjoyed was watching them perform throughout the season.

The final event of the evening, a surprise one at that, was the presentation of a personalized ceramic football to each player and an appropriate ceramic piece to each cheerleader.  All were made and presented by Verdie and Melinda Deaton.  Both related interesting historical experiences in the county.  Mr. Deaton, for example, pointed out that he was the one who suggested the name “Bobcats” for Breathitt High.

The Jackson Times, December 14, 1989, page B6

Post Season Awards

Five Bobcats get special recognition

Some of the football Bobcats have received slate-wide recognition.  Sunday, the Courier-Journal came out with its listing of the state’s most talented players, and B.H.S. was well represented.

David Thomas was honored with inclusion in the All-State 2nd team- Defense.

Chris Back was a member of the All-State 3rd team- Defense.

Receiving honorable mention were Brent Lovely, quarterback; Judd Hubbard, placekicker; and Jesse Allen, running back.

Holcomb said he was pleased for the boys with this degree of recognition.  He pointed out that they were very deserving.  He stated that the recognition spoke well for the boys as well as Breathitt’s football program.

Commenting about the boys’ accomplishments and their contributions to B.H.S. football, he added that David Thomas had placed excellent football for the Bobcats.  He made 17 interceptions for 180 yards and two touchdowns his senior year.  He also caught 40 passes for 690 yards and two touchdowns.  David made many outstanding hits the last two seasons, according to Holcomb, who stressed, “David was a joy to coach.”

Chris Back was a great defensive end, said his coach.  He had a way of being at the right spot at the right time.  He forced the defense to run away from him.  Chris had a great love for football that was evidenced season after season, game after game.  He received 13 passes for 164 yards this season and six touchdowns.  He made 94 tackles, of which 71 were solo.

“He worked hard,” said Holcomb, “and he’ll be missed next season.”

Jesse Allen rushed for 1,203 yards on 179 carries this year and 16 touchdowns.  He was also in on 100 tackles, 68 solo.  He gained 86 yards on 12 passes.  Holcomb said he thought it was an honor for Jesse to receive an honorable mention in the state because competition is very great for that position.  He added that he was confident Jesse was one of the outstanding backs in the state.

Brent Lovely completed 81 passes out of 172 attempts for 19 touchdowns.  He also carried the ball 61 times for 434 yards, plus two touchdowns this season.  Holcomb emphasized that he felt Brent did as much for the Bobcats as any quarterback did for their team in the state.  “It was a great credit to him to make honorable mention considering the state-wide competition and realizing this was his first year to play quarterback.”

Judd Hubbard is another Bobcat who has worked hard at his position.  Holcomb said he often stayed to get in more practice after others left.  Judd has won several games for the Bobcats with his kicking extra points and field goals.  Holcomb said there were two real good things about Judd.  One is he’ll keep on getting better, and the other is he’ll be back next year.  This year, Judd scored 23 points on P.A.T. and kicked three field goals.  He made 60 tackles this season, 42 solo.

The Jackson Times, December 14, 1989, page 20

---

It was a terrible thing to see, and I saw it up close and personal. I walked the sidelines with the 1989 football team taking pictures for the Breathitt High School yearbook. As a Senior and a Bobcat fan, I did not want to see this amazing year come to an end, but Belfry thought otherwise. I remember being stunned as the final seconds ticked off the clock. I remember the shouts and screams from the stands as state troopers and members of the Jackson Police Department escorted the referees as they sprinted off the field even before the final horn sounded. In the confusion, of the last play, referees had thrown several flags, and when the chaos was over, I saw that yellow marker lying there on the ground.

We never knew what the final flags were for, but to me, the yellow cloths lying across the ground marked the end of a memorable and magical run. I picked one of the flags up. It sits on a shelf in my office as a reminder of some of the most enjoyable times of my high school career and one of the most successful seasons (to that point) that Breathitt High School Football had enjoyed. Many more great memories and successful teams were yet to come, but the defeat by Belfry to end the 1989 season was painful.

The team celebrated their victories and the perfect regular season. The 1990 team had big shoes to fill, with the graduation of 16 Seniors in June 1990. It is said that “success breeds success,” and a record number of players came out for football the following season.

Coach Mike Holcomb believed in his “boys,” and he and his staff went to work to build on the success that the 1989 team brought to the program. The 1989 team advanced farther in the playoffs than any Bobcat team had to that point, and the 1990 team believed they could reproduce and expand that success. Back into the football den, the players and coaches went only two weeks after the season ended.

After the success of the 1989 Season, the players, football staff, boosters, and the community knew the Breathitt High School Football program was on the right track. The players saw the success Coach Holcomb’s system could bring if they were willing to focus and put in the hard work needed to accomplish their goals. They went right back to work.

---

© 2023 Stephen D. Bowling