BHS captains go out for the flip – Photo by Brendon Miller – BSN
September 27, 2018 – CASEY ALLEN – Bluegrass Sports Nation Breathitt Football Columnist
Breathitt may be half way through their regular season schedule, but they are just now entering week two of district play. In the Bobcat’s first district showdown, they came out a little flat and allowed Knott County Central to hang tough going into halftime with a 14-0 lead. Breathitt did get things going offensively in the second half and the final score was 30-0. Tyson Gross came up huge for the Bobcats rushing for 169 yards and 3 touchdowns on 23 carries. Breathitt’s offense ran all over the Patriots as they rushed for 329 yards on 42 attempts. The Bobcats starting quarterback, Braxton O’Hara was unable to pay with a concussion, so Coach Kyle Moore turned to Donavan Turner for relief through the air. Turner went for 42 yards on 4-9 passing, and through a touchdown pass as well.
This week, the Bobcat Faithful received some great news as three-year starter and Senior leader Cameron Stacy was released by the doctor for full contact. Although it is unclear what his role will be this week as Breathitt travels to Estill County, Cameron’s clear bill of health is a blessing to all that knows him. Cameron has shown up for practice through-out the first half of the season giving support to his teammates and offering advice to Braxton O’Hara who stepped in while Cameron was sidelined. Cameron has been the idea teammate and has embodied what it means to be a Bobcat. It will be a special sight to see #10 back in pads for the Blue and White.
Coach Moore now has a problem that every coach would welcome. He has two dynamic men at quarterback. Cameron brings experience having started the past three seasons for the Bobcats, while Braxton O’Hara brings a dual threat ability to the table. If that wasn’t interesting enough, J.T. O’Hair, a transfer from Estill County has been ruled eligible to play by the KHSAA. J.T. played receiver at Breathitt before taking his talents to Estill County, where he played quarterback as well. O’Hair’s role will also be unknown going into the Estill County game this week.
The Breathitt County Bobcats will roll in to Estill County sporting a 1-0 record in District play. The Bobcats have also won three consecutive games to bring their season win-loss record to 3-3. Estill County is also 1-0 in the district having beaten Morgan County 45-30 last week. Estill has won two of their last three games and currently stand with a record of 2-3.
If the Bobcats want to escape Estill County with a win they will have to stop the running game of the Engineers. Estill County relies on a stable of running backs for their offensive production. Through the first five games, Estill County has rushed for 1,286 yards and 16 touchdowns, with five different players having scored running the ball.
- Coben Clem– 295 yards and four touchdowns on 37 attempts
- Justin Stamper– 282 yards and two touchdowns on 66 attempts
- Chris Rigdon– 230 yards and two touchdowns on 20 attempts
- Chance Edmonson– 192 yards and one touchdown on 36 attempts
- Ethan Webb– 157 yards and two touchdowns on 36 attempts
- Ty Niece– 85 yards and four touchdowns on 21 attempts. Niece has also thrown for a touchdown as well.
Defensively, the Bobcats have proven they are up for the task. Senior safety, Jason Noble picked Knott County Central off three times last week, and led Breathitt to their first shutout victory in six years, with the last coming on October 19, 2012. In their three wins this season, the Bobcats have outscored their opponents 93-27. In their three loses, they have been outscored 147-79. The Bobcat defense will need to continue their surge if they want to achieve their goal of winning a district championship.
Estill County has their eyes set on a district crown as well. One of these teams will be in the driver’s seat when the game clock hits zero Friday night. The other will have to hope for some help. With huge district implications on the line this Friday, you won’t want to miss this one. Of course if you can’t make the trip to Irvine, you can stay connected to all the Bobcat action right here at with BSN online at www.bluegrasssportsnation.com and on our Facebook Page @bluegrasssportsnation.
