The Prestonsburg Blackcats have begun the Wes Hager era with bang! Prestonsburg is off to a 2-0 start and looking for more, but standing in the way is a very good Paintsville Tigers squad.
Prestonsburg (2-0) comes into the game after defeating East Ridge, 49-6, in the Pike County Bowl this past weekend in Pikeville.
Dalton Elliott has led the strong Blackcat ground game with 353 yards rushing and 2 touchdowns on 29 carries. Alex Harris has also been fantastic so far, gaining 202 yards and scoring 3 touchdowns on 18 rushing attempts.
Bryce Holbrook will run the offense at quarterback. Holbrook has completed 3-of-4 passes for 41 yards. He has also scored a rushing touchdown.
Maddox Pugh is leading the team in tackles over two games with 21, including 1 for a loss. Drake Hatfield has racked up 18 tackles, including 3 for a loss.
The Tigers (1-1), coached by Trevor Hoskins, enter the game after falling at Paris last weekend, 63-30.
Sophomore AJ Johnson leads the team at the quarterback position. Johnson completed 11-of-18 passes for 151 yards, 2 touchdowns and 1 interception. Johnson threw 4 touchdowns in Paintsville’s first game. He also carried the ball 13 times for 84 yards and 2 touchdowns.
Johnson’s top target is Anderson Lauffer. So far this season, Lauffer has caught 12 passes for 245 yards and 5 touchdowns. Lauffer will hope to have a big game on Friday.
Cedric Stewart is Paintsville’s top rushing threat. He had 14 carries for 74 yards in the loss at Paris.
This should be a fantastic match up between two great teams. You will want to come out and watch this one!
The opening kick is set for Friday at 7:30 pm in Prestonsburg.
