What a way to start the Class 1A season! The past two state championships teams will meet head to head in Pikeville. These two teams didn’t meet last year thanks to Covid for pushing the season up. These two had there opening season opponents bail on them. These where two slated to playing in 3 weeks, but pushed the game up.

Pikeville will be bring its high octane offense back as they only lost a hand full of players off last years team. The defense wasn’t to shabby neither. This offense averaged close to 32 points per game last season. The Pikeville defense only give up just over 17 points per game last year.  Pikeville could make a early statement out do the gate with a win over the defending champions.

Paintsville is starting the year off under new coach Trevor Hoskins. Paintsville lost several pieces from last season, but they still have talent returning and a few transfers to help ease the transition. The Paintsville Tiger still have Harris Phelps who rushed for over 1400 yards rushing and 19 touchdowns.  Defensively the Tigers have question marks, but look for several kids to go both ways this season to pick up the slack.

Who wins this matchup of what will be top 5 1A teams? Who makes the opening week statement?

You literally couldn't ask for a bigger game to kick-off the season in 1A. It may be the smallest class, but this is a heavyweight matchup.

#1 vs. #2

For the third year in a row, the perception is that 1A is Pikeville's to lose. It's a sentiment that I happen to agree with. If the Panthers play up to their immense potential, they should win comfortably against anyone in the class, including Paintsville. That's not meant as a knock against the defending champs, but rather a reflection of where Chris McNamee has taken the Pikeville program. 

For Paintsville to win this game, or be in position at the end, I think someone other than Harris Phelps has to step up and make some plays. Phelps shouldered the load last year in the playoffs, but Pikeville will surely have someone shadowing him wherever he goes. Pikeville on the other hand, doesn't have to rely on one player to set their tone. It could be McNamee, or Birchfield, or Lockhart, or the offensive line, which returns everyone from what was already a big, strong unit last year.

My pick is based on the assumption that Pikeville will put its best foot forward on Friday. If they do, give me the Panthers by three touchdowns. If they don't ... well, we know what happened last year against Hazard.

Bump.

Mountain Top Sports is providing a free stream for this 1 vs. 2 matchup.

I think Pikeville wins this one. Paintsville will be interesting to watch - defending state champions but breaking in a new coach. The result might have been different if the game had stayed where it was originally scheduled but I applaud both teams for making the switch so their kids get to play on opening weekend.

Pikeville up 15-6 at the half.