Please let me introduce the 2025 John Hardin Football Staff. I will add a coach or two per week moving forward. I am extremely honored to work with these men. Our program is blessed to have them working with the kids of John Hardin. These are very hard-working loyal men of honor that bring it every day!! Starting with our most experienced coach. One of the best to ever put on a whistle!! One of a hand full of coaches I have looked to regularly over the years for advice and help. Most importantly, he is a close friend for over 30 years.              – Jerry Perry – Defensive Coordinator.  

From Jerry:

This season will be my 41st season as a high school FB coach. I started coaching in 1985 at Anderson County High School. My wife, Laura, and I got married in 1988. We have 2 children, Jordyn and Jerred. Thankfully, Laura loves High School sports, and both of our children played throughout HS. I have coached at 6 different HS including: Anderson County '85-'87, Danville '88-'89 and '97-2012, Garrard County '90-'96 and 2013-2021, Boyle County 2013, Harlan Independent 2022, 2023 and John Hardin in 2024. I have been blessed to work with a lot of tremendous athletes. Overall, the teams I have been a part of have a record of 348-143 with 4 state titles, 3 state runners-up, 10 regional championships and numerous regional runner ups...As a HS player I was HM all state OG/DT in '78 and '79 at Franklin County HS. In 1980 I was named 1^st team all-state 4A and 3^rd team overall all state DL and HM OG. at Western Hills HS. That same year I received my appointment to West Point. I played MLB at Army in '81 before transferring to UK. I am a retired Math teacher of 30 years. GO DAWGS!!!

Coach Perry and I go back to 1986, Mercer vs. Anderson, when we were both assistants. Although we(Mercer) were pretty good both years, we never could block that Split 4 and those Bearcats. Anderson was very good those two years. Extremely physical.  The old Bearcats speak very highly of Coach Perry. 

One of those Linebackers, Rick Boggs, has a son on our team this fall. Sophomore LB/TE, Coleman, who will be a good one. 

Jerry is a wonderful man and football coach. Those kids are beyond blessed to have him.

Go Bulldogs!

 

 

5 hours ago, ChiefSmoke said:

Coach Perry and I go back to 1986, Mercer vs. Anderson, when we were both assistants. Although we(Mercer) were pretty good both years, we never could block that Split 4 and those Bearcats. Anderson was very good those two years. Extremely physical.  The old Bearcats speak very highly of Coach Perry. 

One of those Linebackers, Rick Boggs, has a son on our team this fall. Sophomore LB/TE, Coleman, who will be a good one. 

Jerry is a wonderful man and football coach. Those kids are beyond blessed to have him.

Go Bulldogs!

 

 

I played against that '86 Anderson team. Bourbon County was my team. If memory serves me correct Anderson went 10-0 in the regular season. I think we played them the last regular season game. We gave them a tough battle. Can't remember the score but I recall it being very very close. 

24 minutes ago, Coach Preston said:

I played against that '86 Anderson team. Bourbon County was my team. If memory serves me correct Anderson went 10-0 in the regular season. I think we played them the last regular season game. We gave them a tough battle. Can't remember the score but I recall it being very very close. 

Both Bourbon & Anderson were good in 86 & 87. 
 

1987, we (Mercer) started the season w/ wins over Harrodsburg & Franklin Co. We were feeling pretty good about ourselves. My Dad scouted the Bourbon - Anderson game. We had just beat Garrard and we’re getting ready to watch the video. 

My Dad walks in, slams the rolled up program on the table and says, “You can’t be either one of them!” 
 

Both of them beat us. Danville won our district and the state title. The 1987 Admirals are still one of the best football teams I have ever seen. 

? Welcome Coach Milton D. Woody to the Team! ?
We’re proud to introduce Coach Milton D. Woody as our new Assistant Football Coach, bringing a wealth of experience, leadership, and passion for the game to our program! Coach Woody will work with the defensive line and running backs while directing the JV backfield and JV special teams.
Coach Woody is a Jacksonville, Florida native, raised in Monticello, FL, and a proud graduate of Jefferson County High School, where he was the starting varsity quarterback from the end of his freshman year through his senior season. A multi-sport athlete, he also played baseball all four years earning the starting catcher spot on the varsity team as a sophomore.
His athletic career continued after high school at Madison County Community College, followed by time at Texas A&M by way of Germany. He went on to play semi-pro baseball with the Jefferson A’s and semi-pro football in Fort Benning, Georgia.
A U.S. Army Veteran, Coach Woody brings discipline and heart to everything he does. He began coaching youth and flag football in 2004 and entered high school coaching in 2016 at Oakleaf High School. He later joined Cane Bay High School, where he coached the offensive and defensive line from 2018 to 2023.
Over the years, Coach Woody has helped shape some incredible talent, including:
• ? Ulysses Bryant – One of the top running backs to come out of Jacksonville, FL - played for Jacksonville U.
• ?️ Kameron Durant – Top-ranked offensive lineman in the state of South Carolina - played at East Carolina.
He also the Co-Founded and was Head Coach of the Cane Bay Youth Football League, where he dedicated his efforts to developing young athletes and future leaders.
Please join us in welcoming Coach Woody to the John Hardin High School Football Coaching Staff as well as the JHHS school community! His experience, integrity, and love for the game will be a huge asset to our players, staff, and families. Let’s make this season one to remember! ??
#WelcomeCoachWoody #FridayNightLights #BuildingChampions #CommunityStrong #CoachLife

 

I'm enjoying this thread.  I wish every coach would do this.  These assistants deserve some recognition before the season starts and every decision they make is questioned.  Thank you coach, please keep it up.  

? Meet Coach Aaron "Wolverine"  Evans — A Decade of Dedication at John Hardin!

As we gear up for another exciting season, we’re proud to spotlight Coach Aaron Evans, who is entering his 10th year coaching football at John Hardin High School!

Coach Evans serves as our Varsity Special Teams Coordinator, works with the defensive line and running backs, and brings an incredible wealth of experience and leadership to the field. Over the years, he’s also led as JV Head Coach and coached multiple position groups including tight ends and the offensive line. "Wolverine" is the father of JHHS assistant football coach Chris Evans (which will be our next staff member to introduce. 

One of the most impressive things to me when I was introduced as the new JHHS football coach was finding out that Aaron had been volunteering to keep the weight room open as the transition took place to find the next coach. He did this not knowing if he would even have a position with the next coach. Loyalty to John Hardin football as well as his love for football along with a selfless attitude are key in Aaron's work with the kids and staff. 

His football journey began as a player at North Hardin (1988–1991), where he helped lead the team to the state semifinals. He launched his coaching career at Bluegrass Middle School in 2011, quickly becoming head coach and reaching the region finals every year. In 2016, he officially joined the John Hardin staff and has since been part of multiple district and region championships, while mentoring numerous players who advanced to the college level.

Off the field, Coach Evans and his wife Kacie Evans are proud parents to seven amazing children — Martina, Ashley, Brooklyn, Christopher, Aubrey, Raegen, and Treven — and grandparents to nine grandchildren.

We’re lucky to have Coach Evans' leadership, experience, and passion continuing to shape our program. Here's to another great year! ??
#BulldogPride #CoachEvans #JohnHardinFootball #10YearsStrong #HighSchoolFootball

We are super Excited for Chris Evans 3rd Season with John Hardin Football! ??

As many of you know, John Hardin holds a special place in my heart. I’m excited to officially kick off my third season as an assistant coach for the Bulldogs!

I’m a proud 2017 graduate of JHHS, where I played football and baseball for all four years. During my time on the football field, I had the honor of playing offensive guard and long snapper, contributing to three Regional Championship teams. Those moments shaped me and fueled my passion for the game.

After high school, I earned my B.S. in Sport Management from Western Kentucky University in 2022, where I gained valuable experience as an intern with the WKU football team and in the marketing department.

Now, I’m fortunate to give back to the community I love—not only as a coach, but also as a Special Education teacher at John Hardin High School. I’m also proud to coach various Special Olympics sports in Hardin County, including softball and basketball.

I’m grateful to be working alongside the amazing coaching staff here at JHHS. Together, we’re dedicated to helping our players grow both on and off the field.

When I was able to hire Chris as an assistant football coach, I was excited to hire a former John Hardin football player and student athlete. I had no idea how impressed I would be with this young teacher and coach. He picks up details quickly and makes his number one role very clear. That is, he serves the kids first. It is difficult to find young coaches these days. It is even more difficult to find humble and hard working within the same person in my opinion. Chris Evans is a home run. This third year he will make us even better with his presence. Chris is a player’s coach in many ways. He offers advice and guidance in a way that is far ahead of his years in education. I believe he is destined for a great career as a coach and teacher. To observe his interactions in our building with all students and his work with the football players has been an honor and a privilege. He is “Above the Line” as our Principal Mark Wells would say. Chris is the son of current John Hardin assistant coach Aaron Evans.

Looking forward to a great season with the Bulldogs! Let’s make it another year to remember. #GoBulldogs ??

? Coach Kevin Hixenbaugh returns for his third season with the John Hardin Football Family! ??

We’re excited to officially introduce Coach Kevin Hixenbaugh — better known as Coach Hix — as an Assistant Coach here at John Hardin High School! Coach Hix brings a lifetime of experience, leadership, and passion for the game to our football program.

Coach Hix grew up in Lakeland, Florida, where he was a two-sport athlete in football and baseball. After his college playing days, he made the move to Kentucky in 1995 and began coaching youth football in 1996 — a journey that would grow into a decades-long career shaping young athletes on and off the field.

In 2009, Coach Hix accepted a coaching opportunity in Louisville, where he spent the next 13 years making a lasting impact at several Jefferson County schools, including PRP, Valley High School, and Western High School. His roles have ranged from position coach to coordinator, and he served two seasons as head coach at Stuart Middle School, where he also teaches Health and PE.

Now entering Year 3 at John Hardin, Coach Hix serves as the Junior Varsity Defensive Coordinator, and coaches both wide receivers and the defensive backfield at the varsity level. His knowledge, energy, and commitment to excellence are a huge asset to our program.

Personally, I have been impressed with Coach Hix’s levelheaded approach in working with the kids and his willingness to do whatever helps our program improve. From working in the off season to developing fundamental skills he is a tremendous coach bringing experience that really helps with planning and getting the players to understand the strategy involved in our plan each week.

Beyond the field, Coach Hix is a proud husband to his best friend and biggest supporter — he credits her unwavering love and encouragement as the foundation of all he does. He’s also a proud father of five children and three grandbabies, and family remains at the heart of everything he values.

We are thrilled to have Coach Hix as part of the Bulldog family, and we can’t wait to see the continued impact he’ll have on our program and our young men.

Let’s give him a big John Hardin and Kentucky welcome in the comments below! ?

#BulldogPride #JohnHardinFootball #WelcomeCoachHix #OneTeamOneGoal

 

 

 

 

 

Coach Preston, can you provide the scrimmage schedule for John Hardin the next 2 weeks and times?

Thanks

This Friday night (6PM) JHHS hosts North Hardin, Daviess County and KCD in a round robin format. Next Friday night (7PM) we host Valley high school in a full game type scrimmage. 

? Meet Our New Assistant Football Coach: Malakai Nation! ?

We’re excited to welcome back one of our own — Coach Malakai Nation — to the John Hardin Football family!

Coach Nation is a proud John Hardin alum and former Bulldog standout in football, basketball, and track. After high school, he went on to play 4 years of college football at Hiram College in Ohio, where he earned All-Conference honors, played in 40 games, and made a name for himself as a tough, smart, and passionate player.

Originally from San Diego, California, Coach Nation brings not just experience on the field, but also a love for teaching, mentoring, and helping young athletes grow — both as players and people. He’s also set to graduate this December with his degree!

Coach Nation shared:
“My goal is to teach and help better the development of the up-and-coming athletes. I see a lot of talent at John Hardin, and I give credit to Coach Preston and his staff for developing these guys into the stars they are.”

My Thoughts:

When I reached out to Coach Nation about coming home to help I already knew he would be a hit with the kids and coaching staff. In his short time back here at John Hardin working with our players it is very clear that Coach Nation is admired and respected. The players respond well to him and are very attentive when working with Coach Nation. I see a connection that is very promising for his career in education and coaching. I feel privileged and honored to have Malaki on our coaching staff and generally feel proud of our program when he is around. Some men just have that about them. He is one of those guys that have IT.

Help us give a big Bulldog welcome to Coach Nation — we’re glad to have you back on the sidelines! ??

#BulldogPride #JohnHardinFootball #CoachNationReturns

As we head into the regular season opening game I want to introduce one final coach on staff. We are excited to officially welcome Coach Derrick Hightower as the newest Assistant Coach for John Hardin Football! ??

Coach Hightower brings with him over 30 years of football experience, from playing at the middle school level all the way to professional football—and now coaching. Originally from Arlington, Georgia, Coach Hightower, his wife Tina, and their two sons Derrick ‘DJ’ Hightower and Nehemiah Hightower now call Vine Grove, Kentucky home.

A proud graduate of Randolph-Clay High School in Cuthbert, GA, he was a standout athlete in both football and basketball. His talents earned him multiple football scholarships, and he went on to play at The University of the Cumberlands (formerly Cumberland College), where he earned a degree in Exercise and Sports Science, with a minor in Public Health.

During his college career, Coach Hightower racked up accolades including:
? 4-time MSC All-Conference selection (3x 1st Team, 1x Honorable Mention)
? Multiple-time MSC Defensive Player of the Week
? 2008 VSN All-Star Selection

His playing career continued at the pro level, including stints with the Lexington Horsemen, Mahoning Valley Thunder, and even some time with the Pittsburgh Steelers during the 2009 NFL season.

After hanging up the cleats, Coach Hightower jumped right into developing the next generation of athletes. He began coaching in Ohio, including time at Lima Senior High School and Alabama Prep Sports Academy, where he helped 13 athletes earn college football scholarships. Since moving to Hardin County, KY, he has coached football, basketball, and baseball, most recently helping JTA’s football team go undefeated for two seasons, winning back-to-back championships while coaching the defensive line.

Coach Hightower brings not only experience, but a passion for mentoring and motivating young men both on and off the field. We couldn’t be more excited to have him on board! I have been working the last three years to get him to join our staff. He is finally with us and it is paying big dividends.

I am impressed with how Coach Hightower works so well with kids that are very young and inexperienced as well as the veterans in our program. This ability to get younger players to believe in themselves is something that is unique in my opinion. He has a sense of humor that I can relate to as well as a serious side to address and improve the players. He is a tremendous asset to our program already and is fast becoming a very valuable member of the coaching staff.

Coach Hightower's son DJ is an outstanding football player that will begin his Junior season as a three year starter and one of the top players in his class for Kentucky. The pictures are of DJ (#20) as well as Coach Hightower as young player in his days at the University of the Cumberlands and his welcome photo for starting this school year. 

Please help us give Coach Hightower and his family a warm welcome in the comments below! ?
#WelcomeCoachHightower #TeamNameFootball #OneTeamOneGoal #BuiltNotBought

Welcome Coach Hightower and fantastic additions for John Hardin.