One of the better matchups in round two of the playoffs is here. The Middlesboro Yellow Jackets who sits at 10-0 now will welcome in the 5-6 Hazard Bulldogs. The Middlesboro Yellow Jackets  finished in the Top 5 in the last  BluegrassPreps Top 10 regular season poll in Class 1A. Hazard has floated around the 5-7 range all season. The Hazard Bulldogs finished 7th in that poll to finish the season. 

Middlesboro has thrown for over 1,900 yards on the season and ran the ball for over 1,500 yards. Middlesboro quarterback Deacon Partin has only thrown 2 interceptions all season and hopes to continue that success against Hazard. The Middlesboro run game is a two head monster consisting of the Lawson brothers Caden and Colby. They have rushed for over 1,000 yards as a duo and accounted for over 10 touchdowns on the season.  The Middlesboro receiving core is headlined by there big 3 in Seniors Mekhi Young, Joseph Killion, and Junior Amari Houston. These 3 have accounted for over 1,500 yards on the season. These 3 have also accounted for over half the interceptions the teams has as well. It could be very dangerous for an opposing offense to challenge these defensive backs.

Hazard has thrown for over 2,300 yards on the season with District 8 Player of the Year William Shoptaw.  The Hazard Bulldogs have ran for over 1,400 yards on the season with half of that coming from Freshmen Cameron Miller who took over the running game duties against Breathitt County and has rushed for over half that 1,400 on the season and more than 8 touchdowns.  The Hazard receiving core also has a big 3 as well. They are lead by Juniors Gavin Johnson, Connor Holbrook and Sophomore Jayvion Fullwood. These 3 have over 1,900 yards on the season. They have accounted for over 10 plus touchdowns through the air on the season.  Juniors Gavin Johnson and Connor Holbrook have accounted for half the Hazard interceptions on the season which isn’t much at 6. But that Hazard defense is lead by Senior linebackers Rayce Lindon and Jackson Deaton who have accounted for close to 200 tackles and over 5 forced fumbles on the season.

These teams basically are mirror images of one another. Who wins this Class 1A Battle? Does Middlesboro keep that undefeated streak alive? Does Hazard come to town and steal one over the Yellow Jackets?

TP94 Power Ratings

Hazard         45.12
Middlesboro    43.34

I think this Middlesboro team has been flying under the radar all year. The schedule has been suspect at best, so, they still have something to prove, but, thus far, they've stepped up and taken care of business like good teams do. Hazard has been off and on against a very competitive schedule, but, if nothing else, has proven they can compete pretty well with about everyone they've played. I expect nothing less from them here, but, when all's said and done, I think the Jackets may be just a little stronger and talented. I'll take them by a score of 40 to 27..

On 11/6/2025 at 11:06 PM, theguru said:

TP94 Power Ratings

Hazard         45.12
Middlesboro    43.34

Those numbers are close. The best game in 1A next. Followed by Sayre vs. Paris.

Just now, Bac2369 said:

Those numbers are close. The best game in 1A next. Followed by Sayre vs. Paris.

Hopefully it is a game in our contest. 

2 minutes ago, theguru said:

Hopefully it is a game in our contest. 

It most definitely be prime game.

Common Opponent

Middlesboro 50 Breathitt Co 36

Hazard 49 Breathitt Co 21

Middlesboro offense is averaging close to 44 points per game. The defense is giving up right at 14 points per game.

Hazard offense is averaging right at 31 points per game. The defense is giving up right at 24 points per game. 

Middlesboro 45

Hazard 24

Hazard 28

Midddlesboro 21

Middlesboro got a great win against Sayre and have themselves in a great place hosting this game. However, I think if Hazard gets that offense rolling they are battle tested enough to go get this win. I’m taking the Bulldogs. Might be the best game in 1A this week. 

Hazards Game Day Fit Tomorrow Night.