2025 was supposed to the year the Rebels came back down to earth. They blew it in 2024 with one of the most talented teams to come through in a while, and they were going to have to replace their top two leading rushers, 4 of their top leading WRs, multiple OL, their kicker, their top three leading tacklers and 3 of their four secondary pieces. After a hot start to the 2025 season, they dropped a game to Lexington Catholic on the road 17-7 which left a lot of people saying yep.. the empire is fallen. 

Fast forward 3 months on the money from that game, and the Rebels were holding up the 2025 4A State Title in a 34-0 shut out over the leading scoring team in 4A who were also undefeated. They were led by a sophomore QB in Jhet Raleigh who has still yet to lose as a starter, a 5 foot nothing RB who is now the single game rushing record holder for the Rebels after a 440 yard showing against Covington Catholic, and a stingy defense that loved making these physicals for 48 minutes. 

The kids will have a month to celebrate, and then it's right back to the weight room to grind for number 14. Let's look at who the Rebels have graduating and returning this year. 

? Ji'Dyn Smith-Hisel (RB, Mr. ?  Candidate) | Briley Burris (OL/DL) | Cliffton Yocum (OL/DL) | Bubby McPherson (DB/ATH) | Jax Crowe (DE) | Darryl Yancey (DL/RB) | Ashton Drakeford (FS/WR) | Juhon Goodman (OL/DL) | Colt Kelly (OL/DL) | Jakeem Ray (DB/WR) 

? Jhet Raleigh (QB) | Seneca Driver (WR/LB) | Maddox Hager (TE/DL) | Lucas Akers (LB/TE) | Brayden Borders Coffman (LB) | Kain Logan (ATH/DB) | Adryan Newell (RB/DB) 

 

At a place like Boyle County, there are always kids waiting in the midst for their turn. There will be a lot of names through the year that will turn heads, and people will wonder where was that kid last year?? He was there, he was just working in silence waiting for his moment. The 2026 Rebels return 5 starters on defense, graduating their entire DL and both corners. They do bring back their entire LB unit and both safeties however. The Rebels also return 7 on offense, graduating two OL, a WR, and their RB. 

The schedule for Boyle in 2026 will be:

Owensboro Catholic at WKU (Rafferty's Bowl)

Bryan Station at home (Rebel Bowl)

Lex Cath (Home)

Highlands (Away)

BYE

Ballard (Home)

St. X (Away)

Russell County (Home)

Lincoln County (Away)

Wayne County (Away)

Frederick Douglass (Home)

 

The expectation for Boyle County is always state championship or bust. How do we see the Rebels doing this coming season? 

 

My guess is the Rebels will be right back in the thick of things in 4A. As the Nature Boy said. To be the man you gotta beat the man. And the rebels definitely are the man.

Edited December 22, 2025Dec 22 by theguru

Just as an fyi. The Rafferty’s Bowl has been permanently moved to Bowling Green High Stadium. It’s still a great atmosphere!

51 minutes ago, jsr4 said:

Just as an fyi. The Rafferty’s Bowl has been permanently moved to Bowling Green High Stadium. It’s still a great atmosphere!

Great move. Atmosphere this year at Bowling Green High was much better than the huge stadium at WKU. BGHS is a great facility!

1 hour ago, jsr4 said:

Just as an fyi. The Rafferty’s Bowl has been permanently moved to Bowling Green High Stadium. It’s still a great atmosphere!

After 2026?  

Such a Merry Christmas for all the Rebel faithful. This was all made possible by Coach Haddix, his great staff, the dedicated players, the football support staff, parents, the Boyle County administrative staff, school board and all other supporters behind the scenes. Good cheer. health and happiness thru the holidays and the coming year. A Happy feel good time for all.

Will be right there again, Who Ya With!

The game at Highlands will be interesting. 

Boyle County is Boyle County and 4A football runs through the Rebels until someone dethrones them. 

Bump.

Class of 2028 OL/DL Christian Bryant picks up the Louisville offer today. Will lead the way on the line of scrimmage for both sides this coming season for The Rebels. 

Boyle County has added rising senior Gavin Johnson, Hazard's #1 receiver from last season, along with rising junior Clay Pendygraft, one of Lincoln County's leading tacklers from last season, to the Rebels roster in the offseason.

They added Shannon Lofton by way of Danville/Taylor County/Somerset as well.

No reason for this team not to win state again. 

Edited January 28Jan 28 by TimeWillTell

1 hour ago, TimeWillTell said:

No reason for this team not to win state again. 

Boyle has to be the early favorite to repeat. Be aware that 4A is by far the most competitive of the 6 classes. Franklin Co., Corbin, Paducah Tilghman, Johnson Cent., Highlands and Covington Cath. all are very good as well. These are 7 of the best football teams in the state regardless of class. Should be a fun season.