LONDON — Friday’s matchup between Bell County and North Laurel has been tagged Game of the Week in the 13th Region, and both Bobcat coach Dudley Hilton, and Jaguar coach Jason Chappell agree, it should be a good game.
“It’s Bell County,” Chappell said. “They one of the premiere programs in the state of Kentucky.”
“I think the game being in a lot of local interest,” Hilton said. “We are both from the 13th Region, and we don’t get to have many games against teams in the 13th Region. That’s one of the things that make this interesting. It should be a good one to watch.”
Hilton will be entering his 49th year of coaching, and said his team is ready to play.
“Honestly, I think we are all excited to get out there,” he said. “Our kids have worked hard and out in a lot of work the past six or seven weeks, and they’re ready to see what they can do.
“I know I’m excited,” he added. “I go out there, and out a little pressure on myself to see if I still can do it.”
Chappell has been pleased with his players’ efforts during their scrimmages, which he hopes has prepared them for Friday’s home matchup against the 13th Region’ second ranked team, Bell County.
The Jaguars enter the game ranked No. 4 with North Laurel hoping to start the season on a high note.
“Our guys played incredibly hard and very physical last night during our last scrimmage,” Chappell said. “We understand we have some things to fix, but felt good about some things we did as well. They are extremely ready to get the season underway.
“We answered many of the questions I had in the Cov. Cath scrimmage,” he added. “They showed me they would play through adversity. They also showed how physical they could be. Our guys have worked their tails off all offseason. They are certainly ready to play.”
Hilton said he’s impressed with what North Laurel brings to the table.
“They’re talented,” he said. “They’ve got a lot of strong, and fast kids. They’ve got what makes a good looking team.
“We’ve got a few unanswered questions (coming into the game),” Hilton said. “We graduated some key players, and it is important to fill the holes they left. We’ve got to protect the ball, and can’t t give them any momentum.”
If the Jaguars hope to get a win against the Bobcats, they’ll have to find a way to slow down tailback, and Mr. Football candidate Daniel Thomas.
Thomas enters the season ranked as the 13th Region’s top player. He rushed for 2,228 yards and 29 touchdowns last season while leading the team with 360 receiving yards on 12 receptions. He also found paydirt five times.
Thomas is also a defensive threat, finishing with 87 tackles, six sacks, and two fumble recoveries.
“Bell County is one of the premiere programs in the state of Kentucky,” Chappell said. “Their strengths are their coaching. Their run game and their defense are, too. Daniel Thomas is as good of a running back there is in the state.
“Game number one is always super-important, especially with a schedule like ours,” he added. “We definitely need to set the tone for who we are are. On both sides we have to be great on 1st downs. We have to stay ahead of down and distance situations.”
The Bobcats outlasted North Laurel last season, holding off the Jaguars with a 43-35 victory.
“In game one last year, we were good on first downs but they were able to convert several third and longs,” Chappell said. “So we have to be able to get off the field. We have had several guys under the weather the last couple of weeks, but right now we are fairly healthy.”
Hilton and his Bobcats are ready for kick-off.
“We’ve put in the work,” he said. “It’s time to see what we can do.”
Kick-off is slated for 7:30 p.m.
