The Hopkinsville Tigers made a statement under the lights Friday night, powering past Stratford (TN) with a commanding 49-13 win. The victory marked the program’s first opening-night triumph since 2020, and it came with no shortage of fireworks from senior playmaker James Bradley, Jr.
Bradley, Jr. put together a highlight-reel performance, rushing for three touchdowns and connecting with Aiden Jesse for two more through the air. His efforts helped fuel a Tiger offense that erupted for 28 unanswered points in the second half to seal the win.
A Back-and-Forth Start
Stratford struck first after Hopkinsville came up short on a 4th-down conversion, capitalizing with a 39-yard touchdown pass to Jaxyn Law. But Bradley, Jr. quickly answered, breaking free on a 20-yard scoring run to knot the game at 7-7 after the first quarter.
The Tigers found their rhythm in the second. DeAndre Watkins muscled in on a six-yard 4th-and-4 carry to put Hoptown on top, and Bradley, Jr. added another rushing score before halftime. A clutch interception by Griffen Meacham halted a Stratford drive deep in Tiger territory, sending Hopkinsville into the break ahead 21-7.
Photo Courtesy of Jayven Battle
Tigers Take Control
Stratford narrowed the gap early in the third with another long touchdown catch by Law, but Hopkinsville’s defense shut the door from that point forward. Tremayne Clay’s blocked extra point swung momentum, and Bradley, Jr. and Jesse took over the game.
Jesse hauled in a 63-yard bomb from Bradley, Jr., then added a 19-yard touchdown reception in the fourth. In between, Carlo Jones and Jesse each grabbed interceptions, while Bradley, Jr. sprinted 55 yards on a gutsy 4th-and-1 to break the game wide open.
With Stratford on the ropes, Hakim Skanes recovered a fumble to set up a short field, and Kyrien Cannon capped the night with a touchdown run and two-point conversion that triggered the running clock.
Photo Courtesy of Jaylen Ray
Looking Ahead
This fall is more than just another season—it’s the final chapter for Hopkinsville High School football. Every game on the schedule is part of a farewell tour, and next week’s road trip to Madisonville-North Hopkins fits right into that story. The Tigers and Maroons haven’t met since 2022, but this year’s matchup carries extra weight as Hopkinsville continues its “last season” journey, determined to leave a legacy under the Friday night lights.
COMMENTS