The Hopkinsville Tigers football team stepped onto the field Friday night for their 116th and final meeting against Madisonville-North Hopkins, marking the end of one of Kentucky’s most storied rivalries. While the Tigers came up short on the scoreboard, the night carried far greater meaning than just the final result—it was the closing chapter of a tradition that has spanned generations.
Hopkinsville’s offense found late sparks as quarterback Jasiah McCarley connected on two long touchdown passes in the fourth quarter. McCarley finished the night with 202 passing yards, including a 70-yard strike to James Bradley Jr. and a 62-yard touchdown to Aiden Jesse, giving Tiger fans something to cheer about in the closing moments. Bradley also put in work on the ground, carrying the ball 18 times for 64 yards.
Photo Courtesy of Jaylen Ray
The Tigers tallied 267 total yards of offense—65 rushing and 202 through the air—with nearly half of that production coming in the final quarter as they battled to the end. Hopkinsville’s resilience showed in their ability to answer back late, a reminder of the pride and grit that have always defined Tiger football.
For Hopkinsville, this game wasn’t just about the numbers. It was about stepping onto the field one last time in a rivalry that stretched back more than a century. The Tigers will forever lead the all-time series, a lasting testament to their dominance over the decades. While Friday’s result didn’t go their way, the history, pride, and legacy of Hopkinsville football remain unshaken.
As the program looks ahead to the rest of its final season before consolidation, the Tigers carry with them the memories of countless battles and the unwavering spirit of a community they look to harness as the season continues.
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