As the Hopkinsville Tigers close out their football season, there are many moments worth reflecting on as they look toward a brighter future. Under the leadership of Head Coach Dustin Lopez, who completed his first season at the helm, the Tigers have shown resilience, growth, and flashes of promise despite facing challenges throughout the year. Although the team fell short in their regular-season finale against Pleasure Ridge Park with a 35-28 loss, the game was a true testament to the heart and determination that defined the team all season long.
The Tigers entered their final game with playoff hopes still alive, needing a victory to secure a spot. After a strong week-nine win over Logan County that reignited their postseason ambitions, the team faced setbacks with a loss to Allen County-Scottsville and Logan County’s win over Warren East. This left Hopkinsville trailing in the district’s RPI rankings, but the Tigers showed up determined to give everything they had in front of their home crowd.
The game against PRP was marked by intense momentum shifts. PRP took an early lead with two first-quarter touchdowns from quarterback Dean Hynniman. However, Hopkinsville’s defense, led by standout performances from their seniors, stood strong at critical moments. Late in the second quarter, the Tigers turned back PRP on a crucial 4th and 7 from the 11-yard line. This defensive stop set up a drive that saw senior quarterback Aiden King connect with James Bradley for a touchdown with just 19 seconds left in the half, giving Hopkinsville a much-needed boost.
Unfortunately,PRP immediately answered with a 77-yard kickoff return for a touchdown as time expired, sending the Tigers into halftime trailing 28-7. Despite the setback, the Tigers rallied in the second half, showcasing the type of resolve and fighting spirit that Coach Lopez has instilled in his team. The third quarter saw King find senior DeAvery Ramey for an 11-yard touchdown to cut into the PRP lead. The defense stepped up once again, with Jaylen Ray intercepting a pass in the end zone and James Bradley turning another interception into a pick-six that brought the Tigers closer at 35-21.
Photo provided by Lainey McCoy
One of the game’s most thrilling moments came when senior Treston Kay intercepted a pass at the goal line and returned it 99 yards for a touchdown, bringing Hopkinsville within one score and reigniting the crowd’s hope for a late-game comeback. With just 1:34 left in the game, the Tigers’ defense forced a PRP punt, giving King and the offense one last chance to tie the game. Starting from their own 26-yard line, the Tigers fought valiantly but fell just short when an interception by PRP’s John Hammond ended the final drive.
Seniors Aiden King, DeAvery Ramey, and Treston Kay played their final game in a Tigers uniform, leaving behind a legacy of leadership, heart, and determination. King’s steady hand at quarterback, Ramey’s reliability as a playmaker, and Kay’s defensive heroics were all pivotal throughout the season and in this final game. Their efforts, highlighted by Kay’s 99-yard interception return and Ramey’s key catches, will not soon be forgotten.
Photo provided by Lainey McCoy
First-year Head Coach Dustin Lopez can take pride in the progress made during this season. His leadership brought out the best in his players, and the team’s competitive spirit was evident in every hard-fought game. While the season ended with a 3-7 record and marked the second consecutive year without a playoff appearance, the foundation has been set for future growth and success.
Photo provided by Lainey McCoy
As the Tigers transition into the offseason, they’ll build on the lessons learned and the resilience shown during Coach Lopez’s first season. With the commitment of the coaching staff and a roster eager to develop and improve, Hopkinsville High School football is poised to return stronger, hungrier, and more prepared than ever. The future holds promise, and the community can be proud of the fight and dedication this team displayed. Go Tigers! 🐾🏈
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