Friday Night Lens: ‘Football is life here in Breathitt County’
By Ryan C. Hermens
READ MORE
Exploring Kentucky with Friday Night Lens
Click below to view previous installments of visual journalist Ryan C. Hermens’ series looking at high school football and its impact on communities around Kentucky.
Expand All
Throughout this fall, Herald-Leader visual journalist Ryan C. Hermens is venturing around Kentucky to capture how high school football brings communities together.
Most recently, Ryan traveled to Jackson to capture the South Laurel Cardinals vs. the Breathitt County Bobcats on Friday, Aug. 30.
“If you blink, you’re going to miss Jackson,” Breathitt County alumnus Jamie Watkins said. “If you blink on a Friday night, you’re going to miss something awesome.”
The Bobcats defeated the Cardinals 48-3.
Ryan’s next Friday Night Lens trip will be on Sept. 13. If you have suggestions of games that carry a vibrant atmosphere, connecting football and community, email Ryan at rhermens@herald-leader.com.
The Breathitt County Bobcats wait for the start of their first home game of the season. Ryan C. Hermens rhermens@herald-leader.com
Members of the Breathitt High cheerleading team perform. Ryan C. Hermens rhermens@herald-leader.com
Matt Dixon gives William Ritchie a haircut at his barbershop in downtown Jackson Friday, Aug. 30. “It’s been the heart of the community for many years,” Dixon said about the Breathitt County football team. Ryan C. Hermens rhermens@herald-leader.com
The Breathitt County Bobcats, including Bryce Hoskins, with hand up, a freshman tight end and linebacker, walk out of their locker room before taking the field for their game against South Laurel Friday, Aug. 30, in Jackson. The Bobcats won, 43-8. Ryan C. Hermens rhermens@herald-leader.com
Fog sits above Panbowl Lake in Jackson Friday, Aug. 30. Ryan C. Hermens rhermens@herald-leader.com
Fans fill the stands at the Mike Holcomb Athletic Complex as the Bobcats take on the South Laurel Cardinals in Jackson Friday, Aug. 30. Ryan C. Hermens rhermens@herald-leader.com
Breathitt County quarterback Braxton Ohara keeps South Laurel linebacker Dominic Snyder back as he runs the ball during a game Friday, Aug. 30. Ryan C. Hermens rhermens@herald-leader.com
The Bobcats take the field in their game against South Laurel as the sun sets. Ryan C. Hermens rhermens@herald-leader.com
Breathitt County’s Damon Neace, a senior lineman, prepares for the start of Friday’s game against South Laurel. Ryan C. Hermens rhermens@herald-leader.com
Members of the Breathitt High Army JROTC program practice carrying a giant U.S. flag onto the field before the start of Friday’s game. Ryan C. Hermens rhermens@herald-leader.com
Breathitt County defeated South Laurel 43-8 in the Honey Bowl at the Mike Holcomb Athletic Complex. Ryan C. Hermens rhermens@herald-leader.com
Dusk settles in along Armory Drive in Jackson Thursday, Aug. 29. Ryan C. Hermens rhermens@herald-leader.com
Breathitt County’s Charles Collins talks to his teammates in the locker room before taking on South Laurel. Ryan C. Hermens rhermens@herald-leader.com
Spectators watch as the Bobcats warm up Friday, Aug. 30. Ryan C. Hermens rhermens@herald-leader.com
Night falls on the Mike Holcomb Athletic Complex during Friday’s game. Ryan C. Hermens rhermens@herald-leader.com
Zyanna Gay, an eighth grader, waits to take the field with the Breathitt High School marching band. Ryan C. Hermens rhermens@herald-leader.com
Breathitt County players perform drills while warming up for their game against the Cardinals. Ryan C. Hermens rhermens@herald-leader.com
Dusk falls over Jackson, the county seat of Breathitt County, Thursday, Aug. 29. About 13,000 people live in Breathitt County, with around 2,300 calling Jackson home. Ryan C. Hermens rhermens@herald-leader.com
Because the stadium PA system was down, Jarrod “J-Rod” Neace uses the loud speaker on a police cruiser to announce the MVPs of the Honey Bowl. Ryan C. Hermens rhermens@herald-leader.com
This story was originally published September 5, 2019 at 6:52 AM.
Get one year of unlimited digital access for $159.99
Click below to view previous installments of visual journalist Ryan C. Hermens’ series looking at high school football and its impact on communities around Kentucky.
