The 2025 high school football season will be the final year for the Hopkinsville Tigers and coach Dustin Lopez is hoping his team can give fans a memorable run to remember.
Lopez, a graduate of Hopkinsville High School, said his players may not realize the history that goes along with the Tigers’ program, which began in 1905, but the importance of this season is not lost on the coaching staff.
Hopkinsville High School will consolidate with Christian County High School in 2026 to make the Christian County Tigers.
But not before this final season were Hoptown has seen a quarterback battle rage all summer.
Senior James “Little Jay” Bradley Jr., sophomore Jasiah McCarley, sophomore Jonovan Leavell, and freshman Nehemiah Bailey all have seen time under center during 7-on-7 and the fall camp. Bradley appears to have won the job, although McCarley and Leavell could see considerable time at quarterback.
The Tigers have a stable of running backs including Bradley, senior DeAndre Watkins, sophomore Jeremiah Smith, sophomore Kyrien Cannon, sophomore Tavares Burgess, junior Xzavion Panapa, junior Hakim Skanes, and junior Jordan Catlett.
Like Watkins, Smith, and Catlett, Aiden Jesse transferred to the Tigers from Christian County. Jesse, a 6-foot-4 senior, will lead the receiver corps along with senior Keyshun Teal, sophomore Jayon Bass, and junior Jaylen Ray.
Junior Tremayne Clay will play tight end for the Tigers.
Seniors Foster Jackson and Kavon Johnson will play guard and center, respectively, on the offensive line. Michael Harper, a 6-4, 260-pound junior, transferred to the Tigers from Clarksville Northeast, will start at tackle along with returning starter Kadontre Ware at guard.
Senior Brayden Dowlen, junior Peyton Martin, and senior Daniel Brown also are competing for starting spots.
On the defensive line, the Tigers will be small and quick, and Lopez said none of the offensive starters will have to start on the defensive line.
Catlett, senior John Morton, senior Jordan Duerson, and Martin will anchor the defensive line. Junior Eli Myers, junior Michael Harper, Johnson, Dowlen, Skanes, senior Andrew Thorson, and Ware also will see plenty of playing time.
At linebacker, Panapa, Jackson, sophomore Griffen Meacham, junior Tremayne Clay, and Burgess all are in the rotation.
In the secondary, Lopez said Watkins, Ray, Bass, and Bradley are the main starters. Senior Carlo Jones will play at safety, sophomore Kaden Humphrey will play corner, and Jesse also will see time.
Senior Gavin Harton will handle kickoffs and field goals this season. Sophomore Nicholas Lacosta and Carlo Jones will be the primary punters.
The Tigers are moving up to Class 6-A in their last season and will play in the same district as McCracken County, Henderson County, and Christian County. Coming off a 4-6 season that saw them miss the playoffs in 2024, Lopez said he likes his 2025 team.
Hoptown opens its season Aug. 22 against Nashville Stratford.