Woodford County and Bullitt East Set to Meet in Emotional Season Opener
When the late August heat begins to burn, and the air is dense with humidity, everybody is waiting for the same thing: football time in the Bluegrass. As country music rings throughout Kentucky, it’s tough for the brain not to jump to some hard-hitting, adrenaline-pumping high school football.
Finally, on Saturday, August 19th at 5:00 p.m. EST, two of the premier programs in the state will meet to kick off the season.
Football and Family
Woodford County and Bullitt East will make a trip to the historic Alvis Johnson Stadium in Mercer County on Saturday. The two squads will meet on one of (if not the most) historic football grounds in the state. Alvis Johnson is one of the greatest coaches ever to mold young men in the Bluegrass. The state collectively mourned as he passed away on July 15th.
The state remembered all that Alvis did for the state at his funeral on the exact field that will host the matchup Saturday. Alvis was the definition of a legend, as he was the first African American to serve as president of the National Federation of High School Athletics Board of Directors. He also served as an assistant AD at the University of Kentucky.
Sports are known to bring people together as the backbone of society. This will be no different on Saturday night, as Alvis Johnson’s son, Dennis, will lead the Yellow Jackets onto the field. As Coach Johnson directs his men along the field, it will be tough not to feel the immense emotion of loving one’s father. When KSR talked with Coach Johnson in April, he gave insight into his life under the legendary coach. When he talked about his father, it was clear to see his love and admiration for Alvis.
Another thing was also evident in the conversation, Alvis loved football. As Keegan Kendrick leads his Chargers to battle Dennis’ Yellow Jackets, great football is guaranteed, and I’m sure that would make Alvis proud.
Champions look to continue success
Last season, Coach Kendrick led the Bullitt East Chargers to their first-ever 6A state championship. The Chargers edged Male by a single point to capture the title in front of a rowdy Kroger Field.
This season, Bullitt East will be without former Kentucky Mr. Football and current Louisville Cardinal QB Travis Egan. The Chargers will rely on senior Jack Zwernemann to step in and take over. Zwernemann will also be asked to play defensive back for the Chargers, a feat rarely seen on a football field. Unfortunately for Chargers fans, most of what won that legendary championship is gone. However, KSR’s 2022 Head Coach of the Year (Kendrick) will look to send a message to the state that the Chargers aren’t going anywhere.
On the other side of the ball will be 5A runner-ups, Woodford County. Woodford’s starting quarterback will be Andrew Nason. The rising junior enjoyed a great season last year with 1,623 passing yards and 20 touchdowns. Leading receiver and Kentucky target Makhi Smith (671 receiving yards, eight touchdowns) enters his junior season as one of the best in the state. However, Johnson’s Yellow Jackets will have stiff competition this season with #6 Scott County sharing the same district.
A win would mean a lot for both teams, but here at KSR, we’re just glad that football is back.
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