Spring drills began this week for the Hopkinsville High School football team, which will be playing its last season in school history in 2025.
Hopkinsville and Christian County will consolidate to make the Christian County High School Tigers in 2026.
Hoptown coach Dustin Lopez said he has had more than 70 players participate in the first two days of drills. He credits his coaching staff and hard work in the offseason for the interest in the program.
Hopkinsville has played football every year since 1905 and has produced numerous All-Americans as well as All-State players and one Mr. Football in Curtis Pulley. Former coaches like Fleming Thornton, Mike Lewis, and Craig Clayton have led the Tigers to state championships in 1965 and 1966 as well as state runner-up finishes in 1984, 1996, and 1997.
Knowing the tradition that is Tiger football and that it’s the last season for Hopkinsville football, Lopez said the current players want to make 2025 special to all Hoptown football fans and supporters.
Last season, the Tigers finished the season 3-7 and missed the Class 4-A playoffs for the second straight year. However, Lopez pointed out that his team was only about five points away from being the No. 2 seed. He said this year’s team has the leadership to get past last year’s disappointing end and have a good season.
Lopez said he thinks this team has the potential to have a special season.
The Tigers practice Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays for the next few weeks.
Fans can get an early look at the Tigers on April 29 as Lopez is planning a spring game for 5 p.m. He said the large number of players who are practicing made that possible.
Hoptown moves up to Class 6-A this season and will play in District 1 with Christian County, Henderson County, and McCracken County.
The Tigers’ first game of the season is set for Aug. 23 against Stratford, Tenn. Hoptown has six home games in 2025 and is scheduled for its last game against cross-town rival Christian County on Oct. 24.
Photo by Joe Wilson