PIGSKIN PREVIEW: Paintsville set to tackle upcoming season

Veteran Paintsville head football coach Joe Chirico has enjoyed success with his Tigers in recent years.

The one thing they’ve fell short on is reaching the Class 1A state championship game. His Tigers will take it one game at a time as they kickoff the 2019 season on the road at Lawrence County on Aug. 23.

The Tigers are coming off a 10-3 season one year ago, falling to Raceland in the regional finals on the home turf at Memorial Field.

“That was a tough loss for our guys,” Chirico said. “That’s behind us now and it’s time to move ahead.”

Paintsville must replace several key losses at the skill positions. Back, though, are quarterback  Jake Hyden and wide receiver John Walker Phelps to lead the way.

Following the opener at Lawrence County, the Tigers will also play at Georgetown College against Beechwood (Aug. 30), at Hazard (Sept. 27), Union, Va. (Oct. 4) and Fairview (Oct. 11).

Home games begin with Pikeville (Sept. 6). Others are East Jessamine (Sept. 13), Betsy Layne (Oct. 18), Raceland (Oct. 25) and Lexington Christian (Nov. 1).

Date                Opponent                    Site

Aug. 23           Lawrence County       Away

Aug. 30           Beechwood                 at Georgetown College

Sept. 6             Pikeville                      Home

Sept. 13           East Jessamine          Home

Sept. 20           Open

Sept. 27           Hazard                        Away

Oct. 4              Union, Va.                   Away

Oct. 11            Fairview                       Away

Oct. 18            Betsy Layne                Home

Oct. 25            Raceland                     Home

Nov. 1             Lexington Christian    Home