For the sixth time in program history and third under head coach Chris McNamee—the Pikeville Panthers have claimed the title of state champions.
“Just thrilled to death to be able to come out of here with a win,” McNamee said postgame. ”We knew Russellville coming in was a great football team, loaded with big-play capability and they came out and did that. Just really proud of our team and their effort.”
First Quarter: Pikeville 20, Russellville 13
Russellville received a healthy dose of Pikeville running back Blake Birchfield Friday afternoon. He rushed for 50 yards on Pikeville’s first scoring drive of the game, including a 24-yard rush on 4th & 3 that took Pikeville inside the five-yard line before Birchfield punched it in to break the ice.