The Harlan County Black Bears (KY) varsity football team is set to play a home conference game against Clay County Tigers (KY) on Saturday, August 23, at 6:00 PM.
Here’s what you need to know:
What: Kentucky High School Football
Who: Harlan County Black Bears (KY) vs Clay County Tigers (KY)
When: Saturday, August 23, 2025
Time: 6:00 p.m. ET
Where: Clay County High School
Live stream: Watch on NFHS Network
Season Outlook: A Clean Slate for Both Teams
As the 2025-2026 season kicks off, both the Harlan County Black Bears and the Clay County Tigers are starting with a clean slate, with an overall record of 0-0. All other team metrics, including home, away, league, and non-league records, are also at 0-0, highlighting the freshness of the season and the potential for new narratives to be written.
Clay County: A Strong Regional Contender
Clay County enters the season with a notable edge in the rankings. The Tigers hold a Kentucky state ranking of 116 and are 20th in their region, placing them ahead of their rivals. This indicates a strong position within their local district and a solid foundation to build upon for the season. Clay County’s schedule includes key matchups against South Laurel, McCreary Central, and Bell County. Their home schedule also features a game against Harlan County on August 23, 2025.
Harlan County: Looking to Climb the Ranks
Harlan County, ranked 148th in Kentucky and 29th in their region, is positioned slightly lower than Clay County at the start of the season. Despite this, the Black Bears have a challenging schedule that will test their mettle. Their away schedule includes a game against Bell County on September 12, 2025, and a game against South Laurel on September 26, 2025. This rigorous set of opponents will be crucial for the team’s development and will provide opportunities to improve their standing.
The results from these games against common opponents will offer a direct benchmark for comparing the two teams’ performances throughout the season. These matchups will not only shape their records but also provide crucial context for how they stack up against mutual competition.
Head-to-Head Showdown
The most anticipated game of the season for both teams will be their head-to-head matchup. While the provided data indicates a 0-0 head-to-head record, the first game between these two rivals will take place at Clay County on August 23, 2025. This opening game of the season will set the tone for the rest of the year and could have significant implications for regional standings. The winner will gain momentum and bragging rights, while the loser will have to regroup quickly to stay on track. This early-season contest is a must-watch for fans of both programs.
