Tigers off to a fast start, Elijah Young (’29) setting passing marks
There is nothing new about Bardstown winning football games and at a brisk pace. After all, the Tigers were seven (7) game winners in ’25 bowing out of the 3A playoffs at the hand of Central High (Lou.) by a paltry nine (9) points (29-18). Well the boys from Bardstown are three (3) and zero so far in ’26 after a win on Thursday night against cross town, 4A rival, John Hardin and in convincing fashion (48-14). The Tigers have an undefeated Nelson County, after a week off, with Owensboro Catholic and a trip to the “BBQ Capital of the World” looming. Can their diminutive QB (5’10, 190-pounds), Elijah Young lead this team to the promise land? It is starting to appear possible, if not probable.
Jumpin’ Jack Flash, Associate Scouting Director, “KPGFootball”
Bardstown, KY: They play a little football around Bardstown, Kentucky. They always have. Ever heard of Garnis Martin?
They have been winning football games around Bardstown since they had a local high school called the Old Kentucky Home Wildcats. They have been winning high school football games around Bardstown since one of its former QBs, Mike Holcomb, became a legendary, Hall of Fame-caliber head football coach in his own right.
That is why Bardstown’s terrific 3-0 out of the gate should be shocking to no one. It isn’t that they have done it which is surprising; but, how they have done it.
Bardstown is 3-0 on the young season. The Tigers boast wins over E-Town (42-38), Fern Creek (56-14), and John Hardin (48-14). The road doesn’t get easier as they get an undefeated Nelson County (3-0) on 9-11 before a trip to play Owensboro Catholic (2-1) on 9-18.
Thursday night Bardstown vanquished Class 4A, John Hardin. To date the offense has leaned on the play of sophomore combo, dual threat, QB/RB, Elijah Young, for much of its production.
Young threw for a school record 431 yards and six (6) TDs, on 22 of 26, passing against Louisville’s Fern Creek (6A)
Jumpin’ Jack Flash
The sophomore had a particularly big night in the Tigers’ second game, a 56-14 win over Fern Creek (Lou. 6A, District 4). Young etched his name into the history books against The Creekers, when Young threw for a school record 431 yards and six (6) TDs on 22 of 26 passing.
Young broke the record previously held by John Wesley Monin, who threw for 375 yards against Carroll County in 2000. The record stood for a quarter century.
Bardstown coach Justin Grundy told The Kentucky Standard that his young protégé has progressed nicely since earning the starting job after former starter Carson Riley transferred to Nelson County. We shall see this story come full circle when the Tigers face Nelson and Riley next week.
For now, Young has begun building his legacy. While at it, he is continuing the program’s fine championship-caliber legacy. Old Scale Martin would be mighty proud; and so would Mike Holcomb.
This is Friday Night Fletch, reporting for KPGFootball; reminding you to PLAY THROUGH THE WHISTLE!
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