MLB/RB also plays Lacrosse and is on the Track & Field team at North Hardin
They call Ariyon Stills-Carter “The Bear.” At 6’0,” and anywhere from 220-230 pounds, that is an entirely appropriate nickname for the young man. Carter is a versatile athlete who has the skill set to dominate in multiple phases. Carter plays at Kentucky’s highest classification (6A) and for a roster which traditionally produces some of Kentucky’s finer football talent. We love predicting “break out players” who we believe capable of “break out performances.” Here is a prediction for the coming Fall: “The Bear will dominate.”
HB Lyon, Scouting Director, “KPGFootball”
Radcliff, KY: North Hardin has produced some fine football playing talent. La’Vell Wright, Octavious Oxendine, Shaun Boykins, Andre Woodson, and Josiah Hope are just a few of the talents we have covered and watched from North Hardin’s Trojan program.
We believe the name Ariyon Stills-Carter will soon be added to the pantheon of KHSAA playing stars. They call him “The Bear.” At 6’0,” 220-230, the name appears appropriate.
Carter is a quick-twitch, powerful, strong, quick, and fast specimen who flourishes on both sides at MLB and RB. That isn’t easy to do playing 6A, KHSAA football.
Carter is also a 3.9-GPA. That, too, is difficult.
We like football stars with athletic skill sets. Carter plays Lacrosse, competes in Track & Field, in addition to what he contributes on the gridiron.
The Bear has yet to show is of what he is fully capable. Coming out of middle school, Carter was among the more ballyhooed and celebrated players in the commonwealth of Kentucky.
We believe the Fall of 2026 is the breakout moment, the breakout season, for this young phenom. Carter is already gaining D-1 attention from next level football programs.
Eastern Kentucky’s Colonels have hosted Bear and appear intent on having him back this coming season. There are other big-timers following suit and jumping on board this recruitment. There are other D-1s interested.
North Hardin is a team steeped in tradition and talent most seasons
Friday Night Fletch
North Hardin is a team which is traditionally tough coming off a less than acceptable season. North was 5-6 in ’25. While it was far from a total disaster, it wasn’t an acceptable season for a Brent Thompson coached program.
North Hardin was 8-4 in ’24, were 9-1 and made the semis in the pandemic shortened 2020 season, and were 13-1 losing to Trinity in the semis in 2019. In other words, North Hardin (under Thompson) is accustomed to sticking around a while in the postseason and anxious to get back to Trojan-type football.
Guys like Ariyon Stills-Carter can get a program there and quickly. Here’s to hoping the ’26 roster can help usher in happier days!
This is Friday Night Fletch, reporting for KPGFootball and KPI Newspaper Group, reminding you to PLAY THROUGH THE WHISTLE!
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