’27 ATH has had a big year, especially against Breathitt, and braces for tough stretch
We wouldn’t dare speak for any of you; but, Gavin Johnson (’27 ATH), from Hazard has impressed the heck out of KPGFootball’s editorial board and scouting staff with his speed, size, power, explosiveness, and twitch so far this season. Matter of fact, Johnson was doing a fair Michael Irvin impression the other night running through Breathitt’s defensive’s back two levels for chunk play after chunk play. No one in Kentucky’s small school division (1A, 2A, & 3A) can do half as much with a screen pass as Gavin Johnson. Enjoy this look at what he has done, so far, realizing he has only just begun.
HB Lyon, Scouting Director, “KPGFootball”
Hazard, KY: We were watching Bluegrass Sport Nation on Facebook Friday night and flipping between the Perry/Letcher and the Breathitt/Hazard games. The Breathitt/Hazard game intrigued us for several reasons.
First of all, both of the teams are among the best at their levels of play. Secondly, both teams have plenty of star power, or players we track regularly and feature often.
One thing was for certain, we couldn’t take our eyes off of Gavin Johnson. There were several reasons.
Probably foremost is the fact at 6’0,” 190-pounds, running a 4.58-second, 40-yard dash; and with a vertical jump of 43-inches; Johnson is pretty dad-burn hard to miss. The other young men on the field just don’t look like Johnson, if we’re being honest.
Johnson looks like a grown man out there, especially amongst the skills. There is a reason for that, anatomically and otherwise.
Johnson’s bench pressing 300-pounds, squatting 415, and power cleaning 270 just sort of accentuates the previously made point. Johnson is a grown man.
Did we mention the 3.5 GPA? We don’t want to leave that out; taking care of business in the classroom is another characteristic of his being grown!
Johnson played a grown man’s game against the Bobcats. Breathitt came into the game riding an impressive two game win steak over 3A’s, Powell and Estill.
Breathitt’s roster boasts some star power too. The Bobcats have one of ’28s best QBs in Miles Hollon, a stud RB amongst ’28s in Eli Thomas, one of the better safeties in KY in Kylan Combs (’27), and a veteran offense front anchored by two of Kentucky’s more formidable guards in Waylon Abner and Sawyer Hall.
The formidable state of the opposing lineup aside, Johnson still contributed 13-receptions for 154-yards together with a slip screen Johnson slipped 70-or so yards to pay dirt. Talk about separation speed, Johnson left the third level of Breathitt’s defense like they were standing still. Johnson defensively contributed 14-tackles.
Freshman (that’s right, that is what we said) Cameron Miller showed of what he was capable. Miller carried the ball 21-times for 161-yards while scoring three (3) TDs. I believe the Bulldogs may have just found a horse to ride in the running game down the remaining stretch that is the ’25 regular season.
On the year, Johnson already has corralled 35-receptions for 434-yards receiving with four (4)-TDs. Johnson also has a TD rushing, is 2nd on the team in scoring, and has registered 32-tackles, a pair of sacks, and an INT on defense as a two-way, three phase player.
We have mentioned the stretch run upcoming. Hazard still has to play Campbellsville (3-1), Raceland (3-1), Pikeville (2-2), and Somerset (3-1). All but Somerset have been ranked, all season, in the classification’s top-five. All of them will have to travel to Hazard.
Hazard is not an easy place to play. Ask Breathitt.
With Hazard at 3-1 with wins over 5A MoCo (Montgomery County), 4A Whitely County, and now 2A, Breathitt; and with the remaining schedule being what it is, it would appear to me Hazard has an excellent chance to play several rounds in the upcoming playoffs at home.
To do this, the Bulldogs have to take care of business. The Bulldogs will have to win some tough games they still have remaining.
If you have seen the boys play this year; if you have enjoyed a bird’s-eye view of Johnson’s production and dynamics, I wouldn’t want to bet against Hazard. What about you?
Lay your wagers.
This is Friday Night Fletch, reporting for KPGFootball, reminding you to PLAY THROUGH THE WHISTLE!
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