Former record-setting QB has his team at 4-5 with game at Crittenden awaiting
We like seeing the all-timers come back home and give something back to the alma mater. That is exactly what Adrian Stringer has done. Stringer set the Hopkins County Central program’s career passing yards record, and about every other significant passing mark, during his tenure in Morton’s Gap before playing college ball and coming back to assume the reigns of his high school program (Hopkins County Central) as its head football coach. The team is 4-5 after its Thursday night game (lost to Murray 64-18) and has a date with Crittenden County in Marion, Kentucky awaiting the 30th of October. Crittenden will be favored; but, you never know the outcome of any game that close to All Hallows Eve.
Jumpin’-Jack Flash, Associate Scouting Director, “KPGFootball”
Morton’s Gap, KY: John Major enjoyed a successful career as a single-wing tailback at the University of Tennessee. He was the runner up in the Heisman. Majors team finished 10-1 and won its conference, appearing in the Sugar Bowl his senior year.
The Heisman in 1956 went to Paul Hornung (From Louisville, KY) who played for a 2-8 Notre Dame team. Hornung is (to this day) the only Heisman winner to play for a team with a losing record.
Majors was fairly perplexed about not winning the trophy that year; though not nearly as upset as the throngs of Tennessee fans who believed their favorite son had been cheated. Years later, Hornung was interviewing John Majors, on television, and decided to have some fun at Majors’ expense.
“John, who should have won the Heisman in 1956,” Hornung asked.
Majors replied, “Jim Brown.” Hornung didn’t expect that response. John Majors was a clever guy.
Jim Brown, from Syracuse, finished 5th in the voting in 1956 and remains a consensus choice as one of the best football players of all time. Mark Nagi wrote about this in an article published in Saturday Down South. We have linked the article for you should you wish to read it in its entirety.
“John, who should have won the Heisman in 1956,” Hornung asked.
Mark Nagi, Saturday Down South, “Appreciating Johnny Majors, a true Vol for Life”
Majors replied, “Jim Brown.”
Johnny Majors came home to coach his alma mater in 1977 and had a very successful run there, winning some 116-games and three (3) SEC championships. Majors had won a national title, with Tony Dorsett and the Pittsburgh Panthers, in 1976. Dorsett won the Heisman, by the way!
When “Big John,” as he was called at UT, accepted the job at Tennessee most the papers trumpeted, “Johnny comes marching home again, Hurrah! Hurrah!” It was big news.
It felt the same way when Adrian Stringer came marching home to take the Central job on Morton’s Gap in Hopkins County. During his senior season as a quarterback at Hopkins County Central High, Stringer put up standout, record-setting numbers.
We covered it profusely here at KPGFootball. Here is what we recall:
- Senior Year Passing: 2,337 yards and 18 touchdowns
- Senior Year Rushing: 352 yards and 8 touchdowns
- Milestone / Record: He set the Hopkins County Central program’s career passing yards record (including throwing for 1,451 yards and 15 touchdowns during his shortened junior/pandemic-affected stretch, where he also averaged 242 yards per game and ranked high in the KHSAA).
Stringer is doing a fine job coaching The Storm. So far, the team has four (4) wins against five (5) losses. Stringer’s boys have a winnable game to (possibly) even the season record in Marion, Kentucky at 5-5 against an ever-improving, Crittenden County team before entering the KHSAA playoffs.
The Storm will not be favored to invade Marion, Kentucky with much success. That aside, The Storm’s winning wouldn’t be too much of a surprise.
For the 2026–27 varsity football season, the following players have proven key statistical leaders and standout players for the Hopkins County Central Storm. Those guys include:
| Player | Class | Position | Key Stats / Production |
| Dallas Kinlaw | Jr. | RB | 66.5 Yards Per Game |
| Neilan Bruce | So. | QB, SS | 59.6 Yards Per Game |
| Dariyon Walker | So. | CB, RB | 4.8 Yards Per Game |
| Connor Miles | Sr. | DE, T | 6’5″, 240 lbs (Key defensive/line-man leader) |
| Mattox Allen | Sr. | MLB | Defensive core / Middle Linebacker |
Like we before said, The Storm are 4-5 on the year following Thursday night’s game with Murray High (Murray won 64-18). For the matchup between Hopkins County Central and Crittenden County, scheduled for Friday, October 30, 2026, data projections favor Crittenden County at home. Of course, overcoming data projections is why we hire coaches, right?!
📊 Game Probability & Projection
- Crittenden County Rockets Win Probability: 82%
- Hopkins County Central Storm Win Probability: 18%
- Projected Score: Crittenden County 37, Hopkins County Central 20
🏈 Handicap & Matchup Analysis
- Historical Edge: The Crittenden County Rockets have dominated this series recently, securing a decisive 56-21 victory over the Storm last season.
- Records and Context: Heading into late October, Hopkins County Central holds a 4-5 record, while Crittenden County sits at 4-5. The winner of this game gets that all important fifth (5th) win. The home-field advantage for the Rockets gives Crittenden County an analytical upper hand. Marion is a tough place to have to play.
All of the above aside, The Storm have a chance. Central has a chance because of whom is leading them, just like when Stringer aligned under center for the team back in the day. This time Adrian (not Johnny) has come marching home again…but, it’s the same Hurrah! Hurrah!
This is Friday Night Fletch, reporting for KPGFootball, reminding you to PLAY THROUGH THE WHISTLE!
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