HOPKINSVILLE, KY (CHRISTIAN COUNTY NOW) – The Hopkinsville Tigers and Christian County Colonels have shared a football rivalry that spans generations. This fall, after more than 60 years of playing one another, the two schools will come together as one program: the Christian County Tigers.
Several high-profile candidates interviewed for the job last fall, but Dustin Lopez ultimately emerged as the man tasked with leading the new-look program. Lopez led the Hopkinsville Tigers to a 7-5 record and a playoff victory last season. Now, he’ll take on the challenge of bringing together his former Tigers with the incoming Colonels.
“Anytime you’re the first to do something, it’s exciting, but it’s a great challenge too. There’s a lot of pressure that comes with it,” Lopez told Christian County Now. “You’ve got to build it correctly from the ground up. And that’s exactly what we’re trying to do right now.”
Talent won’t be hard to find for the Tigers this season, with both schools funneling talented athletes into one roster. With around 60 players on the team, the biggest challenge may be bringing together players who once lined up against each other.
Although difficult on the surface, senior running back Paul Abren says the transition has been manageable.
“We played elementary together. The only time there was a rivalry was when we got to middle school and high school. So now we’re back together,” Abren said. “All our goal is to just grow from here, get Christian County up there at the top and try to be a top contender by the end of this year.”
Although the Colonels went 1-9 last season, they’ll contribute several key players to the new-look Tigers, including Abren. Deasian Harris joins him in the backfield and could form a dangerous one-two punch for Christian County. AJ Ware will also be a key piece at receiver this season.
Lopez brings over Jasiah McCarley to take over as the Tigers’ starting quarterback after he threw for more than 2,200 yards last season for Hopkinsville. Jaylen Ray was one of McCarley’s top targets and will have another opportunity for a breakout season with his new team. Tremayne Clay, meanwhile, brings versatility as a tight end and defensive piece who could be in line for a strong senior campaign.
Even with talent coming from both schools, Lopez made it clear that the focus is now on building one team.
“I care about the traditions that have been in the past for both Christian County and Hopkinsville,” Lopez said. “Some of the guys played at Christian County last year, some of the guys played at Hop-town, but we’re all together for Christian County now.”
Christian County Now player to watch: Paul Abren
The former Colonel will be one of the Tigers’ most valuable pieces as they begin their first season as a combined program. Entering his senior campaign, Abren will look to make defenses pay with his aggressive running style. He can slice through gaps in the defense while also finishing strong between the tackles, giving Christian County plenty of versatility on offense.
Abren’s value could be even greater on the defensive side of the ball. He’ll be one of the Tigers’ key linebackers this season and can make an impact both as a pass rusher and in coverage. If Abren is able to put together the senior season expected of him, he’ll be a major piece in helping Christian County navigate its transition.
“My goal is to lead the state in tackles, fumbles and get some interceptions in there, and just have an amazing season while helping out my team,” Abren said.
Christian County Now record prediction: Christian County 5-5
It’s tough to predict what to expect from a program combining two schools into one, but the schedule certainly won’t make things easy for the Tigers. Christian County will face some of the state’s best teams this season, including perennial power and state title contender South Warren.
A learning curve is inevitable as the season gets underway, but the Tigers have enough talent to pick up wins while the new program finds its identity.
Lopez put it best: “The potential here is through the roof. But it’s just not going to be Day 1. It’s a process, and you can’t skip steps. We can be a state championship contender. How long that will take? I don’t know.”
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