Photo by Danny Vaughn Middlesboro receiver Amari Houston pulled in a catch despite a push from assistant coach Eddie Gilbert during a practice session. Houston led the Jackets in interceptions last season.

By John Henson
Sports Writer
A four-game winning streak for the Middlesboro Yellow Jackets in the middle of the season was not enough to overcome three-game losing streaks to start and end the 2024 campaign as Middlesboro fell to 4-6 after a 9-3 season in 2023.
The Jackets were unable to overcome the loss of eight starters on both sides of the ball, but the lack of experience led to several freshmen and sophomores getting varsity experience last season. While Middlesboro lost its top rusher (Vincent Smith) and top receiver (Xavion Shehan) to graduation, several key players return. Sophomores Jacob Tinnell and Colby Lawson were the next two leading rushers with 218 and 100 yards rushing, respectively. Mekhi Young and Joseph Killion, both seniors, were the next two leading receivers with 18 and 16 catches, respectively.
Junior Deakon Partin completed 57 of 126 passes for 803 yards with seven touchdowns and four interceptions.
Tinnell was second on the team in tackles last year behind Smith with 61. Kordell Partin, a sophomore, had 44 tackles, while senior Billy Choran added 42. Amarie Houston, a junior, led in interceptions with four.

2025 schedule
Aug. 23 Breathitt County
Sept, 5 at Garrard County
Sept. 12 at Leslie County
Sept 19 Cloudland, Tenn.
Sept, 26 Lynn Camp
Oct. 3 at Harlan
Oct. 10 at Pineville
Oct. 17 Williamsburg
Oct. 24 at Harrison County
Oct. 31 Sayre