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First Titles and Dynasties Stand Out at Friday’ Kentucky High School Football State Games

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First Titles and Dynasties Stand Out at Friday’ Kentucky High School Football State Games


LEXINGTON, KENTUCKY – Winter came way too early to the Bluegrass State as Friday’s Kentucky high school football state championship games were played in the aftermath of some heavy snowfall and freezing temps. But the action on the University of Kentucky’s Kroger Field Friday wasn’t cold.

Here is a recap of those contests:

In the 1A matchup, Louisville’s Kentucky Country Day downed Raceland, 20-16, in a contest that featured a liberal dose of ground game in the first half. However, the pinnacle play occurred in the third quarter when Bearcat quarterback Caden Long aired out a pass over the top of the Raceland secondary to KCD receiver Miller Bates that placed the ball at the two-yard line.

Long subsequently dove for the score, increasing the Bearcat lead to 14-3. The Rams countered with two second-half touchdowns, but the pivotal drive of the contest came at the end of the fourth quarter, where KCD’s triple option moved the ball efficiently and capped the drive with a 25-yard TD run by slot Deion Davidson. Raceland responded with a determined drive but a stop on fourth and one by the KCD defense sealed the state title.

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It was the first state championship for KCD, and an aging goal that finally came to fruition for the team’s seniors.

“This is a group of 19 seniors who set their goal to be state champions when they were in the fifth grade,” explained KCD coach Matt Jones in a post-game interview. “When they were in the eighth grade, they made us take them out of school for a day and bring them down here to watch a state game. So they would know what it felt like. I’ve never seen kids set goals, and seven years later, stay true and achieve those goals. These guys represent that.”

For the Rams and Coach Mike Salmons, it was his team’s fourth consecutive state title game loss. He credited KCD for its victory, but defeat brought some disappointment.

“Obviously, we’re really proud of who we are and what we’re able to do,” Salmons said in a post-game interview. “Just today, wasn’t our day…to get here is obviously outstanding, but our program is past getting here. We come here to get the gold, not the silver.”

In the second game of the championship triple feature, Lexington Christian prevailed, 33-28, over Owensboro Catholic in the 2025 UK Healthcare Sports Medicine State Football championship game.

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Lexington Christian, led by first-year coach Oakley Watkins and quarterback Nash Whelan, earned its first championship since 2009. Whelan was 14-of-20 passing for 227 yards and two touchdowns.

The nightcap fell short of a grand finale and instead became a grand blowout, relatively speaking. Boyle County froze out Franklin County Friday night, 34-0, in the 4A final. It is the fifth state championship for Rebels since 2020.

Boyle County running back JiDyn Smith-Hisle rushed for 183 yards and two fourth-quarter TDs.



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Kentucky Lottery Cash Ball, Pick 3 Evening winning numbers for June 25, 2026

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Kentucky Lottery Cash Ball, Pick 3 Evening winning numbers for June 25, 2026


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The Kentucky Lottery offers multiple draw games for those aiming to win big.

Here’s a look at Thursday, June 25, 2026 winning numbers for each game.

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Cash Ball

02-08-24-32, Cash Ball: 09

Check Cash Ball payouts and previous drawings here.

Pick 3

Evening: 6-3-0

Midday: 9-6-0

Check Pick 3 payouts and previous drawings here.

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Pick 4

Evening: 5-7-6-0

Midday: 5-2-6-6

Check Pick 4 payouts and previous drawings here.

Millionaire for Life

03-13-14-34-45, Bonus: 01

Check Millionaire for Life payouts and previous drawings here.

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Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results

This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Courier Journal digital producer. You can send feedback using this form.



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Takeaways from Kentucky’s home and away SEC schedule for next season

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Takeaways from Kentucky’s home and away SEC schedule for next season


On Thursday, Kentucky’s home and away SEC opponents for the 2026-27 season were revealed and on top of learning the three opponents who they will play twice, there are some very intriguing matchups. In conference play, Kentucky will face six teams who are among the top 25 in many preseason rankings.

In SEC play, Kentucky will play Tennessee, Vandy and Ole Miss all both home and away. The home matchups include Alabama, Arkansas, Auburn, LSU, Ole Miss, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas A&M and Vandy. As for the road tilts, the Wildcats will face Florida, Georgia, Mississippi State, Missouri, Ole Miss, Oklahoma, Texas, Tennessee and Vandy. Let’s take a look at some interesting developments from the schedule release.

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Jan 24, 2026; Lexington, Kentucky, USA; Kentucky Wildcats head coach Mark Pope claps after a possession during the second half against the Mississippi Rebels at Rupp Arena at Central Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Prather-Imagn Images | Jordan Prather-Imagn Images

John Calipari returns to Rupp Arena (again)

In Calipari’s first year with Arkansas, he got the best of Kentucky when he came into Rupp Arena and left with a 10-point victory, a game where you could really feel the tension all game long in the building from Kentucky fans, which translated onto the court with the players. Last season, it was Kentucky who shocked everyone when they stole one on the road against a top 20 Arkansas team after a rough up-and-down season up to that point. Now, the two will face off again as Kentucky will look to get the win in Rupp and make sure Calipari doesn’t get two in a row in the building. It’ll be another highly-anticipated showdown.

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Jan 31, 2026; Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA; Kentucky Wildcats head coach Mark Pope shakes hands with Arkansas Razorbacks head coach John Calipari prior to the game at Bud Walton Arena. Kentucky won 85-77. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-Imagn Images | Nelson Chenault-Imagn Images

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Kentucky hits the road at Texas

This is shaping up to be a major challenge for Kentucky next season and may even end up being one of the biggest games of the season. Texas is seen by many as a clear top 10 team, with some even having them within the top five and when you combine that with the fact that the game is on the road, the Wildcats will have their hands full. The Wildcats fell to the longhorns in the 2024-25 season, and it’ll be a much stiffer challenge this time.

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Feb 15, 2025; Austin, Texas, USA; Kentucky Wildcats head coach Mark Pope argues with an official during the second half against the Texas Longhorns at Moody Center. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-Imagn Images | Scott Wachter-Imagn Images

Which game could be a trap?

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We don’t have the game-by-game dates yet, so it’s hard to say with a lot of confidence, but opponent-wise, Georgia could really give Kentucky fits. In Pope’s first year, his team struggled handling the physicality of the Bulldogs and now, they’ve retained one of their best guards for another year and have added physicality through the portal. Mike White’s teams love to make opponents uncomfortable and they could do that once again down in Athens. Another sneaky team to watch is Oklahoma, who will have very good guard play. Kentucky will face both teams on the road.

Overall, it’s a pretty fair SEC schedule for a Kentucky team who has the capability of a return to being atop the conference once again. Mark Pope has such a system-fit squad and he can do some damage in the SEC.

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Can you set off fireworks in Kentucky? See laws ahead of Fourth of July

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Can you set off fireworks in Kentucky? See laws ahead of Fourth of July


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  • Kentucky state law permits fireworks use unless prohibited by local ordinances.
  • In Louisville and Jefferson County, larger display fireworks are illegal, but smaller items like sparklers are allowed.
  • Certain fireworks are banned in Louisville if their labels include words like “explosive,” “rocket,” or “firecracker.”
  • Safety officials advise keeping water nearby, not relighting “dud” fireworks, and never allowing children to ignite them.

Fourth of July is almost here, and Kentuckians are getting ready to light up the sky.

Before you plan your fireworks celebrations, it’s important to know what is and isn’t allowed under Kentucky law. Here’s what to know about fireworks laws and safety tips in the Bluegrass State ahead of Independence Day.

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Can you set off fireworks in Kentucky?

Yes. As long as you live in a place where local ordinances don’t prohibit it, according to the Kentucky State Fire Marshal’s website.

Are fireworks legal in Louisville?

In Louisville or Jefferson County, larger display fireworks are not legal due to a local law. Some consumer products that don’t leave the ground, such as sparklers, are allowed.

If the cautionary label on the firework has the words “explosive,” “emits flaming pellets,” “flaming balls,” “firecracker,” “report” or “rocket,” it is automatically a no-go, according to the Louisville-Jefferson County Code of Ordinances.

But, smaller ones like sparklers, cylindrical or cone fountains, wheels and ground spinners are legal. Still, don’t let the size fool you − they can burn up to 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit, according to the National Fire Protection Association.

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Learn more: Check out these 4th of July events taking place across Kentucky

How to use fireworks safely

The state fire marshal suggests following the following advice when using fireworks:

  • Use fireworks outdoors.
  • Obey local laws.
  • Keep a bucket of water or a working water hose nearby.
  • Use fireworks as intended and avoid altering them or combining them.
  • Never relight “dud” fireworks. Wait 20 minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water.
  • Spectators should keep a safe distance from the person lighting the firework (the individual lighting it should wear safety glasses).
  • Alcohol and fireworks do not mix. Have a “designated adult operator.”
  • Do not use homemade fireworks or illegal explosives.
  • Report illegal explosives to the fire or police department in your community.
  • Never allow children to play with or ignite fireworks.
  • Read and follow all instructions on the label.

Former Courier Journal reporter Ana Rocío Álvarez Bríñez contributed. Reach Marina Johnson at Marina.Johnson@courier-journal.com.



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