As the Black Bears’ leading tackler a year ago with 100 stops, Hunter Napier was already an integral part of the Harlan County football program coming into his senior season.
Coaches, however, have long predicted greatness for Napier with even more potential than the results he showed on the field. If Friday’s 35-0 win over visiting Eminence is any indication, that potential has turned into performance.
Napier was all over the field, first breaking into the Eminence backfield for a drive-stopping tackle in the first quarter. With the Bears in danger of losing the lead before halftime, Napier stepped in front of a pass for a momentum-changing interception that led to a touchdown. He put the game away in the third quarter as he carried a couple of Eminence defenders into the end zone for a touchdown.
“Hunter has had a great start to the year,” Harlan County coach Jacob Saylor said. “He is able to cover sideline to sideline and is extremely physical. I felt before the season started that Hunter is primed for an all-state year. He has worked hard in the offseason and gotten stronger. I feel the biggest difference from last year besides getting stronger is that we are able to just play him defensively this year.  He is fresh every time we send the defense out on the field, which allows him to play fast and physical.”
Limiting players to offense or defense has been a key to the Bears’ early success and was a big part of Saylor’s off-season plans, but Napier is very effective when the Bears need tough yards near the goal line or for a first down.
“We use him some offensively when we get in our short yardage package, and we put him on that side of the ball just because he does such a good job blocking or getting us a yard or two if needed,” Saylor said.
The win over Eminence was the second straight shutout for the Bears, who hadn’t held a team scoreless since the 2017 regional championship squad.
“The 2-0 start has built our confidence, but at the same time we know the job isn’t finished. We have taken a lot of pride in shutting out our first two opponents. We know we can’t get content…we have to play every play like it’s out last.”
As the team’s most experienced defender, Napier plays a leadership role and has been a huge part of the unit’s early success.
“We are able play a lot of  guys defensively, but Hunter is the glue,” Saylor said. “He is our defensive leader and our defense goes as Hunter goes, and I can promise you he is going to make sure things are right on that side of the ball.”
“I do try to be a leader on the defensive side of the ball,” Napier said. “I’ve been around a while, and I feel like it’s an important part of my responsibility to lead the younger guys and keep the energy up.”
Saylor is confident his senior linebacker can continue his football career in college.
“Hunter has the size, speed, and strength to play at the next level. If Hunter decides that is what he wants to do, someone will be getting a special player and will be able to transform his body even more and he could be a special college football player,” Saylor said. “But I know Hunter, and right now his focus is on this year and this team and he wants to finish his last year in high school on a great note.”
“I have thought about playing at the next level. I made a visit to Union College and enjoyed it. UPIke has also reached out,” Napier said. “I look forward to seeing what the future holds.”
Napier is more concerned with his senior season with the Bears before he worries about college.
“Our goals are to continue to play every game to win and play solid defense and, hopefully, add some more shutouts,” he said.