Focused on Harlan County sports — today and yesterday

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Harlan ARH
Lindsey Wilson College
Focused on Harlan County sports — today and yesterday

harlancountysports.com
Harlan ARH
Focused on Harlan County sports — today and yesterday

harlancountysports.com
Harlan ARH
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Shope era of HHS football begins

July 13, 2026
John Henson
Frank Shope held his first practice as coach of the Harlan Green Dragons on Monday. Shope, a 2000 graduate of Harlan High School who went on to play at Cumberland College, inherits a squad that finished 1-10 last season. Shope is also the director of District Wide Services for the Harlan Independent Schools. The Green Dragons open their season Aug. 21 at home against Knott Central.
Harlan quarterback Jaxson Perry hands the ball off to Boss Bryson as Caden Mefford blocked in the Green Dragons’ opening practice Monday. (John Henson)
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More in Football
Williams returns to Middlesboro as defensive coordinator for Yellow Jackets
Ovie Canady, the last football coach in Evarts High School history and the defensive coordinator for the first seven seasons at Harlan County High School, died on Tuesday.
Canady left mark on hundreds of former players in coaching career
Former Clay County and University of Kentucky lineman Jacob Hyde led the Don't Hyde Academy Camp on Saturday. Hyde focused on several drills designed to help linemen improve and get ready for the upcoming season. Hyde has worked in recent years as a line coach at Bryan Station and Lexington Christian.
Linemen take center stage during a camp led by former UK player
Frank Shope, a 2000 Harlan graduate who went on to play at Cumberland College, was named the leader of the school’s football program earlier this week.
Shope, former HHS standout, takes over as leader of football program
The Harlan County High School football program welcomed 14 incoming freshmen on a signing day program Sunday at the HCHS fieldhouse.
Signing day for freshmen at HCHS
Harlan Independent Schools officials have moved on from Brian Williams after two seasons as the school's football coach.
Williams out after two seasons at helm of Harlan football program
More in Showcase
Tom Cawood and Bronwyn Haynes unveiled the section of “Cawood’s Court” that Cawood loaned to the Historic Harlan Museum during a ceremony Tuesday in downtown Harlan. Cawood is a cousin of Ledford, the legendary University of Kentucky broadcaster who was a native of Harlan County and voice of the Wildcats for 39 years.
Section of ‘Cawood’s Court’ from Rupp floor now at Harlan museum
Harlan Invitational champion Matt Gann, of Pineville, is pictured with Harlan Country Club Board of Trustees member Roger Anderson (left) and club president Andrew Forester.
Strong start helps Gann coast to another Harlan Invitational title
Youth rally set for June 28
Youth rally set for June 28
Trent Noah worked with several of the campers on Tuesday at Harlan County High School. The camp, which was sponsored by ARH, featured two sessions.
Kentucky's Noah glad to be home to lead basketball camp at HCHS
Harlan sophomore Izack Saylor won the Class A state title in the high jump on Saturday. Saylor is the first HHS athlete to win a state championship in that event, according to Harlan track/cross country historian Will Miller.
Saylor captures state title, Daniels finishes second to lead Dragons
The Harlan Green Dragons rallied for a 5-4 win Tuesday over Bell County for their third straight 52nd District Tournament title.
Green Dragons rally past Bell for third straight 52nd District title
About the Contributor
John Henson
John Henson, Managing Editor
John Henson has covered sports since 1985 for the Harlan Daily Enterprise, the Cats Pause and harlancountysports.com, winning numerous Kentucky Press Association awards during that time. He also served as managing editor for 15 years and now teaches writing at Harlan County High School as part of the Gear Up program.