Prestonsburg High School - Athletics

Athletics

Prestonsburg High is a member of the Kentucky High School Athletic Association (KHSAA) and home to the Blackcats; the school colors are red, black, and white. Football games are played on the Josh Francis Memorial Field. Soccer, baseball, and softball games are played on Stone Crest. Basketball and volleyball games are played in the Blackcat Field House. Tennis matches are played on the tennis courts at Archer Park.

In 2006, a Kentucky Court of Appeals judge became embroiled in a recruiting scandal as part of his duties as an assistant coach at the school. The school was fined $6,600. This violation, in addition to two previous violations in as many years, led to a major shake-up in the school's athletic department. The school is now in good standing with the Kentucky High School Athletic Association. On September 28, 2007, the arraignment of the now former judge on charges resulting from trying to get his son to fight another student was delayed.

Prestonsburg is home to an exceptional football program, with the Josh Francis Field retaining the old home field nickname "The Pit". The athletic field is adjacent Prestonsburg High along Blackcat Alley.

Since the current football district-oriented playoff alignment originated, the Blackcats have amassed 16 district titles and 9 regional titles, appearing in six State Semi-Finals and two Kentucky State Championship games.

The head football coach of the Blackcats since 1996 is former standout player John DeRossett. The Blackcats are 118–56 during his tenure (through the 2009 season). The Blackcats have reached the state championship twice. The first came in 1993 under then Coach Bill Letton (currently head coach at Lexington Catholic High). Prestonsburg in 1993 put together an undefeated regular season, but lost in the 2A State Final to Mayfield 13 to 12. The second appearance came in 2001. The Blackcats finished a 13–2 campaign losing to Bardstown in the finals. With a core of exceptional players, the 2001 senior class sent 13 to the next level to play college ball including #22 Matt Slone (Georgetown & EKU), #45 Kevin Woods (Morehead State), #28 Chris Jervis (Morehead State), Andrew Howell (Centre), Brandt Brooks(Georgetown) just to name a few. Matt Slone owns the standing rushing record at Prestonsburg, along with other accomplishments. Middle Linbacker Kevin Woods holds the record for most sacks in a single game (6) and 4year career sacks (37).

Jack Pack returned to the boy's basketball program replacing Jackie Day Crisp, who decided to return to the girls' program where he had much success. During Coach Pack's first season back the 2008–2009 Blackcats won the district championship. The Blackcats have reached the sweet sixteen at Rupp Arena once in 1989.

Prestonsburg High School's baseball team was coached many years by Russell Shepherd. After his retirement his brother Bobby took over the head coaching position. At the end of the 2006 season Coach Shepherd gave up the coaching job and the new coach Marc Shepard, a science teacher at Prestonsburg, became the new head coach. Shepherd returned to his alma mater Johnson Central High School where he remains out of coaching. During the 2009 season the coaching position was taken over by Dr. Charles Johnson, an English teacher at the school. The coaching position is now held by Shane Simpkins (2011).

Prestonsburg High School's dance cats, coached by Deedra Brown won the 2011 KDCO State Grand championship.