Boyd County Lions Honor 1973 State Runner-Up Football Team
Pamela Hall
The Ashland Beacon
One thing that Boyd County High School was known for in the 1970s was the football team. Under the leadership of coach Tom Scott, who coached Boyd County for most of that decade, the Lions were a tough team and hard to beat. In fact, the 1973 team went all the way to the state playoffs and played for the state championship.
The ’73 Lions went into the championship game against Paducah Tilghman with a season record of 12 wins and one tied game. The loss against Paducah Tilghman made the team the AAA State Runner-Up, ending the season with a 12-1-1 record.
Last week, that historic team was honored for the 50th anniversary of their winning season during the pre-game show at Boyd County’s football stadium. Eighteen players from the ’73 team roster made their way onto the field as their names were called, along with assistant coach, Mickey Rice.
The team members met before the game in the cafeteria of the high school for a time of fellowship and a catered meal, courtesy of Boyd County’s Quarterback Club. Several hadn’t seen each other for many years, and they all enjoyed catching up and reliving their glory days.
“It was an honor to play and be a part of that team,” Geoff Riffe, quarterback for the team, remarked. “There was a lot of great talent on our team. We loved the game, so we worked hard and played hard, and we played with heart. It was great to get together and celebrate our winning season.”
The 1973 team is considered the most successful football team in the history of Boyd County High School. And, a successful team has to have good coaches. Coach Scott put together a staff of assistant coaches that included Mickey Rice, Boyce Lester, Ed Vanhoose, and Jim Gibson. These men helped Scott bring out the talent of team members and lead them to a winning season. The team was the Sandy Valley Conference Champion, Region Four District Two Champion, and the Region Four Champion, in addition to being the State Runner-Up.
“The 1973 team had a successful season because we had really good individual football players at every position that played as a true team,” said Mike Delvizis, who played halfback for the team. “The chemistry was undeniable then; we enjoyed every day together on the field and off, even with the hard work required by the coaches. And hey, the chemistry is still with us 50 years later with the joy, smiles, and remembrances we experienced during this reunion. What a great bunch of teammates!”
There’s no doubt the team had great individual players. Six players were named to the All-Sandy Valley Conference team that year. The Ashland All-Area team also included six of the team members with another nine players receiving an honorable mention. Three of the players were named to the First Team for the Kentucky All-State Team, one player to the Second Team, and six players received an honorable mention. Several of the team members went on to play football at the college level as well.
“It was a magical season,” recalled Jeff Nichols, who played offensive and defensive tackle, “the kind they make movies about. We were small and tough, and in all the playoffs we were underdogs. The boys, now men, who played on that team created a bond and memories that have lasted a lifetime.”
“It’s pretty amazing to remember what happened 50 years ago can be remembered so vividly today,” said Jim Horne, who played the defensive end position. “I haven’t seen some of these guys in decades, but five minutes of visiting and it feels like I just saw them yesterday. We went through a lot together. They don’t play power football today the way we did, but we were a powerful football team… unstoppable mostly.”
Their record of 12-1-1 certainly proves to be a true description, unstoppable mostly. The outcome may have turned out differently had it not been for the injuries of a couple of key players in the state championship game. It might have proven that the 1973 Boyd County Lions Football Team was totally unstoppable.
Regardless, that ‘73 team deserves praise and respect for being the most successful team in Boyd County High School history! Congratulations, guys! You did the Lions proud!
