Bowling Green, KY, August 5, 2025
News Summary
The Bowling Green Purples are set to defend their state championship title in high school football, under Coach Mark Spader’s leadership. Key returning players are focused on team cohesion and performance as they prepare for the new season beginning August 22. The league sees significant class changes, impacting rivalries and competitive dynamics. Amid new regulations affecting coach-student communications, standout players like Trevy Barber aim to break school receiving records, promising an exciting season ahead for Bowling Green.
Bowling Green Prepares to Defend State Title in High School Football
Bowling Green, Kentucky is buzzing with excitement as the Purples gear up to defend their state championship title in the 2025 high school football season. Under the guidance of Head Coach Mark Spader, the team is focused on maintaining its winning momentum in a league full of competitive teams.
Returning playmakers Montez Trussell, Malik Coburn, Logan Johnson, and Hudson Nottmeier have all expressed a championship mindset as they prepare for the upcoming fall season, which kicks off on August 22. Their performance will be crucial not only for securing victories but also in establishing team cohesion as they strive for another title. Last season, Bowling Green showcased strong defensive skills, playing a significant role in their championships, including sacking the opposing quarterback multiple times in critical moments.
The excitement for the season was palpable at the recent Paul Gray Football Media Day held at Bowling Green High School, where 13 area schools gathered to discuss goals and expectations. Among those in attendance was the Franklin-Simpson Wildcats and their Head Coach Max Chaney, who shared their ambitions for the upcoming season.
This season also sees significant class changes in the league. South Warren is moving into Class 6A for the first time, with Coach Brandon Smith eager to embrace the new challenges after previous successes in Classes 4A and 5A. Meanwhile, Warren Central and Barren County are dropping to Class 5A, Franklin-Simpson is moving up to 4A, and Edmonson County is advancing to 3A. These changes will significantly impact annual rivalries and competitive dynamics in the league.
Another key point for this season is the anticipation surrounding quarterback replacements across various teams due to graduation. Prominent players like Dane Parsley from Warren East, Deuce Bailey from Bowling Green, and Bryce Button from South Warren have all graduated, leading to a search for fresh talent to fill these roles. For Bowling Green, a three-man competition has commenced for the starting quarterback position, including rising junior Embree Dotson and senior Jaxon Strautman. South Warren also boasts capable candidates in Chase Bell and Camden Page.
In addition to on-field strategies, teams are navigating new regulations with the introduction of a state law, Senate Bill 181, that limits how coaches and teachers can communicate with students. Many coaches have expressed frustration with these restrictions, stating they complicate relationships with players essential for team dynamics and morale.
On a positive note, Bowling Green’s Trevy Barber, a standout wide receiver, is primed to break multiple school receiving records this season. After finishing last season with 79 catches for 1,327 yards and 22 touchdowns, expectations for Barber are high as the season starts.
Moreover, South Warren will switch to synthetic turf this season, becoming the last school in Warren County to do so, joining Metcalfe County, which has also unveiled a new stadium and turf field. In contrast, Hart County has built a strong football program under Coach Chad Griffin, achieving back-to-back one-loss seasons recently.
With substantial changes and high expectations, the 2025 high school football season promises to be an exciting time for all teams involved. Bowling Green aims to continue its impressive legacy, having won nine state championships overall, many under Coach Mark Spader’s leadership, with the aim of celebrating yet another championship victory.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the high school football season start?
The high school football season is scheduled to begin on August 22
.
Which teams are moving classes this season?
This season, South Warren is moving up to Class 6A, Warren Central and Barren County are dropping to Class 5A, Franklin-Simpson is moving up to 4A, and Edmonson County is advancing to 3A.
What impact does Senate Bill 181 have on high school athletics?
Senate Bill 181 restricts how coaches and teachers can communicate with students, complicating interactions that are essential for building relationships and team dynamics.
Who are the key players to watch this season?
Key players include Trevy Barber from Bowling Green, who is expected to break school receiving records, and the quarterbacks from various teams as they strive to fill the roles of graduated seniors.
Summary Chart of Key Football Season Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Season Start Date | August 22, 2025 |
| Key Players | Trevy Barber, Montez Trussell, Malik Coburn, Logan Johnson, Hudson Nottmeier |
| Significant Class Changes | South Warren to 6A; Warren Central & Barren County to 5A; Franklin-Simpson to 4A; Edmonson County to 3A |
| Coaching Changes/Challenges | Senate Bill 181 restricts coach-student communication |
| Last Season Champions | Bowling Green Purples |
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Additional Resources
- WBKO: Bowling Green vs. Franklin Simpson High School Football
- BG Daily News: Prep Football News
- Kentucky.com: High School Sports Coverage
- WNKY: Bowling Green Athletes Signing
- Cincinnati.com: Cooper Jaguars vs. Bowling Green Purples
- Wikipedia: High School Football
- Google Search: Kentucky High School Football
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Football (Sport)
- Google News: High School Football Kentucky
- Google Scholar: High School Football Strategy
Author: STAFF HERE BOWLING GREEN WRITER
The BOWLING GREEN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBowlingGreen.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Bowling Green, Warren County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the National Corvette Homecoming, International Festival, concerts at SKyPAC, and sports events at Beech Bend Park. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce and the African American Museum Bowling Green Area, plus leading businesses in automotive, apparel, and healthcare that power the local economy such as General Motors Corvette Assembly Plant, Fruit of the Loom, and Med Center Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERELexingtonKY.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.
