Lion Pride Football Alumni Association Inducts Kevin Middleton and Doug Davis into 2024 Hall of Fame

In a night filled with celebration and nostalgia, Garrard County honored two of its most distinguished alumni by inducting them into the Garrard County Lion Pride Football Alumni Association (LPFAA) Hall of Fame. 

The ceremony took place following a thrilling 23-20 victory for the Golden Lions, adding an extra layer of excitement to the evening.

The first inductee, Doug Davis, has a storied history with Garrard County. A four-year starter for the Golden Lions, Davis capped off his high school career as the starting quarterback for the 1988 team, which boasted an impressive 8-2 record. His athletic prowess extended beyond high school as he continued to excel at Union College in Barbourville. His sophomore and junior years earned second-team all-conference honors. In his senior year, as a free safety he achieved first-team all-conference honors.

After his collegiate career, Davis returned to Garrard County to coach under local legends Jerry Perry and Jeff Hester. He considers these coaching years his most significant achievement in football, particularly cherishing the opportunity to coach his brother Chris Steffan and cousin Brett Baierlein. Davis expressed heartfelt gratitude to his family, friends, teammates, and the entire Garrard County community. He gave special thanks to Bill Long, Jerry Compton, and Harold Murphy, and paid tribute to his father Barry Davis and uncle Norman Davis, both Hall of Famers themselves. He also extended a special thank you to his mother, Sandy Davis, for her unwavering support.

The second inductee of the night was Kevin Middleton, a 1981 graduate of Garrard County High School. Middleton was escorted by his wife Lisa French Middleton, daughters Chloe and Emily, and his twin brother Keith Middleton. During his high school years, Middleton earned honorable mentions from the Courier Journal as an offensive guard in 1980. His enthusiasm and support for Garrard County football have remained steadfast for over four decades. 

A lifelong resident of Garrard County, Middleton is one of the founding members of the Lion Pride Football Alumni Association.

The ceremony was a poignant reminder of the rich history and enduring spirit of Garrard County football. Both Davis and Middleton have left indelible marks on the community, not just through their athletic achievements but also through their dedication to mentoring the next generation. 

As the applause echoed through the night, it was clear that their legacies will continue to inspire for years to come.