Tonight, the Garrard County Golden Lions will host the West Jessamine Colts in a highly anticipated homecoming game.

Garrard County, currently riding a wave of success, aims to secure its third consecutive victory, both on the season and in its newly constructed stadium. This streak would mark the first time since the 2021 season that the Golden Lions have won three straight games, when they triumphed over Anderson County, Paintsville, and McCreary Central.

The matchup between Garrard County and West Jessamine is one steeped in history. The two teams have met 11 times since 1999, with West Jessamine holding a narrow 6-5 lead in the series. The Colts broke Garrard County's four-game win streak in the rivalry last year, defeating the Golden Lions 32-17. Despite the loss, Garrard's quarterback Justin Parsons delivered an impressive performance, passing for 210 yards and two touchdowns.

The rivalry itself has roots going back even further. West Jessamine emerged from a 1997 split of Jessamine County High School into West and East Jessamine, but the Colts retained the same school building, nickname, and colors. The first clash between Garrard County and the newly-formed West Jessamine came in 1999. Garrard, led by a crucial blocked punt from current assistant coach Kevin Crutchfield, secured a 38-22 victory in that game. Ricky Boyd's stellar 176-yard rushing performance, coupled with two touchdowns, solidified the win for the Lions.

Before the split, the original Jessamine County High School and Garrard County shared an even longer history, facing each other 18 times, with each team winning nine games. Among the most memorable contests was a dramatic double-overtime victory for Garrard County in September 1977, when Wilbur Dunn's touchdowns in both overtimes gave the Golden Lions a 20-14 win. This victory added another chapter to an already storied rivalry.

Even before the establishment of Garrard County High School, the rivalry between Lancaster High School and Jessamine County was significant. Lancaster faced Jessamine County six times between 1958 and 1963, winning twice and losing four times. In their first meeting, Lancaster dominated Jessamine County 21-0 during the opening game of the Green Devils' unbeaten 1958 season. Notably, Marshall Johnson and Gilbert Lee led the rushing attack with key touchdowns.

As Garrard County looks to even the series and continue its winning streak, the stakes are high for both teams. For the Golden Lions, this game represents an opportunity to build momentum, reclaim dominance in the rivalry, and give their homecoming crowd another reason to celebrate. Meanwhile, West Jessamine will aim to spoil those plans and extend their lead in the series.

This Friday night matchup promises to be yet another chapter in this long and competitive history.

(Historical data for this article was provided by Daniel Hopkins)