LEXINGTON, Ky. (WMDJ) – On Wednesday, the KHSAA Board of Control gave final approval to the next round of football realignment for the 2025-2026 seasons.
There will be a shakeup in Class 2A, District 8 as perennial state title contender Belfry High School will move down from Class 3A to join fellow Pike County schools East Ridge, Pike Central and Shelby Valley along with Betsy Layne to form a new 5-team district.
Belfry had elected to play in a higher class during the last round of realignment for the 2023-2024 seasons, however the KHSAA would not allow schools to play “up” in class moving forward.
Class 2A, District 7 will now include Leslie County, joining existing teams Floyd Central, Knott County Central, Martin County and Prestonsburg to create a new 5-team alignment.
Officials at Betsy Layne had petitioned the KHSAA to move into District 7 joining the other Floyd County schools citing less travel expenses and better rivalry matchups, yet the KHSAA denied Betsy Layne’s request.
Locally, Class 1A, District 8 will encompass Hazard, Jenkins, Paintsville, Phelps and Pikeville. Phelps and Jenkins have not participated in district competition for several seasons.
Class 3A, District 8 will feature Estill County, Lawrence County, Letcher County Central falling from Class 4A, Magoffin County and Powell County.
Johnson Central will remain in Class 4A, District 6 along with Ashland-Blazer, Boyd County, Greenup County and Rowan County.
