Preparations for the traditional Massey Energy Hatfield-McCoy Bowl are underway. Assistant coach for Matewan High School Johnny Fry told the Daily News the game will be played at Tiger Stadium July 31 at 8 p.m. He is expecting a packed stadium and suggests fans arrive early for the game.

The bowl is a football institution in the Tug Valley area and indicates the beginning of the season for area high schools. Last year’s West Virginia seniors combat those who graduated at the same time from Kentucky.

Coaches for both squads have been chosen. Guiding the West Virginia squad will be former Tolsia football coach, Matt Stanley and Betsy Layne High School’s football coach, Jonathan Parsons will lead the Kentucky team.

Practice for the teams will begin the last week of July and Fry said rosters will be given to him one week before that time.

Look for the teams to wear traditional colors of blue and white for Ky. while West Virginia will don the blue and gold.

Head coach for Matewan High School football, Yogi Kinder will serve as the game director.

The Massey web page reports that in addition to the “fun and excitement for the participants and the surrounding community, the Massey Energy Hatfield-McCoy Senior Bowl provides funding for college scholarships and improvements to local school athletic facilities”.

For more information, contact Coach Johnny Fry at 304-426-8006.