The start of August is synonymous with the start of football season. Fans got their first look at the 2019 Bell County Bobcats at “Meet The Bobcats” held on Friday.

Hundreds turned out for the event. There were silent auctions, cake auctions and food was sold, all to benefit the Bobcat football team.

Head coach Dudley Hilton was pleased with the immense turnout and support from the community.

“This is a football area,” said Hilton. “People love to come out and see their kids in action. Seeing so many people turn out is wonderful. It means a lot to me and the team.”

Along with selling food and holding auctions to benefit the football team, fans also got to watch the team practice at full speed.

“Things like today allow the team to shine a little bit,” said Hilton. “I’m usually not so loosey-goosey with them, but we’re letting them do some things today that they don’t normally get to do and they enjoy that.”

After an 11-2 campaign in 2018 with both losses coming to Corbin, coach Hilton and the Bobcats are focused on game one for the 2019 season.

”They’re working hard and working as a team,“ said Hilton. “We’re focused on getting better every day and growing on our strengths, while getting rid of our weaknesses.

“We’re just trying to do whatever it takes to win football games. The guys have worked hard. We had a good summer going to passing leagues and things like that. We’ve made the effort to be where we are at and hopefully it pays off. Right now, we are just focusing on the first game and taking it from there.

“I’m very thankful to the community for the showing of support. It not only means a lot to me, but the team as well.”

The Bobcats open the season on Aug. 24 at Danville against Collins, in the Bob Allen Pigskin Classic with kickoff at 6 p.m.