Veteran Johnson Central coach Jim Matney, left, was hospitalized Saturday and a prayer vigil held in Paintsville Sunday for him. (Kayla VanHoose Photo)
Johnson Central came into this season as one of the Class 4A favorites but has had a rocky season. After an opening 60-21 victory over Henry Clay, Johnson Central had to cancel its game with Lexington Catholic because of COVID protocols. Then last week’s game with Bishop Sycamore of Columbus, Ohio, got canceled after Bishop Sycamore was exposed as a fraud after playing on ESPN.
However, the news got even worse with the illness of head coach Jim Matney that resulted in a prayer vigil being held for him Sunday on the Johnson Central football field.
Matney had been battling COVID but according to social media and other sources had a “major setback” Saturday that resulted in him being admitted to the hospital in serious condition.
That brought about 200 current and former players along with other community members to the Johnson Central football field according to Buddy Forbes of WYMT-TV.
Johnson County High School principal Justin Arms, who is also a football assistant coach, told me Matney was in “stable condition” Sunday, and prayers were appreciated.
Matney received an outpouring of support from coaches, fans, and others across the state because he is well known because of his success. He preached toughness and physical play to make Johnson Central a state power and state champion.
Athletic director Tommy McKenzie said the coach had touched a lot of people.
“I know he didn’t graduate from Johnson Central, but he’s a Golden Eagle through and through,” said McKenzie according to Forbes’ report. “He’s touched a lot of people. Not just here between the lines here on the football field or at the school, but obviously here in the community. … I think these people showed up here today to show their respect for him and try to do what they could to help him out of a very difficult situation.”
Johnson Central is scheduled to play Cahokia, Ill., on Saturday.
“Our plans as of right now are to play on Saturday,” Arms said. “Just hoping for a positive outcome.”
One Response
Thoughts and prayers for the coach’s healing. Hopefully the 200+ who gathered for his prayer vigil were vaccinated and masked or their prayers are a waste of God’s time. He’s already answered that prayer.