PRESTONSBURG - Prestonsburg will entertain Perry County Central tonight in a highly-anticipated season-opener. The Blackcats will make a debut on their new turf field. Prestonsburg will also be looking to enact some revenge on the Commodores following Perry Central’s hard-fought win in 2011. Prestonsburg dropped its season-opener to the Commodores in a game that was tight from the opening kickoff until the final whistle. Perry County Central edged the Blackcats 35-24 in the 2011 opener.

After winning four of its first six games last fall, Prestonsburg struggled down the stretch. The Blackcats concluded last season 5-6.

Prestonsburg has put in work throughout the preseason. Last week, Prestonsburg battled Bryan Station at Breathitt County in preseason scrimmage.

Prestonsburg is projected to win Class 2A, District 8. The Blackcats are picked to finish ahead of defending champion Leslie County (9-3), Floyd County foe Betsy Layne (7-4) and Shelby Valley (5-6).

Veteran Prestonsburg Coach John DeRossett welcomes back multiple skill players and an experienced line for the 2012 season. Seniors Bryson Williams ((RB/DB), Adam Griffith (TE/LB) and Kinsey VanDine (OL/DL) are among Prestonsburg’s leaders.

Perry Central exited the 2011 season 9-3, enjoying quite possibly its best season in school history.

The Commodores compete with Harlan County (11-2), Whitley County (3-8) and Letcher Central (4-7) in Class 5A, District 8.

Seniors Darryl Beatty (WR/S), Austin Pray (WR/S) and Kegan Robinson (TB/LB) are the top returnees for the Commodores.

Kickoff for the Prestonsburg-Perry Central game is set for 7:30 p.m.

Other games in the area tonight will include Hayesville, N.C. at Johnson Central (7:30 p.m., Big Sandy RECC Bowl); Lawrence County at Ashland Blazer (7:30 p.m.); Raceland at East Carter (7:30 p.m.); Pikeville at Harlan (7:30 p.m.) and Greenup County at Pike County Central (8 p.m.).