When DaMarcus Ganaway returned to Owensboro to become the head coach of the Red Devils’ football program, he had one goal in mind: win a state championship to end the title drought dating back to 1986. Saturday night — just a few minutes after being doused with a bucket of Gatorade — Ganaway and company hoisted the trophy high. Mission accomplished.
The first two weeks of the season featured blowout losses to powerhouse programs St. Xavier and Christian Academy-Louisville. Owensboro faced more questions than answers. However, something started to click for the program. Over the next 14 weeks, they posted blowout win after blowout win, culminating in the team’s dominant 35-7 victory over Pulaski County in the 5A State Championship game at Kroger Field.
“I haven’t had the opportunity yet to kind of sit back and reflect on it all,” Ganaway said during the post-game press conference. “It’s just been a lot of work, and when you have leaders like this, it’s made it a lot easier to get things in place and get things going because I have fantastic leaders.”
Ganaway didn’t arrive in Owensboro alone. He brought his son DaMarcus Ganaway Jr. along, and the junior took over as the starting quarterback for the Red Devils. He threw for 2,724 yards and 36 touchdowns, adding another five scores on the ground.
Ganaway’s arrival at QB allowed for star running back Evan Hampton to take his game to another level. The Mr. Football hopeful rushed for three touchdowns in the state championship game, a day after being named the 2025 Gatorade Kentucky Football Player of the Year.
While the offense received the majority of attention and accolades, the defense put in the dirty work, holding their five playoff opponents to 41 total points.
Defensive standout Eli Hampton said the commitment from every player and coach was key to success.
“I think all the credit goes to our coaches. They have done a tremendous job with our preparation, and it just shows in practice,” Eli Hampton said. “We have 11 guys who are just willing to do whatever it takes to get that stop.”
Saturday’s contest was the first time since 2020 that the Red Devils played in the state championship, and they were greeted by a loyal and rowdy fanbase that traveled well.
“We had a pep rally on Friday,” Evan Hampton said. “During the Pep Rally, the 1986 state championship team came out and had a few words to share with us. That was inspirational. It just shows that they are behind us, and we are beyond excited about this.”
Though he ended his high school career on a high note, Evan Hampton said breaking the 39-year drought was just the beginning for the Red Devils, who, despite losing a crowded senior class, are poised to reload.
“This is Coach Ganaway’s first year, and he’s not stopping,” Evan Hampton said. “The ’27 class is coming up, and they’re going to continue to work and hopefully be back here.”
