Unwired Appalachia

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Unwired Appalachia is your go-to source for all things sports in Eastern Kentucky and beyond. From Friday night lights and high school rivalries to the latest in college athletics and pro league action, we bring the energy, the stories, and the passion of sports in the mountains. Whether it’s local legends in the making or national headlines that matter to our region, Unwired Appalachia keeps you plugged in—without all the noise. Real talk, real fans, real Appalachian sports.

  1. 11h ago

    JC Hensley Talks Reds First Pitch, UK Basketball & Coach Calipari

    Randy is joined by JC Hensley, a financial advisor with Edward Jones, for a conversation that brings together baseball, Kentucky basketball and some unforgettable experiences in sports. JC talks about getting the opportunity to throw out the first pitch at a Cincinnati Reds game this season, what it was like walking onto the field and what the moment meant to him personally. He and Randy discuss the experience surrounding the first pitch and getting the chance to be part of a Major League Baseball game in a way few fans ever get to experience. The conversation then turns to Kentucky basketball as JC talks about his relationship with UK Athletics over the years and some of the experiences and relationships that have come along with it, including his connection with former Kentucky men’s basketball coach John Calipari. From taking the mound at a Reds game to stories surrounding Kentucky basketball, Randy and JC sit down for a wide-ranging conversation about sports, relationships and some memorable moments along the way. Watch the Unwired Appalachia on Youtube: https://linktr.ee/unwiredapp

  2. Sep 10

    Weekly Walkthrough Week 4 | East Ridge 3-0, Pikeville vs. Johnson Central

    Week 4 of the Unwired Appalachia Weekly Walkthrough is here as Randy gets you ready for another big Friday night of football across the mountains. One of the biggest stories this week comes from East Ridge, where the Warriors are off to a 3-0 start for the first time in school history. Randy takes a look at their historic start and what lies ahead as East Ridge gets set to face Prestonsburg and a Blackcats team looking to slow down the Warriors’ early-season momentum. Another major matchup features two of the mountains’ most recognizable programs as Pikeville takes on Johnson Central. Randy breaks down the Panthers and Golden Eagles, what each team brings into the matchup and what to watch when they meet on Friday night. With the season beginning to take shape, Week 4 brings another full slate of football across Eastern Kentucky and Southern West Virginia. Randy has the rundown on the games, teams and storylines to keep an eye on before kickoff. Listen to Unwired Appalachia on Apple Podcasts and Spotify: https://youtu.be/59FQlMgc_hA

  3. Sep 10

    Braxton Keathley Talks Prolific Prep, Pacific Commitment

    Randy is joined by Braxton Keathley and his dad, Coach Kevin Keathley, for a conversation about the next chapter in Braxton’s basketball career and the difficult decisions that come with chasing an opportunity at the next level. Braxton talks about his decision to leave the mountains and play his senior season at Prolific Prep, one of the premier basketball programs in the country. He discusses what went into making the move, the emotions behind leaving home for his final year of high school basketball and the opportunity to challenge himself against some of the best competition in the country. The conversation also turns to Braxton’s commitment to the University of the Pacific, where he will continue his basketball career under Head Coach Dave Smart. Braxton shares what stood out about Pacific, his relationship with the coaching staff and why he believes it is the right place for the next step in his career. Randy, Braxton and Coach Keathley also talk about what it means to come from the mountains of Eastern Kentucky and carry those roots with him wherever basketball takes him. They touch on Braxton being considered among the potential frontrunners for Kentucky Mr. Basketball, what that recognition means to him and how the move to Prolific Prep factors into what could have been a special senior season at home. It’s a conversation about basketball, family, sacrifice and what it takes to pursue the next level while never forgetting where you came from. Listen to Unwired Appalachia on Apple Podcasts and Spotify: https://youtu.be/J3vxEhjRog8

  4. Sep 3

    Weekly Walkthrough Week 3 | Pikeville vs. Raceland, Belfry vs. Johnson Central

    Randy is back with Week 3 of the Unwired Appalachia Weekly Walkthrough, breaking down the key matchups to watch as another Friday night of high school football gets underway across the mountains. This week features a showdown between two Class A powers as Pikeville hits the road to take on Raceland. Randy looks at what to expect as two programs that have become familiar rivals meet again in an important early-season matchup. He also previews a battle in the trenches between Class 2A Belfry and Class 4A Johnson Central. The Pirates and Golden Eagles are two programs known for physical football, setting the stage for one of the most intriguing matchups of the week. Get caught up on the games, storylines and matchups to watch with Week 3 of the Unwired Appalachia Weekly Walkthrough. Watch the full video on YouTube: https://youtu.be/LZAL_cH8sXI

  5. Aug 27

    Pike County Bowl 2026 Preview | Brett Keene Breaks Down the 41st Annual Bowl

    We’re wrapping up the football previews on Unwired Appalachia with a special look at one of Eastern Kentucky’s biggest high school football traditions — the 41st Annual Community Trust Bank WYMT Pike County Bowl. Randy is joined by Community Trust Bank Pikeville Market President Brett Keene to talk about everything that goes into making the Pike County Bowl happen each year. Keene takes Randy behind the scenes of the event, including the committee responsible for selecting the matchups, organizing the weekend and bringing schools and communities together for two nights of football. The two also break down all four games on this year’s schedule. Friday night at Belfry features Pike Central vs. Martin County at 6:05 p.m., followed by Louisville Central vs. Belfry at 8 p.m. Saturday, the action moves to Pikeville with Phelps vs. Shelby Valley at 6:05 p.m. before Prestonsburg vs. Pikeville closes out the weekend at 8:35 p.m. That finale brings some extra history with it as Pikeville and Prestonsburg renew their rivalry after a 10-year break, providing a fitting finish to the 41st Annual Pike County Bowl. From how the Bowl comes together behind the scenes to all four matchups taking center stage this weekend, join Randy and Brett for a complete preview of the 41st Annual Pike County Bowl. Watch the full episode on Youtube: https://youtu.be/RoXpQ8G3Spo

  6. Aug 27

    Weekly Walkthrough Week 2 | Pike County Bowl, Mingo Central & UPIKE Football

    Randy is back with Week 2 of the Unwired Appalachia Weekly Walkthrough, and this time there’s even more football to cover as West Virginia and college football join the action. Things get started Thursday night across the state line as Mingo Central takes on cross-town rival Tug Valley, bringing one of the area’s local rivalries to center stage. College football also gets underway as UPIKE opens its 2026 season on the road in Arkansas, giving Bears fans their first look at this year’s squad. Then it’s all about high school football Friday and Saturday as the 41st Annual Pike County Bowl takes over Pike County. Randy runs through the weekend’s Bowl matchups, including Pike Central vs. Martin County, Louisville Central vs. Belfry, Phelps vs. Shelby Valley, and a renewed rivalry between Prestonsburg and Pikeville to close out the weekend. From rivalry games in West Virginia and UPIKE hitting the road to one of Eastern Kentucky’s biggest high school football weekends, Randy has you covered with the games and storylines to watch in Week 2. Watch the full episode on Youtube: https://youtu.be/AI_CpLB5Jo4

  7. Aug 26

    UPIKE Football 2026 Preview | Coach Corey Fipps & Grant Scott

    We’re changing gears from high school to college football on Unwired Appalachia as Randy sits down with UPIKE head football coach Corey Fipps and senior tight end Grant Scott to preview the upcoming season for the Bears. Coach Fipps and Scott break down how the Bears have prepared throughout the offseason, what they’ve seen from the team leading up to kickoff, and the expectations surrounding UPIKE football in 2026. The conversation also gives both a coach’s and player’s perspective on the work that goes into preparing for a college football season and what they hope to accomplish on the field this fall. But this episode goes beyond football. Randy also talks with Fipps and Scott about the Bears’ involvement in the community and the importance of UPIKE football players using their platform to give back to the people and communities that support them. From what to expect on the field to the impact the Bears are making away from it, get ready for the 2026 UPIKE football season with Coach Fipps and Grant Scott. Click here to watch the full episode on Youtube: https://youtu.be/qSWA0jtZ8Ao

  8. Aug 24

    Mingo Central Football 2026 Preview | Coach David Jones Talks Miners

    The final high school football preview of the season is here on Unwired Appalachia, and Randy heads across the state line to West Virginia to close things out with Mingo Central head football coach David Jones. Heading into his fourth season at the helm of the Miners, Coach Jones sits down with Randy to break down where the Mingo Central program stands entering 2026. The two discuss how the offseason has gone, the work the Miners have put in throughout the summer, and how the team is coming together as kickoff approaches. Coach Jones also gives his thoughts on this year's roster, the players expected to step into bigger roles, and what he wants to see from the Miners as they navigate the upcoming season. With three years leading the program behind him, Jones also reflects on the growth of Mingo Central football and what the Miners hope to accomplish in year four. Join us as we wrap up the Unwired Appalachia high school football previews with a trip to Miner Mountain and a look ahead at Mingo Central's 2026 season. Watch the full episode on Youtube: https://youtu.be/KEPVPIGlp4Y

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About

Unwired Appalachia is your go-to source for all things sports in Eastern Kentucky and beyond. From Friday night lights and high school rivalries to the latest in college athletics and pro league action, we bring the energy, the stories, and the passion of sports in the mountains. Whether it’s local legends in the making or national headlines that matter to our region, Unwired Appalachia keeps you plugged in—without all the noise. Real talk, real fans, real Appalachian sports.

Information

  • Creator
    unwiredapp
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    61
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Unwired Appalachia