LC Spirit Leader is a real ‘WINNER’
Louisa, Ky. — Lawrence Co. Defensive end Joey May has had an unforgettable senior year.
From getting a quarterback sack in his first varsity start at Boyd Co. to being voted spirit leader during homecoming week it’s been incredible. At one time this wouldn’t have seemed possible when Joey was diagnosed with Leukemia in the year 2000. Joey battled and battled and won when he was declared cancer free in 2003.
When Joey was in elementary school at Blaine he fell in love with football even though the Wildcats didn’t have a team until he was in the 7th Grade. His favorite player was former Marshall Star QB Byron Leftwich who also went on to play for his favorite NFL team, the Pittsburgh Steelers.
May remembers that first team well even though the Wildcats never won a game.
Coaches Joe Halfhill and Joe May, who happened to be Joey’s Dad, worked hard with that group the first year including Brad Mattingly, Dakota Chaffins, Austin Jude and Josh Warix. Blaine didn’t have a team the next year but when May stepped onto the field as a freshman at LCHS he was ready to show them what he had.
May had no idea until the first practice as a 5-5 135 pound defensive back when Senior QB AJ Cyrus hit him right in the chest with a rocket that May thought he was going to pick off. When the throw knocked him down and he fell to the turf, he knew 
then he was in for a rude awakening.
“It was a tough transition that first season but AJ took me under his wing and showed me the ropes and that is something I will remember the rest of my life,” Joey said.
After a short stint in Myrtle Beach as a sophomore and junior plus the death of his Grandma Belva May in 2015 who Joey called the absolute rock of his whole family, he was back in Lawrence Co. and preparing for his final chance on the gridiron.
Joey went through spring football and almost gave up the game before a position change and some much needed encouragement from one of his best friends, Blayne Brewer, he was all set to make an impact.
May worked hard in the weight room and studied his new defensive end position and that all paid off when he got a crucial sack in his first ever varsity football game at Boyd Co.
His football career is over now but he is on towards a great future in the real world.
Joey has been accepted at the University of Pikeville and will pursue a degree in Nursing
Lawrence Co. Senior Joey May
“… I just want to start off by thanking my mom and dad for everything, the encouraging words and not letting me give up also for standing behind me 100% of the time.” I also want to thank Coach Caudill, Coach Carter and Coach Short. This season has been an absolute blast even though the whole season has went by so fast.” Thanks to Aaron Roberts, Blayne Brewer, Brad Mattingly, Greg Fugitt, Micheal Fitzpatrick for everything they have done over the years.” Being voted spirit leader with Natalie Rice meant so much to me I knew then that I had gained the respect of my classmates.” I give all the glory to God.”
Lawrence Co. Head Coach Allen Short
COACH’S COMMENT
“…Great kid who will be successful in whatever profession he chooses. We are very proud of his contributions this season. Joey makes everyone around him better, not only as football players, but as people. He has that positive energy that you look for in players. He has had adversity in his life and prevailed. It has been a pleasure to coach Joey May.”
Lawrence Co. defensive coordinator John Caudill
Assistant Coach’s comment
“… Joey has been a pleasant surprise for all us. There’s not too many young men his size that can play on the defensive line, and play as well as he has. His skill set matched up well with what we were looking for.” His speed and low center of gravity allows him an advantage over bigger guys and he’s made big plays for us all year there. But the best things about Joey is his heart for the game and teammates and the commitment he’s shown all summer and season to this team. He never missed a workout all summer coming all the way into town from Blaine and doing it with a smile.” Very proud of what that young man has accomplished this season.”
Lawrence Co. vs Fleming Co. in 1st round of playoffs
Joey will be playing tonight as Lawrence Co. ( 4-6 ) will travel to Flemingsburg in the first round of the Class 3A playoffs looking to continue a two game winning streak against Fleming Co. ( 7-3 ). The two teams met on the first round last year in Louisa with the Bulldogs coming away victorious in a shootout 49-30.
If the Dawgs have any chance tonight it has to keep the high powered air attack of the Panthers off the field. Fleming Co. throws it about 75% of the time and look to strike quick. Lawrence Co. will need to play turnover free football, keep the clock moving and control the line of scrimmage.
Tonight’s winner will travel to three time state champion Belfry next Friday night.
