‘Buffalo’ stampede in 1954

Oct. 22, 1954 was a memorable night in Ashland Tomcat football history.

You just may know have known it.

It happened to be the night there was a “Buffalo” stampede in Fort Thomas.

“Buffalo” Bill Hopkins, who will be feted tonight as the Elks Sports Day honoree, ran for 112 yards and a 56-yard touchdown as the Tomcats crushed the Highlands Bluebirds, 38-6. It was one of back-to-back 100-yard games for Hopkins during his senior season, the other coming the following week when Ashland defeated Newport Central Catholic, 32-6.

Here’s the kicker about the win over Highlands: It happens to be the last time the Tomcats defeated the Bluebirds.

They tied in 1955 and since then Highlands has reeled off 15 consecutive victories, including five in the playoffs.

But on Oct. 22, 1954, the night belonged to Buffalo Bill, who rambled for all his yardage during the first half. Not even one carry after intermission.

It was a dominating performance by the Tomcat defense, too, limiting Highlands to 29 yards rushing in handing the Bluebirds their first loss of the season.

Ashland rushed for a season-high 253 yards, led by Hopkins. The Tomcats lost four fumbles and had 125 yards in penalities but still managed to make it a one-sided affair.

Ashland finished 5-4-1 under coach Denver Ball but ranked ninth in the state Litkenhous Rankings. The schedule was brutal, with losses coming to Stonewall Jackson, Portsmouth, Ironton, Louisville Manual and Greenbriar Military Academy. All of the games were tight.

Highlands and Ashland was expected to be a tossup since both teams had tied Lafayette.

Buffalo and Co. made sure that it went the Tomcats’ way. Paul Reliford hauled in four passes for 72 yards in the win.

An article in the Oct. 23, 1954 Ashland Daily Independent said that about 800 paying fans witnessed the game, including a dozen or so from Ashland.

It is interesting to note that the Tomcat band did make the trip, too.

The following week, in Putnam Stadium, Ashland played Newport Central Catholic for the first time and Hopkins got the Tomcats off to a rousing start with an 85-yard touchdown run on the first play from scrimmage.

The following week, in Putnam Stadium, Ashland played Newport Central Catholic for the first time and Hopkins got the Tomcats off to a rousing start with an 85-yard touchdown run on the first play from scrimmage.

That set the tone for the night as Hopkins ran for 125 yards and a pair of touchdowns.

Hopkins broke free on the first play off a nice block from quarterback Herbie Thompson.

Reliford had a 60-yard TD on an end-around later in the game.

George Rupert, Gilly Layman, Ralph Clere, Charlie Phillps, Larry Highley, Thompson, Reliford, Clarence “Red” Sparks, Ace Bowman and Bill Sutphin were among the players on the 1954 Tomcats.

Hopkins and Phillips were co-captains.

Five players — Highley, Phillips, Reliford, Thompson and Sparks — were honorable mention All-State selections.

Hopkins played quarterback as a sophomore when the Tomcats went 6-2-2 but missed his junior season because of illness.

In his Tomcat career, he accounted for 1,271 yards and 12 touchdowns.

He played the ’54 season and then graduated that December although he went through ceremonies with the ’55 class.

Hopkins also played on the 1953-54 Tomcat basketball team that finished third in the state. He scored in double figures twice that season as one of the first players off the bench, averaging 4.4 points per game.

Of course, Hopkins is best known for his community work with Armco and Ashland Oil and as the longtime mayor of the city of Russell.

He and his wife, Ruth, have made major inroads with community work in the Russell area, including a new senior center

But “Buffalo” has some sports history with the Tomcats, too.

Just ask the good folks of Fort Thomas.