The Phelps Hornets have released their 2026 football schedule, featuring a mix of regional matchups, in-state opponents and out-of-state competition as the program looks ahead to the fall.

Phelps will open the season Friday, Aug. 21, at 6 p.m. against Pineville in the Laurel Bowl on the road.

The Hornets return the following week, Saturday, Aug. 29, for a 6 p.m. matchup against Shelby Valley in the Pike County Bowl at Pikeville High School in a neutral-site contest.

Phelps opens September action on Wednesday, Sept. 2, hosting Castlewood, Va., at 7:30 p.m. The Hornets then hit the road Friday, Sept. 11, for a 7:30 p.m. game at Harlan.

The home slate continues Friday, Sept. 18, against Knott County Central at 7:30 p.m., followed by another home matchup Friday, Sept. 25, against Fairview at the same time.

Phelps opens October play on Thursday, Oct. 1, hosting Betsy Layne at 7:30 p.m. The Hornets then travel Friday, Oct. 9, to face Montcalm, W.Va., at 7:30 p.m.

A pair of late-season games close things out, with Phelps hosting Tolsia, W.Va., on Friday, Oct. 16 at 7 p.m., before traveling Friday, Oct. 30 to Mount View, W.Va., for a 7 p.m. kickoff.

The schedule features several cross-border matchups as well as familiar opponents as the Hornets prepare for the upcoming season.