Denis Hodge, was a primary performer during that storied state championship season. Hodge played high school football from 1982 to 1985 and used his tireless work ethic and unwavering dedication to become one of the best players in Rocket history. Teammates said he had more heart than anyone else and because of that he was always one step ahead of the opposing team. Hodge is perhaps most remembered for catching the game-winning touchdown in the closing seconds of the Rockets playoff victory against Fulton in 1985. From there, a state championship was in sight. Hodge was an All-State Second Team selection as a senior and went on to become a very successful Division 1 college baseball player at Eastern Kentucky University.

Denis Hodge 1982-1985
Success started occurring early for Denis Hodge on the football field.
As an eighth grader, his CCMS team coached by Hugh Highfil finished with a 5-1 mark with the only loss to Calloway County in the season finale. The freshman campaign only got better as they finished with an undefeated 6-0 record, outscoring the opposition a whopping 162-36.
The freshman squad recorded a shutout and never allowed more than 12 points per game in any contest as they steamrolled the competition.
“We always did have a good defense,” said Hodge.
His hard work earned him some time on special teams at the varsity level as only a freshman.
Despite not getting any playing time on offense or defense at the varsity level as a rookie, Hodge did have a funny story along that line.
While being outmanned by a strong Heath team 28-0 late in the game, former Rocket coach Ken Bargo began to insert some backups in order to get them some experience. Hodge made it a point not to get too close to the head coach on the sidelines when those substitutions started occurring fearful that he would be put in the game.
But that nervousness would not last long as Hodge became a two-way starter his sophomore year as a split end and cornerback.
Under first-year Crittenden coach Pat Gates, who was trying to help rebuild a program which had not experienced a winning season since 1975, Hodge and the Rockets won four straight games to begin 1983. Despite dropping five in a row to follow that up, the Rockets managed to defeat Ballard Memorial 12-0 in the season finale and claim a .500 season.
Hodge was the leading receiver that fall, hauling in 25 catches for 288 yards and three touchdowns.
“I don't think that we really had a clue, but I think it was a very pivotal season,” he said, about recording the program's first non-losing season in eight years.
That seemed to serve as a springboard heading into the 1984 season. After being moved to running back as a junior, Hodge had 14 carries for 177 yards and added a pair of touchdowns in a 29-0 season opening triumph over McLean.
Three weeks later, Hodge scored four touchdowns and rushed for 96 yards in a 51-6 blowout of Hancock County.
Unfortunately, the Rockets were outscord 107-74 and lost five of their last seven games to finish a disappointing 5-6.
While compiling 102 carries for 614 yards in 1984, Hodge’s versatility continued to shine as he played some receiver again late in the season. He scored 10 touchdowns that year, seven rushing and three receiving and also added a pair of two-point conversions. He always proved to be a threat in the secondary, recording a then-school-record eight interceptions that season and was named All-WKC as a cornerback.
In the magical state championship run his senior season, Hodge continued to pile up big numbers. He compiled 15 touchdowns and intercepted six passes to help lead the Rockets to the best season in school history.
Hodge may be the only player in school history to score a touchdown via rushing, receiving, punt return and on a fumble recovery in the same game. That feat happened in a 42-0 pasting of South Hopkins in 1985.
When asked for a specific moment during that season when he thought a state title might be possible, in Hodge's opinion it was after a tough 18-13 win over district foe Russellville.
“As a team, we started believing we could beat good teams. It’s a big advantage when you think your going to win,” he said.
Hodge also came up big at crunch time, scoring eight touchdowns and intercepting five passes during the Rockets’ march through the playoffs against Fulton County, Caverna, Carroll County and Paintsville.
Probably the most memorable touchdown during that postseason for a lot of Rocket fans was the 35-yard scoring pass to Hodge from senior quarterback Buddy McDaniel at Fulton County with 51 seconds remaining. That tied the game and McDaniel kicked the extra point to give the Rockets their first playoff win since 1963.
“I was just fortunate to make a great play when we needed it. I could not have done it without my teammates,” said Hodge.
Hodge was named All-State Second Team that year and was again All-WKC and also mentioned in the Street & Smith magazine college recruiting publication.
Hodge, a physical education teacher at Crittenden County, has coached Rocket football and basketball and is currently head baseball coach.