2026 Getting to know Crayson "Bones" Lafferty from Prestonsburg, KY

 

Name: Crayson "Bones" Lafferty

School/town: This season will be my 1st season playing at Prestonsburg High. I played for Paintsville High my freshman year and then at Martin Co. High for my sophomore and junior years.

Positions played: MLB/RB

Class: 2027

Height and Weight: 5'10", 205

Jersey Number: 28

Awards won or earned:

Freshman

KHSAA Class 1A Tackle Leader: 132 Tackles

Paintsville Defensive Player of the Year

Small Schools All-Area Team

2024 – Sophomore

KHSAA State Tackle Leader — All Classes

KHSAA Class 2A Tackle Leader

189 Tackles — Team & Class Leader

KHSAA Academic All-State Honorable Mention

KHSAA 2A All-District Team

All-Mountain Team — 1st Team Linebacker

All-State 2nd Team Defense

Harvest Fest Bowl Defensive POTG

2025 – Junior

KHSAA 2A All-District Team

Harvest Fest Bowl Offensive POTG

APSN Defensive Player of the Year

2025 All-State Honorable Mention

This current season making the All-District Baseball Team and helping Prestonsburg win the 1st District baseball title since 2017

HUDL LINK: https://www.hudl.com/profile/16745985/Crayson-Bones-Lafferty

Other sports played: Baseball

Please post something from last season that sticks out to you. It can be from a game, practice, or something funny on the bus ride to or from the game. Any moment that sticks out to you.

One thing that sticks out to me was when I realized teams started game planning around me on defense. It pushed me to compete even harder and prove myself every week. I enjoyed the challenge of knowing every game was going to be physical and that teams were worrying about my gameplay.

Football or baseball: Which one are you hoping to play in college?

I currently hold a football offer from Midway College. I want to play both while I am there or wherever I go.

With this being your final high school football season, will you change up how you prepare for it compared to previous years? Explain:

I am going to work on my footwork this offseason and try to get a little more explosive. I will always keep my fundamentals clean and basic, though. Fundamentals are key to success on the field.

As an athlete at any age in any sport, what has been your biggest moment?

My sophomore year when I led the state of Ky in tackles. I had set a goal to lead the state at some point in my high school career, and I was dialed in on getting there.

What makes you a good teammate?

I think it is because I hold people accountable and expect them to do the same with me. We have to push one another and work towards the common goal to be successful.

RB or Middle Linebacker: Which slot do you enjoy playing the most?

 MLB.

Truth be told I don't like playing offense. I have had 21 TDs, but I would rather be hitting and making the big plays on defense. My mind is always thinking defense.

Who is the best player that you have faced in a game, as well as the team he was on?

Sophomore Year: Chase Flaherty, RB, LB for Beechwood

Who is the toughest teammate to face during practice?

All the linemen

As a middle linebacker, what is your biggest responsibility?

Being the leader of the defense. I have to make sure everyone is lined up right, communicate, read the offense, and get everybody flying to the football.

If the game is on the line, do you want to be on offense or defense? Explain:

Defense. Defense. Always defense, I would rather have the game in my hands and be the one responsible for making the stops. I enjoy the pressure, the physicality, and the adrenaline rush I get knowing I get to be aggressive.

What was the highlight of the 2025 football season?

Being Named APSN Defensive POTY

Of all the wins you have been part of on the football field, which one meant the most?

Beating Shelby Valley, that game allowed me to play in my 1st ever 3 rounds of playoffs.

What is the toughest part of being a multi-sport student-athlete?

It seriously hasn't been that tough for me. I have always just been able to handle it all. I do get tired at times, but I just dig down deep and get it all done.

Who are your role models?

My parents for sure. My dad and mom have been married for 28 years and have raised 4 of us kids together. Both of them have always worked hard and sacrificed so much for me.

What is your favorite type of music?

My playlist is all over the place. I can go from rap to country to praise and worship, but my game day go-to is Rod Wave.

What scares you?

Competition means a lot to me, and I never want to look back and feel like I could have worked harder or done more. I know football will not last forever, and one day the games, practices, and Friday nights will all come to an end. When that day comes, I want to be able to look back and know I gave everything I had, competed as hard as I could, and never cheated myself out of an opportunity.