The 15th-annual Massey Energy Hatfield-McCoy Senior Bowl will kick-off tonight at 8 p.m. with West Virginia holding a commanding 9-5 lead in the series. The blue and gold have defeated their opponents across the Tug for six consecutive years.

But it didn’t start out that way. Kentucky had a firm grasp on the series leading the Mountaineer State 4-1 before West Virginia took control. The bowl is the baby of Matewan High School’s head football coach, Yogi Kinder. At one time the Kiwanis Bowl, held at Williamson High’s football field, pitted the graduating seniors from each state against each other.

When the Kiwanis Bowl was dropped, Kinder grabbed the reins in 1996 and the Hatfield-McCoy Senior Bowl was born. Kinder now serves as the game director.

During its first year, former Pikeville High School head coach, Hillard Howard, led Kentucky to a 7-0 victory over a West Virginia squad led by Gilbert Coach Gordon Carter.

The next year, West Virginia would tie the series 1-1 when they crushed the blue and white 11-0. Burch coach Doug Ward led West Virginia, while Sheldon Clark’s Jim Matney was at the helm for Kentucky.

Under head coach Paul May, Kentucky would once again defeat West Virginia in 1998 by a score of 22-19. At the front for West Virginia was Tony Clusky.

It would be 2001 before West Virginia would again be victorious when they conquered the boys from the Bluegrass 14-6. The winning coach was Gordon Carter and Paul May took the loss.

The last time the boys from the Bluegrass won was a 40-36 shootout in 2003. Last year the blue and gold won their sixth straight game routing Kentucky 30-12.

In a statement recently released, Kinder said, ““I am honored to bring you the 15th-annual event here in our historic hometown of Matewan.

This rivalry between the West Virginia and Kentucky All-Stars will give many of our athletes the opportunity to compete for scholarships, make lasting friends and take home some great memories. As always, without the continued support of our special friends at Massey Energy and you, our devoted fans, this event would not be possible. To each of you I extend my appreciation. It is my hope and desire that each participant enjoys themselves as much as I enjoy this great game of football. Good luck to all.”

Kinder’s assistant, John Fry told the Daily News that the pre-game coin toss will be conducted by former heavy weight boxing champion of the world, Buster Douglas.