Harrison County High School's baseball program was well respected when 25-year-old Mac Whitaker assumed the head coach's job, succeeding brother-in-law Don Snopek in 1978. During Snopek's eight-year tenure, the Breds were 149-49 with six district championships since the Pennsylvania native assumed the Breds' helm in 1969.
Whitaker had served as Snopek’s assistant since graduating from Morehead State University where he played outfield for the Eagles. Snopek returned the favor, being Whitaker's assistant during 1978.
The Breds would advance to the regional tournament during Whitaker's rookie season before losing to Franklin County. In five of Whitaker's first six years, the Breds would advance to the regional, which at that time was a step away from the state tourney, going 109-46. Only in 1980 would the Breds fall short of a regional berth, suffering what is today Whitaker's only losing season (9-11), falling to Nicholas County in the district semi-finals.
During the next three years, the Breds would renew their quest for a state tourney appearance during regional play. In 1982, Harrison County advance to the regional finals, losing to Shelby County 10-9. During that period the Breds were 72-22 and the stage had been set for a state tournament appearance.