Class 6A Regional Final
Central Hardin 10, McCracken County 7
Central Hardin’s second trip to Marquette Field turned out to be as fruitful as their first. Both teams struggled to hold on the football all night, but it finally bounced the Bruins’ way on a botched fake punt by the Mustangs late in the fourth quarter that led to Central Hardin’s game winning field goal.
The Mustangs faced an uphill battle in the second half after losing quarterback Cash Jones to a shoulder injury, and, despite excellent defensive play, McCracken never could muster any momentum toward Central Hardin’s end zone. The backbreaker came on a long run by Zy’Aire Hughes that was called back due to a block in the back in the fourth quarter. The Mustangs couldn’t convert and the next drive led to the eventual game-winning score for Central Hardin.
McCracken ends the season at 10-3, setting a new school record for victories in a season. Central Hardin moves on to play Louisville Male next Friday.
Class 2A Regional Final
Mayfield 24, Owensboro Catholic 13
Mayfield faced its toughest defensive test of the year Friday with Owensboro Catholic and class 2A’s leading passer, Ray Zuberer, coming to town. But, Mayfield's suffocating defense came through in a big way, leading the Cardinals to the state semifinals for an unprecedented seventh consecutive season.
Leading 14-7 going into the final quarter, Mayfield’s defense kept the Aces pinned in their territory and forced a punt. On the ensuing drive for the Cardinals, Trajon Bright broke off a pair of ten yard runs, but the Cardinals couldn't get it close. Mayfield head coach Joe Morris called on kicker Sidney Herndon for a 49-yard attempt and the senior knocked it straight through. Tailback Trajon Bright added an insurance touchdown to put the game out of reach at 24-7 before Owensboro Catholic scored with less than a minute remaining in the game.
Mayfield is back at home again next week as they will host DeSales with the winner going to the state title game.
Class 3A Regional Final
Elizabethtown 32, Caldwell County 27
Elizabethtown quarterback Jack Wilson threw a 37-yard touchdown pass to Peyton Payne with 1.9 seconds left, ending the Tigers' season. Caldwell had taken a 27-26 lead with 1:47 left on a touchdown reception by Elijah Anderson.
Caldwell's season ends at 10-3. The Tigers' three losses were by a combined eight points.
