HOPKINSVILLE, Ky. — Henderson County’s late rally wasn’t enough to overcome turnovers and missed opportunities Friday night, as the Colonels fell 31–29 on the road to Hopkinsville in a back-and-forth contest that came down to the final minutes.
Senior quarterback Jasiah McCarly led the way for Hopkinsville, completing 12-of-25 passes and throwing for 139 yards and a TD. Running back Jay Bradley was steady out of the backfield, carrying the ball 25 times for 62 yards and 2 TD’s, also including a 60-yard kickoff return for a score.
Colonels Surge Early
The first half (more so the first quarter) was all Henderson County. The Colonels surged out to an early 22-8 lead after QB Brody Belt found the endzone twice, once through the air and then on the ground. Not to mention, an early rushing-TD by Jack Dalton. Hoptown struck first though on a short touchdown pass from McCarley to Aiden Jesse giving the Tigers a 8-0 head start. Both teams found success on the ground early, with the Colonels mixing in short passes to keep drives alive.
At the half, Henderson would trail 25-22, following a second quarter surge by Hopkinsville. A quarter that included Bradley’s aforementioned kickoff return TD, his two rushing scores, plus a safety.
Second Half Drama
Henderson would clawe their way back in the fourth quarter behind a solid performances by both Belt and Dalton. Belt finished with 95 yards passing on 6-of-17, for a TD and an INT, and 4 rushes for 46 yards and a TD. Dalton would end with 111 yards on 16 carries and 2 TD’s, despite throwing one interception. Turnovers and negative plays would prove pivotal down the stretch for the Colonels, finishing with 3 turnovers on the night, trailing Hopkinsville’s 4 total turnovers.
Henderson County last second efforts were stopped short, leaving the Colonels to fall 31–29, securing th Hopkinsville victory.
Looking Ahead
Henderson County (4-4) will look to bounce back next week when it returns home for another key district matchup against McCracken County (4-4). The Colonels will have some added emotions with senior night set to take place, nonetheless Henderson will have their hands full yet again, with a powerful Mustangs offense coming to town. The Colonels have shown the tools to contend — they’ll just look to finish the job next week. Kickoff from Colonels Stadium is set for 7PM.
By the Numbers
Henderson County (4-4)
- Rushing Yards: 176
- Passing Yards: 129
- Total Yards: 315
- 1st Downs: 16
- Penalties: 8 for 86 yards
- Punts: 3 for 109 yards (36.7 Avg.)
- 3rd Downs: 2-of-8
- 4th Downs: 0-for-1
- Turnovers: 3
Rushing TD’s: Brody Belt (1), Jack Dalton (2)
Passing TD’s: Brody Belt (1)
Receiving TD’s: Avant Baxter (1)
Hopkinsville (4-4)
- Rushing Yards: 62
- Passing Yards: 139
- Total Yards: 201
- 1st Downs: 12
- Penalties: 11 for 92 yards
- Punts: 4 for 129 yards (33 Avg.)
- 3rd Downs: 4-of-13
- 4th Downs: 3-for-6
- Turnovers: 4
Rushing TD’s: Jay Bradley (2)
Passing TD’s: Jason McCarley (1)
Receiving TD’s: Aiden Jesse (1)
Special Teams TD’s: Jay Bradley (1)
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