SOMERSET, Ky. – Henderson County hit the road Friday night to kickoff the 2026 football season. After a 217 mile trek and roughly a three-and-a-half hour bus ride, the Colonels came up short against Pulaski County, 41-16.
Despite the loss, Henderson County found a major bright spot through the air as Senior quarterback Brody Belt and Sophomore wide receiver Jackson Loveless connected for both of the Colonels’ touchdowns. The second connection was one for the record books.
Offensive Spotlight: WR Jackson Loveless
Belt found Loveless for a 95-yard touchdown, setting a new Henderson County school record for the longest touchdown reception in program history. The previous record, a 93-yard reception against Madisonville by Kevin Herron courtesy of Duffer Duffy, had stood for 30+ years. In his first varsity start, Loveless finished the with seven receptions for 167 yards and two touchdowns, accounting for the majority of Henderson County’s offensive production. Belt was efficient throughout the night, completing 12-of -5 passes for 213 yards with no interceptions. Senior tight end Christian Haygan added two catches for 39 yards.
The Colonels struggled to establish a running game against the stout Pulaski County defense. Henderson County finished with just 2 rushing yards on 22 attempts. Kingston Shidler led the Colonels with seven rushing yards on four carries.
Pulaski County, meanwhile, controlled the game on the ground. The Maroons rushed for 272 yards on 27 attempts and two touchdowns, aiding them in their grand total of 437 yards. Pulaski County also found success through the air, completing 9-of-14 passes for 165 yards and three touchdowns without an interception.
Defensive Spotlight: DB Kieran Cole
Defensively, Senior defensive back Jack Dalton led Henderson County with nine total tackles, followed by junior DB Kieran Cole with six, while Senior DB Kace Smith and Senior DB Jaxton Duncan each recorded five. Henderson County finished with 42 total tackles, while Junior linebacker Johnny Langley recorded the Colonels’ lone sack of the night.
The Colonels’ passing attack provided several positive moments, particularly the record-setting connection between Belt and Loveless, but Pulaski County’s ability to control the ground game proved to be the difference. Despite the setback, Henderson County will look to regroup and build on the positives as they prepare for their home opener, Friday, Aug. 28th against Madisonville. Kickoff from Colonel Stadium is set for 7 p.m.
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