HENDERSON, Ky. — Henderson County put together another strong offensive performance Friday night, but Gibson Southern came away with a 34-14 victory at Colonel Stadium.
The Colonels entered the matchup shorthanded, going without four key players. Junior RB Zer Marigny was sidelined with a broken leg, while senior leader, RB/DB Jack Dalton missed the game due to a concussion. Senior WR/DB Kace Smith was out with an ankle injury, and senior RB Kingston Shidler missed the contest while serving a one-game suspension following an ejection last week at Henry Clay.
Despite the absences, Henderson County finished the night with 359 yards of total offense, including 255 yards through the air and 104 yards on the ground.
Senior QB Brody Belt led the way offensively for the Colonels, completing 14 of 23 passes for 255 yards and two touchdowns. Belt also carried the ball 15 times for 63 yards.
Belt’s top target was senior WR Hezzi Harris, who hauled in four passes for 122 yards and two touchdowns. Sophomore WR Jackson Loveless added seven receptions for 94 yards, while senior TE Christian Haygan recorded two catches for 24 yards.
The lone running back available tonight, junior Kieran Cole finished with 41 rushing yards on 11 carries and added one reception for 15 yards.
Despite moving the ball effectively, Henderson County was hurt by penalties throughout the night. The Colonels were flagged 13 times for 95 yards, and converted 4-of-9 opportunities on third down.
Gibson Southern’s offense proved difficult to contain, finishing with 489 total yards, including 179 rushing yards and 310 passing yards. The Titans also recorded 23 first downs, while converting just 1-of-10 third-down attempts. Gibson Southern was perfect on fourth down though, converting both attempts.
Senior QB Caden Rochleau accounted for four Gibson Southern touchdowns, scoring twice on the ground and throwing two touchdown passes. Caleb Foster added a rushing touchdown, while receivers Elijah Ortiz and Luke Malloy each caught a touchdown pass.
Senior WR Peyton Johnson was a major contributor in the Gibson Southern passing attack, finishing with 10 receptions for 140 yards.
Defensively, Henderson County recorded 73 total tackles. Jaxton Duncan and Jake Hall led the Colonels with 13 tackles apiece, while Parker Shappell added 11 and Spencer Kellen finished with seven.
The Colonels also recorded three sacks, with Christian Haygan, Spencer Kellen and Luke Mann each bringing down Rochleau once.
Henderson County’s defense also forced one fumble, with Duncan credited with the forced fumble. Jerren Joseph recovered the loose ball.
The loss drops Henderson County to 1-3 on the season. The Colonels will look to bounce back next Friday when they travel to Owensboro take on Daviess County. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 18.
— Photos Courtesy of Eric Shappell —
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