HENDERSON, Ky. — Henderson County returned home Friday night for its home opener and annual Hall of Fame Game, but the Colonels were unable to pick up their first win of the season, falling to visiting Madisonville 53-19.
The loss came one week after Henderson County opened the season with a road defeat at Pulaski County. The Colonels now fall to 0-2 on the season heading into their first road game of September.
Madisonville controlled the game on the ground, finishing with 425 rushing yards on 55 attempts as part of a 509-yard offensive performance. The Maroons were led by running back Ryder Sandidge, who turned in a dominant night with 310 rushing yards and five touchdowns.
Henderson County struggled to establish its rushing attack, finishing with 19 carries for -15 yards. The Colonels found more success through the air, however, as quarterback Brody Belt completed 11-of-20 passes for 179 yards, throwing two touchdowns and one interception. Belt also found the end zone on the ground, giving him three total touchdowns on the night.
Belt connected with several of Henderson County’s top playmakers throughout the night. Jackson Loveless led the Colonels in receiving with four catches for 66 yards and a touchdown. Kace Smith added two receptions for 46 yards, while Hezi Harris hauled in two passes for 34 yards and a touchdown. Despite the offensive production through the air, Henderson County finished with 164 total yards, compared to Madisonville’s 509.
The Colonels’ defense was led by Jake Hall, who recorded a team-high 11 tackles. Spencer Kellen and Kieran Cole each finished with nine tackles, while Parker Shappell recorded six tackles. Jerren Joseph and Jaxton Duncan also finished with six tackles apiece. Christian Haygan added five tackles and Henderson County’s lone sack of the night. As a team, Henderson County recorded 80 total tackles.
Madisonville’s ability to consistently move the football on the ground proved to be the difference, as the Maroons controlled the game with their rushing attack and repeatedly found running room against the Colonels’ defense.
The 53-19 loss leaves Henderson County searching for its first victory of the young season. The Colonels will look to bounce back in Week 3 when they travel to face Henry Clay next Friday, September 4th.
— Photos Courtesy of Eric Shappell —
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