The Henderson County Colonels picked up their first win of the season Friday night, rolling past the Henry Clay Blue Devils 63-34 in Lexington.
Both teams entered the game 0-2, but Henderson County overcame a grueling 3½-hour school bus ride to earn the victory.
The Colonels traveled without air conditioning on the bus, with temperatures in the mid-90s. Head coach John Elliott said getting his team off the bus and ready to play was the first key of the night.
Henderson’s defense came out sharp, forcing a three-and-out on Henry Clay’s opening possession. The teams then traded touchdowns throughout the first half, with the Colonels taking a 28-21 lead into halftime.
Henry Clay remained within striking distance, trailing 35-28 late in the third quarter. But Henderson County took control from there, scoring 28 consecutive points over approximately eight minutes of game time to build a 63-28 advantage midway through the fourth quarter and put the mercy-rule running clock into effect.
The Colonels also recorded their first takeaways of the season, with Tucker Siewert and Reed Clark each coming away with an interception.
Brody Belt led the way offensively, completing 13 of 19 passes for four touchdowns while rushing 15 times for 122 yards and three more scores.
Jackson Loveless hauled in two touchdown receptions, while Hezzie Harris and Kace Smith each added a touchdown catch. Kingston Shidler and Kieran Cole also scored rushing touchdowns for the Colonels.
Henderson County improves to 1-2 on the season and will return home next Friday, September 11, for a 7 p.m. matchup against the talented Gibson Southern Titans.
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