Cardinals fall to Breathitt County

STAFF REPORT

BSN

JACKSON — Martin County scored first and led 7-6 at halftime but couldn’t maintain its early momentum as Breathitt County battled back to win 34-21 in the second round of the 2022 Class 2A UK HealthCare Sports Medicine State Football Finals at the Mike Holcomb Athletic Complex on Friday, Nov. 11.

The loss eliminated Martin County from the Class 2A UK HealthCare Sports Medicine State Football Finals. The Cardinals finished the 2022 high school football season 7-5.

Battling back from behind, Breathitt County led 26-7 at the end of the third quarter.

Breathitt County amassed nearly 400 yards of total offense in its win. Quarterback Tyler Bryant led Breathitt County through the air, completing 13 of 17 passes for 240 yards and two touchdowns.

Austin Sperry hauled in both of Bryant’s scoring passes.

Blake Ritchie led Breathitt County in receiving, making five receptions for 118 yards.

The Bobcats rushed 29 times for 157 yards and three touchdowns. Jayden Gibson, Caden Bowling and Kory Combs each provided one rushing touchdown for the Bobcats.

Martin County rushed 41 times for 262 yards in the season-ending loss. Visiting Martin County couldn’t connect on either of its pass attempts in the postseason matchup.

Brock Messer led the Cardinals, rushing 15 times for 145 yards and three touchdowns.

Breathitt County is scheduled to visit Lloyd Memorial in the third round of the Class 2A UK HealthCare Sports Medicine State Football Finals on Friday, Nov. 18.