Cardinals fall to West Carter in second round

STAFF REPORT

BSN

OLIVE HILL — Visiting Martin County fell short as West Carter held on to win 27-19 in the second round of the KHSAA Class 2A Playoffs on Friday, Nov. 12.

The loss eliminated Martin County from the high school football postseason. Martin County exited the 2021 high school football season 8-5.

West Carter used a balanced offensive attack to earn the win, amassing 355 total yards.

The Comets rushed 41 times for 198 yards and two touchdowns. Leading the Comets on the ground, Cole Crampton rushed 37 times for 185 yards and two touchdowns.

Quarterback Eli Estepp led West Carter through the air, completing seven of 18 passes for 160 yards and two touchdowns.

Jackson Bond paced the Comets in receiving, reeling in five receptions for 115 yards and one touchdown.

Providing another key catch, Sam Jones hauled in a 28-yard touchdown pass reception for the Comets.

Blake McGlone led West Carter defensively, recording nine tackles and one interception.

The Cardinals rushed 37 times for 257 yards and three touchdowns in the season-ending loss.

Dawson Mills led the Cardinals, rushing 10 times for 109 yards and two touchdowns.

Contributing on the ground for Martin County, Kolby Sparks rushed 16 times for 78 yards and one touchdown.

Aiding the Cardinals' rushing attack, Branson Smith rushed seven times for 54 yards.

West Carter is scheduled to visit Middlesboro in the third round of the KHSAA Class 2A Playoffs on Friday, Nov. 19.