Cardinals outlast Leslie County 46-40

STAFF REPORT

BSN

INEZ — Martin County managed to outlast visiting Leslie County 46-40 in the first round of the 2022 Class 2A UK HealthCare Sports Medicine State Football Finals on Friday, Nov. 4.

After claiming the win, Martin County improved to 7-4. The Cardinals advanced to the second round of the Class 2A UK HealthCare Sports Medicine State Football Finals.

As a result of the loss, Leslie County stumbled to 5-6. The loss eliminated the Eagles from the high school football postseason.

Martin County held on to win after swapping leads with Leslie County during the playoff game.

The Cardinals averaged over nine yards per carry. Martin County rushed 56 times for 511 yards and seven touchdowns.

Brock Messer led Martin County to the win, rushing 22 times for 186 yards and three touchdowns.

Following Messer in Martin County’s offensive attack, Madden Miller rushed 13 times for 159 yards and two touchdowns.

Behind Miller, Dawson Mills rushed 16 times for 131 yards and one touchdown for the Cardinals.

Chipping in on the ground for Martin County, Weston Jude added another rushing touchdown.

Miller (eight tackles, one tackle for a loss) and Juian Stafford (five tackles, one interception) combined to lead Martin County’s defensive effort.

The Cardinals bounced back to win after dropping a season opener to East Carter one week earlier.

Martin County is scheduled to visit three-time Breathitt County in the second round of the 2022 Class 2A UK HealthCare Sports Medicine State Football Finals on Friday, Nov. 11. Kickoff for the Martin County-Breathitt County game is set for 7:30 p.m.