Cardinals outlast Shelby Valley 53-41

STAFF REPORT

BSN

INEZ — Martin County outlasted visiting Shelby Valley 53-41 in the opening round of the KHSAA Class 2A Playoffs on Friday, Nov. 5.

After registering the win, Martin County improved to 8-4.

Martin County excelled on the ground, rushing 60 times for 526 yards and eight touchdowns in the win.

Kolby Sparks, who is among the most underrated high school football players in the state, led Martin County, rushing 25 times for 235 yards and five touchdowns.

Following Sparks, Dawson Mills rushed 15 times for 159 yards and two touchdowns in the Cardinals' win.

Finishing as the Cardinals' third-leading rusher, Branson Smith rushed 12 times for 80 yards and one touchdown.

Weston Jude paced Martin County's defensive effort, registering eight tackles.

Shelby Valley quarterback Russ Osborne completed 13 of 21 passes for 408 yards and five touchdowns in the Wildcats' season-ending loss. Leading the Wildcats through the air and on the ground, Osborne rushed nine times for 80 yards and one touchdown.

John Fields paced Shelby Valley in receiving, reeling in four receptions for 167 yards and two touchdowns. Following Fields, Brady Bentley hauled in four receptions for 129 yards and two touchdowns. Chipping in for Shelby Valley through the air, Ethan Bentley hauled in two receptions for 68 yards and one touchdown.

Caleb Lovins paced the Wildcats defensively, logging 17 tackles.

The Wildcats rushed 17 times for 145 yards and one touchdown in the season-ending loss.

Martin County is slated to visit West Carter in the second round of the KHSAA Class 2A Playoffs on Friday, Nov. 12.