Golden Eagles crush Clay County 56-7

STAFF REPORT

BSN

PAINTSVILLE — Johnson Central pulled away to defeat Clay County 56-7 in the opening round of the Class 4A Playoffs at Coach Jim Matney Field on Friday, Nov. 5.

After claiming the win, Johnson Central improved to 9-2.

The win allowed Johnson Central to advance to the second round of the KHSAA Class 4A Playoffs.

The Golden Eagles set the tone early, outscoring Clay County 29-o in the first quarter. Johnson Central led 43-0 at halftime and continued to control the matchup in the second half.

The Golden Eagles rushed 26 times for 361 yards and six touchdowns.

Zack McCoart led Johnson Central on the ground, rushing six times for 106 yards and one touchdown.

Behind McCoart, Matt Crum rushed six times for 74 yards and one touchdown for the Golden Eagles.

Finishing as Johnson Central's third-leading rusher, Chase Price rushed four times for 55 yards and one touchdown.

Following Price, Carter Conley rushed three times for 48 yards and two touchdowns for the Golden Eagles.

Contributing to Johnson Central's offensive attack, Landon Clark added a nine-yard touchdown late in the game.

Quarterback Grant Rice paced the Golden Eagles through the air, completing four of six passes for 72 yards,

Ryleh McKenzie finished as the Golden Eagles' leading receiver, reeling in two receptions for 46 yards.

Defensively for Johnson Central, Rice returned an interception 75 yards for a touchdown.

Johnson Central is scheduled to host Letcher County Central in the second round of the KHSAA Class 4A Playoffs at Coach Jim Matney Field on Friday, Nov. 12.