Golden Eagles outlast Tomcats 36-33, secure district title

STAFF REPORT

BSN

PAINTSVILLE — Johnson Central outlasted Ashland 36-33 to secure the Class 4A, District 6 title at Coach Jim Matney Field on Friday, Oct. 20.

The Golden Eagles dealt Ashland its first loss in the 2023 high school football season.

After notching the win, Johnson Central improved to 7-3.

As a result of the loss, Ashland dropped to 8-1.

Johnson Central led 14-13 at halftime and managed to hold on for its third straight win.

The Golden Eagles rushed 70 times for 350 yards and five touchdowns. Carter Conley rushed 19 times for 106 yards and one touchdown in Johnson Central’s win.

In another strong rushing performance for the Golden Eagles, Logan Morrow rushed 24 times for 103 yards and two touchdowns.

Christian Barnes rushed 16 times for 80 yards in the Golden Eagles’ win.

Aiding Johnson Central on the ground, Logan Music rushed nine times for 63 yards and two touchdowns.

Quarterback LaBryant Strader paced Ashland, completing 10 of 17 passes for 212 yards and one touchdown.

Braxton Jennings and Sam Lyons each hauled in one touchdown pass reception for the Tomcats.

Ashland rushed 19 times for 111 yards and three touchdowns. Leading Ashland on the ground, Jennings rushed six times for 47 yards and two touchdowns.

Along with Jennings’ effort on the ground, Maverick Ashby added one rushing touchdown for the Tomcats.