Lawrence County finishes runner-up in region

STAFF REPORT
BSN

PINEVILLE — Lawrence County came up short as Bell County held on to win 16-6 in a region championship game during the KHSAA Class 3A State Football Playoffs on Friday, Nov. 21.

After suffering the loss, Lawrence County dropped to 11-2. The loss eliminated Lawrence County from the KHSAA Class 3A State Football Playoffs.  

Bell County scored first and never trailed. But Lawrence County pushed the host team throughout the postseason matchup.

The Bobcats led 16-0 before the Bulldogs answered.

Bell County reached the endzone with 3:22 remaining in the opening quarter when Kaleb Miler delivered a four-rushing rushing touchdown. Following Miller’s rushing touchdown, Bell County added a two-point conversion and moved ahead 8-0.

Bell County took the 8-0 lead out of the opening quarter and maintained the same advantage over the Bulldogs at halftime.

Former state champion Bell County extended its lead in the third quarter as quarterback Blake Burnett connected with wide receiver Joseph Bridgman on a 15-yard touchdown pass. Bell County then added its second two-point conversion to move out in front 16-0.

The Bobcats continued to lead 16-0 at the conclusion of the third quarter.

Lawrence County reached the endzone at the 10:27 mark of the fourth quarter when quarterback Luke Fetherolf connected with wide receiver Kaden Johnson on a nine-yard touchdown pass.

However, Lawrence County couldn’t get any closer.

The Bulldogs entered the region championship game on an eight-game winning streak.

Bell County (12-1) will visit defending state champion Christian Academy-Louisville (13-0) in the semifinals of the KHSAA Class 3A Playoffs on Friday, Nov. 28.