Paintsville tops Hazard 39-7

STAFF REPORT

BSN

PAINTSVILLE — Paintsville rushed 51 times for 319 yards and six touchdowns on its way to defeating visiting Hazard 39-7 in the KHSAA Class 1A State Quarterfinals at Memorial Field on Friday, Dec. 4.

After notching the win, Paintsville improved to 8-2 and advanced to the KHSAA Class 1A State Semifinals.

Hazard ended its season 4-6 after suffering the loss.

Harris Phelps led Paintsville on the ground, rushing 22 times for 120 yards and two touchdowns.

Three different Paintsville players rushed for two touchdowns apiece in the postseason win.

Quarterback Karsten Poe rushed 12 times for 92 yards and two touchdowns for the Tigers.

Following Poe on the ground for Paintsville, Luke Hyden rushed 12 times for 91 yards and two touchdowns.

Hyden and Mason Lovely combined to pace Paintsville defensively, recording six tackles apiece.

The Tigers moved ahead early and forced Hazard to play from behind throughout the game. Paintsville led 25-0 at halftime.

Hazard was limited offensively throughout the contest. Max Johnson led the Bulldogs, rushing 14 times for 51 yards and one touchdown. The Bulldogs were held to 58 yards of total offense.

Hazard suffered the season-ending loss after upending top-ranked Pikeville in the second round of the KHSAA Class 1A Playoffs.

Paintsville is scheduled to host Newport Central Catholic in the KHSAA Class 1A State Semifinals at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 11.