Paintsville tops Newport Central Catholic in Class 1A Semifinals

STAFF REPORT

BSN

PAINTSVILLE — Paintsville topped visiting Newport Central Catholic 21-7 in the KHSAA Class 1A Semifinals at Memorial Field on Friday, Dec. 11.

After claiming the win, Paintsville improved to 9-2 and advanced to the KHSAA Class 1A title game.

Newport Central Catholic ended its season 8-3.

The Tigers rushed 54 times for 348 yards and three touchdowns. Sophomore running back Harris Phelps led Paintsville to the win. Phelps rushed 21 times for 170 yards and three touchdowns.

Paintsville and Newport Central Catholic battled back and forth throughout the postseason matchup. However, Newport Central Catholic couldn't overcome Phelps' rushing effort.

Following Phelps on the ground for Paintsville, Karsten Poe rushed 14 times for 79 yards.

Luke Hyden was the Tigers' third-leading rusher, taking 10 carries for 68 yards.

Returning to the gridiron after being sidelined with an injury, Jake Hyden rushed eight times for 29 yards.

Mason Lovely paced Paintsville defensively, tallying 11 tackles.

In the other game played in the Class 1A Semifinals, Kentucky Country Day pulled away to beat Williamsburg 27-7.

Paintsville is scheduled to face Kentucky Country Day in the KHSAA Class 1A title game at Kroger Field in Lexington at 11 a.m. on Friday, Dec. 18.