Preston leads Johnson Central over Harlan County 33-2

Johnson Central defeated host Harlan County 33-2 Friday, moving to 5-0 overall and 3-0 in Class 4A, District 8. Photo/Lisa Lemaster

STAFF REPORT BSN

BAXTER — Johnson Central defeated host Harlan County 33-2 in a Class 4A, District 8 football game on Friday, Oct. 16. Following the win, Johnson Central moved to 5-0 overall and 3-0 in Class 4A, District 8. Senior Dylan Preston rushed five times for 185 yards and three touchdowns, hauled in a scoring pass and posted 18 tackles on the defensive side to lead Johnson Central to the district win. Reigning Class 4A champion Johnson Central scored first and never trailed. The Golden Eagles led 20-0 at halftime. Johnson Central rushed 15 times for 261 yards and four touchdowns. Behind Preston, Mason Lawson rushed three times for 49 yards and one touchdown. Johnson Central quarterback Grant Rice completed both of his pass attempts, connecting with Preston on a 49-yard scoring strike. Tight end Zach Russell, who has committed to Bowling Green State University, hauled in an 18-yard reception for the Golden Eagles. Mason Lemaster added 17 tackles for Johnson Central during its fifth win in the 2020 high school football season. Providing a lift defensively as well as in the role of a ballcarrier, Lawson recorded two interceptions for the Golden Eagles. Harlan County recorded a safety when Johnson Central was called for a holding penalty on its four yard line. Johnson Central is scheduled to host Letcher County Central for a key Class 4A, District 8 matchup on Friday, Oct. 23.