Tigers defeat Knox Central in Appalachian Wireless Bowl

STAFF REPORT

BSN

BARBOURVILLE — Winning on the road, Paintsville pulled away to defeat Knox Central 34-14 in the Appalachian Wireless Bowl on Friday, Sept. 14.

Paintsville evened its record to 2-2 after notching the win. The Tigers remained in the win column after defeating Somerset 33-6 one week earlier.

Visiting Paintsville separated itself from Knox Central in the second half of the bowl game.

The Tigers amassed 436 yards of total offense.

Paintsville rushed 47 times for 321 yards and five touchdowns in the win.

Junior Harris Phelps led Paintsville to the victory over bowl game host Knox Central, rushing 30 times for 205 yards and four touchdowns.

Following Phelps in Paintsville's rushing attack, senior Blayden Sexton rushed 11 times for 50 yards and one touchdown.

Through the air for Paintsville, quarterback AJ James completed five of 11 passes for 115 yards. James threw two interceptions.

A first-year starting quarterback, James completed at least one pass to four different receivers.

Phelps paced Paintsville in receiving, hauling in a 46-yard reception.

The Tigers have regular season games remaining versus Perry County Central, Fairview, Betsy Layne, Raceland and Pike County Central.

Paintsville is currently seeking an opponent for Friday, Sept. 24.