Tigers to host Newport Central Catholic in Class 1A State Semifinals

STAFF REPORT

BSN

PAINTSVILLE — Paintsville is slated to host Newport Central Catholic in the Class 1A State Semifinals at Memorial Field on Friday, Dec. 11.

The 2019 Class 1A Runner-up, Paintsville is 8-2. Paintsville pulled away to defeat Hazard 39-7 in the Class 1A Quarterfinals on Friday, Dec. 4.

The Tigers have rushed 337 times for 2,402 yards and 43 touchdowns. Leading Paintsville on the ground, sophomore Harris Phelps has rushed 139 times for 1,015 yards and 15 touchdowns.

Prior to suffering an injury, senior quarterback Jake Hyden completed 69 of 115 passes for 1,047 yards and nine touchdowns in seven games for the Tigers.

Since Hyden's injury, senior athlete Karsten Poe has filled in at quarterback for Tigers.

Junior wide receiver Zach Taylor paces Paintsville in receiving. Taylor has hauled in 19 receptions for 364 yards and two touchdowns.

Defensively, Mason Lovely leads Paintsville with a team-high 97 tackles.

Head coach Joe Chirico guides the Tigers.

Newport Central Catholic is 8-2 as well. The Thoroughbreds doubled up Holy Cross (Louisville) 42-21 in the Class 1A Quarterfinals.

Senior quarterback Malaki Herndon and senior running back Joey Runyon combine to lead the Thoroughbreds. Through the air, Herndon has completed 98 of 170 passes for 1,022 yards and 11 touchdowns while throwing 10 interceptions. On the ground, Herndon has rushed 120 times for 862 yards and 13 touchdowns. Leading Newport Central Catholic on the ground, Joey Runyon has rushed 120 times for 862 yards and 13 touchdowns.

Senior wide receiver Quentin Meyer leads Newport Central Catholic in receiving. Meyer has reeled in 28 receptions for 383 yards and four touchdowns.

Defensively for Newport Central Catholic, senior defensive lineman Jack Greene has registered a team-high 66 tackles.

Head coach Stephen Lickert guides the Thoroughbreds.

Kickoff for the Paintsville-Newport Central Catholic game is slated for 7:30 p.m..