Clay scored on an 88-yard touchdown run just before halftime to take a 6-0 lead to the break. Garrard drove early in the 3rd and scored on a Billy Abney touchdown pass to Jacob Simpson. The two-point conversion made it 8-6. Garrard freshman Slade Crutchfield returned an interception about 35 yards a little later to make the lead 15-6. Clay drove down the Garrard 2 but the Lions held on 4th down. After a fumble by Garrard, Clay scored and then went for two making it 15-14. On the last drive, Garrard was able to convert a couple first downs which secure the victory.

A couple points:

 

1. Jacob Hyde is REALLY good. He dominated along the defensive line basically stonewalling the Garrard running game. I'm not sure he'll be a star at Kentucky but he can definitely contribute in a couple years.

 

2. Garrard isn't nearly as quick in the backfield as last year. The offense will likely be more methodical. But I think they'll be able to move the ball, especially against teams that aren't as big at Clay County was.

 

3. The Garrard defense can be special this year. The front seven is strong and has some big hitters. And after looking weak in the scrimmage, the secondary was much better tonight. Of course Clay didn't throw much. The bigger test for the defensive backfield will come next week against Anderson County.

This one was a nail-biter last year, too.

Got any offensive stats, gchs? What were Abney's numbers?

Here is a link to the game story from the Danville newspaper:

 

Prep Football: Garrard County nips Clay County 15-14 - centralkynews.com

 

Abney was 7-14 for 65 yards. There were at least three wide open drops by receivers, due to some nerves and inexperience, that would have padded his stats much more. Garrard is breaking in new backs and receivers so there wasn't much fancy in the offense last night. I'd say he'll start to open it up more as the season progresses.

^ Thanks!

Good win for Garrard in the opener. Sounds like the defense played extremely well.

Garrard should be better than this score indicates. I went to this game and was a little shocked. Clay Co. has a tough bunch of kids. Hats off to the Coach Scenters and his staff.

Garrard should be better than this score indicates. I went to this game and was a little shocked. Clay Co. has a tough bunch of kids. Hats off to the Coach Scenters and his staff.

 

I'm not sure I follow. Are you saying Garrard wasn't as good as you expected? Was Clay better? How did the game measure up to your expectations?

I'm not sure I follow. Are you saying Garrard wasn't as good as you expected? Was Clay better? How did the game measure up to your expectations?

 

 

 

I didn't think Garrard played as well as a I expected, but I do expect a very good year from them. They toughed the Clay Co. game out.

I didn't think Garrard played as well as a I expected, but I do expect a very good year from them. They toughed the Clay Co. game out.

 

I see now. I wasn't understanding. The Garrard/Clay game was very similar to last season. Garrard followed it up by playing well against Danville, but losing. Then they really got rolling. I wouldn't be surprised if something similar happened this year.