Final

Not surprised by this, next week should be a fun one to watch.

Jaylyn McMurry got the Panthers off to a hot start with two long TD runs and a TD pass in the first quarter to make it 21-0.

 

Bethlehem pulled to within 27-12 at the 10:25 mark of the third quarter, with Matthew Hagan throwing a touchdown pass before halftime, and then breaking off a long kickoff return to open the second half before running it in a few plays later.

 

Russellville needed just two minutes to answer on a long TD run by Johnny Drumgole, the first of his three on the night. His final TD run started the running clock early in the 4th quarter.

 

I haven't totalled it, but I'm going to say conservatively that Russellville ran for about 350-400.

On another note, tonight was the final game for Bethlehem head coach Ron Koontz, who has headed up the program for the past seven years. He's stepping down because of health concerns.

 

Koontz was a longtime assistant, beginning his career back in the early '80s with North Hardin. He also had stints at Central Hardin and then Bardstown before landing his first head coaching job. Koontz's teams won three districts and was region runner-up the past two seasons. He was voted Class 1A Coach of the Year in 2013.

 

I'll miss you, coach!

OK, so my estimate was way underselling Russellville's night on the ground. I had them for 43 carries for 576 yards and 6TDs.

 

Drumgole had 9 carries for 195 and 3TDs, while McMurry carried it 10 times for 143 yards and 2TDs.