South Laurel makes the short drive across Highway 80 to take on Somerset in the nightcap of the Alton Blakely Bowl on Saturday night.  The Cardinals are coming off of a 6-4 season, and were much improved in Coach Johnny Hines first year at the helm.  The Briar Jumpers finished 9-5 last season, and made their 2nd 2A State Semifinals appearance in as many tries under Coach Clay Clevenger.  Somerset will be breaking in a new quarterback this season. It would appear from their scrimmage with Mercer County that Taylor County transfer Shannon Lofton might have a leg up in the competition with fellow sophomore Jacob Estep to be the starter. But both quarterbacks might figure into the equation. No matter who gets the nod at quarterback for the Jumpers, the offense figures you be centered around senior Kris Hughes, who rushed for 1651 yards, and 24 touchdowns last season.  Higher added another 308 yards, and 3 touchdowns receiving.   

For the Cardinals, senior Mason Griffin returns at quarterback after throwing for 2199 yards and 18 touchdowns a year ago. South Laurel was very pass heavy on offense last season, as they only rushed for 819 yards, and 12 touchdowns as a team. 

This has the potential to be a good one. Hines presence on the sideline adds some extra spice to the matchup. Not only is he a Somerset alum, but he's coached against the Briar Jumpers several times over the years at Barren County and, most notably, Pulaski County.   Who have you got?

Looking forward to seeing how they look right out of the blocks this season.

Looks like Lake Cumberland Sports will be streaming video of this one. I'll post a link when it's available. 

https://lakecumberlandsports.com/?fbclid=IwAR2j27LdfUt9qSHUmCfUm46Jqosmis7_bliPyFiIygDCwPGKaeDxVeeDmT8

South Laurel returns a great deal from last year and John Hines seems to be right at home in London. Somerset may have more of a fight on its hands than you'd think at first glance. 

SL added a great addition at WR as well getting NL top receiver from last year. That gives the senior QB another weapon and I think this SL squad will make a big leap from last year and will be contending for district against PC before to long. I believe Hines and SL pull what most would consider an upset but perhaps they just aren’t familiar with how quick SL will be turned around. Give me SL in this matchup.

SL 35

Somerset 20

I think Somerset handles SL.  They return the majority of their defense, and make a statement in game one.

On 8/20/2025 at 11:04 PM, DevilMayCare said:

South Laurel returns a great deal from last year and John Hines seems to be right at home in London. Somerset may have more of a fight on its hands than you'd think at first glance. 

I expect a fight.

• Somerset's front seven defensively will be stout - without question. Several studs coming back. Alsip, Carter, Bartley, & Lawless create a fearsome foursome who are all three-year starters, Cimala will transition from the secondary into his first year as an outside linebacker, Lawson is a senior but in first year as inside linebacker, and junior Reynolds as the other inside linebacker is sure to be a sideline-to-sideline pursuer like he has been the past couple years. The front seven will rival the entirety of Class 2A if they play how they are capable.
• Hughes will play free safety, but the real wildcards are the other defensive backs. Senior transfer Tenner Smith will be the strong safety. Clevenger spoke highly of him and his work ethic. Freshman Drew Anderson and sophomore Jett Boyd will be corners. Clevenger praised their experience despite their young ages. There may be a few alterations here and there to the secondary but from what I could gather this appears to be the unit. Clevenger expects the front seven's disruptions at the line of scrimmage to assist the secondary's raw but potent players.
• Somerset's offense will again need to rebrand itself after some big names graduated in May. At quarterback, they are going with the Taylor County transfer, a sophomore Shannon Lofton. Clevenger touted his explosiveness as an athlete and a runner and described him as an efficient passer with room to improve. They look to build onto that skillset throughout the year. Reigining Commonwealth Journal Player of the Year Kris Hughes will look for another productive season and will likely see action at several positions offensively. The offensive line is experienced and sound. The passing game is the one question mark as the wide receivers aside from Cimala are both freshmen.

In conclusion, Somerset's small but talented roster will need to find that blend of depth and savvy with the players they have, and Clevenger seemed very optimistic about that. Despite being outmanned by several of schools on the schedule, he is confident in every player to contribute in a positive way when their number is called.

• South Laurel turned around in a big way last season, and knowing Coach Hines' offensive philosophy, that young Somerset secondary will be tested early and often. Clevenger gave props to SL's running back as well, citing the team's ability to be multidimensional and keep Somerset's gap integrity honest. It will be an exciting to see the two teams' strengths and weaknesses play out in real time.

Final prediction: Toss-up. Clevenger believes Hines' Cardinals will be a worthy adversary, given they are returning a lot of firepower and boast a large 5A roster. I can see this game going one of a few different ways, but if Somerset gives SL fits up front, they should be able to do enough offensively to eke one out. If the youth and inexperience of some of the corners proves to be too much, the Cardinals could head east with bowl victory. 

I read that the refs called this game early because of a hostile crowd, is there any truth to that?  

4 minutes ago, Nuke LaLoosh said:

I read that the refs called this game early because of a hostile crowd, is there any truth to that?  

They don't play until tonight.  It's a Saturday game. 

9 minutes ago, Carl Spackler said:

They don't play until tonight.  It's a Saturday game. 

That answers my question ?.  

25 minutes ago, Nuke LaLoosh said:

I read that the refs called this game early because of a hostile crowd, is there any truth to that?  

This is true, but it was a middle school game. High school plays tomorrow. 

5 hours ago, scottie2hotty said:

This is true, but it was a middle school game. High school plays tomorrow. 

Who was winning when it was called?

7 hours ago, scottie2hotty said:

This is true, but it was a middle school game. High school plays tomorrow. 

Gotcha!  Thank you.

2 hours ago, Carl Spackler said:

Who was winning when it was called?

The post I read was Somerset 20-0