Louisa, Ky. — On Senior night it was Bulldog Freshman Kaden Johnson who picked off a pass to preserve a 20-14 Lawrence Co. ( 7-3 ) victory over Mason Co. ( 6-4 ) Friday at Luke Varney Jr. Memorial Stadium to close out the regular season.
2023 Bulldog Seniors
Jackson Burgess, Logan Ratliff, Talon Pollack, Will McDavid, Dalton Runyons, Avery Jenks, Abner Collinsworth, Luis Chicko, Cody Crum, Tristian Handley, Blake Prater, Jake Derifield, Dakota Daniels, Gage Cox, Mason Johnson, Ethan Prater
The Bulldogs struck first when Senior Talon Pollock found Kaden Johnson for a 37 yard touchdown and Brayden Queen tacked on the PAT for a 7-0 lead.
Mason Co. tied it up on a Landon Scilley to Max Arrasmith 38 yard connection and Ryan Scaggs booted the PAT and it was 7 all.
After a scoreless second quarter Senior Will McDavid scored from a yard out and Pollack kicked the extra point to put the Dawgs up 14-7.
Later in the third Pollack hit Senior Logan Ratliff for a 64 yard touchdown to make it 20-7 Bulldogs.
Trey Walker scooted in from 9 yards out and Scaggs added the PAT to cut the Bulldog lead to 20-14 in the the third.
20-14 would also be the final score after Johnson intercepted a Mason Co. pass to end a possible game winning drive.
Senior Cody Crum led the Bulldog rushing attack with 105 yards, Will McDavid added 61 yards, Caven Williams and Pollack finished with 16 yards apiece.
Through the air Pollack was 8 of 15 for two touchdowns and one interception.
Ratliff had the one catch for 64 yards and ended up being the game winning touchdown, Johnson 3 receptions for 42 yards and a score, Senior Dalton Runyons 2 receptions for 30 yards and Carlo Chicko 2 catches for 18 yards.
Lawrence Co. will open the Class 3A playoffs at home on Friday versus Knox Central ( 5-5 ) who finished third in District 7.
2023 Senior Cheerleaders
L to R Katie Jude, Cassidee Barker, Sarah Scott, Kylie Cramer, Sofia Marcum, Breanna Robinette
Lawrence Co. Head Coach Alan Short
COACH’S COMMENTS
“… On tonight’s game…Very big win for our program and senior class. Mason County is a very solid football team. We weren’t perfect tonight but we found a way to win. I know this may seam strange, but even in a week 10 game, we can still see growth in our football team. Offense, defense, and special teams all had a hand in our victory. Hopefully we can use a win like tonight as a springboard into the playoffs. Very proud of our team.”
“… On our senior class…Tonight was emotional for our football program as we honored 15 seniors and their families. This group has made a lasting impression not only in the Lawrence County School System and football program, but also the entire community. We are very proud of these young men. They are great football players, but more importantly they are great young men. They have left their mark in an extremely positive way. Glad that we get to continue the journey next week with them.”
“… On Knox Central, honestly, we don’t know a great deal about them at this point. Our paths haven’t crossed at any point this season. They play in an extremely competitive district with Rockcastle, Bell, and Clay. We will spend a great deal of time this weekend familiarizing ourselves with them and formulating a plan. We look forward to playing next week at home to start the playoffs.”
Lawrence Co. Cheer Coach Jennifer Pannell
COACH’S COMMENTS
“ Some of these girls I’ve been with now for 7 years. We’ve lost some, gained some, but I couldn’t imagine the last 4-7 years without all of them! They truly hold a special place in my heart and will forever. They are a group of selflessness, determined, never complaining, always putting others before them, but yet wanting to stay on task, no matter the situation. I love them for this! Some are quiet, some are tell it like it is, but all are loving and it shows! I wouldn’t change one thing about this group of Seniors! I pray for them, their journeys, their daily walks! I pray they put God first and always lean on Him.
“…I couldn’t have done these last many years without the support and love from their parents. They are amazing in every shape and form. I’m grateful and appreciative of every single one! They have raised amazing girls and it shows daily.”
“… Even though this isn’t our last season of cheer, it’s hard to come to the end of football season. First lasts are extremely hard as a Senior, especially parents.
We have a lot more to accomplish, with competition season among us. These girls are leaders of a determined squad and are ready to finish the job!”
