No. 1 Boyle County bests No. 20 Lexington Christian in decisive 35-13 win at WKU
The first of two games on Saturday night in the highly anticipated Rafferty’s Bowl exceeded its expectations as No. 1 Boyle County overpowered No. 20 Lexington Christian Academy in a 35-15 victory. The top-ranked Rebels began its season strong, setting the tone and controlling the pace of the game from kickoff to the final horn at Western Kentucky University’s Houchens-Smith Stadium.
The first half was all Boyle County. Junior quarterback Baylor Murphy had a lot of wiggle room thanks to his team’s decisive defensive line. The Rebels scored on both a carry and a reception, showing the depths of their offense in just the first quarter.
Boyle went up 7-0 after a field-long drive on their first possession of the game. A series of slants and carries ultimately put the Rebels in scoring position within the first few minutes of the quarter. Senior running back Demauriah Brown finished the drive for the Rebels on a seven-yard carry to put the Rebels up 7-0.
Boyle County’s defense made a strong showing in the first half as well. The Eagles’ offense had little to no breathing room after multiple downs. Lexington Christian’s rush attempts through the gaps were met with Boyle County defenders.
After a change of possession, Murphy showed off his arm in a huge connection with senior receiver Geordon Brown for an 80-yard touchdown reception to go up 14-0.
Despite LCA’s offensive efforts, the Rebels’ defense overpowered them on their own side of the field, protecting the end zone after LCA turned over possession on a 4th & 2 opportunity at the opposite seven-yard line. The first half closed with Boyle County leading LCA 14-0.
The Eagles carried whatever momentum they created in the locker room back out onto the field. Receiving the kickoff at the start of the second half worked out in their favor, as they scored on the opening drive. Senior Saxton Howard brought it home for the Eagles, bringing the score to 14-6 with Boyole leading.
The Rebels made sure to disrupt any of the momentum LCA gained from their scoring drive, as Brown carried it back for an immediate score, creating some distance from the Eagles at 21-6.
LCA didn’t let that disrupt their step, and a fruitful drive of runs in the middle of the third brought them all the way to the opposite one-yard line. They couldn’t capitalize on their position, though, as Boyle County defenders surrounded their runner and forced a fumble, giving the Rebels possession back.
From then on, Boyle County had its way with the game. Slowly and steadily, the Rebels made a push back upfield to allow for Murphy to connect with sophomore tight end Seneca Driver, ending the third quarter with a 28-6 score gap.
Brown ran for another touchdown in the middle of the fourth, putting a 35-6 gap between them and the Eagles.
LCA didn’t give up there. Saxton Howard turned on the wheels in one of the Eagles’ final drives of the game, showcasing his speed and giving the Eagles a boost to bring the score to 35-13 with the Rebels still ahead.
It wasn’t enough to catch up to the Rebels, as they closed out the game with a 35-13 victory. As expected, the reigning 4A State Champions claimed victory on the first night of the 2024 season.
Notable Players:
Rebels quarterback Baylor Murphy was named the Offensive Player of the Game, with 246 yards and three touchdowns. The Defensive Player of the Game was awarded to senior linebacker Brock Driver.
The KSR Game of the Week, No. 4 Bowling Green vs. No. 3 Fredrick Douglass is underway as game two fo the Rafferty’s Bowl doubleheader.
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