No. 3 Frederick Douglass outruns No. 4 Bowling Green 35-13 in KSR Game of the Week

Opening weekend of the Kentucky high school football did not disappoint, capped off Saturday night by a matchup between two top-five teams. In the KSR Game of the Week, No. 3 Frederick Douglass claimed a 35-13 victory over No. 4 Bowling Green in demanding fashion at Western Kentucky University’s Houchens-Smith Stadium.

“Offensively we were just physical,” head coach Nathan McPeek said after the win. “That’s what I wanna be, I wanna run the ball and be physical in the box.”

The first quarter was a chess match between the Broncos and the Purples. Assigned to receive the opening kickoff, Bowling Green took advantage of their first moments on the field. Senior quarterback Deuce Bailey started his senior campaign on a strong note, pushing the Purples upfield to eventually score on his feet for the first touchdown of the game.

Bailey runs in for the first touchdown of the game!! @PurplesFootball 7, @FDouglassFB 0 pic.twitter.com/SIvSC5DAkW

— Piper McCoun (@PiperMcCounKSR) August 25, 2024

The Broncos stayed on their toes though. After an unsuccessful Douglass drive and change of possession, senior Kayden Clay stripped the ball from Bowling Green rusher Trevy Barber to regain possession at the opposing two-yard line.

Douglass converted on the first and goal, leveling the playing field at 7-7 and concluding the first quarter with the same score.

The second quarter was a battle of the defenses. Neither team could break through a 3rd down — until the last 30 seconds of the quarter. Douglass used their timeouts to their advantage, putting DeMarcus Surratt in scoring position. He delivered with a massive reach-back for the one-handed touchdown reception to put the Broncos up 14-7 right before the first half closed.

Douglass with a HUGE snag to give them 7 right before the end of the half. @FDouglassFB 14, @PurplesFootball 7. pic.twitter.com/dxohrR1uRS

— Piper McCoun (@PiperMcCounKSR) August 25, 2024

The Broncos’ momentum before the half set the tone for the remainder of the game. Douglass came out of the halftime break to receive, setting them up for a nearly five-minute drive to the endzone, with junior TayTay Allen on the carry to the house to go up 21-7.

The Purples still showed fight when junior Jaxen Smith brought it home to close the gap to 21-13. With the extra point missed, the Purples’ momentum fell flat, and Bowling Green was scoreless for the rest of the game.

Frederick Douglass delivered for the remainder of the night. The Broncos scored off of a touchdown reception from Jaxson Strautman to senior Aveion Chenualt and a carry by Cameron Edelen.

Fredrick Douglass scores off the quick toss. This brings @FDouglassFB to 28-13 with 9:30 to play. pic.twitter.com/fhXF1E5jR2

— Piper McCoun (@PiperMcCounKSR) August 25, 2024

Douglass’ ability to lock down Bowling Green’s offense was a statement in and of itself, and the Broncos set a decisive tone to begin their 6A state championship campaign.

For the winning team, Logan Busson earned Defensive Player of the Game while Cameron Edelen was named Offensive Player of the Game.

“We had a good game plan and our guys just executed,” coach McPeek added. “It’s early in the season and we’ll get better, but I’m just proud of our kids and coaching staff.”

Douglass moves on to host No. 2 Trinity next Friday in Lexington for a top-three matchup in the KSR Game of the Week.