Kroger's Kentucky High School Football Rundown - Week 2

The natural elements did its best to spoil Week 2 of Kentucky high school football, but the show found a way to go on (for most of the state, at least).

Unfortunately, the Kroger KSR Game of the Week between No. 21 Woodford County and Simon Kenton was one of the few casualties. Thunderstorms in Versailles throughout Friday night forced the game into a cancelation — one of the few across the state that was outright canceled due to poor weather conditions. The game will not be made up, either.

But in spite of that, there was still plenty of exciting high school football action to talk about. KSR interns Daniel Hager and Piper McCoun were on location in Danville and Owensboro, respectively. Daniel covered another high-scoring game with Kentucky QB commit Cutter Boley and Lexington Christian Academy against top-ranked Boyle County, while Piper saw Bowling Green and QB Duece Bailey bounce back from a tough Week 1 loss to that same LCA squad.

You can view their full-game recaps below, along with a scoreboard rundown of all the games that took place throughout the weekend in the Bluegrass. Shoutout to our good friends at Kroger for helping make all of this possible, too.

We are proud to support local schools through Kroger Community Rewards. This includes up to 3.5 million in quarterly gifts to the non-profit of your choice. Sign up using your Kroger loyalty card at Kroger.com/communityrewards

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Boyle County Survives Shootout With 47-38 Win Over LCA

BY: Daniel Hager

If they hadn’t already, top-ranked Boyle County solidified themselves as the top team in the state of Kentucky Saturday night. Although they were outgained 625 (yards) to 373 on the night, the Rebels used big plays from Danville transfer Demauriah Brown and three-star receiver Montavin Quisenberry to hold off Cutter Boley and #10 Lexington Christian 47-38.

As a sophomore in 2022, Brown rushed for 1,971 yards (fifth in the state) and 28 touchdowns (sixth in the state) at rival Danville. In the offseason, he announced his decision to transfer to Boyle County, but there were some obstacles in the way. Those obstacles led to Brown sitting out Boyle’s opener against Gibson Southern (IN) last week, but things were resolved just 30 hours before kickoff on Saturday night. Brown was cleared mid-day on Friday and was given the all-clear to suit up for Saturday’s blockbuster Rebel Bowl matchup. It’s safe to say he did not disappoint.

Brown shot out of the gate like a cannon, grabbing an interception, hauling in a 45-yard touchdown from quarterback Sage Dawson, and returning a kick-off 86 yards to the house in just the first six minutes of action. Boyle County head coach Justin Haddix spoke highly of the newest Rebel following their big victory.

“Demauriah, everybody, the whole team did a great job just making plays,” Haddix said. “That’s what we wanted to do. [Brown and Quisenberry] are some studs, so you’ve got to give them the ball to go make plays.” Brown finished with two receptions for 47 yards, a receiving touchdown, an 86-yard kickoff return, and two interceptions, earning him Rebel Bowl MVP honors. What a debut.

An interception, a receiving touchdown, and a RETURN touchdown in just the first SIX minutes! @DemauriahB is special. 🤯

#1 Boyle Co. 14 | #10 LCA 7 | 6:20 1st pic.twitter.com/FlLlVPjfaU

— Daniel Hager (@DanielHagerKSR) August 27, 2023

After a relatively silent first half following a wrist injury, Quisenberry erupted in the second. The Kentucky target found the end zone three times in the second half, punching it in on the ground from three yards out, five yards out, and from 75 yards out with 2:48 remaining in the game. Quisenberry also hauled in a Boley Hail Mary interception with no time remaining to end the game. Montavin led Boyle County in rushing (118 yards) and receiving (63 yards), forming an undeniable duo with Brown. LCA had been labeling themselves “The Greatest Show on Turf,” but that label might just belong to the back-to-back-to-back state champions.

Montavin was offered by Kentucky back in October 2022. Kentucky is currently the slight favorite to land his services according to On3.

Lexington Christian did put on a great show as well, accumulating a whopping 625 yards in the loss. Four-star Kentucky commit Cutter Boley followed up last week’s thriller against Bowling Green with another great performance on Saturday night, throwing for 406 yards and three touchdowns. Junior receiver Saxton Howard was his go-to target, as the duo connected for 218 yards and a score. Senior receiver Parker Chaney had a big night as well, hauling in 153 yards and a score.

LCA’s @SaxtonHoward11 GETS LOOSE! Eagles cut it to three on the first play of the fourth quarter.

#1 Boyle Co. 34 | #10 LCA 31 | 11:48 4th pic.twitter.com/kWfuCnGoBF

— Daniel Hager (@DanielHagerKSR) August 27, 2023

Fresh off his 402-yard rushing performance last week, senior running back Brady Hensley continued to make his case as one of the best rushers in the state. Hensley rushed for 160 yards and a score in the loss, breaking through for a 52-yard score in the first quarter. Boyle’s Justin Haddix spoke highly of the Lexington Christian offense following their win.

“They’re really good, they’re a good team,” Haddix said. “They’re going to be playing in the state championship in 2A. They’re a really good football team and that was a battle. I think everybody got their money’s worth.”

Getting your money’s worth is an understatement. Boyle and LCA were tied twice and traded the lead five times until the Rebels finally gave themselves some breathing room with an Avery Bodner 10-yard rushing touchdown near the end of the third quarter, extending the lead to 10. However, LCA quickly responded with a 59-yard passing touchdown from Boley to Saxton Howard on the first play of the fourth quarter, quickly applying pressure once again. It seemed as if Quisenberry’s 75-yard rushing touchdown would put the nail in the coffin with just 2:48 remaining, but Boley once again made magic happen, as a 20-yard pass to Parker Chaney turned into a 66-yard score after some nice moves from the senior receiver.

Quisenberry’s five-yard rushing touchdown with 1:31 remaining in the game cemented a Rebel victory and their spot as the top dogs in the state of Kentucky.

.@MontavinQuisen1, everybody. Rebels extend their lead back to nine with a little over a minute to play.

#1 Boyle Co. 47 | #10 LCA 38 | 1:31 4th pic.twitter.com/DgacTJBmmO

— Daniel Hager (@DanielHagerKSR) August 27, 2023

With the win, #1 Boyle County improves to 2-0 and will travel two miles down the road for a Demauriah Brown homecoming game against Danville next Friday night. With the loss, #10 Lexington Christian falls to 1-1 ahead of their big matchup against #15 ranked Pikeville at home next Saturday night.

Per @Advocate_Sports pic.twitter.com/09pXoeWnzt

— 12th Region Sports Network (@12thSports) August 27, 2023

Bowling Green Bounces Back in 42-28 Victory Over Owensboro

BY: Piper McCoun

The No. 14 Bowling Green Purples claimed their first win of the season against the No. 22 Owensboro Red Devils on Friday night in a 42-28 victory. Despite the two-possession margin, Bowling Green was able to maintain control until the end thanks to their sizable lead in the second and third quarters.

Quarterback Deuce Bailey had another fantastic night, converting on 20 of 28 attempts and tallying 348 total offensive yards with one rushing and five passing touchdowns. The leader of Bowling Green’s offense knows not only how to read the field and stay comfortable in the pocket, but he can also throw under pressure.

Trevy Barber was another big contributor to the Purples’ success. Totaling 79 yards receiving and three touchdowns, Barber is one of those guys that gives his team momentum. He puts the Purples in good field position on almost every kickoff return and continues to prove his value on the field.

First Half

If you saw the first quarter, you would’ve thought this game would be close and competitive through to the end. The Purples were the first to claim points with a rushing touchdown from Bailey to put them up 7-0 to start.

@DeuceBailey1 on the carry for a Purples touchdown!! 7-0 BG with 7:56 left in the first quarter. pic.twitter.com/BQRKWjx5Sk

— Piper McCoun (@PiperMcCounKSR) August 26, 2023

The Red Devils steadily pushed back up the field to claim seven of their own. At the start of the second quarter, the Red Devils shifted momentum back to their side with a massive block-six play when Bowling Green was held to a field goal attempt. 14-7 was the first and only lead for the Red Devils on Friday.

Keeping their composure and focusing on the play at hand, the Purples brought it back up the field for a Bailey-Barber touchdown connection to tie it at 14-14 with 6:38 left before heading into the locker room. Two more touchdown receptions gave the Purples a 14-point lead at 28-14 at the half.

Bailey ➡️ Barber for six!!! @PurplesFootball extends their lead to 28-14 with 55 seconds to go in the half. @DeuceBailey1 @BarberTrevy pic.twitter.com/DVmxZNHRem

— Piper McCoun (@PiperMcCounKSR) August 26, 2023

Second Half

The Purples kept jabbing in the third quarter, with touchdowns by Barber and Jaxen Smith increasing their lead to a comfortable 42-14 to close the third quarter. It was the 28-point lead that made Bowling Green take their foot off the gas. Owensboro showed signs of life in the fourth quarter with two touchdowns to bring it to 42-28. However, it was too late for the Red Devils to recover from the Purples digs in the second and third quarters, and Bowling Green closed out the very hot game on top.

“We had to adjust things [coming off the LCA loss], we were practicing at night this week, but the kids handled it well,” said Bowling Green head coach Mark Spader. “We handled that adversity and we really impressed upon them hydration. We had a terrible cramping problem last week that really cost us, but I think they bought in and that paid off tonight.

“We did some really good things tonight but I’m just disappointed in the finish, putting the ball in the ground and giving up some scores, but a win at Rash is a win.”

Bowling Green looks ahead to play Bryan Station in the LCA Bowl next Saturday, September 2 at LCA. Owensboro will face inner-city opponent Daviess County next Friday, September 1.

Kroger’s Scores From Around The State

Kroger is a staple in your hometown community just like high school football. There’s nothing quite like Friday nights in the Bluegrass. We are honored to share this journey with Kroger and you for the fourth consecutive season. Check out all of the scores from throughout the weekend below.

*KSR High School Top 25 Rankings listed*

Friday, August 25

Somerset	28	vs. Russell County	24	Alton Blakely Bowl
Greenwood	38	vs. Warren East (at Barren County)	6	Don Franklin Auto Trojan Trail Turf War
Clay County	46	at Harlan	6	First Priority Bowl
Shelby Valley	14	at Lawrence County	0	Lawrence County Farm Bureau Bowl
Glasgow	42	at Russellville	6	Linton-Wren Kick-off Classic
George Rogers Clark	53	at No. 25 Belfry	27	Pike County Bowl
Pike County Central	9	vs. Martin County (at Belfry)	6	Pike County Bowl
Rockcastle County	56	vs. Pineville	14	Renfro Valley Jamboree Bowl
Allen County-Scottsville	42	vs. Monroe County	7
No. 12 Beechwood	50	at Campbell County	7
Bell County	60	at Boyd County	41
Bethel-Tate (Bethel), OH	18	at Bishop Brossart	14
Betsy Layne	47	vs. Bath County	8
No. 14 Bowling Green	42	at No. 22 Owensboro	28
Campbellsville	35	at Casey County	6
Cooper	42	vs. Henry Clay	2
No. 8 Covington Catholic	35	at No. 24 Highlands	21
Dayton	48	vs. Pendleton County	17
Dixie Heights	33	at Hughes (Cincinnati), OH	8
East Carter	35	vs. Rowan County	6
Eminence	44	vs. Owen County	7
Fleming County	54	vs. Nicholas County	12
Franklin-Simpson	42	vs. Warren Central	12
Grant County	34	vs. Fort Knox	0
Hancock County	22	vs. Breckinridge County	12
Harrison County	56	vs. Estill County	46
Hart County	28	vs. LaRue County	8
Hazard	13	vs. Harlan County	12
Henry County	34	at Lafayette	0
Holy Cross (Covington)	32	vs. Dohn Community (Cincinnati), OH	14
Hopkins County Central	60	at Fort Campbell	28
Jackson County	59	vs. Knott County Central	22
Jo Byrns (Cedar Hill), TN	51	at Ballard Memorial	7
Lewis County	6	vs. Magoffin County	0
Lincoln County	36	at Bullitt Central	0
Lloyd Memorial	47	vs. Boone County	14
Logan County	28	vs. Rossview (Clarksville), TN	14
Madisonville-North Hopkins	54	vs. Caldwell County	6
Marshall County	26	at Grayson County	20
Mason County	34	vs. Montgomery County	14
No. 11 Mayfield	59	vs. Hopkinsville	6
McCracken County	48	at Apollo	12
McLean County	48	vs. Muhlenberg County	0
Meade County	41	vs. Elizabethtown	14
Metcalfe County	34	at Edmonson County	20
Morgan County	52	at Jenkins	12
Murray	35	vs. Calloway County (at Murray State University)	14
Newport	48	at Holmes	6
Newport Central Catholic	42	vs. Walton-Verona	7
North Bullitt	56	at Scott	25
North Laurel	19	at Whitley County	7
No. 23 Owensboro Catholic	50	at Daviess County	0
Paducah Tilghman	42	at Graves County	18
Paris	58	vs. Paintsville	12
Perry County Central	29	vs. Breathitt County	26
Raceland	40	at Letcher County Central	20
Ryle	28	vs. Conner	7
Seneca	1	vs. Western	0	FORFEIT
South Fulton, TN	40	vs. Fulton County	12
South Laurel	18	vs. Bourbon County	6
South Warren	38	vs. Henderson County	14
Switzerland County (Vevay), IN	24	at Gallatin County	7
Taylor County	34	vs. Bardstown	3
Todd County Central	19	at Ohio County	0
Trimble County	8	vs. Bellevue	6
Twin Valley (Pilgrims Knob), VA	28	vs. Phelps	16
Union County	36	vs. Crittenden County	0
Wayne County	41	vs. Clinton County	13
Webster County	54	at Butler County	28

Saturday, August 26

Barren County	40	vs. Trigg County	22	Don Franklin Auto Trojan Trail Turf War
Middlesboro	14	at Garrard County	13	Garrard County Bowl
Adair County	49	vs. Bethlehem (at Marion County)	21	Kentucky Cooperage Bowl
Marion County	35	vs. McCreary Central	8	Kentucky Cooperage Bowl
No. 15 Pikeville	21	vs. No. 18 Johnson Central	14	Pike County Bowl
Prestonsburg	26	vs. East Ridge (at Pikeville)	6	Pike County Bowl
No. 1 Boyle County	47	vs. No. 10 Lexington Christian	38	Rebel Bowl Sponsored by Whitaker Bank
Franklin County	17	vs. Bryan Station (at Boyle County)	10	Rebel Bowl Sponsored by Whitaker Bank
Pulaski County	47	at Danville	6	Whitaker Bank Pigskin Classic
No. 20 Ashland Blazer	56	vs. West Jessamine	13
Atherton	54	vs. WEB DuBois	12
Caverna	58	vs. Fairview	18
No. 9 Christian Academy-Louisville	49	at New Albany, IN	0
Collins	34	vs. Spencer County	13
No. 17 DuPont Manual	20	at Central Hardin	7
Eastern	42	at Butler	6
No. 4 Frederick Douglass	17	at No. 7 Trinity (Louisville)	14
Green County	21	at John Hardin	9
Greenup County	21	vs. Russell	19
Kentucky Country Day	51	vs. Carroll County	21
Knox Central	26	vs.Williamsburg (at South Laurel)	12
Leslie County	36	vs. Floyd Central	14
Lexington Catholic	47	at Madison Central	0
Lynn Camp	33	at Berea	6
No. 5 Male	34	vs. No. 16 Ballard	3
Mercer County	42	vs. Paul Laurence Dunbar	17
Moore	30	vs. Frankfort	14
North Oldham	33	at DeSales	28
Oldham County	17	vs. Shelby County	16
Pleasure Ridge Park	27	vs. No. 13 Bullitt East	20
Providence (Clarksville), IN	47	vs. Holy Cross (Louisville)	10
Sayre	40	vs. Bracken County	21
No. 6 Scott County	35	at Great Crossing	14
South Oldham	40	vs. Nelson County	0
No. 2 St. Xavier	21	at Central	6
Tates Creek	37	at Madison Southern	7
Washington County	28	at Thomas Nelson	10
Western Hills	28	vs. Powell County	26