Kroger's Kentucky High School Football Rundown - Week 8

Week 8 of high school football in the state of Kentucky brought us plenty of excitement.

For starters, KSR made its first-ever trip to Calhoun, KY for the Kroger KSR Game of the Week on Thursday, where intern Phoenix Stevens covered his alma mater. The McLean County Cougars were able to fend off the Webster County Trojans by a final score of 30-16 in a rainy, yet thrilling environment.

Elsewhere across the state, Daniel Hager watched an instant classic in Louisville as No. 19 DuPont Manual stunned No. 9 St. Xavier 37-36, with the Crimsons securing the win on the very last play of the game. Meanwhile, Brady Byrdwell saw a defensive masterclass between No. 25 Bullitt East and Fern Creek, and Piper McCoun got a glimpse at the still-undefeated (8-0) Union County Braves.

Before you dive into our full-game recaps and the entire scoreboard rundown below, let’s shout out our good friends at Kroger.

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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Union County rolls over district foe Hancock County 48-20

BY: Piper McCoun

Jarren Johnson and Union County (8-0) remain undefeated after a big district win 48-20 at Hancock County (5-3) on Friday night.

Remember all those Johnson stats I spewed at you in the preview for this game? Well, he’s done it again. Taking almost every snap of the night, the natural running back secured every touchdown for the Braves in the first half. They were accompanied by huge runs that created the scoring momentum, too. You’d think the Hornets’ defense would be able to adjust relatively smoothly after Johnson runs almost every snap, but he was too powerful for the Hancock County defense.

“[Johnson is a] stud. We knew he was gonna be that,” Union County head coach Derek Johns said after the game. “He’s been around me since kindergarten, been around the program. Watching him as a coach, you know, it brings tears to my eyes… watching him go down with that team… and to see him just grind in the offseason. He’s great.”

First Half Matchup

The Braves won the toss and deferred to receive until the second half, but they still managed to score within the first three minutes of the game. An unexpected onside kick allowed UC to take over possession on the opposite 39. This allowed the Braves to put Johnson in scoring position, and they struck first with a rushing touchdown.

Hancock County gained momentum near the end of the first and had a 4th and 2 opportunity on the opposite 5-yard line. But, the Braves defense was just as efficient as their offense and got a huge stop to claim the lone score in the first quarter 7-0.

UC kept that momentum going into the second quarter and opened it with yet another rushing touchdown from Johnson.

Another touchdown for @JarrenJohnson1_, making the run look easy. The Braves lead 13-0 with 8:59 left in the half. pic.twitter.com/IxOhHzaiKV

— Piper McCoun (@PiperMcCounKSR) October 7, 2023

The Hornets regained composure after this. They took advantage of their field position and scored on a 53-yard drive with a touchdown reception. But, they left five minutes on the board, which was enough time for the Braves to score just before the end of the first half, heading into the locker room in front 19-6.

Second Half Dominance

UC came out of the break amped up. Taking advantage of their decision to defer after winning the coin toss, the Braves scored within the first minute of second-half play. A rushing touchdown from sophomore Willem McPeake and a Johnson two-point conversion extended the Braves lead to 27-6.

Then, as you may have guessed, UC star Johnson used his legs for another rush to the house, making it 33-6 within the first two minutes of the third quarter.

. @JarrenJohnson1_ AGAIN!!!! It’s all Braves in the third quarter so far. They lead 33-6 with 10:07 left in the third. pic.twitter.com/tVqKzrZKW3

— Piper McCoun (@PiperMcCounKSR) October 7, 2023

The Hornets are typically pretty efficient on offense, but UC picked up on their use of running back Aiden Weaterholt quickly, and the line was able to shut him down on most runs. This forced the Hancock County offense to start throwing the ball and seeing what sticks. Switching things around because Plan A wasn’t working isn’t necessarily ideal for a team that’s down by 27. But, that goes to show the efficiency and work put in by the Braves’ defense.

If things weren’t already getting out of hand, then they really got out of hand when sophomore Abreyan Fletcher took it to the house for six, pushing the UC lead to 40-6 with 3:40 to go in the third. A couple of traded scores by the teams kept the Braves on top at the end of the third 48-12.

At this point, the job was already done. Hancock County got another score and two-point conversion at the end of the fourth, but it was too late for the Hornets. The Braves’ rapid scores out of the break gave them the momentum and the wiggle room they needed to stretch their legs and claim a district victory on the road, ending it 48-20.

“I told the guys if we’re able to score right after halftime, Hancock County would stop playing as hard and we can roll,” Johns added. “These guys are hungry… I always tell people I like my team, and our guys are good.”

Union County looks forward to a bye-week next Friday but will come back again to play Webster County at home on October 20 at 7:00 P.M. CT.

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Bullitt East Pulls off Narrow 14-6 Victory over Fern Creek

BY: Brady Byrdwell

Bullitt East’s defense is one of the best in the state. Bullitt East’s defense has allowed ZERO points in two home games this year. In fact, over the past four games, the Chargers’ defense has allowed an average of 11 points per game. That was no different on Friday night as the Bullitt East defense swarmed all over the field and shut down the Fern Creek Tigers. 

Chargers Defense Outlasts Again

A defensive masterclass led to #25 Bullitt East taking down Fern Creek 14-6 at home. Junior wide receiver Cayden Cowan led the offense with two touchdown receptions, one for over 60 yards. Quarterback Jack Zwernemann passed for two touchdowns; their connection was as strong as it’s been all year.

Cowan spoke on this connection and his performance, “I think that my performance starts with the preparation in practice all week; Jack’s passes were very accurate, and that gave me an opportunity to make a play and put me in the right position to succeed.”

Look at the balance act and reach for the pylon from @CaydenCowan. Impressive athleticism. @BE_Chargers score on the 88 yard connection from @JackZwernemann to Cowan.

14-0 2Q. pic.twitter.com/HHV4qEY2rM

— Dalton Godbey (@Dalton_Godbey) October 7, 2023

Cowan spoke like every receiver who understands their quarterback, understanding routes, and timing. Zwernemann and Cowan seemed to be in sync on every play, especially in critical situations. The second of Cowan’s touchdowns came on a crucial 3rd and 12 in the Chargers’ territory. Coach Keegan Kendrick dialed up a clever play, throwing Cowan into the slot. Unconventionally, Kendrick sent the junior on a post from the slot, carving through the Tigers’ defense for the 83-yard score.

Jack Zwernemann finished with 13 passes for 202 yards. He also rushed for 60 yards, mostly on draws and hard-nosed running. Cayden Cowan completed five catches for 150 yards and two touchdowns.

Fern Creek Keeps it Close

The standout for Fern Creek was senior wide receiver Nazir Shahid-Stevenson, who caught Fern Creek’s lone touchdown on the day. He also made an incredible catch over three Chargers to bring the Tigers into the red zone in the first half.

Unfortunately for Fern Creek, quarterback Kaleb Passmore received a muffed snap to turn the ball over. This misfortune continued for Passmore and the Tiger offense, as they turned the ball over twice more through interceptions. However, Fern Creek’s defense proved strong and proved that the Tigers could compete with the best of 6A.

HS GAMETIME WEEK 8 THREAD: Check out some of the highlights from the biggest games in Kentuckiana this week, starting off with @BE_Chargers's 14-6 win over Fern Creek. #KHSAA pic.twitter.com/UiyWTZRNA0

— Mason Horodyski (@MasonHorodyski) October 7, 2023

The next few weeks will be critical for Bullitt East. Cowan spoke on the importance of the upcoming matchups, “We have a short week and have to prepare for southern on Thursday, and we have a game against Male to close out the district and hopefully be playing for another district championship.”

Watch out, 6A, the champs are coming back to defend their crown.

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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.

Thursday, Oct. 5

Cooper	49	at Scott	7
Dixie Heights	42	at Conner	15
Grant County	35	at Holmes	8
Jackson County	41	vs. Clinton County	24
Johnson Central	43	at Rowan County	8
Lloyd Memorial	50	at Pendleton County	6
No. 3 Male	50	at Southern	0
McLean County	30	vs. Webster County	16
Montcalm, WV	50	at Phelps	6
Owensboro	62	vs. Muhlenberg County	6
Shelby Valley	47	vs. Pike County Central	0

Friday, Oct. 6

Bell County	52	vs. Knox Central	28	Apex Physical Therapy Bowl
Estill County	20	at Powell County	13	Battle for 82 Bowl
No. 10 Ashland Blazer	43	at Boyd County	15
Bardstown	31	vs. John Hardin	0
No. 15 Beechwood	67	vs. Owen County	0
Betsy Layne	60	at East Ridge	38
Bishop Brossart	35	vs. Holy Cross (Covington)	14
No. 1 Boyle County	49	at Russell County	7
Bracken County	44	vs. Gallatin County	33
No. 16 Bryan Station	51	vs. George Rogers Clark	6
No. 25 Bullitt East	14	vs. Fern Creek	6
Carroll County	21	at Walton-Verona	7
Clay County	33	at McCreary Central	13
No. 2 Corbin	39	at Letcher County Central	14
Crittenden County	40	at Ohio County	6
Daviess County	24	at Christian County	16
Dayton	38	vs. Bellevue	14
No. 19 DuPont Manual	37	vs. No. 9 St. Xavier	36
East Carter	19	vs. Fleming County	15
East Jessamine	14	vs. Anderson County	6
Elizabethtown	15	vs. LaRue County	12
Fort Campbell	24	at Todd County Central	14
Frankfort	36	vs. Eminence	26
No. 14 Franklin County	29	at Southwestern	28
No. 4 Frederick Douglass	44	vs. Madison Central	7
Harlan County	26	at South Laurel	22
Henderson County	56	vs. McCracken County	28
Henry County	36	vs. Western Hills	0
No. 12 Highlands	53	vs. Boone County	7
Hopkins County Central	40	at Trigg County	14
Kentucky Country Day	19	vs. Holy Cross (Louisville)	16
Lafayette	30	at Henry Clay	0
Lawrence County	35	vs. Magoffin County	14
Leslie County	25	vs. Danville	19
Lexington Catholic	48	at Bourbon County	0
Ludlow	41	at Trimble County	6
Madison Southern	24	vs. Montgomery County	14
Madisonville-North Hopkins	36	vs. Apollo	7
Mason County	40	at Harrison County	13
Middlesboro	47	at Pineville	6
Morgan County	22	vs. Jenkins	14
Newport Central Catholic	22	vs. Newport	6
North Hardin	22	at Central Hardin	15
North Laurel	28	vs. Pulaski County	14
Oldham County	35	at Eastern	14
Paintsville	14	vs. Hazard	3
Paris	40	at Nicholas County	6
No. 23 Raceland	67	vs. Fairview	0
Russell	38	vs. Lewis County	14
Ryle	37	at Campbell County	36	(overtime)
Sayre	49	vs. Berea	0
No. 13 Scott County	43	at South Oldham	14
Shawnee	8	vs. Fort Knox	0
Shelby County	27	vs. Spencer County	14
Simon Kenton	50	vs. Great Crossing	36
No. 22 South Warren	48	at Moore	15
No. 7 Trinity (Louisville)	44	at No. 21 Ballard	10
Union County	48	at Hancock County	20
Washington County	44	vs. WEB DuBois	12
West Carter	40	vs. Bath County	6
Whitley County	56	at Perry County Central	32
Williamsburg	50	vs. Lynn Camp	0