Middlesboro defeats West Carter 33-6 in 2A Region Championship: Kroger KSR Game of the Week

The scenic mountains of southeastern Kentucky painted a picturesque backdrop for Lee Majors Field where the Middlesboro Yellow Jackets hosted the West Carter Comets. West Carter failed to launch its vaunted run-game and lost the turnover margin which spelled doom for the road team. Middlesboro running back Caleb Bogonko is affectionately known as the “Bus.” The Bus ran over, through, and around would-be tacklers to lead the Jackets to a 33-6 win and a 2A regional championship. 

Middlesboro jumped out to an early 7-0 lead after opening the game with a three-play, 70-yard scoring drive that was finished off by a 30-yard touchdown run by Caleb Bogonko. West Carter quickly went three and out and was forced to punt. Middlesboro stalled in its second possession and booted the football back to WCHS. Another Comet three-and-out gave the home team optimal field position. 

Middlesboro took over near midfield and marched football 54 yards. The drive was culminated by a two-yard touchdown run by quarterback Cayden Grigsby. The extra point was no-good which gave Middlesboro a 13-0 advantage at the end of the first quarter. 

Start of 2nd Quarter: Middlesboro 13, West Carter 0

The Yellow Jackets took over on downs on their own 27 with just over nine minutes remaining in the half. Three penalties moved MHS backward before senior Eric Helton took a Grigsby screen pass and rambled for a 22-yard gain and a first down at the Comets’ 37. On 4th and four, QB Cayden Grigsby connected with Jay Tyler West in the corner of the end zone for a 34-yard touchdown reception. The two-point conversion failed and the Jackets extended its lead to 19-0. 

The Middlesboro defense stymied West Carter running back Cole Crampton. He entered the contest leading 2A after averaging over 150 yards per game but mustered less than 30 yards in the first and second quarters. Middlesboro defensive back Rylee Foster intercepted an Eli Estepp pass at the 1:47 mark in the second quarter. Middlesboro couldn’t capitalize and the half ended with the Yellow Jackets leading 19-0. 

Halftime: Middlesboro 19, West Carter 0

Middlesboro continued to find the end zone in the second half. Quarterback Cayden Grigsby hit Jay Tyler West for a nine-yard touchdown pass with 6:44 remaining in the third quarter. Eric Helton added a two-point conversion and the Jackets extended the lead to 27-0. The two teams traded interceptions before West Carter scored on the final play of the third quarter. RB Cole Crampton went in from seven yards out to cut Middlesboro’s lead to 27-6. Riley Foster intercepted the two-point pass attempt. 

Start of 4th Quarter: Middlesboro 27, West Carter 6

The final period began with a successful West Carter onside kick. The Comets’ drive began on the 50-yard line. Yellow Jacket defensive back Will Smith picked off a West Carter pass to give the football back to MHS. Middlesboro worked the fourth-quarter clock by handing the football off to Caleb Bogonko. The running back punched it in from the three which gave the Yellow Jackets a 33-6 lead with 3:21 remaining in the game. Will Smith then recorded his second interception of the night with just over two minutes left to seal the deal. The final score from Lee Majors Field was Middlesboro 33, West Carter 6. 

FINAL: Middlesboro 33, West Carter 6

Legendary Middlesboro head coach Larry French won a region title and his 348^th career game. The 13-0 Yellow Jackets advance to the semifinal round. West Carter ends its season at 9-4. 

A Message from Kroger

We’re excited to tell you about something new from our friends at Kroger. Did you know Kroger is America’s largest grocery chain that started over 135 years ago? They are doing something they’ve never done before: bringing fresh groceries right to you with a new service called Hometown Pickup. 

That’s right, for those of you in Cynthiana, Midway, Eminence, Bedford, McKee, Dry Ridge, Carlisle, Eubank, Georgetown, Mt. Vernon, Jackson, Frenchburg, Irvine, Mt. Olivet, and Paris, Kentucky you can now order all your groceries online and pick them up at a central location in your hometown. No more long drives into the city to get fresh food for you and your family. Now THAT is truly Fresh for Everyone. Thanks, Kroger. 

Learn more and place your first order at Kroger.com/hometown.