No. 11 South Warren controls Graves County in 35-14 victory

The No. 11 ranked South Warren Spartans controlled the pace in the second-round of the Class 5A playoffs. In their 35-14 victory, the Spartans were able to put together effective offensive drives in spurts that gave them enough separation to let their defense shine.

Penalties on South Warren gave Graves County a few opportunities to convert fourth downs and score, but the Spartans quickly responded.

“[Graves County] is a good team… when it came down to it, our kids made plays when they had to to find a way to win,” head coach Brandon Smith said after the game.

The Spartans had their foot on the gas early, jumping to a quick 14-0 lead in the first quarter after a perfect pass from senior Bryce Button to junior receiver Jake Carter.

Bryce Button to Jake Carter is good!!! The Spartans extend their lead late in the first quarter! @SouthWarrenFB

South – 14
Graves – 0
1Q, 47.0 sec pic.twitter.com/zwqZe6usgj

— Piper McCoun (@PiperMcCounKSR) November 16, 2024

After exchanging defensive stops, Graves County came up with a late second quarter touchdown reception from quarterback Kaden Gregory to Lincoln Acree, tightening the score gap to 14-7. With seconds to go in the first half, Button found Camden Page to solidify a two possession lead at 21-7.

After back and forth stops, the Spartans defense held Graves County to fourth and long deep on their side of the field. A punt attempt turned into a block six, and the Spartans extended their lead to 28-7 late in the third quarter.

The Eagles put together a solid drive and capitalized on defensive penalties to start the fourth. Another big pass from Gregory gave the Eagles their final score of the night to make it 28-14. South Warren responded later in the fourth quarter with a pass from Button to Colton Veltkamp at 35-14, the final score of the night.

The Spartans are now one of eight teams left in the class 5A playoffs. They’ll face North Bullitt next Friday Nov. 22 at home.