LONDON — For the first time in program history, the South Laurel Cardinal football team is 4-0 to start the season.
A mix of a stellar offensive attack combined with a stingy defensive effort this season are two big reasons why the Cardinals have scored more points (193) to begin the season during the first four games than any South Laurel team before.
The 49-point victory also marked the first time the Cardinals have beaten Whitley County since 2006, snapping a 10-game win streak the Colonels had over South Laurel.
John Hines’ squad jumped out to a quick lead behind an interception from Caleb Roark which led to a five-yard touchdown run by Wes Dowell and the Cardinals never looked back.
The loss dropped the Colonels, who were without the services of leading rusher Dee Parker, to 1-3.
“We are extremely proud of a football team. It was a great team effort, and a great win for our team, for our school, for our fans, and South Laurel nation,” South Laurel coach John Hines said. “We had a great night defensively. Our defense held Whitley in check all night. Liam Newton, Tim Thompson, Mika Smith, Malachai Smith, Tanner Hammons, Quinn Strunk, and others were outstanding. The defensive line played another strong game. Bridger Ray had several tackles that caused fumbles. Ethan Leach, Braxten Carol did great job against Whitleys running game. The secondary, Caleb Roark had an interception that turned the game game our way early on. Garrison Brown and Eli Roark also has big games in secondary. Bo Walters had another outstanding Audi.
“Offensively, Mason Griffin really threw some nice passes,” added. “We were able to hit several long plays against their man to man defense . Garrison Brown, Carter Kelley, Wes Dowell, all caught big play touchdown passes.
“The offensive line was strong again tonight. Tanner Hammons, Gunner Queen, Jacob Lawson, Logan Hayre, (Ethan Rose), and Johnson Inman handle Whitley‘s blitz game pretty good,” Hines continued. “It’s always great to see the Young players get in there and play. Maddox Warren, Noah Ison, Quinn Strunk, Nuri Cross, Jaxon Smith, and Kenyan Ellis all saw action. I believe we were able to play almost everybody. I’m proud of the way this team is working. I hope we can continue to keep our edge, and stay hungry for future games. Great job by the coaching staff and everybody involved.”
A 61-yard touchdown pass from Mason Griffin to Carter Kelley gave South Laurel a 14-0 edge entering the second quarter.
Griffin followed with a 73-yard touchdown strike to Garrison Brown with 10:19 remaining in the first half and the route was on.
Griffin added three more touchdown passes in the third quarter as the Cardinals secured a 42-point win.
