LONDON — South Laurel recovered from its first loss of the season with an impressive, 43-20, win over Southwestern.
The Cardinals (8-1, 1-1) snapped an 18-game losing skid to the Warriors, beating Southwestern for the first time since 2006, and fifth time over all.
“We are very proud of our Cardinals,” South Laurel coach John Hines said. “They played a very fine football game tonight. It was a big win for our team, for our program, for our fans, school, boosters, and everybody involved with South Laurel football.
“Great effort from the entire defense. Elijah Roark and Malachi Smith were exceptional. Bridger Ray had a big game, and Mika Smith as well. Liam Newton had some big plays. Jonathan Inman and Tanner Hammons played well in roles that were new to them.
“Mason Griffin had another outstanding game, and Wes Dowell was phenomenal,” he added. “Johnathan Innan really played well on both sides of the ball. As did Tanner Hammons. It’s always a fun night when you went at home. We’re excited that our fans turned out, and it’s another big win for the Cardinals.”
Behind touchdown scores from Wes Dowell and Garrison Brown, South Laurel built a 17-0 lead before the Warriors added a touchdown and a two-point conversion to cut their deficit to 17-8 at halftime.
The Cardinals put the game away with two more touchdowns in the second half, and will now switch their focus to cross-town rival North Laurel in South Laurel’s final game of the regular season.
The Jaguars lead the overall series with the Cardinals, 20-15. South Laurel won 11 of the first 15 games between the two teams before watching North Laurel win 16 of the last 20 matchups.
The winner of the game will clinch home field advantage during first round action of the Class 5A playoffs.
