MOUNT STERLING — The playoff drought for the South Laurel football program is over.
The Cardinals (9-2) captured their first playoff win in 20 years on Friday with a 45-7 decision against Montgomery County while also capturing their first road playoff win in 29 years,
Until tonight South Laurel hadn’t won a playoff game since 2005, a 40-28 victory over Lafayette under then-head coach Jep Irwin.
Their last road playoff win dates back even further — 1996, when Jack Eicher’s Cardinals defeated Knott Central, 12-7.
“We’re awful proud of our team,” South Laurel coach John Hines said. “It’s a big deal to win in the playoffs. Especially on the road. Tough team in Montgomery County, but our team really played hard tonight. Great job by the defense holding them to only one score. Good job offensively executing our offense. Mason Griffin had another big game throwing the ball, Carter Kelley, Garrison Brown, Elijah Roark, and Gunner Williams all made a bunch of good plays.
“Wes Dowell had a phenomenal night and went over the 1,000-yard rushing mark for the season,” he added. “Really proud of our offensive line for being able to produce so much offensively. Caleb Roark had two interceptions on the game, Garrison Brown had an interception, and Elijah Roark recovered a fumble, so we were able to create some turnovers. It was really good to see our young players get some time in the game as well. Maddox Warren to Kenyon Ellis for a touchdown was certainly a fun play to see. We’re awfully excited about the fact that we get to continue on, and moving into round two of the playoffs.”
South Laurel took control early jumping out to a 14-0 lead.
The Indians cut their deficit to 14-7 with 4:55 remaining in the first half before the Cardinals added another touchdown to take a 21-7 edge into the locker room at halftime.
Wes Dowell had a rushing touchdown during the first half while Mason Griffin scored on a quarterback keeper while also connecting with a 50-yard touchdown pass to Carter Kelley.
South Laurel put the game away in the second half and will now switch its focus to next week’s playoff match up at Pulaski County next Friday.
The Maroons won their playoff matchup, defeating East Jessamine, 48-14.
Both the Cardinals and Pulaski County met on Oct. 10 with the Maroons pulling off a 42-7 victory.
South Laurel has lost 22 out of its last 23 meetings against Pulaski County, including 14 in a row.
The Last time the Cardinals defeated the Maroons was back in 2011 with a 28-24 victory.
