HARLAN — South Laurel continued its strong run Friday night, using a balanced offensive attack and several key special teams and defensive plays to defeat Harlan County 41-13 on the road.
Quarterback Maddox Warren completed 19 of 25 passes for 196 yards and three touchdowns while Noah Ison carried the ball 12 times for 102 yards and a score. Kenyon Ellis finished with seven catches for 79 yards and a touchdown and Caleb Roark added five receptions for 92 yards and a score.
South Laurel (5-1) finished with 332 yards of total offense, compared to 233 for Harlan County.
“It was a big win for our team, for our program, for everybody involved with Cardinal football,” South Laurel coach John Hines said. “We knew we had to overcome some adversity in a lot of different ways when you make the long trip down here at Harlan County.”
The Cardinals also made an impact on special teams. Wilkelver Gavaria returned a kickoff 78 yards for a touchdown while Logan Webb blocked a punt.
“Wilkelver Gavaria had a huge play with a kickoff return for touchdown that covered 78 yards,” Hines said. “Logan Webb blocked a punt. Several big plays defensively from Ross Ryser, Malachi Smith, and Jonathan Inman.”
South Laurel also got contributions from Ash Napier and Brycenn Middleton.
“Offensively, Ash Napier continues to improve. He caught his first touchdown pass of the season,” Hines said. “Brycenn Middleton had a couple of catches and scored a two-point conversion.”
Hines praised the continued progress of both his players and coaching staff following the road win.
“We’re awful proud of our team,” he said. “We’re showing improvement each week, to work to be the best we can be. I’m proud of our coaching staff. Proud of the way they work every week. It was a great all-around night for Cardinal football.”
