HAZARD — South Laurel found a way to win another close one Friday, rallying from a six-point fourth-quarter deficit to defeat Perry Central 21-20 on the road.
The Cardinals improved to 7-1 after overcoming a 20-14 deficit and putting together a late scoring drive to complete the comeback.
The game was tied 7-7 at halftime before Perry Central moved ahead in the second half. South Laurel stayed within striking distance, and quarterback Maddox Warren helped direct the Cardinals down the field on their final scoring drive.
“It was a big win for our team, for our program, for everybody involved with Cardinal football,” South Laurel coach John Hines said. “And when you can go on the road and overcome a whole bunch of adversity and still find a way to win at the end, you learn some character.”
Warren’s work in the final minutes helped put South Laurel in position to take the lead.
“Really proud of the way Maddox Warren orchestrated that last drive and the two-minute drill,” Hines said. “We’re getting better in those types of situations. Proud of our defense for hanging in there and battling. We never gave up.”
Kenyon Ellis and Caleb Roark both made key plays on offense and defense, with Roark hauling in the winning touchdown pass. Cullen Dalrymple then delivered the extra point that put South Laurel ahead 21-20.
“Kenyon Ellis made some great plays on both sides of the ball,” Hines said. “Caleb Roark as well, including the winning TD pass. Big extra-point kick by Cullen Dalrymple to win it.”
The Cardinals still had to finish the job defensively, and freshman Bracenn Middleton came up with an interception late to help seal the victory.
“Freshman Bracenn Middleton made an interception at the end of the game,” Hines said. “That was a great play.”
Hines also credited his staff for keeping the Cardinals composed during the comeback.
“Proud of our coaching staff. They never gave up and continued to believe in our players,” Hines said. “It was a classic South Laurel come-from-behind, last-minute win.”
