RICHMOND — South Laurel’s football season will continue for at least another week after the Cardinals survived a thrilling 42-40 battle against Madison Southern in the opening round of the KHSAA Class 5A playoffs Friday.
The two-point victory improved South Laurel to 8-3 and sent the Cardinals into the second round of the postseason while Madison Southern finished its season with a 6-5 record.
It was a memorable night for South Laurel’s offense, which received standout performances from junior running back Noah Ison, quarterback Maddox Warren and receiver Caleb Roark.
Ison turned in one of his biggest performances of the season, rushing for more than 200 yards while Warren delivered a strong passing performance that included three touchdown connections with Roark.
South Laurel coach John Hines said the victory was significant not only for this year’s team but also for the future of the Cardinals’ football program.
“We’re awful proud of our football team,” he said. “This was a huge win for our team, for our program, and for the future of South Laurel football. Proud of the way these cats worked this week and really prepared themselves to play a great game. Give a lot of credit to Madison Southern. They played their butt off and did a great job.”
The Cardinals needed every bit of their offensive production to hold off a Madison Southern squad that refused to go away.
South Laurel’s 42-point performance was highlighted by Ison’s success on the ground and Warren’s ability to make plays through the air.
Roark proved to be one of Warren’s favorite targets, hauling in three touchdown receptions in a game where the Cardinals needed contributions from several players to secure the win.
“Probably the brightest star on our side was Noah Ison, junior running back,” Hines said. “I don’t have the exact stats on him, but he was well over 200 yards rushing and had a huge night tonight. Maddox Warren had a big game throwing the ball as well, Caleb Roark caught three touchdown passes. Defensively it was a strong effort by Malachi Smith, Logan Webb, Davion Williams, and Bracenn Middleton. Outstanding play by a lot of those folks.”
While South Laurel’s offense produced six touchdowns, the Cardinals also received important contributions on the defensive side of the football.
Smith, Webb, Williams and Middleton were among the players Hines singled out for their efforts against the Eagles.
The victory marked another important step for a South Laurel program that has now reached eight wins and earned a place among the final 16 teams remaining in the Class 5A postseason.
“We’re awful excited about being able to continue in the playoffs and now being one of the top 16 teams in Class 5A,” Hines said.
