SOMERSET — South Laurel’s football season came to an end Friday, but Cardinals coach John Hines believes his program continues to take steps in the right direction.
The Cardinals fell to Class 5A’s top-ranked Pulaski County, 63-17, in the second round of the KHSAA State Football Playoffs, marking their 17th consecutive loss to the Maroons.
Despite the final score, Hines praised his players for continuing to compete against one of the state’s premier programs.
“I’m proud of the Cardinals,” he said. “They never gave up the fight. We battled them. Give them credit. They are a good team. We are a growing program. Tonight was a big step. We are proud of what South Laurel football is becoming. The future is bright.”
Pulaski County’s dominance in the series has stretched across more than a decade.
South Laurel’s last victory over the Maroons came Oct. 14, 2011, and the Cardinals have now dropped 17 consecutive meetings against their Class 5A rival.
Winning on the road against Pulaski County has proven even more difficult.
Friday’s setback marked South Laurel’s 14th consecutive road loss to the Maroons. The Cardinals are now 3-14 in road games against Pulaski County, with their last victory in Somerset coming Oct. 25, 1996.
The two programs also met during the regular season, with Pulaski County recording a 66-31 victory.
Friday’s playoff rematch once again demonstrated the challenge of facing the state’s top-ranked Class 5A team.
Hines believes the season represented continued growth for a program working to establish itself as a consistent contender.
The Cardinals’ senior class played an important role in that progress, and Hines made it clear their contributions extended beyond the football field.
“I’m proud of all of our senior players. The commitment they made to South Laurel football will live on. They will be missed,” he said.
