Fleming County def. Harrison County 16-7 to win inaugural Kroger KSR Hometown Classic
A rainy late October night in Cynthiana, Kentucky played host to the inaugural Kroger KSR Hometown Classic, where Fleming County defeated Harrison County 16-7 in the final game of the regular season.
First Quarter: Fleming County 8, Harrison County 7
Weather conditions plagued both teams as the rain poured all night long and hindered either’s ability to play the football they’re known for playing.
After an opening onside kick to start the night, Fleming County marched down the field on a 12-play drive, but it was all for nothing as quarterback Zeke Conn was sacked by Jordan Pearson on fourth and goal from the 10.
“We wanted to take the ball first,” Fleming County head coach Bill Spencer said about the weather and field conditions post-game. “This field is only going to get worse as it goes along. We wanted the ball first while the field is in the best position it will be in”
The Thorobreds took over at their own 20 after the sack, where they went for it on 4th and 5. Landon Johnson came up from his safety position for the tackle on quarterback Kaydon Custard that set the Panthers up inside the red zone for their second possession of the evening.
Fleming County took advantage of the short field, and within three plays, running back Austin Trent scored the first touchdown of the night from nine yards out.
Harrison County wasted no time in getting those points back, though. Amari Fulz found a seam on the ensuing kickoff for a 78-yard score. The touchdown was the first Thorobreds score from a kickoff return since 2016.
Half: Panthers 8, Thorobreds 7
The field was turning to mud before our eyes as the second quarter began. Let’s just say, it was a long night if you played center Friday night in Cynthiana.
“It was about as bad of field conditions as I’ve ever seen,” Spencer said.
Fumbles, muffed snaps, etc.—the rain was in full effect in the second quarter. Each drive was halted by some sort of weather-influenced mishap.
The quarter ended scoreless as both squads slushed their way into the locker rooms ahead of the third quarter.
Final: Fleming County 16, Harrison County 7
It took three plays for the first fumble of the second half to be forced as Harrison County turned the ball over to the Panthers on their own 38.
A 22-yard rush from Trent set Fleming County up with first and goal; for the second time tonight, the Panthers took advantage of a short field. Conn found Logan Pinkley for the 10-yard touchdown connection on fourth down.
After another successful two-point conversion, Fleming County took a comfortable nine-point lead with four minutes remaining in the third.
Fleming County held off the Thorobreds for the remainder of the night as their two drives in the second half totaled over 17 minutes. The Panthers ended the night with 171 yards—good enough to take home the Kroger KSR Hometown Classic championship belt.
Harrison County ran 24 plays (23 rushes, one pass) for -24 yards on the night and will drop to 2-8 on the season. The Panthers finish the regular season 7-3 on a six-game winning streak.
“We’re proud of our team for fighting through a nasty ball game, getting a big win,” Spencer said. “It’s really big for our team morale to play in a game of that nature and pull out a win and [hopefully] we carry that on into the playoffs.”
Scenes from the field
A Message from Kroger:
We’re excited to tell you about something new from our friends at Kroger. Did you know Kroger is America’s largest grocery chain that started over 135 years ago? They are doing something they’ve never done before: bringing fresh groceries right to you with a new service called Hometown Pickup.
That’s right, for those of you in Cynthiana, Midway, Eminence, Bedford, McKee, Dry Ridge, Carlisle, Eubank, Georgetown, Mt. Vernon, Jackson, Frenchburg, Irvine, Mt. Olivet, and Paris, Kentucky you can now order all your groceries online and pick them up at a central location in your hometown. No more long drives into the city to get fresh food for you and your family. Now THAT is truly Fresh for Everyone. Thanks, Kroger.
Learn more and place your first order at Kroger.com/hometown.
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