Bell County’s dream season came to an end Saturday at Kroger Field in Lexington. The Bobcats controlled the clock but not the airways. The Bobcats were able to move the ball effectively on the ground but were not able to stop the passing attack of the Centurions of Christian Academy of Louisville in a 41-16 loss.
The Bobcats announced they were there to compete on the opening drive taking the ball 75 yards and using all of the first quarter and part of the second in doing so. The drive was officially 20 plays and 12:46 long. Fullback Blake Evans finished the drive off with a 1-yard touchdown run and he also added the two-pointer to give Bell the early 8-0 lead.
The Bobcats who were huge underdogs entering the game used that strategy the entire day to compete with the state’s defending 3A champion and No. 1 ranked team.
Cole Hodge, 3A player of the year, waited patiently to take possession of the football and lead his high powered offense onto Kroger Field. After recovering an onside kick, the Centurions showed how explosive they can be. He led his team on a four play 57 yard drive that took around two minutes. The Mr. Football candidate finished off the drive with a one yard run of his own. Madden Miller kicked the extra point to bring the score to 8-7.
Bell’s next drive didn’t go the same as the first. After just eight plays this time, the Bobcats turned the ball over on downs on their own 33-yard line. The second CAL drive ended just like the first one when Cole Hodge ran the ball in from seven yards out for his second touchdown of the day. Miller added the point after to put CAL ahead 14-8 and that’s where the score stood at halftime.
The Centurions came out firing on the opening drive of the second half when Cole Hodge found star wide receiver Justin Ruffin wide open down the middle of the field for a 31 yard touchdown pass. Madden tacked on the extra point, giving CAL a 21-8 lead.
Bell County did not quit. Daniel Thomas showed everyone why he is also a Mr. Football candidate on the next drive when he broke loose for an electrifying 36-yard touchdown run. Evans added the two pulling Bell closer to CAL, 21-16.
Bell County seemed to have stolen the momentum from the Centurions. Cole Hodge had different plans though, and he capped off another CAL scoring drive with a 5-yard run. Madden kicked the point after, giving CAL a 28-16 lead.
Bell County looked to get back on the scoreboard following an outstanding kickoff return when Kaleb Miller brought the ball out to near midfield. Bell moved the ball into CAL territory before disaster struck. John Cobaugh recovered an Evans fumble after his forward progress appeared to be stopped and returned it for 76 yards for the score. Miller added the extra point, giving the Centurions a 35-16 lead.
Bell was not able to score during the remainder of the game. CAL closed out the scoring and put the game out of reach when Cole Hodge found his brother Connor for 5-yard touchdown strike. The point after failed.
Thomas staked his claim to the Mr. Football award by gaining 133 of Bell’s rushing yards and scoring a touchdown in the game. He was followed by Blake Burnett who had 30 yards, Evans with 19, and Miller with 14 rushing yards. Burnett also added 57 passing yards, completing four of seven passes. Hayden Damron, Evans, Miller and Elijah Hampton each had receptions. Damron gained 28 yards, Evans 18, Miller eight and Hampton three.
CAL has won four state titles in eight years. Bell County’s season ends with 13-2 record.