With a big-play offense featuring running backs Caysen Farley and Hudson Faulkner and quarterback Trey Creech, the Harlan County seventh- and eighth-grade defense sometimes gets overlooked.
The HC defense was dominant again Saturday at Evarts as the Black Bears improved to 8-0 with a 28-0 shutout of Southwestern during a torrential downpour in the first half. The visiting Warriors were held to minus five yards rushing and no yardage passing.
The Harlan County defense was led in tackles by Leland Cope, Farley and Faulkner. Carson Sanders had a fumble recovery.
The Bears scored 28 points in the first quarter, beginning with a 46-yard run by Faulkner.
Farley returned a punt 30 yards for the second touchdown, then added the two-point conversion
Faulkner capped a four-play drive with a 5-yard TD run before Creech passed to Brayan Perez for a two-point conversion and a 22-0 lead.
Farley scored on a 30-yard run for the final touchdown.
Faulkner ran for 74 yards to lead the HC offense. Farley added 43 yards and Brantley Burkhart contributed 17 yards.
Harlan County won 14-8 in fifth- and sixth-grade action to improve to 8-0 on the season.
The Black Bears will travel to Clay County on Thursday and close the regular season Saturday at home against Perry Central.