Through three quarters on October 2 in Elkton, the Todd County Central Rebels appeared poised to celebrate Senior Night in style and knock off undefeated Hancock County. However, two fourth-quarter touchdown catches by Kaleb Keown ruined the Rebels’ plans and sent the Hornets to a 20-14 victory.
Hancock County remained unblemished for another week with a 1-point win over Owensboro Catholic, before falling to LaRue County in what would prove to be its final regular-season game. The Rebels bounced back with a win over Butler County, but losses to Marshall County and Russellville left them with a 3-4 record heading into Saturday’s playoff rematch with the Hornets.
The Rebels ran the ball well in the first meeting, with quarterback Preston Moore gaining 69 yards and a touchdown on ten carries and Omarion Riddick chipping in 57 yards on eleven tries. Riddick led the team with 723 yards and three touchdowns on the ground during the regular season, while Moore found the endzone nine times and gained 488 yards.
Todd Central wasn’t as effective through the air against the Hornets, with Moore throwing for only 88 yards with a touchdown and an interception. Hancock enjoyed most of its success on the ground as well, rushing for 182 yards led by Logan Willis with just under 100 yards and a score. Quarterback Cole Dixon only threw for four touchdowns throughout the regular season, with Keown catching three of those, including two to beat the Rebels.
The Rebels have lost four of the last five meetings with Hancock County, with the last win coming in 2018. Todd County will be fighting history as well as the Hornets, with its last postseason win coming in 1996. Saturday’s winner will move on to face the winner of Friday night’s meeting between Owensboro Catholic and McLean County.
