MOREHEAD — Determined Magoffin County defeated Rowan County 20-13 in a season opener on Friday, Aug. 22.
The Hornets executed on offense, defense and special teams throughout the season opener.
“Our team played a focused game,” Magoffin County Coach John DeRossett commented, following his team’s win. “We had no mental mistakes and improved our conditioning from the scrimmages. I thought our special teams really showed up. We blocked a punt, blocked two field goals, and were sound in punting, kickoff and kick return. To win, we have to play solid in all three phases of the game. We enjoyed an opening week, but our players understand everything we get on the field we have to earn. We’ve went right back to work and are focused on playing good in week two.”
Magoffin County amassed 319 yards of total offense in its win over Rowan County. The Hornets thrived on the ground, rushing 34 times for 266 yards. Magoffin County averaged 7.8 rushing yards per carry in the season opener.
Running back Blake Wireman led Magoffin County, rushing 25 times for 175 yards and two touchdowns.
Second to Wireman in Magoffin County’s rushing attack, quarterback Dason Burchett rushed 16 times for 72 yards and one touchdown.
Contributing through the air, Wireman and Burchett each completed one pass for the Hornets.
Jairen Howard and Jackson Gilliland each hauled in one reception for Magoffin County in its victory.
Defensively for Magoffin County, Grady Cole and Isaac Yates recorded eight tackles apiece. Delivering in the secondary for Magoffin County, Yates provided an interception.
As part of a solid defensive effort for Magoffin County, Caleb Lovely recorded six tackles while Gilliland and Bryce Buckallew posted five tackles apiece.
Rowan County rushed 30 times for 258 yards and two touchdowns. JT Judd paced Rowan County on the ground, rushing 13 times for 100 yards and one touchdown. Behind Judd in rushing for the Vikings, Landon Messer took 10 carries for 58 yards and one touchdown.
The Hornets and Vikings met for the first time since Oct. 18. 2022.
Magoffin County is scheduled to visit Floyd Central for its next game in the 2025 high school football season on Friday, Aug. 29.
