MOUNT STERLING — Montgomery County held on to defeat visiting Magoffin County 21-14 in the 2023 Recreation Bowl, but the Hornets battled.
Showing improvement, Magoffin County pushed for a win in the bowl game on Saturday, Aug. 19.
The Hornets owned an advantage over Montgomery County in several statistical categories.
“For me, and the team, of course, we want to win,” said Magoffin County Coach John DeRossett. “The team met my goals for an opening game. We were physical, we gave great effort and never quit. We had a chance to win it on the last drive and play.”
Defensively, Magoffin County managed to limit Montgomery County’s offensive attack.
The Indians used a touchdown via special teams to pull out the win.
Montgomery County, under the direction of head coach Michael Caba, a Magoffin County graduate, rushed 19 times for 103 yards. Through the air, Montgomery County picked up 106 yards.
Quarterback Jacob Gumm led Montgomery County, completing eight of 17 passes for 106 yards and two touchdowns. However, Gumm threw two interceptions.
Reaching the endzone, Gabe Tipton and Jaimen Caba each hauled in a touchdown pass reception for the Indians.
Delivering on special teams for Montgomery County, Harrison Haddix returned a punt for a touchdown.
Magoffin County lost despite amassing 322 yards of total offense. The Hornets thrived through the air, passing for 224 yards.
Productive on the ground, Magoffin County added 98 rushing yards as part of its offensive attack.
Aden Barnett led the Hornets, completing a touchdown pass to Russell Cruz and rushing for another TD.
Curtis Jenkins paced Magoffin County defensively, recording seven tackles for the Hornets. Jenkins and Ian McCarty, who posted six tackles, each delivered two tackles for losses.
Brock Montgomery and Garrett Jenkins each recorded one interception for the Hornets.
Honored individually, Barnett was named the Recreation Bowl’s Star of Stars.
The Hornets are scheduled to visit Lewis County on Friday, Aug. 25.
