SALYERSVILLE — Notching a key Class 3A, District 8 win, Magoffin County defeated Powell County 50-25 on Friday, Sept. 29.
After doubling up its opponent, Magoffin County improved to 2-5 overall and 1-1 in Class 3A, District 8.
Powell County slipped to 1-5 overall and 0-1 in Class 3A, District 8 after suffering the loss.
The Hornets set the tone during the first quarter. Magoffin County, which won on Homecoming, led 44-13 at halftime and remained in control throughout the second half.
“Our offense settled in and got going good,” Magoffin County Coach John DeRossett said, following his team’s convincing victory. “Our offensive linemen and tight ends keep getting better in practice every day and it shows in games. We have been working hard on special teams play and it is paying off for us. We just need to keep making every rep in practice count.”
The Hornets rushed 35 times for 308 yards and three touchdowns. Leading Magoffin County on the ground, Ian McCarty rushed 19 times for 166 yards and one touchdown.
Along with leading Magoffin County on the ground, McCarty returned a kickoff for a touchdown.
Showcasing his versatility, Aden Barnett rushed 10 times for 78 yards and two touchdowns. Through the air, Barnett completed five passes for 132 yards and three touchdowns.
Behind Barnett in rushing for the Hornets, Braxton Montgomery took five carries for 59 yards.
Dason Burchett, Barnett’s top target in the Class 3A, District 8 game, hauled in two receptions for 68 yards and two touchdowns.
Behind Burchett’s leading pass catching performance, Russell Cruz, Jackson Gilliland and Trey Rudd added one catch each for the Hornets. Gilliland hauled in a 20-yard touchdown pass reception.
Continuing to lead the Hornets defensively, Curtis Jenkins recorded 11 tackles.
McCarty and Gilliland followed Jenkins, posting nine tackles apiece for the Hornets.
Aiding Magoffin County’s defensive effort, Cruz and Montgomery delivered eight tackles apiece while John Fultz tallied seven tackles.
Among Magoffin County’s leaders up front, Caleb Perkins delivered five tackles for the Hornets.
Aiding Magoffin County on special teams, kicker Kevin Garcia made two of three extra-point kick attempts.
Powell County rushed 43 times for 307 yards and three touchdowns in its lopsided loss.
Preston Spangler led the Pirates, rushing 24 times for 223 yards and three touchdowns.
Through the air for Powell County, Aiden Larrison completed both of his pass attempts for 27 yards and one touchdown.
Reaching the endzone via the air, Tyler Miller was on the receiving end of Larrison’s scoring pass.
Leading Powell County offensively and defensively, Spangler logged 11 tackles for the Pirates.
Fans cheered on Magoffin County throughout the Class 3A, District 8 matchup. And DeRossett is appreciative of the support.
“There was a great crowd and atmosphere,” DeRossett confided. “Our community is great, and our pep section, band, cheerleaders and dance team make a home game on Magoffin Mountain a fun place to be.”
Magoffin County is scheduled to visit Lawrence County for another Class 3A, District 8 game on Friday, Oct. 6.
