SALYERSVILLE — Resilient Magoffin County held on to defeat West Carter 18-13 on Friday, Sept. 12.
The Hornets won on homecoming.
Magoffin County evened its record to 2-2 after registering the win.
West Carter entered the game ranked 13th in Class 2A.
Magoffin County started strong, reaching the endzone twice during the opening quarter. The Hornets carried a 12-0 lead into halftime, but West Carter battled back.
However, Magoffin County wouldn’t be denied the win. The determined Hornets scored the game-winning touchdown in the fourth quarter.
“We talked to our players all week about being solid in all three phases of the game,” said Magoffin County Coach John DeRossett. “We emphasized reducing explosive plays by our opponent. We had a great week of practice.
We focused on fundamentals and ourselves. It was a great home atmosphere, and our team appreciates all the community’s support. We are very young. We played six freshmen and five sophomores who are still developing. We have a great senior class and as the young guys continue to get better in practice it will produce success on the game field.”
Magoffin County made the most of its offensive opportunities. The Hornets rushed 34 times for 125 yards and three touchdowns. Running back Blake Wireman paced Magoffin County on the ground, rushing 19 times for 85 yards and two touchdowns.
Following Wireman in Magoffin County’s rushing attack, quarterback Jackson Gilliland took 11 carries for 52 yards and one touchdown.
Gilliland made an impact on the ground and through the air for the Hornets, completing four passes for 46 yards.
Dason Burchett emerged as Magoffin County’s leading receiver, finishing with three receptions for 52 yards.
Behind Burchett, Wireman and Mason Peck added one reception apiece for the Hornets.
Defensively for Magoffin County, Wireman and Caleb Lovely recorded eight tackles apiece. Second to Wireman and Lovely in the key defensive category for Magoffin County, James Fultz supplied six tackles.
As part of a strong defensive performance, Gilliland, Bryce Buckallew, John Fultz and Braxton Montgomery each tallied five tackles for the Hornets.
Magoffin County is scheduled to visit Winfield (W.Va.) for its next game on Friday, Sept. 19.
