LOG MOUNTAIN — With six starters out resting for next week’s showdown at Lexington Catholic, Bell County was likely more concerned with staying healthy than coming away with a win in the Southeastern Kentucky Conference Gridorama. The Bobcats accomplished both Friday, as the knocked off the visiting Harlan Green Dragons 14-0.
“We are banged up a little bit. It’s nothing serious, but I just felt like we wanted to prepare for Lexington Catholic at full strength, and not have a setback from tonight’s game. It was a good chance to build some depth, and I thought our kids did that for the most part,” said Bell County coach Wayne Mills. “I feel like Harlan has a great football team, and you will see them last in the year.”
Defenses controlled the first half with the Dragons punting four times in the first 20 minutes, and the Bobcats punting on three of four possessions.
Bell County scored the only touchdown of the opening half on its third possession. Shawn Lawson got things going with a 34-yard run to set the Bobcats up at the Harlan 46-yard line. Senior Ryan Collett kept the drive alive with a five yard run to the Dragons 36 on third and four. Collett then broke free for a 36-yard scoring run with 3:50 left in the first half. Hayden Gilbert added the extra point to give Bell a 7-0 lead.
The second half was a replica of the first, with Bell County scoring the only touchdown. The Bobcats started the scoring drive backed up at their 10-yard line. Freshman quarterback Peyton Collet connected with fellow freshman Chase Woolum on a big gainer that moved the ball into Harlan territory at the Dragons’ 44. Woolum then broke off a pair of solid runs that moved the ball to the 18. From there Collett took over with three straight runs capped by a six-yard score with 5:30 left. Gilbert’s extra point put the Bobcats up 14-0.
“Ryan has waited his turn. He had a concussion last year. I thought he showed some toughness tonight running in between the tackles, and I was glad to see that,” Mills said.
Harlan will host Pikeville in their regular season opener on Friday. Bell County will travel to Lexington Catholic.
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